Casting system

Abstract

To provide a casting system that enables appropriate marking on a casting.SOLUTION: A casting system includes a laser marking device configured to mark an identifying mark on a casting or a mold under a set marking condition, and a recognition device configured to recognize the identifying mark marked on a surface of the casting by the laser marking device or the identifying mark transferred to the surface of a casting produced using the mold marked by the laser marking device, on the basis of a detection result of a sensor. The laser marking device changes the set marking condition in a case in which the identifying mark on the casting is not recognized by the recognition device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a casting system and a casting.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a casting system for manufacturing a metal casting. In the casting system, a laser engraving device for engraving cells (identification symbols) corresponding to binary values on the metal casting is provided upstream of the shot blasting station.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Casting systems generally manufacture various castings of different materials. Further, even for castings made of the same type of material, the surface condition of the casting may vary depending on the manufacturing conditions. Therefore, the equipment described in Patent Document 1 may not be able to appropriately engrave the identification symbol on the casting depending on the type of material or the surface condition of the casting. The present disclosure provides a technique capable of appropriately engraving on a casting or a mold.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A casting system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a laser engraving device and a recognition device. The laser engraving device engraves an identification symbol on a casting or a mold under set engraving conditions. The recognition device recognizes an identification symbol engraved on the surface of a casting by the laser engraving device, or an identification symbol transferred to the surface of a casting manufactured from a mold engraved by the laser engraving device, based on the detection result of a sensor. The laser engraving device changes the set engraving conditions when the identification symbol of the casting is not recognized by the recognition device.

[0006] In this casting system, an identification mark is engraved onto the casting or mold by a laser engraving device. The identification mark engraved or transferred onto the casting is recognized based on the detection results of a sensor. If the recognition device does not recognize the identification mark on the casting, the set engraving conditions are changed. Because this casting system can adjust the engraving conditions when the identification mark is not recognized, it can properly engrave onto the casting or mold.

[0007] In one embodiment, the recognition device may have a sensor that images the surface of a casting engraved by a laser engraving device, or the surface of a casting manufactured from a mold engraved by a laser engraving device, and recognize the identification symbol of the casting based on the image captured by the sensor. In this case, the casting system can recognize the identification symbol of the casting using image recognition and adjust the engraving conditions if the identification symbol is not recognized.

[0008] In one embodiment, the recognition device may have a sensor that measures the color of the surface of a casting engraved by a laser engraving device, or the color of the surface of a casting manufactured from a mold engraved by a laser engraving device, and recognize an identification symbol of the casting based on the color distribution measured by the sensor. In this case, the casting system can recognize the identification symbol of the casting from the color distribution and adjust the engraving conditions if the identification symbol is not recognized.

[0009] In one embodiment, the recognition device may have a sensor that measures the surface irregularities of a casting engraved by a laser engraving device, or the surface irregularities of a casting manufactured from a mold engraved by a laser engraving device, and recognize an identification symbol of the casting based on the distribution of irregularities measured by the sensor. In this case, the casting system can recognize the identification symbol of the casting from the distribution of irregularities and adjust the engraving conditions if the identification symbol is not recognized.

[0010] In one embodiment, the set marking conditions include the laser output, and the laser marking device may change the laser output if the identification mark on the casting is not recognized by the recognition device. In this case, the casting system can adjust the set marking conditions by changing the laser output if the identification mark on the casting is not recognized, so that it becomes a recognizable identification mark.

[0011] In one embodiment, the set marking conditions include the marking speed, and the laser marking device may change the marking speed if the identification mark on the casting is not recognized by the recognition device. In this case, the casting system can adjust the set marking conditions by changing the marking speed if the identification mark on the casting is not recognized, so that, for example, a recognizable identification mark is created.

[0012] In one embodiment, the laser marking device may store the marking conditions related to the identification symbol recognized by the recognition device in a storage device, in response to the recognition of the identification symbol of the casting by the recognition device. In this case, the casting system can store appropriate marking conditions, and can reflect these appropriate marking conditions in the marking conditions set for subsequent times, or acquire information for learning appropriate marking conditions.

[0013] In one embodiment, the recognition device may recognize the identification mark of the casting after blasting. In this case, the casting system can adjust the set marking conditions so that the marking is recognizable even after blasting.

[0014] In one embodiment, the laser engraving device outputs a laser beam with a beam width of 50 μm to 100 μm at 50 W to 100 W, and readjusts the set engraving conditions with a time adjustment range of 0.5 seconds to 1 second per character. fixed This is also possible. In this case, the casting system can adjust the setting marking conditions, such as beam width, laser power, and time adjustment range per character, so that the markings remain recognizable even after blasting.

[0015] The castings according to other aspects of the present disclosure have identification symbols that are imprinted or transferred by the casting system described above and are recognizable even after the blast treatment of the castings.

Advantages of the Invention

[0016] According to the present disclosure, a casting or a mold can be appropriately imprinted.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an example of a casting system provided with a laser imprinting device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of the laser imprinting device. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the casting system. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram schematically showing another example of a casting system provided with a laser imprinting device.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same or corresponding elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are not repeated. The dimensional ratios in the drawings do not necessarily match those in the description. The terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, and “right” are based on the illustrated states and are for convenience. The X direction and the Y direction shown in the drawings indicate the horizontal direction, and the Z direction indicates the vertical direction.

[0019] [An Example of a Casting System] FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing an example of a casting system provided with a laser imprinting device according to an embodiment. The casting system 1 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for manufacturing castings. The casting system 1 includes a molding machine 2, a transfer line 3, a laser imprinting device 4, a pouring machine 5, a line control unit 6, and a recognition device 7.

[0020] The molding machine 2 is a device for manufacturing a mold M. The molding machine 2 forms the mold M using a mold frame F. The molding machine 2 is communicably connected to the line control unit 6. When the molding machine 2 receives a molding start signal from the line control unit 6, it starts manufacturing the mold M in the molding area. The molding machine 2 puts sand (green sand) into the mold frame F in which the pattern is placed, and pressurizes and solidifies the sand in the mold frame F. The molding machine 2 forms the mold M by taking out the pattern from the solidified sand. The molding machine 2 transmits a molding result signal to the line control unit 6. The molding result signal is a signal indicating whether the molding machine 2 has operated normally.

[0021] The transfer line 3 is equipment for transferring the mold. The transfer line 3 receives the mold M from the molding machine 2 and transfers the mold M toward the pouring machine 5. The transfer line 3 has, for example, a roller conveyor, a rail, a carriage on which the mold M and the mold frame F are placed and which travels on the rail, a pusher device arranged on the side of the molding machine 2, and a cushion device arranged on the side of the pouring machine 5. The roller conveyor or the rail extends linearly from the molding machine 2 toward the pouring machine 5. The roller conveyor or the rail is not limited to extending linearly, and may extend, for example, in a stepped shape. The roller conveyor or the rail may extend in one continuous stroke between the molding machine 2 and the pouring machine 5.

[0022] The transfer line 3 sequentially transfers a plurality of molds M and mold frames F arranged at equal intervals on the roller conveyor or the rail from the molding machine 2 toward the pouring machine 5. The transfer line 3 is intermittently driven and transfers the molds M and the mold frames F by a predetermined number of frames. The predetermined number of frames may be one frame or a plurality of frames.

[0023] The transfer line 3 is communicably connected to the line control unit 6. When the transfer line 3 receives a frame feed signal from the line control unit 6, it transfers a plurality of molds M and mold frames F by a predetermined number of frames. When the transfer of the predetermined number of frames is completed, the transfer line 3 transmits a frame feed completion signal to the line control unit 6. The transfer line 3 may transmit a frame feed completion signal to the line control unit 6 when the positioning of the transferred molds M and mold frames F is completed.

[0024] The laser marking device 4 is installed on the transport line 3 and irradiates a mold M on the transport line 3 with laser light to engrave identification symbols. The laser marking device 4 can be connected to the line control unit 6 in a communication manner.

[0025] The laser engraving device 4 engraves according to pre-set engraving conditions, which are the set engraving conditions. The engraving conditions include laser output, laser engraving speed (beam movement speed), laser frequency, focal length, etc. The identification symbol consists of at least one of the following: letters, numbers, symbols, marks, or two-dimensional codes (QR code®, barcode, etc.). The identification symbol engraved on the mold M may function as an identifier that points to a sequence of symbols unique to each mold. Details of the laser engraving device 4 will be described later.

[0026] The pouring machine 5 is a device that pours molten metal into the mold M. The pouring machine 5 is connected to the line control unit 6 for communication. When the pouring machine 5 receives a frame feed completion signal from the line control unit 6, it selects the mold M located in the pouring area as the target for pouring and pours molten metal into the mold M. The pouring machine 5 receives mold information from the line control unit 6 and performs pouring according to the conditions based on the mold information. The poured mold M is then transported by the transport line 3 to the area where subsequent processes are performed.

[0027] Subsequent processes may include removal of the casting from the mold M, and blasting of the casting surface.

[0028] A core setting area W may be provided between the molding machine 2 and the pouring machine 5. An operator is stationed at the core setting area W and sets the core into the mold M. Alternatively, the device may automatically set the core into the mold M.

[0029] The line control unit 6 is a controller that provides overall control for the casting system 1. The line control unit 6 is configured, for example, as a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). The line control unit 6 may also be configured as a computer system including a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), input / output devices such as a touch panel, mouse, keyboard, and display, and communication devices such as a network card. The line control unit 6 realizes its functions by operating each piece of hardware under the control of the processor based on a computer program stored in memory.

[0030] The recognition device 7 is a device that reads identification symbols transferred to a casting. The recognition device 7 can be communicated with the line control unit 6. The recognition device 7 images the surface of a casting manufactured from a mold M engraved by the laser engraving device 4 and recognizes the identification symbols transferred to the casting. The recognition device 7, as an example, has the configuration of a general computer system including a processor and memory similar to that of the line control unit 6, and an image sensor such as a camera that images the surface of the casting. The image sensor images the surface of the casting. Based on the image of the casting surface captured by the image sensor, the recognition device 7 recognizes the identification symbols captured in the image. The recognition device 7 recognizes the identification symbols by pattern matching technology as an example. The recognition technology for the identification symbols is not limited to pattern matching technology, and various image recognition technologies may be used. The recognition device 7 may output a signal indicating whether or not the identification symbols on the casting can be recognized to the laser engraving device 4 via the line control unit 6.

[0031] The recognition device 7 can recognize the identification mark of the casting at any time after the casting removal process, which is one of the subsequent processes described above. For example, the recognition device 7 may capture an image of the surface of the casting based on the image sensor after the blasting process of the casting, and recognize the identification mark based on the captured image.

[0032] [Details of the laser engraving machine] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of the configuration of a laser engraving apparatus according to one embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the laser engraving apparatus 4 includes a head 10.

[0033] The head 10 irradiates the surface of the mold M with laser light L to engrave an identification mark onto the mold. The surface of the mold M refers to the surface visible on the outside of the mold M, and includes not only the top surface but also the surface that defines the product shape (the surface onto which the product shape is transferred). The following explanation will describe the case of engraving on the planned engraving location P on the surface of the mold M as an example.

[0034] Head 10 is a component that focuses the laser beam L at the area P to be engraved. Head 10 is connected to a light source (not shown) that generates the laser beam. Head 10, for example, has a galvanometer mirror (not shown) and a focusing lens (not shown) to adjust the irradiation position and focal length of the laser beam L. Head 10 focuses the focal length of the laser beam L at the area P to be engraved on the surface of the mold M to engrave an identification mark. The area P to be engraved is set within a predetermined range on the mold M.

[0035] The head 10 is housed in a workspace S defined inside the light-shielding case 11. The head 10 is supported by a frame member 12 positioned in the workspace S. The head 10 can be moved in three directions (X, Y, and Z) by a three-axis drive mechanism 13. Therefore, the head 10 can be positioned in the workspace S by the three-axis drive mechanism 13, and at that position, the irradiation position and focal position of the laser beam L can be adjusted to engrave identification symbols.

[0036] The light-shielding case 11 has an entrance 22 and an exit 23 that communicate with the work space S. The light-shielding case 11 is installed on the conveyor line 3 so that the mold M is transported into and out of the work space S via the entrance 22 and the exit 23. For example, if the conveyor line 3 is straight, the entrance 22 and the exit 23 are formed in the light-shielding case 11 so that they face each other. The light-shielding case 11 is installed on the conveyor line 3 so that the opposing directions of the entrance 22 and the exit 23 coincide with the extending direction of the conveyor line 3. The light-shielding case 11 has light-shielding properties against the laser light L irradiated by the head 10. The light-shielding case 11 is made of a material such as metal or resin. Examples of metals include iron, aluminum, stainless steel, copper alloy, or carbon steel.

[0037] A light-shielding gate 30 that can be opened and closed is provided at either the entrance 22 or the exit 23. In the example in Figure 2, the light-shielding gate 30 is provided at the entrance 22, and a separate light-shielding gate 31 is provided at the exit 23. The light-shielding gate 30(31) has light-shielding properties against the laser light L irradiated by the head 10. The light-shielding gate 30(31) is formed of a material such as metal or resin. The light-shielding gate 30(31) may be formed of the same material as the light-shielding case 11.

[0038] Opening and closing the light-shielding gate 30(31) means that the light-shielding gate 30(31) moves to either the open or closed position. The light-shielding gate 30(31) is connected to a drive unit 32(33). The drive unit 32(33) is, for example, an electric cylinder, an air cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, a wire winding device, or a rack and pinion mechanism. The operation of the drive unit 32(33) causes the light-shielding gate 30(31) to move along the Z direction. As a result, the light-shielding gate 30(31) moves to either the open position or the closed position.

[0039] When the light-shielding gate 30 is open, the transport line 3 can transport the mold M into the work space S via the entrance 22. When the light-shielding gate 31 is open, the transport line 3 can transport the mold M out of the work space S via the exit 23. When the light-shielding gate 30 is closed, the entrance 22 is blocked by the light-shielding gate 30. When the light-shielding gate 31 is closed, the exit 23 is blocked by the light-shielding gate 31. In other words, when the light-shielding gate 30 (31) is closed, the light-shielding gate 30 (31) prevents the laser beam L from the head 10 from leaking out of the work space S.

[0040] The laser engraving apparatus 4 may include a spraying unit 20. The spraying unit 20 sprays gas G onto the surface of the mold M. The spraying unit 20 is a device that delivers gas G, such as a blower, compressor, or air blower. If the spraying unit 20 is a compressor or air blower, it has a discharge nozzle 21 (an example of a nozzle) that sprays gas G toward the surface of the mold M. The discharge nozzle 21 is provided on the head 10 as an example. The discharge nozzle 21 may be supported by the frame member 12. If the spraying unit 20 is a blower, it may be supported by the head 10 or the frame member 12.

[0041] The laser engraving apparatus 4 may further include a dust collector 42 connected to the workspace S. The dust collector 42 is installed in a light-shielding case 11 that defines the workspace S. The dust collector 42 draws in the air inside the workspace S, takes in steam or residue generated from the mold M by engraving, and collects dust and other particles to purify the air inside the workspace S.

[0042] The laser engraving device 4 may further include a measuring unit 50 for measuring the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M. The measuring unit 50 is, for example, a laser distance meter. The measuring unit 50 is provided on the frame member 12. The measuring unit 50 irradiates the surface of the mold M with measuring light D. The measuring unit 50 measures the height position of the surface of the mold M from the phase difference or time difference between the measuring light D and the reflected light reflected from the surface of the mold M. The measuring unit 50 may also measure the height position of the surface of the mold M based on triangulation. The distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M can be calculated by the difference between the height position of the head 10 and the height position of the surface of the mold M. If the head 10 is fixed to the frame member 12, the height position of the head 10 is measured and stored in advance. The measuring unit 50 calculates the difference between the previously stored height position of the head 10 and the measured height position of the surface of the mold M, and calculates the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M.

[0043] The laser engraving device 4 includes a control unit 40 that controls the head 10. Control refers to determining the position and movement. The control unit 40 is configured as a PLC, for example. The control unit 40 may also be configured as a general computer system including a processor and memory (an example of a storage device), similar to the line control unit 6. The control unit 40 may be located outside or inside the light-shielding case 11. The control unit 40 may be configured to communicate with the line control unit 6 that controls the operation of the transport line 3.

[0044] The control unit 40 stores pre-set marking conditions, which are the set marking conditions, in its memory. The control unit 40 controls the head 10 so that the laser output, laser marking speed, laser frequency, and focal length are those included in the stored set marking conditions. The control unit 40 controls the laser output, laser marking speed, laser frequency, and focal length of the laser beam L by controlling the laser light source, galvanometer mirror, and focusing lens. Based on the control of the control unit 40, the head 10 marks the marking location P with an identification symbol. Any moisture contained in the mold M is evaporated by irradiation with the laser beam L.

[0045] If the recognition device 7 fails to recognize the identification mark on the casting, the control unit 40 changes the set marking conditions. For example, if the marking depth on the mold M is shallow, the height of the identification mark transferred to the casting will be low, resulting in a faint mark that may not be recognized. In this case, the control unit 40 increases the laser output included in the set marking conditions or decreases the marking speed included in the set marking conditions. Alternatively, if the marking depth on the mold M is deep, the height of the identification mark transferred to the casting will be high, causing the mark to be distorted and not recognized. In this case, the control unit 40 decreases the laser output included in the set marking conditions or increases the marking speed included in the set marking conditions. In this way, the control unit 40 can adjust the set marking conditions so that an identification mark that is easier to recognize is marked.

[0046] The control unit 40 may output a laser beam with a beam width of 50 μm to 100 μm at 50 W to 100 W and readjust the set marking conditions with a time adjustment range of 0.5 seconds to 1 second per character. In this case, the control unit 40 can adjust the beam width, laser output, and time adjustment range per character to set marking conditions so that the markings are recognizable even after blasting. The control unit 40 may store the marking conditions related to the identification symbol recognized by the recognition device 7 in memory, in response to the recognition of the identification symbol of the casting by the recognition device 7.

[0047] The control unit 40 may control the opening and closing of the light-shielding gate 30(31). The control unit 40 operates the drive unit 32(33) to change the position of the light-shielding gate 30(31). The manner in which the light-shielding gate 30(31) is opened and closed is not limited to the vertical direction, but may also be in the horizontal direction or rotational direction.

[0048] The control unit 40 may operate in cooperation with the line control unit 6. The line control unit 6 controls the position of the mold M on the transport line 3. The line control unit 6 may notify the control unit 40 when the mold M has been transported into the work space S. Specifically, the line control unit 6 sends a transport completion signal to the control unit 40 to notify that the transport of the mold M into the work space S is complete. Upon receiving the transport completion signal, the control unit 40 closes the light-shielding gate 30(31). After the light-shielding gate 30(31) is closed, the control unit 40 operates the head 10 to begin imprinting an identification symbol onto the mold M. The control unit 40 opens the light-shielding gate 30(31) when the irradiation of the laser beam L by the head 10 is complete.

[0049] The control unit 40 may control the operation of the spraying unit 20. In this case, the control unit 40 outputs a start signal, an end signal, a signal indicating the target pressure, etc., to the spraying unit 20. The spraying unit 20 operates based on the signals received from the control unit 40. The control unit 40 causes the head 10 to imprint an identification symbol while the spraying unit 20 is spraying the gas G. After the spraying operation of the spraying unit 20, or simultaneously with the start of the spraying operation, the control unit 40 operates the head 10 to imprint an identification symbol onto the mold M on the head 10.

[0050] The control unit 40 may adjust the focal length of the laser beam L based on the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M. The height of the surface of the mold M varies depending on the operating conditions of the molding machine 2 during molding, the properties of the green sand, or the wear of the rails or rollers. Therefore, the distance between the head 10 and the surface of the mold M also varies. The control unit 40 controls the galvanometer mirror and the focusing lens so that the focal point of the laser beam L is located on the surface of the mold M.

[0051] [Operation of the casting system] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the casting system. The flowchart shown in Figure 3 is initiated, for example, based on a worker's start command. As shown in Figure 3, the recognition device 7 of the casting system 1 recognizes the identification mark transferred to the casting based on the image as part of the recognition process (step S10).

[0052] As a determination process (step S12), the laser engraving device 4 determines whether or not it recognized the identification symbol in the recognition process (step S10). If the identification symbol is recognized in the recognition process (step S10) (step S12: YES), the laser engraving device 4 stores the setting engraving conditions for the mold M corresponding to the casting on which the identification symbol was recognized in its memory as a storage process (step S14).

[0053] If the identification symbol is not recognized during the recognition process (step S10) (step S12: NO), the laser engraving device 4 of the casting system 1 performs a reset process (step S16) to reset the set engraving conditions. For example, the laser engraving device 4 resets the new set engraving conditions to a laser output higher than the laser output currently stored as the set engraving conditions. Alternatively, the laser engraving device 4 resets the new set engraving conditions to an engraving speed slower than the engraving speed currently stored as the set engraving conditions.

[0054] Once the memory processing (step S14) and resetting processing (step S16) are completed, the flowchart shown in Figure 3 ends.

[0055] [Summary of Embodiments] In the casting system 1, an identification mark is engraved on the casting or mold by the laser engraving device 4. The identification mark engraved or transferred to the casting is recognized by the recognition device 7. If the identification mark on the casting cannot be recognized, the set engraving conditions are changed. Since the casting system 1 can adjust the engraving conditions when the identification mark is not recognized, it can properly engrave on the mold.

[0056] The laser engraving device 4 of the casting system 1 changes the laser output or engraving speed if the recognition device 7 does not recognize the identification mark on the casting. This allows the casting system 1 to adjust the set engraving conditions so that a more easily recognizable identification mark is engraved when the identification mark on the casting is not recognized.

[0057] In the casting system 1, the laser marking device 4 stores the marking conditions related to the identification symbol recognized by the recognition device 7 in a storage device, in response to the recognition of the identification symbol of the casting by the recognition device 7. As a result, the laser marking device 4 can store appropriate marking conditions, which can then be reflected in the marking conditions set for subsequent uses, or information can be acquired to learn appropriate marking conditions.

[0058] The recognition device 7 of the casting system 1 recognizes the identification mark of the casting after blast treatment. This allows the casting system 1 to adjust the set marking conditions so that the marking remains recognizable even after blast treatment.

[0059] The laser engraving device 4 of the casting system 1 outputs a laser beam with a beam width of 50 μm to 100 μm at 50 W to 100 W, and readjusts the engraving conditions with a time adjustment range of 0.5 seconds to 1 second per character. This allows the casting system 1 to adjust the beam width, laser output, and time adjustment range per character so that the engraving is recognizable even after blasting.

[0060] Casting system 1 can achieve laser marking that does not disappear even after blasting by adjusting the set marking conditions until they are recognizable. As a result, casting system 1 can manufacture castings that have recognizable identification marks even after blasting.

[0061] [Differentiation] Although various exemplary embodiments have been described above, the invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made.

[0062] For example, the laser marking device 4 was described in an example of marking an identification symbol on a mold M, but it may also mark directly on the casting. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a casting system equipped with a laser marking device. The casting system 1A shown in Figure 4 is identical to the casting system 1 shown in Figure 1, except that the laser marking device 4 is positioned differently. The laser marking device 4 is positioned after the pouring machine 5 and marks an identification symbol on the casting. In this case, the recognition device 7 takes an image of the surface of the casting marked by the laser marking device 4 and recognizes the identification symbol marked on the casting based on the image taken. If the identification symbol on the casting is not recognized by the recognition device 7, the laser marking device 4 changes the set marking conditions. Even with this configuration, the casting system 1 can adjust the marking conditions when the identification symbol is not recognized, so it can mark the casting appropriately.

[0063] The recognition device 7 has an image sensor, and an example has been described in which it recognizes an identification symbol based on the detection result of the image sensor. However, it may also recognize an identification symbol based on the detection result of other sensors. For example, the recognition device 7 may have a sensor (e.g., a color difference sensor) that measures the color of the surface of a casting manufactured from a mold M engraved by a laser engraving device 4. In this case, the recognition device 7 can recognize an identification symbol of the casting based on the color distribution measured by the sensor. For example, the recognition device 7 recognizes the identification symbol of the casting by image processing of the color distribution. Alternatively, the recognition device 7 may have a sensor (e.g., a laser scanner) that measures the surface irregularities of a casting manufactured from a mold M engraved by a laser engraving device 4. In this case, the recognition device 7 can recognize an identification symbol of the casting based on the distribution of irregularities measured by the sensor. For example, the recognition device 7 recognizes an identification symbol of the casting by analyzing the distribution of irregularities.

[0064] The light-shielding gate may be provided at either the entrance 22 or the exit 23. For example, if workers are not exposed to laser light L leaking from the exit 23, the light-shielding gate is provided only at the entrance 22. Similarly, if workers are not exposed to laser light L leaking from the entrance 22, the light-shielding gate is provided only at the exit 23.

[0065] The laser engraving apparatus 4 is not limited to engraving identification symbols onto molds formed from sand. The laser engraving apparatus 4 can also engrave identification symbols onto self-hardening molds, thermosetting molds, or gas-curable molds. The laser engraving apparatus 4 can also engrave identification symbols onto cores as well as molds. The molds described in this disclosure include the molds, self-hardening molds, thermosetting molds, gas-curable molds, and cores described above.

[0066] In the embodiments of this disclosure, an example is shown in which a mold-forming machine with a frame is used as the molding machine 2, in which upper and lower molds are alternately molded into upper and lower mold frames. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. In addition, for example, the invention may be applied to a mold-forming machine without a frame, in which upper and lower molds are molded simultaneously, the upper and lower molds are aligned, and then the upper and lower molds are removed from the upper and lower mold frames and discharged from the molding machine 2 as only the upper and lower molds. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1...Casting system, 3...Conveyor line, 4...Laser engraving device, 7...Recognition device, M...Mold.

Claims

1. A laser engraving device installed in a casting line for engraving identification symbols onto molds that are sequentially transported, under set engraving conditions, A recognition device that recognizes the identification mark transferred to the surface of a casting manufactured from the mold engraved by the laser engraving device, based on the detection result of a sensor. Equipped with, The recognition device recognizes the identification symbol of the casting after the blast treatment of the casting, If the identification symbol of the casting is not recognized by the recognition device, the laser engraving device changes the set engraving conditions when engraving the subsequent mold. Casting system.

2. The aforementioned recognition device is The device has a sensor that captures an image of the surface of a casting manufactured from a mold engraved by the laser engraving device, The casting system according to claim 1, wherein the identification symbol of the casting is recognized based on the image captured by the sensor.

3. The aforementioned recognition device is The device has a sensor that measures the surface color of a casting manufactured from a mold engraved by the laser engraving device, The casting system according to claim 1, wherein the identification symbol of the casting is recognized based on the color distribution measured by the sensor.

4. The aforementioned recognition device is The device has a sensor that measures the surface irregularities of a casting manufactured from a mold engraved by the laser engraving device, The casting system according to claim 1, wherein the identification symbol of the casting is recognized based on the distribution of irregularities measured by the sensor.

5. The aforementioned setting marking conditions include laser output, The casting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the laser marking device changes the laser output if the recognition device does not recognize the identification mark of the casting.

6. The aforementioned setting marking conditions include the marking speed, The casting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the laser marking device changes the marking speed if the recognition device does not recognize the identification mark on the casting.

7. The casting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the laser marking device stores marking conditions related to the identification symbol recognized by the recognition device in a storage device when the identification symbol of the casting is recognized by the recognition device.

8. The casting system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the laser marking apparatus outputs a laser beam with a beam width of 50 μm to 100 μm at 50 W to 100 W, and changes the setting marking conditions with a time adjustment range of 0.5 seconds to 1 second per character.

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