GB816352A - High-frequency induction hardening machines - Google Patents

Abstract

816,352. Hardening metals by induction heating. MORRIS MOTORS Ltd. Jan. 27, 1958 [Feb. 21, 1957], No. 5851/57. Class 72 [Also in Group XI] A high frequency induction hardening machine for treating a set of equi-spaced identical, workpieces one after another, comprises mechanism for conveying the set of workpieces step-by-step in an endless path, a single-loop high-frequency inductor and an associated quenching device mounted adjacent that path, mechanism to introduce each workpiece in turn into the inductor and withdraw it after a predetermined interval, and provision for stopping the machine and switching off the power supply to the inductor automatically after the last workpiece of the set has been treated. As shown, a gear ring 1 is located and free to rotate on a circular supporting plate 2 which has a central bearing 3 carried by a platform 4 tiltable about a fulcrum 5 on a bracket 6 fixed to a base plate 7, and to rise and fall intermittently by an electrically driven cam 9 and its follower 10 which is attached to the platform through arm 11. At each upward movement of the platform 4 the supporting plate 2 is rotated by means of slot like cam 13 and its follower 12 to cause ring 1 to advance 1 tooth. When the platform descends plate 2 returns to its original position but the ring is prevented from rotating with it by a pawl 14. A liquid cooled single loop inductor 15 fitted with current feed plates 16 is mounted with an associated oil quench jet 17 so that as the ring is raised, one tooth is caused to enter the field of the inductor before being withdrawn and rapidly quenched by the oil jet at 17. A loose radial arm 18 which can be hinged upwardly at 19 is attached to the ring gear 1 and has a projection 21 which actuates a micro-switch 22 to turn off the power supply to the machine when the last tooth has been hardened. Used oil returns to tank 27 where it is cooled by water cooler 28. In a modification, Fig. 4 (not shown), tappet screws may be arranged to protrude through recesses spaced equidistantly around a toothed annulus. Specification 613,323 [Group XI] is referred to.