MXPA96003969A - Unit of supply of lubricant to gra - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a bulk lubricant supply unit for supplying lubricant to the mold cavity or injection sleeve of a pressure casting apparatus which includes a transfer element in the form of a linear transfer or sliding transfer symbol. it acts to transfer controlled quantities of lubricants from a loading chamber to a supply chamber, for supplying by air pressure to the pressure casting apparatus. Various modes of supply units are included arranged in three groups that have similar characteristics, which include the means of charge control and the shape of the transfer symbol. Also included are various arrangements of the pressure casting apparatus with a lubricant supply unit to supply lubricant to the selected sites of a pressure casting machine.

Description

UNIT ÜÉ SUPPLY ÜE BULK LUBRICANT This invention is related to a pressure casting apparatus and. in particular, such an apparatus in combination with a bulk lubricant supply unit, for the supply of bulk lubricant to the mold cavity. injection sleeve, and related internal surfaces of the apparatus. The invention includes various embodiments of the bulk lubricant supply units for use in the supply of dry, liquid or mixed bulk lubricants to the pressure casting apparatus associated with air, For many years, the principal method for applying lubricants or mold release agents to the surfaces of a casting cast has been by spraying or spraying a liquid-borne lubricant onto the surfaces of the mold cavity. mold when the pair molds. Recently, have you proposed various forms of mechanisms or devices? lubricantesß for ußo in conjunction with pressure casting devices, but do not believe that they have found wide acceptance.

The present invention provided several modalities related to the units supplying the lubricant to bulk, quo tionon related characteristics for use REF: 22982 with and in combination with mold appliances for pressure casting. In addition to the variations of the various modalities. the invention further includes alternative arrangements for connecting the lubricant supply units to an associated pressure casting mold and apparatus. In a particular embodiment, a lubricant supply unit according to the invention is characterized by: a body having an inlet for receiving a load of bulk lubricant from a source of supply; a transfer element within the body and movable between the loading and delivery positions; a supply chamber defined between the body and the transfer element in the delivery position: the transfer element has a transference space communicating with the entry in the loading position and with at least part of the ßuminißtro chamber in one of the loading and loading stations; and load control means for varying the volume of lubricant charge transferred from the transfer space in the loading position to the supply chamber in the supply position. In addition, a pressure casting apparatus according to the invention can include a pressure casting machine having a pair of molds defining a cavity formed in general in both molds and separated by a line of separation between the pair of molds, the pair of molds includes a cover of the mold and an ejector mold with a passage or entry passage defined between the molds in the separation line and connecting the cavity with an exterior site; the apparatus is A characterized by a bulk lubricant supply unit for the supply of bulk lubricant to the mold cavity, the supply unit includes a body having an inlet for receiving a bulk lubricant from a source "supply, a transfer element within the housing and movable between the loading and unloading positions, a supply chamber defined between the body and the transfer element in the supply position, the transfer element has a transfer space which communicates with the entry in the loading position and with part of the supply chamber in one of the loading and unloading positions, m "rt1 s of load control to vary the load volume of the load. lubricant transferred from the transfer space in the loading position to the supply chamber in 1 > Supply position: and a passage or supply passage to supply the supply chamber with the inlet passage of the molding pair, for the supply of controlled loads of bulk lubricant from the supply chamber to the mold cavity.

Estac and other features and implications of the invitation are more intonded on the basis of the following description of the modalities of the invitation taken together with the attached drawings.

In the drawings: Figure 1 is a plan view of a first embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention beginning with a first group of four related modes; The »L iyuí tsu 2 and 3« a viwtaw latuiülwu and a tiction ti ap «v«? »L taken the» flat luu »indicated» by the »line» 2-2 and 3-3 d »figure 1; Figure 4 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view similar to Figure 2 but showing the plungers of the transfer slide in the supply position and illustrating the modifications for the supply of liquid lubricant or liquid compound from the supply unit .

Figure 5 shows an on-plan view of a second embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit accorded with involution; Figures 6 and 7 are side and cross-sectional views of the planes of lines 6-6 and 7-7 respectively of Figure 5; Fig. 8 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit accorded with involution; Figures 9 and 10 are side and cross-sectional views of the planes of the lines 9-9 and 10-10 of Figure 8; Figure 11 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention: Figures 12 and 13 are side views and cross-sectional cooking of the planes of the linoac 12- 12 and 13-13 of Figure 11; Figure 14 is a vieta in plan of a fifth modality of the unit dt * auiiiii. xt > ix or Ut * bulk lubricant according to the invention. which begins with a second group of three related modalities; Figures 15. 16 and 17 are side and cross-sectional views separated from the planes of lines 15-15. 16-16 and 17-17 ae? A ugura ib, respectively; Fig. 18 is a view in transverse section similar to Fig. 17. showing the characteristics of a sixth embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention; Figure 19 is a plan view of a seventh embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention; Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the plane of line 20-20 of Figure 19; Figure 21 is a plan view of an eighth embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention, beginning with a third group of two related embodiments; Figures 22 and 23 are longitudinal and cross-sectional views of the planes of lines 22-22 and 23-23 of Figure 21; Figure 24 is a plan view of a ninth embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention; Figures 25 and 26 are longitudinal and cross-sectional views of the planes of lines 25-25 and 26-26 of Figure 24; Figures 27 and 28 are semi-schematic cross-sectional views illustrating two different embodiments of the pressure casting apparatus which attaches a bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention to a conventional aluminum pressure casting machine; The fiymía 29 »s a viwta latw? Al parcialment» »n * ¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡¡to the" figure "27 and 28, but qu ¿tu» a tuicwi. modality of the apparatus «cast to p» »ióp; Figures 30 and 31 are cross-sectional views of a fourth embodiment of the pressure casting apparatus showing the two positions of a movable lubricant feed nozzle, and Figure 32 is a transverse sectional view showing an alternative embodiment for lubricate only the injection sleeve and / or the plunger of a pressure casting apparatus.

Referring now to the drawings on detail. Figures 1 - 3 illustrate a first embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the involution and indicated generically by No. 10. This is the first of four modalities grouped together by the similarity of certain structural characteristics. The unit 10 included a rectangular overall 12 that threw a cylindrical longitudinal bore or hole 14 extending through it. Towards an extreme, orifice or hollow 14 a or one with an inlet 16 that carried a rectangular gonoral shape with the angular sides facing outward through the upper part 18 of the body 12. Spacing from the opening 16 towards the center of the body. a recess 20 defines an extension in the piercing 14 which is joined on one side with a gas inlet passage 22, angularly upward, and on the other side with a passage 24 for the supply of. gas and lubricant, angular upwards.

Within the piercing 14, a transfer or sliding element formed in part by a pair of cylindrical pistons 26 28 having opposite spaced ends 30, 32, respectively, is arranged with reciprocating movement. The ends 30, 32 together with the perforation 14 define a chamber 34 of variable volume. When the chamber 34 is in alignment with the inlet 16, as shown in figures 1-3. the chamber 34 comprises a loading chamber.

The piston projections 26. 28 are connected to each other by transfer elements including an adjusting head 36. guide rods 38. 40 and a transfer head 42. The transfer head 42 is one diroctamopt with the plunger 28 and with the guide rods 38. 40 and ostss to his voice were joined with the adjusting head 38 which oo one to the plunger 26. The guide rods move with reciprocating movement on the holes 44. 46. so extend through the body 12. Parallels with the piercing 14. The transverse housing 42 also connects with a stem 48 of a drive cylinder 50 which is supported on a fork assembly 52 fixed to the body 12. The rod 48 of the cylinder drives the assembly of fork 42 which directly drives plunger 28 and. by means of the stem guides 38. 40 and the adjusting head 36. also drives the plunger 26.

Kl mhnl 26 is threadedly connected to the adjusting head 36 of such a minera which can be adjusted longitudinally by rotating the plunger with the horizontal reefs 54 near my outer end. A sealing ring or sealing ring 56 threaded on the plunger 26 is pressed against the adjusting head to fix the plunger 26 in its adjustment position. The longitudinal adjustment of the stem 26 in relation to the adjusting head 36 causes the end 30 of the stem 26 to move closer to or further away from the opposite end 32 of the plunger 28. Thus the adjustment causes the volume of the loading chamber to vary 34 which determines the volume of lubricant that constitutes a load in this embodiment of the present invention.

The operation of the lubricant supply unit 10 provides suitable lubricants for supplying lubricant to the inlet 15. In this case, the delivery mod- ules are represented by a container 58 for lubricant, shown in broken lines only in FIG. L8 of the body 12. The operation further requires the connection of the gas inlet passage 22 with a source of compressed air and connection of the supply passage 24 to a suitable site on a mechanism such as a pressure casting machine associated with being described. in detail subsequently.

In the operation of a lubricant supply unit 10 to be disengaged, the fall to be supplied at each cavity is first established to the position of the end 30 of the plunger 26 in relation to the end 32 of the piston 28 pure adjust a desired volume of space comprising the load face 34 peace to receive lubricant in the drop position. This adjustment is made by rotating the plunger 26 with horizontal lumens 54 to adjust its position by the clogs of the screw within the adjusting head 36 and then fix the position with the sealing or sealing ring 56.

Then the lubricant container is filled with the lubricant supplied. This is preferably a so-powdered or granulated lubricant for use with the delivery unit as described. However, a liquid lubricant or a liquid / liquid lubricant mixture could be used by modifying the supply unit with seals in order to prevent leakage of the liquid as will be discussed subsequently in a more complete manner. when the transfer slide is in the loading position shown in the figures, the lubricant in the container 8 is fed by gravity through the inlet 16 to the loading chamber 34, to fill the space with the desired volume of the lubricant. Then, the cylinder 50 is operated to move the slide to a supply position where the chamber 34 is moved to the site of the recess 20 in communication with the inlet passage 22 and the supply passage 24. At this point, some of the lubricant charge falls to the lower portions of the recess 20 which is provided to secure a path for the air flow within the space 34 which now partially defines a supply chamber. After this, a charge of compressed air is applied to the inlet passage or passage 22 and picks up the sprayed or granulated (or liquid) lubricant in the supply chamber 34. to transport it with the air out of the chamber 34, through of the delivery step 24, and by means of passage or passage means not shown, to the mold or other device to be lubricated.

Figure 4 illustrates a modified supply unit 60 which is basically the same as the embodiment of Figures 1--3 except that it includes changes which are exemplary of those which may be necessary to convert the liquid lubricant supply unit of Figures 1-3 to provide liquid lubricant or liquid composite lubricant having a combination of dry and liquid constituents. The unit 60 includes a body 62 from which the recess 20 of the previous embodiment has been omitted, such that the piercing 14 is continuous. Accordingly, the supply passage 64 and the inlet passage, not shown, are directly joined with the piercing 14 instead of the recess. As before, the transfer slide includes separate pistons 66, 68. respectively. having opposite ends 70. 72 respectively, which can be varied in spacing to vary the lubricant load. The plungers are provided with notches or grooves 74 near their ends. O-ring seals 76 located in the notches or grooves limit leakage of liquid lubricant from chamber 78 between the ends of the pistons. If necessary, the mode of Figures 1-3 could be provided with different forms of seals and additional seals on the body or piston as required to prevent leakage of the liquid or liquid compound lubricant to be supplied from the assembly. icado.

Referring next to Figures 5-7 of the drawings, a second embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention is shown and indicated generally by the numeral 110. The unit 110 is the same as or similar in many aspects to the supply unit 10 previously described, such that serial numbers 100 with similar suffix characters are used for similar components.

Thus, the unit includes a body 112 having an orifice 114 and an inlet 116 connecting the bore and the opening through the upper part 118 of the body. In the dry lubricant version shown, a recess or relief 120 surrounds the bore 114 at the discharge site. The relief or recess is joined with a passage 122 for the gas inlet and a supply passage 124 for gas / lubricant.

A slide is provided as before. composed of plungers 126 and 128 with reciprocating movement on the bore 114 and having opposite oxtroms 130. 132 respectively, for turning off a camera 134. The plunger 126 is one with an adjustment knot 136 which at its voice is attached by means of of the guide rods 138. 140 with a transformer cape 142. The rod 138 is extended through a bore 144 in the body 112 but the guide rod 140 differs in that it is located beyond the outer edge of the body. , such that it does not extend through a piercing This second embodiment of Figures 5-7 differ mainly in that the cylinder 150 is mounted directly on the transfer head 142 which is joined by means of the guide rods 138. 140 with the adjustment head 136. these heads in turn are joined with the plungers 126, 128 of the slide. On the other hand, the rod 148 of the cylinder drives a connector 160 which has a head 162 engageable with a slot 164 in the body 112 to transfer the longitudinal force in both directions. Seals 166 are provided on the heads 136. 142 to engage with the body and limit the travel of the slide relative to the body 112. The operation of this second embodiment of Figures 5-7 is similar in function and result to that of the first embodiment, except that the rod 148 of the plunger drives the block in relation to the slide in order to move the chamber 134 from the loading position to the supply position and return. Obviously, the unit can be mounted in such a way that the block remains stationary and the cylinder 150 and the transfer head 142 move or vice versa. In any case, the internal operation of the unit is the same as that of the first described modality.

Figures 8-iii of the drawings illustrate a third embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention and indicated generally by the number 210. As before, since many of the elements are similar, numbers are used of the 200 series with corresponding suffix numbers to describe similar parts.

The supply unit 210 includes a body 210 having a through hole or hole 214 and a rectangular inlet 216 that opens through the upper part 218 of the body. A recess or relief 220 surrounds the piercing in the unloading position as previously described. In the body, a passage 222 for the gas inlet and a gas / lubricant supply passage 224 joins the recess 220 and extends across the opposite sides of the body 212. In this embodiment, the form of the slider differs in that the plungers 226, 228 are tubular in shape and include annular ends 230. 232 respectively, which again fall in opposite spaced relation and define an annular chamber 23.

The adjustment and transfer heads and the previous guide rods omit and instead do not cause an adjustment rod that is oxidized through the holes in the plungers 226. 228 and is connected through the 266 cage with In this other end, the rod 260 is threaded to engage with a nut 264 and sealing or closing ring 256. These allow the longitudinal adjustment of the plunger 226 in relation to the plunger 228 and the fixation of the plungers on the plunger 228. the adjusted position. The adjustment varies the volume of the loading chamber 234 as before to adjust the amount of lubricant charge which is received and delivered during each cycle.

A cylinder 250 is mounted on a fork assembly 252 which is attached by the support rods 266, 268 to the body 212. a transfer head 242 longitudinally connects the plunger 228 and the adjusting rod 260 to the cylinder rod 248 for the longitudinal movement of the pistons 226, 228 of the slide with the rod 248 of the cylinder.

The operation of this torpedo mode fupcionalmonto similar to that of the modalities previously described, except that the loading and unloading chamber 234 cancel in form because its center is occupied by the adjustment rod 260. However, the load dol lubricant to the chamber 234 and transfer of the slide from the loading position to the modified discharge position or the movement of the rod of the cylinder 248 followed by the discharge of the lubricant by the supply of air through the passage or passage 220 which collects the lubricant in the annular chamber and discharge it with the air through the passage or passage 224. essentially in the same manner as in the previously described embodiments.

Figures 11-13 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention and indicated generally by the numeral 310. The unit 310 also includes a body 312 having a through hole 314 inserted by an inlet rectangular 316 that opens »through the upper part 318 of the body, a recess or relief 320 is provided around the piercing in the supply position and connected with a passage 322 for the gas inlet and a passage or passage of supply 324 extending across opposite sides of the body.

In this case, a transfer slide consists of a tubular piston 326 and a solid piston 328 having opposite annular ends 330. 332 respectively. These, in part, define an annular chamber 334 similar to that of the modality previously described. The plungers 326. 328 are joined by an adjusting stem 360 which has a threaded end 362 that engages a bore in the plunger 328. An opposite threaded end is engaged by a nut 364 and a sealing ring 356 to provide the longitudinal adjustment of the tubular piston 326 in relation to the solid piston 328. A cylinder 350 is mounted directly on one end of the body 312 and has a rod 348 that is directly connected to an outer end of the solid piston 238. A pin 366 extends laterally from a seat on the solid plunger 228 through a groove 368 in the body to the outside, to indicate the position of the plunger and to operate a safety switch if desired.

The operation of the ßuminißtro unit 310 is essentially the same as that of the unit described above 210, although the construction is simplified by the removal of the fork assembly and other details.

The fixtures 14-17 illustrate a fifth embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention and indicated by way of the numeral 410. The unit 410 e »the mode of operation" »to be illustrated» which T? so much so that it is similar in some way to that previously "desczita", it differs significantly in the form of the tz uwf »z wncia and lo» mwcaniwmou slide of load adjustment.

The delivery unit 410 included a body 412 which defined a passant hole 414 as an antioriormonto. The perforation is inferred by an inlet 416 which in this case is circular in cross section and tapers slightly upwards to an opening through the upper part 418 of the body 412. At a site longitudinally spaced from the inlet 416. the piercing 414 is also intersected by a passage 422 for the gas inlet and a passage 424 for the gas / lubricant column which opens through the opposite sides of the body and which joins the opposite sides of the bore.

In the present modality. the transfer slider involves only a cylindrical plunger 426 moving reciprocatingly within the bore 414. Between its ends, the plunger includes a loading chamber 434 as best shown in Figure 16. The chamber 434 included a cylindrical opening 460 extending from the top of the plunger 426 to a transversely knurled or scored portion 462 extending transverse to approximately the lower third of the plunger 426. The plunger is also provided with a discharge chamber 464 which is best shown in FIG. Figure 17. The chamber 464 is longitudinally spaced from the loading chamber 434 and is located in communication with the steps 422. 424 when the loading chamber is aligned with the inlet 416 as shown in the drawings. The chamber 464 is essentially defined by cut portions 466. 468. 470 located on the opposite sides and along the bottom of the plunger 426. These sliced portions form a U-shaped chamber which is attached on one side to the passageway. 422 gas inlet and on the opposite side with step 424 for gas / lubricant ßuminißtro. These steps 422. 424 define the discharge position of the body.

Attached to the bottom of the body 412 is a load control unit 472 having a support 474 that carries a cylindrical plunger 476 extending to a cylindrical opening 478 in the body 412 which intersects the bore 414 below the delivery position. The plunger 476 has an arcuate upper end 480 which is formed to roughly correspond to the curvature of the piercing 414 and is positionable from a position closely below the piercing to a lower position spaced a desired distance below the piercing, is prevented that the piston 476 rotates in the opening 478 by a key 482 which engages a horizontal reef 484 provided on the side of the plunger. Any suitable means may be used to adjust the vertical position of the plunger 476, two different modes of which will be discussed in conjunction with the modes described subsequently of the invention.

The plunger 426 of the transfer slider 426 is movable with movement to the ground in the bore 414 between the illustrated loading and unloading position and a transfer position wherein the loading chamber 434 is moved longitudinally to the supply position. There it communicates with the portion of the cylindrical opening 478 which is located above the arcuate upper end 480 of the load control piston 476. This movement of the plunger 426 of the transfer slide is, as before. driven by a cylinder 450 which is mounted on a fork assembly 452 secured by the support posts 486. 488 to the body 412. A rod 448 of the cylinder, driven by the cylinder. it is attached by means of a transfer head 490 to the plunger 426 to provide the necessary longitudinal movement of the plunger between the two positions.

During operation, the lubricant which can be dry or liquid if suitable seals are provided, is supplied from a suitable container, not shown, through the opening 416 to the loading chamber 434. to fill this chamber. Then, the transfer slider 426 is moved to the right, as shown in Figures 14 and 15 of the drawings, by cylinder 450. until the loading chamber reaches the unloading position, where all or part of the load falls into the opening 478 at a depth determined by the plunger position 476 of the load control. The piston 426 of the transfer slider is then returned to its original position by actuating the cylinder 450 by carrying with it any portion of the original charge which has not fallen into the opening 478 below the outer diameter of the transfer perforation 414. Then the remaining charge in the supply position is located below the U-shaped supply chamber in the portion of the load control bore 478 which extends to the upper end 480 of the load control piston 476.

At the appropriate time, this lubricant charge is supplied to a connection mechanism by compressed air fed through the inlet passage 422 and directed downwardly against the lubricant charge by the u-form of the supply chamber. Thus the lubricant is swept by the flow of air through and out through the supply passage 424 into a mixture of lubricating air which is conveyed to the associated mechanism. At the same time, the loading chamber 434 in the transfer slide has returned to the loading position and receives a fresh lubricant charge through the inlet 416. ready for another cycle.

Figure 18 illustrates the relevant portions of a sixth embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention and indicated generally by the number 510. The unit 510. to the extent that is not illustrated, can be considered identical with unit 410 previously described. A) Yes. the unit 510 includes a body 512 having an array 514 extending longitudinally therethrough, to which a gas inlet passage 522 and a lubricant / gas discharge passage 524 are attached in a discharge position. . A plunger 526 of the transfer slide includes a pair of cuts 566. 568 to direct air from the passage 522 downward to a discharge chamber defined in part by a load control unit 572. Lower cut 470 of the previous mode is omitted to ensure to ensure that air passes through the load in the chamber. The load control unit includes a support block 574 which carries a plunger 576 for load control as before. The plunger 576 extends to a cylindrical opening 578 in the body 512 and has an arched upper end 580 which is spaced snugly below the bore 514. A key 582 mounted in the block 574 engages a slot 584 of the plunger 576 for prevent it from turning.

The plunger 526 is joined by a slotted end with a head 586 formed on the end of a threaded adjusting screw 588. A knurled adjusting wheel 590 allows rotation of the screw to move the load control plunger 576 vertically and away from the piercing 514. A mounting 592 of threaded fastening screw and nut is mounted on the bracket 574 to fix the adjusting screw 588 in its adjusted position. The operation of the unit 510 is as described with respect to the unit 410. the fifth modality described previously.

Figures 19 and 20 illustrate a seventh embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit formed according to the invention and indicated by the number 610. The unit 610 is basically similar to the fifth and ßexta described previously modes of the supply units 410 and 510. Thus, the units 610 include a body 612 having a through hole 614 with a cizculating inlet 616 which intersects the piercing in a loading position and which opens through the upper part 618 of the body. A gates 622 and 624 gas supply / lubricant passage 622 intercept the bore 614 in a supply position and eßtaß ßon longitudinally angled for a purpose to be described subsequently. A plunger 626 of the transfer slider extends through. the piercing 614 and includes a loading chamber, not shown, similar to that of unit 410 and a deflection chamber partially defined by cut-outs 666 and 668 as in unit 510.

The drive cylinder 650 is mounted on a fork mount 652 and urges a rod 648 of the cylinder 648 which joins the plunger 626 and drives it in the manner described for the unit 410.

The unit 610 also includes a load control unit 672 which includes a support 674 and load control plunger 676 which extends to an opening 678 of the body 612. The upper end 680 of the plunger 676 is arcuately shaped to correspond with the piercing 614, all as previously described with respect to the unit 410. However, the unit differs in that the plunger 676 is attached to a transfer head 682 and keyed thereto to prevent its rotation. The head 682 is connected with guide rods 684, 686 which extend through the holes in the support 674 and the block 612 and meet at their ends opposite an adjustment head 688. The adjustment head 688 is movable towards and from the body 612 by a screw 590 which engages a threaded nut 692 attached to the head 688. The screw 690 includes a collar 694 rotatable in a recess of the body and retained therein by a retaining screw 696. A fixing ring 698 can be tightened to fix the screw 690 in its adjusted position.

The movement of the adjusting head 688 vertically also causes the transfer head 682 to move and thereby the plunger 676 which adjusts the volume of the supply chamber located above the upper end 680 of the plunger. The operation of the unit is described differently with respect to the unit 410. As is evident, the angularity of the steps 622. 624 longitudinally forward is provided to make room for the gliders 684. 686 which are laterally located behind the supply chamber.

Figures 21-23 illustrate an eighth embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention ß indicated by the number 710. The unit 710 represents the first of two units, which differ significantly from the previous units described and They still have some similar characteristics.

Thus, the unit 710 includes a rectangular body 712 which is assembled from multiple elements, not numbered, to define a longitudinally extending rectangular opening 714. A circular inlet 716 extends through the upper part 718 of the body to the opening longitudinal 714 in a loading position of the unit. Similarly a passage 722 for the gas inlet and a passage 724 for the gas / lubricant supply are joined from opposite sides of the body 712 to the opposite sides of a recess 720 formed in the central part of the body above the longitudinal opening 714 in a unloading position of the unit. A rectangular transfer slide 726 is reciprocable within the opening 714 and is driven by a stem 748 of the cylinder of a cylinder 750 mounted on a closed end 752 of the body 712.

Attached to and movable with the transfer slider 726 is a load control unit 772. The unit 772 includes a support 774 which is affixed to and movable with the slide 226 and carries a load control plunger 776 extending to a bore 778 extending vertically through the transfer slide 726. The bore 778 and the load control piston 776 together define a variable volume loading chamber 73. The volume of the chamber is varied by the movement of the plunger by means of an adjusting screw 780 attached thereto and driven by an adjusting wheel 782. A mounting 784 of set screw and nut is provided to fix the plunger in its adjusted position.

During the operation with the transfer slide 726 in the loading position shown in the figures, dry lubricant or other suitable lubricant is fed from a container, not shown, through the inlet 716 to the loading chamber 734. The cylinder 750 drive moves the transfer slide 726 to the right in Figures 21 and 22 until the loading chamber 734 is aligned with the recess 720 in the delivery position. The load control unit 772. of course, causes the slide to move to the new position, to maintain the selected volume of load in the loading chamber 734. At this point, the supply of the compressed air flow through the inlet passage 722 picks up the lubricant in the chamber 734 and it expels it with the air flow through the supply passage 724 and to a connected mechanism.

Figures 24-26 illustrate a ninth embodiment of the bulk lubricant supply unit according to the invention and indicated generally by the numeral 810. As before, the unit 810 includes a rectangular body 812 having a rectangular opening 814 which it extends longitudinally in it. The body also includes a circular inlet 816 extending from the opening 814 through the upper portion 818 of the body. A rectangular transfer slide 814 is reciprocable within the opening 814 and includes a vertical passage 828 which, in the loading position shown in the figures, is aligned with the inlet 816 and with a cylindrical opening 830 in the portion bottom of the body 812. A load control unit 872, similar to that described with respect to the unit 710. but mounted on the bottom or bottom of the body 812. is located below the opening 830. The control unit 872 of FIG. The load includes a support 874 carrying a plunger 87 which is reciprocated 876 within a bore 878 and vertically adjustable by means of an adjusting screw 880 driven by an adjusting wheel 882. A mounting 884 of set screw and nut is used. to fix the adjusting screw 880 in its position.

A longitudinally spaced length from the path of the passage 828 of the slide is a circular recess 820 formed in the bottom or bottom of the slide 826 and joined with a passage 822 for the gas inlet and a supply passage 824 of gas / lubricant. These passages extend outwards through the connection tubes 832, 834 respectively, which are movable with the slide 826 in the grooves 836, 838 respectively, provided on the sides of the body 812. The transfer slide 26 joins with a cylinder rod 848, of a cylinder 850 which is mounted on a closed end 852 of the body 812.

In the load position shown, the lubricant from a container. not shown It is supplied. such as by gravity, through the circular inlet 816 and the passage 828 to the opening 830 and the piercing 878. The plunger 876 is adjustable within the bore 878 and up to the cylindrical opening 830. if desired, to vary the volume of the loading chamber which, in this case, extends below the lower part of the transfer slide 826. When the loading chamber is filled, the cylinder drive 850 pulls the transfer slide 826 to the right as shown in Figures 24 and 25 until the gap of the slide is located on the opening 830. At this point, compressed air can be supplied through the inlet passage 822 and forced into the opening 830 below the well 820 in where it picks up the lubricant and expels it through the discharge path 824 with the flow of compressed air, to supply it to an associated mechanism in the same manner as with the previously described modes.

While the described supply units have included longitudinally movable transfer slides by direct connection to a drive cylinder, any other suitable means for moving the slides can also be used. For example, a rack and pinion drive could be used where rack teeth are provided on the slide, or an extension thereof, and a pinion drives the teeth. The pinion could be rotated by any means, which include, for example, a lever actuated by cylinder.

Figure 27 illustrates a first embodiment of the pressure casting apparatus according to the invention and indicated generally by the numeral 910. The apparatus 910 includes an essentially conventional aluminum pressure casting machine 912 attached to a power supply unit 914 of Bulk lubricant according to the invention. The pressure casting machine 912 includes a pair of conventional molds. which include a stationary mold 916 (ejector) and a movable mold 918 (cover). which together define an internal cavity 920. During the operation, the cavity 920 is filled with molten aluminum from an injection sleeve 922 which contains a plunger 924 which is moved to the left in the sleeve 922 to propel the metal from the sleeve into the connection cavity 920. A weir orifice 926 is provided in the injection sleeve 922 to allow the molten aluminum to be poured into the sleeve when the plunger 924 is fully retracted. A vent passage 928 connects an upper portion of the cavity 920 with an externally mounted vacuum valve 930, connected to an external vacuum source not shown. The vacuum valve can be of any suitable type, such as. for example. that shown in the prior art U.S. Patent 5,101,882, issued April 7, 1992.

The pressure casting machine 912 eß of generally conventional construction, except that it is modified by the provision of a hole 932 for filling lubricant in the injection sleeve into the landfill orifice 926. The opening 932 is connected by pipeline or appropriate hose 934 with the ßuminißtro sheet, not shown, of the lubricant supply unit 914. The passage for the gas inlet, not shown, of the supply unit is in turn connected through a pipe or a hose 936 with a tank 938 of compressed air 938 or another source of compressed air. A gravity-fed lubricant container 940 is mounted on top of the supply unit 14 to supply lubricant to the unit.

During operation, the injection piston 924 is advanced to block the weir orifice 926 and then a vacuum is drawn through the vacuum valve 930 to evacuate the cavity 920 from the mold and the injection sleeve 922 connected. Then, the lubricant supply unit 914 is actuated by forcing air through the unit to collect and supply a mixture of air and lubricant through the opening 932 to the injection sleeve. The mixture is supplied with such force that the lubricant is atomized and sprayed onto the injection sleeve. from which it also passes into the cavity 920 of the mold, where it is extracted by means of a vacuum in the total system. By this the lubricant covers the cavity of the mold and the interior of the injection sleeve. At the end of the lubricant supply, the plunger 924 retracts and the molten metal is poured into the weir hole 926, after which the plunger is rapidly urged forward to force the molten metal into the mold cavity in a known manner , to form an aluminum casting. A vacuum can be applied again to the cavity through the vacuum valve 930 and the vent passage 928 to remove any gases formed in the pressure casting process and allow the aluminum to completely fill the cavity. When the metal ß hardens, the movable mold 917 is separated from the fixed mold 916 by the mechanism of the machine, not shown. The cast part that includes cavities and other aluminum remnants of the pressure casting process are removed from the mold. At this point, the air pressure can also be forced from the tank 938 through the supply unit 914 and fill the opening 932 to clean any aluminum particles which may have entered the connected filling hole and hose 934. Then the process can be repeated again by returning the plunger 924 to a position that blocks the weir hole 926.

Figure 28 illustrates a second embodiment of the pressure casting apparatus according to the invention, and generally indicated by the number 1010. The apparatus 1010 includes almost all the same elements as in the apparatus 910. in such a way that the similar components they are indicated by serial numbers 1000 with similar suffix numbers. A) Yes. the apparatus 1010 includes a pressure casting machine 1012, mounted with a lubricant supply unit 1014 located, in this case. Above the stationary mold 1016. The apparatus 1010 further includes a movable mold 1018 defining the cavity 1020 and an injection sleeve 1022 with a plunger 1024 closing the weir orifice 1026. A ventilation passage 1028 connects the cavity 1020 with a valve vacuum 1030 and also, by means of a hose 1034 with the supply unit 1014. The unit 1014 is in turn connected with a compressed air tank 1038 and has a lubricant container 1040 mounted thereon. The operation of the unit 1010 is the same as that of the unit previously described, except that the lubricant of the supply unit 1014 is supplied through the ventilation passage 1028 to the mold cavity 1020 and the injection sleeve 1022 after a vacuum has been drawn into these spaces while the plunger covers the weir hole 1026 as shown.

Figure 29 illustrates a third embodiment of the pressure casting apparatus Generally indicated by the numeral 1110. The apparatus 1110 includes essentially the same elements as the apparatus 1010 including the pressure casting machine 1112. the supply unit 1114. stationary mold 1116. the movable mold 1118 defining the cavity 1120. the injection sleeve 1122 with the plunger 1124 and the landfill hole 1126, and a ventilation passage 1128 that connects with the vacuum valve 1130. In this case, the supply unit 1114 is mounted on the stationary mold side 1116. it is joined to a compressed air tank 1138 and includes a lubricant container 1140 mounted on the unit 1114. The delivery orifice, not shown, of the unit 1114 is connects via a hose 1134 with a filling pad 1142 extending inwardly along the dividing line between the movable and stationary molds 1118. 1116 respectively.

The operation of the apparatus 1110 is the same as that previously described. except that the air / lubricant mixture is sprayed on the mold cavity and the injection sleeve from below, while the vacuum is extracted on these cavities as before. Optionally, the supply unit could be connected with a passage at any other point of the mold divider line leading between the pair of molds from the outside to the cavity 1120 and the supply unit 1114 could be properly located.

Figure 30 illustrates a fourth embodiment of the pressure casting apparatus according to the invention ß indicated generally by the numeral 1210. The apparatus 1210 includes a conventional pressure casting machine 1212 including a stationary mold 1216, a movable mold 1218 forming the cavity 1220. and an injection sleeve 1222 with plunger 1224 and landfill orifice 1226, also as a vent passage 1228 which is connected with the vacuum valve 1230. In this case, the lubricant supply unit 1214 a The bulk is mounted separately and is provided with a container 1240 for lubricant and connected with a tank 1238 of compressed air. The unit 1214 is also connected by means of the filling hose 1234 with a nozzle 1244 extending through the weir hole 1226 to the injection sleeve 1222. The nozzle 1244 is surrounded by a plug 1246 which closes the weir orifice while that the mouthpiece is in place on it. The nozzle 1244 is supported by a movable arm 1248 of a robot 1250 removably mounted adjacent to the pressure casting machine 1212.

In the position shown in FIG. 30, the robot arm has the nozzle 1244 positioned inside the weir hole 1226 which is closed by the plug 1246 in such a way that a vacuum can be extracted inside the injection sleeve 1222 and the cavity connection 1220 in the usual way. An air / lubricant mixture is then supplied by means of the supply unit 121.4 with air from the compressed air tank 1238 which drives the atomized lubricant to the adjacent evacuated injection sleeve and adjacent cavity 1220.

Fig. 31 illustrates the same embodiment illustrated in Fig. 30, but in a subsequent mode of operation, wherein the arm 1248 of the robot has lifted and removed the nozzle 1244 from the weir orifice 1226, to allow a 1252 ladle to pour molten aluminum through the weir orifice 1226 to the injection sleeve for compression and delivery to the mold cavity 1220 in the manner previously described. If desired, this embodiment could be implemented to close the weir orifice 1226 with the plug 1246 after the metal is poured. A vacuum could then be drawn over the cavity 1220 before the plunger 1224 is moved inwardly to force the metal into the mold cavity 1220.

Figure 32 illustrates a fifth embodiment of the pressure casting apparatus according to the invention and indicated generally by the number 1310The apparatus 1310 includes a conventional pressure casting machine 1312 which includes a stationary mold 1316. a movable mold 1318 which forms a cavity 1320, and an injection sleeve 1322 with the plunger 1324 and landfill orifice 1326. also as a step Ventilation 1328. A vacuum valve ße omits as is common with many pressure casting machines. A bulk supply unit 1314 with container 1340 for lubricant and joined with a compressed air tank 1338 is mounted adjacent to injection sleeve 1322. Unit 1314 is connected through supply hose 1334 with a nozzle 1344 above the dump hole 1326 for spraying lubricant to the sleeve at a desired time in the cycle between pressurized casting operations. A second lubricator 1354 with nozzle 1356 can also be provided to supply liquid or dry lubricant directly to plunger 1324 when in the retracted position shown. The lubricator 1354 can be as the supply unit 1314 with its equipment connected or it could be of another type if desired. Obviously. Also, the modality could be varied by eliminating one or the other nozzle and supply unit if desired.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it refers. Having described the invention as above, it is recapitulated as property, what is contained in the following

Claims (14)

Claims

1. A bulk lubricant unit for the supply of bulk lubricant to a casting apparatus, the unit is characterized in that it comprises: a body having an inlet for receiving a load of bulk lubricant from a source of supply; an element of transfer within the body and movable between the loading and delivery poßicioneß, the transference element includes a transference piston: a ßuminißtro chamber defined between the body and the transection element «n the poßioióp of ßuminißtroi the element The transíneline has a fixed volume transference interface that communicates with the input in the loading position and with at least part of the ßuminißtro chamber in one of the loading and ßuminißtro loading areas; and load control means for varying the volume of lubricant charge transferred from the transfer space in the loading position to the supply chamber in the supply position, the load control means include a load control mechanism that it has a load control piston disposed below the inlet, at least in the loading position of the transfer piston. The load control piston is movable to vary the load volume of lubricant transferred to the ßuminißtro chamber.

2. A unit of lubricant ßuminißtro according to claim 1. characterized in that the transfer piston eß rectangular and eß movable in a hole or rectangular opening extending longitudinally in the body.

3. A lubricant supply unit according to claim 2. characterized in that the transfer space is defined by a cylindrical piercing in the transfer piston.

4. A lubricant ßuminißtro unit according to claim 2. characterized in that the load control mechanism includes a support mounted on the transference piston and movable therewith, the movable load control piston eß within the transference interface for vary its volume and by means of this control the lubricant load transferred to the supply chamber.

5. A lubricant ßuminißtro unit according to claim 4, characterized in that the plunger for the control of the eß cylindrical load and ß joins with an adjusting screw to move the load control plunger within the transference space.

6. A unit of lubricant ßuminißtro according to claim 1. characterized in that the load control mechanism includes a ßupport mounted on the body below the entrance, the body has an opening or hole below the entrance and that connects with a opening in the queoport that receives the load control piston, the opening or orifice of the body of the body defines at least part of the ßuminißtro chamber and the piston for the movable load control within at least one of the ß opening ß orifice to vary the volume of the ßuminißtro chamber and the lubricant charge supplied to it.

7. A lubricant supply unit according to claim 6, characterized in that the control piston of the cylindrical and ßo load connects with a set screw to move the load control piston inside the umumnißtro chamber.

8. A unit of ßuminißtro do lubricante according to claim 6. characterized in that the supply chamber ß partially defined by a recess or recess in the tranforforce piston, the huoco or rebajo ßo open to the opening or hole doJ. body when the trans-oroncia piston ßo is in the position ßuminißtro.

9. A unit of ßuminißtro do lubricante according to claim 1. characterized in that the source of ßuminißtro ßß a bulk lubricant rociplnnto connected with the input.

10. A unit of ßuminißtro do lubricante according to claim 1, characterized in that the ßuminißtro chamber includes an inlet for gaß and a ßalida for mixing gaß / lubricante. for the atomization and ßuminißtro of bulk lubricant «n a high-speed carrier dog the camera of umuminlßtro to a device of casting to présión aßociado.

11. A unit of ßuminißtro do lubricante according to claim 1, characterized in that the control modi do ments of operable load to vary the volume of the transferability space.

12. A lubricant unit of lubricant according to claim 1. characterized in that the modi? Cation of the charge control are operable in order to vary the volume of the chamber of the column.

13. A unit of ßuminißtro do lubricante according to claim 1. characterized in that the transfer element comprises a linear runner driven by a power actuator on the load and the ßuminißtro load.

14. A unit of ßuminißtro do lubricante according to claim 13. characterized in that ol actuator oß a cylinder of direct action. Roßumßn do invonción A unit of bulk lubricant is described, for lubricating the cavity of the mold or injection sleeve of a casting device that includes a transference element in the form of a linear transverse piston or conveyor that acts to transect The lubricant is controlled by a charge chamber to a ßuminißtro chamber. for the ßuminißtro modianto proßión do airo to the device of cast to proßión. Various modalities of the ß-linked ßuminißtro ßo include. aged on troß grupoß quo tionon characteristics ßimilaroß. These include the modi? cation of load control and the shape of the transference piston. They also include various agements of the casting equipment with a lubricant unit for lubricating the lubricant to the ßitioe ßelßccionadoß of a pressure casting machine.