US2795021A - Horizontal die casting machine - Google Patents

Description

June 11, 1957 Filed, Feb. 11. 1955 F. R. BAX 2,795,021

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HORIZONTAL DIE CASTING MACHINE 9 Shets-Sheet 9 Filed Feb. 11, 1955 United States Patent HORIZONTAL DIE CASTING MACHINE Frans R. Bax, De Kalb, Ill., assignor to General Electric Company, a corporation of New York Application February 11, 1955, Serial No. 487,484

16 Claims. (Cl. 22-68) This invention relates to die casting machines, and more particularly to a l-improved die casting machine of the horizontal type.

It. is most desirable to make horizontal die casting machines as automatic as possible'and as versatile as possible without unduly increasing the expense or the complexity thereof. The former is particularly necessary in view of the high degree of heat and. discomfort which a human operator must undergo while performing various functions upon the machine. However, asis well known, the operation of such die casting machines is relatively complex and, heretofore, complete automatism has proved to be a' matter of considerable difiiculty. Specifically, it is highly desirable to automatize the movement of parts to be cast toward and into the machine, and the movement of the cast parts out of and away from the machine. Particularly in the field of electric motor manufacturing, the part will frequently be a slotted electric motor core member requiring formation of a squirrel cage'type winding by casting conductive material within the core slots and'casting end rings at each end of the core. In such cases, the core may be mounted on an arbor prior to the casting operation provided of course, the operation is not one in which the core is already permanently mounted as a shaft. Where arbors are used, it is necessary to remove the arbors subsequent to the operation, and this removal is another task which is best accomplished by automatic means.

Another highly desirable feature in a die casting machine for casting windings'inelectric cores is a high degree of automatic adjustability for different size cores. At the present time, so far as is known, horizontal die casting machines are automatically adjustable only to a slight degree, any considerable change in the size of the core requiring a great change in the machine; While it is dc sirable to provide increased automatic adjustability, it is further desirable to maintain and improve the features of automatic ejection of the core from the machine, and automatic disposal of the sprue and gate, that is, the unused solidified casting material, from the machine once the operation is finished.

An object of this invention is, therefore, to provide an improved horizontal die casting machine which will incorporate the advantageous features described above.

Further objects and advantages of this: invention will become apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description and the accompanying drawings, and the features of novelty which characterize this invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of thisspecification.

In its broadest aspect, this invention provides a horizontal die casting machine which includes a pair of plates which are relatively movable in a horizontal direction. Means are provided for introducing the slotted core or cores between the plates and into'openings which are respectively provided for the cores in at least-one-of the plates. Adjustable means are then provided to accommodate the cores'in the'openings for the casting operation, and third means are provided for ejecting the cores out of the opening after the operation is terminated. Means for subsequently receiving the cores between the plates and removing them therefrom are provided. Apparatus cooperable with the receiving and removing means is also provided in order to separate each core from the arbor which has been mounted through it prior to the operation.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is an end view, partly in cross section and partly broken away, of the improved horizontal die casting machine of this invention;

Figure 2 is a relatively magnified fragmentary view, partly in cross section and partly broken away, of the left and center portions of Figure 1 after the cores have been transported between the plates of the machine;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view in perspective, partly broken away, of the apparatus in position for the cores to be introduced into one of the plates;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view in cross section along line 44 in Figure 2 before insertion of the core into the opening;

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view in cross section along the same line 4-4 in Figure 2, after the core has been moved into theopening in the plate;

Figure 6 is a view, partly in cross section, along the sanreline 4--t in Figure2 after the movable plates are together and the casting operation is started;

Figure 7 is a view along line 77 in Figure 6;

Figure '8 is a view along line 8-8 in Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary side view, partly in cross section and partly broken away, along line 44 in Figure 2 after the casting operation is complete and before the plates have separated;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary side View, partly in cross section, along line 44 in Figure 2 after the separation of the relatively movable plates;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary view along line 11-41 in Figurel;

Figure 12 is a cross sectional view along line 12.12 in Figure 11;

Figure 13 is a fragmentary view, partly in cross section, along line 1111 in Figure 1;

Figure 14 is a fragmentary view, partly broken away and partly in cross section, along line 11-l1 in Figure 1;

Figure 15 is a view along line 15-15 in Figure 1;

Figure 16 is a view in perspective, partly in cross section and partly broken away, of theimproved casting and core ejecting means of this invention; and

Figure 17 is a view along line 17-17 in Figure 16.

Referring now particularly to Figure 1 of the drawings, a very brief description of the sequence of operation of the improved die casting machine will be set forth in order that the detailed description which follows will be clearly understood. Means, generally indicated at 1, for transporting slotted electric motor cores 8 are provided as shown. Transporting means 1 are movable toward the right, as viewed in Figure 1, to enter between the stationary plate 2 and the movable plate 3 of a die casting machine generally indicated at 4. The die casting operation is then performed and means, generally indicated at 5, are provided to transportthe core 8 away from machine 4 and. deposit them on a conveyer mechanism. 7.

The apparatus for transporting cores 8 toward plates 2 and 3 will now be explained in detail by reference to Figures: 1, 2, and 15'. A. pair of horizontally arranged anglebeams 9 and- 10;are supported'at oneend'by a beam 3 11 and at the other end by a beam 12. If so desired, beams 9 and 10 may receive further support intermediate their ends by means of a frame work 13 connecting the machine 4 to the beams 9 and 10. A substantially centrally located support member 14 may be arranged to be supported by the beams 9 and 10, and a similar support member 15 may be arranged at the end of the beams 9 and 10. Rotatably mountedwithin supports 14 and 15 is a threaded member 16 which is secured to a gear member 17 so as to rotate therewith. Gear member 17 in turn meshes with a gear member 18 which is secured to rotate witha shaft 19 extending out of a motor 20 which may be mounted on a base 21 on top of flange 22 of beam 9 and flange 23 of beam 10 (as is best seen in Figure l5).

In addition to flange 22 beam 9 has a bottom flange 24, and in addition to flange '23 beam 10 has a bottom flange 25. Asupporting member 261is provided with an upper portion 150 having four wheels 27, 28, 29, and 39 on each side., The wheels are rotatably mounted on axles such as 31 (shown in connection with wheel 29) which extend through the frame member 26, with a similar wheel 29 being provided on the other side thereof (Figure 2). Eachpair of wheels 28 and 29 rides on flanges 22 and 23 and each pair of wheels 27 and 30 rides on flanges 24 and 25. A pair of internally threaded members 32 are firmly secured to frame 26 by members 33 respectively. It will be seen that, because the threaded engagement of the members 32 with the threaded member 16, rotation of the threaded member 16 will cause movement in a horizontaldirection of the members 32 and, consequently, of the frame 26 to which they are attached. The engagement of wheels 27, 28, 29, and 30 with flanges 22, 23, 24, and 25 removes a substantial amount of stress from the engagement of threaded member 16 and internally threaded members 32, so that the frame member 26 moves freely when member 16 is rotated, and serves to position frame member 26 accurately.

Secured to frame member 26 are a pair of horizontal platform members 34 and35 which receive additional support from the bracing structure of members 36, 37,

and 38, as shown. Platform 34 supports a pair of V- blocl; members 39, in each of which is seated a core member 8 mounted on anarbor 40. Similar V-blocks are provided on platform 35 for the same purpose. It will be seen from an inspection of Figure 2 that when motor 20 rotates, this rotation will be imparted to threadedmember 16 and that the engagement of internally threaded members 32 with the threaded member 16 will cause horizontal movement of frame member 26 from the position shown in dotted outline to the position shown in solid outline. It will thus be seen that when stationary plate 2 and movable plate 3 of the casting machine 4 are separated, the cores 8 may be transported into a position between the two plates 2 and 3 where they are ready for insertion into the machine 4.

It willfurther be seen in Figure 2 that a limit switch such as 41 may be secured to flange 22, as shown, so that when front end 42 of portion 150 of the frame member 26 hits the switch 41 the circuit to the motor may be broken (not shown) to stop rotation of threaded member 16 and movement of frame member 26.

While the exact structure for obtaining horizontal movement of the cores 8 has been set forth, it will be apparent that other equivalent structures will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is not intended that the invention be limited only to the exact structure shown.

Referring now to Figures 3, 4, and 5, it will be recalled that horizontal movement of frame member 26 has been halted'and that, therefore, the V-blocks 39 which move with frame member 26 are also stationary. The arrangement is such that the V-blocks are positioned directly in line with openings 43 in movable plate 3 into which the cores 8 are respectively to be inserted. Referring to Figures 2 and 3 in conjunction, it will be observed that oneach of platforms 34 and 35 there is a cylinder 44 which is mounted to each platform as at 45. A piston (not shown) is movably mounted within the cylinder 44 and a piston rod 46 extends therefrom. The piston rod 46 is firmly secured to a substantially flat member 47 which is slidably mounted within openings 48 in the V-blocks 39. A pair of cam grooves 49 are provided in the member 47, one in connection with each of the V-blocks 39. Each V-block 39 is provided with a cam part 50 which is slidably mounted within the slot 49 in member 47. Cam part 50 is secured to fork-like member 51 which terminates in a V-shaped fork portion 52 which is arranged to encircle the arbor and bear against the core 8. The base 53 of member 51 is slidably mounted in a slot 54 in the V-blocks 39. The slot 54 extends the length of the V-block so that member 51 is free to slide in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the core 8. It will be seen that when pressure is applied to make the piston move toward the right end of the cylinder 44 (which may be effected by standard means and is not shown) member 47 will move with the piston rod 46 toward the right as viewed in both Figures 2 and 3. The consequent movement of part within slot 49 will cause the member 51 to slide along slot 54 in the blocks 39.. Member 51 will therefore push the core 8 into the opening 43 within plate 3, with arbor 40 moving into opening 55 provided therefor in the back of opening 43.

A clearer understanding of the exact cooperation between part 50 and slot 49, and the consequent movement of member 51 and core 8 may be obtained from an inspection of Figures 4 and 5 in particular. Figure 4 illustrates the position of the core 8 after the piston rod 46 has moved flat member 47 approximately halfway so that part 50 has been caused to move base 53 of member 51 halfway along slot 54. It will also be observed that the arbor 49 has entered the opening 55 provided therefore so that a relatively rigid guide is provided to aid core 8 in entering opening 43. This is deemed desirable in view of the fact that there must be a very close fit between the core 8 and the opening 43-to preclude the possibility of undesirable flashing forming on the outside of the core. 111 Figure 5 there is illustrated a core 8 after it has been completely inserted into the opening 43through the engagement of parts 50 with slot 49 in member 47.

The member 47 may then be retracted by applying pressure on the other side of the piston (not shown) within cylinder 44 to, return each member 51 to the position shown in Figure 3 without, however, disturbing the core 8 since the core was not secured to the member 51. The entire apparatus may then be withdrawn from betweenv the plates 2 and 3 by reverse rotation of the motor 20 to rotate member 16 and cause frame member 26 to travel to the left from between the plates 2 and 3.

Referring now to Figures 3 through 8 and 16, it will be seen that movable plate 3 may be moved toward and in engagement with stationary plate 2. This maybe effected, for example, by means of hydraulic apparatus (not shown) which will cause a heavy rod 56 to bear against back plate member 57' through a collar 15].. Plate member 57 may be secured, as by clamping or bolting (not shown), to a member 58 which is in turn secured by a plurality of members 59 to plate 3. Thus, after the frame member 26 has been removed from between plates 2 and 3, plate 3 may be moved into engagement with plate 2 through the rod 56.

Within front portion 60 of stationary plate 2 is provided, in connection with each casting opening 43 in plate 3, a sleeve 61 which is provided with an annular notched area 62 for a purpose which will be explained herebeloW. 7 Within the sleeve 61 there is provided a die insert 63 which is provided with an annular cutaway portion 64 to determine the shape of the cast mate rial; and which is further providediwith arpa'ssageway 65 through-.whichthe moltencastingmaterialmayflow. The back end of the insert 63 is provided- With an annular projection 64 which extends into notch 62 in sleeve 61.

Abutting against the sleeve 61 when plate 3 is in engagement with portion 60 of plate 2 is a sleeve'member 66 within plate 3 which defines the opening 43in which core 8 is arranged. The length of the opening 43' is determined by front surface 67 of'a die insert 68 which is snugly but slidably engaged within sleeve member 66. Insert 68 is firmly secured, as at 69, to member 70 which is threaded over a substantial portion of its length. Member 70; in turn, fits loosely in an opening 72 in a plate member 71, and a nut 81 is threaded on member 70 against the back of plate 71. Plate 71' is secured, as by welding, at 73to a member 74-which is in turn secured through an arm 75 to a rod member -76 adapted to be secured to a device such as a hydraulic cylinder (not shown) which may transmit force through rod 76 so as to cause-plate 71 to move relative to plate 3. During the majority of the casting operation, however, plate 71 will move asa unit with plate 3 as though it were rigidly securedtheretoin the position shown in Figure 6. Insert 68-is provided withan annular cut-away portion '77 which determines the-shape of the winding to be cast on core 8. A'plurality of pins 78 extend through each insert 63. Each pin is anchored. at one end within plate 71, as shown at 79, and the other end of each pin borders on the edge of cuteaway portion 77, as shown at 80. Since pins 78 are-secured to plate 71, forward movement of plate. 71 caused by rod 76 will cause pins-78 to move forward relative to insert 68 so as to bear against the cast material within cut-away portion 77.

stationary to achieve movement of insert 68 relative to plate 71permits ends 80 of pins 78 tobe maintained flush with the surface of cut-away portion 77' even when the length of the pins is changed, as by resurfacing, for instance.

It will be seen that although the insert 68 cannot move forward relative to plate 71 because of the engagement.

against the end of oneof the thre-adedmembe'rs '70, and. is in contact near its end with the end 86 of a rod 87, as

shown. Rod 87, in turn, is movable by any. preferred means such as standard hydraulic cylinder 147.

end 860i rod 87 against lever 85'will cause-the lever to bear against the end of member 70; Thus, the pressure is transmitted through member'70 to cause insert 68 to bear against core 8. Also, nut 81 will bear against plate 71 to cause pins 78-to move with the insert 68 as aunit; This arrangement permits wide latitude in the length of'co're-8 sinceinsert 68 will automatically adjust itself to that length'while maintaining the desired pressure against the end of the core.

A- plate member- 88 is provided, as shown, with recesses 89 to accommodate respectively each of the inserts 68. Secured to plate 88, as at 90, are a plurality of pairs Each pin end 92 abuts the passageway 65 through which the molten casting material- 94'flows from central'opening93. v The casting material may be furnished to the machine through a pipe 95' of pins 91 having. ends 92.

which receives the material from an inlet 154, formstance. A ram155 may be provided to force the material through pipe'95 and opening 93 with sui-ficient pressure to insure that it reaches each of the openings-43 so as toffillthe' cut-away portions 64 and 77 'and-"thefslot-s within core 8! It will also be seen .that,.turning of nut 81 while maintaining member 70 It will be seen that operation of cylinder 147 to cause pressure of 7 The arrangement of each pair of pins 91n1ay best be seen in'Figure 8, which shows that the two pins are provided along each passageway 65 between the central opening 93 and each of the core openings 43. It will further be observed from Figure 8 that the pins 78 are preferably arranged equispaced in a circle. Also, Figure 8 clearly shows how plate member 88 is shaped at 89 so as to avoid interference with the inserts 68. Secured to the 'back side of plate 88, as at 96 (Figure 6), for'instance, is a rod 97 which is secured to piston rod 98 movable in a cylinder 99. When rod '98 is moved forward plate 88 and pins 91 secured thereto will also be moved forward.

A ring member 100, best seen in Figures 6, 7, and 9, is movably mounted in a space 101 provided therefor in part 60 of stationary plate 2. A pair of rods 102 abut against the ring as shown and are arranged to be movable by any desired mean'ssuch as, for instance, a hydraulic system (not shown). Since the ring bears against the insert 63, it will be seen that forward movement of the rods 102 Will cause the ring 100 to slide forward and therebyforce insert 63' to the right to the extent permitted by'notch 62 in sleeve 61. This is most clearly depicted in'Figure 9 of the drawings which shows the position of inserts63 and 68 after ring 100 has been moved forward part of its travel by the rods 102.

Referring now to Figures 1 and 15, it will be seen that a frame member 103has an upper portion 104 which is provided'with four wheels 105, 106, 107, and 108 on each side, with the Wheels riding on flanges 23 and 25 of beam 10 and flanges 22 and 24'of beam 9. A pair of threaded members 109 are secured to upper part 104 of frame member 103 by portions 156. These internally threaded members 109' are arranged in threaded engagement with a threaded member 110 similar to threaded member 16 previously described. Threaded member 110 is- 'mou'nted at its outer end by means of a support 111 and at its inner end by means of another support 112 which may, as shown, be secured to the frame work 13 in the same manner as support 14. The end 113 of the threaded member 110 is securely fixed to a gear member 114 which is arranged'to mesh with a gear member 115. Gear member 115, in turn, is secured to a shaft 116 which extends out of an electric motor 117. It will thus be seen that rotation of motor 117 will cause movement of frame member 103 in a horizontal direction in the same manner that rotation of motor 20 caused movement of frame member 26 in a horizontal direction.

Secured to frame member 103 is a frame structure 118 which supports a pair of platform members 119, on each of which is secured a pair of V-block members 120.- When the casting operation has been completed, aswillbe explained hereafter, motor 117 will operate to cause'the V-blocks 120 to move to the left as viewed inFigure' 1. The movable plate 3 of the machine will move back, as will be explainethand the V-bl ock 120 may then move between plates 2 and 3 to the position.

shown in Figures 10 and 16. Immovably secured to each of the blocks 120 is a member 121 which has a cylindrical portion 123 connected to the block by a flange 122. Portion 123 is concentric with the core 8' when it restsin the V-blo-ck 120 and with the openings 43 in movable plate 3when the V-block is in'core receiving:

positioned that arbors 40 of the cores 8aretcoaxial with rods 124" which may be secured together by joining mean's such -as 125'andi actuated by a'piston.rod'126 op-.

erate'd within a cylinder 127 supported by framework 128. At the outer end of each of rods 124 is a small projection 142, best seen in Figure 12. Projection 142 may. be effected, as shown, by providing a ball'biased-to project from the rod 124 by a spring 160 anchored by a threaded member 127 secured within the bore 128. Bore 128 is decreased at 129 in order to prevent the protrading ball 142 from escaping.

. A chute 130 has an upper opening'131. and another lower opening 132 over a conveyer belt 133.. A buffer member 134 may be placed opposite chute opening 132 for a purpose to be explained hereafter. Another chute 135 has a similar upper opening 136, and a lower opening 137 above aconveyer belt 138, opening 137 being opposite a buffer member 139. On the other side of V-blocks 120 there is provided a pair of conveyor belts 140 which are preferably aligned with V-blocks 120 when they are in the position shown in Figure 11. As isbest seen in Figure 15, chutes 141 extend between the V- blocks 120 and the conveyor belts 140. I

The structure ofthe machine having been described, the complete operation thereof will now be set forthin detail. To start a casting cycle of machine 4, motor 20 is operated and, through gears 18 and 17, will cause threaded member 16 to rotate. Through the threaded engagement of internally threaded members 32 with threaded member 16, frame member 26 will move to the right as viewed in Figure 1. This motion will continue until front edge 42 of frame member 26 strikes limit switch 41 to shut off motor 20 and halt the movement of the frame member 26. When this occurs, each core 8 will be concentrically aligned with an opening 43 within movable plate 3 of machine 4. Pressure is then provided to each cylinder. 44 to cause piston rod 46 to move to the right, as viewed in Figure 3, carrying with it flat member 47. The groove 49 in the flat member 47 cooperates with cam part 50, secured to member 51, to slide each core member into an opening 43.

Referring to Figure 4, there is seen a core member at a point where the piston rod 46 has moved approximately half of its travel, while in Figure the piston rod 46 has finished its travel and the core 8 has been moved completely into the opening 43 provided therefor in movable plate 3. Pressure will then be applied at the other end of cylinder 44 to cause the piston rod 46 to retract flat member 47 thereby camming member 51 back to its original position. The direction of movement of motor will then be reversed and frame member 26 will move back to the position shown in figure l and in dotted outline in Figure 2.

Movable plate 3 of the machine is mounted on rollers, such as 143, to facilitate horizontal movement toward and away from .t stationary plate 2.. Once the V-blocks 39 have been withdrawn from between the plates 2 and 3, movable plate 3 will then be moved toward stationary plate 2 by the chosen means until the movable plate firmly engages against portion 60 of the stationary plate. At this point, the surface 144 of insert 63 will serve substantially to enclose the core 8. vided within the insert 63 to accomodate portion 146 of the arbor 40. Pressure is then applied to insert 68 by means of the threaded member 70, lever member 85, member 87, and cylinder 147;. The desired pressure, applied to insert 68, will cause the insert to bear firmly against the core 8 within opening 43. Insert 63 in the stationary plate 2 is precluded fronrtraveling to the left (in Figure 6) and, therefore, the pressure applied through rod 87 will cause the core 8 to be properly enclosed in readiness for the casting operation. Thus, by the slidable arrangement of insert 68 in sleeve 66 and the arrangement for causing the insert to bear against the core, automatic adjustment is provided for. a wide variety of lengths of core 8.

The molten material to be used for the casting (which may be aluminum. or any other appropriate material) is then introduced through pipe 95 into space 93 within the Opening 145 is prostationary plate 2. Ram 155 will then force this material through passageways 65 which lead respectively to the openings 43 containing cores 8. Suflicient pressure is applied through the ram to breathe aluminum into the cut-away portions 64, through the slots (not shown) of the core 8, and into the cut-away portions 77 at the other end of the core. Once the aluminum has hardened, a trimming operation is performed to separate the casting from the hardened aluminum runner or sprue within passageways 65.. Heretofore, such trimming has frequently led to distortion and damage to the cast parts. The present invention avoids this disadvantage by the expedient of trimming the casting while it is still completely enclosed within the space 43 by inserts 63 and 68, and sleeve 66. This is effected by having rods 102 Iwhich bear against ring move forward to force the ring to the right, as viewed in Figure 6. This in turn, will force the insert 63 to the right and the casting 8 and the insert 68 will also be so moved (see Figure 9). It will be seen that this movement will shear the aluminum runner within passageway 65 from the casting which has been formed within the space 43. It will of course be understood that pressure through rod 87 will preferably be considerably decreased at this point, in order to facilitate the movement of ring 100 to the right. The amount of movement of the inserts 63 and 68 and of the casting 8 is limited by the length of notch 62 in sleeve member 61. When the movement has been completed, the pressure on rods 102 is removed so that rod 87 will cause a return of the inserts 68 and 63 to their position as shown in Figure 6. It will be observed in Figure .9 that the movement of insert 63 will completely shear the runner 148 from the casting, represented at 149. When the casting operation is completed, movable plate 3 is pulled away from plate 2 by means of rod 56. This position of the apparatus is best seen in Figures 10 and 16. At this point, pressure will be exerted on plate 88 through rods 98 and 97 to cause the plate 88 to move forward carrying with it pins 91. As will be seen from comparison of Figures 7 and 8, the position of pins 91 is such that they are directly in alignment with passageways 65. As the pins are pushed to the left by plate 88, they will project into the passageway and force out the runner 148 located therein. It will be recalled that this runner has already been separated from the casting by movement of the entire core 8 to the right, as viewed in Figure 9. Thus, by means of pins 91, the passageways 65 are completely cleared in readiness for the next casting operation. The runner 148 is ejected, as shown in dotted outline at 148, and is free to fall between plates 2 and 3 into any container (not shown) which may be placed beneath the plates at that point for that purpose.

Viewing now Figure l in conjunction with Figures 10 and 16, as the plates 2 and 3 separate motor 117 will cause frame member 103 to carry the V-blocks 120 to the left as viewed in Figure 1 until they are positioned directly between the plates (best seen in Figure 16). Once the V-blocks 120 are respectively aligned with the openings 43, as shown in that figure, rod 76 will be moved to the left to cause plate 71 and pins 78 to undergo a similar movement. The pins are so arranged that the end 80 of each pin 78 bears against the casting 149 within cut-away portion 77. As the pins 78 advance into opening 43, they will bear against the core 8 through the casting and force the core out of the opening 43 and on to the V-block 120. As the core slides on the V-block, the arbor 40 enters tubular portion123 of member 121 so that the movement of the core 8 on to the V-block is limited'by the abutment of the end 162 of the core 8 against the tubular member 123. Rod 76 will subsequently retract to place pins 78 in a position of readiness for the next casting operation. It will be observed that nut member 82 limits the amount of forward movement of the pins 78 so that, in effect, two different items dearzenoai termine the position of core 8; ontthe blocks 120: the position of nut member 82,, and the-location of tubular portion 123 of member 121;

Referring now to Figures 1, 1.1 through 15, and 17, motor 117 is now. operated in the reverse-direction to cause frame member 103 to move to the right and withdraw the V-blocks 120 from between the plates of the die casting machine 4. The member 103 will move. to the right until it achieves the position. shown in Figure 1. At this point, arbors 40 will be directly in line with rods 124 (Figure 11). Forward movement of these rods will cause them to bear against the ends of the arbors respectively. Since the core 8 abuts against the cylindrical portion 123 of member 121, the core will be prevented from sliding. However, the pressure of the rods 124 on the arbors-40 will cause each arbor 40 to be slid out from within its associated core 8. This is most clearly shown in Figure 17 where the movement of the arbor 40 as a result of the movement of rod 124. is shown in dotted outline at 40. The movement of the rods. 124 through the cores 8'to remove the arbors. 40 can. best be understood by reference. to Figure 13. This figure also shows the manner in which arbors 40 descend along chutes 141 and are carried away on conveyers 140 to'a position of readiness for use with new cores.

As each rod 124 passes through core 8, the protrusion 142 at the end of the rod. is forced down against the action of spring 160; when the other side of the core.8 is reached, spring 160 again forces projection 142 up and out of the rod 124. Because of this, as therods 124 are moved back to their original position, they will carry with them the cores 8 through engagement of the pro-, jection 142 with the end 162 of the core 8; As the rods 124move back, the bottom part of the left-hand cores .8; as viewed in Figures 11, 13, and 14, will abut against the top 157 of chute 135. This will prevent further movement of core 8, and projection 142 will be'forced in? wardly against spring 160; thus, the rod'124 will be withdrawn from the core 8- which is. then free to descend the chute as indicated at 158 in dotted outline in Figure 14. The core will emerge from. the chute against the buffer 139 and then will be carried. on conveyer 138 to any desired location; similarly, the right-hand cores 8 will be caused to move down chute 1319 as indicated in dotted outline at 159 in Figure 14, and after comingup against buffer 134 will move along conveyer 133.

It will be seen from the above explanation that this invention provides an improved horizontal die casting machine which provides: automatic loading of any desired number of cores; the proper pressure during casting and full automatic adjustability as to thesize of core; trimming of the casting without any possibility of damage or distortion; removal of the runner subsequent to the casting operation; automatic unloading of the cores from the machine; and the subsequent removal of the cores from the vicinity of the machine and to any desired location. It will further be seen that this has been achieved in a simple manner by relatively economical means.

It will be apparent that while the invention has been explained by describing a particular embodiment thereof, improvements and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A horizontal die casting machine comprising a pair of relatively movable plates, an arbor, means for introducing a slotted electric motor mounted on said arbor between said plates comprising a horizontal track, core supporting means movable along said track, at least one of said plates having an opening provided for said core, said core supporting means being further operable to introduce the core into said opening, means for casting a winding in the slots of said core, means for ejecting said core from said opening, means for receiving said core-and transporting the same away from said. plates comprising a second horizontal track, second core supporting means movable; along said second track, and means cooperable with said second core supporting means to remove said arbor from said core.

2. A horizontal die casting machine comprising a pair of relatively movable plates, an arbor, means for introducing a slotted electric motor core mounted on said arbor between said plates comprising a'horizontal track, core supporting meansmovable along said track; at least one of said plates having an. opening provided for said core, cam means cooperable with said core supporting means to introducev the core intosaid opening, means for closingv said plates and casting a winding in the slots of said core, means for ejecting. said core from said opening, means arranged to move in between said plates to receive said core. and transportthesame away from said plates comprising a second horizontal track, second core supporting means movable along said track, and means arranged to move substantially perpendicularly to saidsec- 0nd core supporting means. and cooperable therewith to removesaid arbor from said core.

3; A horizontal die casting-.machine comprising a pair of relatively movableplates, an arbor, means for introducing a slotted electric motor core mounted on said arbor betweenv said plates comprising. a horizontaltrack, core supporting means movable along said track, at least one of said plates having an opening provided for said core, said core supporting means being further operable to introduce the core into said opening, means for casting awindingin the slots of saidcore, means for ejecting said core from said opening, and means for receiving said core and transporting'the same-away from said plates comprising a second horizontal track, and second core supporting means movable along-said-s'econd track.

4. A horizontal die casting machine comprising a pair of relatively movable plates; anarbor; means for introducing a slotted electric motor core mounted on said arbor between said plates comprising a horizontal track, a member movable along said'track, and a support secured to said member and arranged to support a core; at least one of said plates having; an opening for said core; cam means cooperable with said support'to introduce said core into said opening; means for casting a winding in the slots of said core; meansfor ejecting said core from said opening; means for receiving said core and transporting the same away from said plates comprising a second horizontal track, a secondmember movable along said second track, and a second support secured to said second member and arranged to receive a core; and means cooperable with said second support to remove said arbor from said core.

5. A horizontal die castinggmachine comprising-a pair of relatively movable plates; an arbor; means for introducing a slotted electric motor core mounted on said arbor between said plates comprising a horizontal track, a member movable along said track, and a support secured to said member and arranged to support a core; at least one of saidplates having an opening for said core;cam means cooperable with said support to introduce said core into said opening; means for casting a winding in the slots of said core; means for ejecting said core from said opening; and means for receiving said core and transporting the same away from said plate comprising a second horizontal track, a second member movable along said second track, and a second support secured to said second member and arranged to receive. a core.

6. For use with a die casting machine, means for trans-. porting parts. to the machine and inserting the parts in the machine comprising asubstantially horizontal track,

a member having'wheels :positioned' to engage said track: thereby to support said member, means for moving-said member along saidtrack, a horizontal platform member secured to said wheeled member, a support having a surface adapted to receive apart, said support havinga slot extending along the base of said surface, a movable member extending from said surface, and having an extension within said slot, and a flat member having a cam track therein slidably arranged within said support, said extension being positioned within said track whereby movement of said flat memberwill cause displacement of said extension within said slot thereby to move said extending movable member along said surface to move a part from said surface to the machine.

7. For moving slotted electric motor cores to and into a die casting machine, a plurality of parallel substantially horizontal overhead beam members secured together to form a track, a member having wheels positioned to engage said track thereby to support said member in horizontally movable relation with said track, electric motor means cooperable with said member to cause the same to move along said track, a horizontal platform member secured. to said wheeled member beneath said track, a support having a substantially V-shaped surface adapted to receive a core secured to said platform member, said support having a slot extending along the base of said V-shaped surface, a fork member having an extension within said slot and extending from said surface so as to be in contact with an end of a core placed on said surface, a fiat member having a cam track therein slidably arranged within said support, and means for sliding said flat member relatively to said support, said extension being positioned within said track whereby movement of said fiat member will cause displacement of said extension within said slot thereby to move said extending fork member along the base of said surface to move a core from said surface into the machine, said motor means being effective to move a core to the machine on said support.

8. A'die casting machine having a casting opening formed therein, a support for a part movable into proximity with said machine in alignment with said opening, and means for moving said part from said support into the machine comprising a member extending from said support and movable relative thereto, cam means within said support and engageable with said relatively movable member to cause movement thereof whereby saidmemher is adapted to move a part from said support into the machine, and means for actuating said cam means.

9. A die casting machine having a casting opening formed therein, a support for a part movable into proximity with said machine in alignment with said opening, said support having a slot extending thereacross, and means for moving said part from said support into the machine comprising a movable member having an extension within said slot and arranged to extend from said support, and a flat member having a cam track therein slidably arranged within said support, said extension being positioned within said track whereby movement of said flat member relative to said support will cause displacement of said extension within said slot thereby to move said extending movable member'across, said support to move a part from said support into said opening.

10. A horizontal die casting machine comprising first and second relatively movable plates having faces arranged to engage, said plates being formed to provide a unitary space when in engagement, first and second inserts respectively movably arranged in said first and second plates, each of said inserts having a face arranged to determine an end of said space, pressure means arranged in operative relation to said first insert to cause said first insert to bear against a part having cavities adapted to be filled with casting material positioned within said space, said firstinsert being movable over a substantial distance by said pressure means, means formed on said second plate in cooperative relation to said second insert for limiting movement of said inserts by said pressure means, a passageway formed in one of said plates extending to said space, means adapted to force casting material through said passageway into said space to form a casting, means in engagement with said second insert arranged to bear thereagainst subsequent to the forming of a casting with a greater force than that exerted by said pressure means on said first insert thereby to cause movement of said inserts so as to shear the casting from the runner in said passageway while the casting is'locked in said space, and stop means on said second insert for limiting movement thereof in response to said means in engagement therewith whereby said first insert can accommodate parts of different lengths in said space.

11. A horizontal die casting machine comprising a pair of relatively movable plates, a sleeve member arranged within one of said plates and defining the periphery of an opening therein, an insert movably arranged within said one plate having a face arranged to determine the length of the opening therein, an elongated member rigidly secured to said insert opposite said face, pivotably supported lever means in contact intermediate its ends with the end of said elongated member, means arranged to bear against the end of said lever to cause the same to bear against said elongated member, a plurality of pins extending through said insert in slidahle relation therewith, a member normally movable with said elongated member, one end of each of said pins being secured to said movable member, the other end of each of said pins normally being arranged flush with the face of saidinsert, and means for moving said movable member independently of said elongated member thereby to move said pins relative to said insert into said opening so as to remove a casting therefrom.

12. For use with a die casting machine, means for ejecting a slotted electric motor core mounted on an arbor from the machine; means for removing said core from said machine comprising a support having a V-shaped surface adapted to receive said core, and a member secured to said support and extending above said surface, said member terminating in a tubular portion aligned with said arbor and adapted to fit about said arbor and bear against the end of a core seated on said surface; and means for moving said support away from said machine.

13. For use with a die casting machine, means for ejecting a slotted electric motor core mounted on an arbor from the machine; and means for removing said core from said machine comprising a substantially horizontal track, a member movable along said track in either direction, means for so moving said member, a support secured to said member having a surface adapted to receive said core, and a member secured to said support and extending above said surface, said member terminating in a tubular portion adapted to be aligned with said arbor and adapted to fit about said arbor and bear against the end of a core seated on said surface.

14. For use with a die casting machine, means for ejecting a slotted electric motor core mounted on an arbor from the machine; and means for removing said core from said machine comprising a substantially horizontal track, a member having wheels positioned to en gage said track thereby to support said member, means for moving said member along said track, a horizontal platform member secured to said wheel member, a support secured to said member and having a substantially V-shaped surface adapted to receive a core from said machine, and a member secured to said support at the base of said V-shaped surface and extending upwardly from said surface, said member terminating in a tubular portion adapted to be aligned with said arbor and adapted to fit about said arbor and bear against the end of a core seated on said surface.

15. For use with a die casting machine, means for transporting a core mounted on an arbor away from the machine comprising a support having a V-shaped core receiving surface, and a member secured to said support substantially at one end thereof, said member terminating in a tubular portion adapted to be aligned with said arbor and adapted to fit about said arbor and bear against the end of a core seated on said surface;

and means for removing the arbor from the core and the core from said support comprising a rod member, a depressible projection adjacent the end of said rod member, and means for moving said rod member longitudinally toward said support when said support is so positioned that said rod member and the arbor are adapted to be on a single longitudinal axis, said rod member being movable substantially across said surface whereby the arbor is adapted to be ejected through said tubular portion, said rod member being retractab le whereby said depressible projection is adapted to engage an end of the core to remove the core from the support.

16. For use with a die casting machine, means for transporting a core mounted on an arbor away from the machine comprising a substantially horizontal track, member movable along said track in either direction, electric motor means for so moving said member, a support secured to said member and having a substantially V-shaped surface adapted to receive a core from said machine, a member secured to said support at the base of said V-shaped surface and extending upwardly from said surface, said member terminating in a tubular portion adapted to be aligned with said arbor and adapted to fit about said arbor and bear against the end of a core seated on said surface; and means for removing the arbor from the core and the core from said support comprising a rod member, a depressibile projection adjacent the end of said rod member, and means for moving said rod member longitudinally in a direction transverse to the line of motion of said support when said support is so positioned that said rod member and the arbor are adapted to be on a single longitudinal axis, said rod member being movable across said surface at least to said tubular portion whereby the arbor is adapted to be ejected through said tubular portion, said rod member being retractable whereby said depressible projection is adapted to engage an end of the core to remove the core from the support.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 899,083 Taylor Sept. 22, 1908 1,318,404 Penn Oct. 14, 1919 1,394,246 Bolling Oct. 18, 1921 1,673,054 Rosenberger June 12, 1928 1,756,602 Morris et a1. Apr. 29, 1930 1,801,922 Junghans Apr. 21, 1931 1,858,453 Lester May 17, 1932 2,065,213 Dolan et a1. Dec. 22, 1936 2,225,292 Andrews Dec. 17, 1940 2,248,461 Pack July 8, 1941 2,302,367 Ericson Nov. 17, 1942 2,304,899 Dupre Dec. 15, 1942 2,425,362 Cherry et all. Aug. 12, 1947 2,483,093 Harvey Sept. 27, 1949 2,494,777 Patterson et al. Jan. 17, 1950 FOREIGN PATENTS 550,352 Great Britain Jan. 4, 1943 1,103,501 France May 25, 1955

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