EP0951370A1

EP0951370A1 - Facility and method for producing cast shells or cast core packs

Info

Publication number: EP0951370A1
Application number: EP97942765A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Werner PÖHLANDT; Mohammed Ali Seiraffi
Original assignee: Hottinger Maschinenbau GmbH
Current assignee: Hottinger Maschinenbau GmbH
Priority date: 1996-11-04
Filing date: 1997-09-01
Publication date: 1999-10-27
Anticipated expiration: 2017-09-01
Also published as: CA2270612A1; WO1998019810A1; ES2155701T3; EP0951370B1; US6422296B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a facility for producing cast shells or cast core packs, comprising a number a core shooters corresponding to the number of the various cores needed to complete one pack, as well as a belt conveyor (2), whereby the cores shot and hardened in the core shooters are removed therefrom and possibly processed and fed through the belt conveyor for completing the core packs. In order to increase the production capacity at a low cost, the inventive facility is designed in such a way that at least an additional core shooter - stand-by machine (5) - is provided for producing each of the cores needed for completing a pack. The invention also relates to the producing method.

Description

"Device and method for producing ready-to-cast masks or core packages"

The invention relates to a device and a method for producing ready-to-cast masks or core packages with a number of core shooters and an assembly line corresponding to the number of different cores required for packaging, the shot and solidified cores being removed from the core shooting machines, possibly processed and on the assembly line to be completed to the core package.

Basically, the present invention relates to the field of foundry technology. For the casting of shaped pieces of any kind, foundry cores or molds are usually produced in separate parts, brought together and connected to one another to form a casting mold or a core package. These core packages are then filled with molten metal to produce, for example, a metallic workpiece, the series of core packages to be filled with molten metal passing through the production line in succession.

In the context of conventional production, the core shooters that shoot the required cores are built up in a row - linearly - whereby the shot cores, removed from the core shooter and, if necessary, processed, are placed one after the other on an assembly line rigidly coupling the core shooters. Ultimately, the core package is completed from core shooter to core shooter, namely in the rigidly prescribed sequence of their arrangement, which must correspond exactly to the sequence in which the cores are packaged.

With such a rigid conventional production, the downtimes of a single core shooter represent a very considerable problem, such downtimes being caused by repairs or maintenance. If one of the core shooters fails, the entire assembly line must be stopped because each individual core or core type is required for packaging. You wanted in one In such a situation, the assembly line and thus the core packaging continue to be operated, one would have to provide each core shooter with a sufficiently large bearing as an alternative to cores to be introduced into the packaging process. However, such a bearing would be extremely space-intensive and problematic with regard to the safe storage of the cores insofar as the cores made from molding sand are highly sensitive parts, the handling and storage of which are again problematic. Ultimately, in practice, masks or core packages of the type in question are produced on the core shooting machines without additional core bearings, which, due to the long downtimes on individual core shooting machines, results in considerable overall downtimes of the system as a whole.

For example, assuming a total of 400,000 core packages required per year, 48 working weeks per year and three shifts per day, the linear arrangement of a total of eight core shooters with a cycle time of 45 seconds per machine and a guaranteed availability of 85 machines per machine %, and it is further assumed that a total of six working days per week and 23 working hours per day are available due to maintenance (cleaning, repair and maintenance), ie a total of 48 weeks x 6 days x 23 hours = 6,624 hours per year, resulting in an average total downtime of 7.23 hours per day and 50.7 hours per week. The downtime is 2.95 hours per day or 20.7 hours per week with a maintenance period of 4.28 hours per day and 30 hours per week.

Ultimately, conventional production with rigid linear coupling of the core shooters without additional core bearings leads to very considerable downtimes and maintenance times for the entire system. In addition, there is the further problem that, in the event of a system, for example comprising eight core shooters, coming to a standstill, several maintenance teams are required for the simultaneous maintenance of all core shooters. If one core servicing machine after another were serviced, repaired or repaired by a single maintenance team, the total downtime would increase considerably. However, the use of several maintenance teams is extremely labor intensive and increases the manufacturing costs to a not inconsiderable extent. With regard to a relevant prior art, reference is made only by way of example to DE 31 48 461 C1, which discloses a core and mask shooting machine from the applicant. From DE 195 34 984 C1 a generic device for the production of ready-to-cast masks and core packs is also known, the core shooters shooting the required cores being arranged linearly on an assembly line according to the above statements. The core shooters are functionally coupled to each other via the assembly line, whereby there is a considerable total downtime due to the lack of individual core bearings on the respective core shooters.

The present invention is based on the object of designing and developing both a device and a method for producing ready-to-cast masks or core packages of the type mentioned at the outset such that an increase in production capacity is possible with the least possible outlay in comparison with conventional production.

The device according to the invention for the production of ready-to-cast masks or core packages solves the above object by the features of claim 1. Thereafter, the generic device is characterized in that at least one additional core shooting machine - additional machine - is provided for the replacement production of each of the cores required for packaging.

According to the invention, the conventional concept has been abandoned to the extent that no core bearings are provided here to bridge downtimes. Rather, in the manner according to the invention, a core shooter, which is now referred to as an additional machine, is provided, which can take over the function of any regular core shooter as a substitute and thus serves to manufacture each of the cores required for packaging. Ultimately, this alternatively shot core is fed to the packaging process at the right time and in the right place.

In a very particularly advantageous manner, the additional machine is arranged in a stationary manner and is not brought into the vicinity of the core shooting machine which is at a standstill as required. Rather, the one shot with the additional machine Core to the packaging process at the right time in the right place. For this purpose, the additional machine could be assigned directly to the assembly line, for example arranged in front of the regular core shooters or afterwards on the assembly line.

It would also be conceivable to assign the additional machine to a second assembly line - an additional band - which communicates with the first assembly line to the extent that a core shot by the additional machine is placed on the additional band and via this additional band, which can for example run parallel to the actual assembly line, is brought into the area of the stationary core shooter. A takeover by the manipulators active there for subsequent packaging is then easily possible.

As previously mentioned, the assembly line could be linear, at least in the broadest sense. The additional belt could then run essentially parallel to the assembly line, so that the core, which was alternatively shot by the additional machine, can be conveyed exactly to where it is actually needed due to the failure of a core shooting machine. Packing could then be carried out - from the other side of the assembly line - using a kind of cross assembly.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the additional machine can be equipped with tools for selectively producing each of the cores required for packaging by means of a robot or manipulator and / or by means of a conveyor device. In this respect, any core could be shot with the necessary tool using the additional machine. The tools could be removed from one or more tool stores of the core shooters. However, it would also be conceivable to provide a tool store with replacement tools especially for the additional machine, these tools also being subjected to a maintenance or cleaning process in the usual way.

The assembly line coupling the core shooters to one another and possibly integrating the additional machine into the production process could be arranged in this way and be designed so that cores deposited or packaged there pass at least twice the area of the core shooters. In this respect, it would be ensured that the add-on machine can be arranged at any point on the assembly line, the passing of the core shooters at least twice making it possible for the core, which was shot as an alternative, to be brought to the right place for packaging.

Specifically, the assembly line could form an open or closed conveyor circuit passing through the core shooter.

In the context of such an embodiment, the conveyor circuit could be formed by two interconnected conveyor lines running approximately parallel to one another, wherein these conveyor lines in turn can be arranged linearly. The conveyor lines can run largely on the same level, so that the core shooters assigned to the conveyor lines are all also arranged on the same level.

Specifically, the core shooters could be arranged on both sides of the two conveyor lines, preferably symmetrically, with an arrangement of the core shooters in groups of two core shooters each being conceivable. In any case, the core shooters can be assigned to one another in pairs, whereby the core shooters can have a double assignment. In this respect, two cores would be produced in a single tool, which in turn can be two identical cores or two different cores. This will be referred to later.

With regard to unhindered access to the core shooters, these, but above all the additional machine, could be arranged outside the conveyor circuit. However, it is also conceivable to arrange at least the additional machine, possibly also one or more of the other core shooters, within the circle. Such an arrangement could be of advantage if the distances between the core shooters can thereby be reduced, so that the additional machine can easily operate all core shooters or the storage stations there. From a functional point of view, it is advantageous if the additional machine is arranged approximately in the middle of the assembly line. However, this means the functional center and not the geographical center. Ultimately, the additional machine can advantageously be arranged in such a way that from there the cores of all core shooters can be moved to the respective storage stations, if possible with one and the same manipulator.

In this respect, it is of particular advantage if the cores shot and removed from the additional machine can be deposited on the assembly line or on the pallets by means of the manipulator at any point in the conveyor circuit, with special depositing stations being predeterminable or their position definable. The storage stations for the additional machine can correspond to the storage stations of the individual core shooters. Advantageously, however, the storage stations of the auxiliary machine are close together, so that they can be reached from the auxiliary machine with a single manipulator.

The manipulator can be placed directly on the assembly line or on pallets assigned to the assembly line. Likewise - and this in a particularly advantageous manner - it is possible that the manipulator can also place cores over the assembly line on the opposite part of the assembly line, namely on the opposite conveyor line, the placement again on pallets or in the frame the packaging process takes place on previously stored cores.

With regard to the smallest possible space requirement for the assembly line or for the entire arrangement of the core shooters, it is of particular advantage if the cores are seen on the assembly line or on the assembly line before or after a core shooter or a group of core shooters in the respective storage station the pallet can be put down. To this extent, a depositing station serves at least to deposit two different cores for two core shooters that shoot these different cores. If a core shooter has double occupancy, namely can shoot two different cores, two core shooters can each can be combined into a group with double occupancy. In this respect, too, the depositing station serves to deposit two different cores, and in this case also for two separate core shooters, whereby only a single deposit station is required for this group of two core shooters.

It is also conceivable that the assembly line runs approximately in a meandering manner and thereby passes the area of the core shooters at least twice. In any case, it must always be ensured here that the area of the core shooters is passed at least twice, so that any arrangement of the auxiliary machine and a subsequent movement of the core shot by the auxiliary machine into the area of the stationary core shooter are possible.

In a further advantageous manner, the assembly line supports the placement of the cores or pallets used for packaging. These pallets can be designed in two parts, namely they can have an area for the actual packaging of the cores - a packaging area - and an area for storing a core - a storage area - the storage area for receiving any core and subsequently feeding the core stored there into the packaging process - in the correct order - serves. Specifically, the pallet could be subdivided into the two areas mentioned above and the two areas of the pallet could be handled and connected independently of one another.

Previously, only one group of core shooters was spoken of, which are linked via the assembly line. However, it is also conceivable that at least two groups of core shooters are lined up using appropriate assembly lines. In this respect, the core shooters required as a whole would be grouped together. A core package manufactured in the first group of core shooters could be handed over to the subsequent assembly line, from where further completion or packaging takes place. For example, any parts could be inserted in the area between the assembly lines. In the area between or on the assembly lines, transfer stations with manipulators or conveyor lines serving for transfer could be provided. In the context of a particularly suitable arrangement of the additional machine, it could be arranged directly at or near the transfer station and could be assigned to the group of the preceding or the following core shooters or even both groups. Ultimately, one could shoot any core from the previous and the following group with this additional machine - after a corresponding tool change - so that this additional machine can be used as a "jumper" for both groups of core shooters.

In the concrete and within the framework of a particularly favorable utilization of the entire system, the last core shooter of a previous group of core shooters could be converted as an additional machine for manufacturing a core of any other core shooter and for shooting cores of the core shooters of the following group in the order of the packaging be applicable. Of course, this last core shooter of the preceding group could also serve as an additional machine for manufacturing any core of any other core shooter of the same group of core shooters.

In the context of an alternative embodiment, the first core shooter of a subsequent group of core shooters could also be converted as an additional machine for manufacturing a core of any other core shooter and used for shooting cores of the core shooter of the previous group in the order of the packaging. This core shooter, which serves as an additional machine, could also easily be used for shooting cores from core shooters of the same group.

The core shooters could be designed in accordance with the invention of an additional core shooter - additional machine - in such a way that within each group of core shooters each of the core shooters can be converted and used as a regular core shooter or as an additional machine for manufacturing a core of any other core shooter. Ultimately, this would be an optimal variability of the entire system given and could every regular core shooter serve both the fixed arrangement chosen there as a regular core shooter as well as an additional machine and thus be used as a "jumper", all core shooters being arranged in a fixed position. The jumper function therefore does not result from a portable arrangement of the core shooters, but rather from a variable assignment of the tools, whereby ultimately each of the core shooters can accomplish the shooting of each concrete core.

Furthermore, from a functional point of view, it is conceivable that between the groups of core shooters, i.e. are provided between the assembly lines, bearings for introducing and removing individual cores and / or core packages that have already been packaged or at least partially packaged. These bearings - between the groups of core shooters or between the assembly lines - could serve as a safety buffer or for other processing or use of the cores or core packages.

Furthermore, the core shooters could be in the area in front of the assembly line after the removal station, i.e. a deburring device may be arranged between the removal station and the assembly line. After passing through such a deburring device, a further quality control station could be provided, so that packaging with defective cores is effectively avoided. In the event of a defective core being identified, the core shooter shooting the defective core could be shut down for maintenance purposes. The core required here for the continuity of the packaging process could be shot from the additional machine in accordance with the above statements and fed to the packaging process.

Furthermore, each core shooting machine could preferably be assigned a robot or manipulator with at least one gripper, the robot being used for removal, further handling and for packaging or depositing the cores shot in each case. As already mentioned before, the core shooters and thus also the additional machine could be machines with double occupancy for the simultaneous production of two cores. Likewise, a double machine could be provided as the core shooter, namely a machine with two shot heads working independently of one another, two independent sand and compressed air supplies being provided for each core shooter. Two core shooters arranged in a group and arranged next to one another could thus be used in pairs to shoot the same core types, each of these core shooters being able to shoot two different core types.

It is also conceivable to provide cameras for monitoring the pallets or packaging situation at the storage stations of the additional machines. In this respect, the respective status could be monitored effectively and, regardless of the packaging situation, pallets could be circulated several times in the funding group until the packaging was completed. In this respect, if a core shooter fails, a tool change of the additional machine could be dispensed with and the incomplete core package could be circulated several times with regard to the missing core until completion is possible.

Finally, it is also conceivable that cameras for monitoring the pallets or the packaging situation on the pallets are provided not only at the storage stations of the additional machine, but also at the storage stations of all core shooting machines. In this respect, the monitoring would be complete and would affect all filing stations, so that the overall condition of the system is monitored to optimize production.

The method according to the invention for the production of ready-to-cast masks or core packages solves the above task in procedural terms by the features of claim 36. According to this is a method according to the invention for the production of ready-to-cast masks or core packages, wherein at least two core shooting machines shot and solidified cores from molding material from the core shooting machines removed, possibly processed and completed together with a core package, and wherein the core shooters are coupled via an assembly line, characterized in that in the event of failure or maintenance one of the core shooters each of the cores required for packaging can be shot as a substitute via at least one additional core shooter - additional machine.

The following advantageous features relating to the method according to the invention correspond to the features of the device according to the invention already discussed above.

The auxiliary machine - jumper - can be operated in a stationary manner, the cores shot with the auxiliary machine being deposited or packaged on the assembly line or on pallets which can be moved on the assembly line. Alternatively, the cores shot with the additional machine can be placed on a further assembly belt - additional belt - or on pallets which can be moved on the additional belt, the additional belt communicating with the first assembly belt.

If the assembly line is arranged linearly at least in the broadest sense, the additional band could run essentially parallel to the assembly line.

The additional machine could preferably be fitted out of a tool store by means of a robot or by means of a manipulator and / or a conveyor device with tools for the optional manufacture of each of the cores required for packaging. The cores deposited or packaged on the assembly line could pass the area of the respective core shooters at least twice due to the arrangement of the assembly line, the cores being conveyed on the assembly line via an open or closed conveyor circuit passing through the core shooters. It would also be possible for the cores on the assembly line to be conveyed in an approximately meandering manner and thereby to pass the area of the core shooters at least twice.

If the pallets are divided into a packaging area and a storage area, the two parts of the pallets could be used independently of one another and possibly handled. In principle, at least two groups of core shooters can be strung together via corresponding assembly lines, the cores or core packages being transferred from one assembly line to the other assembly line by means of manipulators positioned at transfer stations. In the order of the packaging, the last core shooter of a previous group is converted as an additional machine for producing a core of any other core shooter and used for shooting cores of the core shooters of the following group.

It is also possible that the first core shooter of the following group is converted as a supplementary machine for manufacturing a core of any other core shooter and used for shooting cores of the core shooters of the previous group in the order of the packaging. Finally, within each group of core shooters, each of the core shooters can be converted as a regular core shooter or as an additional machine for producing a core of any other core shooter and used accordingly. In functional terms, between the groups of core shooters, i.e. between the assembly lines, individual cores and / or cores that have already been packaged are introduced into the bearings and removed from the bearings.

After removal, the cores can be deburred in the area in front of the assembly line, the quality of the cores being checked after removal, preferably after deburring, before the assembly line. A robot or manipulator with at least one gripper is preferably assigned to each core shooting machine, the shot cores being removed, handled, packaged or deposited with the robot.

To better illustrate the concept according to the invention and to estimate the advantages and disadvantages compared to conventional production according to the prior art, the following need is used, which corresponds to the example mentioned at the beginning: Core packages required per year: 400,000

Number of weeks per year: 48

Number of shifts per day: 3

Conventional concept:

Core shooters built in series without buffers and rigidly coupled via an assembly line.

Number of machines: 8

Cycle time of the machine: 45 s

Guaranteed availability: 85%

Due to maintenance (cleaning and upkeep): Number of working days per week: 6

Number of working hours per day: 23 i.e. 48 x 6 x 23 = 6,624 h / year

Total downtime per day ([week]: 7.23 h [50.7 h]

Downtime: 2.95 h [20.7 h] 23 h x (1 -0.85%) = 3.45 h x 6 = 20.7 / 7 = 2.95 h

Maintenance time: 4.28 h [30 h] 24 h + 6 x (24 h - 23 h) = 30 h / 7 = 4.28 h

Concept "7 x 24" according to the invention:

If you calculate 3.4 MC (core shooters), but you have to use 4 MC, or you need 8 MC, but you use 9 MC, you can use this overcapacity to either 7 days 24 hours, i.e. around the clock, to produce or to increase availability. For this you have to design the corresponding maintenance plan and ensure the technical boundary conditions. Technical solutions include cross assembly, multiple tool changes and the double pallet mentioned above.

In the case of core shooters built in series plus an additional machine (Springer) and with a three-part assembly line and two core bearings, the situation compared to conventional production is as follows:

- 14 -

Number of machines: 8 + 1 Cycle time of the machine: 45 s Guaranteed availability: 85%

Due to maintenance (cleaning and upkeep): Number of working days per week: 7

Number of hours worked per day: 24 i.e. 48 x 7 x 24 = 8,064 h / year

Required production time per day (0) [week]: 14.9 h [104.34 h] Eff.Prod.std. with conventional planning: 24 h - 7.23 h = 16.77 h / day and MC 16.77 h x 8 MC / 9 MC = 14.9 x 7 = 104.34 h

Total downtime per day (0) [week]: 9.1 h [63.7 h] 24 - 14.9 = 9.1 x 7 = 63.7 h downtime: 2.63 h [18.4 h] (14 , 9/85%) - 14.9 = 2.63 x 7 = 18.4 h

Maintenance time: 6.47 h [45.29 h] 9.1 h - 2.63 h = 6.47 x 7 = 45.29 h

- 15th

There are also the following advantages:

By dividing the assembly line, it is possible to manufacture partial packages.

Assuming a total maintenance of 6 hours per machine and week, with conventional planning you need six maintenance teams (two maintenance teams per shift) to carry out the maintenance, cleaning and repair within one day. Since the maintenance team is only busy in one day, it is necessary to outsource some of these tasks.

With the previously discussed "7x24" concept, on the other hand, only one team is required, which can do the maintenance work distributed over the week. This can be done internally by trained personnel. The maintenance schedule could be as follows:

The machine is serviced for six hours every 54 hours.

Maintenance is carried out for six hours every week, without a night shift or weekend work.

16

In other words: Assuming 3 x 6 hours of maintenance per machine and week, i.e. of 18 hours a week, 63.7 - 18 = 45.7 hours still remain as a reserve.

X: Reserve

With a reserve far greater than 168 h / week - 18 h week = 150 h / week, again greater than 45.7 / 150, downtimes of up to 30% (i.e. 70% availability) can be absorbed.

There are now various possibilities for advantageously designing and developing the teaching of the present invention. For this purpose, reference is made to the patent claims on the one hand and to the following explanation of two exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In connection with the explanation of the preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing, generally preferred refinements and developments of the teaching are also explained. In the drawing shows

1 is a schematic representation of a first arrangement of a device according to the invention for producing core packages ready for casting, a total of three assembly lines being provided there, - 17 -

Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention for the production of ready-to-cast core packages, three assembly strips also being arranged there and the central assembly strip being approximately meandering and

Fig. 3 is a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a device according to the invention for the production of cast core packages, wherein there is a single assembly line with a closed conveyor circuit and two opposite conveyor lines and a centrally located auxiliary machine.

1 and 2 show in a schematic representation - each in itself - an embodiment of an apparatus according to the invention for the production of ready-to-cast masks or core packages, with a number of core shooters 1 corresponding to the number of different cores required for packaging, which in detail with the letters AH Marked are. Furthermore, three assembly lines 2, 3, 4 are provided.

According to the invention, at least one additional core shooting machine - an additional machine 5 designated there as Springer KSM - is provided for the replacement production of each of the cores required for packaging.

In addition to the additional machine 5, the device has removal stations 6 assigned to the core shooters 1, 5, deburring devices 7 also assigned to the core shooters 1, 5, and correspondingly assigned quality controls 8. Furthermore, the core shooters 1, 5, robots 9 and these in turn are assigned to grippers 10.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the assembly belts 2, 3 and 4 each form closed conveyor circles. The assembly lines 2, 3 and 4 have pallets 11 for storing the cores or for packaging, which are designed as double pallets. More specifically, the pallets 11 include a pallet - 18th

chaining of the core-serving packaging station 12 and a storage space 13 serving to store a separate core.

Furthermore, it is indicated in the figures that transfer stations 14 with transfer manipulators or robots 15 are provided in the area between the assembly lines 2, 3 and 4.

The figures further show that material buffers 16 are assigned to the assembly lines 2, 3 and 4 at the transfer stations 14, can be deposited in the replacement cores and from which replacement cores can be removed for feeding to the packaging process.

The work flow of the device shown schematically in FIG. 1 is shown in the table below, the core shooters being abbreviated with the letter group KSM.

If, for example, the core shooter A is serviced afterwards, the additional machine X takes over the shooting of the core A, which is deposited by the robot RX on the first assembly line or packaged there. The core shooter F shoots the core F, which is packaged accordingly by the robot RF. Robot RA is out of operation.

If core shooting machine B is now serviced, core B is shot by auxiliary machine X and is removed on the first assembly line by robot RX. - 19 -

placed. Core shooter F continues to manufacture core F, with robots RX serving to deposit the core and robots RB to package the core - onto core A which has already been deposited.

If the core shooter C is serviced, the auxiliary machine X shoots the core C, which is deposited on the first assembly line by the robot RX. Core shooter F still shoots core F, with robot RC serving to package core C, etc.

If core shooting machine F is now maintained, core F is manufactured by additional machine X, robot RX serving to deposit core F. Robot RF is then used to package the core F, etc.

It is extremely important that the order is followed, otherwise only a 50% output is achieved,

a) up to KSM number / 2 tool changers (tool change) b) cross assembly: e.g .: RX packaged on the assembly site (s) if C is serviced. c) Double pallet with storage space for cores (see above)> only max. 2 TO

The situation is similar with the device shown in FIG. 2, where assembly tape 2 is arranged approximately in a meandering shape as an open assembly circle. Correspondingly, there is a modified workflow compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, specifically according to the following table, which is self-evident in itself, so that a more extensive discussion with regard to the exemplary discussion of the workflow according to the device from FIG. 1 is not is required.

- 20 -

1. The order is important.

2. Number of pallets n and buffer capacity N must be adapted to the VAW data.

3. Springer KSM X must be universal. That HVA with loose parts.

Further explanations of the above-described work processes are unnecessary with reference to the general description on the one hand and the claims on the other hand, especially since these work processes result on the one hand from the design features and on the other hand from the features relating to the method according to the invention.

3 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a device according to the invention for producing ready-to-cast brands or core packages, the assembly line 2 being designed there in the sense of a closed conveyor circuit. This conveyor circuit is formed by two mutually connected, interconnected conveyor sections 17. The two conveyor lines 17 run on the same level, and this arrangement cannot be seen in the schematic illustration.

The core shooters 1 are arranged on both sides of the two conveyor lines 17, a symmetrical arrangement being present in the embodiment chosen here.

Fig. 3 also reveals that the core shooters 1 are locally grouped into groups of two core shooters 1. The core shooters 1 and the auxiliary machine 5 are arranged outside the conveyor circuit, the cores being transported from the core shooters 1 and the auxiliary machine 5 to the respective storage stations 19 via a conveyor device (not shown) or manipulators 18.

In functional terms, the auxiliary machine 5 is arranged approximately centrally on the assembly line. As already mentioned above, the cores removed from the additional machine 5 are brought by means of the manipulator 18 to the predetermined depositing stations 19, namely deposited there on pallets of the assembly line 2, not shown in FIG. 3. - 21 -

Fig. 3 also reveals that the manipulator 18 both directly on the assembly line 2 or on the pallets present there and also over the assembly line 2 on the opposite part of the assembly line 2 or on the opposite conveyor line 17 and thus present there Pallet cores can. In any case, the cores can be seen in the conveying direction of the assembly line 2 before or after a core shooter 1 or a group of core shooters 1 in the respective storage station 19 on the assembly line 2 or on the pallets. In any case, it is essential for the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 3 that two core shooters are combined to form a group of core shooters. This makes it possible for the additional machine 5 to have an enormous radius of action, namely that two cores for a total of four groups of core shooters can each place two core shooters on the assembly line without leaving the site. Ultimately, the auxiliary machine 5 stores four times at four storage stations, whereby replacement cores for a total of eight core shooters and thus eight different cores can be provided as replacements. In Fig. 3 it is further indicated that the core shooters 1, which are combined in pairs, each produce two different cores, namely the cores a / b, c / d, e / f and g / h. For this purpose, each core shooter is equipped with two shot heads working independently of one another with a separate compressed air and sand supply, reference being made to DE 40 33 887 C2 with regard to such a double machine. Ultimately, two core shooters 1 arranged next to each other are used to shoot the same core tips in pairs, as explained above.

Finally, it is indicated in FIG. 3 that cameras 20 for monitoring the pallets or the packaging situation are provided both at the storage stations 19 of the auxiliary machine 6 and at the storage stations 19 of the core shooters 1. In this regard, reference is made to the statements in the general part of the description.

In conclusion, it should be particularly pointed out that the previously discussed exemplary embodiments serve only to discuss the claimed teaching, but do not restrict it to the exemplary embodiments.

Claims

- 22 -patent claims

1. Device for producing ready-to-cast masks or core packages, with a number of core shooters (1) and an assembly line (2) corresponding to the number of different cores required for packaging, the shot and solidified cores being removed from the core shooters (1), if necessary processed and completed on the assembly line (2) to the core package, characterized in that at least one additional core shooter - additional machine (5) - is provided for the replacement of each of the cores required for packaging.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the additional machine (5) is arranged stationary.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the additional machine (5) is assigned directly to the assembly line (2).

4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the additional machine (5) seen in the conveying direction of the cores is arranged before the first or after the last regular core shooter (1).

5. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the additional machine (5) is associated with a further assembly line - additional band - which communicates with the first assembly line (2).

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein the assembly line (2) is arranged linearly at least in the broadest sense, characterized in that the additional band runs substantially parallel to the assembly line, so that the assembly line (2) with core loading robots (9) or Manipulators can also load the additional belt and remove it from the cores.

7. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the auxiliary machine (5), preferably from a tool store, by means of - 23 -

Nes robot (9) or manipulator and / or a conveyor with tools for the optional manufacture of each of the cores required for packaging can be equipped.

8. Device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the assembly line (2) is arranged and designed such that cores deposited or packaged there pass at least twice the area of the core shooters (1).

9. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the assembly line (2) forms a core shooter (1) passing open or closed conveyor circuit.

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that the conveyor circuit is formed by two approximately parallel, interconnected conveyor lines (17).

11. The device according to claim 10, characterized in that the conveyor lines (17) run at least largely on the same level.

12. Device according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the core shooters (1) are arranged on both sides of the conveyor lines (17), preferably symmetrically.

13. Device according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the core shooters (1) are locally combined in groups of two core shooters (1).

14. Device according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the core shooters (1), in particular also the additional machine (5), are arranged outside the conveyor circuit. - 24 -

15. Device according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the core shooters (1), in particular also the additional machine (5), are arranged within the conveyor circuit or is.

16. The device according to one of claims 9 to 15, characterized in that the additional machine (5) is arranged in a functional sense approximately centrally on the assembly line (2).

17. Device according to one of the claims 9 to 16, characterized in that the cores removed from the additional machine (5) by means of a manipulator (18) at any point in the conveying circuit, preferably at predeterminable storage stations (19), on the assembly line (2) or can be placed on the pallets.

18. The apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the manipulator (18) directly on the assembly line (2) or on the pallets present there and also over the assembly line (2) on the opposite part or on the opposite conveyor line (17th ) of the assembly line (2).

19. Device according to one of claims 9 to 18, characterized in that the cores seen in the conveying direction of the assembly line (2) before or after a core shooter (1) or a group of core shooters (1), in the respective storage station (19), can be placed on the assembly line (2) or the pallet.

20. Device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the assembly line (2) extends approximately in a meandering manner and thereby passes the area of the core shooters (1) at least twice.

21. Device according to one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the assembly line (2) for storing the cores or pallets (11) serving for packaging carries, characterized in that the pallet (11) an area for packaging the cores - packaging station ( 12) - and an area for storing a core - storage space (13) -, the storage space (13) for receiving any core and for storing - 25 -

closing feeding of the stored core in the process of packaging - in the correct order - serves.

22. The apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that the pallet (1 1) is divided into the two areas and that the two areas of the pallet (11) can be handled and connected independently of each other.

23. Device according to one of claims 1 to 22, characterized in that at least two groups of core shooters (1) are lined up via corresponding assembly belts (2, 3, 4) and that in the area between or on the assembly belts (2, 3, 4 ) Transfer stations (14) with manipulators for transfer are provided.

24. The device according to claim 23, characterized in that the additional machine (5) is arranged directly at or near the transfer station (14) and is assigned to the group of the preceding or the following core shooters (1).

25. The apparatus of claim 23 or 24, characterized in that in the order of the packaging, the last core shooter (1) of a previous group as an additional machine (5) for manufacturing a core of any other core shooter (1) convertible and for shooting Cores of the core shooters (1) of the following group can be used.

26. The apparatus of claim 23 or 24, characterized in that in the order of packaging, the first core shooter (1) of a subsequent group as an additional machine (5) for manufacturing a core of any other core shooter (1) convertible and for shooting Cores of the core shooters (1) of the previous group can be used.

27. The device according to one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that within each group of core shooters (1) each of the core shooters (1) as a regular core shooter (1) or as an additional machine (5) for - 26 -

Manufacturing a core of any other core shooter (1) can be converted and used accordingly.

28. Device according to one of claims 23 to 27, characterized in that in functional terms between the groups of core shooters (1), i.e. between the assembly lines (2, 3, 4), bearings for introducing and removing individual cores and / or core packages that have already been packaged or at least partially packaged are provided.

29. Device according to one of claims 1 to 28, characterized in that the core shooters (1) after the removal station (6) in the area in front of the assembly line (2) each have a deburring device (7).

30. Device according to one of claims 1 to 29, characterized in that the core shooters after the removal station (6), preferably after the deburring device (7), each downstream of the assembly line (2) is a station for quality control (8).

31. Device according to one of claims 1 to 30, characterized in that a robot (9) or manipulator with at least one gripper (10) is preferably assigned to each core shooting machine (1), the robot (9) being used for the removal station (6). , further handling and for packaging or storage of the shot cores.

32. Device according to one of claims 1 to 31, characterized in that the core shooters (1) are each equipped with two independently working shooting heads with separate compressed air and sand supply.

33. Apparatus according to claim 32, characterized in that the core shooters (1), preferably in pairs, which are combined to form a group and are used for shooting the same core types. - 27 -

34. Device according to one of claims 1 to 33, characterized in that cameras (20) for monitoring the pallets or the packaging situation are provided at the storage stations (19) of the additional machine (5).

35. Device according to one of claims 1 to 34, characterized in that at the storage stations (19) all core shooters (1) cameras (20) for monitoring the pallets or the packaging situation on the pallets are provided.

36. Process for the production of ready-to-cast masks or core packages, wherein cores made of molding material are shot and solidified on at least two core shooting machines, removed from the core shooting machines, possibly processed and completed together to form a core package, and the core shooting machines are coupled via an assembly line, in particular for use A device according to one of claims 1 to 35, characterized in that in the event of the failure or maintenance of one of the core shooters, each of the cores required for packaging can be shot as a substitute via at least one additional core shooter - additional machine.

37. The method according to claim 36, characterized in that the additional machine is operated stationary.

38. The method according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the cores shot with the additional machine are deposited or packaged on the assembly line or on pallets movable on the assembly line.

39. The method according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the cores shot with the additional machine are placed on a further assembly belt - additional belt - or on pallets movable on the additional belt, the additional belt communicating with the first assembly belt. - 28 -

40. The method according to claim 39, wherein the assembly line is arranged linearly at least in the broadest sense, characterized in that the additional band runs essentially parallel to the assembly line.

41. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 40, characterized in that the additional machine, preferably from a tool store, by means of a robot or manipulator and / or a conveyor is equipped with tools for the optional manufacture of each of the cores required for packaging.

42. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 41, characterized in that the cores deposited or packaged on the assembly line pass through the area of the respective core shooters at least twice due to the arrangement of the assembly line.

43. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 42, characterized in that the cores are conveyed on the assembly line via an open or closed conveyor circuit which passes through the core shooters.

44. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 43, characterized in that the cores on the assembly line are approximately meandering and the area of the core shooters are conveyed passing at least twice.

45. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 44, characterized in that the pallets are divided into a packaging space and a storage space and that the two parts of the pallets are used independently of one another and possibly handled.

46. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 45, characterized in that at least two groups of core shooters are lined up via appropriate assembly lines and that the cores or core packages are transferred from one assembly line to the other assembly line by means of manipulators arranged at transfer stations. - 29 -

47. The method according to claim 46, characterized in that, in the order of the packaging, the last core shooter of a respective previous group is converted as an additional machine for producing a core of any other core shooter and is used for shooting cores of the core shooters of the following group.

48. The method according to claim 46, characterized in that in the order of the packaging, the first core shooter of each subsequent group is converted as an additional machine for producing a core of any other core shooter and used for shooting cores of the core shooters of the respective previous group.

49. The method according to any one of claims 46 to 48, characterized in that within each group of core shooters, each of the core shooters can be converted and used as a regular core shooter or as an additional machine for manufacturing a core of any other core shooter.

50. The method according to any one of claims 46 to 48, characterized in that in functional terms between the groups of core shooters, i.e. between the assembly lines, individual cores and / or cores that have already been packaged are introduced into bearings and removed from bearings.

51. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 50, characterized in that the cores are deburred in the area before the assembly line after the removal station.

52. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 51, characterized in that the cores are checked for quality after the removal station, preferably after the deburring, before the assembly line.

53. The method according to any one of claims 36 to 52, characterized in that preferably each core shooting machine is a robot or manipulator with at least - 30 -

is assigned to a gripper and that the shot cores are removed, handled, packaged or deposited with the robot.