BE507864A - - Google Patents

Description

       

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  IMPROVEMENTS TO PROCESSES AND FACILITIES FOR
FOUNDRY.



   The invention relates to the preparation and assembly of foundry molds and more particularly relates to a process, devices and plant for preparing and assembling molds such as those used for casting accessories such as. fittings (elbows or others) for downpipes or the like as well as other hollow or solid metal parts.



   It aims, above all, to prepare and assemble molds in a faster and more efficient manner than has been possible heretofore, to increase the yield of castings on a foundry area having a given surface area, to reduce the time and labor required to assemble the constituent parts of the molds, to eliminate the limitation on the production speed of the castings which previously was imposed by this time and this labor and to to realize a continuous cycle for the assembly of the molds and by which a high speed casting becomes possible.



   The operations for the preparation and assembly of the molds are coordinated in such a way that most of them can be carried out mechanically and in a more or less automatic manner without manual and difficult manipulations having to intervene so that special knowledge or skills on the part of the staff are not required.



   The arrangement of the installation necessary for the assembly of the molds is such that the operations necessary for this purpose can be carried out automatically and in a certain manner with a minimum of supervision on the part of the personnel.



   A more specific object of the invention is to make unnecessary the manual lifting of the heavy flanges of the mold before introducing, into the molding frame and its cap, the sand in which the model of the part.

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 this casting is formed by upsetting, forming the core (if used) and placing the latter in the pattern cavity formed in the frame, placing the cap loaded with sand on the frame thus prepared, to bring the mold thus assembled to a position for which the molten metal can be poured into this mold using a casting ladle, to split the mold into its constituent parts and then to remove the molded and solid part out of these parts and to make said parts, including the frame, the cap, the core box and the sand,

   usable for re-use for the preparation and assembly of a new mold.



   Other features and advantages will become apparent from the more detailed description given below of the process and the installation in question.



   The accompanying drawings show, by way of example, an embodiment of an installation suitable for implementing the invention.



   Figure 1 shows, in schematic plan, an installation established according to the invention, this installation comprising a central assembly machine surrounded by five stations cooperating with one another to supply this machine with frame flanges and bonnet flanges. filled with sand as well as cores of green or lean sand, this machine cuts out assembled molds ready for metal casting.



   Figure 2 shows a simplified diagram of the operations which take place at the aforementioned five stations which cooperate with the central assembly machine.



   Figure 3 shows, in perspective, a pipe elbow which can be cast in a mold assembled in the installation of figure 1, this elbow being only one of the multiple parts (solid or hollow), having the dimensions and the most diverse shapes, which can be obtained with molds assembled according to the invention;
Figure 4 shows, in perspective, the separate parts of a mold, for casting two bends similar to those of Figure 3.



   FIGS. 5 and 6 show, respectively in perspective and in vertical section according to 6-6 FIG. 5, the whole of the mold comprising the frame, the core and the cap of FIG. 4, this mold being ready for cutting. lée.



   FIG. 7 shows, in section along 7-7 in FIG. 5, the upper part of the frame and the interior of the core when the latter rests in the cavity of the mold.



   Figure 8 shows, in plan and on a larger scale, the central assembly machine of figure 1 as well as some details of the five sets of arms suitable for receiving the frame and the core box and forming part of the machine.



   Figure 9 shows, in elevation from the broken line 9-9 of Figure 8, the central turret and a set of arms in end view as well as two further sets of arms viewed from the side.



     Figure 10 shows, in cross section along Figure 8, the speed regulating mechanism for one of the arm control motors.



   Figures 11, 12 and 13 show, on an even larger scale and respectively in vertical section along 11-11 figure 8, partly in section along 12-12, figure 11 and partly in plan and in section along 13 -13 figure 11, two hydraulic motors to bring together and separate the arms of a series and to rotate the head carrying these arms, as well as the hydraulic mechanism by which the turret of the assembly machine is rotated and stopped.



   Figures 14 and 15 show, respectively in end view from 14-14 Figure 11 and in section 15-15 in Figures 11 and 15, the support of the arms and the racks by which the arms, which receive the

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 upper flange, the lower flange and the core box for each turret head, are brought together and apart, Figure 15 being a section taken through the motor driven pinion and through the racks.



   Figure 16 shows, in plan, the upper flange or cap of a typical mold which can be assembled automatically by the machine established in accordance with the invention.



   Figure 17 shows, in section on 17-17 Figure 16, the upper flange or cap of this mold.



   Figure 17a shows, similarly, the lower flange or frame of said mold, on which the cap is placed during assembly.



   Figure 18 shows, in section on 18-18 Figure 16, part of the mold cap.



   Figure 18a shows, similarly, part of the mold frame.



   Figure 19 shows, in section on 19-19 Figure 11, one of the rollers carrying the flange or main frame and the core box, these rollers forming part of each arm of the turret head.



   Figures 20 and 21 show, respectively in longitudinal section according to 20-20 Figure 11, one of the spring-mounted rollers which is housed in a corresponding notch of each flange (frame or core box) carried by the arms of the turret head, FIG. 21 also showing two sets of rollers intended to support the main frame and established respectively above and below said frame.



   Figure 22 shows, in section on 22-22 Figure 38, how the rollers mounted on springs engage in the corresponding notches of the side bars of each lower frame or of the core box which is supported by the aforementioned arms.



   FIG. 23 shows, in section along 23-23 in FIG. 11, one of the lateral guides which allow each arm, intended to receive the frame or the core box, to slide in its support which is part of the turret head.



   Figure 24 shows, viewed from below from 24-24 Figure 11, how each rotational movement of the assembly machine turret is stopped and how the reversal motion of each arm is similarly limited.



   Figures 25, 26 and 27 show, respectively in plan, in section along 26-26 in figure 25 and in section along 27-27 in figure 25, a core box which is introduced into the assembly machine at the station designated by IV survival figures 1 and 2.



   Figure 28 shows, in section along 28-28 Figure 41, how each core box carried by the arms of the assembly machine is held therein by means of rollers mounted on springs, which question above - more, these rollers engaging in corresponding notches of the side bars of the box.



   Figures 29, 30 and 31 show, respectively in section along 29-29 in Figures 8 and 11, in section along 30-30 in Figure 29 and in section on 31-31 in Figure 29, the rotary hydraulic distributor through which the five pairs of hydraulic motors are supplied with pressurized liquid, these pairs of motors being respectively attached to the five series of arms of the rotating turret which are used to maneuver the frame and the core box.



   Figures 32 and 33 show, respectively in elevation from 32-32 in Figure 8 or 11 - and in partial elevation and partial section following 33-33 in Figure 32, how the two hydraulic distributors, established near each of the five positions of the turret heads, are action-

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 born by the rotation of the turret to control the approach, the separation and the inversion of the respective arm series when they approach or move away from the places where the different stations are located:
Figures 34 and 35 show, in schematic section, the internal parts of the distributor when the spool of the latter occupies its high position or running in one direction (figure 34) or its low position or running in the opposite direction (figure 35 ).



   Figures 36a-bcde show operating diagrams to indicate how the turret arms with the constituent parts of the mold that these arms support are moved successively from station I to station IV, station V, station II and station III of the installation shown in figures 1 and 2.



   Figure 37 shows, in elevation from 37-37 in Figure 33 and in development, the complete outline of the base of the turret to show how the cams, which serve to close the arms as well as the grooves or grooves for turning arms are formed at and between the places where the five posts are found.



   Figure 38 shows, in a schematic and simplified manner and in section along 38-38 figure 1, how the device used to place the frame on the arms at station I of the installation of figure 1 works. .



   Figure 39 shows, in section on 39-39 Figure 38, how each frame filled with sand rolls on side rollers to approach the arms of the assembly machine at station I.



   Figure 40 shows, schematically, one of the three electrical switches, normally open, which form part of the device of figure 38 established at station 1.



   Figure 41 shows, in a schematic and simplified manner and in section along 41-41 Figure 1, the device for loading the core box at station IV of the assembly machine of the installation in question.



   Figure 42 shows, in section on 42-42 Figure 1, how each box carrying the core rolls on side rollers to approach the arms of the assembly machine at station IV.



   Figure 43 shows, in plan, the mechanism for unloading the arms and for returning the core bundle to station V of the installation of figure 1.



   Figure 44 shows, partly in end view and partly in elevation, the turning mechanism of Figure 43 seen from 44-44 in Figures 1 and 43.



   Figure 45 shows, in end view from 45-45 Figure 44, one of the two platforms and the turning table placed on it.



   Figure 46 shows, in elevation from 46-46 Figure 43, the speed control devices of the hydraulic motors which control the turning mechanism.



   Figure 47 shows, in section on 47-47 Figure 43, the carriage, actuated by the cylinder, and its support.



   Figure 48 shows, schematically, one of the electric switches, normally open, which form part of the reversal mechanism of Figures 43 to 45, established at station V.



   . Figure 49 shows, in a simplified schematic and cross-sectional view 49-49 of Figures 1 and 43, how the turning mechanism of Figures 43-45 works at the V-station to handle the core boxes automatically withdrawn out of the box. the assembly machine at this V.



   Figure 50 shows, in section along 50-50 Figure 49, how each empty core box, released from the arms of the machine, is engaged with its

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 side bars between the series of rollers separated from the turning table,
Figure 51 shows, in section on 51-51 of Figure 49, how each inverted core box rolls on other rollers to approach the return rail of that box as shown in Figure 1.



   Figure 52 shows, in a simplified schematic fashion and in view from 52-52 in Figure 1, the mechanism for loading the cap on the. machine arm at station II.



   Fig. 53 'shows, in section on 53-53 of Fig. 52, how the side bars of each core box pass over rollers as they approach the arms of the assembly machine at station II.



   Figure 54 shows, in a simplified schematic fashion and in view from 54-54 in Figure 1, the device established at station III for removing the fully assembled molds from the central machine.



   Figure 55 shows, in section on 55-55 Figure 54, how each of the molds thus assembled rolls on side rollers leaving the arms of the assembly machine.



   Figure 56 shows, schematically, a normally closed switch which is part of the device of Figure 54 and set at station III.



   Figure 57 shows, schematically, the five series of hydraulic motors and their control distributors which form part of the turret of the assembly machine as clearly visible in figure 8.



   Figure 58 shows, in a simplified schematic manner, the internal constitution of each of the ten hydraulic motors of Figure 57.



   Figure 59 shows, schematically, the hydraulic and electrical control circuits, used in conjunction with the devices of Figure 58 to rotate the center turret as desired and to operate the control cylinders of the carriage at each turn. five machine assembly stations.



   FIG. 60 shows, in section, the internal constitution of each of the distributors controlled by solenoids, forming part of the control device of FIG. 59.



   Figures 6a-b-c show how the central mold assembly machine can be used in other advantageous ways to perform useful functions for foundry operations.



   The installation and the various devices shown by way of example in the accompanying drawings as well as the process explained below are used for the manufacture by foundry of fittings for down pipes or others, these fittings being, for example, elbows such as elbow 10 shown in Figure 3. Such an elbow, having a diameter of 10 cm, weighs about 5.5 kg when made of cast iron. The other dimensions can be judged from the perspective of Fig. 3 by assuming that the diameter of its small opening is 10 cm. '...



   As the description of the process, plant and devices forming the object of the invention progresses, it will be appreciated that they can also be used for the casting of parts having large dimensions. characteristics (they may be solid or hollow) and shapes other than those of an elbow 10 which has been chosen only by way of example, in no way limiting or restricting. -.



   The manufacture of the castings, such as the elbow 10 of Figure 3, in ordinary stationary molds requires the preparation and assembly of the constituent parts of each mold, these parts being shown in Figure 4. They include it. lower flange or frame 12, the upper flange or cap 14, of green or lean sand 13 or the like, which is packed in the frame and in the cap so that cavities can be left therein.

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 tees 16 using the casting model, the lower half of which is shown at 12a in FIG. 38 and the upper half at 14a in FIG. 52, as well as a core 15, in green sand or other, which is fits in the mold cavity to form the interior of the hollow part 10.

   For the example shown, the model and the corresponding core 15 both have shapes such that two elbows 10 can be cast simultaneously in each mold 12-14 when the latter is assembled as shown in the figure. .5. The core 15, in green sand, is shown as comprising a frame. Or a reinforcing stirrup 21 (Figures 6 and 7).



   In Figures 5, 6 and 7 it can be seen that after assembly of the mold the core 15 rests in the cavity 16 of the frame 12, that the cap 14 has been lowered onto the frame while being held in correct alignment by lugs 17 which protrude from the upper face of the frame and which engage in corresponding lug holes 18 fixed to the ends of the cap. The two halves or flanges 12 and 14 of the mold are held together by clamps 19 which engage with tabs 20 provided on the opposite side faces of the frame and the cap.



   When the mold halves are assembled, there is a cavity 22 (Figures 6 and 7) therein into which molten metal can flow when poured through a ladle (not shown) into a casting stream 23 (Figure 7). res 4 and 5) left in the sand of the hat. The molten metal descends into the jet 23 and then flows horizontally through the passage 24 (Figures 4 and 7) drilled in the sand of the frame and then into the mold cavity 22 which communicates with this passage.



   The preparation of the constituent parts of the mold shown in figure 4 consists not only of packing sand 13 or the like in the frame 12 (shown empty in figures 16, 17 and 18) and in the cap 14 (shown empty in the figures. figures 16, 17 and 18) but also to handle a core box, the lower half of which is shown at 26 in figures 25,26 and 27 while its cooperating upper half is visible at 26a in figure 41, the box 26-26a being intended to form the core 15 of FIG. 4 and being housed in the cavity 16 of the frame 12.



   The frame 12 and the cap 14 must each be placed so that their cavity corresponding to the half of the model is at the bottom (12a in figure 38 and 14a in figure 52) when the sand is introduced therein. analogous but, when the mold is assembled, the cavity of the half of the model, made in the frame, is at the top, as shown in figures 5,6 and 7. Likewise the lower half 26 of the box. core (Figures 25 and 26) should face upward (Figure 41) while core 15 is formed therein. Therefore, it is necessary to turn this half over together with the frame in order to transfer the core from half 26 into cavity 16 of the frame (Figures 5,6 and 7) after which this half is removed from the box. the assembly formed by the frame and the core.



  The cap 14, filled with sand, must then be brought to the frame 12, carrying the core, and must be fixed to the latter to form the complete mold (figure 5) which is ready to receive the molten metal.



   It has been found that the speed with which castings can be manufactured in a given foundry is limited by the time and labor that are required to prepare the constituent parts of the mold (figure 4) constituted as indicated above and to assemble them. until the complete molds (figures 5 to 7) are formed, ready for pouring.



   These constituent parts of the mold are typically heavy and bulky and their handling is therefore difficult. Thus, the whole mold, shown in Figure 5 and suitable for casting two pieces 10 of Figure 3, weighs about 180 kg before the molten metal is poured into the mold and is therefore even heavier when it is. filled. Each hat-14 and frame 12 flask of this mold has a length of '65 cm (inside) a width of 50 cm (inside) and a height of 17.5 cm so that the height the total of the mold of FIG. 5 is 35 cm.

   Half 26 of the core box of Figures 25 to 27 has internal dimensions of 65 x 50 cm and, although it

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 has a height a little less than that of the cap and the frame, it is
 EMI7.1
 - heavy and difficult to handle.



   In the past, the various parts of the mold in question were handled and assembled by hand or with cranes or other lifting devices. This not only slows down the assembly operation but increases the expense for preparing the molds for casting. According to the invention, the preparation, handling and assembly are carried out mechanically and in a more or less automatic manner requiring minimum attention on the part of the personnel. The assembly is thus accelerated and many other advantages are obtained which will become evident in the following.



   The installation, as shown for the practice of the invention, constitutes only one of the many possible means by which the advantages, realized by the invention, can be obtained. In this installation the mechanical assembly of the parts of the mold takes place in a central machine 30 (Figures 1 and 2) comprising a turret 54 (Figures 8, 9 and 36) which can rotate about a vertical axis ( figure 11). Around this turret 54 are regularly distributed five heads with arms 60 (with a gap of 72) as visible in Figures 1 and 8.



   Each of the five heads 60 can rotate about a substantially horizontal axis (FIG. 11), this axis being radial with respect to the vertical axis of the turret (FIG. 8). Each head 60 carries arms 61 and 62 (Figures 8 to 14) intended to receive the flanges and the core box, these arms extending in a general direction which is radial with respect to the central turret 54. The arm upper 61 and lower arm 62 can be brought together and moved apart as shown in Figures 11, 14 and 15.



   The central turret 54-can turn successively by an angle equal to that (72 figure 8) which separates the heads 60 by means shown in figures 11 and 12, each series of arms 61 and 62 thus coming to occupy gradually the stop positions distributed along the circular paths of the turret outline, stopping at positions designated I to V in Figures 1 and 2.



   At the first station 1 means are used to engage in the upper arm of the two arms 61 and 62, which are stopped at this station, a frame 12 filled with sand (Figure 4) in which the cavity 16 of the model is located below as in figure 38.



   At the second station-IV to 72 of station I, the means shown in figure 41 are used to engage in the lower arm of the two arms 61 and 62, stopped at this place, one half 26 of the core box (fi - Figures 25 and 26) in which there is a finished core 25 (Figure 4) which projects upward (Figure 41) over half of the box.



   Station IV is followed by a third station V for removing the box from the core and with the central turret 54 cooperating control means (shown in figures 8, 11, 32-33, 57) which make advance each head 60 from the IV station to the V station by first bringing the two arms 61 and 62 of this head (Figure 36b) to introduce the core 15.

   in the cavity 16 of the model of the frame 12 (figure 4) after which these arms rotate about 1800 around the axis of the head (figures 11, 32-33, 57) to bring the frame 12 into bottom and core 15 on top of the frame, with half 26 of the core box lying on top of this assembly, after which the two arms 61-62 are pulled apart to lift the half 26 of the box and the casing of the frame 12 leaving the core 15 in the cavity of the latter (figure 36c).



   This station V for removing the core box has means, shown in Figures 43-47, 49-50 and 59, for disengaging half of the box, which is empty and has now been turned upside down. out of the upper arm of each turret head 60. stopped at this station (figure 36c), to turn this half 26 and interchange its two ends and to bring it back to station IV via the gravity corridor 187 of figure 1.

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   At station II of FIGS. 1 and 2, which is located 72 from station V, means are provided, shown in FIGS. 1 and 52, for inserting into the upper arm of two arms stopped at this place, a cap 14 filled with sand (figure 4) with the model cavity facing downwards (figure 52).



   Station 11 is followed by a fifth station III (Figures 1 and 2); and the central turret 54 comprises control means (Figures 8, 11, 32-33 and 57) for advancing through the turret each head 60 from station II to station III, to bring the two arms 61 and 62 of said head which brings the cap 14 closer to the frame 12 while the cavity of the model of the cap engages on the core 15 supported by the frame.



   At station III are means, shown in Figure 54, for releasing out of the two close arms 61 and 62 (Figure 36c) of each turret head 60, stopped at this location, the complete mold, formed by the frame 12, the core 15 and the cap 14 which are brought together as described.



   The central turret 54 comprises other control means (FIGS. 8, 11, 14-15, 32-33 and 57) which advance through the turret each head 60 from the station III to the station I cited first for separate the two arms 61 and 62 of this head so that the cycle of operations for assembling the mold, as described above, begins again.



   FIG. 1 shows, in plan and diagrammatically, an installation which is satisfactory from an industrial point of view for which the devices specified above are used. These devices are suitable for assembling molds, such as those of Figures 4 to) 7, for the casting of parts such as elbows 10 of Figure 3.



   At the center of the installation is established a control machine 30 which is surrounded by the five stations I to V referred to above where the functions shown schematically in FIG. 2 are performed. Around this assembly is established a main rail 32. which forms a continuous loop or closed circuit, this rail carrying a relatively large number (over 40 are shown in Figure 1) of molding carriages 33 interconnected as shown to form a continuous chain or uninterrupted train.



   During operation the carriages 33 of this train slowly advance along the track 32 in the direct direction as indicated by arrows. This advancement can be achieved in any suitable manner by a drive mechanism indicated generally at 35 in Figure 1.



  As the construction of the carriages 33 and mechanism 35 is fairly conventional they will not be described in detail. It suffices to say that each cart comprises a platform a little larger than the surface of the frame 12 and of the assembled mold 12 to 14 carried by this cart, that each platform is mounted on four wheels, two of which are shown at 34 on FIG. 54, these wheels rolling on rails' parallel to the track 32 in the usual manner, that the drive mechanism 35 is located under the track 32 and comprises means suitable for acting on the successive carriages 33, thus pushing back all train along the track at a speed which can be selected between 2.75 m and 7 m per minute, a trolley speed of 4 m per minute being typical.



   Sand or the like, designated 13 in Figures 4 to 6, to fill the frames 12 and the caps 14 and to form the cores 15 is supplied to stations I, IV and II of the plant of Figure 1 from an appliance. - reil to prepare and debit 37, using air carriers constituted as usual and not shown. Suffice it to say that they transport the green sand, prepared in the apparatus 37, from the exit of the elevator 38 to the hoppers 39, 40 and 41 established respectively at stations I, IV and II as shown in figures 38 , 41 and 52.



   The sand recovered at stations .1, IV and II is returned to the device by underground conveyors 43 (FIG. 1) formed as usual.



  Suffice it to say, that they collect not only the sand from stations I, IV and II but also that obtained by emptying the castings,

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 frames and caps at locations 45, 46 and 47. The sand thus collected is brought to an elevator 48 which raises the sand from the underground level. rain into a raised hopper (not shown.) forming part of the apparatus 37. This hopper delivers the sand in the usual way and as required so that the sand can pass through mixing and humidifying apparatus. et al, to be prepared for distribution by air carriers 38 to stations sI, IV and II.



   The machine 30 for assembling the parts of the mold, as mentioned above, is located in the center of the track 32 for the carriages of the molds, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the five stations I to V being established. between this way and this certral machine.



   In order that the frame 12, the cap 14 and the half 26 of the core box can be handled by this machine 30, each of these parts of the mold has side bars 28 (Figures 4, 5, 7,16, 17, 17a , 22,
25, 27 and 28). The attachment of these bars 28 to the metal side walls of each frame, cap or core box can be done in any suitable manner, for example by welding as shown at 28a in Figures 17, 17a, and 27. For reasons explained below, the outer face of each bar 28 comprises, near each of its ends, a notch 29 clearly visible in FIGS. 16 and 25.



   The central machine 30 of Figures 1 and 2 comprises a fixed frame
50 (figures 9, 11 and 36). This frame carries. a fixed tubular base 51, the upper end of which forms a table 52 (FIG. 11). The rotating turret 54 (Figures 8, 11 and 36) has a plate 55 fixed, at its center, to the upper end of a hollow column 56 which is housed in the base 51 and which can rotate in the base. around a vertical axis.



   The rotating turret 54 carries five heads 60 (Figures 1, 8, 9, 11, 14,, 15, 36, 38, 41, 49, 52 and 54) which are oriented radially and outward. relative to the turret (Figure 8) being spaced 72 from each other, these heads being in a horizontal plane (Figures 9 and 11).



   Each head comprises a first series of arms 61 and a second series 62 (Figures 8, 11, 14 and 15). Sometimes, as shown in Figures 9, 11, 14, and 15, each head 60 occupies a position where the series 61 is at the top and the series 62 is at the bottom. At other times (figures 36c-d-e) the head is turned so that the 62 series is on top and the 61 series is on the bottom.



   Each head 60 comprises a motor 64, which serves to bring the arms 61 and 62 together and separate them, and a motor 66 which serves to return the assembly of the head 60 and of the arms 61 and 62 which it carries upside down in moving this set of 1800. This rotation is done by housing the axis 68 of each head 60 in bearings 67 mounted on the outline 69 of the turret 55 (figure 11) and for this purpose the motor shaft 66 is connected directly to the axis
68 of the head. '
With the motor 64 of each head 60 cooperate plates 71 and
72 which respectively carry the arms 61 and 62 of the head and which are fixed to racks 71a and 72a which mesh with a pinion 73 wedged on the motor shaft 64 (figures 11, 14-15).

   The fixing of each of the racks? La and 72a to the respective plates 71 and 72 is obtained by a bolt 74, engaged in one end of the rack while its other end, which is free, slides in a guide 75 carried by the 'other plate. The mounting devices for the plates 71 and 72 are shown in Figures 15 and 23. The part 63 of the head 60 (which is located beyond the motor 64) has side bands 70 with tabs 71b and 72b behind which the plates 71 and 72 can slide freely with their racks 71a and 72a.



   The rotation of the pinion 73 of the motor in the direct direction with respect to FIG. 14 moves the arms 61 and 62 apart while the rotation of the pinion
73 in the other direction brings those arms closer.



   Each series of arms 61 and 62 of each of the five heads 60 is suitable for receiving a frame 12, a cap 14 or a half 26 of the box

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 of core in the manner shown in Figures 22 and 28. For this purpose, two parallel and spaced rows of rollers 76 are mounted on the internal face of each arm. A section made in one of these rollers is shown in Figure 19. This section shows a ball bearing 77 for the roller and a lubricator 77 'for the latter. The spacing between the parallel rows of rollers 76 is a little greater than the thickness of the side bar 28 of the frame 12 or of the core box 26 so that this bar can easily be engaged in the arms of the roller. machine, as shown in Figures 22 and 28.

   Likewise the cap 14 with side bars 28 can be engaged on these arms in a slightly different manner as explained below.



   In order to accommodate the frame or the like, the distance between the side parts of one series 61 of arms and the side parts of the other series of arms 62 is a little larger than the total width of the frame 12, cap 14 or the core box 26. This spacing can be adjusted by means of slots 78 (Figure 14) formed in the plates 71 and 72 to which the arms 61 and 62 are attached. This adjustment allows frames and the like having different dimensions to be assembled on a given machine.



   When the frame or the like is placed between the arms of the machine (figures 22 and 28) it is resiliently held by the engagement in a notch 29 of each side bar 28 of a spring roller 79 (figures 11 , 14, 15,20, 21, 22 and 28). In Figures 20, 22 and 28 it can be seen that each of these rollers 79 is biased by a compression spring 80 towards the gap existing between the adjoining bras of the series. Consequently, the two opposed rollers 79 of their own accord engage in the notches 29 of the side bars 28, retaining the frame or the like in the desired position between these arms until the moment when the frame is forcibly released. out of these arms away from the center of the assembly machine.



   FIG. 2 further shows that at each stop position of the turret 54 the five heads 60 are exactly opposite the five stations distributed around the central machine 30. As indicated above, the turret 54 of this machine rotates in such a way that the arms carried by a given head 60 can advance successively from station I to station IV, station V, station II and station III to return to station I. During this rotation, the column vertical 56 rotates in the upper and lower pads of the pedestal 51. Figure 8 shows the passages 53 through which the pads can be greased.



   The weight of the turret assembly is supported by the upper face of an outer edge 57 of the table 52 of the base (FIG. 11) and on which the lower face of the plate 55 of the rotating turret rests. To supply lubricant continuously to the mating surfaces, rollers 58 (Figures 11 and 35) are used which are clamped by springs 58a against the underside of the plate 55 and the parts of which are interlocked. females are immersed in an oil bath 59 (figure 33).



   For the machine 30, as shown, the rotation of the turret 54 is obtained by motor means constituted by a hydraulic cylinder 82 housed in the frame 50 (FIG. 11), the free end of the rod 83 of the piston ( FIG. 12) being connected to a part 84 articulated at the lower end of the vertical hollow column 56 of the turret. This part 84 carries a pawl 85 which cooperates with a ratchet wheel 86 wedged on this column (FIG. 12). This wheel has five teeth distributed at equal intervals (72) around the periphery of the wheel. The turret cylinder 82 can oscillate around pivots 87 (Figure 11) as the piston rod 83 moves the part 84 back and forth between the position shown in solid lines in Figure 12 and that shown in broken lines on this. figure.



   The pressurized liquid which acts in the control cylinder 80 is supplied thereto through the conduits 89 'and 91' (FIG. 59) below the control. command of the distributor SV1 described later. Admission of this liquid to inlet 89 of cylinder 82 forces piston 90 forward so that pawl 85 rotates ratchet wheel 86 and turret column 56,

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 which is integral with it, in the indirect direction when looking at the turret from the top, this direction being that adopted for the installation of figure 1.



  Each angular displacement is limited to 72 by a stop cylinder 92 (Figures 11 and 13) described below. When each advance of 72 is complete, the normally-spread contact closure of a first limit switch A shown in Figures 12 and 59 occurs.



   When pressurized liquid is admitted through return port 91 of cylinder 82, piston 90 returns rod 83 rearwardly into the cylinder, driving pawl 85 towards the next tooth of ratchet wheel 86. In this way the turret 54 is rotated through an additional angle of 72. The recoil of the piston rod 83, shown in solid lines in FIG. 12, is accompanied by the closing of the contacts, normally apart, of a second limit switch B (FIGS. 12 and 59). Each of the two limit switches A and B may be internally constituted as shown in Figures 40 and 48. Their function will become evident when the control device of Figure 59 is described.



   The stop cylinder 92, mentioned above, can be mounted on the fixed support 52 of the rotating turret 54 (Figures 11 and 13). A console 94 may be provided for this purpose.



   To the piston 93 of this stop cylinder 92 is connected a vertical rod 95 which can slide vertically in a guide 96 which forms an integral part of the console 94. Normally this rod 95 occupies its upper position, shown in the figures. 12 and 13, for which it is in contact with a frame 98 provided on the underside of each of the five journals 69 of the five heads 60 of the rotating turret 54.



   A lock switch P (Figures 13 and 59) closes its contacts when the turret stop rod 95 is pulled down by the cylinder and a detector switch Q (Figures 13 and 59) is also shown on the fixed support 52 of the turret 54 a little beyond the stop cylinder 92 to come into contact with the aforesaid chord 98 of the journals 69 when the latter passes the stop cylinder at the start of each advance forward. gular of the turret. This contact, as explained further below, returns the rod 95 to its high position (Figures 11 and 13).



   With the aid of the control device for the advancement of the turret and of the stop cylinders 82 and 92, which will be dealt with more explicitly in connection with figure 59, the rod 95 is lowered by the cylinder. stop 92 before advancing cylinder 82 intervenes to advance the machine turret a new angle of 72. As soon as the angular movement of the turret has started, pressurized liquid is admitted under the control of the aforesaid switch, into the stop orifice 99 of the cylinder 92, which returns the stop rod 95 in its high position (figures 12 and 13). The pressurized liquid, which acts in the stop cylinder 92, is admitted therein through the conduits 97 'and 99' of FIG. 59 under the control of a hydraulic distributor SV6 described below.



   It can be seen in FIGS. 8 and 11 that the turret 54 comprises five groups of motors 64 and 66. The motor 64 of each group brings the arms 61 and 62 closer or apart from the corresponding head 60. It can therefore be referred to as the d motor. 'spacing. The second motor 66 of each group is used to turn the arms 61 and 62 as well as the head 60 which supports them and it can therefore be called a turning motor.



   Each of the five spreading motors 64 and each of the five turning motors 66 may advantageously be hydraulic, as recognized herein. The essential parts of such a hydraulic motor are shown schematically in figure 58 and the conduits and distributors by means of which these ten motors 64 and 66 are supplied with pressurized liquid are shown schematically in figure 57.



   Figures 8 and 11 show that these ten motors have all the same dimensions and that their general construction is the same as shown in figure 58 which is a section on 58-58 of figures 11 and 57. It is seen in

  <Desc / Clms Page number 12>

 FIG. 58 that each hydraulic motor in question comprises a casing or cylindrical body 102 'in which an axial shaft 103 is housed. A vane 104, mounted on this shaft, can rotate in this casing at an angle which is not occupied by a partition 105 fixed inside said body 102. In this way, the shaft 103 of each motor can rotate in one direction or in; the other at an angle net.tement greater than 1800.



   A first orifice 106 allows an admission of liquid into the cylinder 102 through which the fin 104 and the shaft 103 are driven in one direction.



  A second orifice 107 established on the other side of the partition 105 allows liquid to be admitted into the cylinder 102 through which the fin and the shaft are driven in the other direction. This liquid may consist of pressurized oil supplied by suitable conduits, shown in figure 57. The pressure ,. acting on the liquid, is supplied by a pump or a compressor 108 and this pressure, which is quite high, is of the order of approximately 35 kg / cm 3. The oil or any other suitable liquid passes, while being subjected to this pressure, a main supply duct 109 leading to a central connection 110 (Figures 11 and 57), the mechanical details of which, shown in Figures 29, are shown. 30, 31 are described below.



   From the central fitting 110, mounted on the turret, start pressure tubes 109a (figures 29,30, 34, 35 and 57) which each end in a pair of distributors 112 and 113 (figures 32 and 33) which are also visible on the diagram of figure 57. Each distributor is constituted as shown in figures 34 and 35 to transmit the pressurized liquid from the tube 109a to one or the other of the inlet ports 106 and 107 of the hydraulic motor 64 or 66 ordered by this distributor.

   It is better understood how this supply takes place by assuming that the hydraulic motor of figure 58 has its orifices 106-107 connected directly to outlets, designated by the same references, of the distributor shown schematically in figures 34 and 35, in which the drawer 114 of this dispenser occupies two different characteristic positions.



   When the spool 114 of the distributor 112 or 113 is in its upper position (figure 34), pressurized liquid, supplied by the supply tube 109a, enters the forward port 106 of the controlled hydraulic motor. to rotate the fin 104 and the shaft 103 in the indirect direction with respect to figure 58.

   This debt way the liquid, which is on the other side of the fin 104 (to the left of figure 58), is forced out of the crankcase through the reverse port 107 into the exhaust tube 115a which leaves from the distributor (figure 34) to the central hydraulic connection 110 of the turret, as shown in figure 57. This figure shows the connection of the five tubes 115a, via the connection 110 with the main exhaust duct 115 which ends in the reserve well of the pump or of the oil compressor 108. In this way, a circuit is formed for each hydraulic motor 64 or 66 of the turret, for the pressurized liquid, by which the pump is operated. motor in reverse.



   The reverse operation of the motor 64 and 66 is obtained by moving the spool 114 of the distributor 112 or 113 downwards (FIG. 35). The pressurized liquid, supplied by the supply tube 109a, passes through the distributor and escapes through its lower outlet towards the orifice 107 for the reverse gear of the engine 64 or 66. Under these conditions the fin 104 and shaft 103 (figure 58) rotate in the forward direction, forcing the liquid which is on the other side of the fin (on the right of figure 58) out of cylinder 102 for port 106 and from there into the exhaust pipe 115a as shown in figure 35.

   As above, the pressurized liquid reaches the distributor and the motor through the central connection 110 of the turret and returns to the hydraulic pump 108 through the same distributor and through the main exhaust line 115.



   An advantageous embodiment of the hydraulic connector 110 is shown in Figures 29 to 31. Figure II shows that this connector 110 is mounted on the upper part of the hollow column 56 of the turret by a bracket 118 (Figure 2ç) above the opening in the horizontal plate

  <Desc / Clms Page number 13>

 
55 of the turret. The feed duct 109 (Figure 57) rises from the machine frame through the hollow column 56 to the base 124 of the connector (Figures 11 and 29). The exhaust duct 115 (FIG. 57) opens out laterally into the base 124 of the connector as can be seen in these same FIGS. 11 and 29.



     - The duct 109 opens into a tubing 119 (figures 29 to 31) which is located in its extension and the upper end of this tube communicates with an annular gap 120 (figures 29 and 30) from which the five branches start. 109a of figure 57. These branches (not shown in figure
11) lead to the five groups of distributors 112-113, one group of which is shown in figures 32-33. These five groups are shown in figure 8 as being mounted in suitable notches made in a cast part 117 which surrounds the turret.



   The exhaust tubes 115a (figure 57) extend from the five groups of distributors 112-113 to a lower part of the body 121 of the connector 110 in which five holes (figure 31) are formed which open into an exhaust chamber. annular 122 (FIG. 29) which communicates with an annular gap 123 surrounding the central tube 119 and through which the liquid from the five branches 115a can enter, passing through the wall of the base 124 of the connector 110, into the duct of main exhaust 115 leading to pump 108 (figures 11 and 57).



   The base 124 of the connector 110 is immobilized by the main conduits 109 and 115 which cross it (figure 11) but the upper part of the body 121, integral with the flange 118 which is fixed by bolts on the plate 55 of the turret (Figure 11) rotates with this plate and therefore moves both relative to the base 124 and relative to the central tube 119 of the .raccord. At the same time, this base 124 is supported, in the vertical direction, by the flange 118 by means of a threaded ring 125 screwed into a threaded part of this flange. On this ring 125 rests a ball bearing 126 on which is placed a base 127 screwed into the upper part of the base 124 of the connector.

   The central tube 119 is fixed by a threaded part
128 at the base 124 (figure 29).



   In this way, the upper part of the body 121 of the connector, which is integral with the plate 55 of the turret (FIG. 11), can rotate with the latter relative to the fixed parts 119, 124 and 127 of this connector. - To prevent leaks of pressurized liquid between these parts which are movable with respect to each other, seals are established
130 and 131 respectively around the supply duct and the exhaust duct (figure 29).



   The gasket 130 is engaged in the central tube 119 and has a cross section in V. It is held in place by a rib 132 provided on the lower end of a plug 133 screwed into the upper part of the body 121 of the connector. . The sleeve 134 (figure 30), which connects this rib
132 in the body of the stopper, is pierced with openings 135 (figures 29 and 30) which allow liquid under pressure to pass freely from the upper end - from the central tube 119 to the annular gap 120, this liquid flowing then by the derivations 109a.

   Grooves 136 (Figure 29) allow the pressurized liquid to access the internal face of the U-shaped seal 130 so that the latter is tightly clamped against the tube 119 to create a suitable seal between. the fixed tube 119 and the rib 130 which rotates relative to it.



   The gasket 131 of the exhaust duct is mounted in a similar manner. It is clamped against the outer face of the fixed base 124 of the fitting by a rib 137 which is engaged from above in the groove of the U-shaped seal 131, and which bears, by its upper face, on the body 121, of the fitting which turns around the turret. Holes 138 establish the communication between the groove of the gasket 131 and the annular exhaust chamber 122, so that the gasket is tightly against the external face of the fixed base.
124 to create the desired 'seal' in this location.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 14>

 
Other rotary couplings can, of course, be used for the machine established according to the invention, but the one described above gives particularly satisfactory results and is therefore preferred.



   The control means of the five groups of distributors 112 and
113 (Figures 8 and 11) hydraulic motors are shown in more detail in Figures 32 to 35 and 57. Figure 32 shows that each distributor 112 which controls a spreader motor 64 has a rod 114 provided with a roller 140 which rolls. on a cam 141 (Figures 32 to 34) or on the upper face of a ring or band 142 which completely surrounds the fixed part of the table or platform 52 of the turret (Figure 11). This ring is shown in development in Figure 37.

   The rod 114 of each of the distributors 113, which control the turning motor 66, carries at its lower end a part 144 in which can rotate freely, with the aid of a bearing
145 (FIG. 33), a finger 146 which slides in one or the other of two parallel grooves 147 and 148, formed in the ring or band 142 referred to above. At a point between stations IV and V, as generally indicated, there is provided a crossing piece 149 for these grooves (Figure 32).



   As each pair of distributors 112 and 113 move with the turret 55 around the table or platform 52, which sits below these distributors (Figures 11 and 33), the finger 146 passes from the groove. 148 in the upper groove 147 on its first encounter with the crossing piece 149 and this finger continues to pass in this upper groove 147 while the turret makes a complete revolution and on its second encounter with the piece crossing 149 the finger returns from the upper groove 147 to the lower groove 148.

   During one revolution of the turret 54 the rod 114 of the reversal distributor 113 occupies its low position (figures 32 and 35) and the pressurized liquid supplied by the bypass 109a, can enter the reverse gear port 107 of the corresponding motor 66 (figures 57 and 58), which brings the group of arms 61-62 corresponding to the position for which the fin 104 of the motor (figure 58) has arrived at the end of its movement possible in the indirect direction.



   During the next rotation of the turret, the finger 146 of the turn-over distributor 113 passes into the upper groove 147, which brings the rod 114 of the distributor to its upper position, shown in FIG. 34.



   The pressurized liquid thus enters, from the bypass 109a, into the forward opening 106 of the corresponding motor 66 to turn the vane 104 in the indirect direction, which completely reverses the corresponding series of arms 61 and 62 of 1800. During the third complete rotation of the turret the finger 146 is brought back, at the crossing 149 of figure 32, from the upper groove 147 into the lower groove 148, which brings back the corresponding series of arms 61 and 62 in its initial position.



   Consequently, each series of arms 61 and 62, intended to receive the frame and the core box, is turned over once on itself.
1800. during each full turn of turret 54 and the arms are rotated in alternating directions during successive rotations of the turret.



   These alternative reversals are shown in figure 37 and for this purpose it is advantageously possible to establish flexible pipes 150 (figure 57) between each spacer motor 64, mounted on the rotating turret, and the hydraulic distributor 112 for which this motor is ordered. This flexibility is necessary for the reason that each motor 64 rotates with the head 60 carrying the corresponding series of arms 61, 62, this head turning alternately in one direction or the other under the control of the assistant motor 66. practical flexible hose ends for heavy work are very suitable for bringing liquid under pressure to each engine 64.



   These flexible pipes are not necessary for the rollover motors 66 since each of these motors is rigidly fixed to the platform 55 of the turret (FIG. 11). The conduits for the liquid between each hydraulic distributor 113, mounted on the turret, and the corre- sponding motor can be formed by ordinary metal tubes 151 (figure
57).

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   In each tube 151 is interposed a reducing valve Ae. The flow rate 152 (Figures 57, 8 and 10) to decrease the turning speed when each set of arms 61 - 62 comes to the end of its turning stroke in one direction or the other. For this purpose, each head is made to include 60 -a. finger 153 (Figures 8 and 10).



   During the intermediate part of the turning stroke, this finger is moved away from the two valves 152 which are established on the opposite sides of the head 60 and which are interposed in the supply tubes 151, of each engine 66 (figure 57). Under these conditions, the tube feeding the motor is not obstructed. And the motor 66 rotates the arms 61 and 62 at the normal speed. On the other hand, when the arms reach the end of their return stroke, the front bevelled edge of the finger 153 (FIG. 8) comes into contact with the rod 154 of the valve 152 of the tube which feeds, at this moment, the motor, which decreases the flow speed of the liquid by a predetermined amount.



   This reduction in flow rate continues until the end of the turning stroke is reached and the finger 153 then occupies the position shown in FIG. 10. When the head 60 in question turns in the other direction the same operations are repeated. . Each valve 152 causes the flow rate of the pressurized liquid to decrease only in the tube which at this time powers the motor and allows the liquid to flow with the normal flow rate in that same tube when the head rotates in the opposite direction. The start of each turning movement is therefore at a normal speed and this movement continues at this speed until the finger 153 has come into contact with the valve 152 which is on the side of the head 60 which is. opposite to that with which finger 153 is in contact at the start of the turning movement.



   So that this movement stops when the two arms 60 and 61 are exactly horizontal, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 14, two diametrically opposed consoles 156 are fixed on the rear part 68a of each head 60, one of which is visible on Figure 24. Each of these consoles carries a bolt 157, the head of which can come into contact with the frame 98 (Figure 11) which projects radially on the turntable 55 of the turret, below the bearings 67 and journals 69 of each head. A locking nut 158 is used to adjust the useful length of the bolt 157 under the console 156 and the stop member 98 to limit the movement of the head 60 so that the latter stops exactly in a horizontal position after having been turned in one direction or the other.



   It can be seen from the diagram of FIG. 37 that each series of arms 61 and 62, intended to receive the frame, turns around when it reaches a point between the stations IV and V which are located around the machine 30 for assembly. mussels. This turning point is also denoted by a curvilinear arrow in figures 1 and 2. The movements of bringing together and separating the two arms, which take place at the same time, are shown in figures 36a. bcde which question below.



   It can be seen in FIGS. 36 and 37 that the arms 61 and 62 of each series are separated when leaving this station 1 and that they continue to occupy this position until after having passed through the station IV. At this point the roller 140, mounted on the spool 114 of the corresponding hydraulic distributor 112, meets the cam 141 of the band 142 which surrounds the fixed part 52 established under the platform of the rotating turret 55 (FIG. 11). This raises the spool 114 from its initial position, shown in Figure 35, to its upper position in Figure 34, which interrupts communication between the bypass.
109a and the lower orifice 107 of the distributor and connects this to its upper orifice 106 (FIG. 58).

   The distributor 112 thus forces the corresponding motor 64 to bring the two arms closer together.
The arms remain close together;. Until they come close to the station V where the roller 140 of the distributor spool 112 leaves the cam 141 which reverses the flow of the pressurized liquid in the corresponding motor. 64. This reversal of the flow causes the arms 61 and 62 to move apart. They remain apart until station II is passed and when the aforesaid roller 140 meets a second cam shown at 141a on the figure 37.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 16>

 



  The aforesaid operations are then repeated and they result in the arms 61 and 62 coming closer together again. They remain close together until the station III has been passed and the roller 140 of the distributor 112 leaves the cam 141a, which separates the arms before they have reached the initial station I.



   Returning to the turning motors 66 (Figures 8, 11 and 57), it can be seen that the pressurized liquid which triggers the turning movement of the corresponding head 60 continues to act, with the aid of the distributor 113 (Figures 32- 33, 37 and 57) -, in the housing 102 of the motor 66 (FIG. 58) during the entire period during which the arms 61 and 62, carried by this head, remain in the position corresponding to the end of the turning movement. As already said, this movement is interrupted by the contact of the bolt 157 (FIG. 24) mounted on the rear part 68a of the head 60 with the member 98 established under the journal 69 of said head (Figures 11 and 13).



   This stopping of the inversion movement takes place when the arms 61 and 62 are exactly in alignment with the horizontal and vertical as shown in Figures 8, 9,11, 14 and 15. As the pressure of the liquid continues at act on the alignment motor 66, this aligned position is kept positively until the distributor 113 intervenes (figures 32 to 35, 37) to apply the pressure of the liquid through the opposite orifice (figure 58) of engine 66.



   Similar operation is provided for each spreader motor 64 controlled by a distributor 112 (Figures 32 - 33,57) described above. It can be seen in Figures 11, 14, 15, 57 and 58 that when the arms 61 and 62 of each head 60 are brought together, by the rotation of the motor pinion 73 in the indirect direction in Figure 14, the movement of approximation continues until the plates 71 and 72 abut against each other by their opposite edges. This stop effect prevents any further rotation of the pinion 73 but the motor 63 continues to exert a torque on the pinion for the reason that the pressure of the liquid continues to act in the housing 102 of the motor 64 (figure 58) by through the distributor 112 of Figures 32 to 35 and 57.



   The spacing of the arms 61 and 62, at this close position, is chosen such that the frame 12 and the core box 29, brought into contact by the closing of the arms between the stations IV and V, are strongly clamped. - res one against the other while the arms 61 and 62 are brought together to their limit positions determined by the aforementioned contacting of the plates 71 and 72. This relationship does not prevent the free release of the mold. assembled after it has arrived at station V because the side bars 28 of the frame 12, which supports the cap 14, slide on the rollers 76, from where they can be easily released by the apparatus which removes the molds out of the machine (figure 54).



   Likewise when the arms 61 and 62, carried by each of the heads, are moved apart (figures 9, 11 and 14), the spacer motor 64 maintains them positively in this open position for the reason that the pressure of the liquid continues to act. inside the housing 102 of the engine 64 through the distributor 112.



   Station I where the frames are introduced and the arms are loaded is shown, in general, in plan in figure 1 and other elements of this station are shown schematically on the functional diagram. operation of figure 38 in section according to 38-38 figure 1.



   At this station I, a machine 160 (figure 1) is used for loading the frames, this machine being between the outlet of the drain grid 46 of the frames and the arms 61-62 (figure 38) mounted. on the head 60, stopped at this station, of the central assembly machine 30. Between this grid 46 and the machine 160 is a passage 161 for the supply of the frames (FIG. 1). This corridor leads to the machine 160 at level b in figure 38 and can advantageously be equipped with lateral rollers similar to those shown at 162 in figure 39 and over which the side bars pass.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 17>

   28 of the frames 12 (figure 39).



   The machine 160 of figure 1 is shown at the central part of figure 38 and comprises well known mechanisms which are only shown schematically since their detailed description is not necessary for an understanding of the invention. The machine 160 comprises, by way of illustration, a plate 164 which carries on its upper face half of the model 12a-which is to be reproduced for the part to be cast. This plate 164 is supported by a cylinder 165 which is controlled, at suitable times, by an attendant so that the plate 164, with half of the model 12a, rises from level c to level b of the corridor 161 of the frames ( figure 1) and then up to a higher level a, these passages at different levels being done for the reasons indicated below.



   This machine 160 for loading the frames. Of Figures 1 and 38, also uses the hopper 39, referred to above, through which green sand, brought by the overhead conveyor fed by the outlet of the elevator 38 of Figure 1 , can at suitable times be poured into the empty frame 12 when this is placed on the plate 164, as shown in Fig. 38. This hopper 39 normally occupies the position shown in solid lines, but at suitable times, it is moved to the right of Figure 38 to the top of plate 164 and model 12a.

   As shown schematically the same machine 160 may also include a clamping plate 166 which normally occupies the position shown in solid lines in Figure 38 but which at other times may be moved to the left of Figure 38 to to be located directly above the frame 12 supported by the plate 164.



   To the right of the machine 160 (FIG. 38) is provided a carriage 168 carried by means of wheels 169 by a fixed track 170. This carriage normally occupies its retracted position, shown in solid lines, but at approximate times. - requested it is advanced by the cylinder 171 to the position shown in broken lines to below the arms 61 and 62. The casing of the cylinder is mounted on a vertical arm 172 fixed to the rear of the track 170 while the piston 173 is connected by a rod 174 to the front part of the carriage 168.



   When liquid under pressure is admitted through the cylinder port 175, the piston 173 drives the carriage 168 with it. On the other hand, when liquid under pressure is admitted through the opposite orifice 176, the cart is returned to its position shown in solid lines. At the end of the forward and backward strokes are respectively established a limit switch C and a restraint switch D (Figures 38 and 39). The pressurized liquid to operate the cylinder 171 of the carriage is supplied to the latter through conduits 175 'and 176' (FIG. 59) under the control of a solenoid valve SV2, described below.



   To simplify the explanation, it is assumed that at level b of Figure 38 there is a series of side rollers 162 along which each frame 12, coming from the loading machine 160 fed through the track 161 (Figure 1 ), advances being supported by its side bars 28 (figure 39), these rollers serving to support the frame from its horizontal position (1) of figure 38 to its position (2) above the plaque
164 and model 12a and then to its position (3) above the retracted carriage 168.



   This 168 trolley carries a 178 column at the back with a pusher
179 which, when it is behind a frame 12, serves to drive forwards, on the rollers 162, the frame with the carriage 168 but which, when the carriage returns from its position in dotted lines to its position in solid lines in Figure 38, is lowered under the bottom of the frame under which it passes until it is behind the next frame 12, as shown in solid lines in Figure 38.



   The apparatus at station 1 also controls a hold switch 5 (Figures 38 and 59) which serves to indicate the presence of a frame 12 above the carriage 168 when it has moved back to position ( 3) .¯This switch E as well as switches C and D, referred to above for item 1

  <Desc / Clms Page number 18>

 are of the normally open type, as shown schematically in figure 40.



   The device at station I operates as follows. The frames-12 still containing sand are lifted by a lifting device (not shown) from the main track 32 (figure 1) when they arrive near the drain grid 46, this lifting being obtained by a chain or cable (not shown) of the hoist which carries the usual hoisting hook (not shown), the opposing claws of which engage in sockets 25 provided, as usual, on walls opposite figures 4 to 7 and 16 to 18. Each frame is thus placed on the grid 46 which is vibrated by mechanical means so that all the sand contained in the frame falls through the grid into the underground conveyor 43 ( figure 1).



   As the frame 12, cleared of sand, is lifted by the lifting apparatus from the grid 46 to the track 161 which is substantially horizontal and which is at level b in figure 38. Each frame 12, placed on the track track 161, occupies in relation thereto a position shown in Figure 39 in which the open part of the frame is oriented downwards, the side bars 28 resting on the rollers 162 as shown. An operator then pushes each empty frame 12 along the track 161 (Figure 1), first to position (1) of Figure 38 adjacent to machine 160 and then to position ( 2) above plate 164 and model 12a which initially are at a lower level c.



   Plate 164 and template 12a are then moved upward for cylinder 165 to below the frame at the position where they contact the underside of the end of the frame. The hopper 39 is then brought to its position shown in broken lines above the empty frame 12 at b2 and it delivers a measured quantity of sand which falls into the frame 12 as indicated at 13. The sand is not packed or compressed. in this place. The hopper 39 is then returned to the position shown in solid lines in Figure 38 and the frame 12, filled with sand, continues to rest on the upper face of the plate 164.



   The clamping plate 166 is then moved from position (3) to position (2) above the frame 12, filled with sand, which is now at b2 and the plate 164 is lifted further by the cylinder 165 to that the loose sand contained in the frame is clamped against the underside of the clamping plate 166. This plate is vibrated by mechanical means in the well-known manner so that the sand is tightly clamped around the model 12a , against the walls of the model and between the crosses 180 (figures 16 to 18) which serve to support the sand packed in the usual way.

   It should be noted that the clamping plate 166 comprises the ordinary grooves 18 (figure 38) in which the braces 180 can engage and which allow the intermediate parts of the plate to act directly on the sand 13 in the sand. frame 12 to compact this sand.



   After this compaction, the frame 12, filled with sand above and around the model 12a is lowered by the plate 164 from level a to level b for which the side bars 28 of the frame rest on the rollers. 162 (figure 39). The plate 164 and the model 12a are then lowered further by the cylinder 165 to the level ± leaving the mold cavity 16 (figure 4) in the underside and visible of the sand 13, contained in the frame 12 In the meantime, the clamping plate 166 is moved from the position shown in solid lines thus ceasing to lie vertically above the frame 12, filled with sand, at position b2.



   From this point b2, the frame 12 advances along the rollers 162 to the horizontal position (3) for which it is directly above the carriage 171. During this advance, the pusher 179, mounted on the rear of the carriage, is forced downward and forward until the rear edge of; chassis has released this pusher which is then returned by the spring 183 to the position shown in solid lines behind the chassis 12. At the same time, the front end of the chassis comes into contact with the retaining switch E for apply the 'contacts of it one on the other for the

  <Desc / Clms Page number 19>

 reason given below.



   The frame 12, filled with sand in which the model 12a footprint is located, is now ready to be engaged between the upper arms 61 of the assembly head 60 which is located at station 1 (Figures 1 and 38). This engagement is obtained by admitting, through the orifice 175 of the cylinder 171, pressurized liquid which advances the piston 175 which drives the carriage 168 with it. The pusher 179 advances the frame 12, filled with sand, towards the position. for which it is engaged between the upper arms 61 (Figure 22).

   The spring rollers 79, housed in the lateral faces of the arm 61, enter the notches 29 made in the lateral bars 28 and thus retain the frame between these arms 61 while the machine passes to station IV (figure 1) and then at station V while the head is turned as explained below.



   After the frame has been moved from position b3 to position b4 of Figure 38, carriage 168 is automatically returned by cylinder 171 to position b3. This return is obtained by admitting liquid under pressure into the orifice 176 of this cylinder which moves the piston 173 to the left. The means which serve for this purpose are controlled by the limiting switch C as indicated in FIG. 59, discussed below.



   The device (figure 38), established at station I, is now ready to receive another empty frame 12 at location b1 so that it can be filled with sand at locations b2 and a2 after which it is brought to the place b3 where the carriage 168 intervenes as explained above to engage this frame between the upper arms 61 of the next head 60 which has been brought, by the machine 30, to this station I.



   At station IV are established two machines 185 and 186 staggered (Figure 1) for the formation of nuclei. These machines are constituted as shown, in a schematic and simplified form, in figure 41 for which the devices of the IV station are seen from 41-41 in figure 1. These devices can be constituted in a customary manner. so that it is unnecessary to show them and describe them in all their details since these are not essential for understanding the object of the invention.



   Empty core boxes 26, of the kind shown in Figures 25-27; are brought back from the station V. (the details of which are described below) by gravity along an inclined corridor 187 (figure 1) to the place c1 of figure 41 where they continue to be supported by Corridor-187 scrolls (not shown). At this point, each box 26 is ready to enter the first machine 185 where it can be suitably supported by side rollers such as those designated 188 in Figure 42.

   In what follows it is assumed that the side bars 28 of each box 26 slide on similar rollers during its advancement in the machines 185 and 186 and then in the part of the corridor 189 (figure 1) between the machine 186 and the arms 61 and 62 from the head of the assembly machine which is stopped at station IV. To simplify the diagram of figure 41 these rollers 188'ne are not shown in figure 42.



   The first machine 185 of station IV has an elevating platform 191 supported by a cylinder 192 which can lift the platform from level c where it is shown in solid lines to a higher level b where it is shown. in broken lines. The cylinder can also lower the platform a little below the level c so that it can be moved away from the bottom of the box 26. Above the platform 191, in the horizontal position (2), is the hopper 40, as mentioned above and which contains 13 'green sand (brought to the hopper by the air carrier).



  This hopper can deliver measured quantities of sand in a chute 193 when the platform 191 has brought la.boite 26 under it as indicated in broken lines and at b2 in FIG. 41.



   The second machine 186-: has a clamping platform 195 carried by a cylinder 196 which, µ at appropriate times, lifts the platform from the position shown in solid lines at level c to a level

  <Desc / Clms Page number 20>

 higher b where it is shown in dashed lines. This cylinder can also lower the platform to a level lower than ± in order to move it away from the bottom of the box 26 when the latter slides, by its side bars 28 and at level c, on rollers similar to those shown. at 198 in Figure 42.



  For the device shown, the upper half 26a of the core box is mounted above the clamping members 195 and 196 and in a suitable fixed support 197, this box being, in substitution, identical to the lower half which is shown in 26 in Figures 25-27. The only difference is that the top half 26a is turned over as shown at b3 in Figure 41.



   Below the roller corridor 189, between the machine 186 and the arms 61 and 62 of the central machine 30 (FIG. 1), a carriage 198 is established mounted on des'wheels 199 which run on a fixed track 201. This carriage occupies normally a retracted position, shown at (4) in figure 41, but at certain times it can advance to position (5) below the arms 61 and 62 by the intervention of the cylinder 200 to advance the cylinder. piston 205 which pushes the carriage forward using the rod 204.



   For the device shown at station IV, this forward movement is transmitted by a pusher 205 to a box 26 which occupies the position c4 to engage it in the lower arms 62 of the assembly machine as shown at c5 in FIG. 41 and in figure 28. The return of the carriage, from position (5), shown in broken lines, is then obtained by admitting liquid under pressure into the orifice 206 of the cylinder 200 to move the piston. 203 to the left with the rod 204 and the carriage 198 connected thereto.



  The cylinder 200 is supplied with pressurized liquid by the tubes 202 'and 206' (FIG. 59) under the control of a valve with solenoids SV3 described later.



   At station IV is also established a restraint switch F (Figures 41 and 59) which serves to indicate the presence of a core box 26 above the carriage 198 when it occupies its horizontal position (4). This switch is of the type with normally open contacts as shown in figure 40. Other similar switches, designated by G and H in figures 41 and 59, close their normally open contacts when the carriage 198 reaches. its fully retracted position, shown in solid lines, and its fully advanced position, shown in broken lines, respectively.



   The operation of the devices, used for the formation of the nucleus, are described below with the aid of figure 41. In each empty box 26, arriving by the return path 187 (figure 1) to the position cl of Figure 41, an operator pours three small amounts of sand 13 '. The sand is poured near the center and the two ends of the cavity of the box, clearly visible in figure 25. On these three support points, formed by the sand, the reinforcement 21 of the core is placed, clearly visible. in figures 6,
7 and 41.



   The boot 26, containing this frame, is then moved horizontally from the end of the passage 187 (FIG. 1) to the position c2 above the platform 191 of the machine 185 (FIG. 41). Cylinder
192 is started to lift the box 26, placed on the platform 191, to position b2 immediately below the fixed box 193. The cavity of the hood 193 is then filled with sand 13 ' delivered by the fixed hopper 40. The lower half 26 of the box is then subjected to vibrations by usual means (not shown in FIG. 41) which compacts the sand 13 'in the cavity of the box up to the upper edge hood 193.

   After that, the platform 191 lowers the box with its contents from level b (in broken lines) to level c (in solid lines). The sand then completely fills the cavity of the lower half 26 of the box and protrudes above it as indicated at 13 'at location c2. The excess amount of sand is sufficient to completely fill the upper half 26a of the box by being firmly packed by it.



   The box with its contents is then moved horizontally, on side rollers similar to those designated 188 in Figure 42, from location c2 to location c3 immediately above the platform.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 21>

 clamping form 195 which is then lifted by cylinder 196 to bring box 26 and its contents against the open part and against the cavity of the upper half 26a of the box which is mounted on a fixed support 197.



   There is, in this place, a pronounced tightening, of which question above, by which one obtains the formation of. complete core shown at 15 'in Figures 4 and 41. and in which is housed the frame 21 which occupies a position shown in Figures 6 and 7. After wedging, the clamping platform 195 is lowered by the cylinder 196 , which spreads the lower half 26 of the box and the finished core 15 contained therein from the upper half 26a of the box to position c3. '
From there, the lower half 26 and the finished core 15, housed therein, are moved horizontally to position c4 above the 'carriage 198 where the side rollers 188 of the track 189 form the support' necessary for using the side bars 28.

   This movement causes the box 26 to advance beyond the lowerable pusher 207 which then acts on the rear of the box as shown in c4. The means, shown schematically in Figure 59, intervene to admit the liquid under pressure through the orifice 202 to advance the piston of the cylinder 200 by driving the box 26 until it engages between the lower arms 62 of the machine. central assembly 30.



   In this position the box is automatically retained by the opposite sides of the arms 62 as shown in figure 28. Spring rollers 79 hold the box in this position during the passage to the next station and during the inversion of the machine. corresponding head.

   The liquid is then admitted through the orifice 206. Which forces the piston of the cylinder 200 to return the carriage
198 from position (5) under the arms 61 and 62 of the machine to position (4) shown in solid lines in figure 41. This brings the devices of the IV station (figure 41) to the conditions for which they are ready. to receive an empty box 26 which is supplied to them by the return path 187 (FIG. 1) to form a complete core 15 in this box and to introduce the latter into the next series of arms when the latter are brought by the machine 30 opposite the station IV.



   Meanwhile arms-61 and 62 at post IV support.respective-. the frame 12 and the core box 26, as shown to the right of the figure
41 and to the right of figure 36b. When turret 54 moves those arms forward
61-62 from station IV to station V the arms begin to approach and have returned as shown in the diagram of figure 49 and their positions, just before arriving at station V, are shown to the left of figure 36b.

   This approximation of the arms engages the holes 18 '(figure 25) made in the ends of the core box on the fingers 17 of the frame 12 so that the box is in exact alignment with the frame and it is therefore certain that the core complete 15, which is located in box 26, occupies a suitable position in the cavity of the frame, as shown at 16 in figure 4.



   This exact location is retained by the arms 61 - '62 as these are turned over which places the frame 12 underneath and the box.
26 above as shown to the left of figure 36b. Arriving at station V the arms 62-61 are moved apart allowing the complete core 15 to rest on the frame 12, as shown to the right of Figure 36b, while the empty box 26 is lifted and moved away from the frame.



   The right part of figure 36c shows that the empty box
26 is released from the upper arms and has been returned to the post
V before returning to the IV station by gravity along the inclined corridor with rollers 187 (figure 1). The device for obtaining this clearance and this overturning is shown in figures 43 to 45 and the diagram of the operation is shown in figure 49 which shows the turning device in a simplified form when viewed along 49-49 in the figures. 1 and 43.



   The plan view of figure 43 shows on a larger scale the turning device of station V of figure 1. This device comprises a table 208 mounted on a frame 209 carried by a shaft 210 which can be actuated. by two hydraulic motors 211 and 212 mounted on the two ends of the shaft 210. These motors and this shaft 210.are supported by a frame 214

  <Desc / Clms Page number 22>

 (figures 43 - 44).



   Each of the motors is similar to those described above, with reference to FIG. 58. It comprises a cylindrical casing 102 in which is housed a partition 105 established on one side of the shaft 210. The latter, 190 a vane 104 which is used to rotate the shaft in one direction when liquid under pressure is admitted through port 106 whereas, the shaft rotates in the opposite direction when liquid enters through port 107 into the housing .- In Figures 43 and 44 the conduits leading to these orifices are designated by 106 'and 107' and these conduits establish a parallel connection between the two turning actors 211 and 212. These can be replaced by a single motor having higher power.



   The shaft 210, driven by the two motors 211 and 212 rotates the frame 209 which carries the table 208. The latter is relatively heavy and to reduce the torque which is necessary to move it, a. counterweight 215 (figures 43-44). On either side of the central frame 214, two additional supports 216 and 217 are established which support the table 208 when it comes to occupy one and the other of its extreme positions during its movement for turning. Support 216 is closer to control machine 30 (Figure 1) while support 217 is near return path 187 for the core boxes.



   Each side of the table 208 comprises two parallel rows of rollers 219 spaced apart from each other (FIG. 45) by a sufficient distance so that the side bars 28 of each box 26 can be engaged between them. 50 shows one of these boxes engaged between these rows of rollers 219.



   The table also includes an operating cylinder 220 (Figures 43 to 45, 49 and 50) whose casing is fixed to the structure of the table 208.



  A rod 22, actuated by the piston 222 of this cylinder, is fixed by its outer end to a carriage 223 which can slide outwards from the table on rollers 224 mounted in guides 225 (FIGS. 43, 47 and 50). At the outer end of this carriage 223 is established a member 226 with a hook 227 (Figures 44 and 49).



   As the carriage 223 moves outward, this hook 227 may engage the inner end of a core box 26, when the arms 61 and 62 occupy their position shown to the right of Figure 49 and on the left. Figure 28. When the maneuvering cylinder 220 pulls the carriage into the turning table 208, the hook 227 carries with it the empty box 26, which releases the box from the arms of the assembly machine into the table as shown in Fig. 50. When the hydraulic motors 211 and 212 return the table from the support 217 onto the support 216 as shown in Fig. 44, the hook 227 is brought, by its own weight, to a position for which it is suspended from the body 226.

   When the table 208 then reaches its other extreme position (above the support 216 of FIG. 44) the hook 227 is placed below the level of the empty box 226 as shown to the left of FIG. 49. From in this way the hook 227 serves to pull the box 26 out of the arms 61 and 62 and then automatically descends away from the core box after the overturn has taken place.



   On the inner end of the reversing carriage 223 is mounted an ejector 228 (Figures 44, 45 and 49) which moves with the carriage like the hook 227. Each vidē26 box is engaged in the table 208 facing this ejector 228 so that when the carriage 223 is forced out of the table 208, at the end of the turning cycle, this ejector pushes the empty box 26 in front of it as shown to the left of Fig. 49.



   The liquid under pressure, for the operation of the manipulator cylinder 220, is supplied to two inlet ports by flexible pipes 230 and 231 (Figures 43, 44 and 59). The liquid is distributed by a solenoid valve SV8 (figures 59, 43 and 44) controlled by electrical switches S, T, U and Y (figures 43, 44, 49 'and 59). Each of these switches has its normally open contacts (Figure 48). The device of the post

  <Desc / Clms Page number 23>

 V also includes R and W switches, the functions of which are indicated below.



   . The pressurized liquid, for the operation of the reversing motors 211 and 212, is supplied to them through conduits 233 and 234 (figures 43, 44 and 59) under the control of a solenoid valve SV7 ( figures 44 and 59). To reduce the speed, when we reach the end of the turning course, in one direction and the other, we insert between the conduits 233 - 234 and the conduits 106 '' and 107 '(figure-43) supplying the engines 211 and 212 of the flow-reducing valves 235 (Figures 43, 46 and 59). These are analogous to the valves 152 described in connection with the reverse motors 66 mounted on the turret 54 of the central machine 30. The stems 236 of these valves are selectively controlled by a cam 237 (Figures 43 and 46). mounted on the shaft 210 to which the motors 211 and 212 are connected.



   When the rod 236 is forced, each valve 234 reduces the flow of pressurized liquid which decreases the speed of the turning table 208 as it approaches the end of its stroke in either direction. , Each valve 235 is arranged in such a way that the discharge of its stem does not cause a decrease in the flow of liquid in the opposite direction.



  In this way the motors 211 and 212 start by rotating the table at high speed and the speed is decreased only towards the end of the turning stroke.



   The operation of the return device at station V will be appreciated from the above description of the construction and arrangement of these devices. When each empty core box 26 is engaged at station V between the upper arms of head 60, as shown to the right of Figure 49, motors 211 and 212 rotate table 2Q8 to the right of Figure 49 from the lane. 187 (Figure 1) up to the aforementioned upper arms, while the manipulator cylinder 220 pushes the carriage 223 out of the table as shown in broken lines to the right and top of Figure 49. This advancement of the The carriage is finished when the table 208 becomes horizontal (to the right of FIG. 49), coming to stand next to the head 60.

   The hook 227 is then located behind the box 26 as also shown to the right of Figure 49.



   The manipulator cylinder 220 then returns the carriage 223 to the table, which forces the hook 227 to pull the empty box 26 out of the arms of the machine into the table while the side bars 28 of the box pass between the rows. parallel rollers 219 (Figure 50). In this position the empty box 26 closes the limit switch R, which forces the motors 211 and 212, as shown in figure 59, to turn the table 208, using the shaft 210, towards to the left or in the direct direction with respect to figure 49. Table 208 therefore brings the empty box 26 from position b2, of figure 49, for which the cavity is oriented downwards, until 'to the position a3 for which it is directed upwards, as visible to the left of figure 49.



   At this moment the manipulator cylinder 220 starts to force the carriage 223 out of the table 208. The ejector 228 then intervenes to expel the empty and inverted box 226 with the carriage off the table 208 onto the rollers of. support 238 which, at location a4, come into contact with the side bars 28 of the box (FIG. 51). This completes the cycle of. inversion of the core box and brings the devices, intervening for this inversion, to the station V, in a position for which they are ready to receive and to return another empty box 26.



   From location a4 of figure 49, which corresponds to the far right of figure 44, the empty box 26 engages in the return corridor with rollers 187 (figure 1) and advances in this one by the effect of its weight, from the station V to the station IV, one realizes why one can incline the corridor 187 downwards by comparing the figures 49 and 41.

   Figure 49 shows that each empty box 26, after leaving the turning apparatus, is placed at level a which is located a little above the upper arms spaced from the head 600 Figure 41 shows that when the box is

  <Desc / Clms Page number 24>

 supplied to the core-forming device at station IV, each empty box 26 is located at a lower level c corresponding to that of the lower arms 61 spaced apart from the head 60. For the example shown the difference in level is of the order 60 cm. Therefore, each empty and upside-down box 26, engaged in the return lane 187 at station V, is approximately two feet above where it is supplied, through that lane, to the device. trainer 'from nucleus 185 to station IV.

   This provides a sufficient slope for the corridor along which the empty and inverted boxes 26 can advance freely by the effect of their own weight ... '
Each head 60 of the assembly machine leaves station V to move towards station II while its upper arms 61, in the case shown, carry the frame 12 in which the core 16 is located (FIG. 36c).



  The upper arms 62 of the head are empty and the arms 61 and 62 are separated from each other; when arriving at station II, they occupy the same relative positions as when leaving station V (figure 37).



   On reaching station II, the upper arms 62 are therefore ready, as visible to the left of Figure 36c, to receive the cap 14, filled with sand, as shown in Figure 4 and to the right of Figure 36d. The device, established at station II, for filling the caps with sand, is shown, in a simplified schematic form, in figure 52 when viewed along 52-52 in figure 1. The general appearance of this device is also visible in plan in .Figure 1.



   The device 240 (figure 1) for filling the bonnet at station 11 is located between the drain grid 47 and the arms 61 - 62 of the central machine (figure 38). are stopped at station II. Between the hopper 47 and this device 240 is a passage 241 (FIG. 1) for the return of the caps. This passage terminates at device 240 at a level b (Figure 52) and it may advantageously include side rollers 242 (Figure 53) over which the side bars 28 of each cap 14 can slide (Figure 53).



   The filling device 240 is shown schematically in the middle portion of Figure 52 and includes well known apparatuses which need not be described in detail to facilitate understanding of the invention. The device 240, shown by way of example, comprises a plate 243 supporting the half of the model 14a, corresponding to the cap, of the part to be cast. This plate is supported by a cylinder 244 which, at suitable times and under the control of an operator, raises the plate 243 and half 14a of the model from level c to level.:!2 where the corridor 241 ends (figure 1) and, then, up to an even higher level a. The reasons for these level changes are given below.



   The filling device 240 of Figures 1 and 52 also uses the hopper 41, referred to above, which delivers, at an appropriate time, green sand supplied to it by the air carrier, into the empty cap 14. supported by plate 243 (Figure 52). This hopper 41 normally occupies its position shown in solid lines (to the right of FIG. 52) above the tray 243 and the model 14a. Device 240 also includes a clamp plate 245 which normally occupies its position shown in solid lines in Figure 52 but which, at appropriate times, can be moved, to the left of this figure, directly above the cap. 14 when it is supported by the plate 243.



   To the right of device 240 (figure 52) is provided a carriage 247 resting, by wheels 248, on a fixed track 249. This carriage normally occupies its rearward position, shown in solid lines, but at appropriate times it can be forced forward by cylinder 250, up to the position shown in broken lines, below the arm 61 and 62 of the assembly machine. The cylinder casing is fixed to a post 251 at the rear of the track 249, while the piston 252 is connected, by its rod 253, to the front part of the carriage 247. The liquid under pressure, for the cylinder 250, is supplied to it by the conduits 254 'and 255' (FIG. 59) under the control of a solenoid valve SV4 discussed later.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 25>

 



   Admission of pressurized liquid through port 254 causes piston 252 and carriage 247 to advance. Admission of this liquid into the other port 255 returns the carriage to its position shown in solid lines. When these forward and backward movements are completed, a limiter switch K and a restraint switch are activated respectively.
J (figure 52), these switches also being shown in figure 59.



   -To simplify 'explanations, it is assumed that there exists at level b (figure 52) a series of side rollers' 242 along which each cap. is brought by the passage 241 (figure 1) to the filling device 240 resting by its side bars 28 (figure 53) on these rollers to be moved from its horizontal position (I) of figure 52 successively towards the top. position (2) above platform 243 and model 14a and then to position (3) above retracted carriage 247.



   The carriage 247 carries, at the rear, an upright 256 with a pusher
257 which, when it is behind the cap 14, serves to advance the latter on the rollers 242 (figure 53) with the carriage 247. On the other hand, when the latter retreats from its position shown in broken lines until its' position shown in solid lines in figure 52, this pusher lowers and passes under the bottom wall of the cap until it occupies its initial position, shown in solid lines in figure 52, behind the next hat 14.



   The device, established at station II, also includes a restraining switch I (Figures 52 and 59) which serves to indicate the presence of a cap 14 above the retracted carriage 247 in the horizontal position ( 3). This switch X as well as the other switches J and K, mentioned above, of station II are of the type with "normally open" contacts, shown schematically in FIG. 40.



  At station II, generally shown in Figure 52, are also established known means (not shown) for forming in one side of the mass of sand 13, contained in the cap, a taphole 23 ( figures 4 and 5). The mechanisms for forming this hole are well known and are therefore not described in detail. It suffices to say that each cap 14 is filled - with sand 13 with the device of figure 52 and in the manner described so that this sand, when it has its final shape, has the usual tap hole 23 (figures 4 and 5) by which the molten metal can be poured into the mold.



   We now describe how the device, established at station II, operates. The caps 14, still containing sand, are lifted by a lifting device (not shown) being taken above the molds which contain the castings in such a way that these molds approach the drain grid 47 by being carried by carriages 33 which move along the main track 32 (Figure 1). This lifting takes place with a chain or cable (not shown) of the lifting device, this chain or cable carrying a hook (not shown), the opposing pins of which are engaged in holes made, as in the case of the lifting device. 'ordinary, in the ends of each cap 14 (Figures 4-7 and 16-18).

   Each cap 14 is placed, in this manner, on the drain grid 47 which is biased by a vibrating mechanism so that all the sand can fall out of the cap through the grid and into the underground return device 43 of the tank. figure 1.



   Each cap 14, thus emptied, is lifted by the aforementioned lifting device to be placed, from the grid 47, in the corridor 241 (figure
1) which is found at level b in figure 52. Each cap 14 thus placed in the passage 241 occupies the position shown in figure 53 with the open part of the cap facing downwards and the side bars 28 sliding. on rollers 242, as shown. An operator then pushes each empty cap along the corridor 241 (figure 1) to position (1) of figure 52 near the filling device 240 and then to the position (2) above tray 242 and model 14a which initially occupies a lower level c.



   We then raise the plate 242 and the model 14a, by the cylinder

  <Desc / Clms Page number 26>

 dre 244, under cap 14, occupying position b2 until they come into contact with the underside of the brim of the cap. The hopper 41 is then brought to its position, shown in broken lines, above the empty cap, stopped at b2, to discharge therein a measured quantity of sand'13 which is collected by the cap 14, this sand being loose in this place. The hopper is returned to the position shown in broken lines in Figure 52 while the cap 14, filled with sand, rests on the tray 243 with its upper face released.



   The clamping plate 245 is then brought from position 3 to position 2 above the filled bonnet 14, which is at b2, after which the plate 243 is further raised by means of the cylinder 244, to level a to clamp the loose sand contained in the cap 14 against the underside of the clamping plate 245. This plate 245 is then subjected to mechanical vibrations, in the known manner, with a view to clamping the sand strongly around the model 14a and against the walls of the cap 14 as well as between the perforated crosses 180 (figures 16 to 18).

   In the clamping plate 245 are provided the usual notches or slots 181 in which the braces 180 engage, which allows the intermediate parts of the head to rest directly on the sand 13 of the cap 14 to compress this. sand.



   As already said, the filling of the cap with sand and the pile-up of the latter takes place while the taphole 23 is formed in the sand (figures 4 - 5). This hole therefore exists in each cap when it is collected, at station II, by the carriage 247 to be transferred between the upper arms 62 of the central machine 30. After the sand has been compacted, the cap 14, filled with sand above and around the model 14a, is descended, by the plate 243 from the level a to the level b where the side bars 28 of the cap come to rest on the rollers 242 (figure 53).



  Plate 243 and model 14a are then lowered further by cylinder 244 to level c, so that the underside of sand mass 13, contained in the cap and in which the slack cavity is formed - the, is exposed as indicated at 16 in Figure 4. In the meantime the clamping plate 245 is moved from its position shown in broken lines in Figure 52, to its position indicated in solid lines and for which it is not found. more above the filled hat 14 at point b2.



   From this point b2, the filled cap '14 advances along the rollers 242 to the horizontal position 3 until it is directly above the carriage 247. During this advance, the pusher 257, which is found at the rear of the carriage, is lowered downward and forward until the rear edge of the cap 14 has released the pusher which is then returned by its spring 183 to its position, shown in solid lines, behind the hat. At the same time, the front end of the cap comes into contact with the switch X and closes the contacts thereof for the reasons given below.



   The cap 14, thus filled with sand 13 which includes the imprint of the model 14a, is ready to be engaged between the upper arms b2 of the head 60 which is located at station II (Figures 1 and 52). This advancement is obtained by admitting, through the orifice 254 of the cylinder 250, pressurized liquid which forces the piston 252 and the carriage 247 forward, this carriage pushing in front of it, using the pusher 257, the bonnet 14 filled until it is engaged between the arms 62 in an auxiliary position to that shown in figure 22 for the frame 22 but preferably with this difference that the side bars 28 slide on the upper row of rollers 76 (figures 36d and 36e)

   instead of being engaged between the rows of upper and lower rollers as in the case of side bars 28 of each frame 12 (Figures 36a-b, 36d-e, 28, 14, 11 and 9).



   Each cap 14 engages in this manner between the upper arms of the machine (in the case of arms 62), the side bars 28 resting on the upper rollers 76 thereof until the protrusion the perforated end 25 of the cap (Figures 4-7 and 22) closely approaches or abuts the wall of the head 60 (Figure 52). Hat 14 is thus

  <Desc / Clms Page number 27>

 above the frame 12 engages between the lower arms, (in this case 61) so that the cap 14 is thus carried by said head 60 to the station.



   III (Figure 1) as described below.



   After advancing each filled cap 14 from position b3 to position b4 in Figure 52, carriage 247 is automatically returned by cylinder 250 to position b3. This return is obtained by admitting liquid under pressure through port 255 into cylinder 250, which displaces it. piston 252 to the left. This admission is controlled by the limit switch K shown schematically in FIG. 59, discussed below.



   The device of station II of figure 52 is now ready to bring another empty cap from location bl on the right of figure 52 to fill it at locations b2 and a2 with sand which receives the imprint of model 14a for 1 .'Then bring to the point b3 where the carriage 247 intervenes as indicated above to introduce the cap between the upper arms 62 of the next head 60 which has been brought by the machine 30 opposite the station II.



   We can see in figure 36d that before going from station II to station
III the lower 61 and upper 62 arms (figure 52) respectively carry the frame 12, filled with sand, with the core 15 carried by this frame as well as the cap filled with sand which is located directly above the frame, as visible to the right of figure 36d. By moving towards the station V we see, in the diagram of figure 37, that the arms 61 and 62 are first brought together to bring the three parts 12, 14 and 15, which cons- the mold, in their assembly positions, (Figure 5), the cap 14 being placed on the frame 12 in a suitable alignment, determined by the engagement of the pins 17 of the frame 12 in the holes of the ears 18 of the frame. skin.

   The core 15 occupies an exact position in the opposing cavities of the frame and the bonnet (Figures 6 and 7). Under these conditions and as shown on the left of FIG. 36d and on the right of FIG. 36e, the assembled mold is brought by the arms 61 and 62 to station III where the mold is taken out.



  * At this station III is established a device shown, in general, in plan in FIG. 1 and in a simplified schematic form in FIG. 54, being seen along 54-54 in FIG. 1. This device com - takes a corridor 260 (figures 1 and 55) which connects the arms 61 and 62 to the station
III to main track 32 near station III (Figure 1). In this corridor there is room for two assembled molds 12 - 14 (figure 54).



   It can be seen from figure 55 that each of the two side walls of the corridor 260 carries a series of rollers 261 which extends along the corridor between the horizontal places 2 and 3 of figure 54 but these rollers 261 are not shown in the figure. Figure 54. Figure 55 shows that recourse is had to two series of parallel rollers, leaving between them a central space in which an evacuating carriage 262 can move (Figures 54 and 55). This carriage is supported by guide rollers (not shown) along which it can move horizontally backwards and forwards between the lateral rollers 261 of the corridor 260, this backward and forward movement taking place parallel to this corridor .



   The reciprocating motion of the carriage 262 is produced by a cylinder
263, the casing of which is made integral with a fixed point 264. The piston 265 of the cylinder is connected by the rod 266 to a finger 267 oriented downwards and integral with the carriage 262. The admission of the pressurized liquid by port 268 of cylinder 263 forces piston 265 to move carriage 262 to its exit position (to the left) shown in solid lines in Figure 54. Likewise, admission of pressurized liquid through port 269 returns the carriage (to the right) to the machine head 60 to the position shown in broken lines. in figure 54. The liquid is supplied to cylinder 263 through lines 268 'and 269' of figure 59 under the control of a solenoid valve
SV5 described later.



   On the upper face of the carriage protrude two pushers 271

  <Desc / Clms Page number 28>

 and 272 arranged in such a way that when the carriage 262 moves to the right of figure 54, the pusher slides under the assembled mold 12 - 14 which is in the passage 261 (figure 55) and then rises behind the mold (figure 54). The exit movement of the carriage 262 to the left in FIG. 54 causes the drive, by means of the pushers 271 and 272, of the first and of the second complete mold 12 - 14 away from the head 60 of the assembly machine to the main track 32.



   In this way each assembled mold 12 - 14, brought by a pair of arms 61 and 62 from station III is pushed back by the rear pusher 272 when the carriage is moved to the extreme right of Fig. 54, as shown. in broken lines. This movement of the carriage places the front pusher 271 behind the second assembled mold 12-14 shown at point (2) of FIG. 54. This second mold has been released, previously, from the previous group, from the arms 61 and 62. The admission of pressurized liquid through the orifice 268 forces the piston of the cylinder 263 to move the carriage 262 away from the head 60 which brings the two assembled molds 12-14 from positions (1) and (2) to left of figure 54 to positions (2) and (3).

   The length of the passage 260 between the arms 61 - 62 and the main track is sufficient, as already stated, to place two assembled molds 12-14 therein as shown in positions (2) and (3) of figure 54.



   The assembled mold 12 - 14, which is in the position (3) closest to the track 32, is ready to be transferred to one of the empty carriages 33 which approach the station III along the track 32 , as shown at the top of Fig. 1. A satisfactory means of obtaining this transfer is to use an overhead lifting device (not shown) of suitable power and the chain 273 of which carries a lifting frame 274 (figure 54).

   The lower side members, facing inward, of this frame can be slid under the side bars 28 of the frame 12 of the assembled mold 12 - 14 and when the frame is properly centered, as shown in point (3) of the figure. 54, the washing apparatus is started to lift, by means of the chain 275, the assembled mold from the horizontal position (3) above the carriage 262 towards one of the empty carriages 33 which advance slowly on track 32 and approaching post III or passing in front of it. If desired, the overhead lifting apparatus can be arranged so that it places the assembled mold 12-14 on an empty carriage 33 which is located at a point on the track 32 on the side of the grate. emptying 46 of the frame.



   During this lifting operation the assembled mold is rotated 90 degrees and placed on the cart in a position shown at the far left of Figure '54. This makes room at the left end of the corridor (figure 1), at position (3) of figure 54, for the front mold 12 - 14 which was at the beginning at position (2) on the carriage 262 immediately after exiting the machine. As soon as a following group of arms 61 - 62 brings another assembled mold to station III, the cylinder piston 263 moves the carriage 262 towards the head which has just presented itself at this station (to the right of figure 54 ). The pushers 271 and 272 are respectively hooked behind the two molds 12-14 which are located one in position (2) and the other between the arms 61 - 62 which have just arrived at station III.

   When the cylinder 263 moves the carriage 262 to the left (figure 54) it releases the assembled mold which has just arrived, out of the arms 61 - 62 to bring it to the position (2) of figure 54 while 'it brings the assembled mold, arrived previously, from position (2) to position (3) along the passage 260.



   The device, established at station III, also comprises a restraint switch N and a limit switch 0 (Figures 54 and 59). These are of the "normally open" contact type like that of figure 40 and they mark respectively the arrival of the carriage 262 at its extreme left position, shown in solid lines in figure 54 and at the position of extreme right, shown in broken lines in said figure Another restraining switch M (Figures 54 and 59), of the type with "normally open" contacts, indicates the presence, in position 2, of a mold. assembled 12-14 as shown in figure 54.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 29>

 



   Also provided at station III is an additional restraint switch L (Figures 54 and 59) which is of the "normally closed" contact type, as shown schematically in Figure 56. It is used to indicate the presence, at the position (3), of an assembled mold 12-14 as shown in FIG. 54. When a mold is at this location, the contacts of the switch L are thus moved apart. On the other hand, they are closed when no mold is in position (3), as in figure 56.



   Each assembled mold, supplied to station III and placed on an empty carriage 33, being moved along the main track 32, to its frame 12 and its cap 14 connected together by the engagement of clamps 19 on the corresponding ears or tabs, as shown at 20 in Fig. 4. When this well known connection is made, each assembled and complete mold, which is moved, by a carriage 33 along the track 32, is ready to receive the molten metal which is poured through the taphole 23 (Figures 4 and 5) in the usual manner.



   For the installation, shown in FIG. 1, this molten metal is brought to the place where the casting takes place by the usual pockets which are carried by trulleys which are moved on the overhead rails (not shown).



   We will now describe the hydraulic and electrical means for controlling the step-by-step angular displacements of the turret, the stop cylinders 82 and 92 plus the cylinders 171, 200, 250 and 263 for the trolleys, these cylinders being established at stations I, IV, II and III, plus the motors 211 and-212 which are used to overturn the core box, plus the manipulator cylinder 220 established at station V.



   Figure 59 shows a simplified diagram of these various control means.
The line 276 (figure 59), delivering the liquid under pressure and the line 277 for the return of the liquid are connected to any suitable apparatus for the production of the pressure, for example a hydraulic pump 108 of figure 57 For the description below, it is assumed that these conduits 276 and 277 of FIG. 59 are connected respectively to the supply conduit 109 and to the exhaust conduit 115 of FIG. 57 and that the liquid is oil at a pressure. of about 35 kg / cm. Obviously any other source of pressure could be used.



   Each of the eight distributors or valves with solenoids SV1 to SV8 of figure 59 is constituted as shown schematically in figure .60. It has a sliding drawer 114 'which, when the left solenoid is energized, is pulled to the left where it remains even after energization of that left solenoid ceases.

   On the other hand, when the right solenoid is energized (the left one is not energized), the drawer 114 is drawn to the right where it remains until the left solenoid is energized again { the one on the right ceasing to be.)
When the drawer 114 'is to the left (figure 60) of the pressurized liquid, supplied by the duct 276, flows as indicated by a small arrow through the left light, provided at the top of the dis - tributor. The light on the right, also established at this upper part, then communicates with the return duct 277.

   On the other hand, when the spool 114 'is moved to the right, the pressurized liquid supplied by the line 276 flows-out-of the dispenser through the right port and the left port is placed in communication with the flow line. exit 277.



   The movement of the spool, in one direction or the other, is adopted for each of the eight distributors or valves SV1 to SV8 for the diagram shown in figure 59. Therefore the energization of the left solenoid of each distributor causes the flow of the pressurized liquid, supplied by line 276, through the left lumen while the right lumen is connected to the outlet duct 277. Likewise, the excitation of the right solenoid of each of these distributors allows liquid to enter under pressure from line 276 through the right port of the distributor, the left port of which

  <Desc / Clms Page number 30>

 then communicates with the outlet duct 277.



   In this way each of the distributors or valves SV operates to regulate the operation of the cylinder or any other hydraulic device to which it is connected. In the diagram of figure 59 the main cylinder 82, by which one advances, step by step, the turret 54, is controlled, 'in this way, by the distributor SV1, the cylinder 171 of the carriage at the station. I by the distributor SV2, the cylinder 200 of the core carriage at station IV by the distributor SV3, the cylinder 'of the carriage at station III for the exit of the mold by the distributor SV5, the stop cylinder 92 below the turret 54 by the distributor SV6, the motors 211 and 212 for turning the core box to station IV by the distributor SV7 and the manipulator cylinder. 220 from the core box to station IV by distributor SV8.

   



   The electrical control circuits of Fig. 59 are powered by a switch 278 which, when closed, connects the main power lines 280 and 281 to a suitable power source, for example to an ordinary grid at. 110 volts for alternating or direct current. In what follows it is assumed that there is thus available, between lines 280 and 281, a substantially constant electric potential of approximately 110 volts.



   For the electrical installation, as shown, two relays RA and RB are used which are supplied respectively when we designate to move the carriages from the stations to the central machine and when we want to move the turret forward. 54 of this machine at an angle which, for the example considered, corresponds to 72. These two relays have contacts 283 and 284 respectively, the contact of each relay occupying its released position, or lowered as long as the relay coil, which is shown directly above the contact, is not energized. . The contact is raised or brought to its active or closed position when the coil is connected to lines 280 - 281.



   For the installation shown, this connection of the relay RA is made by a first limit switch A of the cylinder 82 by which the turret 54 is stepped (figures 11 and 12). This connection of the relay RB is obtained by the second limiter switch B cooperating with the same cylinder 82 (FIG. 12).



   The contact 283 of the first relay RA controls the right-hand solenoids 286 to 291 of the six distributors or valves SV1 to SV5 and SV7. The connection of the coils of these solenoids to lines 280 and 281 is obtained by wire 293 when the relay RA raises the contact 283 following the closing of the limit switch A, which gives rise to the rotation of the switch. turret 54 of 72 to advance the arms 61 - 62 thereof from one station to the next, for example from station I to station IV, etc., the rotation being in the reverse or clockwise direction.



   The second relay RB controls the. left solenoid 294 of the SVI distributor and the right solenoid 295 of the SV6 distributor. The two solenoids are supplied by wire 296 and by the other circuits shown in figure 59, each time the relay RB draws its contact 284 due to the closing of the limit switch B when the piston of the cylinder 82, which rotates the turret, is in its retracted position, shown in solid lines in Figure 12.



   Figure 59 further shows that the left solenoids 297 to 303 of the distributors SV2 to SV8 are respectively connected to the supply lines 280-281 when the limit switches or others C, H, K, 0, Q, R, U and Y are closed respectively. The right solenoid is connected, in a similar fashion, to lines 280-281 by the closure of either of the switches S and T discussed above. All the aforesaid switches are shown where they appear in the preceding drawings and their respective functions have already been indicated in the preceding descriptions.



   The supply circuit of the solenoid., Left 294 of the distributor SV1, which controls the rotation of the turret, comprises a circuit of re-

  <Desc / Clms Page number 31>

 held formed by the wire 306 and the contacts of the restraining switches W, P, L, M, N, X, J, F, C, E, and D, connected in series. as shown at the right of figure 59, this circuit being established between the coil of the solenoid 294 and the supply 'line' 281. In this series connection is also interposed an interrupter 307 to break the restraint. and a switch 308 (FIG. 59) shortcircuiting the restraint, is connected n bypass to the contacts of the various restraint switches.

   Switch 307 is normally closed and switch 308 is normally, open, as shown. They are manually operated and their function will be described below ..,
The operation of the complete installation for the assembly of the molds as shown in detail in figures 1 and following, is obtained with the aid of the hydraulic and electrical controls shown schematically in the figures. 57 and 58. It will now be explained how the various constituent parts of the complete installation operate with the aid of these commands.



   At the start of the operation, the hydraulic pump 108 is first started to operate in the conduits 109 and -. 105a of FIG. 57 and in the duct 276 as well as in all the distributors SV of FIG. 59, the pressure of a liquid which is subjected, for example, to a pressure of .35 kg / cm.

   With the main control switch 278 in Fig. 59 open, all of the electrical circuits in the diagram are currentless so that contacts 283 'and 284 of the RA and RB relays are both released as shown. main switch 278 is closed, current (assumed to be 110 volts), is supplied directly to the main power lines 280 and 281 shown to the left and right of the diagram in Figure 59 respectively.



   The piston of the cylinder 62, which controls the rotation of the turret, being in its retracted position, the limiter switch B is closed which completes, for the relays RB an attraction circuit which connects the line 280 by wire 310, the coil of relay RB, wire 311, closed contacts B and wire 312 to the other wire 281. The relay RB, thus excited, attracts its contact 284, which completes, using the latter: a) a supply circuit for the solenoid of the distributor SV6 which controls the stop cylinder 92 and b) a supply circuit for the solenoid 294 of the distributor SV1 which controls the rotation of the turret.



   The aforementioned SV6 circuit starts from line 280 and passes through wire 313, closed contact 284 of relay RB, wire 296, solenoid 295 of distributor SV6 which controls the stop cylinder 92 and wire 314, to terminate at the other line 281. The solenoid 295, thus energized, draws the spool 114 '(figure 60) of the distributor SV6 to the right, thus causing the flow of the underpressure liquid from the duct. feed 276 through conduit '97' to 1. '- upper port 97 of stop cylinder 92. This lowers stop rod 95 (Figures 11 and 13) to below the level of chord 98 which protrudes under the turret 69 of each of the five heads 60 of the turret 54.

   This is therefore ready to be angularly displaced by the main drive cylinder 82 (Figures 11 and 12).



     Because of the retaining circuit, shown to the right of FIG. 59, this angular displacement cannot be done as long as each of the five stations,!, IV, V, II and II is completely prepared for this purpose. This complete preparation is recorded by the excitation circuit, discussed above, for the left solenoid 294 of the SVI valve.

   This circuit is formed using relay RB from line 280 by wire 313, closed contact 284 of relay RB, wire 296, solenoid 294 of distributor SV1, wire 315, switch closed307, the retaining wire 306, the retaining switch U of the station V, the retaining switch P of the stop cylinder 92 (which is closed by the aforesaid lowering of the stop rod 95), the restraint switches L, M and N at station III, restraint switches X and; J at station II, restraint switches F and G at station IV, restraint switches E and D at station I and wire 316 to the second wire 281.



   At station I, the restraint switch D is closed by the recoil (my-

  <Desc / Clms Page number 32>

 tré in Figure 38) of the carriage 168 which is thus separated from the arms 61-62 of the corresponding head 60. The restraint switch E is closed by the presence at the location (3) of a frame 12 (Figure 38 ), filled with sand and ready to be engaged between the upper arms 61 of the machine.



   At station IV the restraint switch G is closed by the recoil (as shown) of the carriage '198 from under the arms 61-62 to the position (4) of figure 41 and the switch F is closed by the presence, at this location 4, of a core box 26 which contains a complete core 15 -and which is ready to be engaged between the lower arms 62 at this station IV.



   At post V the retainer switch W is closed by the table 208, which serves to invert the core box and which rests on the support 216 as shown in solid lines in figure 44, and by the manipulated cylinder. tor 220 which engaged the carriage 223 for expelling the core box into the table as shown in Figures 43 - 44 and 49.



   At station II, the restraint switch J is closed by disengaging the carriage 247 from under the arms 61 and 62 to the position shown at (3) in figure 52 and the switch X is closed by the presence, at this point, of a hat 14 filled with sand and ready to be engaged between the upper arms of the head 60.



   At station III the hold switch N is closed, as shown in Figure 54, when the carriage 262 is withdrawn from under the arms 61 and 62 to positions (2) and (3); the restraint switch M is closed by the presence in position (2) of an assembled mold 12-14; the restraint switch L (normally closed) is kept open by the presence, in position (3) of FIG. 54, of a second assembled mold 12 - 14 ready to be lifted by the chain 273 to be ' moved away from position (3) to be placed on an empty cart 33 carried by the main track 32. This lifting releases the position (3) of figure 54 along the passage 260 of figure 1 to receive the assembled mold 12 - 14 shown in position 2 of figure 54.



   When the lifting is finished, the restraint switch L closes (figure 56) to complete (assuming that all the other restraint switches are closed) the restraint circuit mentioned above to thus supply the left solenoid. 294 of the SVI distributor which controls the rotation of the turret. This supply moves the spool 114 '(figure 60) of this distributor SV1 to the left, which causes the liquid under pressure to flow from the main supply duct 276 through the duct 89 towards the orifice of the cylinder 82. which turns the turret (figures 11 - 12).



   The piston 90 of the aforesaid cylinder 82 is then moved towards the right of FIG. 12 which, by means of the pawl 85, rotates the ratchet wheel 86 of 72 in the indirect direction. This rotation causes the similar angular displacement of the turret 54 to bring each of the five heads 60 (FIG. 8) opposite the next station which is on the circular path of the turret. This means that the arms 61 and 62 which were originally at station I are moved to station IV, those which were at station IV are moved to station V and so on.

   In the meantime and by opening the limit switch B (figure 12); which occurs at the start of the angular movement of the turret but after the spools of the distributors SV1 and SV6 have been moved to the left, the attraction circuit of the relay RB is closed so that the contact 284 thereof stops supplying the right solenoid of the SV6 stop valve and the left solenoid 294 of the SV1 distributor controlling the rotation of the turret.

   Very shortly after this interruption of the supply, the chord 98 of the trunnion 69 supporting a series of turret arms and which is located above the stop cylinder 92 moves to the left of Figure 13 above. beyond stop rod 95 (which is lowered) and comes into contact with switch Q which is thus closed to complete a circuit through which the left solenoid 301 of stop valve SV6 is supplied. Figure 59 shows a wire 318 forming part of this circuit. The valve of the SV6 distributor is thus moved to the left (as in figure 60), which forces the liquid

  <Desc / Clms Page number 33>

 
 EMI33.1
 of pressure 'a flow from the main supply line 276' through the line 99 'to the lower port 99 of the stop cylinder 92.

   This flow causes the stop rod 95 to rise to the position shown in FIGS. 11 and, 13 for which this rod is. met by the member 98 of the journal. 69 of the head which may be at any one of the
 EMI33.2
 five. stations, which approaches the location of the cylinder,) ârêt92 '(figures 1 ±, and l3h t-.' '-,' - - .. ':': ";,
While the angular "displacement" of the turret takes place, the arms 61 and 62, which pass from the station! -To the station IV, remain -spread-and in their initial upper and lower positions (Figure 36a). The arms 61 and 62, which move from the IV station to the V station, first approach and then are returned to pull apart again as shown in Figure 36b.

   The arms- '61 and'.62 which move from the station V to the station II, remain apart and retain their respective upper and lower positions as shown. in figure 36c. The arms 61 and 62 which move from station II to station III approach as shown in Figure 36d. The arms, which move from le.poste III to station I ,, -s'dissent as shown in Figure 36e. This spacing, this approximation and this reversal are, obtained by the hydraulic motors 64 and 66 (figure 37), described above, under the control of the distributors 112 and 113 which respond to the angular displacements of the turret, as explained. top '(figures 32-35, etc.) and as shown schematically in figure 37.



   The turret continues to rotate until the chord 98 (Figures 11-13), which is below the head 60, reaches the stop cylinder 92 and comes into contact with it. the stop rod 95, which is raised. This interrupts the -rotation of the turret with the five sets of arms 61 and 62 in exact agreement with the devices corresponding to the five stations I, IV, V,
 EMI33.3
 , .II0t III., This is also obtained by the closing of the switch A (Fig. "Gte -12) - which limits this rotation, at the end of the angular displacement of 2, by the piston 90 'of the , cylinder 82 which drives the turret (Figures 11 and 12).



   Closing limit switch A powers relay RA in figure 59. The excitation circuit starts from line 280 and passes through. wire 310, the coil of the relay RA, the-wire-320, the closed contacts of the
 EMI33.4
 switch 'Limiter-A:' and wire 312 to the other line 281. The contact 283 of the RA relay now completes the excitation circuits of the right solenoids of the ten distributors ..: S , v1 to SV5 and SV7..These six circuits have the common% wire 293 (figure 59) which is connected to line 280 when contact 283 of relay RA is pulled.

   The circuit, between the common wire 293 and the line 281 is completed by- a) the -solenoid of the right 286 of the distributor SV1 which is connected
 EMI33.5
 yby a delay device 321 (FIG. 59); b) the.solenoide on the right 287 of the distributor SV2 which is connected by a wire 322; c) the right-hand solenoid 288 of the distributor SV3 which is connected by a wire 323; d) the right solenoid
 EMI33.6
 te, 289 '. from the SV4 distributor which. is connected by wire -324; e) the. solenoid on the right 29o of the distributor SV5 which is connected by wire 325; and f) the right distributor solenoid 291, SV7, which is connected ** by ìl 326 ..



   The turret 54 having thus arrived at the end of its 72 stroke, the stop rod 95 of the cylinder 92 (Figures 11, 13) prevents the cylinder 82 from rotating the turret beyond the position for which the series of arms are located exactly opposite the five corresponding stations, and the
RA has just been excited to complete the six circuits listed above. For the solenoid 286 'of the SV1 distributor, this closing of the circuit is delayed for a few seconds depending on the setting of the retarder 321.

   This setting is such that one is certain that the turret 54, which is relatively
 EMI33.7
 heavy, '. comes to a complete stop. and, gradually, abutting against the stop rod 95 before.the force produced.in the cylinder. 82 be interrupted.



  It is preferable that this force continue -for some time to avoid the rebound which could occur.immediately after the turret frame has come into contact with the stopper rod 95.



   At the end of the delay, by device 321, the control solenoid
 EMI33.8
 right 286 of the distributor! is 'excited' by a circuit connecting the line 280 by

  <Desc / Clms Page number 34>

 wire 313, closed contact 283 of relay RA, wire 292, one side of the delay device, the right solenoid 286 of the distributor SV1, the other side of the delay device 321 and wire 312 on line 281.



   By this excitation, the spool 114 'of the distributor SV1 is moved to the right, which causes liquid under pressure to pass from the main supply duct 276 through the duct 91' and the return orifice 91 (figures 11 - 12) of cylinder 82 which rotates the turret. Piston 90 of cylinder 92 returns to the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 12, which brings pawl 85 behind the next tooth of ratchet wheel 86 to prepare for a next angular displacement of turret 54. This return opens the latch. 'limit switch A and close limit switch B.



   But before the limit switch A is open and while the delay device 321 delays the energization of the right solenoid 286 of the distributor SV1, the closed contact 283 of the RA relay advances the cylinders of the trolleys to stations I, IV. , II and III and operates the turning device at station V. These respective movements and actuations are described below.



   At station I, the aforementioned excitation of the right-hand solenoid 287 of the distributor SV2 moves the spool of this distributor to the right and the pressurized liquid flows from the main supply duct 276 through the duct 175 'into the 'orifice 175 of the cylinder 171 of the carriage 168 (figures 38) which is thus forced to the right to bring the frame 12, filled with sand, between the upper arms 61 of the head 60 which is located opposite the station I. The frame 12 is thus engaged between the arms in the position shown in FIG. 22. At the end of its forward stroke, the carriage 168 closes the limit switch C which supplies the left solenoid 297 of the distributor SV2 by a circuit including wire-328 (figure 59).

   The spool of distributor SV2 is moved to the left so that pressurized liquid is supplied through conduit 276 and conduit '176' into return port 176 of cylinder 171 (figure 38) of the cylinder. carriage 168. This is thus brought back from position (4) to position (3) of FIG. 38, which prepares the introduction of another frame, loaded with sand, between the series of arms 61 and 62 of the head 60 which is then brought opposite the station I by the turret 54.



   At station IV, the aforementioned excitation of the solenoid 288 of the SV3 distributor moves the spool of this distributor to the right, which causes the pressurized liquid to pass from the conduit 276 through the conduit 202 'and through the forward port 202 of cylinder 200 (figure 41) which pushes carriage 198 under arms 61 and 62 of head 60 to station II, which displaces core box 26, which contains complete core 15, from position (4) of Figure 41 to position (5) in which the core box is collected by the lower arms 62 and is engaged therein (Figure 28). Advancing the carriage 198 closes the limit switch H, which powers the right solenoid 298 of the distributor SV3 through a circuit shown in Figure 59 and which includes the wire 329.

   This feed moves the valve spool of SV3 to the left, which causes liquid under pressure to pass from line 276 through line 206 'into return port 206 (Figure 41) of cylinder 200. Carriage 198 , at station IV, is thus brought back to the retracted position (4) of FIG. 41, which prepares the device to receive another core bundle 26 containing a finished core 15 to push this box back into the lower arms of the next head 60 that the turret 54 will bring opposite the station IV.



   At station III, the aforementioned excitation of the right-hand solenoid 291 of the SV7 distributor moves the latter's spool to the right so that liquid under pressure can pass from the duct 276 through the duct 234 into the operating orifice. front 106 '' (figure 43 - 44) of the turning motors 211 and 212 which rotate the shaft 210 in the indirect direction with respect to figure 44 to drive the turning table 208 from its initial position, close to the lane return 187 (figure 1), this position being indicated in solid lines to the right of figure 44, up to its other position.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 35>

 extreme neighbor - arms 61 and 62 at station V,

   as shown in broken lines to the left of Figures 43 - 44 and in solid lines in Figure 1.



   During this rotation of the turning table 208, a projection 330 provided on the post 209 thereof (figure 43) comes into contact with the switch Y, which is normally open and which is mounted on a fixed point. at the location shown in Figures 43 and 49. This switch is thus closed when the projection 330 passes in front of this switch.



     ''. - '-This closing causes the supply of the left solenoid 303 of the SV8 distributor which moves the spool' from it to the left so that the pressurized liquid flows from it. conduit 276 by conduit
230 to behind the retracted piston 222 of the manipulator cylinder '220 (figures 43', and, -49.). The manipulator 220 then releases the carriage., 22.3 from the turning table ..-: 208 to bring the pusher 227 behind the inverted core box 26, engaged between the upper arms. .62 of the head 60 which is facing the station V as shown to the right, of figure 49.



  As soon as the table 208 has come to rest on the support 217 (to the left of FIG. 44), its edge comes into contact with the limiter switch'S (FIG. 49) and closes the contacts of the latter while at the same time feeding the right solenoid 304 of the SV8 distributor through a circuit (Figure 59) that includes wire 332.

   This excitation moves the spool of the SV8 distributor to the right so that pressurized liquid can flow from the conduit 276 through the conduit 231 into the other end of the manipulator cylinder 220 (to the left of Figure 44). This returns the carriage 223 to the table 208 which forces the pusher 227 (to the right of FIG. 49) to pull the inverted box 26 out of the upper arms 62 into the inverting table. 208 (figure 50).



   When the core box 26 is fully engaged in the turning table in the horizontal position (2) of figure 49, the box comes to act on the switch R and closes its contacts to complete a driver circuit with wire 333 (figure 59) for the left solenoid 302 of the SV7 distributor. This excitation moves the spool of this SV7 distributor to the left to pass pressurized liquid from the conduit 276 through the conduit 233 and the The inlet port (Figures 43 - 44) of the return motors 211 - 212.

   These motors rotate table 208 and shaft 210 in the forward direction relative to Figure 49 (in the indirect direction relative to Figure 44) from position., Shown in broken lines in Figure 44. , up to the position indicated in solid lines to the right of this figure, .. above the support 216 '. '
This corresponds to the position (2) of figure 49 for which the 'empty core' box 26, carried 'by the table 208, has been turned over and is located at the end of the return corridor 187 (figure 1) , neighbor of the post
V.

   During this turning movement through the table 208, the projection 330 mounted on the journal 209 comes into contact with the actuator of the switch Y but the arrangement is such that it does not occur. not a closing of the contacts of this switch but that it takes place only by the displacement, of which question above, of the projection 330 when the motor is operating to obtain the reversal in the opposite direction.



   When the table 208 rests on the support 216, to the right of Figure 44 and to the left of Figure 49, the box 26 contacts the switch U and closes the latter to energize the solenoid. valve 303 of the SV8 distributor using the 'circuit discussed above and which includes wire 331. By this excitation, the SV8 distributor drawer is moved to' -the left- so that the liquid under pressure flows through line 230. and 'by the manipulator cylinder 220 by' entering through the orifice 230 (figures 43-44). 'In this way the piston 222 moves away from the turning shaft' 210 eh driving the 'carriage 225 in the same'. meaning.



   The ejector 228 thus pushes the empty box to the left of FIG. 49 onto the side rollers 236 (FIG. 51) at the start of the return path '187 (FIG. 1).' When the carriage 223 has advanced to the end of its travel, its end 226 comes into contact with the switch T, shown

  <Desc / Clms Page number 36>

 on the right of figure 44 and on the left of figure 49. The closing of the switch T, which results from it, causes the excitation of the right solenoid 304 of the distributor SV8 to the right so that the liquid under pressure - The gas passes through the conduit 231 to the outer end of the handling cylinder 220.

   This returns the carriage 223 to the table 208 and the state of the turning device at station V, so that it can restart a cycle similar to that described above, is restored.



   At station II, the aforementioned excitation of the right-hand solenoid 289 of the SV4 distributor by the contact 283 of the RA relay moves the spool of this SV4 distributor to the right which causes the pressurized liquid to pass from the conduit 276 through the conduit 254 ' and through the orifice 254 of the cylinder 250 of the carriage 247 (figure 52) to force the carriage 247 from the position (3) to the position (4) of figure 52 thus engaging the cap 14, filled with sand, between the upper arms of the head 60 which is located at station II.

   At the end of this movement we obtain the closing of the limit switch K to close the left solenoid 299 of the distributor SV4 by a circuit shown in figure 59 comprising the wire 335 to move the spool of the distributor SV4 towards left so that pressurized liquid can flow through line 255 'into port 255 of cylinder 250. This flow moves piston 252 to the left of Figure 52 and returns carriage 247 from position (4 ) to position (3). The device of station II is thus put back into a state in which the cycle described above can begin again.



   At station III, the aforementioned excitation of the right-hand solenoid 290 of the SV5 relay by the contact 283 of the RA relay moves the valve of the SV5 distributor to the right so that the pressurized liquid can flow from the conduit 276 through the conduit 269 'and through port 269 of cylinder 263 of carriage' 262 (Figure 54). The piston 265 is thus pushed back to the right (figure 54) to drive the carriage 262 and to bring the pushers 271 and 272 behind the assembled molds 12-14 which respectively occupy the positions (2) and (1) in the figure. 54. The assembled mold, which is in position (2), was previously supplied to station III while the assembled mold, which is now in position (1), has just arrived at this station III but is still between the close arms 61 and 62 of the head 60 shown in Figure 54.



   This positioning of the carriage 262 with the pushers 271 and 272 behind the two assembled molds is accompanied by the closing of the limit switch 0 (figure 54) to supply the left solenoid 300 of the SV5 distributor via a circuit. shown in Figure 59 and including wire 336.



  In this way the valve of the SV5 distributor is moved to the left and pressurized liquid is supplied to the cylinder 263 of the carriage 262 through the duct 268, this cylinder bringing the piston 265 and the carriage 262 to the left of FIG. that the pushers 271 - 272 move the two assembled molds from the positions (2) and (1) to the positions (3) and (2) of figure 54. In this way the assembled mold 12-14 is released from between the arm of the head 60 which is at station III and the other assembled mold, previously supplied at station III, is brought to position (3) near the main track 32 to be transferred, using of the chain 273 'and the lifting frame 274, on one of the empty carriages 33 which run on this track.



   After the frame 12 and, the cap 14 have been interconnected by the clamps 19 of Figures 4 to 6, each assembled mold, placed on a cart, is ready to be filled by being moved along the part. track 32 shown at the top and to the left of figure 1. Meanwhile, cylinder 263, at station III, continues to maintain the carriage in its extreme position, on the left, as shown in solid lines in figure 54, until another turret head 60 arrives at station III with a new assembled mold 12-14 between its close arms. At this point begins, at station III, the cycle of operations which has just been described with reference to Figures 54 and 59.



   Before the cycle begins again, the head 60 which was previously at station III is brought to station I by angular displacement of the knob.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 37>

 relle 54 de 72 in the 'indirect direction., inique by large arrows on the figures 1 and 8. During this movement the close arms, 61 and 62 of the head which leaves the station III are separated during the movement towards the pos - te I, as, visible 'on' the diagram of figure 37. This spacing is effected by the hydraulic spacing motor 64, mounted on the head 60, this motor receiving liquid under pressure by the distributor 112 (figures 8, 32-33 and
57).

   On arriving at station I, these arms are therefore separated, as shown to the left of FIG. 36e. The installation for assembling the molds is thus ready to start a new cycle of operations, this cycle being similar to that described above.



   It follows from this description that the relay RA (figure 59) serves, when it draws its armature under the control of the limiter switch A of the cylinder 82 which turns the turret, to cause the simultaneous movements of the cylinder 171 of the cylinder. carriage (figure 38) at station 1 for receiving the frame, cylinder 200 of the carriage (figure 41) at station IV, for forming the '' 'core, turning motors 211 and 212' (figures 43 44 and 49) at station (V for the release of the core box (and-indirectly of the manipulator cylinder 220 of the turning device of this station V), of the cylinder 250 of the carriage (figure 52) of the station III, for the fitting of the cap, and of the cylinder 263 of the carriage (figure 54) of station III for the release of the mold.

   



   It should be noted that this RA-relay can only be energized by., The limit switch A at the end of a full 72Q advance of the turret 54, that each of the turret advancements must first be. preceded by the excitation of the left solenoid of the distributor SV1 which is used for this advancement and that the circuit to obtain this excitation, using the contact -284. 'of relay RB, can only be completed when all the switches de-retained at the five stations (D-E to I, F-G to IV, W to V, X-J to II, L-M-N to
III and P of the stop cylinder 92 established under the turret) are closed to re-link the wire 315 (Figure 59) to the line 281 by the wire 316.



  As already said, this connection and the simultaneous excitation of the solenoid 294 of the distributor SV1 take place only when the devices and apparatus, established at the five stations I, IV, V, II and III, have completed their preparation for a subsequent advancement of 72 of the turret.

   Until then, failure at any one of these five positions in the full preparation for this advancement prevents it even though all other parts of the installation are ready and waiting. But when everything is ready, the holdback circuit, (to the right of Fig. 59), supplies excitation current to solenoid 294 of valve SV1, so that the valve of this valve is moved to the left. '' left to admit pressurized liquid through the orifice
89 of cylinder 82 to rotate turret 54 by an additional 72, as described above in detail.

   '
If it is desired to hold the turret 54 at any of the five stations, this can be achieved by opening the retainer switch 307 (Figure 59). This opening prevents the excitation of the right-hand solenoid 294 of the distributor SV1 until this switch 307-is closed by hand by an operator. In addition, if one wants to obtain the rotation of the turret before all the devices and devices at the five stations are completely ready, it is sufficient to close the bypass and restraint switch 308 (figure 59). this closure is bypassed all the contacts between wires 306 and 316 and we connect wire 315 directly to wire 316.

   This direct connection causes the immediate energization of the solenoid 294 'of the distributor SV1 as soon as the relay RB has drawn its armature by the closing of the limiter switch B of the advancement cylinder 82 (FIGS. 11 and 12).



   Normally switch 307, which breaks the hold-down, is kept closed as shown and switch 308 is held open, as shown, allowing automatic initiation of the rotation, stepping, of turret 54, , as described above.



   We will now describe how the complete installation in Figure 1 works.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 38>

 



   Industrial use of an automatic plant for assembling the constituent parts of foundry molds has confirmed the high practical efficiency of the new process and of the devices and apparatus forming part of this plant. It has already been realized, from the detailed description which precedes, how these different devices and apparatus work and this operation is clearly illustrated by the diagram of FIG. 1.



   This operation has the advantage that it is continuous and that it makes it possible to obtain the manufacture, with a very high start, of the castings.



  Although operators are required at stations I - IV - II and III (not at station V), the manual effort, which must be provided by each of these men, is reduced to a minimum and the degree of skill they must also be significantly below that required to prepare foundry molds by any of the methods known heretofore.



   We have already seen that the assembled molds, debited by station III of the central machine 30, are successively transferred to the part of the track 32 which is adjacent to this station or, if desired, to the part which is located in upstream of it. As the assembled molds advance on track 32 they are filled with cast metal before they approach the hatch drain grid 47, attached to station II. When the filled molds arrive at this grid 47, the molten iron has solidified to such an extent that the pieces 19 can be removed and the caps 14 can be moved away from the frames 12 which now contain the solidified castings 10. and exhibited 10, as shown to the left and top of Figure 1.



   These molds 12, containing the castings 10, continue to advance on the carriages 33 in the indirect direction on the track 32 passing under the passage 187 for the return of the core boxes. When the frames 12, containing the castings and cooled 10, approach the grid 45 (Figure 1) to sand the castings 10, operators remove these from the frames filled with sand, by using the usual hooks, as well as the lug (not shown) which has solidified in the hole or pouring nozzle 23-24 of figures 4, 5 and 7.



   The parts 10, to which the pins are attached, are placed by the operators 45 on the vibrating grid which removes all the sand from these parts in the usual way. This sand is collected by the underground conveyor 43 to be returned to the apparatus 37 in which it is treated. While the parts 10 are being shaken the lugs come off and the parts, free of sand and lugs, can be considered to be finished. They are picked up from grid 45 by a belt conveyor 340, which brings them to any suitable container 341.



   When the castings 10 (and the pins) have been removed, the frames 12 still containing the sand continue to advance in the direct direction along the track 32 from the grid 45 to the grid 46 serving for emptying. frame (on the right and at the top of figure l). At this point another operator orders an overhead lifting device (not shown), mentioned above, to remove the frames 12 of the carriages 33 to place them on the vibrating grid 46 by which all the sand is released out of these. frame 12 when they are returned and they are then engaged, with their opening facing downwards (figure 38 and the previous description),

   in the return corridor 161 of the frames which brings them to the machine 160 of station I for the reception of the frames which are successively engaged between the upper arms of this machine (figures 22, 36a and 38) from the heads 60 which come together present, one after the other, facing position I.



   Each frame 12, filled with sand, is collected by the rotating machine 30 at station I and is then brought to station IV where a core 15, housed in a box 26, is put in place (figures 28, 36b, 41) this box being engaged between the upper and empty arms of the head 60 which has stopped at station IV. As this head moves towards the V station, the frame 12 and the core box 26 are brought together (Figures 36b, 37) and turned over so that the core 15 fits into the mold cavity of the frame 12.

  <Desc / Clms Page number 39>

 when they .. arrived. '. at the V.

   To this the empty box'26 is withdrawn (igure 36c) out of the arms of the corresponding head and is turned-automatically (figures 43 to 50) to be brought back through the corridor 187 to the post
IV.



     -The frame 12, in which the core 15 rests, continues to be sup- .porté by les.bras Inférieurs.de the. head 60 to move from station V to station II: (Figure 36a) where is introduced, between the upper arms of the head, a cap 14 filled. -of. sand (figure 36d). The flange of this cap 14 has previously passed into the loading machine. 240 after having been brought to the latter by the passage 241 starting from the drain grid 47 after having been removed from a filled mold carried by a carriage 33 which advances on the track 32, as already explained.



   Advancing from station II to station III, the arms of each head 60 approach each other which places the cap 14, filled with sand, on the frame 12 "in which the core 15 is housed. The assembled mold 12-14 thus reaches the station. III. At this point it is released out of the arms of the turret and placed on an empty cart 33 which approaches along the main track 32. On this cart. The mold is filled with cast metal as already explained .



   It can be seen that the installation of Figure 1 constantly uses each of the frames 12, each of the core boxes 26 and each of the caps 14 when it operates on a complete cycle for the assembly of the molds, as explained above. . Likewise, all the sand is used again to reload the frames and the caps and to form the cores 15. The cycle in question is continuous and its use not only increases the number of parts which can be cast in. a foundry having a given area, but it also decreases both the time and the labor which are necessary to prepare.the constituent parts of the mold and to.assemble them -, so that the mold is ready to receive the mold. molten metal.



   'With an industrial installation, as shown in figures'1 and others, one can prepare, assemble and fill the molds 12 -
14 at the high speed of 240 molds per hour, the assembly time of each mold being only 15 seconds.



     This meant that every 15 seconds a frame 12, filled with sand, is introduced between the upper arms of a turret head 60 at station 1, which a core box 26 containing a finished core 15 is engaged. between the lower arms of this head 60 at station IV, that an empty box 26 is released from the upper arms of the returned head 60 at station V before being turned over and placed in the aisle 187 to be brought back at station IV, that a hat 14 filled with sand is engaged entered with the upper and empty arms of the head 60 at station II,

     that an assembled mold 12-14 is released from the close arms of the turret at station III 'and is prepared to be transferred to a carriage 33 while the turret 54 is angularly moved (by 72) to pass the five heads 60 from one station to the next in the direction of rotation of the turret.



   The speed of the carriages-33 along the track 32-is chosen, at
 EMI39.1
 using the drive means 35, so that each carriage 33 needs 15-seconds to pass a given point. In this way it is certain that there is sufficient flow from the frames 12 to the grid 46 which feeds the station I and, a suitable number of carriages 33, at the station III, to receive the assembled molds. so that these molds can be filled, that the caps 14 (removed, unheard of filled) can be supplied to the grid 47 of station II and that the castings and cooled 10 {- held in the frames go under the return corridor 187)

   the grid 45 connected to the receptacle 341 receiving the finished parts can be fed.
 EMI39.2
 



  ..... - "'..', '.:'" "* ,, '.... ..



   For the installation, shown in Figure 1, the upper limit for the speed of mold assembly and, therefore, the frequency with which the turret 54 can advance step by step is determined by the length of time the movements of reconciliation, 'reversal and separation of the arms 61 and 62. of' each.tête'60 during, that this one advances from the station IV to the

  <Desc / Clms Page number 40>

 station V. The operations at all other points of the installation can be carried out at least as quickly and even faster than the above movements.



   The method and the installation, which is the object of the invention, can be applied successfully to prepare and assemble molds to obtain castings (solid or hollow) having very varied dimensions and shapes and other than elbows for downpipes or the like like that shown by way of example at 10 in figure 3. Thus, with the installation of figure 1 other parts can be made in molds comprising flanges ( frame 12 and caps 14) by establishing at 12a in figure 38 (station I) and at 14a in figure 52 (station II) model plates suitable for other parts and, when a core is used, by placing at 26 and 26a in Fig. 41 (station IV) suitable halves of a box for such a core.

   On the other hand, if one wants to manufacture solid parts for which a core is not necessary, the halves of the core box and the devices or apparatus established at stations IV and V can be completely omitted,
As already explained, the installation shown in figure 1 has been shown and described as suitable for the preparation and assembly of molds intended for the manufacture of parts such as that designated by 10 in figure 3. These parts are hollow and therefore require the intervention of a core 15 which is housed in the molds 12-14 used for their manufacture.



   This installation also uses green or lean sand for the formation of each of the cores, the devices used for this purpose being shown at station IV and those for which the empty boxes are evacuated are shown at station V.



   For the production of hollow parts, this unique coordination of the devices for forming the core at the IV station and those for returning and removing the core boxes at the V station is particularly advantageous and constitutes one of the important features contributing to the total industrial success of the plant shown in figure 1. It is obvious, however, that the remaining parts of the plant can easily be adapted to foundries in which the core 15 of figure 3 is formed by dry sand and is prepared by well known means, comprising a baking oven or the like (not shown) which can be located outside the room where the installation of Figure 1 is mounted.



   In this case, the devices of the installation of FIG. 1 can be used advantageously by modifying them slightly as follows. The lower halves 26 of the core bundle can be used as members for supporting and maintaining the dry sand cores which are hand-placed into these members by an operator at the IV station. In this case the upper halves 26a of these boots as well as the machines 185 and 186 are no longer necessary. In this way the dry sand cores can be introduced respectively into the central assembly machine 30 'with the halves 26 of the cores when these are successively engaged between the arms of the machine by the apparatus which is to the right of Figure 41 as in the case where green or lean sand cores are used.

   The empty halves, released from the machine 30 at station V and returned to it, are returned to station IV by gravity using the corridor 187 to be used again in this station IV. For many castings, the use of dry sand cores is beneficial and the process in question enables such parts to be manufactured in an efficient manner.



   The use of these dry sand cores is also possible when placed directly, by hand, into the mold cavities of the frames 12 supported by the arms of the heads of the central assembly machine.



   The installation of FIG. 1 can then be used as shown schematically in FIG. 61a.



   Figure 6a shows a 30 'assembly machine with five heads

  <Desc / Clms Page number 41>

 60 provided with arms and cooperating with five stations distributed regularly around the machine which; 'in general, is similar to the machine 30, already described, with the difference that each series of arms 61 - 62 is returned. immediately after leaving station I instead of leaving between stations IV and V as in figure 1. In figure 61a the frames 12 are introduced at station I, the cores in dry sand, prepared independently; are. housed in the cavity (facing upwards after turning over) of the frames 12 at stations IV and V. Apart from that, the general operation is that already described for the installation of figē1 and following, for which we use cores in green or thin sand.



   In figure 61b a further simplification is provided for the central machine 30 "which has only four heads 60 instead of five as in the previous cases. In this case the dry sand cores are placed in the cavities of the chamber. molding of the frames in a single station IV Other than that the operation is the same as for figure 61a.



   In Fig. 61c the central machine 30 '' 'is further simplified in that it has only three heads 60 and it is more particularly suitable in the case where the parts to be molded are full and therefore do not require the molding. intervention of a nucleus. In this case, positions I, II and III correspond to two described above and positions IV and V are completely eliminated.



   In these three stations I, II and III are performed the operations or functions of the stations bearing the same numbers in the installation of figure 1. It is even possible to use the installation with five stations of figure 1, without no modification, for casting parts, corresponding for example to that denoted by 10 in Figure 1, but which are solid so that a core of any kind is not needed in the mold.



   Finally, it should be noted that the central assembly machine 30 can, if desired, be arranged to simultaneously deliver two, three or even a greater number of assembled molds instead of the single mold whose assembly has been described by way of example. Thus, the central machine 30 '' 'of FIG. 61 may comprise six, nine or twelve heads 60 - cooperating with the devices and apparatus established at stations I, II and III to perform the simultaneous assembly of two , three or four molds that do not require a core. Likewise, the machine 30 of FIGS. 1 and 2 may comprise ten, fifteen or twenty heads 60 in order to be able to simultaneously assemble two, three or four molds which require the intervention of one or more cores.

   The machine 30 "of Figure 6lb may have eight, twelve, or sixteen heads 60 for simultaneously assembling two, three or four molds using dry sand cores. In each of the above cases, the assembly of one single mold described in detail above, is carried out on a multiple basis with selected groups of heads and cooperating stations, operating in parallel.



   The method and the devices, machines and apparatus described above therefore have an extremely wide and varied field of application and the specific operations for the assembly of the molds must therefore be considered as being given by way of reference. example only without any limiting or restrictive meaning.



   The invention makes it possible to prepare and assemble molds for the casting of parts of all kinds (solid or hollow) in a much faster and more efficient manner than has hitherto been possible. The improvements or improvements, which are the subject of the invention, make it possible to increase the yield in terms of number of castings for a foundry area having a given surface. They make it possible to reduce the time and the work required for the assembly of the constituent parts of the mold.:. They remove the limitations hitherto imposed on the production speed by the time and labor in question and allow the intervention of a continuous cycle of operations for the assembly of the molds so that '' the casting soon parts at a high speed becomes possible.

   The operations for: the preparation and assembly of the molds

  <Desc / Clms Page number 42>

 they are judiciously coordinated in such a way that the majority of these can be carried out mechanically and in a more or less automatic manner without the intervention of manual manipulations and without the intervening personnel having particular knowledge or skill.



  In addition, the automatic operation is carried out with such a safety that it requires only a minimum supervision on the part of this personnel.



   As goes without saying and as it follows moreover from the foregoing, the invention is in no way limited to that of its modes of application nor to those of the embodiments of its various parts having more specifically indicated; on the contrary, it embraces all the variants.



   CLAIMS
1. Process for the preparation and assembly of the constituent parts of complete foundry molds, in which each frame flange, loaded with sand, is engaged in a first support suitable for initially maintaining the frame introduced with the cavity. molding oriented downward, this first support with the frame it contains is turned over so that the aforesaid cavity is oriented upwards, then each cap flange, loaded with sand, is introduced into a second support which is located above the first returned support, this second support being able to initially hold the cap introduced at a certain distance above the aforesaid frame, when the latter is engaged in the first support,

   the cavity of the molding of said cap being oriented downwards and towards the opposite cavity of the frame, after which the first and the second support are brought closer to each other to thereby lay the cap on the frame with their respective cavities opposite, and the assembled mold consisting of the frame and the cap placed one against the other in the above-mentioned manner is finally released from the two supports thus brought together.


    

Claims (1)

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein a core is added to the frame and to the cap by introducing, after the frame has been introduced into the first support with the mold cavity facing downwards, a core using d 'a core box in the second support placed initially under the first support and initially arranged so that it can maintain said core box at a certain distance below the frame engaged in the first support with the core facing towards the top on the box which supports it, after which the first and the second supports are brought closer to each other, so that the core is engaged in the mold cavity of said frame, the supports then being turned over, so that the frame is placed at the bottom and the core above it, the two supports then being moved apart to separate the core box from the frame and from the core which remains housed in the mold cavity of the frame, after which the core box, empty and inverted, is withdrawn out of the second support and the cap, loaded with sand, is engaged in the second empty support, the molding cavity of the cap coming to be placed on the core, housed in the cavity of the frame, when the aforesaid supports are brought together, the assembled mold being constituted by the frame, the core and the cap. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the inverted core box is returned and released to prepare la.box for its reuse for a next cycle for assembly of a mold. 4. Installation for the preparation and assembly of the constituent parts of a foundry mold, this installation comprising an assembly machine, a device established at a first station for supplying this machine with frames introduced successively into it. here with their mold cavities oriented downwards, means, forming part of the machine, for turning over each chassis involved, so that its mold cavity is oriented upwards, a device established at a second station to feed said machine with caps successively introduced therein with their molding cavities oriented downwards, means, <Desc / Clms Page number 43> being part of the machine, to bring each cap introduced closer to one of the aforementioned inverted frames, so that their respective molding cavities are facing each other, and a device established at a third station for removing from the machine each assembled mold formed by a frame and a cap, brought into contact in the above-mentioned manner. 5. Installation according to claim 4, in which a revolving turret is provided and at least one head is mounted on this turret with an upper arm and a lower arm, said turret being suitable for successively driving said head and said said head. arms at the stations in question, the means for returning the frame-received being put into action on the head when the latter has advanced beyond the first station while the means for bringing each hat closer to a frame are put in action on the head when the latter leaves the second post. 6. Installation according to claim 5, wherein several heads are mounted on the turret, each head comprising an upper arm and a lower arm. 7. Installation according to either of claims 4, 5 and 6, wherein an apparatus is provided at a fourth station established, in the operating cycle, between the first and the second station to supply said machine core boxes which are successively introduced therein, each box carrying a core which is located above this box and means being provided in the machine for placing each core box collected in the machine into contact with a frame previously introduced therein, these two parts then being turned upside down and the inverted core box being moved away from the inverted frame, leaving the core in the frame facing upward in the cavity of molding thereof. 8. Installation according to claim 7, in which an apparatus is provided at a fifth station established, in the operating cycle, between the fourth and the second station to withdraw, from the machine, each returned core box which. is separated from the core and the corresponding frame. 9. Installation according to either of claims 5 and 6, wherein each of said arms comprises a left part and a right part which are facing each other and which are separated by a corresponding distance. in front of the flange (frame or cap) of the mold or of the core box which this arm is to receive, separate rows of support rollers being arranged at the top and bottom along the internal face of each of said parts of left and right, each pair of rows of rollers being suitable for allowing a lateral member of said flange or said boot to pass between these rows when this flange or this box is engaged at the end between said left and right parts of said arm . 10. Installation according to claim 9, wherein retaining means are provided to elastically prevent the axial movement of each flange or each box, after their introduction into the arm, relative to the lateral parts of the arm of the turret head in which the flange or box is engaged. 11. Installation according to claim 10, wherein said retaining means comprise a stop roller mounted in one of said lateral parts between the upper row and the lower row of rollers of this part which support the flange or the box, being resiliently biased towards the gap existing between said parts to be able to engage in a corresponding notch made in the lateral member of the flange or boot, which is engaged between said rows of support rollers ..... - 12. Installation according to Claim 4, in which each frame or cap comprises a frame formed by two side walls interconnected at their ends, a support bar projecting on the outer face of each of said side walls, each bar being fixed. at <Desc / Clms Page number 44> the corresponding side wall and extending over the greater part of the length thereof. 13. Installation according to claim 12, in which each of the support bars has teeth in its outer edge, at at least one point located between the ends of the bar. 14. Installation according to one or the other of claims 4 to 13, wherein the chassis loading device comprises means suitable for collecting empty frames and for filling each of these with sand in which there is provided a imprint of the model, a carriage for transferring each frame from these loading means to the assembly machine, means suitable for moving said carriage between its normally raised position and an advanced position, and a pusher, established on said carriage, to push back a frame filled with sand into the assembly machine, when the carriage moves towards its forward position and to come to act on another frame, filled with sand, when the carriage returns to its position steephead Valley. 15. Installation according to claim 7, wherein the device, established at the fourth station, comprises means adapted to receive empty core boxes and to form, in each of these, a core oriented upward in this box as explained above, a carriage for transferring each core box with the core from the means, which serve to form this core, to said assembly machine, means for moving said carriage between a normally retracted position and an advanced position , a pusher established on said carriage to push back a box carrying a core in the assembly machine when the carriage moves towards said advanced position and to act on another box carrying a core when the carriage returns to said retracted position. 16. Installation according to claim 8, wherein the device, established at the fifth station, comprises means suitable for turning upside down each inverted and released core box before returning it to the device of the fourth station. 17. Installation according to claim 8, in which the device, established at the fifth station, comprises a manipulator apparatus, a cart which can be moved by this device between an advanced position and a retracted position, this carriage carrying its own pusher. in acting on an inverted box, housed in the machine at the fifth station, when the carriage moves towards its advanced position, and in pushing this box out of the machine when the carriage moves towards its retracted position. 18. Installation according to claim 17, in which the apparatus also comprises a table arranged to receive a core box, the carriage and the manipulator device being mounted on the table. 19. Installation according to either of claims 17 and 18, wherein the aforesaid manipulator apparatus comprises a cylinder and means are provided for forcing said cylinder to advance the carriage after each flow, by the machine, d 'a core box inverted at said fifth station and then moving the carriage back to disengage, from the machine, the box with which said pusher has come into contact. 20. Installation according to claim 19, wherein the carriage is actuated by a piston which can move forward and backward in the cylinder, means being provided to admit a pressurized fluid into said cylinder and to one side of said piston; when a core box has left the machine at the fifth station to advance the carriage and bring its pusher into contact with said box, means intervening for the admission of pressurized fluid into the cylinder on the other side of the piston to release the carriage and with it the core box from the machine. 21. Installation according to either of claims 18, 19, and 20, wherein the table is arranged so as to be able to be turned over and to be able to receive a core box, the table being mounted on a pivot axis which allows its angular movement between-a position for the- <Desc / Clms Page number 45> which it can collect a box near the assembly machine and an inverted position, which is on the other side of the axis while being moved away from the machine under the control of a turning motor which is linked to said table and which is suitable for moving the latter angularly from one of the aforesaid positions to another and vice versa. 22. Installation according to claim 21, in which an ejector member provided on the. The carriage is arranged to come into contact with each core box which is pulled into the table and to separate this box from the table, when the carriage moves to its advanced position with the table in the inverted position. 23. Installation according to either of claims 21 and 22, wherein the pusher of the carriage is suspended therefrom by gravity and arranged to come to hook behind a core box located in the machine, at said other station, when the carriage moves to its forward position, the table being in the position of receiving a box, and for pushing the core box of the machine into the table, when the carriage moves subsequently to its retracted position, the pusher being further arranged to fall, by gravity, out of: the position in which it is in correspondence with the core box in the table, when the latter subsequently moves on a curvilinear path from its box receiving position in the vicinity of the machine to its inverted position away from the machine. 24. Installation according to either of Claims 21 to 23, in which a turning motor is connected to said table and is suitable for rotating the latter from the position for which it receives a core box to its inverted position and vice versa, means being provided to operate the motor in one direction, each time the assembly machine has brought an inverted core box to the fifth station, to place the table in a position for which it can collect said box, and other intervening means, after each release of a core box from the machine and its engagement in the table by the carriage device, to operate the motor in the other direction to bring the table and the core box to said inverted position. 25. Installation according to claim 24, wherein the turning motor is a hydraulic motor arranged to rotate the table to the position in which it receives a core box, when the pressurized fluid is fed into a first orifice of the motor, and up to the inverted position of the table, when pressurized fluid is admitted into a second orifice of the motor, means being provided, after each release by the assembly machine from one core box to said other station, for supplying the first orifice of the motor with pressurized fluid, which brings the table into the position for receiving a box, while means actuated, after each withdrawal by the carriage of a core box from the machine in the table, used to supply the second orifice of the motor with pressurized fluid, which brings the table and the core box into the inverted position. 26. Installation according to either of claims 9 to 25, in which means are provided for inverting the core box so that the two ends of the box are interchanged, other means cooperating with the fifth. station for returning each inverted box at the fourth station to a suitable position so that a new core can be formed in said box at this fourth station. 27. Installation according to claim 26, wherein a downwardly inclined passageway extends from the device established at the fifth station to the location of the fourth station, said fifth station comprising means for pushing each box. .noyau-inverted in the entrance of this corridor so that it can return, by the effect of gravity, along this corridor towards the fourth post. 28. Installation according to claim 27, in which <Desc / Clms Page number 46> means are provided at the fourth station for collecting each empty core box coming from said lane and forming a core therein, the box and the core being subsequently reintroduced into the assembly machine. 29. Installation according to any one of claims 4 to 28, wherein the device provided at the second station comprises means for receiving empty frames and for loading them with sand, in which the impression of the model is made. , a carriage for transporting each frame from the loading apparatus to the assembly machine, means for moving the carriage between a normally retracted position and an advanced position, as well as a pusher carried by the carriage and arranged to push the frame loaded with sand in the assembly machine, when the carriage moves towards its advanced position and to come and take another frame loaded with sand ,. when the carriage returns to its retracted position. 30. Installation according to either of claims 4 to 29, in which the device, established at the third station, comprises a carriage, means for moving said carriage between a normal retracted position and an advanced position, and a pusher, mounted on said carriage, for acting on an assembled mold, housed in the machine, when the carriage moves towards its advanced position, and for withdrawing the engaged mold from the machine when the carriage moves towards said retracted position. 31. Installation according to claim 30, in which the device at the third station comprises a receiving platform suitable for collecting at least two disengaged molds, a first pusher and a second pusher being mounted on said carriage to come to act respectively, when the carriage moves towards its advanced position, on an assembled mold housed in the machine and on an assembled mold released beforehand out of the latter and engaged on the end of said platform which is adjacent to the machine, this first and this second-pushers being also clean, when the carriage moves towards its retracted position, to push back the mold, on which acts the first push-button, out of the machine and the second-mold, on which acts the second push-button , along said platform towards the end thereof, which is away from the machine. 32. Installation according to claim 8, in which the device for removing the core box comprises means for turning the inverted box upside down and then returning it to the fourth station. 33. Installation according to either of claims 5 to 32, wherein the stations in question are arranged in a circle around the rotating turret, means being provided in the operating cycle, between the third and the first station so that in each turret head, after leaving the third position, the upper and lower arms, which are empty, are separated from each other so that they are ready to return to the first position by occupying suitable respective positions. 34. Installation according to one or the other of claims 5 to 33, in which means are provided for bringing the turret into successive stages of its rotation. 35. Installation according to claim 34, comprising a series of heads angularly spaced from one another on the turret, in which the successive stages of rotation each correspond to the angular distance separating the aforesaid heads, so that each group of arms carried by the head progressively occupy rest positions distributed at predetermined locations on the path of rotation of the turret. 36. Installation according to either of claims 5 to 35, wherein the turret is mounted so as to be able to rotate about a substantially vertical axis and the aforesaid heads carried by the turret are distributed around the periphery of that. here, means being provided so that each head can rotate on a substantially horizontal and generally radial axis with respect to the center of the turret, the arms of the aforesaid heads extending outwardly from each head while being generally parallel to the axis of rotation of these heads, these arms being arranged, moreover, <Desc / Clms Page number 47> so as to be able to approach and move away from each other. 37. Installation according to either of claims 34 to 36, in which the means serving to animate the turret with a rotational movement comprise a motor arranged to rotate the turret, so that each series of arm comes successively to occupy positions of -. rests spaced at predetermined locations along the rotational path of the turret, devices being provided at the various locations in question for inserting frames into some of the resting arms therein and for removing assembled molds from other arms, while that control means sensitive to the state of the device provided at each station cause the motor to communicate a rotation to the turret, when and only when the device provided at the various stations has been completely prepared for this purpose. 38. Installation according to claim 37, wherein a stop is provided to stop each rotational movement, when the heads of the turret have been brought by the motor into their new position, in which they are located exactly at the aforementioned locations. 39. Installation according to any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein the means suitable for animating the turret with an intermittent rotational movement comprise a rotational shaft, a hydraulic cylinder arranged to produce the movement of rotation, a ratchet wheel mounted on the turret shaft and comprising teeth spaced around its periphery at the locations of the various stations of the machine, a pawl capable of engaging the successive teeth of the ratchet wheel actuated by an udder - tone being able to move in a reciprocating movement in the hydraulic cylinder, means for admitting a pressurized fluid into the cylinder, on one side of the piston, when it is desired to make the turret travel a its stages of rotation, and means for admitting pressurized fluid into the cylinder, on the other side of the piston, when the aforementioned angular rotational movement is completed. 40. Installation according to either of claims 6 to 16, in which each turret head comprises a spacer motor suitable for bringing the two arms of said head closer to and apart from each other. , each head being supported, by said turret, using means suitable for allowing the turning of the whole of the head around the axis of the support means, the turning movements of each head being obtained by a motor, mounted on the turret and connected to the assembly of said head, and means, adjusted by the changes in the angular position of the turret, being provided for controlling the motors for spacing the arms of said heads, while other means, also regulated by the angular position of the turret, intervene to control the return motors of the arms of these heads. 41. Installation according to claim 40, wherein each head comprises a hydraulic reversing motor for driving said head in reverse movements, a pressurized fluid supply duct, a return duct for this fluid to supply this fluid. to the turning motors and to the motors for separating the arms of the heads and for collecting the fluid coming from these different motors, a hydraulic connection being established axially in the rotating turret and being connected to the. the aforesaid conduits while intake and exhaust bypasses connect this central connection to each reversing motor and to each separation motor of each of the heads of the turret, a fluid distributor being interposed in the bypass of intake and exhaust bypass leading to each of these engines, each distributor being controlled by means which depend on the angular position of the turret so that this distributor can supply the corresponding engine with fluid to operate this motor in the forward direction at certain times and in the reverse direction at other times. 42. Installation according to claim 41, wherein the hydraulic reversing motor for each head is adapted to rotate the entire head in the forward direction when pressurized fluid is added. <Desc / Clms Page number 48> put through a first port in said motor and in the reverse direction when this fluid enters the motor through a second port, means being provided for forcing each of the distributors to supply pressurized fluid to the first port of its corresponding motor at certain times and at its second orifice at other times to turn the corresponding head in one direction or the other, a first stop being provided for each head to mechanically stop the turning movement in one direction at a predetermined point of this movement while a second stop is added to each head to mechanically stop the turning movement in direction in - pours at a predetermined point of this movement. 43. Installation according to either of claims 40, 41 and 42, in which the hydraulic motor for separating the arms of each head is arranged to bring the receiving arms of the frame closer in the "closing direction", when a pressurized fluid is admitted into the first orifice of the motor, and to separate these arms from each other in the opening direction, when a pressurized fluid is admitted into a second orifice of the engine, a fluid pressure duct and a fluid exhaust duct being provided for supplying fluid to each of said engines and for discharging it, a distributor being provided in the ducts in question for each engine, while means are provided so that each distributor leaves, at certain times, penetrate fluid under pressure in the first orifice of the associated motor and at other times in the second orifice of this motor, so as to produce respectively closing and opening movements of the corresponding arms, each of the closing movements being mechanically blocked, when the upper and lower arms in question come into contact with one another or when the flanges or mold caps carried by these arms come into contact with one another. 44. Installation according to either of claims 40 to 43, in which means adjusted by changes "in the angular position of the turret serve to cause the distributors associated with the arm spreading motor to supply this motor. by means of fluid, so as to operate the closing of these arms at certain times and the opening of these arms at other times. 45. Installation according to either of claims 4 to 44, said installation comprising a continuous track surrounding the central assembly machine and its stations, carriages, intended to support the molds, circulating on this. track in the form of a continuous train, each carriage being adapted to receive one of the assembled molds supplied by the machine to the third, aforesaid station, means for advancing the train of carriages along the track in an opposite direction to that according to which the frames and caps are driven by the assembly machine, so that the assembled molds, placed successively on the carriages near the third station, are ready to be driven, to be filled with molten metal, to the second station near it, in order to facilitate the removal, after filling, of the caps which are returned to this second station to the central assembly machine while the frames, containing the castings, remain on the carriages to be separated by these from the second station and thus allow the removal of the castings from the frames during this part of the advance of the carriages, the frames then remaining on the carriages to be driven by them towards the first station and close to this to facilitate the removal of the frames which are then supplied, by this first station, to the central assembly machine, which empties the carriages before they continue to advance towards the third station and close to it. this.