VERTICALLY DIVIDED FEEDER FOR USE IN METAL CASTING IN CASTING MOLDS AND METHOD FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF

Abstract

The invention relates to a feeder insert (1, 1, 1, 1, 100, 100) for use in metal casting in casting molds, comprising a feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) which delimits a feeder cavity (4, 4, 4, 4, 104, 104) for receiving liquid metal, wherein the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) has a first end (6, 6, 6, 6, 106, 106) having a passage opening (8) for the liquid metal and a second end (10, 10, 10, 10, 110, 110) opposite the first end (6, 6, 6, 6, 106, 106), and wherein the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) comprises a central axis (Z) extending through the passage opening (8). The feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) is separated at least one partition plane (E) extending in a direction of the central axis (Z) and is formed at least from a first feeder shell (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118) and a second feeder shell (20, 20, 20, 20, 120, 120). The first and second feeder shells (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118) are connected to each other to form the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102).

Claims

1. A feeder insert (1, 1, 1, 1, 100, 100) for use in metal casting in casting molds, having a feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) which delimits a feeder cavity (4, 4, 4, 4, 104, 104) for receiving liquid metal, wherein the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) has a first end (6, 6, 6, 6, 106, 106) with a passage opening (8) for the liquid metal and a second end (10, 10, 10, 10, 110, 110) opposite to the first end (6, 6, 6, 106, 106), and wherein the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) comprises a central axis (Z) extending through the passage opening (8), wherein the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) is separated at least one partition plane (E) extending in a direction of the central axis (Z) and is formed from at least a first feeder shell (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118) and a second feeder shell (20, 20, 20, 20, 120, 120), wherein the first and second feeder shells (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118) are connected to each other to form the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102).

2. The feeder insert of claim 1, wherein the first feeder shell (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118) comprises a first partition surface (19, 19, 19, 19, 119, 119) and the second feeder shell (20, 20, 20, 120, 120) comprises a second partition surface (21, 21, 21, 21, 121, 121) corresponding to the first partition surface (19, 19, 19, 19, 119, 119) for connecting the first and second feeder shells (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118, 20, 20, 20, 120, 120) to each other.

3. The feeder insert of claim 1, wherein the first feeder shell (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118) comprises at least one first protrusion (22a, 22b, 22c, 22a, 22b, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22, 122a, 122b, 122c, 122a, 122b, 122c) and at least one first recess (23a, 23b, 23c, 23a, 23b, 23a, 23b, 23c, 23, 123a, 123b, 123c, 123a, 123b, 123c) and wherein the second feeder shell (20, 20, 20, 20, 120, 120) comprises at least one second protrusion (24a, 24b, 24c) and a second recess (25a, 25b, 25c), wherein the first protrusion (22a, 22b, 22c, 22a, 22b, 22a, 22b, 22c 22, 122a, 122b, 122c, 122a, 122b, 122c) engages in the second recess (25a, 25b, 25c) and the second protrusion (24a, 24b, 24c) engages in the first recess (23a, 23b, 23c, 23a, 23b, 23a, 23b, 23c, 23, 123a, 123b, 123c, 123a, 123b, 123c) for connecting the first and second feeder shells (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118, 20, 20, 20, 20, 120, 120).

4. The feeder insert according to claim 3, wherein a spacing in a range of 20 mm or less is provided between adjacent protrusions and/or recesses.

5. The feeder insert according to claim 3, or wherein, measured along the central axis (Z) in sum, a section of 50% or less is free of protrusions and recesses.

6. The feeder insert according to claim 3, wherein the protrusions are formed by material appendages of residual material in inlet openings of a core box in which the feeder shell (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118, 20, 20, 20, 120, 120) is manufactured.

7. The feeder insert according to claim 1, comprising a holding sleeve (26) partially or completely circumferentially surrounding the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) for holding the first and second feeder shells (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118, 20, 20, 20, 120, 120) together.

8. The feeder insert according to claim 7, wherein the holding sleeve (26) is selected from: paper sleeve, plastic sleeve, elastomer sleeve, rubber sleeve, metal sleeve, holding sleeve formed from renewable raw materials, holding sleeve formed from a substantially residue-free combustible material.

9. The feeder insert of claim 7, wherein the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) comprises a circumferential recess (28) for receiving the holding sleeve (26).

10. The feeder insert according to claim 1, wherein the feeder cavity (4, 4, 4, 4, 104, 104) comprises at least one undercut.

11. The feeder insert according to claim 10, wherein the feeder cavity (4, 4, 104) is part-spherical.

12. The feeder insert according to claim 1, wherein the first and second feeder shells (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118, 20, 20, 20, 120, 120) are substantially free of undercuts.

13. The feeder insert according to claim 1, wherein the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) tapers towards the passage opening (8) and thereby defines a feeder neck.

14. The feeder insert according to claim 1, wherein the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 102, 102) comprises at least one circumferential weak section (30) which divides the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 102, 102) into a base portion (32) having the passage opening (8) and an along the central axis (Z) coaxial cap portion (34), so that the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 102, 102) is breakable in the weak section (30), when a force is applied in the direction of the central axis (Z), wherein the base portion (32) and the cap portion (34) are telescopically displaceable into one another section wise.

15. The feeder insert according to claim 1, comprising a metallic attachment arranged on the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 102, 102) around the passage opening (8) and having a collar extending in the direction of the central axis (Z).

16. The feeder insert according to claim 1, wherein the first and second feeder shells (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118, 20, 20, 20, 120, 120) are substantially identically formed.

17. The feeder insert according to claim 1, wherein the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) comprises, on an inner side facing the feeder cavity (4, 4, 4, 4, 104, 104) and opposite the passage opening (8), a centering pin recess (15) for receiving a centering pin tip (16).

18. The feeder insert according to claim 17, wherein towards the feeder cavity (104, 104) the centering pin recess (15) comprises an insertion chamfer (17).

19. The feeder insert according to claim 1, wherein the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) at least section-wise comprises an exothermic heating mass.

20. The feeder insert according to claim 1, wherein the feeder insert (1, 1, 1, 1, 100, 100) has a modulus in a range from about 0.5 cm to 9 cm.

21. The feeder insert according to claim 1, comprising a metallic attachment (42) arranged on the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) surrounding the passage opening (8) and connecting the first feeder shell (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118) and the second feeder shell (20, 20, 20, 20, 120, 120) to each other.

22. The feeder insert according to claim 21, wherein the metallic attachment (42) comprises at least one first latching element (141) and the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) comprises at least one second latching element (142) corresponding to the first latching element (141), such that the metallic attachment (42) can be latched to the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102).

23. The feeder insert according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the metallic attachment (42) is fixed to the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) in the manner of a bayonet catch.

24. The feeder insert according to claim 1, for use in metal casting in vertically separable casting molds, wherein the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) is adapted for positioning by means of a centering pin (12) positionable along a centering axis (Z), and wherein the feeder cavity (4, 4, 4, 4, 104, 104) is configured such that a predominant volume portion of the feeder cavity (4, 4, 4, 4, 104, 104) is positionable above the centering axis (Z) when the centering axis (Z) is arranged horizontally.

25. The feeder insert according to claim 1, wherein the feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102) is formed of exothermic feeder material or comprises exothermic feeder material at least section-wise; or is formed of insulating feeder material or comprises insulating feeder material at least section-wise; or is formed of or includes a material selected from the group consisting of metals, plastics, paperboards, mixtures thereof, and composites thereof.

26. A method for producing a feeder insert (1, 1, 1, 1, 100, 100) according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: shooting a first feeder shell (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118) in a core box; shooting a second feeder shell (20, 20, 20, 20, 120, 120) in the or a core box; and connecting the first and second feeder shells (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118, 20, 20, 20, 120, 120) to form a feeder body (2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102).

27. The method according to claim 26, including the step of: forming at least one first protrusion (22a, 22b, 22c, 22a, 22b, 22a, 22b, 22c, 22, 122a, 122b, 122c, 122a, 122b, 122c) on the first feeder shell (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118) by not or not completely removing a material appendix formed by an inlet opening of the core box.

28. The method according to claim 26, wherein the step of connecting comprises: positively connecting and/or substance-to-substance jointing.

29. The method according to claim 26, after connecting comprising the step of: arranging a holding sleeve (26) circumferentially about the first and second feeder shells (18, 18, 18, 18, 118, 118, 20, 20, 20, 120, 120).

Description

[0043] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will be apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawings; which show in:

[0044] FIG. 1 a section through a feeder insert according to a first embodiment;

[0045] FIG. 2 a perspective view of two feeder shells of the first embodiment;

[0046] FIG. 3a a sectional view of the feeder insert according to FIG. 1 in an uncompressed state;

[0047] FIG. 3b a sectional view of the feeder insert according to FIG. 1 in a compressed state;

[0048] FIG. 4a a sectional view of a feeder insert according to a second embodiment in an uncompressed state;

[0049] FIG. 4b a view of the feeder insert according to FIG. 4a in a compressed state;

[0050] FIG. 5a a sectional view of a feeder insert according to a third embodiment in an uncompressed state;

[0051] FIG. 5b a sectional view of the feeder insert according to FIG. 5a in a compressed state;

[0052] FIG. 6a a sectional view of a feeder insert according to a fourth embodiment in an uncompressed state;

[0053] FIG. 6b a sectional view of the feeder insert according to FIG. 6a in a compressed state;

[0054] FIG. 7 a sectional view of a feeder insert according to a fifth embodiment;

[0055] FIG. 8a a perspective view of a feeder insert according to a sixth embodiment;

[0056] FIG. 9a a sectional view of the feeder insert according to FIG. 8;

[0057] FIG. 10a a sectional view of a metallic attachment for use with the feeder insert of the sixth embodiment;

[0058] FIG. 10b a perspective view of the metal attachment of FIG. 10a; and in

[0059] FIG. 11a a sectional view of a feeder insert according to a seventh embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a feeder insert 1 according to the invention, used in metal casting of metals in a casting mold not shown in more detail. The feeder insert 1 comprises a feeder body 2, which defines a feeder cavity 4 for receiving liquid metal. The feeder body 2 has a first end 6 with a passage opening 8 for the liquid metal. The feeder body 2 further comprises a second end 10 opposite the first end 6, the second end 10 of the feeder body 2 being closed.

[0061] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a centering pin 12, which is arranged on a pattern plate 14 or a form model, is inserted in the feeder body 2. The centering pin 12 serves to ensure the exact position of the feeder insert 1. However, the centering pin 12 is not part of the feeder insert 1 itself, but merely serves to position the feeder insert 1 during mold production and is removed after production of at least one mold part of the casting mold. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a centering tip 16 of the centering pin 12 extends through the second end 10 of the feeder body 2. However, this is not absolutely necessary and the centering pin 12 with its centering tip 16 can also end inside the feeder body 2.

[0062] The feeder body 2 further comprises a central axis Z, which in FIG. 1 extends vertically and centrally extends through the passage opening 8. In the feeder insert 1 according to FIG. 1, the central axis Z further coincides with a centering axis of the centering pin 12. The feeder insert 1 is divided along a partition plane E, which in FIG. 1 extends in the image plane and is thus parallel to and includes the central axis Z. The feeder body 2 is formed from a first feeder shell 18 and a second feeder shell 20 (cf. FIG. 2), which can be or are connected to one another to form the feeder body 2. Since the sectional plane according to the drawing of FIG. 1 also lies in the image plane, only the first feeder shell is visible in FIG. 1. FIG. 2, on the other hand, shows a disassembled feeder insert 1, in which the first and second feeder shells 18, 20 can be seen.

[0063] The feeder insert 1 or the feeder body 2 respectively is split vertically and each of the feeder shells 18, 20 can be produced separately. In this way, even such complex shapes as shown in FIG. 1 can be produced in a simplified manner. The feeder cavity 4 of the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 comprises an undercut, which is characterized by the fact that starting from the passage opening 8 the feeder cavity 4 first widens and then tapers again in the direction of the second end 10. In order to be able to produce such a feeder cavity 4 with a one-piece feeder body 2, it would be necessary to use a lost core in the interior.

[0064] Alternatively, such a feeder cavity 4 would have to be fabricated using lift-off manufacturing techniques. In the prior art, such a mold has typically been formed by dividing the feeder body 2 horizontally, namely consisting of a lower feeder part and an upper feeder part, which can be separated from each other in the vertical direction. Nevertheless, there are limitations in the geometry with the conventional method of operation which are no longer present due to the present vertical division.

[0065] The first feeder shell 18 has a first partition surface 19 and the second feeder shell 20 has a second partition surface 21. The first and second partition surfaces 19, 21 are configured to abut each other when the feeder shells 18, 20 are assembled together. Three protrusions are provided on the first partition surface 19 of the first feeder shell 18, namely a first protrusion 22a, another first protrusion 22b and a third first protrusion 22c. In addition, the first partition surface 19 of the first feeder shell 18 further comprises a first recess 23a, another first recess 23b, and a third first recess 23c. The second feeder shell 20 or also the second partition surface 21 respectively corresponds with the first feeder shell 18 or the first partition surface 19 and has a second protrusion 24a, a further second protrusion 24b as well as a third second protrusion 24c. It further comprises a second recess 25a, a further second recess 25b, and a third second recess 25c. As can be readily seen from FIG. 2, the protrusions and recesses of the two feeder shells 18, 20 can cooperate with each other. When joining the two feeder shells 18, 20, the first protrusion 22a engages the second recess 25a and the second protrusion 24a engages into the first recess 23a. The same applies to the remaining recesses and protrusions. Thus, the protrusion 22c engages the recess 25c, the protrusion 24c engages the recess 23c, the protrusion 22b engages the recess 25b, and the protrusion 24b engages the recess 23b.

[0066] The first and second feeder shells 18, 20 of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-3b) are further characterized in that the feeder shells 18, 20 are identically formed. This can be realized by the skillful arrangement of the protrusions and recesses. As a result, identical parts can be used and the feeder shells 18, 20 can be manufactured in the same core shooting machine.

[0067] The protrusions 22a-22c, 24a-24c and recesses 23a-23c, 25a-25c act together as positive locking elements by means of which the first and second feeder shells 18, 20 can be joined together. In the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1, a retaining collar 26 is further provided in order to maintain the joined position of the first and second feeder shells 18, 20. The retaining collar 26 is received in a circumferential recess 28 to fix axial position of the retaining collar 26. However, this recess 28 is not essential and is not provided in the example embodiment shown in FIG. 2. For example, the retaining collar 26 may be formed of paper, rubber, elastomeric material, metal or other materials. The retaining collar 26 must not withstand particularly high forces, rather it serves to prevent the first and second feeder shells 18, 20 from falling apart during transport or positioning on the pattern plate 14. Preferably, the holding sleeve 26 is formed of a material which combusts residue-free during the casting process. In this way, the molding sand surrounding the feeder insert 1 can be kept free of residues of other materials.

[0068] The various protrusions 22a-22c, 24a-24c and recesses 23a-23c, 25a-25c are arranged on the first and second partition surfaces 19, 21 such that a distance A between adjacent ones of these elements (cf. FIG. 1) is not greater than a predetermined value, namely preferably not greater than 20 mm. The shorter this distance is, the better, in order to avoid so-called fins. As can easily be inferred from FIGS. 1 and 2, liquid metal entering the feeder cavity 4 through the passage opening 8 could flow between the partition surfaces 19, 21 and there through towards the outside of the feeder insert 1. Interlocking of the projections and recesses, however, forms a certain barrier. On the one hand, this is advantageous in order to prevent heat transport from the feeder cavity 4 to the outside, and on the other hand, it is also advantageous in order to interrupt material flow and thus ensure that no fins are formed, namely solidified metal, which remains between the first and second partition surfaces 19, 21 in planar form. The shorter these surfaces are, the better for the casting process. Likewise, it is preferred if the interlocking elements, i.e. the protrusions and recesses, occupy as large an area as possible. As can be inferred from FIGS. 1 and 2, the free area, i.e. an area without a protrusion or recess, of the first and second partition surfaces 19, 21 in the axial direction, i.e. seen along the central axis Z, is relatively small, preferably less than 50% measured with respect to the overall length of the feeder body 2. This also leads to increased insulation and prevents the formation of fins.

[0069] Furthermore, the feeder insert 1 according to the present example embodiment is formed as a so-called tele-feeder and comprises a weak section 30 at which the feeder body 2 can be broken and compressed. This is shown in particular with reference to FIGS. 3a, 3b. Therefore, the feeder body 2 comprises a base portion 32 and a cap portion 34, which are separated from each other by the weak section 30. The weak section 30 is formed as a section with reduced wall thickness, as can be readily inferred from FIGS. 1-3b. The base portion 32 has a first outer diameter D1 which is equal to or smaller than a second diameter D2, namely the inner diameter of the feeder cavity 4 in the area of the cap portion 34. In this way, when the weak section 30 breaks, the base portion 32 can dip into the cap portion 34.

[0070] When the feeder insert 1 is encased in molding sand 36, as shown in FIG. 3a, and this molding sand 36 is then compressed, as shown in FIG. 3b, a force F acts in particular on the second end 10 of the feeder body 2 so that the centering tip 16 pushes through the second end 10 and the cap portion 34 moves downward toward the base portion 32. Since the base portion 32 is fixed (namely in contact with the pattern plate 14), the material of the feeder body 2 breaks in the region of the weak section 30 and the cap portion 34 is pushed over the base portion 32. As a result, the volume of the feeder cavity 4 is reduced.

[0071] The base portion 32 is also slightly conical in shape. It tapers toward the passage opening 8 both on its exterior 38 and on its inner surface 40. In this way, a constriction can be formed so that solidified metal located in the feeder cavity 4 after completion of the casting process can be knocked off easily. The taper serves to create a notch with a notch effect. In addition, the taper, in particular the taper on the exterior 38, provides a smaller footprint for the feeder insert 1.

[0072] Although the example embodiment shown in FIG. 1 shows weak section 30, it is to be understood that such a feeder insert 1 having a tapered base portion 32 is also preferred and is disclosed herein when no weak section 30 is provided.

[0073] FIGS. 4a, 4b show a second embodiment of the present invention. Again, the feeder insert 1 has a feeder body 2 which defines a feeder cavity 4 for receiving liquid metal. Identical and similar elements are indicated by reference signs, with an apostrophe for the second example embodiment. In particular, the differences with respect to the first example embodiment are highlighted below.

[0074] A major difference from the first embodiment is that the feeder cavity 4 is formed part-spherical. The feeder body 2 is again formed from two feeder shells 18, 20, of which, only one feeder shell 18 is shown in FIGS. 4a, 4b. However, the second feeder shell 20 is again formed identically to the first feeder shell 18. This can be easily seen from the first protrusion 22a, the further first protrusion 22b and the first recess 23a and the further first recess 23b.

[0075] The geometry of the feeder body 2 differs from that of the first embodiment (FIGS. 1-3b) in particular in that the cap portion 34 of the feeder body 2 is also formed substantially part-spherical. In this respect, the first protrusion 22a and the first recess 23a are also formed in a part-circular or arched. The feeder insert 1 according to the second example embodiment (FIGS. 4a, 4b) is also formed as a tele-feeder and has a weak section 30 whose function corresponds to that of the first example embodiment (FIGS. 1-3b).

[0076] A spherical shape is a particularly preferred, since a sphere has a particularly preferred surface area to volume ratio. In this way, the temperature of the metal received in the feeder cavity 4 can be kept high and it remains liquid for a longer time than in other geometries.

[0077] The feeder body 2 of the second embodiment (FIGS. 4a-4b) also comprises an undercut, and starting from the passage opening 8 in the direction of the second end 10 the feeder cavity 4 initially widens along the central axis Z and then tapers again. For feeders, the spherical shape is particularly complex to manufacture and is particularly preferred in the context of the invention as it can be manufactured easily and economically due to the two feeder shells 18, 20.

[0078] A third embodiment shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b is essentially based on the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b, so that in particular the differences from the second embodiment (FIGS. 4a, 4b) are highlighted below.

[0079] In contrast to the second embodiment (FIGS. 4a, 4b), a metallic attachment 42 is provided in the third embodiment (FIGS. 5a, 5b), which is arranged around the passage opening 8 and has a collar 44 extending axially in the direction of the central axis Z. In the embodiment shown here, the metallic attachment 42 covers the conical area of the exterior 38, but not a cylindrical section 39 with the first diameter D1. As described in principle above, the cylindrical section 39 is intended to plunge into the cap portion 34 of the feeder body 2 when the weak section 30 breaks (as shown in FIG. 5b), so that it is advantageous if the metallic attachment 42 is not arranged here.

[0080] The protruding collar 44 serves to space the feeder body 2 somewhat apart from the pattern plate 14 and at the same time to reduce the contact area. Here, the inner diameter of the collar 44 corresponds essentially to the outer diameter of the centering pin 12. In all other respects, the feeder body 2 corresponds to that of the third embodiment (FIGS. 4a, 4b). The metallic attachment 42, which is preferably a single piece, surrounds, preferably completely surrounds, the conical section of the base section 42 radially, and in this way leads to a further fixation of the two feeder shells 18, 20 and therefore supports the function of the retaining collar 26.

[0081] FIGS. 6a, 6b show a so-called side feeder which is used to be attached to the side of a casting mold. For such a side feeder, the first and second feeder shells 18, 20 cannot be formed identically, as was the case in the previous example embodiments, which can readily inferred from FIGS. 6a, 6b. Rather, the feeder shells 18, 20 must be formed substantially mirror symmetrical along the partition plane E, and protrusions and recesses should each be complementary to one another. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 6a, 6b, the first feeder shell 18 again has a first partition surface 19 on which a first protrusion 22a, a further first protrusion 22b and a third first protrusion 22c are formed. These are arranged alternately with a first recess 23a, a further first recess 23b and a third first recess 23c following a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The alternating arrangement of protrusion and recess results in a better connection of the first and second feeder shells 18, 20. A retaining collar 26 is provided in the example embodiment shown here as well, although this is not absolutely necessary, and the feeder shells 18, 20 can also be connected with a substance-to-substance bond, for example, by means of an adhesive.

[0082] In this case, the feeder insert 1, which is formed as a side feeder, is also formed as a so-called tele-feeder. It also comprises a weakened area 30 as well as a base portion 32 and a cap portion 34, whereby an outer diameter of the base portion 32 is smaller than or equal to the inner diameter of the cap portion 34. FIG. 6b shows a compressed form in which the cap portion 34 has been moved downward relative to the base portion 32 and the weakened area 30 is already broken. Furthermore, a centering pin 12 is also provided in this example embodiment, which again serves to hold the feeder insert 1 formed as a side feeder, to the pattern plate 14.

[0083] As can be inferred from FIGS. 6a, 6b, the geometry of the feeder cavity 4 is very complex. By dividing the feeder body 2 according to the invention into the first feeder shell 18 and the second feeder shell 20 along a partition plane E which is parallel to or contains the central axis Z, this complex geometry can be produced easily and at low cost.

[0084] FIG. 7 now shows a feeder insert 1 according to a fifth embodiment. This feeder insert 1 is essentially oriented on the feeder insert according to the second and third example embodiments (FIGS. 4a to 5b), whereby in contrast to the second and third example embodiments, the feeder insert 1 according to the fifth example embodiment is not formed as a tele-feeder. For this reason, it does not have a base portion, but only a feeder body 2, which essentially corresponds to the cap portion according to the second and third example embodiments. Nevertheless, it has the other features according to the invention, such as in particular the central axis Z, a first and second feeder shell 18, 20 (only the feeder shell 18 shown in FIG. 7), comprising a first partition surface 19 with a protrusion 22 and a recess 23. It may be referred to as a spherical feeder and has a spherical or part-spherical feeder cavity 4. The first and second feeder shells 18, 20 according to the fifth embodiment may again be identical to each other. Also, a recess 28 is provided for a holding sleeve (not shown). For the remaining features, reference is made to the previous embodiments.

[0085] In FIGS. 8 to 11, reference signs are provided with numbers added by 100. When the same reference signs as in the previous embodiments are used, the same elements as in the first embodiments are designated, and in this respect full reference is made to the above description.

[0086] FIGS. 8 and 9 first illustrate a sixth example embodiment based on the example embodiment according to FIGS. 5a, 5b. In the following it will be referred to this in full and essentially the differences will be described.

[0087] A first difference from the example embodiment of FIGS. 5a, 5b is that the feeder body 102 according to FIGS. 8 and 9 is configured to cooperate with the metallic attachment 42 as shown in FIGS. 10a, 10b. In the example embodiment shown in FIGS. 10a, 10b, the metallic attachment 42 has first latching elements 141, which are here formed as projections or lugs. These can be provided directly during the manufacturing process of deep drawing the metallic attachment 42. The feeder body 102 comprises corresponding second latching elements 142, here in the form of an L-shaped groove 143. The first latching element 141 of the metallic attachment 42 can cooperate with this in the manner of a bayonet catch. The metallic attachment 42 is first placed onto the assembled feeder shells 118, 120 axially from below, with the first latching elements 141 entering the sections of the groove 143 that are aligned parallel to the central axis Z. The first latching elements 141 of the metallic attachment 42 are then inserted into the groove 143. Subsequently, the metallic attachment 42 is to be rotated about the central axis Z, clockwise with respect to the example embodiment shown. Preferably, a constriction 144 is provided in the groove 143 to narrow the cross-section before of a frontal end of the groove 143. The first latching element 141 can then be pushed over the constriction 144, using force, and move behind it in the movement direction, so that the metallic attachment 42 is secured against reverse rotation. In this way, it cannot be lost during transport.

[0088] The same type of connection between the metallic attachment 42 and the feeder body 102, 102 is also provided in the example embodiment of FIG. 11.

[0089] Another difference in the sixth embodiment (FIGS. 8, 9) is that an insertion chamfer 17 is provided on the recess 15 for the centering pin tip 16. This ensures that the tip does not bluntly hits against the ceiling of the feeder cavity 104 and breaks out material when the feeder insert 100 is placed on a centering pin 12.

[0090] The material of the feeder body 102 is preferably exothermic material, and fragments thereof may contaminate molten metal entering the feeder cavity 104, which may result in degraded component quality. Therefore, the preferred insertion chamfer serves to improve the quality of a casted component.

[0091] According to the embodiment shown herein, a chamfer 150 is further provided in the lower region of the feeder body 102, specifically at the base portion 32. It has been shown in experiments that in embodiments as shown in FIGS. 4a to 5b, which do not have such a chamfer, material breaking out of the ceiling may remain on the annular shoulder 152 of the base portion 32. As described above, this material may then adversely affect component quality in the subsequent casting process. The chamfer 150 allows material that may break away to fall down towards the passage opening 8, so that it can be removed from the feeder cavity 104 when the centering pin 12 is withdrawn. Therefore, the chamfer 150 also serves to improve component quality.

[0092] Furthermore, it is provided in the sixth example embodiment of FIGS. 8, 9 that a region of the cap portion 34, opposite the passage opening 8, is flattened and has a planar surface 160. The planar surface 160 allows setting down the feeder insert 100 during transport. This simplifies transport and handling.

[0093] FIG. 11 shows a seventh example embodiment based on the example embodiment of FIGS. 3a, 3b, but additionally using the metallic attachment 42 shown in FIGS. 10a, 10b. For the detailed description and advantages, reference is made to the above.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0094] 1, 1, 1, 1, 100, 100 feeder insert [0095] 2, 2, 2, 2, 102, 102 feeder body [0096] 4, 4, 4, 4, 104, 104 feeder cavity [0097] 6, 6, 6, 6, 106, 106 first end [0098] 8 passage opening [0099] 10, 10, 10, 10, 110 second end [0100] 12 centering pin [0101] 15 recess for centering pin tip [0102] 16 centering pin tip [0103] 17 insertion chamfer [0104] 18, 18, 18, 18, 118 feeder shell [0105] 19, 19, 19, 19, 119 first partition surface [0106] 20, 20, 20, 120 second feeder shell [0107] 21, 21, 21, 21, 121 second partition surface [0108] 22a-22c first protrusions [0109] 23a-23c first recesses [0110] 24a-24c second protrusions [0111] 25a-25c second recesses [0112] 26 holding sleeve [0113] 28 recess for holding sleeve [0114] 30 weak section [0115] 32 base portion [0116] 34 cap portion [0117] 36 molding sand [0118] 38 exterior [0119] 39 cylindrical section [0120] 40 inner surface [0121] 42 metallic attachment [0122] 44 collar [0123] 141 first latching element [0124] 142 second latching element [0125] 143 L shaped groove [0126] 144 constriction [0127] 150 chamfer [0128] 152 annular shoulder [0129] 160 plane surface [0130] A distance [0131] D1 first diameter [0132] D2 second diameter [0133] E partition plane [0134] Z central axis