US367194A - Furnace-charging mechanism - Google Patents

Description

2 Sheets-Sheet l.

(No Model.)

P. H. DANIELS. FURNAGE GHA-RGING MECHANISM.

Patented vJuly 26, 1887.

MNR. N 2552:25551:

(No Mod'elf) 2 sh t -sn' t 2.

P. H. DANIELS. e ee FURNAGE GHARGIVNG .MBGHANISM 10.361194 Patented July 26,1887.

ll J UNITED STATES YFATENT OFFICE.

FEED H. VDANIELS, oE WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS.

FURNACECHARGING"MECHANISM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent NoL 367,194, dated July 26, 1887, Application filed February 19, 1887. Serial No. 228,252. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern.-

Be it known that I, FRED H. DANIELS, a citizen of the United States, residing at W'orcester, in the county of Worcester and State of Massachusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Furnace- Charging Mechanism for RollingMill Products, of which the following, together with the accompanying drawings, is a specification sufficiently full, clear, and exact to enable persons skilled in the art to which this invent-ion appertains to make and use the same.

The objects of my present invention are, rst, to provide a simple and'efficient apparatus for mechanically introducing or charging billets, bars, rods, and similar rolling-mill productsinto a heating furnace; second, to provide, in a furnace-charging mechanism, a carrier whereon the bar, billet, or product is supported for its introduction int-o the furnace, which carrier is capable of an oscillating or tipping action for effecting the discharge of the bar within the furnace; third, to provide, in a charging apparatus, in combination with means for supporting and projecting the same into'a furnace, which carrier is adapted for discharging the bar or product therefrom laterally right or left; fourth, to abrd, in combinaiion with the charging mechanism, means7 under control of the attendant for directing thedischarge of the product from the carrier either to theI right or to the left thereof, as may 'be desired; fifth, to provide, in a furnace. charging apparatus,a receiving mechanism for receiving and supporting the billetor bar while the charging device is advancing and receding to and from the furnace; sixth, to provide,in combination with receiving and charging mechanism, means for effecting the release of the bar from the receiving mechanism and its delivery to the charging'carrier when the latter is at proper position for its reception; and, seventh, to provide, in combination with a furnacecharging apparatus, a receiving and supporting mechanism for the temporary support of a hot bar, in which the supporter is adapted for inclosing and protecting the bar from the atmosphere and for retaining theinherent heat thereof. These objects Iattain by mechanism the nature and operation of which is explained in the following description, the

particular subject-matter claimed being hereinafter definitely specified.

In the drawings, Figure l is a side view of a charging apparatus, illustrating the features of my invention. Fig. 2 is a plan view of thesame. Fig. 3 is aplan view illustrating a modified construction of the cam devices for controlling the tipping action of the carrier. Fig. 4 is an end viewonasomewhatlargerscale. Figisatransverse vertical section at linexx, Fig. 1,1ooking toward thesupporting frame or carriage. Fig. 6 is a'detail View showing the side of the discharging-cam, a portion of the carrier, and other parts at a position adjacent to the furnace. Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view looking toward the discharge-cam. Fig. Sis a sectional view illustrating a modification in construction of the carrier. i In the present drawings,thefurnaceA is not shown in its full dimensions, owing to thelimit ofspace on the drawingsheet; but it will beunderstood that said furnace may be of any suitable construction and dimensions. For the pur pose of this description it will be considered as a furnace ofthe kind ordinarily employed for heating long bars or billets preparatory to reducing them by rolling operation in a wire-rod train.

The first part of my present invention re lates to the means for introducing the bars in to the furnace. For this purpose I employ a carrier, C, consisting of a long beam, having thereon a cradle or surface for sustaining the billet or bar, which carrier is mounted, in connection with a movable supporting-frame, in a manner to have oscillative movement, so that the end of said carrier, with the product to be charged, can be projected forward into the furnace and the cradle or sustaining surface then tipped or inclined to one side for discharging the bar or product therefrom laterally to deposit it on. the bottom of the furnace. Combined with this charging-carrier I employ means for advancing and retracting it to and from the furnace by power under easy control of an attendant, and also devices for effecting the tipping ofthe carrier automatically when at the proper position and at the proper instant of time. The carrier is preferably formed of a single beam or girder supported in substantially horizontal position by means of the IOO frame or carriage B at its rear end, and lon gitudinally movable along a track or guideway, E, to and from the mouth of the furnace, the carriage being connected with hydraulic mechanism whereby the charger is advanced and retracted under control of the attendant, who manipulates the valve devices h, as desired.

The carriage B is preferably provided with truck-wheels c e, that run on the guideways or tracks E, and also has at its rear end a set of guard-rollers, c', that lock under the flanges of the trackbeams, so as to prevent the rear end of the carriage from tipping up by preponderance of weight of the carrier and its load.

The carrier C is in the present instance journaled on its supporting frame or carriage B in such a manner that it can be oscillated or tipped laterally to the right or left, the beam being furnished with cylindrical bearings D, fixed thereon, and working in connection with a series of anti-friction rollers, d, mounted upon the supportingframe B. That part of the carrier C which enters the furnace extends from its supportingcarriage B in a clear projection of sufficient length to sustain the bar, and is provided with lateral arms or flanges C', preferably upwardly inclined, which form a seat or cradle for containing the bar or product to be introduced to the furnace. The space upon these flanges or cradle C may be adapted for charging bars singly or for charging several bars, more or less, at one time. C2 is a guard-lug at the back end of the cradle.

The mechanism which I deem best for moving the charger forward and back consists of a long cylinder, H, having a piston-rod, II, which connects direct to a portion of the earriage or supporting-frame B. Said cylinder II is adapted for double action or for introducing pressure at front or rear of the piston under control of suitable valve mechanism, h. In Figs. l and 2 of the' drawings this cylinder' is shown shortened, so as to bring it within the limit of the drawing-sheet.

F indicates an arm attached to the carrierbeam C near the supporting-frame B. The end of this arm, which is preferably provided with a roller, F, engages with an inclined deflector or cam, I, as the charger-frame appreaches the furnace, and is by said deflector forced to one side for oscillating or tipping the carrier sufliciently to dump the bar from the carrier onto the furnace-bottom.

G denotes a counterbalance -weight connected to the carrier-beam C by an arm, G', which serves to return the carrier to normal position as it is retracted after depositing the bar within the furnace.

The defiector or cam-plate I is preferably made double and adjustable, or provided with a switching device, so that it can be used for tipping the chargingcarrier either to the right or to the left, as desired. A convenient construction for this mechanism is shown in Fig. 7. In this instance the camfplate I is fixed to a slide-plate, I, which is movable upon its supporting-frame A in a direction lateral to the charger. The supporting-frame A may be attached to the guidewaytracks E or to the end of the furnace A, as preferred. The slide-plate I is retained to the frame A by bolts i, that pass through slots, as indicated, or in other equivalent manner.

I2 indicates a link whereby the slide-plate is connected with a lever or other suitable handle at convenient position for moving the plate I for shifting the cam.

I3 indicates a locking latch or dog for retaining the parts at positions ofadjustment. Vhen the cam I is in the position shown, the arm F runs onto the right-hand side of the cani-plate I and the carrier C is tipped to discharge its load to the left. By releasing the dog l, and shifting the slide-plate l so that the dog will take into notch ri, the cam I is carried to the left, so that the arm F will run onto the opposite side of the point of .said cam, and the carrier will be thereby tipped to discharge its load to the right, or in opposite direction to that shown in Fig. 7. Asuitable spring-catch, J, is provided for retaining the carrier G at normal position. Said catch is connected by a rod, j, with a lever or arm, J, at the front of the carriage B, which lever is engaged and depressed by a downwardlyinclined portion, I5, on the cam-plate I, as the roll F approaches the point of said cam-plate. This action draws up the rod j and releases the latch J, so that it will not interfere with the tipping ofthe carrier G bythe arm F. When the charger is retracted and the arms F and J are relieved from the cam I, the counter-weight G swings the parts into engagement with the catch J. The latch is provided with oppositely-directed inclines, so as to accommodate both right and left swinging action of the carrier and counter-weight.

In lieu of making the entire carrier-beam C to tip or oscillate, it may in some instances be made with hinged flanges or with the cradle C hinged to the body or web of the beam,

IOO

lIO

the discharge of the bars being effected by' rocking over the cradle or dropping one ofthe flanges at the side of the beam. (See Fig. 8.)

The cam devices I, if desired, may in some instances be constructed, as illustrated in Fig. 3, with side guiding-bars, I,which confine the end of the arm F or its roll F throughout the course of its movement as the charger runs forward and back. The rear ends of bars IG can extend through the openings of the frame B and be sustained by any suitable form of rigid standard disposed on the tracks E or floor at a position back ofthe said frame. In the event of using this cam and guides such as shown in Fig. 3 the counter-weight G and latching device J could be dispensed with,as the guides IG would return and retain the beam at normal position by the aid of the arm F. In this construction the switching for right and left discharge is effected with a bar, I7, pivoted to the cam I in a manner to swing IIS to said carrier C when the latter is at its re-` across either of the spaceways c or a', thereby forcing the roll F to pass into the other spaceway as it approaches the cam.

The second part of my invention relates to means for. receiving and temporarily supporting the bar during the time the charging-carrier is making its advance and retractive movements. This feature is more especially designed for service when charging hot bars or billets continuously or automatically delivered to the charging mechanism, said bars being transferred from a rolling-mill or elsewhere by means of a roller-bed, endless travcling apron, or other suitable transfer and delivering mechanism. For this purpose I .arrange above the carrier Gland parallel there- .with a bar receiver or supporter, K, having a chamber or space into which the bar is delivered from a transfer device, L, and from which the bar can be dropped or transferred tracted position. Y

The bar-supporter K is preferably formed with channeled, curved, or angular side pieces of a length equal io or exceeding that of the bar, which pieces t together and form an inclosing-case7 within which the bar is inclosed and temporarily retained, and while so retained is protected from the oxidizing and cooling effects of the atmosphere. The supporter is provided with hinges, as at K', so that the parts canswing open or separate longitudinally to release the bar and allow it to fall 'or be delivered uponthe carrier C. This bar-receiving mechanism is disposed in a position overhead of the charging-carrier, and is supported by a suitable frame-work or hangers, M, in a manner that will permit of the charging apparatus running to and from the furnace without interfering. therewith. l

N N indicate arms or levers which are combined with the hinged parts of the inclosingcase or supporter K, for the purpose of opening or swinging said hinged'parts away from each other forv releasing the inclosed bar. ln the present instancersaid levers are curved in proper manner to eingagevwith lugs or rolls n on the charger-carriage B, whereby the sup-V porter K is opened autonfatically when the charger is run back to its normal position, and the cradle of the carrier C is in proper location to catch the bar as it falls from the supporter K. Then when the charger is advanced,therollsn release the levers N, and the supporterl is closed for receiving and retaining the next succeeding bar while the charger is delivering the bar contained on the carrier y into the furnace.

K in lieu of the levers N and engaging-rolls n,

said cylinder being arranged at any convenient position.

P indicates a presser-roll, combined with the transfer delivery-bed L, for driving forward the bar from said bed into the receivingsupporter K. Roll P may be operated by a belt, P', from an overhead shaft and pulley, or in any other convenient manner.

In case it is desired to kemploy a transfer mechanism or delivery-way that delivers the bars laterally instead of longitudinally, the supporter K may be made open at the top, so as to allow the bar to pass into the inclosingspaee. A receivingsupporter of this nature may be formed of two channel-beams placed at a short distance apart, with a trap or door across the bottom of the space to open and close for `releasing and confining the bar, as desired.

The operation of my improved apparatus is as follows: The bar having been placed upon the carrier O, the valve of the hydraulic cylinder H isl opened, admitting power to force forward the piston. This moves the carriage B along the tracks E and advances the carrier C and bar into the furnace A. When the charger reaches its forward position, the arm F runs onto the cam I, which by throwing said arm to one side tips the carrier-cradle laterally and dumps the bar therefrom upon the fu rnace-bottom. The valve is then shifted and pressure in the cylinder reversed, and the hydraulic piston retracts the carriage and earrier. When said parts arrive at their rearmost position, the rolls n engage and lift the levers N, thereby opening the receiving-supporter K, allowing a bar which has been entered therein to fall onto the carrier C, when the above operation is repeated.

1 Vhat Iclaim as of my invention,and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

1. In afurnace-charging mechanism for rolling-mill product,a carrier consisting of a beam mounted onV a movable support to present a forwardly-projecting portion adapted for entering the furnace, and provided` upon said projecting portion with a seat or cradle for containing the bar or product to be charged, and means, as described, for effecting the discharge of the bar` laterally therefrom when withink the furnace, substantially as set forth.

2.A charging mechanism for introducing rolling-mill product into a heating-furnace, consisting of a carrier-beam, having a seat or cradle, whereon the product is placed, mounted to have oscillating or tipping action,in combination with a movable support or carriage for advancing and retracting said carrier into and fromithe furnace, substantially as set forth.

3. A furnace-charging device consisting of an overhanging beam, havinga seat or cradle for retaining a metal bar or rolling-mill product while advancing it intoa heating-furnace, in combination with asupport for carrying said beam into and from the furnace and lOO IIS

means for imparting oscillatory or tipping action for discharging the product into the furnacebottom, substantially as set forth.

et. Ina furnace-chargingapparatus,the combination of an oscillating or tipping carrier for sustaining the har or product to be charged, a movable carriage whercon said carrier is mounted, aguideway for directing said earrlage to and from the furnace, and a powermechanism or motor with connections for imparting motion to said carriage, substantially as set forth. Y

5. In a charging apparatus for rollingmill product, the combination of an oscillating or laterally-tipping carrier, whercon the product is placed, a movable carriage supporting said carrier, a hydraulic motor whereby said earrler with its load is advanced into the furnace, and lneans for automatically effecting tipping action of said carrier while within the furnace for discharging the load therefrom, substantially as set forth.

6. Theeombinatomin a charging mechanism, of a stationary guideway, a supportingframe or carriage movable on said guideway, a carrier-beam supported in bearings on said carriage and having a cradle for containing the product to be charged into the furnace, means, substantially as described,for effecting tipping action in either right or left direction to discharge the product from said cradle, and mechanism for advancing and retracting the charger to and from the furnace, substalr tially as set forth.

7. The combination, in a charging mechan ism, of a tipping beam or cradle supporting the product to be introduced into the furnace, an arm for tipping said cradle, and a cam for controlling the tipping action, substantially as set forth.

8. Thecombiuatiomwith the charging beam or carrier mounted for tipping action on its supporting-frame or reciprocating carriage, of an arm attached to said beam, and a cani or defiector for engaging said arm as the supporting-frame approaches the furnace to effect tipping action ofthe carrier, substantially as and for the-purpose set forth.

9. In afurnace-charging apparatus,the combination, with a carrier mounted to have oscillatory action and provided with an operating-arm, as F, ot' a cam or defiecting device for engaging said arm, having right and left inclines, and means for shifting or switching the mechanism at will to effect deflection of said arm either by theleft or by the right hand incline, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

10. In a furnace-charging apparatus, the combination of a charging-carrier monnte'd to oscillate or tip on its supporting-carriage, and i a eouiitenweight connected with said carrier for returning it to normal position, substan tially as set forth.

1I. In a furnacefcharging apparatus, the combination of an oscillating carrier-beam, a cam or detlector for tipping said beam, a coun terwveight connected with said carrier for returning it to normal position, and a locking and for the purpose set forth.

12. The co1nbination,with a charging mechanism for introducing rolling-mill product into a heating'furnace, of means for receivbar or product delivered to the apparatus while the charger is advancing or returning to or from the furnace in making the preceding charge and for releasing said bar to deposit it upon the charger when said chargerlias returned to normal position, substantially as set forth.

13. A furmiceicharging apparatus having an overhead receiver and support for the billet, bar, or product above the charging-carrier in a position to deliver the bar upon the said carrier, in combination with the charging-carrier and means for releasing or discharging the bar therefrom to permit it to fall toits position on the carrier when said carrier is at normal position, substantiallyas set forth. v

14. In combination with the chargingcarrier, a receiving mechanism having a hinged supporter adapted,wl1en closed, for receiving and supporting the har and for releasing said har to deliver it upon the charging-carrier by opening or separating said hinged supporter, substai'itially as set forth.

15. In combination with the charging-carrier, a receiving mechanism having a hinged supporter for retaining the bar,\vhen closed, and adapted to open for releasing the bar, and means for automaticallyopening said receiver when the carrier is at normal position for depositing the bar thereon, substantially as set forth.

16. In a furnace-charging apparatus, the combinatiomwith t-hc chargingcarrie1,of a receiving mechanism having a supporter which surrounds or incloses the bar, substantially as set forth, whereby hot metal bars are protected from the oxidizing effect of the atmosphere and their inherent heat retained.

17. In a furnace-charging apparatus, the combination of a delivering-way, as L, an overhead supporter receiving the bars or product from said way and temporarily supporting the same, a charging-carrier mounted adjacent thereto on asupportiiig-carriage, means for opening said receiving-supporter to trailsfer the bar therefrom to the chargingcarrier, a powermotor connected with said carriersupporting carriage, guideways along which said carriage travels to and from the furnace, and devices for discharging the bar from the carrier into the furnace, substantially as set forth.

Vtitness my hand this 11th day of February, A. D. 188i'.

FRED II. DANIELS.

Witnesses:

GHAs. H. Beamten, ELLA l?. BLnNUs.

device for retaining the same, substantially as ing and temporarily supporting asucceeding IOO IIO

Images