Actuating device for casting molds

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuating device (1) for casting molds (2), comprising a pressing element (3) and a first actuating element (4) and a second actuating element (5) which is mounted movably relative to the first actuating element (4) in an actuating direction (6) and is coupled to the pressing element (3). The actuating device (1) also comprises a guide sleeve (7) which is movable, together with the second actuating element (5), in the actuating direction (6), the guide sleeve (7) being mounted on the outside of the first actuating element (4), so that the guide sleeve (7) can be guided over the first actuating element (4) during movement in the actuating direction (6).

Description

[0001] POSITIONING DEVICE FOR MOLDS

[0002] The invention relates to an adjusting device for casting molds, a holding device with several adjusting devices, and a method for holding casting molds.

[0003] Holding devices for pressing or holding against casting molds are known in the prior art. These serve, among other things, to prevent the leakage of molten metal from the casting mold, as well as to generally prevent unwanted deformation of the casting mold, especially when casting cast iron or gray cast iron.

[0004] In this regard, a holding device, in which the mold or core assembly is supported, comprises several adjusting devices with pressure elements to achieve the required contact pressure. The pressure elements can be adjusted towards the mold, allowing, for example, the contact pressure to be adjusted. Furthermore, after the casting process, the pressure elements can also be adjusted in the opposite direction, so that the mold can be removed from the holding device.

[0005] Various positioning mechanisms are used for this purpose, by means of which the pressure elements can be adjusted via the positioning devices. These devices, for example, have axially adjustable profile strips which are guided with respect to their adjustment movement by means of bearing rollers or the like.

[0006] A disadvantage of prior art positioning devices is their often short lifespan and changes in their contact pressure, due in part to material deposits during casting processes. This makes them particularly maintenance-intensive and reduces the quality of the molds used, especially sand casting molds. Furthermore, optimal mold storage for a casting process cannot always be guaranteed.

[0007] The object of the present invention was to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art and to provide an adjusting device by means of which a user is able to increase the service life of the adjusting device, as well as to improve the quality of the associated molds, in particular sand molds, and of the cast components to be produced, and also to improve the storage of the molds.

[0008] This problem is solved by an adjusting device according to the claims. The adjusting device for casting molds according to the invention comprises:

[0009] - a pressure element; which is intended for pressing against the mold

[0010] - a first actuating element;

[0011] - a second actuating element which is adjustable relative to the first actuating element along an actuating direction and is coupled to the pressure element (for its adjustment); and is characterized by a guide sleeve which is adjustable along the actuating direction together with the second actuating element, wherein the guide sleeve is mounted externally on the first actuating element so that the guide sleeve can be guided over the first actuating element during adjustment along the actuating direction.

[0012] Such a design can prevent contamination of the actuating mechanism or the bearing of the actuating elements by protecting the actuating elements from external influences, thereby significantly increasing the service life as well as the precision of the actuating elements or the actuating device.

[0013] The guide sleeve can overlap the second actuating element at least in the vertical direction (perpendicular to the direction of actuation), but preferably it can completely enclose it circumferentially around the direction of actuation. Furthermore, the second actuating element can encompass the guide sleeve or even be formed integrally with it. The guide sleeve can thus preferably be rigidly connected to the second actuating element with respect to its movement.

[0014] In particular, the guide sleeve can be designed to be telescopic relative to the first actuating element.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first actuating element may comprise a cylindrical housing and the guide sleeve may be arranged coaxially with respect to the first actuating element. Such a design allows for a particularly simple and precisely controllable configuration of the guide sleeve.

[0016] In a possible further development, the guide sleeve can be guided along the direction of adjustment by means of a first bearing element mounted on the first actuating element. Preferably, the bearing element is fixed to an end region of the first actuating element facing the second actuating element (or the pressure element). Such an arrangement on the first actuating element also has the advantage that the bearing element is always located within the protective zone of the guide sleeve and that the guide sleeve is mounted externally, so that no material can be carried into the bearing element even during its movement.

[0017] In principle, it would also be conceivable that the first bearing element is fixed to the guide sleeve and thus movable with it.

[0018] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first bearing element may comprise a sliding bearing bushing. A sliding bearing bushing allows the guide sleeve to be guided uniformly and stably, and also provides a sealing effect between the first actuating element and the guide sleeve. This protects the actuating elements not only from falling material, but also from dust, scale, and other components that typically accumulate in foundry work.

[0019] Furthermore, sealing elements in the form of sealing lips, wipers, or the like may be arranged between the first and second actuating elements—or between the guide sleeve and the first actuating element. These may also be provided in addition to a sliding bearing or another bearing element. Depending on the geometric shape of the guide sleeve, the geometric shape of such sealing elements may also vary; for example, the guide sleeve may have a polygonal cross-section instead of a cylindrical one, so that the sealing elements are adapted to this shape, as are any bearing arrangements that may be present.

[0020] In a possible further development, the actuator can include a protective cover, which is arranged over the guide sleeve and is adjustable together with the second actuating element. An additional protective cover can further increase the service life of the actuator, primarily by allowing liquid material to be trapped by the cover and freeze onto it instead of onto the guide sleeve. Preferably, the protective cover is designed as a replaceable component, so that it can be installed and removed without further adaptation of the actuator or a holding device.

[0021] An advantageous embodiment provides that the pressure element is coupled to the second actuating element by means of a spring element. Preferably, the spring element is arranged such that the pressure element is elastically mounted relative to the second actuating element by means of the spring element, allowing the latter to move according to the spring rate of the spring element. The spring element preferably extends vertically in a plane perpendicular to the direction of actuation. A leaf spring is particularly preferred. Furthermore, the spring element can preferably be attached to the pressure element at least in a first end section, and preferably also in a second end section, and connected to the second actuating element by means of a central section. Preferably, the spring element can be made of spring steel.

[0022] Primarily, such a spring element can be used to compensate for stresses in the casting mold by having the necessary dimensions or a high spring rate to balance the contact pressure of the adjusting device with any stresses that may arise during the solidification of the casting material. For example, high stresses can occur during the solidification of gray cast iron—e.g., during the formation of martensite—which can vary over time, making active compensation difficult. These stresses can be easily corrected using a passive compensating element, such as a spring element.

[0023] According to one possible embodiment, an adjustment unit can be arranged between the pressure element and the spring element, wherein the spring rate of the spring element can be adjusted by means of the adjustment unit. The adjustment unit preferably comprises an adjustable adjustment element for each end region (or mounting region) of the spring element, wherein the spring rate or spring force can be adjusted by means of the respective height position of the adjustment elements. In this way, the spring element can be adapted to different casting shapes or material selections and the associated resulting stresses.

[0024] At this point, it should be mentioned that it is fundamentally possible to provide such a spring element or compensating element for positioning devices according to the general term or from the prior art, so that the compensating or spring elements are used to compensate for forces or stresses occurring between the mold and the positioning device, in particular after the mold has been fixed by means of the positioning device, namely during the casting process and the subsequent solidification process.

[0025] According to a further development, the second actuating element can be adjusted along the direction of movement by means of a spindle nut unit. In particular, with hollow cylindrical components, a spindle nut allows for a particularly smooth actuating movement, enabling optimal combination of the actuating mechanism with the aforementioned guide sleeve. Furthermore, a hollow cylindrical design and a spindle nut unit allow for a particularly compact construction.

[0026] Preferably, the adjusting device can be self-locking with respect to the positioning movement of the pressure element by means of the first and second adjusting elements, so that the adjusting device or the pressure element cannot be pushed back independently (e.g., by the mold), thus preferably remaining in this position after adjustment or when pressed against the mold. For example, the spindle nut unit can be self-locking; such a design further has the advantage that the adjusting device can be in a passive state during a casting process and / or solidification process and does not need to be actuated.

[0027] Furthermore, it may preferably be provided that only the spindle of the spindle nut unit (including its bearing) is rotatable, so that the other movable components of the adjusting device can only be linearly displaceable.

[0028] One possible embodiment provides that the first actuating element comprises a coupling unit, wherein the coupling unit is designed for coupling with a drive device and is configured to transmit a drive movement from the drive device to the actuating device. With such a design, the actuating device can, for example, also be designed passively, so that it does not contain any active components for initiating the actuating movement. This allows it to be made particularly robust and also enables it to be easily retrofitted into existing systems. Preferably, the coupling unit can be rotatably connected to, or fixed to, the spindle nut unit.

[0029] The aforementioned task is also solved by a holding device for casting molds, comprising;

[0030] - a base frame with a receiving space formed within it for receiving at least one casting mold;

[0031] - a holding unit comprising several adjusting devices with pressure elements for pressing against the mold, wherein the adjusting devices are designed according to an adjusting device according to the invention.

[0032] The holding device can also integrate the drive devices and their control device, but the control device can also be provided by means of an external system.

[0033] Preferably, a holding unit can have a receiving profile in which several positioning devices are received, wherein the receiving profile has openings or through-holes for the respective guide sleeves.

[0034] Furthermore, an access opening for a respective actuating device can also be provided on the side of the holding unit facing away from the mold, whereby a drive device can be coupled to the actuating device by means of the access opening.

[0035] Preferably, a module that can be docked to the holding unit (or holding device) can also be provided, wherein the module includes a respective drive device for coupling with the respective positioning devices. This allows, for example, the drive devices to be coupled to (and uncoupled from) the holding device only when needed, so that they are exposed to as few stresses as possible that occur during a casting process.

[0036] Preferably, the control device can also be integrated into the (dockable) module. Particularly preferably, the holding device can be passive without the module, so that the module comprises all active components for operating the holding device. For example, detectors for monitoring the position of the actuator can also be integrated into the module, so that a component of a position sensor arranged on the actuator is also passive.

[0037] For example, several holding devices can be operated in series using such a module, by coupling them to the module for attaching a casting mold and then disconnecting them again for further cooling or solidification of the casting material.

[0038] Furthermore, the problem is solved by a method for holding a mold; comprising the steps of providing a holding device as mentioned above;

[0039] - Positioning a mold in the receiving space of the holding device;

[0040] - Positioning the respective pressure elements against the mold by means of the respective adjusting device; (by means of a drive device) wherein the pressure elements arranged opposite each other with respect to the mold are positioned evenly, so that the respective pressure elements are first adjusted along their respective positioning direction to contact the surface of the mold and then a respective contact force of the opposing pressure elements against the mold is increased evenly.

[0041] The method according to the invention enables a further increase in the quality of the molds and the cast components to be produced by first only positioning the individual pressure elements against the mold surface and then applying the pressure, so that the load on the mold is as uniform as possible and no additional influences arise from differently acting pressure elements.

[0042] In one embodiment, a measuring device can be integrated into the (respective) pressure element, which is designed to determine the pressure between the mold and the pressure element. Among other things, this measuring device can be connected to the control device and transmit the measured value to it.

[0043] Preferably, it can be provided that the adjustment of the actuating devices to increase the contact force of the pressure elements is carried out by means of a torque control of a respective drive device of the respective actuating device.

[0044] Furthermore, the preceding feed can also be controlled via torque. For example, by feeding towards the mold until the control device detects resistance due to the torque that exceeds a stored or calculated setpoint. For example, the resistance may be sufficient due to the inertia of the mold (against its displacement). Preferably, this is performed by the control device.

[0045] According to an advantageous embodiment, the spring rate of the respective spring element can be taken into account to determine the respective contact force. When using a spring element, the spring rate can have an additional influencing factor during contact, which can distort a theoretical resistance of the mold and therefore must be considered. This can be particularly advantageous with adjustable spring rates using the aforementioned adjustment units.

[0046] Furthermore, the spring rate itself can be determined depending on the material being cast and the mold used, or rather, on the stresses expected from this combination. This setting can preferably be transmitted to the control device by a user via an input device or the like, for example, if the spring rate has been adjusted manually.

[0047] Furthermore, it may be provided that additional paired (or opposing) arrangements of adjusting devices are provided with respect to the mold, which are arranged transversely to the already mentioned adjusting devices, in particular at right angles to them or their adjusting axes. For example, a first group of adjusting devices may be provided that are arranged opposite each other with respect to the mold, and a second group of adjusting devices that is arranged perpendicular to the first group. Such an arrangement would be possible, for example, offset by 90° horizontally, but also conceivable vertically, so that, for example, a third group can press down on the mold from above and below.

[0048] Furthermore, with regard to a given adjusting device, it may be provided that the adjusting direction is not perpendicular to the pressure surface or to the surface of the mold, so that it can, for example, include an angle of less than 90°.

[0049] Furthermore, a pressure surface can also be non-planar.

[0050] Furthermore, a pressure element can also be designed in a stepped form or comprise a modular, adaptable structure with respect to its forming pressure surface, so that this can have different geometries with respect to the mold to be pressed. For example, a pyramid-shaped form can be provided which is to be pressed onto a truncated pyramid-shaped mold.

[0051] Regarding the positioning of the pressure elements against the mold and the increase of the contact force, one possible embodiment provides that the contact force during a casting process can be divided into two (or more) stages. For example, it can also be provided that first an empty mold is subjected to a low contact force, then the liquid material is poured into the mold, and the contact force is further increased during this process.

[0052] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0053] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a holding device in oblique view;

[0055] Fig. 2 shows a holding device in sectional view;

[0056] Fig. 3 shows an adjusting device in oblique view;

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a sectional view of an adjusting device;

[0058] Fig. 5 shows the adjusting device according to Fig. 4 with adjusted pressure element;

[0059] Fig. 6 shows another embodiment of the adjusting device;

[0060] Fig. 7 shows a scheme for holding a casting mold.

[0061] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the orientation designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these orientation designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the orientation changes.

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a holding device 15 for casting molds 2, with a base frame 16 and a receiving space 17 formed therein for receiving at least one casting mold 2, as well as a holding unit 18 which has several adjusting devices 1 with pressure elements 3 for pressing against the casting mold 2.

[0063] The pressure elements 3 can preferably have a planar pressure surface 24 facing the mold, or be plate-shaped, so that they bear evenly against the mold. Depending on the mold, however, they can also have other pressure surfaces, as mentioned at the beginning, e.g., stepped ones.

[0064] Preferably, the base frame 16 can have a support surface 41 on which the mold 2 can be mounted with respect to gravity. The base frame 16 can be formed in one piece or in the form of modules that are assembled.

[0065] Furthermore, the base frame 16 can have a receiving frame 37, which is provided for the lateral limitation of the mold 2, as well as for the support of the holding unit 18. As can be further seen, the receiving frame 37 can include additional guide arrangements for the positioning devices 1.

[0066] The mold 2 itself can be designed in the form of a Kempakete, e.g. by means of a lost mold, in which cast iron is preferably poured.

[0067] Furthermore, the mold 2 can consist of a multi-part system, in particular a modular structure – for example, it can comprise individual segments in the form of cubes or the like, which are assembled to form the mold 2. The individual segments can form partial areas of the shape or cavity to be cast, which together complement each other. Additionally, filler blocks, e.g., dummies or the like, can be provided at the edges, which serve to form an outer geometry.

[0068] The holding unit 18 can comprise a separate drive device 14 for each positioning device 1, which are preferably controlled by a common control device.

[0069] The pressure elements can preferably extend in the vertical direction approximately over the total height of the mold, preferably at least 80% of the height of the mold.

[0070] Furthermore, several pressure elements can also be provided in the vertical direction, e.g. by means of an arrangement of at least two superimposed groups of adjusting devices (not shown).

[0071] Furthermore, it is also conceivable to operate a common pressure element by means of several actuating devices (also not shown), so that a pressure force can be locally transmitted to a pressure element by means of at least two actuating devices. As can also be seen in Fig. 1, the mold 2 can have different mold surfaces 38 or geometries with respect to its outer geometry, so that the individual pressure elements 3 of the holding device 15 are pressed against the mold 2 in different length positions with respect to their actuating movement along their actuating directions. Preferably, each actuating device includes a position sensor, which will be discussed later.

[0072] In Fig. 2 the holding device 15 with a holding unit 18 and adjusting devices 1 according to the invention is shown in sectional view.

[0073] The pressure elements 3 are adjustable along the positioning direction 6, preferably horizontally, in the direction of the mold, so that they can be pressed against the mold 2, or also be moved away from it in the opposite direction.

[0074] During operation, the holding unit 18 or the actuating devices 1 can become contaminated by liquid material, which can, for example, fall onto the actuating devices from above. Furthermore, they can also become contaminated from other sources, such as scale, dust, etc., which can accumulate on the actuating devices 1 from directions other than above.

[0075] In this respect, the adjusting device 1 comprises a guide sleeve 7 which is adjustable along the adjusting direction 6 together with the second adjusting element 5 and is mounted externally on the first adjusting element 4, so that the guide sleeve 7 can be guided over the first adjusting element 4 when adjusting along the adjusting direction 6.

[0076] By means of the externally arranged guide sleeve 7, the actuating mechanism and guide for the adjusting movement of the second actuating element 5 can be protected against contamination, thereby largely optimizing the service life, reliability and precision of the actuating device.

[0077] Preferably, the actuating device 1, in particular the first actuating element 4, can be received or fixed in the holding unit 18 in a receiving profile 36, so that the second actuating element 5 together with the guide sleeve 7 (or all components that are displaceable with respect to the direction of actuation) can be moved relative to the receiving profile 36 or extended from it. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the receiving profile 36 has a recess for the guide sleeve 7 (or a protective cover 9) at the respective position.

[0078] As can be further seen from Figures 1 and 2, the holding unit 18 preferably comprises positioning devices 1 arranged opposite each other on at least two sides with respect to the mold 2, in particular a mirrored arrangement of these, so that the mold 2 can be held or pressed evenly between them. In this respect, the receiving profile 36 can be provided to receive several positioning devices 1, so that it is designed in the form of a channel.

[0079] As mentioned at the beginning, a further group with opposing adjusting devices can also be provided in the circumferential direction, in particular perpendicular to the group shown.

[0080] Furthermore, an access opening 40 for a respective actuating device 1 can be provided in the receiving profile 36 facing away from the casting mold 2, wherein a drive device 14 can be coupled to the actuating device by means of the access opening 40 (preferably via a coupling unit 13). A further opening for a position sensor can also be provided.

[0081] Furthermore, the control device 35 is indicated in Fig. 2, which is designed to initiate all control commands of the holding device 15 and can be arranged on it and / or provided by means of an external system.

[0082] For example, the drive device(s) 14 and the control device 35 may be arranged in a separate module 43, which can be coupled to the holding device 15; preferably, this module also includes the detectors for the position sensors 25. Such a module 43 may also include all other control elements, for example, if the entire holding device is passive without the module.

[0083] Furthermore, it can also be provided that several positioning devices 1 can be operated by means of a common drive unit if, for example, the mold surfaces 38 in the area of ​​the respective positioning device or the respective pressure element 3 are uniform, or if they have the same spacing 42, or if the mold 2 has a planar surface entirely on one side. The preferred positioning of the positioning devices 1 on the mold 2 is explained below with reference to Fig. 2.

[0084] The opposing positioning devices 1 are moved evenly so that the pressure elements 3 are moved to a respective distance 42a, 42b from the mold surfaces 38 until the respective pressure surface 24 reaches them. Preferably, this is done by determining the force to be applied or the resistance that the pressure element 3 experiences from the mold 2.

[0085] Once at least one pressure element 3 reaches the mold, it is preferably not adjusted further until at least the opposite pressure element 3 also reaches the mold 2. Preferably, all pressure elements 3 of the holding device 15 can first be positioned in this way before their contact forces are further increased.

[0086] As soon as the (at least 2) opposing pressure elements 3 are in position, the pressure force of these is increased uniformly by the opposing adjusting devices 1 pressing the pressure elements 3 against the mold 2.

[0087] In this regard, it may further be provided that, with respect to the contact force to be determined or applied, the resistance or spring rate of the spring element 10 is stored in the control device 35 and can be changed (by a user), which is taken into account or included in the contact force calculation.

[0088] Preferably, the driving force of the drive device 14 can be used to determine the contact force, e.g., by means of torque control. If the drive device 14 includes an electric motor, preferably the motor current or the current consumption of the drive device can be used to determine the contact force.

[0089] With regard to the contact force, a target value relating to the casting mold or casting material used is preferably specified by the control device 35, which is applied by the adjusting device for setting the pressure elements (or is transferred from the drive device to the adjusting device).

[0090] Thus, all positioning movements can preferably be initiated by the control device 35, which monitors and regulates their respective contact forces. Regarding its dimensions, the receiving space 17 can, for example, be approximately up to 1 m wide (extent between the opposing contact elements) and have approximately the same height, preferably less. Its depth (into the plane of the image in Fig. 2) can vary depending on the number of positioning devices, preferably extending up to 2 m.

[0091] In this regard, the actuating devices 1 can have an actuating range of preferably min 200mm, preferably min 250mm, along their actuating direction.

[0092] Fig. 3 shows in detail a possible embodiment of an actuating device 1 according to the invention, with a pressure element 3, a first actuating element 4, and a second actuating element 5, which is movably mounted with respect to the first actuating element 4 along an actuating direction 6, and is connected to the pressure element 3 in such a way that the pressure element 3 can be adjusted by means of the adjustment of the second actuating element 5.

[0093] The pressure element 3 can be coupled to the second actuating element 5 by means of a spring element 10, so that they are connected via the spring element, the spring element 10 being discussed in more detail later.

[0094] According to the invention, the adjusting device comprises a guide sleeve 7 which is adjustable along the adjusting direction 6 together with the second adjusting element 5, wherein the guide sleeve 7 is mounted externally on the first adjusting element 4, so that the guide sleeve 7 can be guided over the first adjusting element 4 during adjustment along the adjusting direction 6. Preferably, the guide sleeve 7 can extend along the adjusting direction 6 over the entire second adjusting element 5.

[0095] The guide sleeve 7 at least partially conceals the second actuating element 5, preferably enclosing the second actuating element 5 in its entire circumferential direction around an axis of the actuating direction 6 and is further preferably rigidly connected to the second actuating element so that it follows the movement of the second actuating element.

[0096] As further indicated in Fig. 3, the first actuating element 4 can comprise a coupling unit 13, wherein the coupling unit 13 is provided for coupling with a drive device 14 (indicated by dashed lines) and is designed to transmit a drive movement from the drive device 14 to the actuating device 1. The coupling unit 13 can, for example, comprise a drive element which is connected to a spindle nut unit of the actuating device. As can also be seen, the coupling unit 13 can have several openings in the circumferential direction, e.g., be designed in the form of a perforated disc, which can be connected by means of complementary engagement elements of a drive device 14, such as engagement domes (as indicated in Fig. 2).

[0097] Furthermore, preferably the guide sleeve 7 and the first actuating element 4 can have an approximately equal length with respect to the actuating direction 6, so that when the second actuating element 5 is in a retracted position, the guide sleeve 7 largely covers or overlaps the first actuating element 4.

[0098] It is particularly preferred that the first actuating element 4 is cylindrical and that the guide sleeve 7 is arranged coaxially with respect to the first actuating element 4. Furthermore, the guide sleeve 7 can be designed to be telescopic relative to the first actuating element. With regard to the coaxial arrangement, these elements can preferably be arranged with respect to a central axis or actuating axis S. Preferably, the second actuating element 5 can also be (hollow) cylindrical and coaxial with respect to the actuating axis S.

[0099] At this point, it should be mentioned that the actuating device may preferably have a torque support (not shown) to prevent rotation of the pressure element or the second actuating element. Furthermore, components required for this purpose may also be provided between the first and second actuating elements.

[0100] As further shown, the adjusting device 1 can include a protective cover 9, which is arranged over the guide sleeve 7 and is adjustable together with the second adjusting element 5. Preferably, the protective cover 9 can also be arranged coaxially with the guide sleeve 7 and / or the first adjusting element 4. As shown, the protective cover 9 can partially cover the guide sleeve 7, at least in the circumferential direction, and preferably extend over its entire length. As further shown, the protective cover 9 can be detachably attached to the adjusting device 1 so that it can be replaced if necessary.

[0101] As can further be seen, the pressure element 3 can be dimensioned such that the width of the pressure element corresponds approximately to the width of the guide sleeve or the protective cover, so that the adjusting device has a uniform overall width and the pressure element 3 extends only in the vertical direction in addition to the entire adjusting device.

[0102] Preferably, a first bearing element 8, in particular a sliding bearing bushing, can be arranged on the first actuating element 4, wherein the guide sleeve 7 is guided by the first bearing element 8 with respect to the actuating movement along the actuating direction 6 relative to the first actuating element 4. The bearing element 8 or an entire bearing arrangement can preferably be designed such that a seal is formed between the guide sleeve 7 and the first actuating element 4, so that no material can penetrate into this area.

[0103] Furthermore, the entire actuating mechanism can be sealed off from the external environment with respect to the first and second actuating elements.

[0104] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first bearing element 8 can be a bearing bushing with graphite elements, e.g. a bronze bushing with graphite inserts.

[0105] As can be further seen from the sectional view, the second adjusting element 5 can be designed to be adjustable along the adjusting direction 6 by means of a spindle nut unit 12. According to one embodiment, the first adjusting element 4 can comprise a spindle 12a and the second adjusting element 5 a spindle nut 12b, whereby a reverse arrangement is also possible in principle. As already mentioned, the spindle nut unit can preferably be designed to be self-locking with respect to a possible back-adjustment, so that it cannot be unintentionally adjusted back by external influences.

[0106] The actuating device 1 can have a flange plate 26 or the like, by means of which the actuating device 1 can be mounted on the holding unit. This can, for example, be attached to the housing 31 of the first actuating element 4.

[0107] Preferably, a guide or bearing arrangement for the second actuating element 5 can be provided on the first actuating element 4 or the housing, e.g. also a sliding bearing or the like.

[0108] Furthermore, a position sensor 25 can be provided, by means of which the current position of the second actuating element 5 or the guide sleeve 7 along the actuating direction 6 can be detected. In this regard, a complementary detector can also be provided for each drive device.

[0109] The control device 35 can further include force-position control with respect to the contact force and the current position of the pressure element. As already mentioned, the spring characteristic can also be taken into account here.

[0110] The spring element 10 can be a leaf spring, which is connected to the pressure element 3 and the second actuating element 5. Preferably, the spring element 10 can be supported or received relative to the pressure element 3 by means of a first end section 20 and an opposing second end section 21 of the spring element 10.

[0111] As mentioned at the outset, an adjustment unit 11 can be arranged between the pressure element 3 and the spring element 10, wherein the spring rate or spring force of the spring element 10 can be adjusted by means of the adjustment unit 11. In this respect, the adjustment unit 11 can, for example, comprise adjustable adjustment elements 19, which are adjustable with respect to their height position according to a first height 22 with respect to the first end section 20 and a second height 23 with respect to the second end section 21, as shown, preferably in a plane perpendicular to the adjustment direction 6, thereby allowing the properties of the spring element 10 to be adjusted.

[0112] Preferably, the spring element can thus be attached in the respective end section by means of a counter-holding element and an adjusting element.

[0113] The adjusting elements 19 can include simple fastening elements by means of which the adjusting elements 19 can be fixed in the desired position with respect to the respective heights 22, 23, whereby the respective positions are accompanied by a change in the spring rate.

[0114] The resulting spring rate can be entered into the control device for the holding device by a user (using an input device or similar), so that this spring rate can be taken into account for the clamping force. Preferably, the corresponding spring rate for each first and second height can already be stored in the control device, so that the user only needs to enter the desired height position.

[0115] Furthermore, a scale relating to the adjustment element may also be attached to the spring element for the spring rate.

[0116] A first mounting element 27 can be provided for attaching or connecting the second actuating element 5 to the pressure element 3; preferably, the guide sleeve 7 and / or the protective cover 9 can also be attached by means of the first mounting element 27. In principle, the second actuating element 5 can also be formed as a single unit with the mounting element 27 (and optionally the guide sleeve 7).

[0117] For fastening the second actuating element and the guide sleeve, various fastening means known from the prior art can be provided, either detachable or non-detachable, e.g. screwed, welded, etc.

[0118] Preferably, the second actuating element 5 is attached to the spring element 10 in a central section. As can also be seen, a second mounting element 28 can preferably be arranged on the spring element 10 in its central section opposite the first mounting element 27, by means of which the parts movable together with the second actuating element 5 are fixed, e.g. with connecting screws, as indicated by dashed lines.

[0119] As can be further seen, the second actuating element 5 can be rigidly coupled to the guide sleeve 7 and thus form a common unit. Preferably, these can be connected to each other in such a way that they are jointly supported.

[0120] As can also be seen, a seal can be formed simultaneously by means of a sliding surface 29 of the bearing element 8 and a guide surface 30 of the guide sleeve 7.

[0121] In a first axial end 32, a bearing unit 33 of the first actuating element 4 can be provided, which may be designed, among other things, to support the spindle nut unit 12 or the spindle 12a. Furthermore, the bearing unit 33 can include a seal, so that the actuating device is sealed in the first axial end 32. In an opposing second axial end 34, the actuating device can preferably also be sealed. Preferably, the first mounting element 27 (with the spring element) is attached to the guide sleeve 7 such that the latter is closed in the second axial end 34.

[0122] As further shown, an end stop for the positioning movement can be provided, which can preferably be attached to the spindle 12a. In this regard, a limiting element 44 is indicated, which can preferably restrict the positioning movement in both directions. The limiting element 44 can comprise wear layers, damping layers, etc.

[0123] Furthermore, the end stop (or the limiting element) can interact with the spindle nut 12b, so that it each forms an effective part of the first and / or second end stop.

[0124] As can be seen from Figures 3 to 5, the adjusting device is preferably cylindrical with respect to the first and second adjusting elements, whereby the adjusting device can also have a polygonal cross-section in this respect, so that the guide sleeve can also be polygonal, e.g. rectangular.

[0125] As further shown, a cylindrical shape of the adjusting device 1 in combination with a spindle nut unit is advantageous for a particularly compact design, as well as for simple sealing.

[0126] However, the positioning movement of the spindle nut unit itself could also be conceivable in combination with a polygonal cross-section of the second positioning element or a polygonal housing 31 of the first positioning element 4.

[0127] As mentioned at the beginning, a measuring device (not shown) may also be provided, which is intended for determining the contact force of the pressure element and is preferably arranged in the area of ​​the pressure element.

[0128] Figures 6 a) and b) schematically illustrate a possible embodiment of the bearing arrangement of the guide sleeve 7 relative to the first actuating element 4. The bearing element 8 can be designed as a roller bearing or another type of bearing element instead of a sliding bearing bushing, and several bearing elements can also be provided along the actuating direction 6.

[0129] Furthermore, a separate seal 39 can be arranged at one end of the guide sleeve 7 facing the first actuating element 4, which is displaceable along the actuating direction 6. The seal 39 can preferably be made of a temperature-resistant material, e.g. graphite.

[0130] As mentioned at the beginning, the seal 39 can also be designed in the form of a sealing lip, a wiper or the like.

[0131] Such a seal or wiper may also be provided in the preceding versions.

[0132] Figures 7 a) and b) show a rough scheme for holding a casting mold.

[0133] The mold 2 is positioned in the receiving space 17 of the holding device 15 (top view).

[0134] The respective pressure elements 3 are positioned against the mold 2 by means of the respective adjusting device 1 - according to a).

[0135] In this process, the pressure elements 3 arranged opposite the mold 2 are adjusted evenly, so that the respective pressure elements 3 are first adjusted along their respective positioning direction to contact the surface of the mold 2 and then the respective contact force of the opposing pressure elements 3 against the mold 2 is increased evenly.

[0136] In this regard, the contact force FA of the pressure elements 3a and 3b of the respective opposing adjusting devices 1 (the second one from the right in the figure) is also shown in a rough schematic.

[0137] For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the two clamping forces shown serve only to illustrate the operating principle, and therefore not every other clamping force of the additional clamping element will be discussed. The diagrams show, by way of example, the respective actual clamping force 46a of clamping element 3a, as well as its target clamping force 45a, and the respective actual clamping force 46b of clamping element 3b, as well as its target clamping force 45b, whereby the target clamping forces 45 are preferably specified by the control device. As mentioned at the beginning, the clamping force can be determined by means of torque control, and / or also by means of a measuring device or the like.

[0138] According to Fig. 7a), both pressure elements 3a and 3b are moved to the mold surface by means of their respective adjusting device 1 along their respective adjustment path s, whereby the respective actual pressure force 46a and 46b is still the same at this time.

[0139] As shown in Fig. 7b), the pressure element 3b has already reached the mold 2, whereupon the control system detects a slight increase in the contact force or resistance, causing a slight increase in the actual contact force 46b. Further adjustment of the pressure element 3b is then paused until the pressure element 3a also reaches the mold (not shown) and resistance is detected – after which the respective contact force (to the target contact force 45) can be increased, preferably synchronously.

[0140] As can also be seen, preferably all pressure elements are delivered simultaneously.

[0141] As can be seen, this can also be used for asymmetrical molds, as well as for molds that are not positioned centrally in the holding device, etc.

[0142] Furthermore, it should be mentioned at this point that additional tolerances may be provided for with regard to monitoring the contact force, e.g. static friction of the adjusting device at start-up, as well as frictional resistances during the adjusting process, e.g. of bearings, guides, adjusting threads, etc.

[0143] The exemplary embodiments show possible implementation variants, whereby it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments are also possible, and this possibility of variation lies within the capabilities of a person skilled in this technical field, due to the teaching of the present invention. Finally, for the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size.

[0144] Reference numeral list

[0145] Actuating device 32 first axial end casting mold 33 bearing unit pressure element 34 second axial end first actuating element 35 control device second actuating element 36 mounting profile actuating direction 37 mounting frame guide sleeve 38 casting mold surface first bearing element 39 seal protective cover 40 access opening spring element 41 support surface adjustment unit 42 distance spindle nut unit 43 module coupling unit 44 limiting element drive device 45 target contact force holding device 46 actual contact force base frame receiving space actuating axis holding unit adjustment element first end section second end section first height second height pressure surface position sensor flange plate first mounting element second mounting element sliding surface guide surface housing

Claims

patent claims 1. Positioning device (1) for casting molds (2), comprising; - a pressure element (3); - a first actuating element (4); - a second actuating element (5) which is adjustable relative to the first actuating element (4) along an actuating direction (6) and is coupled to the pressure element (3); characterized by - a guide sleeve (7) which is adjustable along the direction of adjustment (6) together with the second actuating element (5), wherein the guide sleeve (7) is mounted externally on the first actuating element (4) so ​​that the guide sleeve (7) can be guided over the first actuating element (4) when being adjusted along the direction of adjustment (6).

2. Actuating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first actuating element (4) comprises a cylindrical housing and the guide sleeve (7) is designed coaxially with respect to the first actuating element (4).

3. Actuating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide sleeve (7) is guided along the actuating direction (6) by means of a first bearing element (8) received on the first actuating element (4).

4. Actuating device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first bearing element (8) comprises a sliding bearing bushing.

5. Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a protective cover (9), wherein the protective cover (9) is arranged over the guide sleeve (7) and is adjustable together with the second actuating element (5).

6. Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the pressure element (3) is coupled to the second actuating element (5) by means of a spring element (10).

7. Actuating device (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that an adjustment unit (11) is arranged between the pressure element (3) and the spring element (10), wherein a spring rate of the spring element (10) is adjustable by means of the adjustment unit (11).

8. Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the second actuating element (5) is adjustable with respect to the adjustment along the actuating direction (6) by means of a spindle nut unit (12).

9. Actuating device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first actuating element (4) comprises a coupling unit (13), wherein the coupling unit (13) is provided for coupling with a drive device (14) and is designed to transmit a drive movement of the drive device (14) to the actuating device (1).

10. Holding device (15) for casting molds (2), comprising; - a base frame (16) with a receiving space (17) formed therein for receiving at least one mold (2); - (2) a holding unit (18) comprising several adjusting devices (1) with pressure elements (3) for pressing against the mold (2), characterized in that the adjusting devices (1) are designed according to an adjusting device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Holding device (15) according to claim 10, further comprising; - a module that can be docked to the holding unit (18), wherein the module comprises a respective drive device (14) for coupling with the respective actuating devices (1).

12. Method for holding a mold (2); comprising the steps - Providing a holding device (15) according to claim 10 or 11; - Positioning a mold (2) in the receiving space (17) of the holding device (15); - Positioning the respective pressure elements (3) against the mold (2) using the respective positioning device (1); wherein the pressure elements (3) arranged opposite the mold (2) are adjusted evenly, so that the respective pressure elements (3) are first adjusted along their respective positioning direction (6) to contact the surface of the mold (2) and then a respective contact force of the opposing pressure elements (3) against the mold (2) is increased evenly.

13. Method according to claim 12, characterized in that the adjustment of the actuating devices (1) to increase the contact force of the pressure elements (3) is carried out by means of a torque control of a respective drive device (14) of the respective actuating device (1).

14. Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the spring rate of the respective spring element (10) of the respective actuating device (1) is taken into account to determine the respective contact force.

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