US2900992A - Metal processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 25, 1959 w. L. JOHNSON METAL PROCESSING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed March 14, 1956 l MW E HMEEWE:

lie

Aug. 25, 1959 I w. L. JOHNSON 2,900,992

METAL PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed March 14, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. flzmial. Jaw s0 W. L. JOHNSON METAL PROCESSING APPARATUS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed March 14, 1956 W H 0 fitnx O O I Q o a o M o G 8 o. .g o M o e w 9 I e M O o o a 9/ H I a 0 o o H o 0 O 0 Q Q 9 WV INVENTORL w M J 4 m W MWW W aria/9 am 5, 1959 w. L. JOHNSON I 2,900,992

METAL PROCESSING APPARATUS Filed March 14, 1956 Sheets-Sheet 4 /ld 9 A95 04 Q 29" @Q' 9 2 we @3018 y me 9 .9.9 '92 l /w G a4 2 3b INVENTO'R. flfllflRo Z. Jam so The present invention relates to metal processing apparatus and more particularly to an apparatus for treatiig the surfaces of a workpiece with jets of a treating uid.

States atent While the apparatus of the present invention may have other uses, such as pickling, anodizing or otherwise chemically treating a surface or surfaces of a workpiece, 1t is particularly adapted for removing waste and residue from the surfaces of a workpiece between processing steps, such as polishing and forming operations. In the past, the polishing of metal parts has been done after they have been formed to the desired shape. Because of the irregular shapes of the formed parts, the polishing operation is apt to be very time consuming and costly. It has required not only machines, but manual work in handling curved parts to produce a satisfactory finish. Attempts have been made to polish all of the curved surface of a piece mechanically, but the equipment to accomplish this result is complicated and takes up considerable space and sometimes requires a series of units to polish an entire surface.

In accordance with the present trend toward automation and the saving of labor, the surface or surfaces of the workpiece are polished in the fiat state, preferably in the form of a strip or sheet. A blank to be formed is cut from the polished strip, sheet, or other shape, and then drawn or pressed between smooth dyes to the final shape. Such a polishing operation, prior to forming, has been practiced not only on blanks for articles such as automobile bumpers, but for many other parts such as stainless steel molding, trim, and the like, that have a generally linear form. Also, non-ferrous metals such as brass, bronze, and aluminum alloy in strip, sheet, or extruded form, are frequently brought to a high luster before subsequent processing. Such polishing of continuous metal stock before processing or forming has been found to greatly reduce the subsequent operations necessary on the fully fabricated and finished part prior to a plating or painting operation when the parts are to be coated.

When the stock is polished prior to a cutting and forming or other working operation, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the polished surfaces of the stock. If the polished surface or surfaces of the stock are not thoroughly cleaned before entering the dies of a stamping punch or forming press, the polishing compound and residue may accumulate on the dies and cause scoring of the polished surface and wear on the dies and also may affect the tolerances in dimensions specified for the part.

Power washers previously used to clean a workpiece after a processing operation are apt to damage polished surfaces. One such power washer comprises multiple rolls or sets of rolls for supporting and feeding the worksheet during a cleaning operation with the nozzles for supplying a cleaning fluid located between adjacent rolls. Another type of power washer clamps the sheet to a moving rail conveyor. In each type of apparatus, the residue from the polishing operation or scale from the workpiece is apt to be caught between the bight of the feed rolls or the conveyor clamp or on the surface of supporting rolls causing the polished surface or surfaces to be scratched or otherwise marred. Such scratching or marring appears on the surface of the finished product and even after a thin plate or coating is applied. In

other words, the thin plating coat, such as chromium,

ICC

as applied in modern practices, does not fill up or cover any scratches on the surface of parts being plated.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for treating the surfaces of a linear workpiece with jets of a treating fluid and removing all foreign material released from the surfaces of the workpiece by the jets before it is engaged by subsequent handling or processing apparatus, such as drive rolls or cutting and forming dies.

Another object is to provide a power washer for cleaning the surfaces of a linear workpiece by the erosive action of a plurality of high-velocity jets of a cleaning liquid and washing away the waste material with the cleaning liquid.

Another object is to provide a power washer of the type indicated which supports the workpiece on a cushion of the treating fluid as it passes between opposed jets arranged in a pattern to produce balancing forces on opposite sides thereof.

Another object is to provide a power washer of the type indicated having liquid-distributing members for producing fluid jets which are adjustable to adapt the apparatus for a linear workpiece of any form or thickness and easily accessible for cleaning or repair or changing the orifice pattern for a particular workpiece.

Still another object is to provide a washer of the type indicated which is of simple and compact construction to adapt it for economical manufacture and one which is efficient in performing its intended function.

In this specification and accompanying drawings I have shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention and suggested various modifications thereof; but it is to be understood that these are not intended to be exhaustive nor limiting of the invention, but on the contrary are given for purposes of illustration in order that others skilled in the art may fully understand the invention and the principles thereof and the manner of applying it in practical use so that they may modify and adapt it in various forms, each as may be best suited to the conditions of a particular use. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view showing the present invention in the form of a power washer located in a typical environment between surface finishing and cutting and forming apparatus whichoperate successively on a continuous workpiece;

Pig. 2 is a plan view of the power washer showing the relative location of the elements;

Fig 3 is a transverse sectional view through the power washer to show the spaced liquid-distributing boxes and jet-forming orifices therein;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the power washer showing the sets of feed rolls for feeding a workpiece in the path between the opposed liquid-distributing boxes having the jet-forming orifices;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged transverse sectional view to show I the mountings for the liquid-distributing boxes to adapt them to be adjusted toward and away from each other and for relative swinging movement for cleaning or rep Fig. 6 is an enlarged transverse sectional view to show the adjustable mounting for the feed rolls;

Fig. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 77 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on line 88 of Fig. 5, to show the pattern of the jet-forming orifices in the orifice plate of a liquid-distributing box;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of a liquid-distributing box and adjustable mounting of modified construction;

Fig. 10 is a side elevational view of a pair of the liquiddistributing boxes illustrated in Fig. 9 and showing the adjustable hinge and retaining brackets;

Fig. 11 is a front elevational View of the liquid-distributing boxes illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10;

a. substantial linear.v dimensionvin the dir Fig. 12 is a plan view of the liquid-distributing box as shown in Figs. 9 to 11 with the orifice and cover P a e em d; 1 I

Fig- .13.; isga transvers e sectional view through the q di fib ti sb a nF -9 v .diig. ,l4- is; an enlarged view showing an oriflce in the orifice plate forrned .by a hole drilled at right angles to e'su se ft P t v is.;a yiew similar to Fig. 14, sho'yvingan orifice lformed at an jan'gleto the surfaces of the plate;

Fig. 16 is a view similar to Eig. ,lS sh ing the jet riiice formedby-amozzle mounted the b ox so as not to rotrude beyond the surface of theplateind g LEig. 17 i a plan .view of a liquid distribntnig member of another modifiedconstruction W p 7.

Referring to Fig. 1 of the drawings, thehpphratus constituting-the subject, matter of the presen .i l lii fimi% -.@--PW T. W 1? located polishing machine? and a nem 'gnq f 7 Jt i b n e to dl e ev r, at he n be used for'other purposes, such as picklin'gl, anod otherwise chemically treating the ,surface's of a workpiece as one step of acon uous processyor inay be used .independentlyof other apparatus as a power washer or c'hernicaltreating apparatus. :The workpiece W may be .acontinuous flat sheet, ist rip cruextruded forrhjqf a flexible, light-gauge stock, or lengths'of alheavy-ga ge, selfsupporting s tock,, but many. of the forms spa ed, it has i l in Pit rnoventent through theapparatus.v Eor purposes of description, let itbe assumed that the workpiece W as i-llustrated in, Fig l isv a continuous, flexible flat sheet which extends and. is continuouslvmoved through the polishing [machine awash 2, and formin press 4. Puring its mpvernent through the polishing machine 3, the entire surface of atleast one side of the flat sheet ,W is,polished by'polishing wheels 5 which lap thesurface withaniabrasive compound to produce a finish thereon, ,Thejpoli shing wheels '5 s are rotated "or other- ,wise rnovedirelativeto the surface of the workpiece W by -asuitable driving memes. The workpiece W may be polished on both sides,.but when polished on one side gn ly as illustrated,it would be supp orted"by'anysuitable ,rneansduring its p'assage through the machine, After the polishing operation, the workpiece W moves through the vpower washer .2, hereinafter explained in detail, where the surfaces "arescoured by a cleaningfluid issuing in jets frem the adjacent sides of juxtaposed liquid-distributingboxes 7 and 8 to thoroughly clean'the grinding compound, residue and other foreign material therefrom.

The clean wor'kpiece .W then enters the ycutting and forming press '4, where blanks. are'cut therefrom and formed between dies 9 and 10' to the final shape of the .erticle being produced. Thus, the article may be formed between'the dies 9 and 10 with alinished surface, or the polished surface of the article may provide a suitable .vbasefor a metal plate or other coating. 'As illustrated in Fig. 1., a set of drag rolls 11 engage the workpiece prior toits entrance into thepolishinglmachine 3 and a set of feed rolls 12 engages the workpieceafterl it has been cleaned in the washer 2. Thus, the polished surface of theflexible workpiece W is not contacted by any sup porting, guiding or f eeding 'nieans during its moveor mar theiinished surface. When the washer 2 is used in an 'arra ngementjsu ch as illustrated in Ei'g, 1,1 the set of f eedrolls 13 ef fthe power washer between the polishing mz lchinev 3 and liquid-distributing elements 7 and 8 are adjusted to aspaced position relative to theworkpiece W. Furthermore, the polished surface or surfaces are prevented fronrcontecting theboxes 7 and 8 the opposed jets of cleaning liquid issuing therefrom which 4 support the workpiece W during its passage 'therebetween, as later explained in detail.

The power washer L as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, p e a nk. ,15 h F in ab t Walls 17 and 18 in the direction of niovementof the workpiece W and side walls '1 9and 20. A supporting wall 21 extends across the tank 15 parallel to the side walls 19 and 20, but the wall has openings therein to permit the cleaning liquid to flow 'therethroug'h. End walls 17 and 18 are lower than Walls 19 and 21 toprovideinlet and outlet openings 22 and 23 for theworkpiece W and the upper edges of all. o f saidwalls 17 to 20 terminate in lateral flanges 24. Spaced angle iron beams 25 and 26overlie and are supported on the flanges 24 of walls 19 21 and extend between the end walls 17 and18 to provide a frame on which the liquid-distributing boxes and and sets of drive rolls 12 and 13 are 'rn'ounted. hood 27', shown only in Fig l, extends between the beams 25 and26 and has depending end portions 28 with openings 29 therein through which the workpiece may move. The depending ends 28 of hood 27 extend belew the liquid level in the tank and together with sidewalls provide a housing to'enclose the workpiece Wand elements operating thereon for preventing the escape of treating liquid from the apparatus and insuring its return to the tank. v

Liquid-distributing elements? and 3 are located at opposite .sides' of the workpiece W closely adjacent thereto, and extend laterally over the entire Width of the w orkpiece and for a considerable distance longitudinallythereof. The opposite sidesv of the workpiece W are cleaned by the erosive action ofv a seriespf jets of the treating 'fluid issuing at high velocity from a pattern of orifices in the adjacent sides of the, opposed liquid-distributing boxes 7 and 8. .The jets of liquid issue in a stream which diverges only slightly before impinging the workpiece with considerable force, and, perferably the liquid, in the jet is broken up into drops which hit the surface With a hammering force over the entire area of jet to loosen scale or other foreign matter from the surfaceandrernove it therefrom by erosion. The scale or other-foreign matter removed from the surfaces of the workpiece W is washed away with the cleaningliquid which overflows at the sides of the workpiece W and liquid-distributing members '7 and 8'int0 the tank '15. Ithas beenifound that this kind of jet can be produced bycleaningliquid issuing throughan orifice formed by ahdle drilled'ina p'late. The liquid diStributing boxes 7 and8 are of substantially identical construction, and each comprisesan 30, 'a continuous side 31 and peripheral flange 32. The

back wall 30 has a 'cleano'ut opening therein which is closed by a cover plate "33. An orifice plate 34 overlies the opensideand flanges 32 'of 'the box 7 or sand is detachably connected to the'ilatt'er by suitable fastening "means 35, suchas stove bolts, fiat-headed'screws or the like. Plate 34"'lias"a series 'of'jet forming' orifices 36 therein which may bein the form ofholesdrilled therein in any' required size and pattern fer 'the'particular workpiece W, one such pattern being illustrated 'in Fig.;8 of

' the drawings 'Thus, theopposite sides of the workpiece W are 'iinpinged and scoured by the jets "of cleaninglihuid issuing inpa'railel" planes from the "pl'ur'alityof orifices '36 in the opposed orifice 'plates'34 "of the liquid-distributing elements7 and'8. I I I Liquid-distributing'boxes 7 and8 are nioiintedforad- I justrnenttoward and away from each 'other'to" adapt them fora workpieceW of any thickness, and'also for swingingjmovement relativeto"each other to facilitate cleaning, repair or substitution of 'orihce plates 34. :As's ho wn most clearly inFig. 5, the'peripheralf flange 32 at "up- "pos ite s ides' of the lower liquid-distributing box 8 overlies spaced an'gleb'r'ackets 37 at each side of the box and the flange "is attached to the brackets by 'fast'iiing means,

such as bolts 37a or the like. The brackets 37, in turn, are bolted or riveted to the lower ends of spaced pairs of arms 38 and 39 depending from the beams 25 and 26, respectively. The arms 38 and 39 may be of any suitable form and as shown comprise narrow plates attached to a flange of the beams 25 and 26 as by welding (see Fig. Thus, the lower liquid-distributing box 8 is hung from the beams and 26 by means of the opposed depending arms 38 and 39 and supporting brackets thereon. The opposite or upper liquid-distributing box 7 also is mounted on spaced pairs of brackets 40 and 41, respectively, which are attached to the depending plates 33 and 39 by means of bolts 42. However, the bolts 42 extend through a slot 43 in the plates 38 and 39 to permit movement of the upper box 7 toward and away from the lower box 8. Theangle brackets 41 at the righthand side of the upper liquid-distributing box 7 as viewed in Fig. 5 are in theform of hinges to adapt the upper box to be swung away from the lower box for cleaning, repair or substitution of an orifice plate 34. Thus, by removing the fastenings 37a between the flange 32 and brackets 40 at one side, the box 7 may be swung bodily about the hinge brackets 41 at the other side.

Each set of drive rolls 12 and 13 comprises a lower pair of spaced rolls 46 and 47 and an upper pair of spaced rolls 44 and 45 yieldingly pressed toward the lower rolls to engage the workpiece W therebetween. The drive rolls 44 to 47 may have a polished metal surface, but, preferably, they have an abrasive-resistant, resilient coating of a material such as neoprene or similar rubber-like polymer. The opposite pairs of drive rolls 44, 45 and 46, 47 of each set 12 and 13 also are mounted for adjustment toward and away from each other to adapt them for a workpiece W of any thickness. As shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the sets of drive rolls 12 and 13 are hung from the beams 25 and 26 in a manner similar to the liquiddistributing boxes 7 and 8. The lower pair of feed rolls 46 and 47 of each set are journaled at one of their ends in bearings 48 and 49 mounted on an arm 50 depending from the beam 25. The opposite ends of the lower pair of rolls 46 and 47 are journaled in corresponding bearings 48 and 49 at the lower end of an arm 51 depending from the beam 26.

The upper pair of rolls 44 and 45 of each set are mounted in opposed frames 54 and 55 which, in turn, are adjustable on the depending arms 50 and 51 for movement toward or away from the lower rolls 46 and 4-7 (see Figs. 6 and 7) Frames 54 and 55 are of identical construction but located at opposite ends of the rolls so that only one of the frames 54 and upper roll mountings need be described. The upper pair of rolls 44 and 45 are of shorter length than the lower rolls 46' and 47 and their ends are mounted to rotate on pins 56 and 57 projecting inwardly from a horizontal rocker arm 58 (see Fig. 7). Rocker arm 58 is pivoted intermediate its ends on a stud 59 projecting from a vertical arm 60 depending from a rocking member 61. Rocking member 61 has one end pivoted to a flange 62 on the frame 54 and a compression spring 63 acts between the frame and other end of the member to yieldingly press the upper rolls 44 and 45 toward the lower rolls 46 and 47. The compression spring 63 seats in a well 64 in the rocking member 61, having a screw cap 65 for adjusting the compression of the spring.

Frame 54 comprises a back plate 66 overlying the de pending plate 5t and has slots 67 therein. The frame 54 is clamped in an adjusted position on depending plate 50 by means of studs 68 projecting forwardly through the slots 67 in the frame and nuts 69 screwed on the studs against the frame. The opposite ends of the upper pair of feed rolls 44 and 45 are mounted in frame 55 at the opposite side which is bolted in position on the depending plate 51. With this construction, the upper pair of rolls 44 and 45 are yieldingly pressed into engagement with the workpiece W with a predetermined force by rocking member 61 and spring 63 at the side opposite the lower pair of rolls 46 and 47 and the rocker arm 58 permits relative movement of the upper rolls 52 and 53.

The lower feed rolls 46 and 47 of the rearward set of rolls 13 are driven in synchronism by achain 69 and sprockets 70 and 71 and the corresponding pair of lower feed rolls of the other set 12 are driven in synchronism by a chain'69' and sprockets 70'. and 71 (see Fig. 2). The feed roll 47 of the rearward set 13 is driven by a motor 72 operating through a reduction gear box 73. Drive roll 46 of the other set 12 is driven from the drive roll 47 by a chain 74 and sprockets 75 and 76. As illustrated in Fig. 3, the motor 72 is mounted on an adjustable frame 76 for tightening the driving belt 77 between it and the gear reduction box 73. As further illustrated in Fig. 3, the motor 72 and reduction gear box 73 are mounted on a platform 78 overlying the side portion of the tank between walls 20 and 21 and the platform is supported on brackets 79 on the walls.

The treating liquid which may be in the form of water containing a suitable detergent and/ or corrosion inhibitor or any other chemical for washing or otherwise treating the workpiece W, is delivered to the liquid-distributing boxes 7 and 8 at high pressure and volume by means of a pump 80. Pump 80 is hung from a platform 81, supported by the side walls 20 and 21 of the washer by suitable brackets in a manner similar to the platform 78. The pump 80 is positioned on its side for vertical intake at its axis and horizontal delivery and is driven by a motor 82 (see Fig. 2) supported on the platform 81 with its axis vertical. Liquid is delivered from pump 84 to a junction box 83 (see Fig. 3) and through a standpipe 84 and flexible pipe connection 85 to an opening in the top of the upper box 7. Liquid also is delivered under pressure through a flexible pipe connection 86 from the junction box 83 to an opening in the lower box 8. As explained above, the cleaning liquid issues from the orifices 36 in the orifice plates 34 of the opposed liquiddistributing boxes 7 and 8 at high velocity to scour the surfaces of the workpiece for loosening and removing scale or other foreign matter from the surfaces, and to wash away such foreign matter with the liquid which overflows at the sides and ends of the lower box into the tank therebelow. The foreign matter settles to the bottom of the tank and the liquid flows laterally into the compartment at the side thereof Where the pump 80 is located, and is then recirculated by the pump to the boxes. A suitable clean-out door 87 is provided in the side of a tank wall as indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1 for removing the accumulated waste from time to time.

Although not necessary to the operation of the apparatus, air nozzles 88 and 89 are preferably provided at opposite sides between the liquid-distributing boxes 7 and 8 and the set of feed rolls 12. As shown in Fig. .2, the air nozzles 88 are in the form of pipe sections extending transversely of the workpiece W for issuing a curtain of air at an angle thereto. The air blast from nozzles 88 and 89 tend to direct cleaning liquid rearwardly of the workpiece and to dry the surfaces before they are engaged by the drive rolls 12.

It will be observed that the power washer of the present invention provides fiat, parallel orifice plates 34 in opposed, closely adjacent relationship to provide a path therebetween through which the workpiece W is fed with each orifice plate having a pattern of orifices 36 through which the jets of treating liquid issue toward each other rom parallel planes to impinge all surfaces of the workpiece. It is a further feature of the invention to adjustably mount the liquid-distributing boxes 7 and 8 for movement toward and away from each other to adapt them for workpieces of different shapes and size and for swinging movement relative to each other for cleaning the orifices or for replacing or substituting orifice plates having a different pattern of orifices therein. The jetforming orifices 36 may be formed by drilling holes in turning movement to release their respective boxes.

the plate perpendicular to the surfaces thereof in a predetermined pattern,-as illustrated in Fig. 14, or the holes may be drilled at an. angle to the surfaces of the plate, as illustrated in Fig. '15. When the orifice is formed by drilling a hole at-anangle to the surface of the orifice plate 34, the plate is preferably undercut as shown in .Fig. 15 toxproducea jet of circular cross section. Such angularly directed orifices 36 produce a'tangential scouring action which may be desirable injsome applications arid may augmentthe drive rolls Hand 13 in moving-the Work forward. 'In some instances, itmaybedesirable to provide certain of the orifices perpendicular to the orifice plate and other of the-orifices at an 'angl'efto the surfaces of the plate. In other instances, it may bedesirableto provide'nozzles 90as illustrated in Fig. 16,.to produce the jet which may be arranged to direct its jet in any angular direction to the surface of the'plate. To eliminate any projecting surfaces on the orifice-plates 34 which might contact the surfaces of the workpiece W, the nozzles 90 are mounted in the boxes 7nd 8, as'illustrated. In

any case, the orifices'36 are arranged in a pattern in the orifice plates 34, so that they produce opposite 'balancing forces on the surfaces of the workpiece W to maintain it centered between the boxes 7 and 8. Actual; ly, the workpiece W rides on a cushion of liquid as it over the different areas of the workpiece for any particular application.

"Figs. 9 to 13 illustrate a pair of liquid-distributing boxes "of modified construction. Each of the-upper and lower liquid-distributing boxes 92 and 93 as illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 comprises a marginal frame 94 (see Fig. 12), which may be made as a finished casting having internal tapped bosses "95'andhinged leaves 96 projecting from one side thereof. The opposite open sides of the frame 94 are closedby 'anorifice plate 97 and cover plate 98,

respectively, with suitable'gaskets 9 9 therebetween. Orificeplate 97 is generally similar to orifice1plat e 34 illustrated in Fig. 8 -which,"togetherwith the eover plate -98, may be attached to the frame by any suitable fastening-means suchas flat-headed machine screws received F in tapped bosses 95.

The licjuiddistributing boxes 92'and 93' are supported by suitable brackets 100' and {101 adjustably mounted on opposite pairs of upright stanchions 102 and 103. Stan- 'chions 1'02 and'103 may haveany desired s hape, b ut for 'thepurpos'e of" simplicity of illustration they are shown as pipe section which'would besuitably connected to provide: a frame. Brackets 100 for each box "9 2 and 93 embrace the stanchions 102 and each bracket is in the -form' of a hinge leaf which interleaves with the hinge leaves 96 on the box 92 or 93 to hinge its respective box for-swinging movement relative tothe other box. Brackets'101 are mounted on theother pair of stanchions 103 and have spaced lugs 104 and 105; for straddling the .side of the boxopposite the hinge to holdit in position. Thebrackets 100 and 101 areslidable on stanchions 162 and 103fto adjust the boxes 92 and 93 toward and away from each other, and are locked in adjusted position by any suitable clamping means-illustrated in theform of set screws 106. It will be noted that the bottom face 1tl7 of the recess-between lugs 104and 105 of brackets 1M are curved about the axis of the stanchions for relative The feed rolls 108 and 109 (see Fig. 11) at the ends of the liquid-distributing boxes 92 and93 also may be adjustably mounted in a similar manner by means of stanchions 110 and'brackets 111' and-112"sli'dably mounted thereon.

Fig. 17 illustrates a liquid-distributing element 115 of ing element 115 is constructed of pipe sections comprising spaced headers 116 and 117 with pipe sections 118 extending 'therebetween. Each of the pipe sections 118 has orifices 119 drilled therein to provide the desired pattern of liquid jets. It will be-observed by reference to Fig. 17 that the liquid distributing element '115 may be hinged for swinging movement by mountingextensions of the header 117 iii-bearing brackets 120 and 121.

It will now be observed that the present invention provides an apparatus for treating the surfaces of a linear workpiece by impinging it with high velocity jets of a treating liquid issuing from a pair of orifice plates arranged in parallel planes atopposite sides of the workpiece. It will further be observed that the present invention provides a power washer which removes scale, oil, dirt or other foreign matter from the surface or surfaces of a workpiece by theerosive action'of a plurality of high-velocityjets of cleaning liquid without scratching or marring the surface of the workpiece. It will further be observed that the present invention provides an apparatus of the type indicated which is adjustable to adapt it for a workpiece-of any size or shape, and one which-is easily accessible for cleaning, repair'or changing the orifice pattern for the'particular workpiece. It will further be observed that the present invention provides an apparatus for cleaning the surfaces of a linear workpiece which supports the workpiece on a cushion of the cleaning liquid during its passage through the apparatus to eliminate the necessity ofany supportingmeans contacting the workpiece. It will still further be obserivedfthat the present invention provides metal treating apparatus which is of simple and compact construction, adapted for economical manufacture and one which is .e fiicient inperforrning its intended function.

While a single liquid-treating apparatus with several modified forms 'of liquid-distributing boxes --and nozzles is herein illustrated and described, it will be understood that further modifications may be made in' the-construction and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, the

liquid-distributing boxes and feed-rolls maybearranged in the apparatus to feed the workpiece vertically therethrough instead of horizontally as illustrated. Therefore, without limitation in this respect, the invention is defined by the following claims.

I claim: I j

1. Apparatus for treating the surfacesof 'a"workpiece comprising a housing, juxtaposed fiuid-distributing mem bers in said housingat opposite sidesoftheworkpiece, means for mounting the fluid distributingnienibers in the housing for adjustment toward and 'away'from each other to adapt them for a workpiece of anythick'ness'and'f6r rocking movement relative to each other for meanin or repair, said fluid-distributing members extendingf throughout the width and'for a substantial distance alongthe workpiece, means beyond the confines'of'thefluid-distributingmembers for feeding the workpieceforwardly between the members, means for supplying treating'fluijd-to said fluid-distributing members underpressurefthe'adjacent sides of said fluid-distributing'inembers'haVing a plurality of orifices for providing high"velocityjets'ofthe treating fluid and directing the jets towardtheworkpiece,

means providing unrestricted flow of liquid from the workpiece to cause the jets'to directlyimpi'nge the workpiece at high velocity to scrub the surfaces impinged by gaged by the feeding means.

2. Apparatus for treating aworkpiece by impinging -its surfaces With high velocity jets of a treatingffiuidkomprising an enclosing housing, 'closely spaccd fiuid distributing members mounted insaidjhousin and having 7 their adjacent sides arranged in 's'ub'stantiallypa'rallel planes to provide a path for' the passage ofa"'woi'kpiece therebetween, means for mounting the fluid-distributing members for movement relative to said housing for adjustment toward and away from each other to adapt them for a workpiece of any thickness, means for supplying treating fluid to the fluid-distributing members under pressure, a plurality of orifices arranged in the adjacent sides of the opposite fluid-distributing members and constructed to produce high velocity jets of the fluid, means in said housing providing unrestricted flow of liquid from the workpiece to cause the jets to directly impinge all surfaces of the workpiece at high velocity as it moves for wardly in its path between the members, and said jetforming orifices being of such size and number and so arranged throughout the width and length of the opposed fluid-distributing members as to produce forces on the top and bottom of the workpiece which support it in balance and cause it to float between the members during a liquidtreating operation, whereby the jets of liquid form the sole support for the workpiece during its passage between the fluid-distributing members and prevent the workpiece from contacting the members.

3. In an automation system in which the work in the form of a continuous piece has its surface finished by a polishing apparatus at one Zone as it moves toward a forming apparatus in another zone, a 'washing apparatus between said zones for removing waste and residue from the surfaces of the workpiece after polishing in the first apparatus and before delivery to the forming apparatus comprising, an enclosing housing, liquid-distributing members in the housing at opposite sides of the workpiece and located closely adjacent thereto, means for mounting the fluid-distributing members in the housing for adjustment toward and away from each other to adapt them for a workpiece of any thickness and for rocking movement relative to each other for cleaning or repair, means beyond the confines of the liquid-distributing members for feeding the workpiece therebetween, a single flexible conduit connected to each liquid-distributing member for supplying a washing liquid thereto at high pressure, means providing unrestricted flow of washing liquid from the workpiece, a series of orifices in the adjacent sides of the liquid-distributing members for directing jets of the liquid to directly impinge the workpiece to scrub the surfaces impinged by the jets, and the liquiddistributing members and jets therein being so arranged as to thoroughly clean all surfaces of the Workpiece and wash away all material scrubbed therefrom within the confines of the liquid-distributing members.

4. A washer for scrubbing the surfaces of a workpiece with a treating fluid comprising a housing, fluid-distributing members in the housing which extend laterally over the entire width and longitudinally for a substantial distance along the workpiece at opposite sides thereof and closely adjacent thereto, means for adjustably mounting the liquid-distributing members in the housing for movement toward and away from the workpiece and for rocking movement relative to each other, means beyond the ends of the fluid-distributing members for supporting the workpiece, means for supplying treating fluid to the distributing members under pressure, jet-forming openings in the sides of the fluid-distributing members adjacent the workpiece for directing jets of the treating fluid toward the workpiece, means providing unrestricted flow of liquid from the workpiece to scrub the surfaces impinged by the jets, and the jet-forming openings being so arranged in the sides of the respective fluid-distributing members as to produce balancing forces on the opposite sides of the workpiece in a direction transverse to its direction of movement to support the workpiece on a floating cushion of liquid jets during its passage between the liquid-distributing members, whereby the jets of liquid form the sole support for the workpiece during its passage between the fluid distributing members and prevent the workpiece from contacting the members.

5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which the mounting means comprises a hinge about which at least one of the fluid-distributing members may be swung away from the other member.

6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 5 in which the mounting means comprises a hinge at one side of a fluiddistributing member about which the member may be swung and a removable supporting member at the opposite side of the member.

7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which the fluid-distributing members are in the form of boxes having a flat orifice plate detachably mounted thereon for substitution or repair.

8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 in which the orifices are in the form of holes drilled in the orifice plate.

9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 in which the orifices are in the form of nozzles detachably mounted on the plate.

10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 7 in which the orifices are so formed as to direct the jets at an angle to the direction of movement of the workpiece.

11. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which the fluid-distributing members are in the form of boxes having flat plates on adjacent sides, jet-forming orifices in the flat plates, and sets of opposed feed rolls at the front and rear of the members in the direction of movement of the workpiece.

12. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 for washing the opposite sides of a flat metal workpiece in which the housing comprises a tank having upwardly projecting side Walls, a hood extending between the side walls and having end portions projecting downwardly below the liquid level in the tank, the end portions of said hood having openings through which the workpiece moves, frame elements supported on the side walls of the tank, the adjusting means for mounting the fluid-distributing members being supported by the frame elements, and the means for feeding the workpiece comprising opposite sets of feeding rolls mounted on the frame elements beyond the liquiddistributing members in the direction of movement of the workpiece.

13. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 in which the means for feeding the workpiece comprises spaced sets of opposed feed rolls, each set of feed rolls comprising a pair of driving rolls and a pair of driven rolls, the driven rolls being rotatably mounted at the opposite ends of a rocker arm, an adjustable frame on which the rocker arm is pivotably mounted intermediate its ends and means comprising a spring acting between the frame and rocker arm to yieldingly press the upper pair of feed rolls toward the lower pair of feed rolls with a predetermined force.

14. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 for washing the opposite sides of a flat metal workpiece with jets of a cleaning fluid in which the fluid is a liquid and in which air-jets are provided beyond the fluid-distributing membersin the direction of the workpiece for forcing the cleaning liquid rearwardly and laterally and to dry the workpiece before it is engaged by the feeding means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 141,837 Urban Aug. 12, 1873 1,791,101 Manion Feb. 3, 1931 1,998,192 Haswell Apr. 16, 1935 2,234,153 Herbert Mar. 4, 1941 2,359,088 Croft Sept. 26, 1944 2,529,762 Brisse Nov. 14, 1950 2,565,855 Jordan Aug. 28, 1951 2,578,804 Holveck Dec. 18, 1951 2,622,428 Abbott Dec. 23, 1952 2,673,761 Karlstrom Mar. 30, 1954- FOREIGN PATENTS 696,160 Germany Sept. 13, 1940

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