Tapping method and tapping facility

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a tapping method and a tapping facility capable of tapping a large amount of molten metal. [Solution] According to the present invention: a tapping facility comprises a tapping chamber 16 for tapping molten metal MM, a molten metal holding chamber 13 for holding the molten metal MM, an adjusting unit 4 for permitting or interrupting the movement of molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, a tapping passage 3 used for tapping the molten metal MM within the tapping chamber 16 to the outside, and a gas supply unit 16A capable of supplying gas from outside the tapping chamber 16; and a tapping method includes (1) a movement step for moving the molten metal MM within the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow-down due to a level difference of the molten metal surface of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, and / or, with a pressurizing unit 13A capable of supplying gas from outside the molten metal holding chamber 13, moving the molten metal MM within the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by pressurization with gas from the pressurizing unit 13A, and (2) a tapping step for tapping the molten metal MM within the tapping chamber 16 to a target location through the inside of the tapping passage 3 by pressurization with gas from the gas supply unit 16A.

Description

Water supply method and equipment

[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").

[0002] In recent years, the automotive industry has been expanding its electric vehicle production capacity in addition to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. While traditional gasoline-powered vehicles are manufactured by assembling a wide variety of cast parts, electric vehicles are increasingly being manufactured by casting the entire vehicle in a single unit. The need for precise tapping of molten metal is common in both traditional gasoline-powered vehicles and modern electric vehicles. In particular, electric vehicle manufacturing methods tend to involve casting the entire vehicle body in a single unit, resulting in a greater volume of molten metal being tapped than 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 integrally molded. Therefore, electric vehicle manufacturing requires greater precision (quantitativeness) in the amount of molten metal tapped per shot (one tap) and a larger tapping 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 passage opening that connects the molten metal holding chamber and the pressurizing chamber. The pressurizing chamber has a pressurizing section and a 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 pressurizing gas, thereby filling the molten metal from the tapping section into a mold cavity. The inner walls of the pressurizing section and the tapping section are formed by lining members made of a cylindrical, integrally fired fine ceramic material. The lower end of the lining member for the pressurizing section is located below the molten metal level when the molten metal is completely filled into the cavity, while the upper end of the lining member for the tapping section is located above the upper limit molten metal level of the molten metal holding chamber and its lower end is located below the molten metal level when the pressure in the pressurizing section is released. The constant molten metal level in the pressurizing section is set to the lower limit molten metal 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.

[0006] Patent No. 4519806

[0007] The two-chamber low-pressure casting molten metal holding furnace of Patent Document 1 supplies pressurizing gas to a pressurizing section, thereby pushing up the molten metal in a tapping section connected to the pressurizing section and supplying the molten metal from the tapping section into a mold cavity. 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. When this occurs, the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber flows into the pressurizing chamber due to the difference in the molten metal surface levels between the molten metal holding chamber and the pressurizing chamber. However, the furnace is not intended for discharging a large amount 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.

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

[0010] (First aspect) A melting furnace having 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 for allowing or blocking 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 path provided in the tapping chamber and used for tapping the molten metal to the outside within the tapping chamber; and a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tapping chamber, (1) A moving step of 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 movement of the molten metal, and having a pressurizing unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the molten metal holding chamber, moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit while the adjustment unit is blocking the movement of the molten metal; and (2) a tapping step of tapping the molten metal in the tapping chamber through the inside of the tapping channel to a target location by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit while the adjustment unit is blocking the movement of the molten metal.

[0011] (Second aspect) A casting machine comprising: a tapping chamber for discharging molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit for allowing or blocking 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 path provided in the tapping chamber and used for discharging the molten metal from within the tapping chamber to the outside; and an air supply and exhaust unit capable of pressurizing and supplying gas and exhausting and reducing pressure from the outside to the inside of the tapping chamber; (6) a moving step for performing at least one of moving the molten metal within the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by natural 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 movement of the molten metal; and moving the molten metal within the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by exhausting air from the air supply and exhaust unit while the adjustment unit allows the movement of the molten metal; (7) A pouring method comprising: a pouring step in which, while the movement of the molten metal is blocked by the adjustment 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 air supply and exhaust unit.

[0012] (Third aspect) A melt discharging system comprising: a tapping chamber for discharging molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit for allowing or blocking 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 path provided in the tapping chamber and used for discharging the molten metal from within the tapping chamber to the outside; a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tapping chamber; and a control unit, wherein the control unit (11) The tapping equipment is configured to perform 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 having a pressurizing unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the molten metal holding chamber, and moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit while the adjustment unit is blocking the movement of the molten metal; and (12) while the adjustment unit is blocking the movement of the molten metal, the molten metal in the tapping chamber is discharged to a target location through the inside of the tapping path by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit.

[0013] (Fourth aspect) A melt discharging apparatus comprising: a tapping chamber for discharging molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit for allowing or blocking 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 path provided in the tapping chamber and used for discharging the molten metal from within the tapping chamber to the outside; an air supply and exhaust unit capable of pressurizing and supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tapping chamber and exhausting and reducing the pressure; and a control unit, wherein 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 discharging chamber by natural flow due to a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the discharging 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 discharging chamber by exhaust from the air supply and exhaust unit; and (17) With the adjustment unit blocking the movement of the molten metal, the molten metal in the discharging chamber is discharged to a target location through the inside of the discharging path by pressurized supply of gas supplied from the air supply and exhaust unit.

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

[0015] It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line Z1-Z1 in FIG. 32 showing the hot water outlet furnace according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic view showing immediately after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the hot water outlet chamber in the first embodiment of FIG. 1. In FIG. 2, it is a schematic view in which the movement of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting unit. It is a schematic view immediately after gas is pressurized and supplied from the gas supply unit and the molten metal is discharged from the hot water outlet passage. It is a schematic view of the state where the movement of the molten metal is allowed from the state where the movement of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting unit from the state of FIG. 4. It is a schematic view of the state where the movement of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting unit after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the hot water outlet chamber from the state of FIG. 5. It is a schematic view immediately after gas is pressurized and supplied from the gas supply unit and the molten metal is discharged from the hot water outlet passage from the state of FIG. 6. As an improved form of the first embodiment, the molten metal heating body in the molten metal holding chamber is exposed from the surface of the molten metal, a liquid level sensor indicating the limit of dry burning is installed, gas is pressurized and supplied from the pressurizing unit, and it is a schematic view immediately after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the hot water outlet chamber. It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line Z1-Z1 in FIG. 32 showing the hot water outlet furnace according to the second embodiment. It is a schematic view showing immediately after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the hot water outlet chamber from the second embodiment of FIG. 9. In FIG. 10, it is a schematic view in which the movement of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting unit. It is a schematic view immediately after gas is pressurized and supplied from the gas supply unit and the molten metal is discharged from the hot water outlet passage. It is a schematic view of the state where the movement of the molten metal is allowed from the state where the movement of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting unit from the state of FIG. 12. It is a schematic view of the state where the movement of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting unit after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the hot water outlet chamber from the state of FIG. 13. It is a schematic view immediately after gas is pressurized and supplied from the gas supply unit and the molten metal is discharged from the hot water outlet passage from the state of FIG. 14. It is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line Z1-Z1 in FIG. 34 showing the hot water outlet furnace according to the third embodiment. It is a schematic view showing immediately after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the hot water outlet chamber in the third embodiment of FIG. 16. In FIG. 17, it is a schematic view in which the movement of the molten metal is blocked by the adjusting unit. It is a schematic view immediately after gas is pressurized and supplied from the air supply and exhaust unit and the molten metal is discharged from the hot water outlet passage. It is a schematic view of the state where the movement of the molten metal is allowed from the state where the movement of the molten metal MM is blocked by the adjusting unit from the state of FIG. 19.20 is a schematic diagram of a state in which the movement of the molten metal has been blocked by the adjustment unit after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber. 21 is a schematic diagram of a state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the supply and exhaust unit and the molten metal has completely been discharged from the tapping channel. 34 is a schematic diagram of an improved version of the third embodiment in which a molten metal heater in the molten metal holding chamber is exposed above the surface of the molten metal, a liquid level sensor indicating the limit at which dry-fire operation occurs is installed, gas is exhausted from the supply and exhaust unit, and the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber. 35 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along Z1-Z1 in FIG. 34 showing a tapping furnace according to an improved fourth embodiment. 36 is a schematic diagram of a state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the supply and exhaust unit and the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber. 37 is a schematic diagram of a state in which the movement of the molten metal has been blocked by the adjustment unit in FIG. 38. 39 is a schematic diagram of a state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the supply and exhaust unit and the molten metal has completely been discharged from the tapping channel. 27 is a schematic diagram of a state in which the flow of the molten metal is permitted after being blocked by the adjustment unit from the state in FIG. 28 . FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram of a state in which the flow of the molten metal has been blocked by the adjustment unit after the molten metal has completely moved from the molten metal holding chamber to the tapping chamber from the state in FIG. 29 . FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of a state immediately after pressurized gas is supplied from the supply and exhaust unit and the molten metal has been completely tapped from the tapping channel from the state in FIG. 29 . FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of modified examples of the penetration position of the tapping channel (e.g., the tapping pipe) and modified examples of the adjustment unit in the present invention. FIG. 29 is a plan view of a tapping furnace according to the first or second embodiment. FIG. 29 is a plan view of a tapping furnace according to an improved version of the first embodiment. FIG. 29 is a plan view of a tapping furnace according to a third or fourth embodiment. FIG. 29 is a plan view of a tapping furnace according to an improved version of the third embodiment.

[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] FIGS. 1 to 7 show a first embodiment, and FIG. 8 shows an improved version of the first embodiment. FIGS. 9 to 15 show a second embodiment. FIGS. 16 to 22 show a third embodiment, and FIG. 23 shows an improved version of the third embodiment. FIGS. 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. FIG. 31 shows modified examples of the adjustment unit 4 and modified examples of the penetration position of the discharge passage 3 (e.g., the discharge pipe 6). The white arrows shown in FIGS. 4, 7, 12, 13, 15, 19, 22, 23, 27, and 30 indicate the pressurization or depressurization of gas in the pressurizing unit 13A, the gas supply unit 16A, and the supply / exhaust unit 16G, and the discharge of the molten metal MM in the discharge passage 3. The dashed lines shown 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 shown in Figures 32 to 35 indicate signals sent from the control unit 50 to the tapping furnace 1.

[0019] 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, and the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16 are connected via a molten metal flow passage 5. This molten metal flow passage 5 is provided with an adjustment unit 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 is provided to close the upper opening of the molten metal holding chamber 13, and a molten metal supply port cover 13B is provided to supply the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1. A liquid level sensor 13E is provided on the molten metal holding chamber upper cover 13C.

[0021] In the illustrated example, the provision of a molten metal supply port lid 13B allows 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. For example, although not shown, a side wall of the tapping furnace 1 that forms the molten metal holding chamber 13 is penetrated, and a trough is installed in the penetrated portion. The trough can 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 can be supplied into the molten metal holding chamber 13 via the trough. Alternatively, the molten metal holding chamber 13 itself can be provided with a melting function, allowing ingots, returned materials, or scrap (e.g., briquettes and 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 due to gravity flow caused by 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 due to gravity flow, and when the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 due to gravity flow), this notifies the timing of the supply of the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 from outside the tapping furnace 1. When the time to supply the molten metal arrives, the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port cover 13B. It is also possible to provide a liquid level sensor 13F, separate from 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 under pressure through this pressurizing section 13A. In other words, by opening the molten metal flow passage 5 in advance using the adjusting section 4 and pressurizing the interior 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] (Tap Chamber) The tap chamber 16 is the space inside the tap chamber container 16D, and the molten metal MM is held in this tap chamber 16. In the first embodiment, the tap chamber 16 is provided with a gas supply section 16A for use in tapping the molten metal MM that has moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tap chamber 16.

[0026] Furthermore, a tapping pipe 6 penetrating the wall of the tapping chamber 16 can be used to form a tapping path 3 for tapping the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16. Using this tapping pipe 6 allows the tapping port to be located at the bottom of the tapping chamber 16. The tapping path 3 may simply be an opening in the wall of the tapping chamber 16. A molten metal heater 2 is preferably provided to prevent the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 from overheating and decreasing in temperature. 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 a liquid level sensor 16E and a thermocouple 16B are attached to the tapping chamber lid 16C. The molten metal heater 2 is not particularly limited, but can 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 molten metal level, the process includes a moving step of moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow caused by the difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, by switching from a state in which the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjusting unit 4 to block the movement of the molten metal MM to a state in which the molten metal flow passage 5 is opened by the adjusting unit 4 to allow the movement of the molten metal MM, and similarly, switching to a state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is allowed, by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit 13A to move the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16.

[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 lower than or at the same position as the surface height (level) of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, 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 moved by gravity from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, this pressurization can move additional molten metal MM, so that more molten metal MM can be moved 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, dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) can be used as the gas supplied into the molten metal holding chamber 13. When pressurizing and supplying gas, the molten metal holding chamber 13 is completely sealed by the molten metal holding chamber top lid 13C and the molten metal supply port lid 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 a 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 a difference in the 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 the levels of the molten metal, the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjustment unit 4 to block the movement of the molten metal MM, and then the molten metal flow passage 5 is opened by the adjustment unit 4 to allow 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 gravity flow due to a 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 into 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 this embodiment, the tapping process includes pressurizing gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A to tap the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 through the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the inside of the tapping pipe 6) to a target location (e.g., the inside of a sleeve of a die-casting machine) while the movement of the molten metal MM is blocked by the adjustment unit 4. When tapping the molten metal MM, the gas introduced into the tapping chamber 16 via the gas supply unit 16A is not limited, but it is preferable to use dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.), which is unlikely to affect the quality of the molten metal MM. Because the gas is supplied under pressure, 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 oxidation.

[0033] In the embodiment, the gas supply unit 16A may be provided with a pressure gauge for pressurizing the gas and a speed meter for measuring the gas supply speed. 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 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6) of the embodiment enables accurate tapping and the tapping of 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, 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, 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, thereby reducing the power cost required for tapping. Figure 4 shows the state of the molten metal MM immediately after tapping.

[0037] After the tapping step 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 tapping step, 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 flows 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 tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow, and by applying pressure from the gas supply section 16A, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is tapped through the tapping path 3 (for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6) to the target location (for example, into the sleeve of a die-casting machine), and this process 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 (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), this notifies the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 from outside the tapping furnace 1. When the time to supply the molten metal arrives, the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port cover 13B.

[0040] In the first embodiment, when the molten metal MM moves from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 solely by gravity flow, 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] 8, a liquid level sensor 13G is provided in the molten metal holding chamber 13 in addition to the liquid level sensor 13E. This sensor extends to a certain height just above the molten metal heating body 2, but is below lower limit 1, for example, and when the molten metal MM is forcibly moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by pressurizing the interior of the molten metal holding chamber 13 with dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.) using the pressurizing unit 13A, the molten metal heating body 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is 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 regulating unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed to block the movement of the molten metal MM, thereby stopping 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 described above, with the movement of the molten metal MM blocked by the adjustment unit 4, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is discharged through the tapping path 3 (for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6) to the target location (for example, inside the sleeve of a die-casting machine) by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A, and the pressure is then reduced by exhaust via the gas supply unit 16A to return to atmospheric pressure. Then, again as described above, the adjustment unit 4 changes 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, the pressurization unit 13A is activated, and the pressurization unit 13A applies pressure to forcibly move the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, and the gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A pressurizes the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 through the tapping path 3 (for example, the inside of the tapping pipe 6) to the target location (for example, into the sleeve of a die-casting machine). This process is carried out once or repeatedly a plurality of times. Then, when the molten metal level moves away from the lower end (lower limit 2) of the liquid level sensor 13G (i.e., when the molten metal heater 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM and the limit at which dry firing occurs 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 ensured that no outside air enters the molten metal holding chamber 13. Therefore, the pressurizing unit 13A shown in Figures 1 to 7 is provided to prevent outside air from entering the molten metal holding chamber 13 from 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 of 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 is not desirable as it could distort the shape of the tapping furnace 1 itself.

[0047] In the improved embodiment, when the surface of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 has moved 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 applies pressure to 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. Thereafter, the pressurizing unit 13A is activated again, and the pressurizing unit 13A applies pressure 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. This is carried out once or multiple times. The operation panel of the tapping furnace 1 has input thereon information for carrying out the operation, 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 heater 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), that is, information on the time and number of times that elapsed 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 the like, and pressurization and depressurization are carried out during actual operation, and the molten metal is supplied with precision.

[0048] Second Embodiment A second embodiment of the 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 in 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 level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than, the same as, or lower than the 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. 9. Thereafter, the flow of the molten metal MM is permitted by the adjusting unit 4, 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 flow of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 progresses, 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, and as shown in Fig. 11, the adjusting unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 closes the molten metal flow passage 5 to block the flow of the molten metal MM, and the flow of the molten metal MM from the molten metal flow passage 5 to the tapping chamber 16 is stopped. Thereafter, the pressure inside the molten metal holding chamber 13 is reduced to atmospheric pressure by exhaust through the pressurizing unit 13A. The pressurizing unit 13A can not only pressurize but also reduce the pressure. In order 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, this 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, 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.

[0051] 9 to 12, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is pressurized through the pressurizing section 13A and moved into the tapping chamber 16, and pressurized from the gas supply section 16A causes the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 to be tapped into a target location (such as the inside of a sleeve of a die-casting machine) through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6) once or repeatedly multiple times. By repeatedly performing 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 certain 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 tapping 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 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 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 heater 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] 16 to 23 show a third embodiment of the tapping furnace 1 according to the present invention. In Fig. 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 due to gravity flow caused by a level difference between 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 due to gravity flow, and when the molten metal surface moves away from the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E (i.e., when the molten metal MM can no longer move from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 due to gravity flow), the sensor notifies the timing of the supply of the molten metal MM from outside the tapping furnace 1 into the molten metal holding chamber 13.

[0056] When the time for supplying the molten metal arrives, the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port cover 13B. It is possible to provide a liquid level sensor 13F separate from the liquid level sensor 13E, which indicates the lower limit of the molten metal amount, to detect the upper limit of the molten metal supply. Alternatively, an air supply / exhaust section 16G can be provided for the tapping chamber 16, and the gas inside the tapping chamber 16 can be exhausted through this air supply / exhaust section 16G to create a reduced pressure. In other words, by opening the molten metal flow passage 5 in advance using the adjustment section 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 of 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 process includes a moving step of moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by gravity flow caused by the difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, by switching from a state in which the molten metal flow passage 5 is closed by the adjusting unit 4 to block the movement of the molten metal MM to a state in which the molten metal flow passage 5 is opened by the adjusting unit 4 to allow the movement of the molten metal MM, and similarly, switching to a state in which the movement of the molten metal MM is allowed, by exhausting the air from 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 in 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 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, the tapping chamber 16 is completely sealed by the tapping chamber lid 16C.

[0059] On the other hand, when the level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is lower than or at the same level as the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16, 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 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 moved by gravity from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16, this decompression allows additional molten metal MM to be moved, so more molten metal MM can be moved to the tapping chamber 16 without waste, making it possible to tap a large amount of molten metal MM.

[0060] Below, we will consider a 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 a difference in the 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 the levels 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 adjustment unit 4 allows 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 gravity flow due to a 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 into 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 this embodiment, the system includes 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 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 gas supplied from the supply and exhaust unit 16G. When tapping the molten metal MM, the gas introduced into the tapping chamber 16 via the supply and exhaust unit 16G is not limited, but it is preferable to use dry air or an inert gas (nitrogen gas, argon gas, etc.), which is unlikely to affect the quality of the molten metal MM. As described above, the tapping chamber 16 is completely sealed by the tapping chamber lid 16C, so the required amount of molten metal can be tapped without causing oxidation.

[0062] In addition, in the embodiment, the supply and exhaust section 16G may be equipped with a pressure gauge for pressurizing and depressurizing, a speed meter for measuring the gas supply speed and exhaust speed, and the like. These devices may be provided together with the supply and exhaust section 16G, or may be provided separately from the supply and exhaust section 16G. The combination of the supply of pressurized gas from the supply and exhaust section 16G and the melt discharge path 3 (e.g., the melt discharge pipe 6) in the embodiment enables accurate melt discharge and the discharge of a large amount of molten metal MM.

[0063] Also, prior to the pouring of the molten metal, 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 pouring chamber 16 via the air supply and exhaust section 16G.

[0064] Furthermore, prior to actual operation, information necessary for stably dispensing the required amount of molten metal MM per shot (one dispensing) was confirmed, i.e., the elapsed time from the start of detection that the molten metal MM flows into the internal flow path of the dispensing passage 3 (e.g., the discharge pipe 6) and reaches 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 configuration of the dispensing passage 3 (e.g., the discharge pipe 6) (inner diameter, length, size of the inlet 9, etc.), and the number of dispensing passages 3 (e.g., the discharge pipe 6) in the dispensing chamber 16, etc., was input to the operation panel of the tapping furnace 1, whereby pressurization and depressurization are carried out during actual operation, thereby achieving accurate dispensing. Note that in the dispensing configuration of the present application, when dispensing the molten metal MM in the dispensing chamber 16, dispensing begins with the surface of the molten metal MM always touching the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E. In other words, tapping begins when the level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is constant (also called the "constant level"). This allows the gas pressure from the supply and exhaust section 16G to be supplied at a constant level, 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 supply and exhaust section 16G can also be reduced. This makes it possible to make the tapping chamber smaller than conventional tapping chambers. When making the tapping chamber smaller, only a small gas pressure is required for tapping, which makes it possible to reduce the power costs required for tapping.

[0065] After the tapping step, the pressure is reduced by exhaust through the air intake and exhaust section 16G to return to atmospheric pressure. The air intake and exhaust section 16G is capable of not only pressurizing but also depressurizing. After the tapping step, 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] 16 to 19, as shown in Figures 20 to 22, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved by gravity into the tapping chamber 16, and pressurized from the supply and exhaust section 16G, causing the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 to be tapped through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6) to a target location (e.g., into the sleeve of a die-casting machine). This process 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 described above, the lower end of the liquid level sensor 13E is located at the same height as the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16. This is to notify the timing of supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 from outside the tapping furnace 1 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 (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). When the time comes to supply the molten metal, the molten metal MM is supplied from the molten metal supply port cover 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 supply 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] 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 the height is below lower limit 1 and the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is exhausted from the supply 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 and depressurized by the intake and exhaust unit 16G, forcibly moving the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 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 depressurization of the gas by the intake and exhaust unit 16G is stopped, and the regulating unit 4 provided in the molten metal flow passage 5 closes 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, the interior of the tapping chamber 16 is pressurized by supplying air via the intake and exhaust unit 16G to return 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 pressurized gas supplied from the supply and exhaust unit 16G causes the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 to be tapped through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6) to a destination (e.g., into the sleeve of a die-casting machine), and the pressure is reduced by exhaust through the supply and exhaust unit 16G to return to atmospheric pressure. 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 supply and exhaust unit 16G is again operated, the pressure is reduced by the supply 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 through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6) to a destination (e.g., into the sleeve of a die-casting machine) by pressurized gas supplied from the supply and exhaust unit 16G. 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 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.

[0071] That is, 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 supply 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 of 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 is not desirable as it could distort the shape of the tapping furnace 1 itself.

[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 collected 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 collected 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 unit 16G is operated and the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is evacuated from the supply and exhaust unit 16G through the unit 16G to forcefully 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 heater 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, the time and number of times that elapsed from the start of operation of the supply and exhaust unit 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.) are inputted on the operation panel of the tapping furnace 1 into which advance information data is inputted. Pressurization and depressurization are carried out during actual operation, and the molten metal is accurately pressurized and supplied.

[0074] 24 to 30 show a fourth embodiment of the tapping furnace 1 according to the present invention. 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 level of the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is higher than, the same as, or lower than the surface level of the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16.

[0075] 24 , 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. After that, from this state, the adjustment unit 4 allows the molten metal MM to move, and the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is evacuated from the supply and exhaust unit 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 air 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 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. Thereafter, air is supplied via the air 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, this embodiment includes a tapping process 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 adjusting unit 4, and then allowed to flow. In this state, the gas in the tapping chamber 16 is evacuated from the supply 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 supply and exhaust unit 16G is stopped, and the adjusting 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 via the supply and exhaust unit 16G to return 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 (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 air supply and exhaust unit 16G, as shown in Figure 30.

[0079] Thereafter, in the same manner as described above, the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is moved into the tapping chamber 16 by reducing the pressure from the supply and exhaust section 16G, and the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is then pressurized from the supply and exhaust section 16G to be tapped through the inside of the tapping passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6) to a target location (e.g., into the sleeve of a die-casting machine), this process being 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 certain height just above the molten metal heating element 2, but for example, it is lower than the height of the lower end of the liquid level sensor 16E in the tapping chamber 16. If the molten metal MM is forcibly moved from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 by evacuating the gas in the tapping chamber 16 through the supply and exhaust section 16G to reduce the pressure, 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 dry firing occurs. If the timing for supplying the molten metal MM into the molten metal holding chamber 13 from outside the tapping furnace 1 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 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. As described above, this is performed once or repeatedly multiple times, and when the molten metal level moves away from the lower end (lower limit 2) of the liquid level sensor 13G (i.e., when the molten metal heater 2 in the molten metal holding chamber 13 is exposed from the surface of the molten metal MM and the limit for 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.

[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, by moving the molten metal MM from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 and storing the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 each time, it is possible to accurately tap the molten metal MM 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, the ladle must be large enough to accommodate the cavity capacity. When a ladle large enough to accommodate the cavity capacity is used, the tapping chamber's tapping port leading to the ladle must be enlarged. As a result, the equipment costs for the tapping furnace increase, and the enlarged tapping port increases the amount of heat dissipation energy, resulting in a larger contact area between the molten metal and the atmosphere, increasing the degree of oxidation of the molten metal.

[0084] The above problem becomes more pronounced when the capacity of a single molten metal is increased in casting equipment such as die-casting machines, known as "gigacast," due to the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) production. In contrast, the embodiment does not have a tap port, which is problematic. Furthermore, according to the embodiment, when a large amount of molten metal is required for a target location (e.g., gigacast), the required amount of molten metal can be ensured per shot (one tapping), by widening the tapping pipe 6 or increasing the number of tapping pipes 6, thereby solving the above 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 pressurizing section 13A in the molten metal holding chamber 13 and depressurization from the air intake and exhaust section 16G in the tapping chamber 16 also ensures the required amount of molten metal to be tapped per shot (one tapping), thereby solving the above 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 the tapping path 3 (e.g., tapping pipe 6), which eliminates the risk of the molten metal MM spilling during the scooping process and the risk of workers being injured by spilled molten metal MM, making it highly 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 Figure 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 (e.g., 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 or the tapping chamber cover 16C of the tapping furnace 1 and protrudes out of the tapping furnace 1, and the other end serves 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 unit 16A or the air supply / exhaust unit 16G, the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 is pushed out through the tapping path 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6), thereby making it possible to tap the molten metal MM to the outside of the tapping furnace 1. To prevent the temperature of the molten metal MM from dropping during tapping, it is preferable to provide an auxiliary heater 8 on 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 to the outside of the tapping furnace 1.

[0089] The outlet passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6) is formed with an inlet 9 and an outlet 7, and the outlet passage 3 (e.g., the tapping pipe 6) may be provided with a one-way valve. 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. The one-way valve prevents the inflow of the molten metal MM from the inlet 9 of the tapping pipe 6 when the pressurization is stopped or the applied pressure is reduced. The one-way valve 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] The molten metal MM can be poured into the sleeve of a die-casting machine at the end of the outlet 7 of the outlet pipe 6, or the mold (cavity) of the part to be manufactured can be attached and the molten metal MM can be poured into it.

[0091] (Molten Metal Flow Passage) The molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16 are in communication with each other via the 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 molten metal MM flows from the molten metal holding chamber 13 to the tapping chamber 16 with the adjustment unit 4 raised and the molten metal level rises enough to be detected by the liquid level sensor 16E, the adjustment unit 4 automatically lowers to prevent further inflow of the molten metal MM, thereby closing the molten metal flow passage 5.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 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, the molten metal MM flows into the tapping chamber 16, and when 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 from the tapping chamber 16.

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

[0094] (Controller) The above-described pouring method is preferably carried out under a pouring facility having a controller 50 shown in Figures 32 to 35. The controller 50 is connected to the gas supply unit 16A or the air supply / exhaust unit 16G, the pressurizing unit 13A, and the adjusting unit 4 to exchange control signals, and also receives signals from the liquid level sensors 13E, 13F, 13G, and 16E. The controller 50 may include a CPU, a storage device, and a program for executing the pouring operation (not shown).

[0095] 32 and 33, the control unit 50 functions to perform at least one of the following: moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by natural flow caused by the difference in the level of the molten metal MM between the molten metal holding chamber 13 and the tapping chamber 16, while allowing the movement of the molten metal MM by the adjustment unit 4; and having a pressurizing unit 13A capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the molten metal holding chamber 13, moving 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, while allowing the movement of the molten metal MM by the adjustment unit 4 to be blocked; and discharging the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 to the target location through the inside of the tapping path 3 by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit 16A.

[0096] 34 and 35, the control unit 50 functions to perform at least one of the following: moving 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, while the adjustment unit 4 is allowing the movement of the molten metal MM; and moving the molten metal MM in the molten metal holding chamber 13 into the tapping chamber 16 by exhausting air from the air supply and exhaust unit 16G, while the adjustment unit 4 is blocking the movement of the molten metal MM; and discharging the molten metal MM in the tapping chamber 16 to the target location through the inside of the tapping path 3 by pressurizing the gas supplied from the air supply and exhaust unit 16G, while the adjustment unit 4 is blocking the movement of the molten metal MM.

[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.

[0099] 1...Tapping furnace, 2...Molten metal heater, 3...Tapping channel, 4...Adjustment section, 5...Molten metal flow passage, 6...Tapping pipe, 7...Outlet, 8...Simultaneous heating heater, 9...Inlet, 13...Molten metal holding chamber, 13A...Pressurization 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...tatting chamber, 16A...gas supply section, 16B...thermoelectric element, 16C...tatting chamber cover, 16D...tatting chamber container, 16E...liquid level sensor (detects the upper limit of the liquid level in the tapping chamber), 16G...supply and exhaust section, 50...control section, 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 melt discharging system comprising: a tapping chamber for discharging molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit for allowing or blocking 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 path provided in the tapping chamber and used to tap the molten metal from within the tapping chamber to the outside; and a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tapping chamber, (1) A moving step of 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 movement of the molten metal, and having a pressurizing unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the molten metal holding chamber, moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the tapping chamber by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit while the adjustment unit is blocking the movement of the molten metal; and (2) a tapping step of tapping the molten metal in the tapping chamber through the inside of the tapping channel to a target location by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit while the adjustment unit is blocking the movement of the molten metal.

2. (3) A moving process that, after the discharging process, carries out at least one of moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the discharging chamber by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the discharging 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 discharging chamber by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit while the adjustment unit is allowing the molten metal to move; and (4) a discharging process that, while the adjustment unit is blocking the movement of the molten metal, pressurizes the gas supplied from the gas supply unit to discharge the molten metal in the discharging chamber through the inside of the discharging path to a target location, and (5) the processes (3) and (4) are carried out once or repeatedly carried out multiple times.

3. A casting chamber for discharging molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the casting chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit for allowing or blocking the movement of the molten metal from the molten metal holding chamber to the casting chamber between the casting chamber and the molten metal holding chamber; a casting path provided in the casting chamber and used for discharging the molten metal from within the casting chamber to the outside; and an air supply and exhaust unit capable of pressurizing and supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the casting chamber and exhausting and reducing pressure; (6) a moving process for at least one of moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the casting chamber by natural flow caused by the difference in level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the casting chamber while the adjustment unit allows the movement of the molten metal, and moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the casting chamber by exhausting air from the air supply and exhaust unit while the adjustment unit allows the movement of the molten metal; (7) A pouring method characterized by comprising a pouring step of pressurizing the gas supplied from the air supply and exhaust unit to pour the molten metal in the pouring chamber through the inside of the pouring passage to a target location while blocking the movement of the molten metal by the adjustment unit.

4. (8) A moving process that, after the discharging process, carries out at least one of moving the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the discharging chamber by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the discharging 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 discharging chamber by exhausting and depressurizing the gas supplied from the air supply and exhaust unit while the adjustment unit is allowing the movement of the molten metal; and (9) a discharging process that, while the adjustment unit is blocking the movement of the molten metal, supplies pressurized gas supplied from the air supply and exhaust unit to discharge the molten metal in the discharging chamber through the inside of the discharging path to a target location, and (10) the steps (8) and (9) are carried out once or repeatedly carried out multiple times.

5. A pouring method as claimed in claim 1, wherein, when the level of the molten metal surface in the molten metal holding chamber is lower than the level of the molten metal surface in the discharging chamber, in the moving step, the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber is moved into the discharging chamber by pressurizing gas supplied from the pressurizing section of the molten metal holding chamber while the adjustment section allows the molten metal to move.

6. A method of pouring molten metal as claimed in claim 3, wherein, when the level of the molten metal surface in the molten metal holding chamber is lower than the level of the molten metal surface in the tapping chamber, in the moving step, the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber is moved into the tapping chamber by exhausting air from the air supply and exhaust section of the tapping chamber while the adjustment section allows the molten metal to move.

7. A method for pouring molten metal according to claims 1 and 3, wherein the volume of the pouring chamber is smaller than the volume of the molten metal holding chamber.

8. A method of pouring metal as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, 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.

9. A melt discharging apparatus comprising: a tapping chamber for discharging molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit for allowing or blocking 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 path provided in the tapping chamber and used to tap the molten metal from within the tapping chamber to the outside; a gas supply unit capable of supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tapping chamber; and a control unit, wherein 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 discharging chamber by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the discharging 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 discharging chamber by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit; (12) With the adjustment unit blocking the movement of the molten metal, the molten metal in the discharging chamber is discharged to a target location through the inside of the discharging path by pressurizing the gas supplied from the gas supply unit.

10. The control unit at least one of: (13) after the discharging, with the adjustment unit allowing the molten metal to move, moves the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the discharging chamber by natural flow caused by a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the discharging chamber; and, with the adjustment unit allowing the molten metal to move, moves the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the discharging chamber by pressurizing the gas supplied from the pressurizing unit; (14) with the adjustment unit blocking the movement of the molten metal, pressurizes the gas supplied from the gas supply unit, discharging the molten metal in the discharging chamber through the inside of the discharging path to a target location; and (15) (13) and (14) are performed once or repeated multiple times.

11. A device comprising: a tapping chamber for discharging molten metal; a molten metal holding chamber communicating with the tapping chamber and holding the molten metal; an adjustment unit for allowing or blocking the 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 path provided in the tapping chamber and used for discharging the molten metal from within the tapping chamber to the outside; an air supply and exhaust unit capable of pressurizing and supplying gas from the outside to the inside of the tapping chamber and exhausting and reducing the pressure; and a control unit, wherein 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 discharging chamber by natural flow due to a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the discharging 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 discharging chamber by exhaust from the air supply and exhaust unit; and (17) With the adjustment unit blocking the movement of the molten metal, the molten metal in the discharging chamber is discharged to a target location through the inside of the discharging path by pressurized supply of gas supplied from the air supply and exhaust unit.

12. The control unit at least one of: (18) after the discharging, while allowing the adjustment unit to move the molten metal, moves the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the discharging chamber by natural flow due to a difference in the level of the molten metal between the molten metal holding chamber and the discharging chamber; and, while allowing the adjustment unit to move the molten metal, moves the molten metal in the molten metal holding chamber into the discharging chamber by depressurizing the exhaust of gas supplied from the supply and exhaust unit; (19) while blocking the movement of the molten metal by the adjustment unit, pressurizes the gas supplied from the supply and exhaust unit to discharge the molten metal in the discharging chamber through the inside of the discharging path to a target location; and (20) (18) and (19) are performed once or repeated multiple times.

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