Die casting reciprocator safety bar

• US 7,299,855 B2
• Filed: 07/08/2004
• Issued: 11/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/08/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Pace Industries, LLC (Leggett & Platt Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: L&P Property Management Company (Leggett & Platt Incorporated)
• Inventors: Marshall, Olen L., Thomason, David R., Alford, Danny S., Bumpus, David E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Johnson; Jonathan
• Assistant Examiner(s): LIN, ING HOUR
• Application Number:
  US10/886,780
• Publication Number:
  US 20060005938A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,237 Days
• Field of Search: 164/153, 164/267, 164/312, 164/154.1, 164/113, 164/72
• US Class Current: 164/153
• CPC Class Codes: B22D 17/2007 Methods or apparatus for cleaning or lubricating moulds
• CPC Class Codes: B22D 17/2092 Safety devices for plastics B29C45/84
• CPC Class Codes: B22D 17/32 Controlling equipment

Abstract

An automated reciprocator for applying lubricant to the cavity of a die casting system having a safety bar for preventing the reciprocator from injuring a person or damaging equipment which may be present in the reciprocator travel path. The safety bar is movably carried on the lower side of the reciprocator and includes a sensor to detect relative movement between the safety bar and the reciprocator. The proximity sensor is coupled to a control system. If the safety bar contacts an object as the reciprocator is moving down, the sensor signals the control system and the reciprocator is stopped.

Claims

1. A die casting system, comprising:

an automated reciprocator adapted for moving between two die halves and applying a fluid to the dies,

a safety bar carried on the reciprocator, the bar positioned to move ahead of the reciprocator, and

a sensor for providing a signal when the safety bar contacts another object wherein the system further comprising a slidable connector supporting the safety bar from a lower surface of the reciprocator, the connector limiting the maximum distance between the safety bar and the reciprocator, but allowing the safety bar to move toward the reciprocator.

2. A die casting system according to claim 1, further comprising:

a control system coupled to the sensor and to the reciprocator.

3. A die casting system according to claim 2, wherein the control system stops movement of the reciprocator in response to a signal from the sensor.

4. A die casting system according to claim 3, wherein the control system stops the reciprocator from applying fluid to the dies in response to a signal from the sensor.

5. A die casting system according to claim 2, wherein the control system returns the reciprocator to a rest position in response to a signal from the sensor.

6. A die casting system according to claim 1, wherein the safety bar has length and width dimensions at least as large as the length and width dimensions of the reciprocator.

7. A die casting system according to claim 1, wherein the safety bar has length and width dimensions selected to pass through at least the same space as the reciprocator.

8. A die casting system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor is a proximity sensor detecting the position of the safety bar relative to the reciprocator.

9. A die casting system according to claim 8, wherein the proximity sensor is a hall effect device.