Feeder having a cover

Abstract

The invention relates to a feeder comprising a feeder body having a through-opening for the liquid metal and a cover. The cover closes the feeder body opposite the through-opening, such that the feeder body and the cover define the feeder cavity. The cover is made of metal and / or plastics material and has, on the side facing the feeder cavity, a guide for a nozzle-type element or receiving means for functional elements which can be selectively connected to the cover, such as a guide for the nozzle-type element, a Williams core and / or a finger for a metallurgical additive or made thereof. Moreover, the present invention relates to the use of the feeder for metal casting, in particular in casting molds which can be split vertically.

Description

[0001] Feeder with lid

[0002] The present invention relates to a feeder with a cover, in particular a multifunctional cover, wherein the feeder body has a passage opening for the liquid metal and preferably a spout is provided as a passage opening for connection to the casting chamber. The cover closes the feeder body opposite the passage opening, so that the feeder body and cover define the feeder cavity. The cover is made of metal and / or plastic and has, on the side facing the feeder cavity, a guide for a spout or receiving means (hereinafter also referred to as insert or inserts) for functional elements that can be selectively connected to the cover, such as a guide for the spout, a Williams core and / or a finger for or made of a metallurgical additive. The cover optionally has a recess for a centering mandrel.Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the feeder for metal casting, in particular in vertically divisible casting molds.

[0003] State of the art

[0004] Risers, also called feeder inserts or risers, are used in casting molds when casting metals. A basic distinction is made between closed and open risers. Closed risers are cut into the casting and completely surrounded by the mold material. Open risers extend all the way to the top of the mold and are thus directly accessible to the atmosphere. The present invention relates to closed risers.

[0005] The feeders have a feeder cavity designed to hold the molten metal. The feeder is surrounded by the mold material used to create the casting mold, which forms the casting mold. The casting chamber within the casting mold, designed to hold the liquid metal, has a passage to the feeder cavity, into which a portion of the liquid metal poured into the casting mold enters during the casting process. The molten metal then rises into the feeder, building up a metallostatic pressure and is intended to flow back into the casting mold during the solidification process of the casting, which is associated with a volume contraction of the casting during solidification, in order to compensate for the shrinkage of the casting during solidification.To ensure the backflow of the metal in the feeder, it is important to ensure that the metal in the feeder is still liquid while the metal inside the mold has at least partially solidified into the casting. For this purpose, at least part of the feeder is usually made of an insulating and / or exothermic material.

[0006] The exothermic material ignites when liquid metal enters the feeder due to the higher temperature prevailing at that time. From this moment on, an exothermic reaction occurs automatically within the feeder material, which supplies heat energy to the metal in the feeder over a certain period of time and keeps the metal in the feeder cavity and in the transition area to the casting chamber of the casting mold in a liquid state. An insulating feeder is designed so that the liquid metal in the feeder cavity cools more slowly in the feeder than in the casting chamber due to the better insulation provided by the feeder material.

[0007] Insulating and exothermic material are present simultaneously if, for example, the material that surrounds the esophageal cavity is insulating, but an exothermic Williams core extends into the esophageal cavity.

[0008] Risers are often used in conjunction with a breaker core (also called a constriction core). A breaker core is an intermediate piece with a passage that connects the mold cavity (casting space) and the feeder cavity, like a grommet. The diameter of the passage is dimensioned such that it becomes smaller from the feeder cavity to the mold cavity, especially at least close to the mold cavity, so that the knocking off of the breaker core takes place close to the casting surface (the constriction). Breaker cores are made of the riser material, but can also be made of metal, plastic, or cardboard. One advantage of using metal grommets, which act as metal breaker cores, when using exothermic risers is the avoidance of graphite degeneration due to direct contact between the exothermic riser material and the casting surface. Risers can be mounted on horizontal mold plates or vertical mold plates. The latter are also called side risers.DE 3423220 A1 discloses a side feeder comprising a feeder base, which is attached laterally to a mold pattern and has a passage opening for the liquid metal, and a feeder part mounted thereon. The feeder part, which is mounted above the feeder base, forms the feeder cavity, the majority of whose volume is located above the passage opening in the feeder base.

[0009] In order to achieve higher productivity, and in particular a higher cycle rate, ways were sought to automate mold production and thus enable the manufacture of molds for castings in large quantities. Vertically split flaskless molds enable short cycle times and therefore higher molding outputs than can be achieved with flask-bound mold production. A characteristic of vertically split flaskless molding systems is that the molded parts produced are usually profiled on both sides. For this purpose, pattern plates are located on both the press plate and the swivel plate. These are used to close the mold chamber from the back and front before the filling and compaction process. The mold material is then injected into the mold chamber. The subsequent pressing press presses the pattern contour into the mold material from the press plate side (back) into the mold material.On older generation systems, pressing is normally only carried out from the back of the mold. Newer molding machines usually have the option of independent compaction on both sides. In the next step, the swivel plate is separated from the finished molded part by moving it in the direction of the front and then moved upwards by a rotating movement. The mold body is pushed with the press plate up to the previously produced mold body, so that a complete casting mold of the body strand and the first mold half for the next casting mold are formed simultaneously. In this way, a casting mold strand is created which is continuously pushed forward in the casting cycle. The press plate is then withdrawn and moved back while the casting mold located below the casting device is poured. After the pattern plates have been cleaned, the mold chamber is closed again with the help of the swivel plate and the production cycle is repeated.The pattern plates are usually heated to prevent the molding material from adhering to the patterns and sprayed with a release agent to aid removal. Vertical flaskless molding systems, for example, are sold under the name Disamatic molding machines by DISA Industries A / S.

[0010] The pivoting plate with the second pattern plate is typically equipped with one or more feeders in a horizontal orientation. For vertically divided molds used to produce relatively thin-walled castings, for example, there is the problem of ensuring the refeeding of isolated, heavy casting sections. To ensure the refeeding of such isolated areas, feeders are used whose center axis of the passage opening is aligned approximately perpendicular to the pivoting mold plate, so that the center axis of the passage opening of a feeder arranged in this way runs approximately horizontally during the casting process.

[0011] DE 3423220 A1 discloses a side feeder which can also be used for casting metals in horizontally divisible casting molds.

[0012] DE 202011103718 U1 discloses a feeder for use in casting metals in vertically separable casting molds. The feeder comprises a first mold element and a second mold element that define the feeder cavity for receiving the liquid metal. The first mold element has an attachment area for attachment to a mold pattern or a pivoting mold plate.

[0013] The dispensing area is provided with a passage opening for the liquid metal, with the center axis of the passage opening offset from the center region of the first mold element. During the casting process, the liquid metal enters a lower region of the feeder through the off-center passage opening and rises within the feeder. To form a breaking edge and absorb the forces acting on the feeder during compaction of the mold material forming the casting mold, the feeder has a compressible nozzle as the first mold element, which irreversibly deforms upon compaction of the mold material.DE 102005008324 A1 discloses a feeder with a movable spout, which can be easily packaged and transported because the spout can be moved into the feeder cavity, but is less suitable for use in vertically divisible casting molds with a centrally arranged passage opening because the metallostatic pressure above the passage opening is too low or the liquid metal cannot completely flow out of the feeder cavity.

[0014] Further feeders are known from WO 2015 / 175749 A1, DE 202010012663 U1, and DE 202021106147 U1. DE 202021106147 U1 discloses a feeder with a metal cover.

[0015] Risers are often mounted on centering mandrels, which can also be designed as spring mandrels. With rigid centering mandrels, the centering mandrel pushes through the cover when the sand is compressed. The spring mandrel absorbs this movement by shortening its length via a spring mechanism.

[0016] Another known problem with risers for use in vertically split casting molds is that the risers can become jammed or twisted during compaction of the mold material surrounding the riser. This leads to the breakaway edge between the riser and the casting not being formed as desired and / or the centering dome, which is then no longer precisely aligned with the horizontal axis, being unable to be removed from the riser. Without or with an incorrectly positioned breakaway edge, more complex post-processing of the casting is required, such as an additional or more complex grinding step.

[0017] Object of the invention

[0018] The object of the present invention is to provide a feeder for metal casting which can be used as universally as possible and which should allow the properties of the feeder to be easily modified as required. When used as a side feeder, e.g. for use in vertically divisible casting molds, the feeder should be able to be arranged securely against tilting and twisting when aligned horizontally in relation to the passage axis. According to this embodiment, the feeder should be suitable for vertically divisible casting molds for which sufficient metallostatic pressure must be provided to ensure good flow of the liquid metal. The feeder should prevent a movable spout from becoming lost or tilted in the cavity when the feeder is used as a side feeder.

[0019] According to one design, the feeder should be easy to package and transport and should be quick and easy to attach to the casting mold model during mold production.

[0020] Summary of the invention

[0021] These and other objects are achieved with a feeder or set according to the independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the subclaims or are explained below.

[0022] The feeder is intended for use in metal casting and comprises: a feeder body which is designed in one or more parts and which encompasses a feeder cavity, wherein the feeder cavity has at least two openings, wherein one opening is a through-opening and a further opposite opening is a cover opening and the cover opening is closed or closable by a cover, and a) wherein the cover on the side facing the feeder cavity

[0023] - comprises at least one guide for a spout which extends into the feeder cavity, or b) wherein the lid, on the side facing the feeder cavity, has at least one receiving means for functional members which can be selectively connected to the lid, and the functional member is connected to the lid by insertion into the at least one receiving means and the functional member extends into the feeder cavity, wherein the functional member consists of one or more members of the group comprising: - at least one guide for a spout,

[0024] - at least one Williams kernel, and

[0025] - at least one finger is selected for or from a metallurgical additive, in particular as an inoculant. One or more functional elements can be accommodated by the receiving means(s) in or on the lid.

[0026] According to embodiment a), the guide is a component of the lid, i.e., an integral component of the lid, and in particular, is seamlessly connected to it and made of the same material. According to embodiment b), the functional element, when inserted into the receiving means, is connected to the lid and can be handled individually before being connected to the lid. The functional element can be designed to be non-destructively detachable from the receiving means, but can also be designed such that subsequent detachment from the lid, whether non-destructive or not, is no longer provided.

[0027] The feeder preferably has a movable spout for insertion into the passage opening and a guide for the spout.

[0028] Likewise, the present invention relates to a set for constructing a feeder comprising, separately from one another, at least one feeder body, a cover and at least one functional member, wherein: a) the feeder comprises a feeder body which is designed in one or more parts and spans a feeder cavity, wherein the feeder cavity has at least two openings, wherein one opening is a through-opening and another opposite opening is a cover opening; b) the cover is designed to close the cover opening, wherein the cover, on the side facing the feeder cavity, has at least one receiving means for functional members which can be selectively connected to the cover;and c) wherein the at least one functional member is connectable to the lid by insertion into the at least one receiving means, so that the functional member extends into the feeder cavity when the lid is in place, wherein the at least one functional member consists of one or more members of the group comprising: - at least one guide for a spout;

[0029] - at least one Williams kernel, and

[0030] - at least one finger is selected for or from a metallurgical additive, in particular as an inoculant.

[0031] The functional elements have, for example, slots at one end for insertion or plugging into the receiving device(s).

[0032] The set comprises in particular at least two functional elements, each of which can be connected to the lid by insertion into the one or more receiving means.

[0033] The feeder or set can be used for casting metals in vertically divisible casting molds or for producing vertically divisible casting molds. The feeder or set can be used, for example, for Disamatic molding machines.

[0034] The feeder according to the invention comprises at least one feed body and a cover, wherein the feed body has a passage opening for the liquid metal and a cover opening.

[0035] The lid is made of metal or plastic, in particular plastic, and can be made by injection moulding or deep drawing if made of plastic and by deep drawing or extrusion if made of metal.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the lid comprises a lid plate with a lid wall extending away from the lid plate at an angle of 120° to 60°, in particular approximately at a right angle, wherein the lid wall bears against the inner and / or outer opening edge of the feed body and thus forms a force-fitting connection, at least in sections, preferably all the way around. Preferably, the lid wall bears against the inner opening edge of the feed body. More preferably, the lid plate extends beyond the attachment point of the lid wall and thus forms a circumferential rim that bears against the upper opening edge of the feed cavity.

[0037] The cover preferably has a recess in the cover above the center axis of the through-hole in the feeder body, through which a centering pin is guided. According to a preferred embodiment, the end of the centering pin is not rotationally symmetrical, but rather oval, square, or triangular in plan view, for example, so that the feeder is securely attached to the pattern plate because the recess has a similar shape and thus encloses the centering pin in a rotationally secure manner. When used as a side feeder, the use of a centering pin and the recess in the cover is desirable.

[0038] As the molding material is compacted, the riser moves toward the pattern plate, and the centering pin slides further through the recess. Furthermore, the grommet, if present, is pushed together or inserted into the riser cavity, or the riser body is constructed in two parts and slides together (e.g., if no grommet is used).

[0039] The spout serves as an extension of the passage opening for attachment to a pattern plate and for forming a breaking edge, in particular a pivoting pattern plate. When the molten metal is poured into the casting mold, the molten metal enters the feeder cavity via the spout and the passage opening. During the casting process, the feeder cavity is designed to hold and slowly release molten metal via the passage opening. During the shrinking process of the casting until the casting has completely solidified, the molten metal then flows from the feeder cavity through the passage opening of the feeder body via the spout, or the feeder body itself forms a spout, and back into the casting. If it is made of metal or plastic, the spout can already be dissolved, with the surrounding set molding sand then establishing the connection to the casting.The spout can also be an integral part of the feeder body and is then preferably made of the same material as the feeder body. According to such a configuration, the feeder body then comprises two feeder body shells, wherein the spout is part of the first feeder body shell and the first feeder body shell has the passage opening. The first feeder body shell runs slidably in the second feeder body shell. The second feeder body shell has the cover. The passage opening is then the same as the outlet or inlet opening for the liquid metal or the passage to the feeder cavity, where the liquid metal rises from the cavity of the casting mold into the feeder or flows back. The first feeder body shell and the second feeder body shell span the feeder cavity.

[0040] According to an optional embodiment, the passage opening of the feeder body is arranged in the application state such that the predominant volume portion of the feeder cavity is located above the center axis of the passage opening. This arrangement of the passage opening ensures that, after the feeder cavity has filled with liquid metal during metal casting, a sufficient metallostatic pressure of the still-liquid metal develops in the feeder cavity as the liquid metal in the casting cools. This ensures sufficient refeeding into the casting and at least reduces the formation of so-called shrinkage cavities. According to this embodiment, the feeder is intended, for example, for use in the casting of metals in vertically divisible, flaskless casting molds, in particular Disamatic molding machines from DISA Industries A / S.

[0041] The Williams core and the finger are long enough to allow each end to dip into the rising liquid metal.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the cover of the feeder has a guide extending into the feed cavity, which is intended to prevent the movable spout from becoming lost and / or jammed in the feeder cavity. The guide extends in the direction of the passage opening. The guide for the spout can be designed, for example, as a space divider or as a bushing or guide rail. The guide extends from the cover into the feeder cavity, in particular at least 50%, preferably at least 75% of the possible path in the feeder cavity. According to one embodiment, the guide extends from the cover to the opposite feeder base of the feeder cavity and thus supports the cover.

[0043] Detailed description of the invention

[0044] When vertically attaching the feeder according to the invention to the pattern plate, the feeder is placed on a centner mandrel. This can be done when the pattern plate is arranged horizontally and before it is pivoted into a vertical position. The nozzle remains in this position even during compaction of the molding material mixture, ensuring that a defined breaker edge is provided directly on the casting. The nozzle seals the feeder cavity against the penetration of molding material and acts as a breaker core, guaranteeing minimal feeder residue after the feeder is removed. Regrinding of the casting at the breaker edge is thus reduced to a minimum and can often even be omitted. The nozzle can also be an integral part of the feeder body.

[0045] As the molding material is compressed, the feeder body moves relative to the nozzle toward the model. The nozzle either slides into the opening of the feeder body (sliding nozzle) and / or is compressed into itself (compressible nozzle), e.g., along folds, allowing it to be pushed together like an accordion. If the nozzle is an integral part of the feeder body, the two feeder parts that form the feeder body slide together.

[0046] The spout can rest on the pattern plate or a base of the centering mandrel toward the casting or mold cavity. This creates a connection between the mold cavity and the spout. The feeder body can be made of any insulating and / or exothermic material known in the art. Among others, exothermic materials, as disclosed in DE 19925167, are conceivable as possible feeder materials. Feeder base bodies made of insulating material are also common and practical. Possible materials are familiar to those skilled in the art. Depending on the particular casting, exothermic and / or insulating feeders may be preferred.

[0047] The recess for the centring mandrel and the passage opening are arranged opposite one another in such a way that when the feeder is vertically aligned in a functionally correct application state, the predominant volume portion of the feeder cavity, e.g. at least 55 volume percent of the feeder cavity, is located above the center axis through the passage opening, preferably at least 60 volume percent, in particular at least 75 volume percent.

[0048] The feeder body itself can have any shape. In particular, it is tub-shaped with a through-hole and a lid opening opposite it. The lid opening is closed by the lid.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the invention, the feeder body has the shape of a cuboid (including a cuboid with rounded edges), comprising at least two long sides, two transverse sides, and one head and one foot. According to a preferred embodiment, the long sides have a larger surface area than the transverse sides. The head and foot sides, on the one hand, and the two long sides, on the other hand, preferably each have surfaces of equal size. Preferably, the head and foot sides have a larger surface area than the two long sides. The foot side is the side facing the mold plate. According to one embodiment, the spout is located on this side. The head side has the lid opening, which can be closed with the lid. The head side can only have a circumferential opening edge formed by the feeder walls.

[0050] According to another embodiment, the feeder body is shaped like a tube that is closed at the base and open at the head. The spout with the through-opening, or only one through-opening, is located on the base. The head side accommodates the lid. The opening for the attached lid is preferably larger than the through-opening for the spout; in particular, the opening occupies the entire head area, apart from the wall thickness of the feeder body.

[0051] The spout is inserted into the passage opening through the lid opening (e.g. a movable spout).

[0052] For the purposes of the present invention, a spout, in particular a movable spout, is understood to be a tube-like body, as described in DE 102005008324 A1. In addition to the tubular spout, i.e., with a round cross-section, oval, square, or polygonal geometries are also possible. The spout tapers, in particular, toward its end facing away from the feeder body, for example, because it tapers conically.

[0053] The spout, especially the movable spout, can have different lengths. Typical lengths are approximately between 15 mm and 300 mm, in particular between 35 mm and 100 mm. The length of the spout is selected so that at least the distance between the feeder before forming and the mold pattern or casting mold is bridged. The inner diameter of the spout can, in principle, be chosen arbitrarily, whereby the opening should be large enough to ensure the flow of the molten metal into and out of the feeder during the casting and solidification processes. The diameter of the spout is based on the diameter of the opening for the spout, since according to one embodiment of the present invention, the spout is inserted into the feeder body.

[0054] The grommet, especially the movable grommet, can have any length, wall thickness, and diameter suitable for the individual case. Depending on the material used, the wall thickness will generally be between 0.1 mm and 10 mm, in particular between 0.3 mm and 0.5 mm.

[0055] The grommet, in particular the movable grommet, can be made of a suitable material that has sufficient strength and does not adversely affect the casting to be fed. Such materials include, for example, metal, plastic, cardboard, or similar materials. In a preferred embodiment, the grommet is made of metal, and in particular of a material similar to the casting range, such as aluminum, iron, or sheet steel. The grommet, in particular the movable grommet, has, in one embodiment, a stop at its end facing the feeder cavity. The stop is arranged on the grommet at such a position that it is still within the feeder cavity when the grommet is pulled out to its maximum. When the grommet is pulled out of the feeder body, the stop comes into contact with a surface in the feeder cavity that adjoins the passage opening.In principle, the stop can be designed in any way and is preferably positioned against the feeder base in the feeder cavity.

[0056] The stop, which secures the grommet in the opening, can be designed, for example, as one or more thickened portions on the outside of the grommet and preferably runs around the grommet's circumference. Individual projections can also serve as stops. Typically, the stop is made of the same material as the grommet. However, it is also possible for the stop to be made of a different material. Preferably, both the grommet and the stop are circular, with the stop running around the grommet at the upper end like the brim of a hat.

[0057] The dimensions of the length of the movable spout and the height of the feeder cavity are preferably coordinated in such a way that in the inserted position in which the feeders are usually transported, the spout is so completely inserted into the feeder cavity of the feeder body, apart from the wall thickness of the passage opening, if any, that it no longer extends out of the passage opening.

[0058] In the described embodiments, it may also be preferred that the grommet can be pushed into one another in a telescopic and / or accordion-like manner, as disclosed, for example, in DE 102013209775 or DE 202011103718 U.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment, in a functionally appropriate application state with the feeder horizontally aligned, the through-opening is located at the lower end of the feeder body. The cover is made of plastic or metal, e.g., a metal similar to the cast range, such as aluminum, iron, or sheet steel.

[0060] The lid has, on the side facing the feeder cavity, at least one receiving means for functional members which can be selectively connected to the lid, wherein the functional member is connected to the lid by insertion into the at least one receiving means and the functional member extends into the feeder cavity, wherein the functional member consists of one or more members of the group comprising:

[0061] - at least one guide for a spout,

[0062] - at least one Williams kernel, and

[0063] - at least one finger is selected for or from a metallurgical additive, in particular as an inoculant.

[0064] The guide, possibly together with inner wall sections of the feeder body, forms a shaft in which the spout is movable, particularly into and out of the feeder cavity until the spout rests on the stop. The guide extends from the cover into the feeder cavity toward the feeder base.

[0065] If necessary, the guide can also be supported on the feeder base, as this gives the lid additional stability when compressing the molding material mixture.

[0066] The guide can be designed as a fin which acts as a space divider and is arranged in such a way that the movable spout is movable and displaceable within a first zone of the feeder body, but cannot get "lost" in the wider feeder cavity because the fin prevents the spout from becoming inclined.

[0067] The fin extends in the direction of the passage opening and is arranged so that the spout can be moved into the feeder cavity, but cannot become jammed or lost in the feeder cavity. The guide acts as a space divider for the spout but not for the liquid metal and divides the feeder cavity into two zones, a first zone in which the spout is movably mounted when it is at least predominantly or even completely accommodated in the feeder cavity, and a second zone into which the spout cannot reach because the guide or fin blocks the spout's access to the second zone. The spout axis is arranged in the same direction in the first zone as the central axis of the passage opening so that the spout can slide through the passage opening, following gravity, until it secures itself to the passage opening by means of a stop.

[0068] The space divider or fin extends into the feeder cavity and divides the feeder cavity into at least a first and second zone, with the first zone containing the passage for the spout. When the spout is inserted into the feeder cavity, the spout can no longer "get lost" or twist in the feeder cavity, but is "trapped" in the first zone so that the spout axis is aligned with the center axis. The space divider or fin thus also serves as a guide for the spout, without the spout being movably connected to the space divider.

[0069] However, a guide for the grommet can also be provided in the form of a bushing or guide rail, so that the grommet can be moved in / on the guide along the grommet axis or the center axis of the passage opening and in this respect the grommet and guide are movably connected.

[0070] For this purpose, the grommet is connected to the guide so that it can move along a stroke. For example, the grommet can have one or more grooves, for example distributed around the rim of the grommet, into which webs of the guide engage. Alternatively, the guide can provide a pin and a hole in the rim of the grommet that guides the grommet along the pin. It is also possible for the grommet to have clamp handles that engage in grooves in a guide rail on the guide on either side. In another embodiment, a tubular guide in the form of a bushing extends from the cover. The tube has a larger diameter than the grommet including the stop, so that the grommet can be moved within the tube and cannot jam.

[0071] In another embodiment, the functional element is a Williams core. This is a typically conically tapered core that extends from the top or, in the case of a side feeder, horizontally into the feeder cavity. The purpose is to delay the solidification of the liquid metal through the resulting sand edge effect or because it is exothermic.

[0072] According to another embodiment, the functional element is a finger for or made of a metallurgical additive, e.g., an inoculant. The metallurgical additive can be used particularly for iron casting. An FeSi-based alloy for treating cast iron melts improves the nucleation rate and reduces the tendency toward white solidification. The metallurgical additive can be a body pressed or cast from an inoculant alloy.

[0073] The metallurgical additive can be used, for example, to refine the (Al+Si) eutectic of aluminum-silicon alloys. The addition of sodium or strontium as a metallurgical additive to hypoeutectic and eutectic aluminum-silicon alloys improves, for example, the mechanical properties and quality of the castings.

[0074] In a further embodiment, the cover has stabilizing ribs. This has the advantage that the cover, which can be made of different materials such as plastic or metal, e.g. aluminum, is given additional rigidity. This ensures that no molding material can penetrate into the feeder cavity when the molding material is compressed, as this is undesirable and can have a negative impact on the quality of the casting. In one embodiment, the cover is glued or clamped to the feeder body, preferably glued, for example with a cold adhesive familiar to those skilled in the art. In a further embodiment, the cover has a recess for a centering mandrel. The recess for the centering mandrel is arranged on the same imaginary center axis through the passage opening, so that the centering mandrel can be guided both through the passage opening for the spout and through the recess in the cover.The recess in the cover for the mandrel tip of the centering mandrel simplifies the process of attaching the feeder to the centering mandrel or to the mold pattern. The recess preferably conforms to the outer contour of a centering mandrel tip that can be inserted into the recess, thus securing the feeder against twisting. The centering mandrel can also support the cover by resting on the centering mandrel near the edge of the recess during molding.

[0075] Depending on the workpiece to be cast, the feeder can have different volumes for the molten metal to be held. Typically, a feeder according to the invention has a volume of 0.01 to 35 l, in particular 0.03 to 3.1 l.

[0076] In another embodiment according to the invention, the feeder has at least one support device. The support device is designed such that the feeder can be positioned in a vertically divisible casting mold in a way that is at least partially slip-proof and twist-proof. In vertically divisible casting molds, the feeder is usually first placed on a centering mandrel located on the mold pattern. The mold pattern is fastened to a horizontally aligned mold plate, which is pivoted through 90° and aligned vertically to produce the casting mold. Depending on the size of the feeder, however, it may be advantageous to support the feeder on the mold pattern at least one other point besides the centering mandrel (in particular above it), and in this way to keep the feeder level (before pivoting into the vertical position) or parallel to the mold plate after pivoting into the vertical position, in order to prevent tipping orTo prevent slipping on the horizontally aligned mold plate. The centering mandrel located on the mold pattern is usually guided through the passage opening of the liquid metal (opening for the spout) of the feeder in order to position the feeder at a precisely specified location in the compacted casting mold. The support device serves to mount and support the feeder on the pattern plate in such a way that the feeder does not tilt when the molding material mixture is compacted around the feeder and in particular underneath it, because the support device is supported on the mold plate when the feeder assumes its final position after compaction. Then, according to one design, the support height roughly corresponds to the spout height after compression of the mold material. The support is arranged at a distance from the spout or the passage opening in the area of ​​the other (upper) end of the feeder.As a result, the support ensures that the feeder and base plate are positioned parallel to the pattern plate, even after the molding material has been compacted. The support device can be designed to be compressible.

[0077] In the case of feeders used in vertically separable casting molds, the predominant volume of the feeder cavity is located above the passage opening when the feeder is aligned horizontally in a functionally correct application state. As a result, such feeders may be top-heavy when placed on the centering mandrel and may bend or twist. This can, among other things, lead to a break edge that forms between the feeder and the casting not being optimally formed, which in turn leads to further, cost- and time-intensive work steps. It may therefore be desirable to prevent the feeder from bending or twisting by means of a support device that stabilizes the feeder in a precisely positioned manner in addition to the centering mandrel.

[0078] In another embodiment, the support device is attached to the feeder body in the form of a compressible abutment, for example, by adhesive. The support device is positioned so that the partially top-heavy feeder is kept level when placed on the centering mandrel located on the mold pattern. The abutment, like a metal spring, is irreversibly compressed when the mold material is compressed.

[0079] Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of a feed insert according to the invention in vertically divisible molds, in particular Disamatic molding machines. The invention and its embodiments are apparent from the following figures, without the invention being limited to them. They show:

[0080] Fig. 1: a cross-section through a feeder according to the invention with a movable spout, wherein the circumferential rim of the spout rests on the feeder base in the feeder cavity and the feeder is placed on a centring mandrel and the cover has a guide for the spout which is connected to the cover in one piece;

[0081] Fig. 2: a cross-section through a feeder according to the invention with a cover according to Fig. 1 after the compaction of the molding material, whereby the nozzle is thereby pushed into the feeder cavity a certain distance,

[0082] Fig. 3: a plan view from below of the lid with stiffening ribs, wherein, to illustrate the assembly, a functional element comprising a fin as a space divider is inserted into a receiving means (insert) in the lid;

[0083] Fig. 4: a plan view of the lid according to Fig. 3 from above, wherein the functional member is inserted into a guide and annularly clasping and simultaneously closing an opening in the lid;

[0084] Fig. 5: the feeder body with a functional member in the form of a guide with a guide rail and two further guide rails formed by the feeder body, wherein recesses in the rim of the movable spout each clasp the guide rail to provide a slide guide;

[0085] Fig. 6: the design according to Fig. 5 in an exploded view and with lid.

[0086] Fig. 7: a Williams core which is inserted into a slot in the cover for assembly, namely into the slot which had received a fin according to Fig. 3;

[0087] Fig. 8: A Williams core and a fin as a space divider, each inserted into the lid. The Williams core points downward, relative to a side feeder arrangement with a horizontal center axis through the passage opening or horizontal centering dome.

[0088] 1 and 2 show a cross-section through a feeder 1 according to the invention. The feeder has a feeder body 2, a cover 3 and a spout 4. The feeder body 2 has a cover opening 9 and a passage opening 8 for the spout 8. A guide extends from the cover 3 in the direction of the passage opening 8 for the spout 4. The spout 4 has a stop 10 in the form of a rim at its upper end facing the feeder cavity 6. The guide 5 divides the feeder cavity 6 into two different zones, wherein the lower zone, which has the passage opening 8, has a smaller volume than the upper zone of the feeder cavity 6 (with a horizontal central axis through the passage opening 8). The spout 4 of the feeder 1 is placed on a centering mandrel 7, which is guided at its upper end through a recess 11 in the cover 3.Functional element 5 is a guide, designed as a fin, that acts as a space divider. "Guide" here means that the space divider provides a compartment in the feeder cavity in which the movable spout cannot become lost or change its orientation.

[0089] Fig. 2 shows the feeder 1 according to Fig. 1, wherein the molding material mixture surrounding the feeder 1 has been compacted and the spout 4 has thus moved further into the feed chamber and the centering dome 7 has been pushed further through the recess 11 in the cover and the cover 3 additionally rests on a supporting edge 12 of the centering dome 7. The space divider in the form of a fin (generally functional element 5) also supports the cover 3 on the feeder base 14.

[0090] Fig. 3 shows the underside of a lid 3. The lid 3 has a recess 11 for a centering dome and an insert 20 for the guide 5 in the form of a fin, which extends in the direction of the food base 14 when the lid 3 is in place. The guide 5 has a circular plug-in adapter 21 on the end facing the lid 3, which can be anchored in the insert 20 in the lid, wherein the opening 13 in the lid for the insert 20 is then closed and small bendable teeth 22 grip the edge of the opening 13 and firmly connect the plug-in adapter 21 to the insert 20. A web 23 on the plug-in adapter 21 can serve as a twist lock because the web 23 engages in a groove 24 along the insert wall 25 of the insert 20. The underside of the cover 3 has stabilizing ribs 19, which provide additional rigidity to the cover 3. The cover 3 can, for example, be glued to the cover opening 9 of the feeder body 2.The recess 11 for the centering mandrel 7 is shaped like an elongated slot with two parallel edges and rounded corners. This secures the feeder 1 against rotation on the centering mandrel 7. The recess 11 for the centering mandrel 7 is surrounded on the underside of the cover by a recessed support surface 30, which can be used to rest on the support edge 12 of the centering mandrel 7 when the surrounding molding material mixture is compacted and the centering mandrel 7 is thus pushed further through the recess 11.

[0091] Fig. 4 shows a top view of the lid 3 according to Fig. 3. The lid 3 has a recess 11 for a centering dome 7 and a fin-shaped insert 20 for the guide 5. The insert adapter 21 is inserted into the insert 20 in the lid, thus closing the opening 13 in the lid. The teeth 22 engage the edge of the insert wall 25 / cover plate 26 and secure the insert adapter 21 to the insert wall 25.

[0092] Still visible is the surrounding cover wall 29, which allows the cover to be inserted force-fittingly along the inner feeder walls into the feed cavity. The cover plate extends beyond the attachment point of the cover wall and forms a circumferential cover rim that rests on the upper opening edge 28 formed by the feeder walls.

[0093] Fig. 5 shows a plan view of a feeder 1 according to the invention in a cuboid configuration without a cover. The feeder body 2 has two longitudinal sides 15, 15' (only one longitudinal side is visible), two transverse sides 16, 16' (only one transverse side is visible), as well as a head side 17 and a foot side 18. Located on the head side 17 is the cover opening 9, into which a cover 3 can be inserted.

[0094] A movable grommet 4 is inserted into the passage opening 8. The grommet has a circumferential rim 10. Three dovetail-shaped groove openings 31 are formed in the outer circumference of the rim 10. A dovetail web 32 runs into each of these. Two dovetail webs 32 are arranged in the feeder cavity on the feeder walls near the passage opening 8, and a dovetail web 32' descends from the cover 3 as a guide 5. The dovetail webs 32 are each arranged parallel to the central axis. The guide 5 is designed as a sliding guide that allows the translation of the grommet 4. The dovetail guide prevents it from being lifted out of the slide rail.

[0095] Fig. 6 shows the embodiment according to Fig. 5 in an exploded view with cover 3. The dovetail bar 32 lowers from the cover 3 as a guide. A plug-in adapter 21 is provided, as in Figs. 3 and 4, for insertion into the insert 20 in the cover, thereby closing the opening 13 in the cover. The teeth 22 securely fix the plug-in adapter 21 in the insert 20.

[0096] Fig. 7 shows a Williams core with a plug-in adapter 21. The tip of the Williams core 32 points toward the feeder base 14. Such a Williams core 33 is primarily intended for a feeder arrangement with a vertically guided central axis, ie, for horizontally divisible molds. Externally similar to the Williams core, the finger can also be designed for or from a metallic additive. The metallic additive, such as the inoculant, is then located at the tip.

[0097] The lid 3 in Fig. 8 is intended for a feeder 1 for vertically divisible molds. The tip 34 of the Williams core 33 points downward when the center axis is arranged horizontally. The Williams core 33 is inserted into several of the recesses created by the lattice struts as an insert in the lid rear wall between the stabilizing ribs 19. At the same time, a space divider in the form of a fin is inserted into the lid 3 as an additional functional element 5'.

[0098] List of reference symbols:

[0099] 1 feeder

[0100] 2 feeder bodies

[0101] 3 lids

[0102] 4 spouts

[0103] 5, 5' functional element / guide / room divider

[0104] 6 Esophageal cavity

[0105] 7 Centering dome

[0106] 8 Passage opening

[0107] 9 Lid opening

[0108] 10 Grommet brim as stop

[0109] 11 Recess in the cover for centering dome

[0110] 12 Support edge on the Zentnerdom

[0111] 13 Opening in the lid

[0112] 14 Feeder floor

[0113] 15, 15' long sides

[0114] 16, 16' transverse sides

[0115] 17 Header

[0116] 18 Footer

[0117] 19 stabilizing ribs

[0118] 20 Insert / Recording Equipment

[0119] 21 plug-in adapters

[0120] 22 teeth

[0121] 23 jetty

[0122] 24 grooves

[0123] 25 Insert wall

[0124] 26 Cover plate

[0125] 27 Lid brim

[0126] 28 Opening edge, formed by the feeder walls

[0127] 29 Cover wall

[0128] 30 support surface

[0129] 31 slot openings

[0130] 32 Dovetail bar

[0131] 33 Williams kernels

[0132] 34 Tip of the Williams kernel

Claims

Claims 1. A feeder for use in metal casting, comprising: a feeder body which is constructed in one or more parts and which encompasses a feeder cavity, wherein the feeder cavity has at least two openings, wherein one opening is a through-opening and another opposite opening is a cover opening, and the cover opening is closed by a cover, and the cover is made of metal and / or plastic, and a) wherein the cover comprises, on the side facing the feeder cavity, a guide for a spout which extends into the feeder cavity, and / or b) wherein the cover has, on the side facing the feeder cavity, at least one receiving means for functional members which can be selectively connected to the cover, and the functional member is connected to the cover by insertion into the at least one receiving means, and the functional member extends into the feeder cavity,wherein the functional member is selected from one or more members of the group comprising: at least one guide for a grommet, at least one Williams core, and at least one finger for or made of a metallurgical additive.

2. Feeder according to claim 1, wherein the feeder comprises a movable spout for insertion into the passage opening and preferably a guide for the spout.

3. Feeder according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cover has stabilizing ribs and preferably the stabilizing ribs at least partially form the at least one receiving means and serve as insert or inserts for the fastening of the functional members.

4. Feeder according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the lid is made of plastic.

5. Feeder according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is glued to or onto the feeder body.

6. Feeder according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cover engages into the feeder cavity with a cover wall which extends away from the cover plate, preferably approximately perpendicularly, and the cover wall at least partially rests against the inside of the feeder cavity, wherein the cover wall is preferably designed to be continuous.

7. Feeder according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional element is a space divider, in particular in the form of a fin.

8. Feeder according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide has a bushing, guide rail or grooves for guiding the spout.

9. Feeder according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the feeder further comprises a metallic grommet which is movably inserted into the passage opening or is glued into or onto the passage opening.

10. Feeder according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover has a recess for a centering mandrel.

11. Set for constructing a feeder comprising, separately from one another, at least one feeder body, a cover made of metal and / or plastic, and at least one functional member, wherein: a) the feeder comprises a feeder body which is designed in one or more parts and encompasses a feeder cavity, wherein the feeder cavity has at least two openings, wherein one opening is a through-opening and another opposite opening is a cover opening; b) the cover is designed to close the cover opening, wherein the cover, on the side facing the feeder cavity, has at least one receiving means for functional members which can be selectively connected to the cover; and c) wherein the at least one functional member is connectable to the lid by insertion into the at least one receiving means, so that the functional member extends into the feeder cavity when the lid is in place, wherein the at least one functional member consists of one or more members of the group comprising: - at least one guide for a spout, - at least one Williams kernel, and - at least one finger is selected for or from a metallurgical additive, in particular as an inoculant.

12. Set according to claim 11, wherein the set comprises a movable spout for insertion into the passage opening and, as a functional member, at least one guide for the spout.

13. Set according to at least one of claims 11 or 12, wherein the set is further characterized by one of claims 2 to 10.

14. Set according to at least one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the set comprises at least two functional members, each of which can be connected to the lid by insertion into one or more of the receiving means.

15. Use of a feeder or the set according to one of the preceding claims for casting metals, in particular in vertically divisible casting molds.

Images