GB273455A - Improvements in machines for treating rubber and similar material - Google Patents

Abstract

273,455. Lewis, R. C., and Farrel Foundry & Machine Co. June 2, 1926. Feeding-devices.-The opening in the charging- stack of a. machine for treating rubber and similar materials is closed by a plunger, the underside of which conforms to and forms part of the internal wall of the chamber, and which is adapted to be slid into and out of the closed position, by means of a member mounted adjacent the stack for parallel movement with the plunger, and which is operated preferably by means of fluid-pressure. The slidable discharge opening is operated also by fluid-pressure. The invention is particularly applicable to machines for mixing, masticating, working or kneading rubber. As shown in Fig. 2, a hollow plunger 51 provided with a lower face 52 curved to conform to the shape of the mixing-chamber is slidably located in a charging-stack communicating with a hopper 46 and is provided with jackets 55, 56, which may be supplied with cooling fluid by pipes passing downwardly through the plunger. Operation of the plunger is effected by a piston 67, working in a cylinder 66 adapted to be supplied with fluid under pressure by pipes 71, 72 and acting through a rack 69 on a pinion 70 mounted on a shaft 64 carrying also a pair of pinions engaging racks provided on the rear face of the plunger. Inward movement of the plunger is limited by a stop 57 thereon which slides in a slot in the charging stack, and in the closed position the plunger may be locked by bolts 75, 76, Fig. 3, located in chambers 77, 78 to which fluid-pressure may be supplied by pipes 79, 80 from a pipe 81 which also supplies the upper end of the cylinder 66 through the pipe 71. By this means, the bolts are withdrawn when fluid under pressure is supplied to the cylinder 66 to raise the plunger. The discharge opening 22, the side walls of which are substantially normal to the internal surface of the mixing-chamber, is adapted to be closed by a closely fitting member 25, which is adapted to slide horizontally on bevelled bearing plates 30, 31 located in recesses 28, 29 in downward extensions 26, 27 integral with the mixing-chamber. The plates 30, 31 are adapted to be adjusted to take up wear by means of set screws 35, Fig. 4, and a screw 36. To the underside of the member 25 is secured a cylinder 39 adapted to be supplied with fluid under pressure by pipes 43, 44 and having therein a piston 40, the rod 41 of which is fixed at 42. With this arrangement, when fluid under pressure is supplied to the cylinder, the movement of the latter operates the member 25. Fluid-pressure for operating the cylinders &c. is supplied by an oil pump mounted on the base of the machine.