Mechanical safety catches to prevent inadvertent mould platen closure - to complement electrical or hydraulic safety switch controls

摘要

A safety catch for a moulding machine comprises a bar mounted on a lever which can pivot or slide to be interposed between a pair of moulding platens in the open position. The movement of the bar out of the platen daylight is prevented by the form of the sliding gate guard until the guard is in the closed position. Particular reference is made to use on machines designed for moulding expanded materials, but it is applicable to any machine with power-operated platen movements. The mechanical catch is more reliable under severe operating conditions, e.g. high temperatures, than operation of electrical or hydraulic control switches.