DE102007029119A1 - Closure unit for injection molding machine, includes fast-action catch connection between displacement unit and central mold section to facilitate mold exchange - Google Patents

Abstract

The central mold section (10) and the displacement unit are detachably connected by a fast-action catch (20). This includes a projection (22) which is gripped behind the slide (23) when connected. The projection is on the mold, the slide on the displacement unit. The central mold rests on the slide, this being the only side on which they are fastened together. The central mold has a suspension point (7). The displacement unit includes a unit rotating the central mold about a vertical axis. The fast-action catch is mechanical, hydraulic, electromechanical or magnetic in operation. The projection is a clamping bolt reaching into a corresponding clearance hole. The clamping bolt is arranged on the central mold and the clearance hole is arranged on the displacement unit. On the latter, a side opening extends into the clearance hole for the clamping bolt, in which locking devices are arranged. These include a wedge-shaped slide. The clamping bolt has holes with corresponding walls, in which the slide catches. The slide is moved into the catching position over the projection. Holding is by frictional and/or interlocking. Further details of the catch device are provided. The central mold is detachably pre-connected with further molds (11, 12) and the molds (10, 11, 12) can be moved together on the displacement unit. As the central mold is being connected to the displacement unit by means of the fast-acting catch device, other lines are coupled, preferably automatically. These supply media such as electrical current, hydraulics, and coolant between the central mold and the slide.

Description

The The present invention relates to a closing unit of an injection molding machine comprising a - in preferably horizontal direction - movable platen, a fixed platen and at least one in between arranged center tool moving on one in the direction of movement the movable platen displaceable sliding device solvable is fastened.

Around the process of injection molding accelerate, especially in multi-stage injection molding, becomes common a closing unit used in between the moving platen and the fixed platen nor a center plate is arranged on which the so-called center tools spanned are. The middle plate is fixed on a displacement device, the longitudinal the direction of movement of the movable platen movable is.

at Mass production must the tools replaced after a certain number of injection cycles because they succumb to natural wear. Recently, however, there is an ever-increasing need, smaller product series to drive, where the tools even before their natural Wear replaced and if needed later Time to be used again. Exchanging tools, especially the middle tools, turns out to be expensive, because the tools need to be precisely positioned so that they are in optimum condition Can be clamped on the clamping plates.

The Object of the present invention is now a closing unit to design the genus mentioned above so that the middle tools easier to replace.

These The object is achieved with the features of claim 1.

By doing now the middle tool and the displacement device by means of at least a quick release detachable can be connected to each other leaves the tool exchange faster, as in the prior art used screw connections consuming to solve and attach are what an exact positioning even more difficult.

Quick releases are adequately known, such closures a faster opening and closing enable, as e.g. Screw connections. Advantageous embodiments are below described (of course also other familiar to the expert Quick fasteners in Come question). Such a quick release can mechanical, hydromechanical, be formed electromechanically or magnetically.

advantageously, is provided that the quick release from a projection and a slide is formed, wherein the projection of the displaceable Slider is engaged behind in fixing position. Especially is cheap, when the projection on the center tool and the slider on the displacement device is arranged.

A variant provides in this case that the projection is formed from a clamping bolt which reaches into corresponding receiving holes. It could be provided be that the clamping bolts on the center tools and the receiving holes on the displacement device are arranged, wherein on the displacement unit laterally tapered recesses in the receiving holes for the clamping bolt lead, in which locking devices are arranged. Such locking devices could wedge-shaped Have slider and wherein the clamping bolt holes with corresponding Have walls in which the slides engage.

The second cheap Embodiment variant sees before that the projection on the middle tool and the slider on the Displacement unit is arranged, wherein the slide in the locking position at least partially positively and / or non-positively via the Projection is pushable. To a particularly stable attachment too enable could be provided that the sliding direction of the slide with the contact area of the locking projection a different from 0 ° Angle α includes, this Angle α e.g. 5 ° could. Vorteihafterweise the slide and the projection are designed such that the contact surface of the slider and the contact surface the projection in rest position are partially complementary to each other.

In a simple embodiment variant has the middle tool as described above, in the direction of movement of movable platen two forming surfaces each (lying back to back) on. Another embodiment provides that such a middle tool also several, for example four, six, eight, etc. molding surfaces having. In the case of four molding surfaces, an arrangement is possible at which the molding surfaces each 90 ° around a vertical axis are twisted each other. That's why it turned proved to be advantageous when the displacement device is a rotation device for rotation of the central tool about a preferably vertical Has axis.

A variant provides that the central tool rests on the displacement device and the central tool and the displacement device, preferably exclusively, can be fastened to one another on the support side. The particular advantage of such a closing unit is that you can do without a central plate entirely. For example, the middle tool may be designed such that it has two forming surfaces arranged back and back, ie a forming surface in the vertical direction towards the moving tool clamping plate and a forming surface (also in the vertical direction) towards the stationary tool clamping plate. Of course, the middle tool can also be designed in several parts. As a lateral (horizontal) edge is in particular a surface understood, which is not oriented in the direction of one of the two platens, but preferably is at right angles to these two mold platens. Also conceivable is the variant where a center plate is arranged on the displacement unit, in which the middle tools are also clamped by means of quick-release fasteners.

to particularly easy introduction of the middle tool can be provided be that the middle tool (but possibly also the other tools) a suspension device having.

Further Advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following figures and figure descriptions closer explained.

schematically will be there

in 1 and 3 a first embodiment of a closing unit with central tool in the starting position and built-in position in each case in side view,

in 4 and 5 a second variant of a closing unit according to the invention in disassembled and installed state also in side view,

in 6a and 6b several detailed views of a first embodiment of a quick release and

in 7 a detailed view of a second embodiment of a quick release shown.

The 1 to 3 each show the same closing unit 1 (An injection molding machine, not shown) in three different installation positions of the center tool 10 , The 1 shows a so-called horizontal clamping unit 1 comprising a horizontally movable platen 2 (BWAP) and a fixed platen 3 (Fwap). The to the moving platen 2 and the fixed platen 3 corresponding (form) tools 11 . 12 are not yet installed or clamped.

The fixed tool clamping plate 3 is on a frame 4 arranged, for the sake of clarity, the attachment of the longitudinally of the frame 4 movable in a horizontal direction movable platen 2 at the frame 4 not shown. Such attachment can be done in a conventional manner, which is why will not be discussed here in detail.

Between BWAP and FWAP is a displacement device 5 arranged, which is a rotatable about a vertical axis a rotation unit 6 having. The entire injection mold 10 . 11 . 12 (ie middle tool 10 , as well as the tool 11 the BWAP and the tool 12 the FWAP) is assembled into a detachable unit and can from the top in the vertical direction in the closing unit 1 be used and with a horizontal surface H on the sliding unit 5 be placed laterally. A centering device 35 . 36 ensures that the tool 10 right on the sliding device 5 is positioned. The tools 10 . 11 . 12 can be releasably connected to each other by simple mechanical fastening devices or a transport lock for transport. Subsequently, the parts of the entire injection mold 10 . 11 . 12 according to their definition, and that becomes the mold 11 on the movable platen 2 , the mold 12 on the stationary platen 3 and the middle tool 10 on the displacement unit 5 spanned (see 2 ). The built-in state is best in 3 detect. The respective tool 11 respectively. 12 sits on the associated platen 2 respectively. 3 while the middle tool 10 on the displacement unit 5 with the quick-release fasteners 20 is attached and by means of the rotation unit 6 is rotatable about a vertical axis. How out 1 recognizable, can be advantageously the entire tool 10 . 11 . 12 in one step, in assembled condition. The actual installation is conveniently done by the entire tool 10 . 11 . 12 on the displacement device 5 with a horizontal support surface H, that is turned off to the side. Subsequently, the closing unit 1 closed without closing force, the tools 10 . 11 . 12 are temporarily connected and heated to operating temperature. The tools are used with a crane (not shown) 11 . 12 on her suspension device 7 ' . 7 '' raised to compensate for the weight. Then the closing force is built up and the tools 11 . 12 be on the appropriate tool platens 2 . 3 or on the displacement unit 5 up stressed. (Also for fixing the tools 11 . 12 on the corresponding tool platens 2 . 3 can advantageously snap closures like those in the middle tool 10 Be used.) These steps are in the 3 also indicated by the arrows. Then the tool becomes 10 detached from the crane and the clamping unit 1 opened causing the closing unit 1 is ready for use. The actual quick fasteners 20 of the 1 to 3 correspond to those of the embodiment consisting of clamping bolts 25 and corresponding receiving holes 26 ; the quick release 20 will be explained below on the basis of 7 explained in more detail.

The 4 and 5 shows a the 1 and 3 analogous arrangement, but with another quick release 20 for fastening the tools 11 . 12 on the clamping plates 2 . 3 or the middle tool 10 on the displacement device 5 is available. This fastening device 20 is using the 6a and 6b described in more detail. The 4 shows the closing unit 1 into the tools 10 . 11 . 12 are still to be used while in 5 the tools 10 . 11 . 12 already spanned. The quick release 20 for clamping the center tool 10 (and analogous to the tools 11 . 12 ) is taken from one of the middle tool 10 arranged projection 22 and one at the displacement unit 5 arranged closure unit 21 with slider 23 educated. The slider 23 the locking unit 21 is shown in the locked position and partially positively and non-positively on the projection 22 pushed. For a more detailed explanation is on the 6a and 6b directed.

The 6a shows an enlarged view of the in 5 with A marked cutout. In essence, it can be seen that the middle tool 10 a lead 22 is arranged. On the sliding device 5 is a corresponding closure unit 21 holding a slider 23 has arranged. The slider 23 is in locking position and is in the area F form-fitting z. T. also frictionally over the projection 22 arranged or connected. The slider 23 the locking unit 21 is along the sliding direction g of the slider 23 slidably, said sliding direction g with the contact surface of the projection 22 includes a different angle 0 α, which is about 5 ° in the case shown. While the 6a only schematically a quick release 20 shows is in the 6b the closure unit 21 in the cross section (right figure), in front view (left picture) and in plan view (lower picture) in more detail. The quick release consists of the middle tool 10 arranged projection 22 and one at the displacement unit 21 arranged slide 23 (see cross section). The slider 23 can be pushed along the sliding direction g in the locking position, so that the slide 23 over the lead 22 attacks. Thus, a positive and / or non-positive locking can be achieved. The sliding direction g of the slider 23 closes with the contact surface k of the projection 22 an angle α different from 0 ° (here eg 5 °). The contact surface of the slider 23 and the contact surface F of the projection 22 are designed so that they are partially complementary to one another in the latching position. For this purpose, the cross-sectionally approximately cylindrical slider 23 (see also frontal view) in the contact area i flattened and then bevelled in a range j, so that in the latching state slide 23 and lead 22 are verknilbar. By means of a locking device, the slider could 23 be held in position. In any case, the middle tool points 10 in the case shown a projection 22 up, that of a slider 23 is engaged behind in the fastening position.

7 shows a quick release 20 like in the 1 to 3 implied with one on the center tool 10 attached tab in the form of a clamping bolt 25 and corresponding receiving holes 26 in the displacement device 5 , On the sliding device 5 are the receiving holes 26 for the clamping bolts 25 recognizable. In the receiving holes 26 for the clamping bolts 25 There are laterally tapered recesses 27 , in turn, a slider 29 can be introduced, in the mounting position parts of the center tool 10 (and that of the clamping bolt 25 ) engages behind. In the clamping bolt 25 are also located to the recesses 27 corresponding holes 28 in which locking devices can be arranged, as here, for example, from the wedge-shaped slides 29 be formed.

All slides could be according to the invention mechanically, hydromechanically, electromechanically or magnetically actuated. Of course, in the context of the invention also conceivable that on the displacement device 5 a (in particular vertically aligned) center plate is arranged on the individual center tools 10 are aufspannbar. The fastening with the quick-release fasteners 20 then takes place on the middle plate, which thus indirectly the connection between the middle tool 10 and displacement unit 5 manufactures. Within the scope of the invention it is also conceivable to design the clamping by means of magnetic quick-release fasteners. Preferably, it is also further provided that simultaneously with the clamping of the individual tools 11 . 12 on the appropriate clamping plate 2 . 3 and / or the middle tool 10 on the displacement device ( 5 ) by means of the quick-release fasteners preferably at the same time further media are automatically coupled, For example, lines or connections of electricity or voltage, electrical, coolant or cooling media, heating, hydraulics, etc.

Claims (15)

Closing unit of an injection molding machine comprising a - in a preferably horizontal direction - movable platen, a stationary platen and at least one intermediately disposed central tool, which is releasably attachable to a displaceable in the direction of movement of the movable platen displacement device, characterized in that the middle tool ( 10 ) and the displacement device ( 5 ) by means of at least one quick release ( 20 ) are releasably connectable to each other. Closing unit according to claim 1, characterized in that the quick release ( 20 ) from a lead ( 22 . 25 ) and a slider ( 23 . 29 ), the projection ( 22 . 25 ) from the sliding slide ( 23 . 29 ) is engaged behind in the fastening position. Closing unit according to claim 2, characterized in that the projection ( 22 . 25 ) at the middle tool ( 10 ) and the slider ( 23 . 29 ) at the displacement device ( 5 ) is arranged. Closing unit according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the middle tool ( 10 ) on the displacement device ( 5 ) and the middle tool ( 10 ) and the displacement device ( 5 ), preferably exclusively, on the support side are fastened together. Closing unit according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the middle tool ( 10 ) a suspension device ( 7 ) having. Closing unit according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the displacement device ( 5 ) a rotation device ( 6 ) for rotation of the middle tool ( 10 ) has a preferably vertical axis (a). Closing unit according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the quick release ( 20 ) is mechanically, hydromechanically, electromechanically or magnetically actuated. Closing unit according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the projection consists of a clamping bolt ( 25 ) is formed in the corresponding receiving holes ( 26 ) enough. Closing unit according to claim 8, characterized in that the clamping bolts ( 25 ) on the middle tools ( 10 ) and the receiving holes ( 26 ) on the displacement device ( 5 ) are arranged, wherein on the displacement unit ( 5 ) laterally extending recesses into the receiving holes ( 26 ) for the clamping bolts ( 25 ) open, in which locking devices are arranged. Closing unit according to claim 9, characterized in that the locking means wedge-shaped slide ( 29 ) and the clamping bolts ( 25 ) Holes ( 28 ) with corresponding walls, in which the slides ( 29 ). Closing unit according to one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the projection ( 22 ) at the middle tool ( 10 ) and the slider ( 23 ) on the displacement unit ( 5 ), wherein the slider ( 23 ) in latching position at least partially positively and / or non-positively on the projection ( 22 ) is slidable. Closing unit according to claim 11, characterized in that the sliding direction (g) of the slider ( 23 ) with the contact surface (F) of the locking projection ( 22 ) includes an angle α different from 0 °. Closing unit according to claim 12, characterized in that the contact surface (i) of the slider ( 23 ) and the contact surface (F) of the projection ( 22 ) in rest position are partially complementary to each other. Closing unit according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the middle tool ( 10 ) with other tools ( 11 . 12 ) releasably vorverbunden and the tools ( 10 . 11 . 12 ) together on the displacement unit ( 5 ) are abstellbar. Closing unit according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that simultaneously with the connection of the central tool ( 10 ) with the displacement device ( 5 ) by means of the quick release ( 20 ) Lines or connections of media such as electricity, hydraulics, electrics, cooling media etc. between middle tool ( 10 ) and shifting device ( 5 ) - preferably automatically - are coupled.