Device and method for processing waxy semi-finished products

Abstract

A device for processing wax-like semi-finished products, for example for pressing candles from a wax semi-finished product (W), comprises: (a) a frame (2), (b) a plurality of pressing tools (13; 24) which are movable in and against a pressing direction (Z) with respect to the frame (2) and which are designed for processing the semi-finished product (W), for example for pressing the candles, (c) an electric motor drive (4; 15) which is designed to drive the pressing tools (13; 24) for processing the semi-finished product, and (d) a gear (5; 16) which mechanically connects the drive (4) to the pressing tools (13; 24).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for processing wax-like semi-finished products. The device is preferably designed to press candles and / or candle blanks from a wax semi-finished product.

[0002] Devices for producing candles that are designed to monitor the flawless placement of a candle wick are known from the prior art. For example, DE 101 13 843 C1 describes such a device.

[0003] Devices comprising one or more hydraulic presses are known for processing wax-like semi-finished products. For the production of wax candles, for example, devices in the form of linear stroke presses with pressing tools arranged side by side along a movable press beam are used to form several candle blanks per press stroke, corresponding to the number of pressing tools. CN 211814334 U describes the pressing tools known from the prior art. JP 2012-245562 A, US 2004 / 0069163 A1, US 2009 / 0317507 A1, and JP 01027795 A describe the general principle of linear stroke presses, but have no reference to the production of candles from wax semi-finished products. The press beam is usually driven hydraulically in the production of candles. Hydraulic presses are generally known from the published patent applications DE 10 2011 116 548 A1 and DE 10 2015 101 586 A1.

[0004] The devices known from the prior art have a number of disadvantages. Due to their hydraulic drive, the devices are very loud and consume a lot of energy to generate the required hydraulic pressures. Therefore, processing the waxy semi-finished products with these devices is costly, and special noise protection measures must be taken. Furthermore, hydraulic circuits are prone to maintenance and carry the risk that even the smallest leaks could lead to significant contamination, especially on the semi-finished products being processed, and resulting production downtime. Production changeovers are complex or even impossible.

[0005] It is therefore a task to eliminate one or more of the disadvantages associated with the state of the art.

[0006] One object may in particular be to provide a device that presses the waxy semi-finished product with high efficiency and reduced noise emissions.

[0007] A further task may be to facilitate adaptation to different wax materials or wax-like materials and / or conversion to a different shape or size of the compact, thereby increasing flexibility with regard to production changes.

[0008] To solve this problem, the invention proposes a device comprising a frame, several pressing tools, an electric motor drive, and a gear mechanism, and designed to process wax-like semi-finished products, in particular, to press candles and / or candle blanks from wax semi-finished products. The pressing of barbecue lighters is another application example. The semi-finished product can be supplied to the pressing process, for example, in the form of wax powder or wax granules, or a mixture of granules and powder.

[0009] The plurality of pressing tools are movable relative to the frame in and against a pressing direction. The pressing tools are designed to press the semi-finished product into a compact, preferably a wax compact, of a desired shape, for example, to press candles from a wax semi-finished product. The respective pressing tool can, in particular, be a pressing punch or a pressing die.

[0010] In the sense of the invention, the “pressing direction” is a direction of movement of the pressing tools, in which the pressing tools cause the semi-finished product to be pressed due to the movement.

[0011] The electric motor drive is designed to drive the pressing tools. The electric motor drive can preferably move or drive the pressing tools in and / or against the pressing direction via the gear mechanism. The electric motor drive can comprise one or more electric linear motors or, in particular, one or more electric rotary motors. In other words, the drive can drive the pressing tools when the drive is supplied with electrical energy. Advantageously, the drive is arranged on the frame, in particular, attached to the frame.

[0012] The electric motor drive is mechanically connected to the pressing tools via the gear mechanism. This means that a drive movement and / or a torque of the drive, for example a rotational movement of an output shaft of the drive, is mechanically transmitted to the pressing tools via the gear mechanism. Preferably, the drive is connected to the pressing tools exclusively mechanically via the gear mechanism. The gear mechanism can be designed to transmit the drive movement of the drive and / or redirect it and / or reduce it or, if necessary, to increase the speed and / or convert the movement form, in particular to convert it from a rotary movement of a motor shaft into a translatory movement of the pressing tools.

[0013] Advantageously, hydraulic actuators can be dispensed with, at least for generating the movement and pressing force required for pressing. This enables quiet and energy-efficient operation of the pressing device. At the same time, the device according to the invention is less maintenance-intensive. Contamination due to defective hydraulic lines is no longer a concern. If the device comprises several electric motor drives, for example a first electric motor drive for several first pressing tools, such as several upper punches, and a second electric motor drive for several second pressing tools, such as several lower punches or dies, these drives can be precisely yet easily and flexibly adapted to one another during production changes using a control and / or regulating device.In advantageous embodiments, the device has a programmable control and / or regulation device for the one or more electric motor drives.

[0014] In advantageous embodiments, the gear unit is designed to convert a drive torque of the drive into a contact force for the pressing tools. For example, a torque of the drive shaft of the drive can be converted by the gear unit into a compressive force, which is then exerted on the semi-finished product by the pressing tools. In other words, the gear unit can be designed to convert a torque of the drive resulting from rotation into a force that causes a translational movement of the pressing tools.

[0015] The gear unit has at least one lifting spindle, preferably with an external thread or an internal thread. The lifting spindle can be rotationally driven by the drive. The lifting spindle is preferably rotatably supported and / or mounted on the frame. The axis of rotation or spindle axis of the lifting spindle can be aligned parallel to the pressing direction. The lifting spindle is operatively connected to the pressing tools via its engagement structure, preferably an external thread, so that a rotational movement of the lifting spindle causes a movement of the pressing tools, in particular a translational movement of the pressing tools, in and / or against the pressing direction. A spindle drive with a rotationally drivable lifting spindle and an output member in threaded engagement with the lifting spindle enables a short or very direct, purely mechanical coupling between the electric motor drive and the pressing tools to be realized.The use of a spindle drive contributes to reducing losses in the drive train and thus increasing efficiency, reducing wear and susceptibility to damage and thus the need for maintenance and repair.

[0016] Preferably, the pressing tools are arranged on a force introduction structure. The force introduction structure can, in particular, be designed and / or arranged such that the pressing tools are moved synchronously by the force introduction structure. The force introduction structure is operatively connected to the gear mechanism. Preferably, a rotational movement of the lifting spindle causes a translational lifting movement of the force introduction structure. The force introduction structure can have an engagement structure that engages with the gear mechanism, in particular with the lifting spindle. If the lifting spindle has an external thread, as is preferred, the engagement structure can have a corresponding internal thread for the threaded engagement with the lifting spindle.

[0017] In further developments, the gear unit comprises a further lifting spindle of the type described. The lifting spindles can be arranged at least substantially parallel to one another. The force introduction structure can span a gap remaining between the spindles. The force introduction structure advantageously extends from the threaded engagement with one lifting spindle to the threaded engagement with the other lifting spindle. In a view of the device, the pressing tools can be arranged next to one another between the lifting spindles along the force introduction structure.

[0018] The force introduction structure is advantageously rigid in itself and can be considered a single, rigid, non-deformable body under the forces acting on it during operation. It can be designed as a press beam. Advantageously, an engagement structure, in particular an internal thread, is provided in each longitudinal end region of the force introduction structure. The respective engagement structure can engage with the associated lifting spindle. It is advantageous if, in the respective engagement, the rotary movement of the associated lifting spindle is directly converted into a translational lifting movement of the force introduction structure.

[0019] In principle, the respective engagement structure can be movably connected to the force introduction structure. However, the respective engagement structure is preferably immobile relative to the force introduction structure. Thus, the respective engagement structure can be formed separately from the force introduction structure and immobilely joined to it, or it can be formed directly on the force introduction structure.

[0020] The structural coupling of the drive via a spindle drive with one or more lifting spindles and a rigid force introduction structure directly engaged with it enables a compact design, a precisely controllable translational lifting movement of the force introduction structure and thus of the pressing tools together, and a uniform distribution of the force required for pressing to the pressing tools arranged on the force introduction structure.

[0021] In advantageous embodiments, the gear mechanism comprises a first lifting spindle and a second lifting spindle. The first lifting spindle can be designed as the upper left lifting spindle. The second lifting spindle can be designed as the upper right lifting spindle. The first lifting spindle is preferably spaced from the second lifting spindle in a width direction, transverse to the pressing direction. Preferably, the first and second lifting spindles are aligned parallel to the pressing direction. The force introduction structure can be threadedly engaged with the first and second lifting spindles along the respective spindle axis and can therefore be movable in and against the pressing direction. As already mentioned, the force introduction structure can directly be the output member of the spindle drive formed by the respective lifting spindle. The pressing tools can be arranged next to one another on the force introduction structure in the width direction or orthogonally to the pressing direction.The pressing tools can be supported on the force introduction structure in such a way that the force introduction structure and the pressing tools execute movements in and against the pressing direction together, in particular as a movement unit.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment, the transmission has a transmission input and multiple transmission outputs. It can be coupled to the electric motor drive at the transmission input. It can be coupled to the first lifting spindle at a first transmission output, and to the second lifting spindle at a further, second transmission output. The respective coupling is preferably designed for torque transmission.

[0023] The transmission has one or more transmission shafts. Preferably, the one or more transmission shafts are configured to transmit the drive torque of the drive to the one or more lifting spindles. The at least one transmission shaft is coupled to the electric motor drive on a shaft input side. On a first shaft output side, the transmission shaft can be coupled to the first lifting spindle. On a second shaft output side, the transmission shaft can be coupled to the second lifting spindle. The respective coupling and / or the couplings are preferably designed for torque transmission. The transmission shaft is connected, preferably at its longitudinal ends, to a respective lifting spindle via a respective deflection gear in a torque-transmitting manner. The coupling can be realized in particular on the first shaft output side and / or the second shaft output side via a cardan shaft.

[0024] The transmission may include a main idler gear. The main idler gear is preferably configured to transmit the drive torque of the drive to the one or more transmission shafts.

[0025] The respective transmission shaft can extend at least substantially orthogonally to the lifting spindle(s). Alternatively or additionally, the respective transmission shaft can be arranged at least substantially parallel to the press beam. However, an angular arrangement is not excluded.

[0026] The gearbox can have multiple transmission shafts. In designs with multiple lifting spindles, for example, each of the lifting spindles can be connected to the drive via one of the multiple transmission shafts.

[0027] In an advantageous development, the device comprises a first pressing device and a further, second pressing device. The first pressing device comprises the plurality of pressing tools, the electric motor drive and the gear mechanism, which are then referred to as first pressing tools, first electric motor drive and first gear mechanism. The second pressing device comprises a plurality of second pressing tools. It can advantageously have its own second electric motor drive and / or its own second gear mechanism. Preferably, the first pressing device and the second pressing device are mechanically independent of the other pressing device with regard to the movement of the pressing tools. In such embodiments, the first electric motor drive can move the first pressing tools relative to the second pressing tools in and / or against the pressing direction.Advantageously, the second electric motor drive can move the second pressing tools relative to the first pressing tools in and / or against the pressing direction of the second pressing tools. Simultaneous movements, whether in the same direction, in opposite directions, at the same speed, or at different speeds, can also be realized. For this, an electronic control and / or regulating device for the drives must be equipped with the appropriate capabilities, for example, programmed.

[0028] If the device comprises multiple pressing devices, for example, more semi-finished products can be processed per unit of time. If the first and second pressing tools are upper and lower punches, they can be moved toward each other simultaneously for pressing, which can accelerate and / or even out the pressing process. Ejection of the pressed parts can be made easier.

[0029] Splitting the press into a first and second pressing device, each with its own electric motor drive and preferably its own gearing, enables both sequential and simultaneous, appropriately coordinated movement of the first and second pressing tools. This represents a further advantage over hydraulic presses, which only allow separate movements of, for example, the upper and lower punches on the one hand and simultaneous movements on the other hand if considerable effort is invested on the hydraulic side. With a controlled and / or regulated electromechanical drive, the movement of the pressing tools can be smoother, in particular with little or no jerking. The course of the movement, i.e. starting, acceleration, and braking, can be designed more smoothly and adapted more precisely and flexibly to the respective production requirements.A mechanical decoupling of the pressing devices opens up scope for optimising the movement sequence of the pressing devices, which can increase the quality of the product (structure of the pressed pieces) and / or the economic efficiency of the device.

[0030] In an advantageous development, the first pressing device and the second pressing device are designed similarly, in particular functionally and / or structurally similar. The first pressing device and the second pressing device can be arranged opposite one another. The first pressing device can act in a first pressing direction when processing the semi-finished product. The second pressing device can act in a second pressing direction when processing the semi-finished product. The first pressing direction is preferably directed opposite to the second pressing direction. Further advantageously, the first pressing tools and the second pressing tools can be arranged opposite one another with their end faces in the pressing direction.

[0031] The first and second electric motor drives can each be controlled and / or regulated independently of the other electric motor drive. The device can have a control and / or regulation device designed to control and / or regulate the first drive and the second drive. The control and / or regulation device can be configured to control the first and second drives in a coordinated manner with respect to rotational speed and / or with respect to the rotational angle position. The control and / or regulation device can be configured to control and / or regulate the drives such that the first and second pressing tools can be moved in a coordinated manner both sequentially and simultaneously during the course of a pressing cycle, which comprises filling a die with the wax-like semi-finished product, preferably a wax semi-finished product, pressing the semi-finished product, and ejecting the respective compact.The control and / or regulating device can be configured to move the first and second pressing tools sequentially toward or away from each other at the same or different speeds and / or simultaneously toward or away from each other at the same or different speeds. As a result, devices can be realized in which the first and second pressing devices are mechanically decoupled on the drive side and can therefore, in principle, be moved independently of the other pressing device. The movements of the first and second pressing tools during the filling of dies and / or during the actual pressing and / or during the ejection of the product, the pressed articles, can be freely coordinated within wide limits and improved compared to today's conventional hydraulic presses.

[0032] In further developments in which the device comprises the first and the second pressing device, the second gear mechanism can have a third lifting spindle and a fourth lifting spindle. The third lifting spindle can be designed as a lower left lifting spindle. The fourth lifting spindle can be designed as a lower right lifting spindle. The third lifting spindle is preferably spaced apart from the fourth lifting spindle in the width direction, i.e. transversely to the pressing direction. The third and the fourth lifting spindle are preferably arranged in such a way that the spindle axes or the axes of rotation of the third and the fourth lifting spindle are aligned parallel to the pressing direction of the second pressing device. A second force introduction structure can be part of the second gear mechanism and can be moved in a threaded engagement with the third and fourth lifting spindle along the respective spindle axis and thus in and against the second pressing direction. The second pressing tools can be movable in the width direction orbe arranged orthogonally to the second pressing direction, side by side, on the second force introduction structure. The second pressing tools can be supported on the second force introduction structure in such a way that the second force introduction structure and the second pressing tools execute movements in and against the second pressing direction together, in particular as a movement unit.

[0033] The spindle axis or the rotational axis of the third lifting spindle can be arranged and / or aligned substantially coaxially with the spindle axis or the rotational axis of the first lifting spindle. Alternatively or additionally, the spindle axis or the rotational axis of the fourth lifting spindle can be arranged and / or aligned substantially coaxially with the spindle axis or the rotational axis of the second lifting spindle.

[0034] The second transmission can be coupled to the second electric motor drive at a transmission input. The second transmission can be coupled to the third lifting spindle at a first transmission output. Independently of the above, the second transmission can be coupled to the fourth lifting spindle at a second transmission output. The respective coupling is preferably designed for torque transmission. The second transmission can, in particular, be designed to drive the third lifting spindle and the fourth lifting spindle synchronously.

[0035] The second gear unit can have one or more transmission shafts. Preferably, the one or more transmission shafts of the second gear unit are designed to transmit the drive torque of the second electric motor drive to the third and / or fourth lifting spindle. In embodiments with a transmission shaft common to the lifting spindles of the second pressing device, this transmission shaft can be coupled at its shaft input side to the second electric motor drive, at a first shaft output side to the third lifting spindle, and at a second shaft output side to the fourth lifting spindle. The respective coupling is preferably designed for torque transmission. For example, the common transmission shaft can be coupled at its longitudinal ends to one of the lifting spindles of the second pressing device via a respective deflection gear in a torque-transmitting manner.The coupling can be formed on the first shaft output side and / or the second shaft output side, e.g., like a cardan shaft. The first transmission and the second transmission can be mirror images of each other. Features disclosed for one of the transmissions can thus also be implemented in the other.

[0036] The device can have several dies immovably connected to the frame, which can be filled with the semi-finished product. The respective die can be a shaped tube, in particular a smooth cylindrical shaped tube. The dies can each be a circular, oval, or polygonal hollow profile, or a hollow profile with one or more round segments and one or more edges. They can also have internal longitudinal grooves and / or longitudinal ribs.

[0037] Each pressing device can be assigned a specific set of dies. In advantageous embodiments, a set of dies is assigned to both the first pressing device and the second pressing device, i.e., to both pressing devices jointly. Preferably, the pressing tools, for example, the first pressing tools and / or the second pressing tools, can each move into and out of the dies, at least in sections, to process the semi-finished product.

[0038] The pressing tools and dies can be arranged in pairs, so that each of the pressing tools can move into only one of the dies to press the semi-finished product. In designs with first and second pressing tools, such an assignment advantageously applies to both the first and second pressing tools. One of the dies is then assigned to each of the dies, with one of the first pressing tools and one of the second pressing tools being able to move into the respective die at one end face and one of the second pressing tools at the other end face to press the semi-finished product.

[0039] Preferably, at least the first pressing tools can be fully extended from the dies during operation of the device. This facilitates filling the dies with the semi-finished product and / or ejecting the compacts.

[0040] The invention also relates to a method for processing waxy semi-finished products using a device with first and second pressing tools and associated dies. In the method, the dies are filled with the semi-finished product. The second pressing tools each form a base of the die. For pressing, the first pressing tools in the dies are moved in the pressing direction towards the second pressing tools and / or the second pressing tools in the dies are moved against this pressing direction towards the first pressing tools, thereby forming the pellets. If both the first pressing tools and the second pressing tools are moved towards each other in the dies during pressing, one after the other or advantageously simultaneously, a more uniform compaction of the semi-finished product can be achieved.To eject the compacts, the first pressing tools and the second pressing tools are moved in the same direction in an ejection direction, preferably against the pressing direction of the first pressing tools, until the compacts protrude partially or preferably completely from the dies in a transfer position and can be picked up by a receiving device and moved out of the working area of ​​the pressing tools.

[0041] To carry out the method, a device according to the invention is used.

[0042] The first pressing tools can be fully extended from the dies to facilitate filling and only retracted for pressing. The second pressing tools can extend into the dies before filling or be fully retracted into the dies to form the die bases. The second pressing tools can always be at least partially retracted into the dies during ongoing production, i.e., even between successive pressing cycles of the ongoing production. They can advantageously be extended from the dies by means of the drive assigned to the respective pressing device to facilitate cleaning and / or maintenance and / or repair and / or tool changes.

[0043] During ejection, the first pressing tools and the second pressing tools can always be moved synchronously in the ejection direction. Alternatively, they can perform the ejection movement with a time offset. If the pellets are moved into the transfer position against the pressing direction of the first pressing tools, as is preferred, the ejection movement of the first pressing tools can begin before the ejection movement of the second pressing tools.

[0044] During the initial ejection phase, the first pressing tools can be moved from the dies against their pressing direction until they reach a position where they do not impede the receiving device from picking up the pellets. The second pressing tools remain stationary during the first phase. In a subsequent second phase, the second pressing tools are moved in the same direction within the dies until they have pressed the pellets into the transfer position.

[0045] In an advantageous method variant, the first and second pressing tools are moved together in the ejection direction over a portion of the ejection movement. If, for example, the pellets are ejected against the pressing direction of the first pressing tools, the ejection movement of the first pressing tools begins before the ejection movement of the second pressing tools. This can prevent any subsequent compaction of the pellets. In a first ejection phase, the first pressing tools are preferably moved slightly against their pressing direction so that the first pressing tools are detached from the pellets, i.e. no longer press against the pellets or no longer have any contact with the pellets at all. In this method variant, the second pressing tools can also remain stationary during the first phase.In this process variant, the first pressing tools and the second pressing tools can be moved synchronously in the same direction in a subsequent second ejection phase until they have pressed the pellets into the transfer position. The ejection movement of the first pressing tools can be continuous throughout the two phases, and the ejection movement of the second pressing tools can begin while the first pressing tools continue to move. Alternatively, the first pressing tools can be stopped at the end of the first phase and only then can they continue to move together with the second pressing tools.

[0046] In another advantageous process variant, the first and second pressing tools are moved together synchronously in the ejection direction over the entire length of the ejection movement. In both process variants, the compacts located between the pressing tools during the ejection movement can be secured by the pressing tools against tipping over, which is particularly advantageous when the compacts are free from the dies after the ejection movement has been completed.

[0047] Features of the invention are also described in the aspects formulated below. The aspects are formulated in the manner of claims and can replace them. Features disclosed in the aspects can supplement and / or qualify the claims, show alternatives to individual features, and / or expand claim features. Reference numerals in parentheses refer to an exemplary embodiment illustrated in the figures below. They do not limit the features described in the aspects in the literal sense as such, but on the other hand indicate preferred ways of implementing the respective feature. 1. Device for processing wax-like semi-finished products, preferably for pressing candles from a semi-finished product made of wax (W), the device (1) comprising: (a) a frame (2), (b) a plurality of pressing tools (13; 24) which are movable in and against a pressing direction (Z) with respect to the frame (2) and which are designed for processing the semi-finished product (W), preferably for pressing the candles from the semi-finished product, (c) an electric motor drive (4; 15) which is designed to drive the pressing tools (13; 24) for processing the semi-finished product, and (d) a gear (5; 16) which mechanically, preferably purely mechanically, connects the drive (4) to the pressing tools (13; 24), wherein (e) the gear (5; 16) has at least one lifting spindle (10, 11; 21, 22) with a lifting spindle thread, preferably an external thread, a main deflection gear (6; 17), a further deflection gear (8; 19) and a transmission shaft (7; 18), wherein (f) the transmission shaft (7; 18) is coupled to the drive (4; 15) on a shaft input side via the main deflection gear (6; 17) and to the at least one lifting spindle (10, 11; 21, 22) on a shaft output side via the further deflection gear (8; 19) in a torque-transmitting manner. 2. Device according to aspect 1, wherein the gear (5; 16) is designed to convert a drive torque of the drive (4; 15) into a contact pressure for the pressing tools (13; 24). 3. Device according to at least one of the preceding aspects, wherein the pressing tools (13; 24) are arranged on a force introduction structure (12; 23) and the force introduction structure (12; 23) has an engagement structure, wherein the engagement structure is coupled to the lifting spindle (10, 11; 21, 22) in such a way that a rotary movement of the lifting spindle (10, 11; 21, 22) causes a translational movement of the force introduction structure (12; 23) and thus jointly of the pressing tools (13; 24) in or against the pressing direction (Z). 4. Device according to at least one of the preceding aspects, wherein the pressing tools (13; 24) are arranged next to one another on a force introduction structure (12; 23) and the force introduction structure (12; 23) has an engagement structure which is in engagement with the lifting spindle thread, so that a rotary movement of the lifting spindle (10, 11; 21, 22) causes a translational movement of the force introduction structure (12; 23) and thus jointly of the pressing tools (13; 24) in or against the pressing direction (Z). 5. Device according to at least one of the preceding aspects, wherein the pressing tools (13; 24) are arranged next to one another on a force introduction structure (12; 23) and the force introduction structure (12; 23) has an engagement structure in the form of an internal thread, wherein the engagement structure is in threaded engagement with the lifting spindle thread formed as an external thread, so that a rotational movement of the lifting spindle (10, 11; 21, 22) in threaded engagement causes a lifting movement of the force introduction structure (12; 23) and thus jointly of the pressing tools (13; 24) in or against the pressing direction (Z). 6. Device according to at least one of the preceding aspects, wherein (a) the gear (5; 16) has a plurality of lifting spindles (10, 11; 21, 22), (b) the force introduction structure (12; 23) is designed as a press beam (12; 23), and the press beam (12; 23) has an engagement structure, preferably an internal thread, in each of its longitudinal end regions, (c) and the respective engagement structure of the press beam (12; 23) is in threaded engagement with a lifting spindle thread of one of the lifting spindles (10, 11; 21, 22). 7. Device according to the preceding aspect, wherein the lifting spindles (10, 11; 21, 22) are arranged and designed such that the lifting spindles (10, 11; 21, 22) drive the press beam (12; 23) symmetrically when a drive torque is introduced into the gear (5; 16) via the drive (4; 15). 8. Device according to aspect 6 or aspect 7, wherein the lifting spindles (10, 11; 21, 22) are arranged offset parallel to one another. 9. Device according to at least one of aspects 6 to 8, wherein the lifting spindles (10, 11; 21, 22) are rotatably mounted on the frame (2) in such a way that the lifting spindles (10, 11; 21, 22) are designed to guide the press beam (12; 23). 10. Device according to at least one of the preceding aspects, the transmission (5) comprising: (a) a first (upper left) lifting spindle (10) and a second (upper right) lifting spindle (11), which are spaced apart from one another in a width direction (X) transverse to the pressing direction (Z) and are each supported on the frame (2) so as to be rotatable about a spindle axis preferably parallel to the pressing direction (Z), and (b) a force introduction structure (12) which is movable with the first lifting spindle (10) and the second lifting spindle (10) in a threaded engagement along the respective spindle axis and thereby in and against the pressing direction (Z), (c) wherein the pressing tools (13) are arranged next to one another in the width direction (X) on the force introduction structure (12) and are supported in such a way that the force introduction structure (12) and the pressing tools (13) carry out movements in and against the pressing direction (Z) together (as a movement unit). 11. Device according to the preceding aspect, wherein the gear (5) is designed to drive the first lifting spindle (10) and the second lifting spindle (11) synchronously. 12. Device according to at least one of the two immediately preceding aspects, wherein the transmission (5) comprises one or more transmission shafts (7) which are coupled on a shaft input side to the electric motor drive (4) and on a first shaft output side to the first lifting spindle (10) and on a second shaft output side to the second lifting spindle (11) for transmitting torque. 13. Device according to at least one of the preceding aspects, wherein the gear (5; 16) has one or more transmission shafts (7; 18) which are designed to transmit the drive torque of the drive (4; 15) to the at least one lifting spindle (10, 11; 21, 22) or to a plurality of lifting spindles (10, 11; 21, 22). 14. Device according to the preceding aspect, wherein the respective transmission shaft (7; 18) extends in a direction (X) transverse to the pressing direction (Z), preferably orthogonal to the pressing direction (Z). 15. Device according to at least one of aspects 12 to 14, wherein the transmission (5; 16) has a main deflection gear (6; 17), and the main deflection gear (6; 17) is designed to transmit the drive torque of the drive (4; 15) to the respective transmission shaft (7; 18). 16. Device according to at least one of the preceding aspects in combination with aspect 10, wherein the transmission shaft (7; 18) is coupled to the first lifting spindle (10; 21) on the shaft output side and to the second lifting spindle (11; 22) on a further, second shaft output side via yet another deflection gear (9; 20) in a torque-transmitting manner. 17. Device according to one of aspects 1 to 15, each in combination with aspect 10, wherein the gear (5; 16) has a first transmission shaft (7), a second transmission shaft (7) and a main deflection gear (6; 17), and the main deflection gear (6; 17) is coupled to the first lifting spindle (10) by means of the first transmission shaft (7) and to the second lifting spindle (11) by means of the second transmission shaft (7) for transmitting a drive torque, wherein the first transmission shaft (7) and the second transmission shaft (7) are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the main deflection gear (6) facing away from one another. 18. Device according to at least one of the preceding aspects, wherein the drive (4; 15) is fastened to the frame (2). 19. Device according to at least one of the preceding aspects, wherein the plurality of pressing tools (13), the drive (4) and the gear (5) are a plurality of first pressing tools (13), a first drive (4) and a first gear (5) of a first pressing device (3), preferably an upper pressing device (3), and the device (1) has a second pressing device (14), preferably a lower pressing device (14), with a plurality of second pressing tools (24), a second drive (15) and a second gear (16), each according to one of the preceding aspects. 20. Device according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising - a first pressing device (3) with a plurality of first pressing tools (13), a first drive (4) and a first gear (5), each according to one of the preceding claims; and - a second pressing device (14) with a plurality of second pressing tools (24), a second drive (15) and a second gear (16), each according to one of the preceding claims. 21. Device according to one of the two immediately preceding aspects, wherein the first pressing device (3) and the second pressing device (14) are designed to process the semi-finished product independently of the other pressing device (3, 14) and / or by means of a coordinated movement sequence. 22. Device according to one of the three immediately preceding aspects, wherein the first pressing device (3) and the second pressing device (14) are functionally similar. 23. Device according to at least one of aspects 19 to 22, wherein the first pressing device (3) and the second pressing device (14) are arranged opposite one another in the pressing direction (Z). 24. Device according to at least one of aspects 19 to 23, wherein the first pressing device (3) and the second pressing device (14) are designed by a separate control of the respective drive (4; 15) to process the semi-finished product independently of the respective other pressing device (3, 14) and / or by a coordinated movement sequence. 25. Device according to at least one of the preceding aspects in combination with aspect 19 or 20 and further with one of aspects 6 and 10, the second transmission (16) comprising: (a) a third (lower left) lifting spindle (21) and a fourth (lower right) lifting spindle (22), which are spaced apart from one another in the width direction (X) and are each supported on the frame (2) so as to be rotatable about a spindle axis preferably parallel to the pressing direction (Z), and (b) a further force introduction structure (23) which is movable with the third lifting spindle (21) and the fourth lifting spindle (22) in a threaded engagement along the respective spindle axis and thus in and against the pressing direction (Z), (c) wherein the second pressing tools (24) are arranged next to one another in the width direction (X) on the further force introduction structure (23) and are supported in such a way that the further force introduction structure (23) and the second pressing tools (24) carry out movements in and against the pressing direction (Z) together (as a movement unit). 26. Device according to the preceding aspect, wherein the second gear (16) is adapted to drive the third lifting spindle (21) and the fourth lifting spindle (22) synchronously. 27. Device according to at least one of the two immediately preceding aspects, wherein the second gear (16) comprises one or more transmission shafts (18) which are coupled on a shaft input side to the second electric motor drive (15) and on a first shaft output side to the third lifting spindle (21) and on a second shaft output side to the fourth lifting spindle (22) for transmitting torque. 28. Device according to at least one of aspects 19 to 27, wherein the transmission (16) has a main deflection gear (17) which is coupled to the third lifting spindle (21) by means of a transmission shaft (18) and to the fourth lifting spindle (22) by means of a further transmission shaft (18) for transmitting the drive torque, wherein one of these two transmission shafts (18) is preferably arranged on opposite sides of the main deflection gear (17) facing away from one another. 29. Device according to at least one of aspects 19 to 28, wherein the first drive (4) and the second drive (15) are configured to move the first pressing tools (13) and the second pressing tools (24) sequentially one after the other in and / or against the respective pressing direction (Z; -Z). 30. Device according to at least one of aspects 19 to 29, wherein the first drive (4) and the second drive (15) are configured to move the first pressing tools (13) and the second pressing tools (24) simultaneously in and / or against the respective pressing direction (Z; -Z). 31. Device according to at least one of aspects 19 to 30, comprising a controller which is designed to control and / or regulate the first drive (4) and the second drive (15) in a coordinated manner. 32. Device according to the preceding aspect, wherein the controller is configured to control and / or regulate the first drive (4) and the second drive (15) in a coordinated manner with respect to the rotational speed and / or with respect to the rotational angle position. 33. Device according to at least one of aspects 19 to 32, comprising a controller which is designed to control and / or regulate the first drive (4) and the second drive (15) such that the first pressing tools (13) and the second pressing tools (24) move sequentially one after the other in one phase of the pressing cycle and simultaneously in and / or against the respective pressing direction (Z; -Z) in another phase of the pressing cycle. 34. Device according to at least one of the three immediately preceding aspects, wherein the control is designed to control, optionally also to regulate, the first drive (4) and the second drive (15) in such a way that the first pressing tools (13) and the second pressing tools (24) are moved in the same direction (-Z) or in opposite directions (Z, -Z) simultaneously and / or sequentially one after the other. 35. Device according to at least one of the preceding aspects, wherein the device has a receiving device (25) which is designed to receive the products made from the processed semi-finished product, preferably the candles pressed from the semi-finished product, and to feed them to a removal device, for example a conveyor belt. 36. Device according to the preceding aspect, wherein the receiving device (25) is movable translationally, preferably vertically, with respect to the frame (2). 37. Device according to aspect 35 or aspect 36, wherein the receiving device (25) has an electromotive conveyor drive (26) which is in engagement with a rack (27) fastened to the frame (2), so that a conveyor drive torque generated by the conveyor drive (26) causes a translational, preferably vertical, movement of the receiving device (25). 38. Device according to at least one of the preceding aspects, comprising a plurality of dies (29) which are arranged on the frame (2), preferably arranged immovably on the frame (2), wherein each of the pressing tools (13; 24) is assigned exactly one of the dies (29), so that the pressing tools (13; 24) can be moved into the respectively assigned die (29) and / or can be moved in the respectively assigned die (29) for pressing the semi-finished product in the pressing direction (Z). 39. Device according to the preceding aspect, wherein the matrices (29) are at least partially formed as shaped tubes (29). 40. Device according to aspect 38 or aspect 39, each in combination with aspect 19 or 20, wherein the matrices (29) are shaped tubes and each of the first pressing tools (13) is assigned exactly one of the matrices (29), so that the first pressing tools (13) can be moved into the respectively assigned matrice (29) in the pressing direction (Z) for pressing the semi-finished product. 41. Device according to at least one of aspects 38 to 40, each in combination with aspect 19 or 20, wherein the matrices (29) are shaped tubes and each of the second pressing tools (24) is assigned exactly one of the matrices (29), so that the second pressing tools (24) can be moved into the respectively assigned matrice (29) for pressing the semi-finished product against the pressing direction (Z) of the first pressing tools (13). 42. Device according to at least one of aspects 38 to 40, each in combination with aspect 19 or 20, wherein the matrices (29) are shaped tubes and the first pressing tools (13) and the second pressing tools (24) can be inserted in pairs into one of the matrices (29) in order to press the semi-finished product. 43. Device according to at least one of the preceding aspects in combination with aspect 38, wherein the device (1) has a funnel device (28) via which the semi-finished product in the form of bulk material (granules, powder, lenses, pastilles and the like) can be introduced into the matrices (29), and the pressing tools (13; 24) are designed to press the semi-finished product in the matrices (29). 44. A method for processing a wax-like semi-finished product by means of a device according to at least one of the preceding aspects, wherein the device according to at least one of the preceding claims has first pressing tools (13) and second pressing tools (24) and associated matrices (29), the method comprising the following steps: - the dies (29) are filled with the semi-finished product (W), the first pressing tools (13) being extended from the dies (29) and the second pressing tools (24) each forming a bottom of the dies (29) during filling; - the first pressing tools (13) are moved into the filled dies (29) in a pressing direction (Z); - the first pressing tools (13) are moved towards the second pressing tools (24) and / or the second pressing tools (24) are moved towards the first pressing tools (24) in order to press the semi-finished product (W) into compacts (K) of a shape predetermined by the matrices (29) and the pressing tools (13, 24); - the first pressing tools (13) and the second pressing tools (24) are moved in an ejection direction (-Z), preferably counter to the pressing direction (Z) of the first pressing tools (13), for ejecting the compacts (K) until the compacts (K) protrude partially or preferably completely from the dies (29) in a transfer position; and - the compacts (K) located in the respective transfer position are picked up by a receiving device (25) and moved out of the working area of ​​the pressing tools (13, 24). 45. Method according to the preceding aspect, wherein the first pressing tools (13) are driven in and against the pressing direction (Z) by a first electric motor drive (4) and the second pressing tools (24) are driven in and against the pressing direction (Z) by another, second electric motor drive (15). 46. ​​Method according to the preceding aspect, wherein the first pressing tools (13) and the second pressing tools (24) are mechanically decoupled with respect to the movement in and against the pressing direction (Z) and are moved in and against the pressing direction (Z) in a coordinated manner by an electronic control and / or regulation of the drives (4, 15). 47. A method according to at least one of the three immediately preceding aspects, wherein the device corresponds to at least one of aspects 1 to 43 in combination with aspect 19 or 20. 48. Method according to at least one of the four immediately preceding aspects, wherein for pressing the compacts (K) the first pressing tools (13) are moved towards the second pressing tools (24) and the second pressing tools (24) are moved towards the first pressing tools (24). 49. Method according to the preceding aspect, wherein the first pressing tools (13) and the second pressing tools (24) are moved towards each other simultaneously during pressing of the semi-finished product (W). 50. Method according to at least one of the six immediately preceding aspects, wherein the first pressing tools (13) are moved against the pressing direction (Z) to eject the compacts and the second pressing tools (24) are moved simultaneously or only with a time offset against the pressing direction (Z) to press the compacts (K) into the transfer position.

[0048] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the figures. The features revealed in the exemplary embodiment, individually and in any combination of features, advantageously develop the subject matter of the claims and the above aspects, as well as the further embodiments described above. They show: Fig. 1 a front view of a device for processing waxy semi-finished products; Fig. 2 a side view of the device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the device according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a pressing arrangement with a first pressing tool, a second pressing tool and a die which is still open on one side after being filled with a waxy semi-finished product; Fig. 5 the pressing arrangement after closing the die; Fig. 6 the pressing arrangement after a pressing process of a first variant; Fig. 7 the pressing arrangement after a pressing process of a second variant; and Fig. 8 the press arrangement after execution of an ejection stroke.

[0049] Fig. Figure 1 shows a front view of an embodiment of a device 1 for processing wax-like semi-finished products, in particular for pressing candles and / or candle blanks from the respective wax semi-finished product. The device 1 comprises a frame 2, a first pressing device 3, and a second pressing device 14.

[0050] The first pressing device 3 has a first electric motor drive 4, several first pressing tools 13 and a first gear 5.

[0051] The first pressing tools 13 are movable relative to the frame 2 in a pressing direction Z and counter to the pressing direction Z. Preferably, they are movable back and forth in a purely translational, linear manner in the Z direction. When the pressing tools 13 move in the pressing direction Z, the pressing tools 13 are designed to press wax-like semi-finished products, in particular wax semi-finished products, into a predetermined shape, for example, to press candles from wax semi-finished products.

[0052] The first electric motor drive 4 is designed to drive the pressing tools 13. The drive 4 can be controlled by a Fig. 1, in order to control and / or regulate the movement of the pressing tools 13 in and / or against the pressing direction Z. When reference is made to a control device or simply a "control system," this is intended to encompass a pure control device as well as a control and regulation device. To drive the pressing tools 13, the electric motor drive 4 is mechanically connected to the pressing tools 13 via the gear mechanism 5, transmitting force and / or torque.

[0053] The first transmission 5 comprises a main deflection gear 6. The main deflection gear 6 is connected to the first electric motor drive 4 at a transmission input for transmitting force and / or torque. At a transmission output, the main deflection gear 6 is connected to a transmission shaft 7 that is rotatable relative to the frame 2 for transmitting force and / or torque. The transmission shaft 7 can extend at least substantially orthogonally to the pressing direction Z.

[0054] The transmission shaft 7 is connected on a first output side to a lateral deflection gear 8, which is on the left in the front view, and on a second output side to a lateral deflection gear 9, which is on the right in the front view, in a force-transmitting and / or torque-transmitting manner. Accordingly, the rotational movement introduced into the transmission shaft 7 by the main deflection gear 6 or the torque introduced into the transmission shaft 7 is introduced by the transmission shaft 7 into the left deflection gear 8 and the right deflection gear 9.

[0055] The device 1 comprises a lifting spindle 10 (left in the front view) and a lifting spindle 11 (right in the front view), each of which is rotatable about a spindle axis relative to the frame 2. The lifting spindles 10 and 11 are preferably connected to the frame 2 in a translationally immovable manner. Preferably, they are rotatable relative to the frame 2 only about the respective spindle axis. The left deflection gear 8 couples the transmission shaft 7 to the left lifting spindle 10, and the right deflection gear 9 couples the transmission shaft 7 to the right lifting spindle 11.

[0056] The deflection gears 8 and 9 are designed to transmit the torque of the transmission shaft 7 to the lifting spindles 10 and 11 in order to drive them in rotation. The deflection gears 8 and 9 can each comprise, for example, an angular gear or a worm gear to transmit the torque of the transmission shaft 7 to the lifting spindles 10 and 11, which extend at an angle thereto.

[0057] The transmission shaft 7 is a continuous transmission shaft 7, extending axially from the left deflection gear 8 via the main gear 6 to the right deflection gear 9 as a single shaft. It can extend at least substantially orthogonally to the pressing direction Z.

[0058] In alternative embodiments, the device 1, in particular the first pressing device 3, can also have multiple transmission shafts 7. For example, the main deflection gear 6 can have a first transmission output and a second transmission output, wherein the first transmission output is connected to a left transmission shaft for transmitting torque, and the second transmission output is connected to a right transmission shaft for transmitting torque. The transmission shaft 7 would be divided into a left and a right transmission shaft. The left transmission shaft would be coupled to the left lifting spindle 10 via the left deflection gear 8, and the right transmission shaft would be coupled to the right lifting spindle 11 via the right deflection gear 9.

[0059] The lifting spindles 10 and 11 can be arranged at least substantially parallel to the pressing direction Z. In particular, the spindle or rotation axes of the lifting spindles 10 and 11 can extend at least substantially parallel to the pressing direction Z.

[0060] The pressing tools 13 are arranged next to one another in a width direction X pointing transversely to the pressing direction Z on a force introduction structure 12, which can in particular be designed as an inherently rigid pressing beam 12. The force introduction structure 12 is movable with respect to the frame 2 in and against the pressing direction Z. Preferably, it only has the degree of freedom of translation in and against the pressing direction Z relative to the frame 2. A left and a right engagement structure are provided at the respective longitudinal end regions of the force introduction structure 12. The left engagement structure of the force introduction structure 12 is in threaded engagement with a spindle thread of the left lifting spindle 10. The right engagement structure of the force introduction structure 12 is in threaded engagement with a spindle thread of the right lifting spindle 11. The spindle threads can expediently be external threads.The engagement structures of the force introduction structure 12 can have corresponding internal threads. Rotational movements of the lifting spindles 10 and 11, via the respective thread engagement, cause lifting movements of the force introduction structure 12 in or against the pressing direction Z, corresponding to the direction of rotation of the lifting spindles 10 and 11.

[0061] The second pressing device 14 has a second electric motor drive 15, additional second pressing tools 24 and a second gear 16.

[0062] The second pressing tools 24 are movable relative to the frame 2 in and against the pressing direction Z of the first pressing tools 23. When the pressing tools 24 move against the pressing direction Z of the first pressing tools 23, i.e., in the "-Z" direction, the pressing tools 24 are designed to press the semi-finished product into a predetermined shape, in particular to press candles from the semi-finished product.

[0063] The second electric motor drive 15 is designed to drive the second pressing tools 24. The first electric motor drive 4 and the second electric motor drive 15 can be controlled and / or regulated by the same, common controller. The controller can, in particular, be configured to control and optionally regulate the two electric motor drives 4 and 15 in a coordinated manner.

[0064] It is advantageous if the first pressing tools 23 and the second pressing tools 24 are mechanically movable independently of one another with respect to the pressing direction Z, i.e., there is no mechanical forced coupling with respect to the translation in and / or against the pressing direction Z. In such embodiments, the movements are coupled only via the control of the drives 4 and 15. The control acts as an "electronic shaft" that ensures coordinated movements of the first and second pressing tools 13 and 24. This makes it possible to optimize the movement sequences during the pressing of the semi-finished product.Thus, during the course of a pressing cycle - from filling of dies through the actual pressing to the ejection of the compacts - the pressing tools 13 and 24 can be moved together in phases in the same direction or in opposite directions and / or at the same speed or different speeds and / or in particular optionally simultaneously or with a time delay one after the other.

[0065] In order to drive the second pressing tools 24, the second electric motor drive 15 is mechanically connected to the second pressing tools 24 via the second gear 16, in particular connected in a force and / or torque transmitting manner.

[0066] The second transmission 16 comprises a main deflection gear 17, a transmission shaft 18, and deflection gears 19 and 20. The main deflection gear 17 is connected to the second electric motor drive 15 at a transmission input for transmitting power and / or torque. At a transmission output, the main deflection gear 17 is connected to the transmission shaft 18 for transmitting power and / or torque.

[0067] The transmission shaft 18 is connected on a first output side to a lateral deflection gear 19, which is on the left in the front view, and on a second output side to a lateral deflection gear 20, which is on the right in the front view, in a force-transmitting and / or torque-transmitting manner. Accordingly, the rotational movement introduced into the transmission shaft 18 by the main deflection gear 17 or the torque introduced into the transmission shaft 18 is introduced by the transmission shaft 18 into the left deflection gear 19 and the right deflection gear 20.

[0068] The second pressing device 14 comprises a lifting spindle 21 (left in the front view) and a lifting spindle 22 (right in the front view), each of which is rotatable about a spindle axis relative to the frame 2. The lifting spindles 21 and 22 are preferably connected to the frame 2 in a translationally immovable manner. Preferably, they are rotatable relative to the frame 2 only about the respective spindle axis. The left deflection gear 19 couples the transmission shaft 18 to the left lifting spindle 21, and the right deflection gear 20 couples the transmission shaft 18 to the right lifting spindle 22.

[0069] The deflection gears 19 and 20 are designed to transmit the torque of the transmission shaft 18 to the lifting spindles 21 and 22 in order to drive them in rotation. The deflection gears 19 and 20 can each comprise, for example, an angular gear or a worm gear to transmit the torque of the transmission shaft 18 to the lifting spindles 21 and 22, which extend at an angle thereto.

[0070] In the exemplary embodiment, the transmission shaft 18 is a continuous transmission shaft 18, thus extending axially from the left deflection gear 19 via the main gear 17 to the right deflection gear 20 as a single shaft. It can extend at least substantially orthogonally to the pressing direction Z.

[0071] In alternative embodiments, the second pressing device 14 can also have multiple transmission shafts 18. For example, the main deflection gear 17 can have a first transmission output and a second transmission output, wherein the first transmission output is connected to a left transmission shaft for transmitting torque, and the second transmission output is connected to a right transmission shaft for transmitting torque. The transmission shaft 18 would be divided into a left and a right transmission shaft. The left transmission shaft would be coupled to the left lifting spindle 21 via the left deflection gear 19, and the right transmission shaft would be coupled to the right lifting spindle 22 via the right deflection gear 20.

[0072] The lifting spindles 21 and 22 can be arranged at least substantially parallel to the pressing direction Z. In particular, the spindle or rotation axes of the lifting spindles 21 and 22 can extend at least substantially parallel to the pressing direction Z.

[0073] The second pressing tools 24 are arranged next to one another in the width direction X on a second force introduction structure 23, which can in particular be designed as an inherently rigid pressing beam 23. The force introduction structure 23 is movable with respect to the frame 2 in and against the pressing direction Z. Preferably, it only has the degree of freedom of translation in and against the pressing direction Z relative to the frame 2. A left and a right engagement structure are provided at the respective longitudinal end regions of the second force introduction structure 23. The left engagement structure of the force introduction structure 23 is in threaded engagement with a spindle thread of the left lifting spindle 21. The right engagement structure of the force introduction structure 23 is in threaded engagement with a spindle thread of the right lifting spindle 22. The spindle threads can expediently be external threads.The engagement structures of the force introduction structure 23 can have corresponding internal threads. Rotational movements of the lifting spindles 21 and 22, in the respective threaded engagement, cause lifting movements of the force introduction structure 23 in or against the pressing direction Z, corresponding to the direction of rotation of the lifting spindles 21 and 22.

[0074] The device 1 comprises two storage units 31 for the semi-finished product arranged on the frame 2. In alternative embodiments, the device 1 can also have only one semi-finished product storage unit 31. In principle, the device 1 does not need to be equipped with a storage unit for the semi-finished product; for example, it can be supplied from a storage unit external to the device 1.

[0075] The device 1 comprises a receiving device 25, which is configured to receive the pressed articles formed by the pressing tools 13 and 24, preferably pressed candles or candle blanks, and transfer them to a removal device. The removal device can, for example, be a conveyor belt (not shown in the figures) that transports the pressed articles away for further processing and / or packaging.

[0076] Fig. 2 shows the device 1 in a side view, in which the receiving device 25 can also be seen.

[0077] The receiving device 25 has a drive 26, for example an electric motor drive 26, a in the front view of the Fig. 1 left rack 27, a right rack 27 (as seen from the front), and several receivers for receiving the pellets. The receivers can, in particular, be grippers for gripping the pellets. The racks 27 can be immovably connected to the frame 2.

[0078] The drive 26 of the receiving device 25, together with the receivers, can be moved back and forth relative to the frame 2 parallel to the pressing direction Z, vertically in the exemplary embodiment. For this purpose, the drive 26 is connected to a left gear 30 and a right gear 30 via a drive output shaft in a torque-transmitting manner. The gear wheels 30 mesh with the racks 27, so that the drive 26, and together with it the receivers, can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the racks 30 and thus parallel to the pressing direction Z.

[0079] The semi-finished product is pressed into dies 29. The dies 29 can each be formed, in particular, as a shaped tube 29. They are open at a first end, which is the upper end in the exemplary embodiment, and at a second end, which is the upper end in the exemplary embodiment, thus extending continuously in the pressing direction Z.

[0080] In Fig. 3, the dies 29 are clearly visible. Each of the dies 29 is assigned exactly one pressing tool 13 of the first pressing device 3 and one pressing tool 24 of the second pressing device 14. The first pressing tools 13 are each designed to retract from above into the assigned die 29 and extend upwards. The second pressing tools 24 are each designed to retract from below into the assigned die 29 and extend downwards. The pressing tools 13 and 24 thus form the upper and lower punches of the device 1.

[0081] During ongoing production, the lower or second pressing tools 24 can always be retracted into the dies 21. During ongoing production, the second pressing tools 24 are preferably only moved within the dies. They each form a base for the dies 29. The dies 29 can therefore be filled with the semi-finished product from above. The first pressing tools 13, on the other hand, move into the dies 29 from above for pressing and out of the dies 29 upwards for filling.

[0082] After the dies 29 have been filled, the first pressing tools 13 move into the dies 29 in the pressing direction Z and close the dies. For pressing, the first pressing tools 13 can be stationary in a closed position and the second pressing tools 24 can be moved towards the stationary first pressing tools 13 until the semi-finished product has been pressed. Alternatively, the second pressing tools 24 can be stationary and the first pressing tools 13 can be moved towards the stationary second pressing tools 24 until the semi-finished product has been pressed. In an advantageous third method embodiment, the first pressing tools 13 are moved in the pressing direction Z and the second pressing tools 24 are moved against the pressing direction Z in order to achieve a particularly uniform structure for the pressed pieces. The pressing tools 13 and the pressing tools 24 are moved towards one another one after the other or preferably simultaneously.

[0083] To fill the dies 29, the device 1 comprises a hopper device 28. The hopper device 28 can be used to collect the semi-finished product falling out of the semi-finished product storage devices 31 and feed it to the dies 29. Optionally, the hopper device 28 can be configured to loosen the semi-finished product, which may be in granular and / or powder form, for example.

[0084] To remove the compacts from the dies 29, the first pressing tools 13 are fully extended from the dies 29 against the pressing direction Z. Synchronously or subsequently, the second pressing tools 24 can be moved in the same direction, i.e., against the pressing direction Z of the first pressing tools 13. The compacts are thereby ejected by the second pressing tools 24, i.e., pushed out of the dies 29, and can be picked up by the receiving device 25 and transferred to the removal device.

[0085] The Fig. Figures 4 to 8 show a pressing cycle in two variants. Shown is a pressing arrangement consisting of one of the dies 29, the associated first pressing tool 13, and the associated second pressing tool 24. The pressing arrangement represents each of the device's multiple pressing arrangements, each of which is formed by one of the dies 29 and the pressing tools 13 and 24 interacting with the respective die 29.

[0086] Fig. Figure 4 shows the die 29 and its associated pressing tools 13 and 24 immediately after filling the die 29 with a wax-like semi-finished product W, for example, a wax powder or granulate. During production, which includes a plurality of pressing cycles to be carried out one after the other, the second pressing tool 24 is always retracted into the die 29. For filling, the second pressing tool 24 assumes a starting position in the die 29, which in the exemplary embodiment with upright dies 29 is a lower position or bottom position, in which the pressing tool 24 forms a die bottom for filling the die 29. For filling the die 29, the first pressing tool 13 was moved into a release position in which it releases the die 29 so that it can be filled with the semi-finished product W. In Fig. 4, the die 29 is already filled with the semi-finished product W and the first pressing tool 13 is still in its release position.

[0087] The second pressing tool 24 is designed as a head punch. It has a passage extending in the Z direction, through which a wick guide 34 extends, through which a waxed wick D protrudes into the pressing chamber surrounded by the die 29 and filled with the semi-finished product W. The pressing tool 24 is movable back and forth relative to the wick guide 34 in the pressing direction. The wick guide 34 can also be movable back and forth in the pressing direction or, in preferred simple designs, can be arranged immobile.

[0088] After filling, the first pressing tool 13 is moved into the die 29 into a closing position in which it is opposite the pressing tool 24 in the pressing direction Z or -Z and closes the die 29. In Fig. This state is illustrated in Figure 5. In the closing position, the first pressing tool 13 can be in contact with the semi-finished product W located in the die. It can also cause the semi-finished product W to be compacted during retraction.

[0089] From the Fig. In the state shown in Figure 5, in which the first pressing tool 13 assumes the closed position and the second pressing tool 24 assumes the bottom position, the semi-finished product W is pressed and thereby a compact K corresponding to the shape of the die 29 and the pressing tools 13 and 24, in the exemplary embodiment a candle, is formed.

[0090] Fig. 6 shows the pressing tools 13 and 24 each in a final position which they assume after pressing the semi-finished product W in the die 29. Fig. 6 represents a first method variant in which the first pressing tool 13 is stationary in the closed position and for pressing only the second pressing tool 24 is moved in the direction of the first pressing tool 13 until the pressing process is completed and the compact K has acquired its final shape. If compaction has already taken place when the die 29 is closed, this is at least the main compaction stroke during which the greatest forces occur. This compaction stroke is carried out solely by the second pressing tool 24. The compaction stroke has the stroke length H. The stroke length H is the length by which the distance between the pressing tools 13 and 24 measured in the pressing direction Z or -Z is shortened compared to the distance between the pressing tools 13 and 24 when they assume the closed position and the bottom position.

[0091] Fig. 7 shows the pressing tools 13 and 24 after a pressing process has been completed according to an alternative second method variant. In the second method variant, after the die 29 has been closed, both the second pressing tool 24 is moved towards the first pressing tool 13 and the first pressing tool 13 is moved towards the second pressing tool 24 in the die 29. The pressing tools 13 and 24 are thus moved towards one another. One of the pressing tools 13 and 24 can be moved in the corresponding pressing direction in a first phase and the other pressing tool in a subsequent second phase. Instead, however, both pressing tools 13 and 24 can advantageously be moved towards one another simultaneously, preferably at at least substantially the same speed. The compression stroke of the stroke length H of the first method variant is divided between the pressing tools 13 and 24.The division can advantageously be carried out in such a way that both pressing tools 13 and 24 are moved towards each other over the same stroke length, ie over H / 2 in each case.

[0092] In the second variant of the procedure, in a first phase the state of the Fig. 5, the first pressing tool 13 is moved into the closed position, stopped and only then moved further in the pressing direction Z in coordination with the second pressing tool 24. Instead, it can also be moved from the release position ( Fig. 4) can be retracted into the die and continuously moved in the pressing direction Z into and beyond the closed position, without stopping in the closed position. The movement of the second pressing tool 24 in its pressing direction -Z can begin as soon as the first pressing tool 13 has reached the closed position, so that it securely closes the die 29 at the upper end.

[0093] Fig.Figure 8 shows the arrangement after execution of an ejection stroke, by which the compact K formed from the semi-finished product W is ejected from the die 29. The ejection stroke can be performed upwards, in particular, when the die 29 is in an upright position.

[0094] For ejection, in a first phase, the first pressing tool 13 can be moved out of the die into a position where it does not hinder the receiving device 25 from taking it over. This can be, for example, the release position. Subsequently, the second pressing tool 24 performs the ejection stroke. Alternatively, the pressing tools 13 and 24 can perform the ejection stroke together. An advantage of this alternative is that the compact K is secured against tilting movements between the pressing tools 13 and 24 during the ejection stroke, particularly towards the end of the ejection stroke. This can be particularly advantageous for long compacts.The alternative can be further modified by moving only the first pressing tool 13 a small distance against its pressing direction Z in a first ejection phase and moving the second pressing tool 24 together with the still extending first pressing tool 13 against the pressing direction Z in a subsequent second phase, wherein in this modification it is also ensured that the compact K is secured against tilting movements between the pressing tools 13 during the ejection movement.

[0095] During the ejection stroke, the second pressing tool 24 pushes the compact K far enough out of the die 29 so that the receiving device 25 can take over the compact K and move it out of the working area of ​​the pressing arrangement. After the takeover, the second pressing tool 24 can be retracted back to the bottom position, the wick D can be cut to a desired length, and the compact K can be moved out of the working area of ​​the pressing tools 13 and 24. The next pressing cycle can then be carried out. Reference symbol: 1 device 2 frames 3 first pressing device 4 first electric motor drive 5 first gearbox 6 main deflection gears 7 Transmission shaft 8 deflection gears 9 Deflection gear 10 first lifting spindle 11 second lifting spindle 12 force introduction structure / press beam 13 pressing tools 14 second pressing device 15 second electric motor drive 16 second gearbox 17 Main deflection gear 18 Transmission shaft 19 Deflection gear 20 deflection gears 21 third lifting spindle 22 fourth lifting spindle 23 Force introduction structure / press beam 24 pressing tools 25 Recording device 26 Drive 27 Rack 28 Funnel device 29 Matrix 30 gear 31 semi-finished product storage 32 Wick tube X Width direction Y depth direction Z pressing direction D Wick H stroke length K Pressling W Semi-finished product

Claims

[1] Device for processing wax-like semi-finished products, preferably for pressing candles from a wax semi-finished product (W), the device (1) comprising: (a) a frame (2), (b) a plurality of pressing tools (13; 24) which are movable in and against a pressing direction (Z) with respect to the frame (2) and which are designed for processing the semi-finished product (W), preferably for pressing the candles from the semi-finished product, (c) an electric motor drive (4; 15) which is designed to drive the pressing tools (13; 24) for processing the semi-finished product, and (d) a gear (5; 16) which mechanically, preferably purely mechanically, connects the drive (4) to the pressing tools (13; 24), wherein (e) the gear (5; 16) has at least one lifting spindle (10, 11; 21, 22) with a lifting spindle thread, preferably an external thread, a main deflection gear (6; 17), a further deflection gear (8; 19) and a transmission shaft (7; 18), wherein (f) the transmission shaft (7; 18) is coupled to the drive (4; 15) on a shaft input side via the main deflection gear (6; 17) and to the at least one lifting spindle (10, 11; 21, 22) on a shaft output side via the further deflection gear (8; 19) in a torque-transmitting manner. [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the pressing tools (13; 24) are arranged on a force introduction structure (12; 23) and the force introduction structure (12; 23) has an engagement structure, wherein the engagement structure is coupled to the lifting spindle (10, 11; 21, 22) in such a way that a rotary movement of the lifting spindle (10, 11; 21, 22) causes a translational movement of the force introduction structure (12; 23) and thus jointly of the pressing tools (13; 24) in or against the pressing direction (Z). [3] Device according to the preceding claim, wherein (a) the gear (5; 16) has a plurality of lifting spindles (10, 11; 21, 22), (b) the force introduction structure (12; 23) is designed as a press beam (12; 23), and the press beam (12; 23) has an engagement structure in each of its longitudinal end regions, (c) and the respective engagement structure is in threaded engagement with a lifting spindle thread of one of the lifting spindles (10, 11; 21, 22). [4] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, the transmission (5) comprising: (a) a first lifting spindle (10) and a second lifting spindle (11) which are spaced apart from one another in a width direction (X) transverse to the pressing direction (Z) and are each supported on the frame (2) so as to be rotatable about a spindle axis preferably parallel to the pressing direction (Z), and (b) a force introduction structure (12) which is movable with the first lifting spindle (10) and the second lifting spindle (10) in a threaded engagement along the respective spindle axis and thereby in and against the pressing direction (Z), (c) wherein the pressing tools (13) are arranged next to one another in the width direction (X) on the force introduction structure (12) and are supported in such a way that the force introduction structure (12) and the pressing tools (13) carry out movements in and against the pressing direction (Z) together as a movement unit. [5] Device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the gear (5; 16) has a plurality of transmission shafts (7; 18) which are designed to transmit the drive torque of the drive (4; 15) to the respective lifting spindle (10, 11; 21, 22). [6] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising - a first pressing device (3) with a plurality of first pressing tools (13), a first drive (4) and a first gear (5) according to one of the preceding claims; and - a second pressing device (14) with a plurality of second pressing tools (24), a second drive (15) and a second gear (16) according to one of the preceding claims. [7] Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the first pressing device (3) and the second pressing device (14) are designed to process the semi-finished product independently of the other pressing device (3, 14) and / or by means of a coordinated movement sequence. [8] Device according to at least one of the two immediately preceding claims in combination with one of claims 3 and 4, the second transmission (16) comprising: (a) a third lifting spindle (21) and a fourth lifting spindle (22) which are spaced apart from one another in the width direction (X) and are each supported on the frame (2) so as to be rotatable about a spindle axis which is preferably parallel to the pressing direction (Z), and (b) a further force introduction structure (23) which is movable with the third lifting spindle (21) and the fourth lifting spindle (22) in a threaded engagement along the respective spindle axis and thus in and against the pressing direction (Z), (c) wherein the second pressing tools (24) are arranged next to one another in the width direction (X) on the further force introduction structure (23) and are supported in such a way that the further force introduction structure (23) and the second pressing tools (24) carry out movements in and against the pressing direction (Z) together as a movement unit. [9] Device according to at least one of claims 6 to 8, comprising a control system which is designed to control and / or regulate the first drive (4) and the second drive (15) in a coordinated manner. [10] Device according to at least one of claims 6 to 9, comprising a control system which is designed to control and / or regulate the first drive (4) and the second drive (15) in such a way that the first pressing tools (13) and the second pressing tools (24) move sequentially one after the other in one phase of the pressing cycle and simultaneously in and / or against the respective pressing direction (Z; -Z) in another phase of the pressing cycle. [11] Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of dies (29) which are arranged on the frame (2), preferably arranged immovably on the frame (2), wherein each of the pressing tools (13; 24) is assigned exactly one of the dies (29), so that the pressing tools (13; 24) can be moved into the respectively assigned die (29) and / or can be moved in the respectively assigned die (29) for pressing the semi-finished product in the pressing direction (Z). [12] Method for processing a wax-like semi-finished product by means of a device according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the device according to at least one of the preceding claims has first pressing tools (13) and second pressing tools (24) and associated matrices (29), the method comprising the following steps: - the dies (29) are filled with the semi-finished product (W), the first pressing tools (13) being extended from the dies (29) and the second pressing tools (24) each forming a bottom of the dies (29) during filling; - the first pressing tools (13) are moved into the filled dies (29) in a pressing direction (Z); - the first pressing tools (13) are moved towards the second pressing tools (24) and / or the second pressing tools (24) are moved towards the first pressing tools (24) in order to press the semi-finished product (W) into compacts (K) of a shape predetermined by the matrices (29) and the pressing tools (13, 24); - the first pressing tools (13) and the second pressing tools (24) are moved in an ejection direction (-Z), preferably counter to the pressing direction (Z) of the first pressing tools (13), for ejecting the compacts (K) until the compacts (K) protrude partially or preferably completely from the dies (29) in a transfer position; and - the compacts (K) located in the respective transfer position are picked up by a receiving device (25) and moved out of the working area of ​​the pressing tools (13, 24). [13] Method according to the preceding claim, wherein for pressing the semi-finished product (W) the first pressing tools (13) are moved towards the second pressing tools (24) and the second pressing tools (24) are moved towards the first pressing tools (24), preferably simultaneously moved towards each other.

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