GB2475027A

GB2475027A - Casting machine for insert moulding

Info

Publication number: GB2475027A
Application number: GB0913940A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Phillip Richardson
Original assignee: Lama DD Dekani
Current assignee: Lama DD Dekani
Priority date: 2009-08-07
Filing date: 2009-08-07
Publication date: 2011-05-11
Also published as: GB0913940D0; WO2011015837A1

Abstract

A casting machine for insert moulding comprises a mould tool 11 having a plurality of parts, at least one of which is moveable between an engaged position (Fig. 1), ready for a casting operation, and a retracted position where the tool is open (Figures 3 and 4). The machine further comprises a mechanism for loading an insert (12, Fig. 2) into the tool. The insert loading operation is arranged to take place whilst the moveable part of the tool is in its retracted position. To place the insert in the mould tool prior to casting, the machine comprises a feed track (14, Fig. 2) to carry a supply of inserts, a mechanism (15, Fig. 2) to pick up individual inserts from the feed track and a head (16, Fig. 2) to transfer the insert into the mould tool. In use, when parts 11a-11d of the mould tool are in their retracted position an insert is loaded and clamped. The tool parts 11a-11d are then all moved back into their engaged position in readiness for the next casting operation.

Description

Improvements in casting machines This invention relates to casting machines.

The invention provides a casting machine for insert moulding, comprising a mould tool having a plurality of parts at least one of which is movable between an engaged position where the tool is shut ready for a casting operation and a retracted position where the tool is open, the machine further comprising a mechanism for loading an insert into the tool preparatory to a casting operation, the insert loading operation being arranged to take place whilst the movable part of the tool is in its retracted position.

By way of example, an embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front view of a casting machine according to the invention, and Figures 2, 3 and 4 show the insert loading mechanism in more detail, with some parts of the machine not shown, in the interests of clarity.

A casting machine is seen in the drawings. The machine comprises a main frame 10, upon which is mounted a mould tool 11. The mould tool 11 is in four parts: an upper part 11 a, which is mounted for reciprocal movement along a vertical axis, a lower part 11 b, which is mounted for reciprocal movement along a first horizontal axis and two side parts 11 c and lid, which are mounted for reciprocal movement about a second horizontal axis, which lies at the right angles to the first. As seen in the drawings, the lower tool part 1 lb is slidably mounted on two fixed pins 30a, 30b and its reciprocal movement is controlled by a pair of hydraulic rams 31a, 31b. The mould tool 11 is seen in Figure 1 in its shut position, i.e. with all of its parts engaged and ready for a casting operation.

The machine is designed for insert moulding. Insert moulding is a known casting technique, which involves making a part by moulding around an insert. In this case, the part that is to be made is a conventional balance weight for a vehicle wheel. The insert is in the form of a channel-shaped clip 12, formed from sheet steel, onto which is moulded a block of dense material, such as lead.

To place the insert 12 in the mould tool 11 prior to the casting operation, the machine comprises a loading station 13. The loading station 13 is in essentially three parts: a feed track 14 to carry a supply of inserts, a mechanism 15 to pick up an individual insert from the feed track and a head 16 to transfer the insert from the pick-up mechanism to the mould tool 11.

The insert 12 is arranged to be placed into position on the lower tool part lib and this is arranged to take place whilst the lower tool part is in its retracted position (see Figures 3 and 4).

To hold the insert 12 in position after placement, the lower tool part 1 lb has a clamping device 17. The clamping device 17 is operated by a piston and cylinder unit 18 whose axis is arranged at an angle of approximately 450 to the axis of reciprocation of the lower tool part 1 ib, as seen in the drawings.

In use of the machine, after a casting operation, the mould tool 11 is split, that is, each of its parts 1 la, 1 ib, I ic, 1 Id is moved out to its retracted position. The product that has just been cast is ejected from the tool. Whilst this has been taking place, the pick-up mechanism 15 in the loading station 13 has picked up the next insert 12 from the feed track 14. With the lower tool part 1 lb in its retracted position, it is now ready to receive the insert 12 from the transfer head 16. The insert 12 is placed in position and then held there by the clamping device 17. The tool parts 1 Ia, 1 ib, 1 ic, lid are then all moved back into their engaged position to shut the tool and enable the next casting operation to take place.

It will be noted that the operation of loading the insert into the tool in preparation for the next casting operation takes place as part of the usual splitting of the tool following the previous casting operation. This enables the time taken for the insert loading operation to be kept to a minimum.

It will also be noted that the insert loading station is designed to be part of the tool. This enables the control of the loading operation to be fully integrated into the whole casting process. This is advantageous from the point of view of the design of the machine and its control programme, since the loading station will operate on the basis of the same data and degrees of movement as the rest of the machine and tool. It is also advantageous from a process point of view, in that the timing of the loading and casting operations can be fully synchronised. In particular, the ability of the loading station to prepare for the next insert loading operation whilst the current casting operation is taking place enables the machine cycle time to be kept to a minimum.

It will further be noted that the insert is arranged to be positioned in the mould tool by mechanical placement. This is preferable to other conventional means of placement such as gravity feeding or blowing, because it provides a positive emplacement, which helps to minimise cycle time and reduce the chances of a mis-feed.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A casting machine for insert moulding, comprising a mould tool having a plurality of parts at least one of which is movable between an engaged position where the tool is shut ready for a casting operation and a retracted position where the tool is open, the machine further comprising a mechanism for loading an insert into the tool preparatory to a casting operation, the insert loading operation being arranged to take place whilst the movable part of the tool is in its retracted position.
2. A casting machine as claimed in claim I wherein the insert loading mechanism has a fixed position relative to the machine.
3. A casting machine as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the insert loading mechanism is arranged to put the insert into position in the tool by mechanical placement.
4. A casting machine as claimed in claim 3 wherein the insert loading mechanism comprises a device for supplying a feed of inserts arid a device for picking up an individual insert from said feed and transferring it to the tool.
5. A casting machine as claimed in any preceding claim and further including a device for holding the insert in position in the tool during the casting process.
6. A casting machine as claimed in claim 5 wherein the insert holding device comprises a piston and cylinder operated clamp.
7. A casting machine as claimed in any preceding claim wherein control of the insert loading mechanism is fully integrated into the control of the whole casting process.
8. A casting machine substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.