WO2007083646A1

WO2007083646A1 - Gas supply device and gas supply method

Info

Publication number: WO2007083646A1
Application number: PCT/JP2007/050560
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hitoshi Mizuno
Original assignee: Hoei Shokai Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-01-19
Filing date: 2007-01-17
Publication date: 2007-07-26
Also published as: JPWO2007083646A1

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To provide a technique for appropriately determining the replacement time of a filter. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A gas supply device having an air hose connectable to a gas passage, a pressurized gas supply section for supplying pressurized gas to a container through the air hose and the gas passage, a filter placed between the air hose and the gas passage, a release-to-the-atmosphere section for releasing the inside of the container, to which the pressurized gas is supplied, to the atmosphere through a gas introduction section and the air hose, a first measurement device for measuring a time period necessary to release the inside of the container to the atmosphere, and a first alarm means for issuing an alarm when the time measured by the first measurement device exceeds a predetermined time period.

Description

Specification

Gas supply apparatus and gas supply method

Technical field

The present invention relates to a gas supply apparatus and a gas supply method for supplying pressurized gas to a container used for supplying molten aluminum, for example.

Background art

[0002] In a factory where aluminum is formed using a large number of die-casting machines, aluminum materials are often supplied from outside the factory. In this case, the container containing the molten aluminum can be transported to the factory on the material supply side via the public road to the factory on the molding side, and the molten material can be supplied to each die cast machine. Has been done. Containers that have also been used in the past have a structure like a teapot in which a supply channel is provided on the side wall of a container body in which molten metal is stored. By tilting the container, molten metal is supplied from the flow path to the holding furnace on the molding side (see Patent Document 1).

Patent Document 1: JP 4-4646

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0003] The present inventors have developed a pressurized container from the viewpoint of safety and workability. This pressurized container can also be transported between factories via public roads. Various ideas have been made for this purpose.

[0004] For example, an air release part for opening the inside of the container to the atmosphere is provided on the side where pressurized gas is supplied to the container. Thereby, it is not necessary to provide an atmosphere opening portion for each container.

[0005] Further, a filter for removing dust such as oil, aluminum powder, and aluminum pieces contained in the gas is provided in the gas passage on the side of supplying pressurized gas to the container. This eliminates the need for a filter for each container.

[0006] If the filter is clogged with dust or the like while the pressure is applied, it takes time to open the inside of the container to the atmosphere, resulting in poor work efficiency. [0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a gas supply device and a gas supply method that can appropriately determine the replacement time of a filter.

Means for solving the problem

[0008] A gas supply device according to the present invention is a container having a structure capable of being transported from a first factory to a second factory via a public road, and is capable of storing molten metal. Sealed container body with a gas passage between the outside and the inside of the container, and from the inner bottom to the pipe mounting part on the upper surface, and has a flow path to lead the internal metal to the outside by applying pressure. The pipe attachment portion communicates with the flow path, extends upward from the pipe attachment portion, bends in a substantially horizontal direction at a predetermined position, goes downward at the predetermined position, and the outlet of the tip portion extends downward. It is a gas supply device that supplies at least pressurized gas to a container having a facing pipe. The gas supply device includes an air hose connectable to the gas passage, a pressurized gas supply unit for supplying pressurized gas to the container through the air hose and the gas passage, the air hose, and the air hose. A filter inserted between the gas passage, an atmosphere opening part for opening the inside of the container to the atmosphere via the gas introduction part and the air hose, and the inside of the container supplied with the pressurized gas. A first measuring instrument that measures the time required to release the atmosphere through the gas passage and the atmosphere opening unit, and when the time measured by the first measuring instrument exceeds a predetermined time And a first alarm means for issuing an alarm.

[0009] A gas supply method according to another aspect of the present invention is a container having a structure capable of transporting a first factory force to a second field via a public road, and stores molten metal. A gas passage between the outside of the container and the inside of the container and a gas passage between the inner bottom and the pipe mounting part on the upper surface, and a flow path for deriving molten metal to the outside by pressurization. The container body communicates with the flow path at the pipe attachment portion, extends upward from the pipe attachment portion, bends in a substantially horizontal direction at a predetermined position, and downwards at the predetermined position to guide the tip portion. This is a gas supply method for supplying at least pressurized gas to a container having a pipe whose outlet faces downward. In this method, an air hose connectable to the gas passage and pressurized gas are supplied to the container via the gas passage, and the inside of the container is opened to the atmosphere via the gas introduction portion and the air hose. The pressurized gas was supplied The time required for opening the inside of the container through the gas passage and the opening to the atmosphere is measured, and an alarm is issued when the measured time exceeds a predetermined time. is there.

[0010] In the present invention, an alarm is issued when the time required for opening to the atmosphere exceeds a predetermined time, so it can be determined that the filter is clogged and it is easily determined that it is time to replace the filter. it can. This eliminates work time delays caused by filter clogging and improves work efficiency.

[0011] Here, the first alarm means is configured such that when the difference between the time measured n times by the first measuring instrument and the time measured n + 1 times becomes a predetermined time or more. An alarm may be issued.

[0012] In this case, the first alarm means issues an alarm when the time measured by the first measuring instrument is equal to or longer than a predetermined time, and the nth time by the first measuring instrument. A different alarm may be issued depending on whether the alarm is issued when the difference between the time measured in (n) and the time measured for the n + 1 first time is equal to or greater than a predetermined time.

A vacuum pump for depressurizing the inside of the container via the gas passage and the air hose;

A second measuring instrument that measures the time required to supply the molten metal into the container through the flow path by depressurizing the container using the vacuum pump; and the second measuring instrument. It may be configured to further include a second warning means for issuing an alarm when the time measured by the instrument exceeds a predetermined time.

[0014] Then, the second alarm means alarms when the difference between the time measured n times by the second measuring instrument and the time measured n + 1 times becomes a predetermined time or more. May be issued.

[0015] The gas supply device may be mounted on a forklift for transporting the container.

[0016] The vehicle according to the present invention is a vehicle that holds and transports a container that can accommodate the molten metal and that can flow the molten metal to and from outside using a pressure difference. A flow path for supplying pressurized gas, a filter interposed in the flow path, a measuring instrument for measuring the time required to open the inside of the container to which the pressurized gas is supplied, and Measuring instrument And alarm means for issuing an alarm when the time measured by the above becomes a predetermined time or more.

[0017] According to such a configuration of the present invention, an alarm is issued when the time required for opening to the atmosphere exceeds a predetermined time, so that it can be determined that the filter is clogged, and the filter replacement time is reached. You can easily determine that there is. This eliminates work time delays caused by filter clogging and improves work efficiency.

[0018] In addition, the alarm means issues an alarm when the difference between the time measured n times by the measuring instrument and the time measured n + 1 times exceeds a predetermined time. The

[0019] According to such a configuration, it is possible to determine that it is time to replace the filter by an alarm that is issued when the time measured by the measuring instrument exceeds a predetermined time, and it is assumed that the filter is to be replaced simply by normal use. It can be assumed that the filter is clogged due to dirt such as oil, aluminum powder, and dust on the aluminum pieces. On the other hand, it is possible to determine that it is time to replace the filter based on an alarm that is issued when the difference between the time measured by the measuring instrument n times and the time measured n + 1 time exceeds a predetermined time. Therefore, it can be assumed that there is a possibility that a filter may be clogged in addition to the expected clogging caused by normal use. This eliminates work time delays caused by filter clogging and improves work efficiency.

[0020] Further, the alarm means issues an alarm when the time measured by the measuring instrument reaches or exceeds a predetermined time, and the time measured by the measuring instrument for the nth time and the (n + 1) th time. It is characterized in that a different alarm is issued depending on whether or not an alarm is issued when the difference from the measured time exceeds a predetermined time.

[0021] According to such a configuration, whether the cause of the clogging of the filter is due to a normal mere use or a force other than the usual mere clogging is determined based on a difference in alarm. Can do.

[0022] Another vehicle of the present invention is a vehicle that can hold a container and has a flow path that can accommodate molten metal and that can flow the molten metal between the outside using a pressure difference. A vacuum pump for reducing the pressure in the container, and reducing the pressure in the container using the vacuum pump. A measuring instrument for measuring the time required to supply the molten metal into the container through the alarm, and alarm means for issuing an alarm when the time measured by the measuring instrument exceeds a predetermined time. It is characterized by doing.

[0023] According to such a configuration of the present invention, an alarm is issued when the time required for supplying the molten metal exceeds a predetermined time, so that the sealing property of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump is improved. It can be determined that a problem has occurred and it is easy to determine that it is time to check the sealing performance. This eliminates work time delays due to poor sealing performance and improves work efficiency.

[0024] In addition, the alarm means issues an alarm when the difference between the time measured n times by the measuring instrument and the time measured n + 1 times exceeds a predetermined time. The

[0025] According to such a configuration, it is time to check the sealability of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump by an alarm that is issued when the time measured by the measuring instrument exceeds a predetermined time. In addition to being able to judge, it can be assumed that the sealing performance has deteriorated due to normal mere use. On the other hand, an alarm issued when the difference between the time measured by the measuring instrument n times and the time measured n + 1 time exceeds a predetermined time can be judged to be the seal inspection time. In addition, it can be assumed that there is a possibility that some cause exists in addition to the cause of deterioration of the sealing performance as expected due to normal mere use. This eliminates work time delays due to poor sealing performance and improves work efficiency.

[0026] Still another vehicle of the present invention is a vehicle that can hold and transport a container having a first flow path that can accommodate molten metal and that can flow molten metal to and from outside using a pressure difference. A second flow path for supplying pressurized gas to the container, a filter inserted in the second flow path, and a vacuum pump for depressurizing the inside of the container via the second flow path. A first measuring device that measures the time required to open the inside of the container supplied with the pressurized gas to the atmosphere, and when the time measured by the first measuring device is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. A first alarm means for issuing an alarm; and a second measurement for measuring a time required for supplying the molten metal into the container through the first flow path by reducing the pressure in the container using the vacuum pump. And the front And second alarm means for issuing an alarm when the time measured by the second measuring instrument exceeds a predetermined time.

[0027] According to such a configuration of the present invention, since the first alarm means power alarm is issued when the time required for opening to the atmosphere exceeds a predetermined time, it can be determined that the filter is clogged. It can be easily determined that it is time to replace the filter. This eliminates work time delays caused by filter clogging and improves work efficiency. Further, since the second alarm means power warning is issued when the time required for supplying the molten metal exceeds a predetermined time, it is judged that there may be a problem with the sealing performance of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump. It is possible to easily determine that it is time to check the sealing performance. This eliminates work time delays due to poor sealing performance and improves work efficiency.

[0028] Further, the first alarm means and the second alarm means issue different alarms.

[0029] According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether the filter should be replaced or whether the sealing performance should be checked.

[0030] Still another vehicle of the present invention is a vehicle that holds a container having a first flow path that can accommodate molten metal and that can flow molten metal to and from outside using a pressure difference. A second flow path for supplying pressurized gas to the container, a filter inserted in the second flow path, and a vacuum pump for depressurizing the inside of the container via the second flow path. And the pressure inside the container calculated taking into account the time required to open the inside of the container supplied with the pressurized gas to the atmosphere using the vacuum pump, and An alarm is issued when the difference between the estimated time required to supply molten metal into the container and the actual measurement time required to actually supply molten metal into the container exceeds a predetermined time. And an alarm means.

[0031] According to such a configuration of the present invention, it is possible to determine the check timing of the sealing performance in consideration of the degree of clogging of the filter. Therefore, the check of the sealing performance can be performed at an appropriate time, Work efficiency is improved.

[0032] Further, the measuring device measures the time required to open the inside of the container supplied with pressurized gas to the atmosphere, and the alarm device measures the time required to open the atmosphere measured by the measuring device. An alarm is issued when the time is over a predetermined time.

[0033] According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily determine the replacement time of the filter.

[0034] Further, the alarm means is different between a case where a difference between the estimated time and the actual measurement time is equal to or greater than a predetermined time, and a case where the time required for air release is equal to or greater than a predetermined time. It is characterized by issuing a warning.

[0035] According to such a configuration, it is possible to easily determine whether the filter should be replaced or the sealability should be checked.

[0036] The molten metal supply system of the present invention is (1) capable of storing molten metal and adjusting the pressure difference between the inside and outside to supply the molten metal to the inside or supply the molten metal to the outside. (2) a flow path for holding the container and supplying pressurized gas to the container, a filter interposed in the flow path, and the container supplied with the pressurized gas A vehicle having a measuring instrument for measuring the time required to open the interior to the atmosphere, and an alarm means for issuing an alarm when the time measured by the measuring instrument exceeds a predetermined time. Features.

[0037] According to such a configuration of the present invention, an alarm is issued when the time required for opening to the atmosphere exceeds a predetermined time, so that it can be determined that the filter is clogged, and at the time of filter replacement. You can easily determine that there is. This eliminates work time delays caused by filter clogging and improves work efficiency.

[0038] Further, another molten metal supply system of the present invention is (1) capable of storing molten metal, and adjusting the pressure difference between the inside and outside to supply the molten metal to the inside or the molten metal to the outside. A container having a flow path that can be supplied; (2) a vacuum pump that holds the container and depressurizes the inside of the container; and depressurizes the inside of the container using the vacuum pump and passes through the flow path. A vehicle having a measuring instrument for measuring the time required to supply the molten metal into the container, and an alarm means for issuing an alarm when the time measured by the measuring instrument exceeds a predetermined time. It is characterized by comprising.

[0039] According to such a configuration of the present invention, an alarm is issued when the time required for supplying molten metal exceeds a predetermined time, so that the sealing property of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump is improved. It can be determined that a problem has occurred and it is easy to check the sealing performance. I can judge. This eliminates work time delays due to poor sealing performance and improves work efficiency.

[0040] Still another molten metal supply system of the present invention is (1) capable of storing molten metal, supplying molten metal to the inside by adjusting a pressure difference between inside and outside, or molten metal to the outside. (2) a second channel for holding the container and supplying pressurized gas to the container; and a second channel that is inserted into the second channel. A filter, a vacuum pump that depressurizes the inside of the container through the second flow path, a first measuring instrument that measures the time required to open the inside of the container to which the pressurized gas is supplied, A first warning means for issuing an alarm when the time measured by the first measuring instrument exceeds a predetermined time; and the inside of the container is depressurized by using the vacuum pump, and is passed through the first flow path. A second measuring instrument for measuring a time required to supply the molten metal into the container; Time measured by 2 measuring instruments is characterized by comprising a vehicle and a second alarm means for issuing an alarm when a predetermined time or more.

[0041] According to such a configuration of the present invention, since the first alarm means power alarm is issued when the time required for opening to the atmosphere exceeds a predetermined time, it can be determined that the filter is clogged. It can be easily determined that it is time to replace the filter. This eliminates work time delays caused by filter clogging and improves work efficiency. Further, since the second alarm means power warning is issued when the time required for supplying the molten metal exceeds a predetermined time, it is judged that there may be a problem with the sealing performance of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump. It is possible to easily determine that it is time to check the sealing performance. This eliminates work time delays due to poor sealing performance and improves work efficiency.

[0042] Still another molten metal supply system according to the present invention is (1) capable of storing molten metal, supplying molten metal to the inside by adjusting a pressure difference between inside and outside, or molten metal to the outside. (2) a second channel for holding the container and supplying pressurized gas to the container; and a second channel that is inserted into the second channel. Calculated by taking into account the time required for opening the inside of the container to which the pressurized gas is supplied, a vacuum pump for depressurizing the inside of the container through the second flow path The inside is depressurized using the vacuum pump, and the molten metal is introduced into the container through the first flow path A vehicle having alarm means for issuing an alarm when a difference between an estimated time required to supply the molten metal and an actual measurement time required to actually supply the molten metal into the container exceeds a predetermined time; It is characterized by comprising.

[0043] According to such a configuration of the present invention, it is possible to determine the inspection timing of the sealing performance by taking into account the degree of clogging of the filter, so that the sealing performance can be checked at an appropriate timing. This improves work efficiency.

The invention's effect

[0044] According to the present invention, it is possible to appropriately determine the replacement time of the filter.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[Embodiment 1]

The molten metal supply system has a container for storing molten metal, for example, molten aluminum, and a transport vehicle as a vehicle for holding and transporting the container.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an appearance of a transport vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view thereof.

[0048] This transport vehicle 1 basically has a base part constituted by, for example, a forklift, and has a driver seat 2 provided at the center and a fork part 3 provided at the front. A clift is used as a base and a pressure increasing / decreasing unit 4 (104, 204, 304, 404) as a gas supply device is mounted thereon.

[0049] The pressurizing / depressurizing unit 4 (104, 204, 304, 404) supplies two receiver tanks 5 for storing the pressurized gas supplied to the container 100, and supplies the pressurized gas to these receiver tanks 5. An air compressor 6 for vacuuming, a vacuum pump 7 for reducing the pressure inside the container, a filter 8 and the like.

The emergency stop unit 9 is provided on the front side of one side surface of the driver seat 2. As a result, the driver who gets in the driver's seat 2 can access the emergency stop lever 10 provided in the emergency stop section 9! The pressure increasing / decreasing unit 4 and the emergency stop unit 9 are connected by a pipe 11, and the pressure increasing / decreasing unit 4 communicates with the air hose 12 through the emergency stop unit 9. The pressurizing gas supplied from the pressure-increasing / decreasing unit 9 is supplied from the piping 11, emergency stop 9 and air hoses. The air hose 12 is discharged from the tip of the air hose 12!

[0051] At the tip of the air hose 12, there is provided a joint part 14 that can be attached to and detached from a joint part 13 provided in the container 100 described later. Then, the joint part 14 at the tip of the air hose 12 is connected to the joint part 13 of the container 100, and the gas for pressurization is supplied into the container 100 from the receiver tank 5 of the pressure increasing / decreasing unit 4 via the air hose 12. Thus, the inside of the container 100 can be pressurized. Similarly, the joint part 14 at the tip of the air hose 12 is connected to the joint part 13 of the container 100, and the inside of the container 100 can be decompressed via the air hose 12 by the vacuum pump 7 of the pressure-increasing / decompressing unit 4. .

The fork unit 3 includes a fork 15 that can be attached to and detached from a pair of channel members 71 provided on the bottom rear surface of the container 100, and a lifting mechanism 16 that lifts and lowers the fork 15. A pressure sensor 153 is disposed on the surface of the fork 15. The pressure sensor 153 emits a signal when the container 100 is filled with molten metal.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a configuration of the pressure-increasing / decreasing unit 4 in the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pressure-increasing / decreasing unit 4 includes a generator 18 driven by the engine 17 and a generator 18 at least during traveling of the transport vehicle 1 by the traveling engine 17 or idling. And an air compressor 6 driven by the electric power generated by The air compressor 6 is driven by a battery when the transport vehicle 1 is operated by a battery and a motor. In this case, the air compressor can be driven independently of the travel and idling of the transport vehicle 1.

[0055] The pressurizing gas compressed by the air compressor 6 is stored in the receiver tank 5. In other words, the compressed gas is accumulated in the receiver tank 5 from the air compressor 6 while the transport vehicle 1 is traveling or idling. Therefore, the receiver tank 5 serves as a buffer between the air compressor 6 and the container 100. Therefore, when the molten metal is supplied from the container 100 to the outside, the inside of the container 100 can be pressurized with a stable pressure. Further, the gas can be charged to the receiver tank 5 at all times, and the supply of molten metal to the outside can be performed flexibly at any time and anywhere.

[0056] According to the knowledge of the present inventors, it is very possible to pressurize the container 100 in a stable manner. is important. This is because if the pressure in the container 100 is unstable when the inside of the container 100 is pressurized, the molten metal containing the tip force gas of the container 100 can be spouted unexpectedly.

[0057] On the pipe 19 between the compressor 6 and the receiver tank 5, a first check valve 20, a line filter 8a, an air dryer 8b, and a second check valve 21 are provided in this order from the compressor 6 side. . Both the first check valve 20 and the second check valve 21 are for preventing the backflow of gas from the receiver tank 5 side force to the compressor 6 side. The first check valve 20 prevents, for example, the backflow of gas from the line filter 8a and the air dryer 8b side to the compressor 6 when the compressor 6 is stopped, and is provided in the immediate vicinity of the line filter 8a. Is preferred. As a result, the clogging of the pipe 19a between the compressor 6 and the line filter 8a can be more effectively prevented.

The line filter 8a is a filter that removes water droplets and oil from the gas sent from the compressor 6 to the receiver tank 5. The air dryer 8b is a filter that dries the gas sent from the compressor 6 to the receiver tank 5.

[0059] The second check valve 21 prevents the backflow of gas from the receiver tank 5 to the compressor 6. A pressure switch 22 is connected to the pipe 19b between the receiver tank 5 and the second check valve 21.

[0060] The pressure switch 22 includes a pressure sensor 23 and a CPU 24. The pressure sensor 23 detects the pressure in the receiver tank 5 and controls on / off of the compressor 6 based on the detection result. For example, the compressor 6 is turned on when the pressure in the receiver tank 5 falls below a predetermined value, and conversely, the compressor 6 is turned off when the pressure in the receiver tank 5 rises above a predetermined value.

[0061] A pipe 19c for opening to the atmosphere is connected to the pipe 19a between the compressor 6 and the first check valve 20. One end of the pipe 19c is opened to the atmosphere via a leak valve 25. The leak valve 25 is controlled to be opened and closed by the CPU 24 in the pressure switch 22.

[0062] Prior to turning on the compressor 6 when the pressure in the receiver tank 5 becomes a predetermined value or less, the CPU 24 opens the leak valve 5 in the closed state. As a result, the inside of the pipe 19a between the compressor 6 and the first check valve 20 returns to atmospheric pressure. After that, CPU24 Then, the compressor 6 is turned on, and the leak valve 25 that is open after a predetermined time has passed is closed. Thus, by returning the inside of the pipe 19a to the atmospheric pressure, the compressor 6 can be started up with smaller power, and the compressor 6 can be downsized.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the pipe diameter on the upstream side of the receiver tank 5 is, for example, about 2Z3 smaller than the pipe on the downstream side of the receiver tank 5 (the side closer to the container 100). This is because a large amount of gas is pumped from the receiver tank 5 to the container 100 once, whereas gas is gradually sent from the compressor 6 to the receiver tank 5.

[0064] In this embodiment, the line filter 8a and the air dryer 9b are provided on the upstream side of the receiver tank 5 that is not on the downstream side of the receiver tank 5, that is, on the pipe 19 between the receiver tank 5 and the compressor 6. In other words, the line filter 8a and the air dryer 8b can be reduced in size by providing a smaller gas flow rate per unit time on the narrow side of the pipe.

[0065] The receiver tank 5 is connected to a pressurized gas pipe 26, and this pressurized gas pipe 26 is connected to, for example, a switching valve 27 having a three-way valve force. Similarly, the vacuum pump 7 is connected to the vacuum pipe 28, and the vacuum pipe 28 is connected to the switching valve 27. The switching valve 27 switches the connection between the air hose 12 side and the pressurized gas pipe 26 and the connection between the air hose 12 side and the vacuum pipe 28. The switching valve 27 is connected to one end of the air hose 12 via a pressure gauge 29, a relief valve 30, a leak valve 31, an emergency stop 9 and a filter 51. A filter 51 is inserted in the second flow path 36 from the switching valve 27 to the container 100.

[0066] To the pressurized gas pipe 26, a receiver tank 5 side (upstream side) force control valve 32 and a leak valve 33 are connected. A control valve 34 and a leak valve 35 are connected to the vacuum pipe 28 from the vacuum pump 7 side (downstream side).

[0067] Each control valve 32, 34 adjusts the pressure in the pressurized gas pipe 26 and the vacuum pipe 28, and also communicates and shuts off the respective pipes (ON Z OFF). It is.

[0068] The filter 51 is made of oil, aluminum powder, aluminum pieces or the like sent from the container 100 side. This prevents dust and the like from flowing into the valves and emergency stop 9 on the transporting vehicle side and becoming clogged and not working. Although it is conceivable to provide a powerful filter 51 on the container 100 side, it is necessary to provide a filter for each container 100. In the present invention, by providing such a filter 51 on the transport vehicle 1 side, the number of required filters can be reduced.

[0069] According to the knowledge of the present inventors, the amount of dust and the like from the container side to the receiver 5 side is much larger than the amount of dust and the like to the receiver tank 5 side force container side. Yes. In the present embodiment, the relief valve 30 and other valves are clogged by dust or the like that also sends the side force of the container 100 by providing such a filter 51 on the downstream side of the valves and the emergency stop portion 9 in particular. Can be prevented. However, the filter 51 may be disposed upstream of the filter 51 or may be provided at a plurality of locations. For example, the filter 51 may be provided between the switching valve 27 and the relief valve 30, or the filter 51 may be provided between the switching valve 27 and the leak valve 33.

[0070] These pressure control valves and valve systems are electronically controlled by an electric control panel (not shown). By operating the hand control panel (not shown), the inside and outside of the container 100 are connected. Now you can adjust the pressure difference between!

[0071] The emergency stop unit 9 is used when, for example, an attempt is made to stop pressurization of the container in an emergency such as when the molten metal receiving side is likely to overflow.

[0072] The molten metal in the container 100 is supplied to the outside by supplying the pressurizing gas into the container 100 via the air hose 12 in the receiver tank 5 of the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 4 as well. After the supply of molten metal is stopped, the leak valve 33 is opened to release the pressurized atmosphere in the container 100 to the atmosphere.

[0073] The pressure increasing / decreasing unit 4 includes a measuring device 83 that measures the time required to open the atmosphere, an alarm 82 that issues an alarm when the time required to open the air is longer than a predetermined time, And a control unit 81 for controlling the operation of the alarm device 82 based on the value input from the device 83.

Hereinafter, the control unit 81, the measuring device 83 as the measuring means, and the alarm device 82 as the warning means will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pressure in the container 100 when the atmosphere is open and the time. Figure 5 shows the operation of measuring instrument 83, control unit 81, and alarm device 82. It is a figure for demonstrating.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 4, the time required for the pressure in the container 100 to return to atmospheric pressure, that is, the time required to open the atmosphere is t. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the measuring device 83 has an opening start time when the leak valve 33 is opened, that is, an opening time to the atmosphere and a pressure in the container 100 measured by the pressure gauge 29 becomes zero. Time, that is, the air release end time is entered. Then, the measuring device 83 measures the time t required for opening to the atmosphere from the opening start time and the opening time to the atmosphere. The time t measured by the measuring device 83 is input to the control unit 81, and the alarm unit 82 is controlled by the control unit 81 to issue an alarm when t is 7 seconds or longer. Normally, in normal conditions, release to the atmosphere is completed in about 3 seconds. However, when the filter 51 is clogged, the time t required to release air becomes longer, and the working efficiency is deteriorated. In this embodiment, when the air release time t is more than 7 seconds, the alarm device 82 emits an alarm sound as an alarm to notify the operator that the filter 51 is clogged and it is time to replace it. It is controlled. The filter 51 is exchanged by the operator in response to the alarm sound from the alarm device 82. Here, the alarm device 82 that emits an audible alarm sound is used as an alarm means, but the filter replacement time is determined by, for example, lighting of an alarm lamp that can be used with a visually recognized alarm lamp. It's okay. Moreover, these alarm sounds and alarm lamps may be used in combination. As described above, when the time required for opening to the atmosphere becomes longer than a predetermined time, by providing an alarm means for notifying it, it is possible to determine the replacement time of the filter with good timing, and the work efficiency is improved.

Next, an example of a container placed on the forklift described above will be described.

FIG. 6 is a plan view showing an example of such a container, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG.

In the molten metal supply container 100, a large lid 152 is disposed in an upper opening 151 of a bottomed and cylindrical main body 150. Flanges 153 and 154 are provided on the outer periphery of the main body 150 and the large lid 152, respectively. The main body 150 and the large lid 152 are fixed by tightening the bolts 155 between the flanges. The main body 150 and the large lid 152 are made of metal (for example, iron) on the outside (frame), for example. The inside of the frame is made of refractory material, and a heat insulating material is inserted between the outer metal and the refractory material. [0078] At one location on the outer periphery of the main body 150, there is provided a pipe attachment portion 58 provided with a flow path 157 in which the internal force of the main body 150 communicates with the pipe 144.

[0079] The flow path 157 serving as the first flow path in the pipe mounting portion 158 is provided at the upper portion 15 7b of the outer periphery of the main body 150 through the opening 157a provided in the inner periphery of the main body 150 at a position close to the container main body bottom 150a. Extending towards A pipe 144 is fixed so as to communicate with the flow path 157 of the pipe mounting portion 158. The pipe 144 has, for example, a Γ shape. The frame of the pipe 144 is made of metal such as iron, and a lining is formed inside it. This lining consists of a refractory material. The inner side of the lining is formed as a molten metal first flow path 172. Examples of the refractory material include a dense refractory ceramic material.

[0080] A heat insulating member 156a is disposed around the pipe 144 in the vicinity of the pipe attachment portion 158 so as to surround the pipe 144. As a result, it is possible to suppress as much as possible that the pipe 144 side takes heat from the flow path 157 side and the temperature drop of the flow path 157 occurs. In particular, around the pipe 144 in the vicinity of the pipe mounting portion 158, the molten metal easily cools and the force is at a position where the liquid level just fluctuates when the container is conveyed. Therefore, by surrounding the pipe 144 in the vicinity of the pipe attachment portion 158 with the heat retaining member 156a in this way, it is possible to prevent the molten metal from solidifying at this position.

[0081] The effective inner diameter of the flow path 157 and the subsequent pipe 144 is almost equal to 65 mn! About 85 mm is preferable. Conventional force The inner diameter of this type of pipe was about 50 mm. If this is more than that, it is thought that a large pressure is required when the inside of the container is pressurized and the piping force molten metal is derived. On the other hand, the present inventors preferably set the inner diameter of the flow path 157 and the subsequent pipe 144 to be about 65 mm to 85 mm, more preferably about 70 mm to 80 mm, and more preferably about 50 mm. It was found that 157 was 70 mm, and the inner diameter of piping 144 was 80 mm.

That is, when the molten metal flows upward in the flow path 157 and the pipe 144, the weight of the molten metal itself existing in the flow path 157 and the pipe 144 and the viscosity resistance of the inner wall of the flow path and the pipe are two. It is thought that the parameter has a great influence on the resistance that hinders the flow of molten metal. Here, when the inner diameter is smaller than 65 mm, the molten metal flowing through the flow path 157 is At any position, it is affected by both the weight of the molten metal itself and the viscous resistance of the inner wall. However, the inventors have found that when the inner diameter is 65 mm or more, a region almost not affected by the viscous resistance of the inner wall starts to occur from around the center of the flow, and the region gradually increases. The effect of this region starts to decrease the resistance that hinders the flow of very large molten metal. When deriving the molten metal's internal force, it is sufficient to press the inside of the container with a very small pressure. In other words, in the past, the influence of such a region was not taken into account at all, and only the weight of the molten metal itself was considered as a resistance fluctuation factor that hinders the flow of the molten metal, for reasons such as workability and maintainability. The inner diameter was about 50 mm. On the other hand, if the inner diameter exceeds about 85 mm, the weight of the molten metal itself becomes very dominant as a resistance that hinders the flow of the molten metal, and the pressure required to supply the molten metal becomes high. According to the results of implementation by the present inventors, an inner diameter of about 65 mm to about 80 mm is most preferable from the viewpoint of standardization and workability when the pressure in the container is pressurized with a very small pressure. In other words, pipe diameters are standardized in units of 50 mm, 60 mm, 70 mm, and 10 mm. The smaller the pipe diameter, the easier the handling and the better workability.

[0083] An opening 160 is provided at substantially the center of the large lid 152, and a hatch 162 to which a handle 160 is attached is disposed in the opening 160. The screw 162 is provided at a position slightly higher than the upper surface of the large lid 152. The hatch 162 is attached to the large lid 152 via a hinge 163 at one place on the outer periphery. Thereby, the hatch 162 can be opened and closed with respect to the opening 60 of the large lid 152. Also, bolts 164 with handles for fixing the hatch 162 to the large lid 152 are attached at two locations on the outer periphery of the hatch 162 so as to face the position where the hinge 163 is attached. By closing the opening 160 of the large lid 152 with the hatch 162 and rotating the bolt 164 with the handle, the hatch 162 is fixed to the large lid 152. The hatch 162 can be opened from the opening 160 of the large lid 152 by reversely rotating the bolt 164 with the handle to release the fastening. In the state where the hatch 162 is opened, the maintenance of the inside of the container 100 is inserted through the opening 160 to insert the gas burner during preheating.

[0084] First and third through holes 165a to 165c penetrating the inside and outside of the container 100 are provided at positions where the central force of the nose 162 is also a predetermined distance away. First through hole 165a is pipe 144 The second through hole 165b and the third through hole 165c are provided on the side opposite to the first through hole 165a. As a result, the distance between the first through hole 165a, the second through hole 165b, and the third through hole 165c is longer than the distance between the second through hole 165b and the third through hole 165c. Has been.

[0085] Each through hole 165a to 165c is threaded. Plugs 168a and 168b constituting one of the force bras are attached to the first and second through holes 165a and 165b. A first socket 170a through which the first electrode rod 169a is passed is attached to the first through hole 165a. A second socket 170b through which the second electrode rod 169b is passed is attached to the second through hole 165b. Each plug and socket make up a power bra.

[0086] The third through-hole 165c is used for internal pressure adjustment for reducing the pressure in the container 100 and pressurizing. The third through hole 165c is connected with a pressure / pressure reducing pipe 66 as shown in FIG. The pipe 66 extends upward from the third through hole 165c, bends at a predetermined height, and extends horizontally therefrom. A thread is formed on the surface of the insertion portion of the pipe 66 into the through hole 165c, and a thread is also formed on the through hole 165c. As a result, the pipe 66 is fixed to the through hole 165c by screwing!

[0087] A flexible air hose 12 for pressurization or decompression can be connected to one side of the pipe 66 by a force bra structure. Then, it is possible to flow molten aluminum into the container 100 through the pipe 144 and the flow path 157 by utilizing the pressure difference due to the reduced pressure. Also, molten aluminum can flow out of the container 100 through the flow path 157 and the pipe 144 by utilizing the pressure difference by pressurization.

In the present embodiment, a through-hole 165c for increasing / decreasing pressure is provided in the hatch 162 disposed almost at the center of the large lid 152! /. On the other hand, since the pipe 66 extends in the horizontal direction! /, The work of connecting the air hose 12 for pressurization or decompression to the pipe 66 can be performed safely and easily. Further, by extending the pipe 66 in this way, the pipe 66 can be rotated with a small force with respect to the through hole 165. Therefore, it is possible to fix and remove the pipe 66 screwed to the through hole 165c with a very small force without using, for example, a tool.

[0089] On the bottom rear surface of the main body 150, for example, a cross-sectional mouth shape into which a fork of a forklift is inserted Two channel members 171 as leg portions having a predetermined length are arranged in parallel, for example.

[0090] The bottom 150a inside the main body 150 is entirely inclined so that the flow path 157 side is lowered. As a result, when molten aluminum is led out to the outside through the flow path 157 and the pipe 144 by pressurization, so-called remaining hot water is reduced. In addition, for example, when the molten aluminum is led out through the flow path 157 and the piping 144 by tilting the container 100 during maintenance, the angle at which the container 100 is tilted can be made smaller, and the safety and workability are excellent. Become. However, it is possible to reverse such a slope. Thereby, clogging of the opening 157a can be prevented.

[0091] (Embodiment 2)

In the first embodiment described above, the filter replacement time is determined from the time required for opening the atmosphere. For example, the time required for the previous opening to the atmosphere is compared with the time required for opening the atmosphere. Even when the difference is large, the alarm may be activated to replace the filter. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIG. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the measurement unit 183 as a measurement unit, the control unit 181 and the alarm device 182 as an alarm unit in the present embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the vehicle 101 has a pressure increasing / decreasing unit 104.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 3, the pressurization / decompression unit 104 includes a measuring instrument 183 that measures the time required to open the atmosphere, an alarm 182 and the opening time of the atmosphere input from the measuring instrument 183 and the previous opening of the atmosphere. And a control unit 181 that controls the alarm device 182 to operate when the difference is longer than a predetermined time.

As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 181 has a memory 181a. The measuring instrument 183 receives the opening start time when the leak valve 33 is opened, that is, the opening time of the atmosphere and the time when the value measured by the pressure gauge 29 is 0, that is, the opening time of the atmosphere. Then, the measuring instrument 183 measures the time t required to release the atmosphere at the n-th time from the opening time of opening to the atmosphere and the ending time of opening to the atmosphere, and inputs and stores the time t in the memory 181a of the control unit 181. Similarly, when measuring instrument 183 needs to open the atmosphere for the next n + 1 time The interval t is measured and input to the control unit 181. Then, in the control unit 181, the difference between t and t n + 1 n + 1 n is, for example, 3 seconds or more, or the value of t is 7 seconds or more.

In such a case, the alarm device 182 is controlled to emit an alarm sound so as to notify the operator that the filter 51 is clogged and it is time to replace the filter 51. The replacement time of the filter 51 can be determined from the alarm sound from the alarm device 182. Here, the alarm sound of alarm 182 that operates when the difference in t tt is 3 seconds or more is different from the alarm sound of alarm 182 that operates when the value of t n + 1 nn is 7 seconds or more. You can let

+ 1

Yes. As a result, alarm n + 1 n of alarm 182 that operates when the difference between t and t is 3 seconds or more

From the sound, it can be assumed that there may be a cause of clogging of the filter 51 in addition to the cause of clogging as expected due to normal mere use. On the other hand, the value of t is 7 seconds or more n + 1

According to the alarm sound of the alarm 182 that operates when it is above, contamination due to dust such as oil, aluminum powder, aluminum pieces, etc. as expected due to normal mere use is the cause of clogging of the filter 51. Can be assumed. In this embodiment, t

The default value of 0 was 3 seconds. As described above, a function for judging the replacement time of the filter 51 based on the difference between the previous time required for air release and the current time required for air release may be provided, and the work efficiency is further improved.

[0095] (Embodiment 3)

Next, as Embodiment 3, a case where molten metal is supplied into the container 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 9 to 11. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of the pressure-increasing / decreasing unit 204. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pressure in the container 100 and the time when the molten metal is supplied. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the measuring instrument 283, the control unit 281, and the alarm unit 282. In addition, about the structure similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted. In the present embodiment, from the time required for supplying the molten metal into the container 100, it is possible to appropriately determine the time for checking the sealability of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump 7.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 201 has a pressure increasing / decreasing unit 204. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 153 emits a signal to the measuring instrument 283 described later when the container 100 is filled with molten metal. [0097] The molten metal is supplied into the container 100 through the piping 144 serving as the first flow path after the inside of the container 100 is depressurized by the vacuum pump 7 via the air hose 12.

As shown in FIG. 9, the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 204 includes a measuring instrument 283 as a measuring means for measuring the time required to supply the molten metal into the container 100, and the time is longer than a predetermined time. It has an alarm device 282 that issues an alarm when it is activated, and a control unit 281 that controls the operation of the alarm device 282. As shown in FIG. 10, in this embodiment, the time required for the molten metal amount in the container 100 to become full from 0, that is, the time required for supplying molten metal is t. When the molten metal is full in the container 100, a signal is input from the pressure sensor 135 to the measuring device 283.

[0099] As shown in Figs. 9 and 11, in the measuring instrument 283, the operation start time of the vacuum pump 7, that is, the molten metal supply start time, and the time when the signal is input from the pressure sensor 135, that is, The molten metal supply time t is measured according to the end time of the supply of metal for Chiyoyu. The time t measured by the measuring device 283 is input to the control unit 281, and the alarm unit 282 is controlled by the control unit 281 so as to issue an alarm when t is 120 seconds or longer. Normally, the molten metal supply is completed in about 60 seconds under normal conditions. However, if the sealing performance of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump 7 is poor, the time t required to supply the molten metal becomes long, and the working efficiency deteriorates. In the present embodiment, when this molten metal supply time t is more than 120 seconds, an alarm 282 is provided to inform the operator that the sealing performance of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump 7 should be checked. Is controlled to emit an alarm sound. Then, in response to the alarm sound from the alarm device 282 being emitted, the operator checks the sealing performance of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump 7. As described above, when the time required for supplying the molten metal reaches a predetermined time, in this embodiment, 120 seconds or more, an alarm means for notifying the fact can be provided so that the inspection can be performed with good timing. Efficiency is improved. Even when the molten metal is supplied in this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the sealing performance is checked based on the difference between the previous time required for supplying molten metal and the current time required for supplying molten metal. You may give the function to judge time. In this case, the alarm sound of alarm device 282 may be different.

[0100] (Embodiment 4) In the first and second embodiments described above, the replacement time of the filter 51 has been described, and in the third embodiment, the check time of the sealing performance of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump 7 has been described. In contrast, in the present embodiment, it is possible to determine both the replacement time of the filter 51 and the inspection time of the sealing performance of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump 7. This will be described below with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of the pressure-increasing / depressurizing unit 3 04. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the structure similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the vehicle 301 has a pressure increasing / decreasing unit 304.

[0102] As shown in FIG. 12, the pressure increasing / decreasing unit 304 includes a first measuring unit 83 (183), a first control unit 81 (181), a first alarm device 82 (182), a second measuring unit 283, A second control unit 281 and a second alarm device 282 are provided. First measurement unit 83 (183), first control unit 81 (181), first alarm device 82 (182), second measurement unit 283, second control unit 281 and second alarm device 282 are all first. Since the same operation as the measurement unit, the control unit, and the alarm device described in the embodiment, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment is performed, the description is omitted here. In addition, unlike the alarm issued by the first alarm device 82 (182) and the alarm issued by the second alarm device 282, it is possible to clarify whether the filter 51 should be replaced or the sealing property should be checked.

[0103] (Embodiment 5)

Similarly to the fourth embodiment, this embodiment can determine both the replacement time of the filter 51 and the check time of the sealing performance of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump 7. In this embodiment, the filter clogging state is estimated from the time required for opening to the atmosphere, and the time required for supplying molten metal is estimated by taking this into account, and the difference between the estimated value and the actual measurement value. The time for checking the sealability of the vacuum space formed by the above is determined.

Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 13 and FIG. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of the pressure-increasing / decreasing unit 404. FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the measuring instrument 383, the control unit 381, and the alarm unit 382. In addition, about the structure similar to the above-mentioned embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle 401 includes a pressure increasing / decreasing unit 404. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 153 will be described later when the inside of the container 100 is filled with molten metal. A signal is sent to the measuring instrument 383.

[0106] The molten metal is supplied into the container 100 through the pipe 144 after the inside of the container 100 is depressurized by the vacuum pump 7 through the air hose 12.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 13, the pressurizing / depressurizing unit 404 has an air release time t required for air release.

a and measurement as a measuring means to measure the time t required to supply molten metal into the container 100

b

When the air release time t is longer than the predetermined time and the air release time t

a

The alarm 382 that issues an alarm when the difference abb between the estimated molten metal supply time T calculated and the molten metal supply actual measurement time t is longer than the predetermined time, and the operation of the alarm 382 A control unit 381 for controlling is provided. Note that the second flow path 36 is used for both when opening to the atmosphere and when supplying molten metal. That is, the filter 51 inserted in the second flow path 36 is used both when the atmosphere is released and when the molten metal is supplied. Therefore, the delay of the molten metal supply time affects not only the sealing performance of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump 7 but also the clogging of the filter 51.

As shown in FIG. 14, the measuring instrument 383 measures the opening time t required for opening the atmosphere from the opening time of the leak valve 33 and the time when the value measured by the pressure gauge 29 is 0. Is

a

The measured value is input to the control unit 381. And the measured atmospheric release time t and

a Measured and the degree of clogging of the filter 51 is estimated by the control unit 381 from the difference from the open time when a new filter 51 is used. In consideration of the degree of clogging of the filter 51, the estimated time required for molten metal supply (the estimated molten metal supply time) T is limited.

b Calculated in part 381. Further, the measuring instrument 383 actually requires the molten metal supply from the operation start time of the vacuum pump 7, that is, the molten metal supply start time, and the time when the signal is input from the pressure sensor 135, that is, the molten metal end time. Time (melted metal supply actual measurement time) t is calculated. The molten metal supply measurement time t is input to the control unit 381.

b b

The And in this embodiment, molten metal supply measurement time t and molten metal supply estimation

b

When the difference from time T is 60 seconds or more, vacuum space formed by vacuum pump 7 b

The alarm unit 382 is controlled by the control unit 381 so that an alarm sound is emitted from the alarm unit 382 in order to inform the operator that the sealability check should be performed. Then, when the alarm sound from the alarm device 382 is emitted, the operator uses the vacuum pump 7 to Thus, the sealing property of the vacuum space formed is checked. Similarly to Embodiment 1, when the air release time t is longer than 7 seconds, the filter 51 is clogged and the replacement time

a

In order to inform the operator that the alarm is occurring, the control unit 381 controls the alarm unit 382 to generate an alarm sound. Then, when the alarm sound from the alarm device 382 is emitted, the operator replaces the filter 51. Here, when the difference between the measured molten metal supply time t and the estimated molten metal supply time T is 60 seconds or more,

b b

The alarm sound generated by alarm 382 differs depending on when the opening time t is longer than 7 seconds.

a

It is As a result, it is possible to easily determine the power to replace the filter 51 or to check the sealing performance. In the present embodiment, the determination of the replacement time of the filter 51 is performed using the same configuration as that of the first embodiment, but may be performed using the configuration shown in the second embodiment.

In this way, by estimating the degree of clogging of the filter 51 from the open time to the atmosphere and calculating the estimated molten metal supply time taking this into account, a delay in the molten metal supply time is formed by the vacuum pump 7. It can be determined almost clearly whether it is caused by the sealing performance of the vacuum space to be produced or by the clogging of the filter 51. Therefore, it is possible to more appropriately determine the inspection timing of the sealing performance of the vacuum space formed by the vacuum pump 7, and work efficiency is improved. In addition, it is possible to appropriately determine the replacement time of the filter 51.

(Whole metal supply system)

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a metal supply system according to the present invention.

[0110] As shown in the figure, the first factory 310 and the second factory 320 are provided, for example, in places separated by a public road 330.

[0111] The first factory 310 has a plurality of die-cast machines 311 as use points. Each die casting machine 311 uses molten aluminum as a raw material and molds a product of a desired shape by injection molding. Examples of such products include parts related to automobile engines. Of course, the molten metal is not an aluminum alloy but may be an alloy mainly composed of other metals such as magnesium and titanium. Each die-casting machine 311 is melted before the shot A holding furnace (hand holding furnace) 312 for temporarily storing the aluminum is disposed. In this holding furnace 312, molten aluminum for a plurality of shots is stored, and for each shot, ladle 313 or! ヽ is supplied from the holding furnace 312 to the diecast machine 311 via a pipe. Injected. Each holding furnace 312 has a liquid level detection sensor (not shown) for detecting the level of molten aluminum stored in the container and a temperature sensor (not shown) for detecting the temperature of the molten aluminum. Is arranged. The detection results by these sensors are transmitted to the control panel of each die-casting machine 311 or the central control unit 316 of the first field 310.

[0112] The container 100 received in the receiving section of the first factory 310 is delivered to a predetermined die-casting machine 311 by the forklift 50 according to the present invention, and molten aluminum is supplied from the container 100 to the holding furnace 312. It is like that. The container 100 that has been supplied is returned to the receiving part by the forklift 1 again.

[0113] The first factory 310 is provided with a first furnace 319 for melting aluminum and supplying it to the container 100, and the container 10 supplied with molten aluminum by the first furnace 319 is provided. 0 is also delivered to a predetermined die casting machine 311 by a forklift 1.

[0114] The first factory 310 is provided with a display unit 315 that displays when it is necessary to add molten aluminum in each die-casting machine 311. More specifically, for example, a unique number is assigned to each die-casting machine 311, and the number is displayed on the display unit 315, and the number of the die-casting machine 311 for which additional molten aluminum needs to be added is displayed. The number on the display unit 315 corresponding to is illuminated. Based on the display on the display unit 315, the operator uses the forklift 1 to carry the container 100 to the die cast machine 311 corresponding to the number and supplies molten aluminum. The display on the display unit 315 is performed under the control of the central control unit 316 based on the detection result by the liquid level detection sensor.

[0115] The second factory 320 is provided with a second furnace 321 for melting aluminum and supplying it to the vessel 100. There are several types of containers 100 with different capacities, pipe lengths, heights and widths. For example, the capacity of the holding furnace 312 of the die-casting machine 311 in the first factory 310 There are multiple types with different capacities depending on the amount. The container 100 supplied with the molten aluminum by the second furnace 321 is placed on a transport truck 332 by a forklift. Truck 332 carries the container 100 through the public road 330 to the receiving part of the first factory 310. Also, the empty container 100 in the receiving section is returned to the second factory 320 by truck 332!

[0116] The second factory 320 is provided with a display unit 322 for displaying when it is necessary to add molten aluminum in each die-casting machine 311 in the first factory 310. The configuration of the display unit 322 is almost the same as that of the display unit 315 arranged in the first factory 310. The display on the display unit 322 is performed by the central control unit 316 in the first factory 310 being controlled via the communication line 333, for example. In addition, in the display section 322 in the second factory 320, it is determined that molten aluminum is supplied from the first furnace 319 in the first factory 310 among the die-cast machines 311 that require supply of molten aluminum. The die cast machine 311 is displayed separately from the other die cast machines 31 1. For example, the number corresponding to the die casting machine 311 determined as such is blinking. As a result, it is possible to prevent accidental supply of molten aluminum to the second factory 320 side force against the die-cast machine 311 determined to be supplied with molten aluminum from the first furnace 319. . In addition to the above, the display unit 322 also displays data transmitted from the central control unit 316.

Next, the operation of the metal supply system configured as described above will be described.

The central control unit 316 monitors the amount of molten aluminum in each holding furnace 312 via a liquid level detection sensor provided in each holding furnace 312. Here, if the need for the supply of molten aluminum at a certain holding furnace 312 occurs, the central control unit _316, the holding furnace ₃₁

2 “unique number”, “temperature data” of the holding furnace 312 detected by the temperature sensor provided in the holding furnace 312, “morphological data” regarding the form of the holding furnace 312, molten aluminum from the holding furnace 312 The final “time data”, the “traffic data” of the public road 330, the “quantity data” and “temperature data” of the molten aluminum required in its holding furnace 312 are transmitted via the communication line 333 to the second Send to factory 320 side. Second factory 320 Then, these data are displayed on the display unit 322. Based on these displayed data, the operator empirically reaches the holding furnace 312 immediately before the molten aluminum runs out of the holding furnace 312 and the molten aluminum at that time reaches the desired temperature. Determine the shipping time of container 100 from factory 320 in 2 and the temperature at which molten aluminum is shipped. Alternatively, these data are taken into, for example, a personal computer (not shown), and using predetermined software, the container 100 reaches the holding furnace 312 immediately before the molten aluminum runs out of the holding furnace 312 and the molten aluminum at that time is desired. The shipping time of the container 100 from the second factory 320 and the temperature at the time of shipping of the molten aluminum may be estimated so that the temperature and the temperature and the temperature and temperature are displayed! Alternatively, the temperature of the second furnace 321 may be automatically controlled based on the estimated temperature. The amount of molten aluminum to be contained in the container 100 can be determined based on the above “quantity data”!

[0119] When the truck 332 carrying the container 100 departs at the shipping time and arrives at the first factory 310 through the public road 330, the container 100 is received from the truck 332 into the receiving section.

Thereafter, the received container 100 is delivered to the predetermined die-cast machine 311 by the forklift 1, and molten aluminum is supplied from the container 100 to the holding furnace 312.

[0121] In the above embodiment, the forklift 1 is configured to supply molten aluminum to the holding furnace 312 while holding the container 100. As a result, the forklift 1 and the container 100 can be operated as a stand-alone type without receiving supply of air or the like in the factory. However, the present invention is not limited to such a form. For example, as shown in FIG. 16, a holding table 400 that holds the container 100 is disposed near the holding furnace 312, and the forklift 1 to the holding table 400 are arranged. In this state, the molten aluminum is supplied from the container 100 to the holding furnace 312. Then, when the container 100 held on the holding table 400 is supplied to the holding furnace 312, the forklift 1 may receive the container 100 from the holding table 400 and carry it to another holding furnace.

In the system shown in FIG. 16, the holding furnace 312 is provided with an open / close lid 401.

With the lid 401 opened, molten aluminum is supplied from the container 100 to the holding furnace 312. When not supplied, the lid 401 is closed. As a result, the oxidation of molten aluminum in the holding furnace 312 can be prevented. [0123] A monitoring operation unit 402 is provided near the holding furnace 312. In the monitoring operation unit 402, the worker 403 is working. The floor is a little higher so that the worker 403 can get inside from the upper part of the holding furnace 312 while the worker 403 stands in the monitoring operation unit 402. Therefore, the worker 403 goes up to the monitoring operation unit 402 through the stairs 404. A monitoring operation unit 402 is provided with a local operation box 405. In the local operation box 405, the air supply to the container 100 can be turned on / off. Of course, a liquid level detection sensor may be provided in the holding furnace 312 so that the air supply to the container 100 is turned on / off according to the upper limit U and the lower limit L of the liquid level.

[0124] On the holding table 400, a weighing scale 406 is arranged! The weigh scale 406 measures the weight of the container 100 held on the holding table 400. Based on the result measured by the weigh scale 406, for example, the amount of molten aluminum supplied to the holding furnace 312 is controlled. For example, when the holding furnace 312 is full, the air supply to the container 100 is stopped. Further, based on the result measured by the weighing scale 406, the empty state of the container 100 is detected. When the empty state is detected, for example, the operator 403 is notified of the empty state by lighting a lamp or the like not shown. Do.

[0125] Factory side air 407 is supplied to the container 100 held on the holding table 400. For example, the air 407 is supplied to the container 100 via the pressure gauges 408 and 409, the atmosphere release valve 410, the pressure control valve 411, the atmosphere release valve 412 and the foreign matter removal filter 413. Of course, such a system may be provided with the alarm means according to the present invention already described.

[0126] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented with various modifications, and the scope of implementation is also within the scope of the present invention.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a configuration of a transport vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of the transport vehicle shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration of a pressure-increasing / decreasing unit according to Embodiment 1 and Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pressure in the container and the time when the atmosphere is released.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the measuring instrument, control unit, and alarm device in the first embodiment. is there.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a cross-sectional view of the container shown in FIG.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining operations of a measuring instrument, a control unit, and an alarm device in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a configuration of a pressure-increasing / decreasing unit according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relationship between container weight and time when molten metal is supplied.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining operations of a measuring instrument, a control unit, and an alarm device in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a configuration of a pressure-increasing / decreasing unit according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration of a pressure-increasing / decreasing unit according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining operations of a measuring instrument, a control unit, and an alarm device in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a configuration of a molten metal supply system according to another embodiment of the present invention. Explanation of symbols

(101, 201, 301, 401) Vehicle

7 Vacuum pump

36 Second channel

81, 181, 281, 381 Control unit

82, 182, 282, 382 Alarm

83, 183, 283, 383 measuring instruments

100 containers

157 flow path

172 flow path

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A container structured to be transported from a first factory to a second factory via a public road, capable of storing molten metal, and a gas passage between the outside of the container and the inside of the container And a sealed container main body having a flow path provided from the inner bottom portion toward the pipe mounting portion on the upper surface portion and for deriving molten metal from the inside to the outside by pressurization, and the flow path in the pipe mounting portion. At least in a container comprising: a pipe extending upward from the pipe mounting portion, bent in a substantially horizontal direction at a predetermined position, directed downward at a predetermined position, and a leading-out outlet port facing downward. In a gas supply device for supplying pressurized gas,

An air hose connectable to the gas passage;

A pressurized gas supply unit for supplying pressurized gas to the container through the air hose and the gas passage;

A filter inserted between the air hose and the gas passage;

An atmosphere opening part for opening the inside of the container to the atmosphere via the gas introduction part and the air hose;

A first measuring instrument for measuring a time required for opening the inside of the container to which the pressurized gas is supplied via the gas passage and the atmosphere opening unit;

First alarm means for issuing an alarm when the time measured by the first measuring instrument exceeds a predetermined time;

A gas supply device comprising:

[2] In the gas supply device according to claim 1,

The first alarm means emits an alarm when the difference between the time measured n times by the first measuring instrument and the time measured n + 1 times exceeds a predetermined time. Supply device.

[3] In the gas supply device according to claim 2,

The first alarm means issues an alarm when the time measured by the first measuring instrument exceeds a predetermined time, and the time measured by the first measuring instrument for the nth time. And n + The gas supply device that emits a different alarm depending on when the difference between the time measured for the first time exceeds a predetermined time.

[4] In the gas supply device according to claim 1,

A vacuum pump for decompressing the inside of the container via the gas passage and the air hose;

A second measuring instrument that measures the time required to supply the molten metal into the container through the flow path by depressurizing the container using the vacuum pump;

Second alarm means for issuing an alarm when the time measured by the second measuring instrument exceeds a predetermined time;

A gas supply device comprising:

[5] In the gas supply device according to claim 4,

The second alarm means emits an alarm when the difference between the time measured n times by the second measuring instrument and the time measured n + 1 times exceeds a predetermined time. Supply device.

[6] A forklift for transporting the container, comprising the gas supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

[7] A container structured to be transported from the first factory to the second factory via a public road, capable of storing molten metal, and a gas passage between the outside of the container and the inside of the container And a sealed container main body having a flow path provided from the inner bottom portion toward the pipe mounting portion on the upper surface portion and for deriving molten metal from the inside to the outside by pressurization, and the flow path in the pipe mounting portion. At least in a container comprising: a pipe extending upward from the pipe mounting portion, bent in a substantially horizontal direction at a predetermined position, directed downward at a predetermined position, and a leading-out outlet port facing downward. As a gas supply method for supplying pressurized gas!

Supplying pressurized gas to the container through the air hose connectable to the gas passage and the gas passage;

Time required for opening the inside of the container through the gas introduction part and the air hose, and opening the inside of the container supplied with the pressurized gas through the gas passage and the air opening part. Measure

An alarm is issued when the measured time exceeds a predetermined time

Gas supply method.