Drag mold release mechanism
AssigneeHunter Automated Machinery Corporation
InventorWilliam A. Hunter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The drag flask has at least two opposed sides which include recesses proximate the matchplate. Manifolds are provided in the recesses to communicate compressed air from a source of compressed air to air inlets provided in the manifold. The manifolds are separated from the recesses using an elastomeric seal which is contoured to direct the compressed air between an air passage disposed between the drag mold and the matchplate. When incorporated into a sand mold forming machine, sensors are positioned on the sand mold forming machine to detect when the drag flask has reached a releasing position to thereby cause the source of compressed air to inject air into the manifold and air passage for release of the drag mold from the drag flask.
Claims20
In a sand mold forming apparatus including a drag flask for forming a drag mold of compressed green sand having an internal cavity corresponding to a portion of a desired casting, and a matchplate attached to the drag flask and having patterns protruding therefrom for forming the internal cavity, an improved mechanism for releasing the drag mold from the drag flask and matchplate, comprising:
- a plurality of air inlets within the drag flask and proximate the matchplate, the plurality of air inlets being adapted to communicate compressed air between the drag mold and the matchplate;
- and
- means for communicating compressed air from a source of compressed air to the plurality of air inlets to thereby release the drag mold from the drag flask.
A sand mold forming apparatus, comprising:
- a drag flask having four sides defining a rectangular enclosure having an open top and bottom;
- a matchplate attached to the drag flask with patterns protruding from the matchplate and into the rectangular enclosure through the open top, the drag flask adapted to be filled with sand to be compressed around the matchplate patterns from a compressive force directed through the open bottom of the drag flask;
- a frame over which the drag flask is adapted for vertical movement;
- and
- means for injecting pressurized air into the drag flask to release compressed green sand drag mold from the drag flask and matchplate and onto the frame.
A method of releasing a drag mold from a drag flask and matchplate attached thereto, comprising the steps of:
- providing a plurality of air injection inlets in the drag flask between the drag flask and the matchplate;
- and
- injecting compressed air through the air inlets to force compressed air between the drag mold and the matchplate to release the sand mold from the matchplate to allow gravity to pull the sand mold from the drag flask.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.