Guiding and centering device

Abstract

The invention relates to a guiding and centering device for a forming tool, in particular an injection molding or die casting tool, comprising a first molding half and a second molding half, which are guided by the guiding device from a closed position, in which the two molding halves are pressed against each other from their respective separation surfaces, to an open position and vice versa. The guiding and centering device comprises a protruding guiding body formed as a cylindrical bolt arranged at the first molding half, a guiding recess formed as a bushing having a cylindrical inner surface arranged at the second molding half and a rolling element cage having rows of inserted rolling elements, by which the two molding halves are guided and precisely centered in the closed position. The rolling element cage is supported by the cylindrical inner surface of the bushing and is positioned via a positioning device, so that upon closing of the forming tool the cylindrical bolt travels virtually simultaneously in a first row of rolling elements and a second row of rolling elements of the rolling element cage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a guiding and centering device for guiding and aligning a first and a second molded half. This guiding and centering device can be used in molding tools (such as injection molding tools or die-casting tools) comprising a first and a second molded half, wherein the first and second molded halves are movably guided from a closed position to an open position (and vice versa) by a guiding device, in which the respective separating surfaces of the two molded halves are pressed together. The guiding and centering device is formed by a plurality of protruding guide bodies attached to the first molded half and a plurality of guide recesses attached to the second molded half, which precisely guide the two molded halves into and center them in the closed position. In particular, the guiding and centering device according to the invention is preferably configured for guidance in conjunction with circular fine centering for the individual guiding and centering of cavities, separating surfaces, and plates, and has precise guidance and maximum load capacity from the start to the end of centering. Background Technology

[0002] Forming tools, or (generally, forming tools), comprising a first forming half and a second forming half are well known. In such forming tools, depending on the complexity of the mold, the forming half may be provided with several plates that can be moved from a closed position to an open position and vice versa by means of column guides. The mold, positioned between the separating surfaces of the two forming halves, is filled with casting material, for example, said casting material is pressed into the mold when the mold is closed.

[0003] Typically, a guiding device includes at least: a bushing or sleeve disposed on one of the formed halves having a first support surface; and a guide post disposed on the other formed half having a second support surface; and a bearing adapted to provide a supporting engagement between the bushing and the guide pin or guide post to reduce sliding friction along the support surfaces when components are mated together. Thus, the bushing or sleeve is formed by a sliding bushing that provides a defined sliding surface. However, common problems with sliding friction pairs are known, including jitter or slow travel due to unbalanced friction on the set of sliding friction pairs, which can affect workpiece quality and the service life of the guiding device.

[0004] Furthermore, to achieve precision molding of products that meet appropriate standards and specifications, accurate alignment of the two molding halves of the mold is essential. However, the desired level of alignment cannot be ensured by the guiding devices (especially column guides) in which the molding halves are guided. Therefore, positioning devices (also known as centering devices) are used to ensure accurate alignment of one molding half relative to the other, particularly during the stroke from the end of the stroke until the closed position is reached.

[0005] A typical centering device includes: a first component, attached to one of the molded halves, configured as a guide pin or typically as a male portion; and a second component, attached to the other molded half, configured as a bushing or typically as a female portion. When the molded halves are closed together, the first and second components mate. The fit between the male and female portions determines the degree of misalignment between the molded halves.

[0006] As is known from the prior art, a replaceable insert is provided between the first support surface of the convex portion and the second support surface of the concave portion. This replaceable insert is configured as a bearing with rolling elements. Specifically, such an insert is configured as a cage that rotatably supports multiple needle roller bearings or rolling elements to reduce friction along the support surfaces when components are mated together.

[0007] A centering device is known from EP 2 363 263A, wherein a plurality of protruding bodies are each formed as a cylindrical bolt, and a rolling element holder having rows of inserted rolling elements is placed on the cylindrical bolt. The rolling element holder is positioned in the open state by a positioning device such that a first row of rolling elements aligned with a first formed half abuts against the annular surface of the bolt, and a second row of rolling elements abuts against the circumferential edge of the cylindrical surface terminating the bolt. Each guide recess is formed by a sleeve having a cylindrical inner surface that travels against the rolling elements of the rolling element holder when the mold is closed.

[0008] A support mechanism for reducing friction along a support surface is known from US 2004 / 043103 A1. This support mechanism moves between a first position and a second position relative to at least one of a first member having a convex portion or preferably a second member having a concave portion when the first and second members engage. An elastic member elastically supports the support mechanism, and a retainer is coupled to the support mechanism to resist the elastic member, which is configured as a spring, when the support mechanism moves between the first and second positions. The spring acts as a biasing device on the support mechanism. The retainer prevents the support mechanism from moving beyond a position in which only some rolling elements disengage from the support surface supporting the rolling element retainer.

[0009] Furthermore, various embodiments of retainers are known, which prevent the support mechanism from slipping and sliding out of the bushing of the positioning device. For example, a locking member configured as a snap ring or the like may be provided at the inlet of the bushing to retain the support mechanism therein. Alternatively, a retainer with rolling elements may be configured with an outwardly projecting element that can engage with an adjacent surface on the inner surface of the bushing.

[0010] To achieve precise molding, the two molding halves forming the mold must be precisely aligned, a feat that is typically impossible with known guiding and positioning devices. There remains a need for a guiding and centering device that ensures accurate alignment and precise guidance of one molding half to the other, already possessing maximum load capacity at the start of centering. Summary of the Invention

[0011] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to manufacture a guiding and centering device that ensures desired guiding and centering accuracy without requiring additional fine centering units (such as planar centering devices). Furthermore, an object of the present invention is to provide a guiding and centering device that maintains the lowest possible wear and provides backlash-free guidance from the start to the end of centering, resulting in a long service life and reduced replacement cycles. Another object of the present invention is to manufacture a guiding and centering device that can be used as a backlash-free fine centering system suitable for applications requiring no or minimal lubricant, and configured for use with various forming tools.

[0012] According to the invention, these objectives are achieved by a guiding and centering device for a forming tool, particularly an injection molding tool or a die-casting tool, the forming tool comprising a first forming half and a second forming half, the first and second forming halves being guided by a guiding device from a closed position to an open position and vice versa, in the closed position, the respective separating surfaces of the two forming halves pressing against each other. Multiple guiding and centering devices may be arranged at the forming tool. Each guiding and centering device includes: a protruding guiding body formed by a guiding post as a cylindrical bolt, disposed at the first forming half; a guiding recess formed as a bushing with a cylindrical inner surface, disposed at the second forming half; and a rolling element holder having rows of inserted rolling elements, the two forming halves being guided to the closed position by the guiding and centering device and precisely centered in the closed position.

[0013] Advantageously, the guiding and centering device according to the invention provides backlash-free guidance with high repeatability and accuracy along the entire stroke path. This is achieved in particular by preloaded rolling guidance due to the rolling element cage and the mating of the bushing, bolt, and rolling element cage. Furthermore, high-precision positioning of the formed half is achieved significantly far before reaching the closed position, resulting in reduced wear on the contact surfaces of the formed half even at high traverse speeds.

[0014] According to the invention, the rolling element holder is supported by the cylindrical inner surface of the bushing and positioned by a positioning device such that when the forming tool is closed, the cylindrical bolt actually travels simultaneously in the first row of rolling elements and the second row of rolling elements of the rolling element holder.

[0015] Due to the advantages of the roller bearing provided by the rolling element cage in this arrangement, the need for lubricant is minimized.

[0016] This arrangement of the guiding and centering device according to the invention enables the cylindrical bolt to travel virtually simultaneously in both the first and second rows of rolling elements when the forming tool is closed, thus achieving a high initial load capacity at the start of centering. Furthermore, the load on the rolling elements and the supporting or centering surface can be separated, reducing wear and increasing the service life of the guiding and centering device. This is superior to prior art centering systems (particularly those configured as guide block systems), where the very high surface pressure during initial engagement increases wear on the centering surface.

[0017] Depending on the geometry of the guiding and centering devices, a cage with rolling elements may include more rows of rolling elements to improve centering.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the positioning device is adapted to precisely position the cage of the rolling elements such that nearly two rows of rolling elements participate in preloading simultaneously during guidance and centering. The positioning device includes a spring element and an axial retainer element, with the cage having the rolling elements axially positioned between the spring element and the axial retainer element at the cylindrical inner surface of the bushing.

[0019] Advantageously, a compression spring is inserted as a spring element into the bushing, particularly arranged between a support (located at one end of the bushing) and a rolling element retainer (located within the bushing at the opposite end), such that the spring element acts as a biasing element for the retainer with rolling elements. Thus, the rolling element retainer is positioned by the spring element and abuts against an axial retainer element, ensuring the rolling element retainer is in the correct position when the forming tool is opened. The axial retainer element, together with the spring element, positions the rolling element retainer and can be used to disengage the tool.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a shoulder projecting inward from the cylindrical inner surface of the bushing and / or a groove (in which a retaining ring can be inserted) is formed at the end portion of the cylindrical inner surface, thereby supporting the positioning device. For example, a shoulder is formed at one end portion of the cylindrical inner surface, which provides support for the spring element, and a groove is provided at the opposite end portion of the cylindrical inner surface, into which a retaining ring or retainer is inserted to form an axial retainer element. Thus, within the bushing, the axial arrangement of the spring element biased on one side of the rolling element retainer and the rolling element retainer held in place by the axial retainer element from the other side ensures precise axial positioning. This achieves the desired precise positioning arrangement of the retainer with rolling elements within the bushing, which can be manufactured in a simple and economical manner.

[0021] Alternative embodiments of the bushing used for positioning the arrangement within the bushing are possible. For example, both end portions of the cylindrical inner surface may be formed with shoulders or grooves.

[0022] The spring element is constructed such that when the rolling element holder is in the centering start position, the spring element generates a biasing force sufficient to preload at least the first and second rows of rolling elements. In the mold closed position, the spring force must not be excessive, otherwise the rolling element holder will be compressed due to preload. The spring element is configured such that the rolling element holder is precisely positioned in the open position of the forming tool, and is also independent of the mounting position of the guide and centering devices within the forming tool.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the guide posts and / or bushings formed by cylindrical bolts have an introduction geometry at their entry portions. In a preferred embodiment, the introduction geometry of the bushing is configured with an edge pointing towards the end of the rolling element retainer and forming a cylindrical inner surface, which merges into a second circular inner surface. Thus, the point at which full preload is achieved on the rolling element is precisely defined.

[0024] Cylindrical bolts may have an edge that terminates on its circumferential surface and transitions into a tapered contraction region that forms the introduced geometry of the bolt head.

[0025] The bushing is disposed at the second molded half, and in particular can be connected to the second molded half. The bushing is connected to the second molded half via a locking member that can be inserted into one of a series of circumferential grooves formed around the bushing and along the axial length of the bushing, and protrude into a recess formed at the second molded half.

[0026] Furthermore, the guide post, configured as a cylindrical bolt, can be connected to the first molded half via a locking member. This locking member is configured to be insertable into one of a series of circumferential grooves formed around the bolt and along its axial length, wherein the insertable locking member protrudes into a recess formed at the first molded half.

[0027] The locking member can be configured as a snap ring, snap ring, or ring component. Preferably, the locking member is configured as two ring components, each of which can be inserted into one of the circumferential grooves to form a full ring structure. Furthermore, the ring structure has circumferential slots adapted to incorporate with a sealing ring, so that the two ring components are securely fastened in the circumferential groove of the bushing.

[0028] Advantageously, securing the bushing in the second forming half via these locking members and the guide post formed by the cylindrical bolts provides individual positioning of the bushing and bolts and allows the use of the guiding and centering device in different situations (e.g., independent of the size of the plate used in the forming tool, especially suitable for the thickness of the plate). These locking members can be individually positioned along at least a portion of the axial length of the bushing and along the bolt length.

[0029] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the cylindrical bolt and bushing is configured with an introduction geometry. Advantageously, the bolt traveling in the rolling element cage may have an introduction geometry at its head, which is formed by a tapered contraction region adjacent to the edge of the terminating circumferential surface.

[0030] In another embodiment, the bushing is provided with an introduced geometry such that the cylindrical inner surface of the bushing terminates at an edge, and a second cylindrical inner surface is provided adjacent to the edge, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the original cylindrical inner surface. Preferably, the cylindrical inner surface of the bushing transitions into the second cylindrical inner surface in the edge region, the second cylindrical inner surface having a roundness or curvature that can be adapted to the roundness of the rolling element. Therefore, the bolts entering the rolling element cage prevent the rolling element cage from being subjected to excessive stress, which in turn benefits service life.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the rolling element is a roller or ball, which simplifies the structure of the rolling element cage and allows it to be manufactured at low cost. Furthermore, since the rolling element is configured to provide rolling centering rather than sliding centering and provides line contact, wear is significantly reduced.

[0032] The guiding and centering device according to the invention provides a simple and flexible arrangement that can be easily installed and configured to provide backlash-free (no side clearance, no tooth backlash) guiding and centering. Furthermore, very low abrasion and wear can be achieved using the guiding and centering device of the invention, making it suitable for cleanroom applications and allowing for a wide range of applications, including both long-stroke and short-stroke applications. The guiding and centering device provides a compact arrangement that can be installed in forming tools as a plug-and-play solution.

[0033] Another advantage of the guiding and centering device according to the invention is that the bushing is compatible with a variety of guide posts conforming to the same tolerances, eliminating the need for specific guide posts with bushings including rolling element cages. Therefore, the guiding and centering device provides compatibility and interchangeability, and also offers a so-called two-in-one solution, eliminating the need for a separate guiding device and a separate fine centering device. Thus, no additional fine centering device is required, as the guiding and centering device combines both guiding and fine centering functions. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To provide a more complete understanding of the invention and its advantages, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals denote similar parts, wherein:

[0035] Figure 1 It is a schematic guidance and centering device based on existing technology;

[0036] Figure 2 This is an illustrative guiding and centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of a schematic guiding and centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4a This is a partial cross-sectional view of a schematic guiding and centering device according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing the guide body moving into the guide recess when the forming tool is closed;

[0039] Figure 4b It is based on Figure 4a A partial cross-sectional view of a schematic guide and centering device in another position when the forming tool is closed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 5 This is an illustrative locking element of an embodiment of the present invention, used for positioning, guiding, and centering devices relative to a forming tool. Detailed Implementation

[0041] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate specific embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0042] refer to Figure 1 This illustrates a known mold construction with a centering device and a guiding device. In the first forming half 1 of the forming tool 2, a protruding guide body 4 with a cuboid shape is secured to the area of ​​the separation surface 3. Other protruding guide bodies of other shapes are known, such as conical or cylindrical. Furthermore, a guiding device 7 formed by a known guide post is positioned to guide the forming tool 2 during movement. Figure 1 Not shown, a guide recess 6 is provided on the second forming half 5 of the forming tool 2. This guide recess has a slot shape and corresponds to the guide body 4 of the first forming half 1. In the closed state of the forming tool 2, the guide body 4 is located in the guide recess 6, enabling optimal alignment of the first forming half 1 and the second forming half 5. Due to the design of the guide body 4 and the guide recess 6, they must be used in at least pairs to enable centering in all directions. Therefore, the guide body 4 and the guide recess 6 must be arranged substantially opposite each other, which leads to space problems. In such known centering devices, the surface pressure acting on the guide body and the guide recess is very high. Furthermore, the corresponding guide surfaces must slide against each other, resulting in high wear, which means that these centering devices must be replaced after a certain period of time.

[0043] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The illustration shows a possible arrangement of the guiding and centering device 10 according to the invention within the forming tool 2. According to this embodiment, each protruding guide body 4 (particularly the guide post of the guide device 7) is formed by a cylindrical bolt 12. Each guide recess 6 is formed by a bushing 14 having a cylindrical inner surface 20 supporting a rolling element holder 16 having rows 18 of inserted rolling elements 17. When the forming tool 2 is closed, the cylindrical bolt 12 travels within the rolling elements 17 of the rolling element holder 16. Figure 2A view of the first forming half 1 of a forming tool 2 (particularly a forming tool) is shown, which includes a guide device 7 designed as a guide post known in the prior art and formed by cylindrical bolts 12 according to the invention. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, four such bolts 12 are inserted into the first forming half 1, since the forming tool 2 typically includes four guide groups. In principle, two bolts 12 are required for optimal centering, but depending on the size and construction of the forming tool 2, any number of bolts 12 can be used in the forming tool 2.

[0044] Figure 3 A view of a forming tool 2 is shown, the forming tool having: a first forming half 1 having arranged cylindrical bolts 12 as guide bodies 4, particularly guide columns of guide devices 7; and a second forming half 5 having arranged bushings 14 into which rolling element holders 16 are inserted in the open position.

[0045] As will be described below, the guide recess 6 (which is configured as a bushing 14 having a cylindrical inner surface 20) is fastened in the second forming half 5 of the forming tool 2. A rolling element holder 16 is inserted into the bushing 14 and supported by the cylindrical inner surface 20. The rolling element holder 16 includes rolling elements 17 arranged in rows 18, wherein the rolling elements 17 can be configured as rollers or balls.

[0046] A positioning device 30 is provided for positioning the rolling element holder 16. Figure 3 In one embodiment, the positioning device 30 includes a retainer element 32 formed of a retainer spring 34 or a retainer ring positioned near the opening of the bushing 14 toward the cylindrical bolt 12, wherein the retainer spring 34 is inserted into a groove provided in the cylindrical inner surface 20. Furthermore, the positioning device 30 includes a spring element 31 configured to bias the rolling element retainer 16 from its opposite end toward the retainer element 32. The end of the spring element 31 away from the rolling element retainer 16 is supported by a stop element or by a shoulder projecting inward from the cylindrical inner surface 20, which may be formed by another retainer spring 34 inserted into a groove provided at the end portion of the cylindrical inner surface 20 opposite the opening for inserting the bolt 12. The spring element 31, formed of a compression spring, presses the rolling element retainer 16 against the retainer element 32, meaning that the rolling element retainer 16 is in the correct position when the forming tool 2 is opened. The correct positioning of the rolling element retainer 16 ensures that, when the forming tool 2 is closed, the cylindrical bolt 12 actually travels simultaneously on both the first and second rows of rolling elements 17. This allows the rolling elements 17 and the load on their supporting surfaces to be separated, thereby increasing their service life. Figure 4a , Figure 4b It is shown in detail in the text.

[0047] Advantageously, bushing 14 is provided with an inlet portion having an introduction geometry including an edge 21 that terminates on the cylindrical inner surface 20 and provides a transition to a second cylindrical inner surface 22. Thus, the point at which full preload is achieved on the rolling element 17 is precisely defined, and the rolling element 17 is gently driven through the tapered contraction region 22. At the head of bolt 12, cylindrical bolt 12 is configured with an introduction geometry that allows bolt 12 to be easily inserted into the rolling element retainer 16, as described below.

[0048] Another advantageous embodiment of the invention is that, by means of a locking member 40, the bushing 14 can be positioned relative to the second forming half 5 and the bolt 12 can be positioned relative to the first forming half 1, the locking member providing individual positioning and dimensional variability, particularly regarding the thickness of the plate of the forming tool 2. The locking member 40 is formed as a ring or ring member 44 that can be inserted into a circumferential groove 41. Thus, a series of circumferential grooves 41 are formed around the bushing 14 and / or the bolt 12 and along its axial length. A ring or ring member 44 inserted into one of the circumferential grooves 41 protrudes into a recess 42 of the plate of the forming tool 2. The recess 42 may be formed by a shoulder between the plates.

[0049] from Figure 3 It can be seen that the guide body 4 can be fastened to the first molded half 1 in a similar manner via the locking member 40, which is inserted into the circumferential groove 41 formed on the outer surface of the guide body 4 and protrudes into the recess 42 formed in the first molded half 1 (or between the plates forming the first molded half 1).

[0050] Figure 4a and Figure 4b A cross-sectional view and enlarged details of the guiding and centering device 10 are shown when the forming tool 2 is closed. Thus, the cylindrical bolt 12 travels into the rolling element holder 16, which is positioned in the bushing 14 via a positioning device 30 formed as a spring element 31 (not shown) and a retainer element 32. The bushing 14 has a cylindrical inner surface 20 terminating at an edge 21. Adjacent to the edge 21, a transition region is configured to transition from the edge 21 to a second cylindrical inner surface 22, the diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical inner surface 20. The transition region between the inner surfaces 20 and 22 may be formed with roundness or curvature, preferably adapted to the roundness of the rolling element 17. Furthermore, the cylindrical bolt 12 has a circumferential surface 52 terminating at the edge 51. Adjacent to the edge 51, the head of the bolt 12 is formed by a tapered contraction region 50, which provides an introduced geometry.

[0051] When the forming die 2 closes, the cylindrical bolt 12 travels into the rolling element retainer 16 through the introduction geometry formed by the tapered contraction region 50. Figure 4a As can be seen, since the rolling elements 17 of the first row 18.1 are located in the region of the second cylindrical inner surface 22, particularly in the region of the edge 21, and therefore in a contracted position relative to the bushing 14, the bolt 12 passes over the rolling elements 17 of the first row 18.1 arranged in the rolling element holder 16. As the cylindrical bolt 12 advances further, the edge 51 of the bolt 12 contacts the rolling elements 17 of the second row 18.2 arranged in the rolling element holder 16. Once the edge 51 of the bolt 12 has passed the rollers 17 of the first row 18.1, these rolling elements 17 begin to rotate, the rolling element holder 16 is pushed into the bushing 14, and the rolling elements 17 of the second row 18.2 move, as from... Figure 4b As can be seen, with this arrangement, the rolling elements 17 of the first row 18.1 and the second row 18.2 are actually in a pre-tightened state simultaneously, so that the load can be separated.

[0052] During the further closing process of the forming tool 2, the cylindrical bolt 12 passes over the rolling elements 17 of the other rows 18 arranged in the rolling element holder 16. In the fully closed position of the forming die 2, the cylindrical bolt 12 is pushed into the rolling element holder 16, so that the centering force is transmitted from the rolling elements 17 of the rolling element holder 16. By opening the forming tool 2, the bolt 12 retracts from the bushing 14, and the rolling element holder 16 is positioned accordingly so that the next centering process can be performed in an optimal manner.

[0053] exist Figure 5 In the diagram, the locking member 40 is shown in perspective. The locking member 40 is formed by two halves of a ring 44. The ring 44 provides a circumferential slot 45, which is configured to allow a sealing ring 46 to be inserted to hold the halves of the ring together. This arrangement facilitates the positioning of the bushing 14 in a predetermined position within the second molded half 5 and the positioning of the bolt 12 in the first molded half 1. Therefore, the guiding and centering device 10 can be adapted to different sizes of the plates of the forming mold 2 to provide a universally applicable guiding and centering device with optimal centering and guiding performance.

Claims

1. A guiding and centering device (10) for a forming tool (2) comprising a first forming half (1) and a second forming half (5), which are guided by guiding means (7) from a closed position, in which the respective separation surfaces of the two forming halves (1; 5) press against each other, to an open position, and vice versa, said guiding and centering device (10) comprising: a protruding guide body (4) formed as a cylindrical bolt (12) provided at the first forming half (1), a guide recess (6) formed as a bushing (14) having a cylindrical inner surface (20) provided at the second forming half (5), and a rolling element cage (16) having rows (18) of inserted rolling elements (17), the two forming halves (1; 5) being guided and centered in the closed position by the guide and centering device, characterized in that the rolling element cage (16) is supported by the cylindrical inner surface (20) of the bushing (14) and is positioned via a positioning device (30) such that, upon closing of the forming tool, at least during the initial engagement, the cylindrical bolt (12) travels virtually simultaneously in a first row of rolling elements (18.1) and a second row of rolling elements (18.2) of the rolling element cage (16), and the first row of rolling elements (18.1) and the second row of rolling elements (18.2) pass the head of the cylindrical bolt (12) without contact.

2. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the positioning device (30) is formed by a spring element (31) and an axial retainer element (32) which are arranged such that the rolling element cage (16) is axially positioned in the bushing (14) between the spring element and the axial retainer element.

3. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one recess (33) is provided at least at one end portion of the cylindrical inner surface (20) of the bushing (14), into which at least one recess a circlip (34) can be inserted to axially position the positioning device (30).

4. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one shoulder is formed at least at one end portion of the cylindrical inner surface (20) of the bushing (14), which at least one shoulder forms a support for the positioning device (30).

5. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The bushing (14) is connected to the second forming half (5) via a locking member (40) which can be inserted into one of a series of circumferential recesses (41) formed around the bushing (14) and along the axial length of the bushing (14) and projects into a recess (42) formed at the second forming half (5).

6. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cylindrical bolt (12) is connected to the first forming half (1) via a locking member (40) which can be inserted into a series of circumferential recesses (41) formed around the bolt (12) and along the axial length of the bolt (12) and projects into a recess (42) formed at the first forming half (1).

7. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that The locking member (40) is formed by a circlip (34).

8. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that The locking member (40) is formed by a circlip (34).

9. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that The locking member (40) is formed by two ring parts (44) having circumferential slots (45) which are connected to each other via a sealing ring (46) which can be inserted into the slots (45).

10. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 6, characterized in that The locking member (40) is formed by two ring parts (44) with a circumferential slot (45), which are connected to each other via a sealing ring (46) which can be inserted into the slot (45).

11. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The bushing (14) and / or the cylindrical bolt (12) are configured to have an introduction geometry.

12. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cylindrical bolt (12) has a conically tapering region (50) which adjoins an edge (51) which terminates the circumferential surface (52) of the bolt (12).

13. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The cylindrical inner surface (20) of the bushing (14) is terminated by an edge (21) and a second cylindrical inner surface (22) is formed adjacent to the edge (21), the diameter of the second cylindrical inner surface being greater than the diameter of the cylindrical inner surface (20).

14. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 13, characterized in that The edge (21) transitions from the cylindrical inner surface (20) to the second cylindrical inner surface (22) with a curvature which is adapted to the curvature of the rolling element (17).

15. Guide and centering apparatus (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The rolling element (17) is a roller or a ball.

16. A guiding and centering device (10) for a forming tool (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The forming tool (2) is an injection molding or a die casting tool.

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