Device for closing and clamping a mould or press

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for closing and clamping a mould, in particular an injection mould, comprising: a first carrier plate (2), a first mould part being preferably arranged on the first carrier plate (2); a second carrier plate (4) which is arranged parallel to the first carrier plate (2); at least one rod (6) which extends perpendicularly away from the first carrier plate (2) and which is guided through an opening or a recess in the second carrier plate (4) such that the second carrier plate (4) is movable along the rod (6) relative to the first carrier plate (2); at least one controllable clamping / holding device (7) which is operatively connected to the second carrier plate (4) and which is designed and intended, when activated, to hold the second carrier plate (4) on the rod (6) in a first relative position with respect to the first carrier plate (2), and optionally, starting from the first relative position, to move the second carrier plate (4) towards the first carrier plate (2) into a second relative position by means of a power stroke and to hold it there, and which is designed and intended, when deactivated, to release the second carrier plate (4) for movement along the rod (6); and at least one joint arrangement (10) which permits four degrees of freedom, namely two translational degrees of freedom (x, y) in a plane (E) parallel to the carrier plates (2, 4), and two rotational degrees of freedom (RotX, RotY) about directions perpendicular to the rod (6).

Description

[0001] title

[0002] Device for closing and clamping a mold or press

[0003] Description

[0004] The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] The device in question serves to close and clamp a mold, in particular an injection mold, or a press, or more generally a tool. It comprises: a first support plate, wherein preferably a first molded part is arranged on the first support plate; a second support plate, which is arranged parallel to the first support plate, wherein preferably a second molded part is arranged on the second support plate on a side facing the first support plate; at least one rod extending perpendicularly from the first support plate and guided through an opening or recess in the second support plate, so that the second support plate is movable relative to the first support plate along the rod; and at least one controllable clamping / holding device operatively connected to the second support plate, preferably on a side facing away from the first support plate.The clamping / holding device is designed and intended, upon activation, to hold the second support plate in a first relative position with respect to the first support plate on the rod. The clamping / holding device is further optionally designed and intended, upon activation, to move the second support plate from the first relative position into a second relative position by means of a force stroke in the direction of the first support plate and to hold it there. The clamping / holding device is further designed and intended, upon deactivation, to release the second support plate for movement along the rod.

[0006] Such and similar devices are known, for example from DE 10104 652 A1, US 5,620,723, or EP 3 253 550 B1. They are preferably used for closing tools, such as presses or (injection) molds. The support plates, which carry the mold parts or the like, are moved towards each other and held in a desired relative position. The aforementioned clamping / holding devices are therefore subsequently referred to, without any associated limitation, alternatively as mold closing heads.

[0007] A further claim relates to a mold, in particular a casting mold, or press, comprising a first mold part or press part and a second mold part or press part, wherein the first mold part or press part is designed and intended for mechanical interaction with the second mold part or press part.

[0008] Cycle times are a crucial specification and requirement, especially for injection molding machines, and therefore a key factor in the customer's purchasing decision. Operating costs are also a significant consideration when selecting and acquiring an injection molding machine.

[0009] To make injection molding machines faster and more energy-efficient or cost-effective, the aforementioned mold clamping heads are used to clamp the mold and apply the necessary clamping pressure. Such concepts have existed for several years.

[0010] In order to generate the necessary closing force - and to transfer the resulting force not only at a single point, but distributed across the dimensions of a corresponding closing plate (in this case the second carrier plate) - it is particularly advantageous to use several forming closing heads in parallel.

[0011] However, in the past it has proven difficult to demonstrate or verify the (market-side) necessary minimum service life for this new generation of injection molding machines.

[0012] The underlying cause of this problem is so-called overdetermined systems: Each mold clamping head restricts four (4) degrees of freedom of movement, allowing only the two degrees of freedom of longitudinal movement of the bar and rotation of the bar around its longitudinal axis. Consequently, even with just two (2) parallel mold clamping heads, the machines in question are overdetermined, meaning they restrict more degrees of freedom than are available in total. Each mold clamping head then no longer operates independently of its neighbors, which can lead to the mold clamping heads jamming against each other. Additionally, undesired lateral forces and moments can occur, and the service life of each individual mold clamping head is reduced due to significantly increased wear.

[0013] The invention is based on the objective of solving this problem and decoupling the mold clamping heads from each other within the system. This is intended to prevent jamming, reduce lateral forces and moments, and extend the service life of the device as a whole and of the mold clamping heads in particular. This objective is not limited to injection molding machines.

[0014] At the same time, the well-known problem of machine tolerances, manufacturing tolerances, and assembly tolerances should also be solved, since, for example, unevenness (e.g., lack of planarity) during manufacturing (machining), but also, for example, distortion and bending due to temperature increases or temperature differences, or distortion due to high clamping forces, negatively affect the carrier plates and thus the fixture as a whole. Therefore, there is a need to ensure that the fixture, and especially a suitably equipped (injection molding) machine, is robust against such disruptive influences, particularly with regard to the mold clamping heads used.

[0015] This problem is solved according to the invention by a device having the features of claim 1 and by a mold or press having the features of claim 19. Advantageous embodiments of the device according to the invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0016] A device according to the invention with the features already mentioned above is characterized according to the invention by at least one joint arrangement that provides four degrees of freedom, namely two translational degrees of freedom in a plane parallel to the support plates and two rotational degrees of freedom about directions perpendicular to the rod. The integration of such a joint arrangement, in particular in the form of a so-called ball-floating flange or ball-floating flange (SFL), gives the mold clamping head (MC) the necessary freedom to apply forces along the rod independently of any other mold clamping heads that may be present, without generating unwanted transverse loads or having to withstand (i.e., absorb) transverse loads generated by other mold clamping heads. Furthermore, the joint arrangement provides the necessary freedom to counteract the distortion mentioned above (in particular bending due to high forces, heating, etc.).), to compensate for lateral forces or loads resulting from faulty tolerances and poor flatness. This results in decoupling both from other FSKs, if present, and from the deflections of the machine itself.

[0017] A mold or press according to the invention comprises a device according to the invention, which is designed for closing and clamping the mold or press, wherein the first mold part or press part is arranged on the first support plate and wherein the second mold part or press part is arranged on the second support plate on a side facing the first support plate.

[0018] The aforementioned advantages apply accordingly.

[0019] The following further developments of the device according to the invention have proven to be particularly advantageous in practice:

[0020] In a further development of the device according to the invention, it is provided that the clamping / holding device (i.e. the forming head) is arranged on the rod or around the rod.

[0021] In this way, the well-known and proven form-locking heads or clamping units from the applicant's company can also be advantageously used within the framework of the described device.

[0022] In another embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is provided that a first part of the joint arrangement, which enables the translational degrees of freedom, and a second part of the joint arrangement, which enables the rotational degrees of freedom, are arranged at a common location within the device.

[0023] The joint arrangement thus advantageously comprises two parts that provide different degrees of freedom. These two parts can be arranged together in one location, which can result in a compact design and simplify assembly.

[0024] In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention, the joint arrangement is provided to be arranged at a foot point of the clamping / holding device, in which the clamping / holding device is connected to the second support plate.

[0025] In other words, in this design, the joint assembly is located on the second support plate between it and the clamping / holding device (or the forming head). This offers the particular advantage that the device can be built very compactly and only one support plate needs to be modified to compensate for tolerances. Each ball bearing is thus mounted in a floating and rotating manner and is decoupled. A particular advantage over other possible designs is that the ball bearing floating flange can be relatively large (as large in diameter as the ball bearing itself) and can therefore transmit greater forces (because the associated surface pressure is lower).

[0026] In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention, the joint arrangement is provided for at a foot point of the rod, in which the rod is connected to the first support plate.

[0027] In other words, in this design, the joint assembly is located on the first support plate between it and a connection point of the rod. This offers the particular advantage that the decoupling of the degrees of freedom no longer occurs via the forming head itself, but via the connecting rod. Due to the geometric arrangement, this can lead to different magnitudes, especially of the rotational degrees of freedom. In other words, the permissible tilt angles that can be compensated for are larger. Furthermore, in this design, the forming head and the support plate are rigidly connected, which can be advantageous during dynamic closing movements due to the mass of the forming head.

[0028] In principle, the invention also offers the possibility of flexibly mounting both the rod and the FSK by means of appropriate joint arrangements, thus creating the greatest possible freedom of adjustment. Accordingly, a corresponding embodiment provides that the joint arrangement is arranged at a base point of the clamping / holding device, in which the clamping / holding device is connected to the second support plate, and that the joint arrangement (or an additional joint arrangement) is arranged at a base point of the rod, in which the rod is connected to the first support plate.

[0029] In yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention, it is provided that a first part of the joint arrangement, which enables the translational degrees of freedom, and a second part of the joint arrangement, which enables the rotational degrees of freedom, are arranged at separate locations within the device.

[0030] The joint assembly thus comprises two parts that provide different degrees of freedom. These parts can be located in different places, allowing for greater flexibility. Specifically, this relates to the flexibility in designing the degrees of freedom with regard to the expected magnitudes of bending or displacement. Depending on the magnitude, it may be necessary to arrange the degrees of freedom in the joint assembly or in the rod.

[0031] Yet another embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the first part of the joint arrangement is located at a foot point of the rod, in which the rod is connected to the first support plate, and the second part of the joint arrangement is located at a foot point of the clamping / holding device, in which the clamping / holding device is connected to the second support plate, or vice versa.

[0032] According to the applicant's findings, such arrangements have proven particularly advantageous with regard to the achievable decoupling effect. In practice, the magnitude of the inaccuracies that must be compensated for in order to select between the presented variants based on geometric considerations is particularly important.

[0033] A further development of the device according to the invention provides that the joint arrangement is specifically designed as a ball-bearing floating flange (SFL - as already mentioned) and accordingly comprises: a flange plate or a floating flange, which is attached to the first support plate or to the second support plate and is translationally movable in the aforementioned plane; and a (modified) ball joint with two ring parts arranged coaxially to each other and coaxially to the rod, namely an inner ring part and an outer ring part, which are connected to each other in a articulated mechanical connection via sectionally complementary shaped, rounded joint surfaces.

[0034] Alternatively, a design as a "normal" ball joint with a ball head instead of the inner ring part and a corresponding ball socket or joint socket instead of the outer ring part is also possible. The aforementioned ring part arrangement, on the other hand, can offer advantages in terms of installation space requirements, especially if no excessively large (angular) movements or displacements need to be accommodated.

[0035] An advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the flange plate (the floating flange) and the (modified) ball joint are arranged together in an integral joint arrangement. Preferably, the flange plate and one of the ring parts can be connected to each other with play, more preferably the flange plate and the inner ring part.

[0036] This creates a particularly compact and space-saving design of the joint arrangement.

[0037] Another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the joint arrangement is designed as a distributed joint arrangement, in which the flange plate (the floating flange) and the (modified) ball joint are arranged separately from each other, namely on the one hand at a foot point of the rod in which the rod is connected to the first support plate, and on the other hand at a foot point of the clamping / holding device in which the clamping / holding device is connected to the second support plate.

[0038] The advantages that can be achieved in this way have already been mentioned above.

[0039] Yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that the flange plate (the floating flange) is arranged at a base point of the rod in which the rod is connected to the first support plate, and that the modified ball joint is arranged at a base point of the clamping / holding device in which the clamping / holding device is connected to the second support plate.

[0040] The advantages that can be achieved through this have already been mentioned above.

[0041] Yet another advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention provides that, conversely, the modified ball joint is arranged at a base point of the rod in which the rod is connected to the first support plate, and that the flange plate (the floating flange) is arranged at a base point of the clamping / holding device in which the clamping / holding device is connected to the second support plate.

[0042] The advantages that can be achieved in this way have already been mentioned above.

[0043] A particularly advantageous further development of the device according to the invention is characterized by the second part of the joint arrangement being designed such that the interacting joint elements, in particular the aforementioned ring parts, are turned or machined from a metallic material, e.g., steel, to create surface pressure and are subjected to a surface load. The contacting surfaces can also be hardened, coated, or otherwise treated to improve service life, sliding properties, etc. According to the applicant's findings, even large forces can be absorbed reliably and permanently in this way, which is particularly advantageous in the area of ​​presses and casting molds.

[0044] A particularly advantageous further development of the device according to the invention is in which the ring parts, at least in the area of ​​the respective joint surfaces, are turned or machined from a metallic material, e.g., steel, to create surface pressure and are subjected to a surface load. The joint surfaces coming into contact with each other can also be hardened, coated, or otherwise treated to improve service life, sliding properties, etc.

[0045] According to the applicant's findings, this method allows for the safe and permanent absorption of large forces, which is particularly advantageous in the area of ​​presses and molds.

[0046] A further development of the device according to the invention is also particularly advantageous in which a plurality of parallel rods with corresponding openings or recesses, a corresponding plurality of joint arrangements and a corresponding plurality of clamping / holding devices (or form-closing heads) are provided.

[0047] This was briefly mentioned above. A force required, for example to close a mold or press, can be applied more evenly or distributed more effectively in this way. To prevent tilting, lateral stresses, etc., the use of multiple joint arrangements, as described in detail above, has proven particularly advantageous.

[0048] A further development of the device according to the invention is particularly advantageous, in which two rods, preferably three rods, and most preferably four rods are provided, which can be arranged, in particular, in a square. In this way, the present invention can be used optimally and combines high force applications with the best possible decoupling.

[0049] Another embodiment of the device according to the invention comprises at least one movement device for moving the second support plate along the rod or along the rods into the first relative position, wherein in particular the movement device is integrated into the clamping / holding device or into the clamping / holding devices.

[0050] The movement mechanism enables, in particular, the closing of a press or the closing of a mold. When integrated into the clamping / holding device(s), it results in a particularly compact device design.

[0051] It has proven advantageous if, in the device according to another embodiment, the clamping / holding device or the clamping / holding devices are designed as described in the parallel patent application DE102024125569.2, to which full reference is made in this respect.

[0052] Such a clamping / holding device is advantageously able to clamp a rod at any desired axial position because it does not require a retraction path (for clamping jaws or the like). Furthermore, it additionally allows the application of a targeted force stroke to move the second support plate from its initial relative position towards the first support plate into a second relative position and hold it there.

[0053] In summary, it should be noted that in none of the approaches known to the applicant according to the prior art is a misalignment of the rod with respect to its rotation about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rod taken into account, which corresponds to a misalignment of the rod in a FSK.

[0054] Advantageously, with appropriate embodiment, the present invention allows for a total of four degrees of freedom for each used mold clamping head to be released, thus avoiding the problems arising therefrom. This is achieved by incorporating a ball-bearing floating flange (BFL) to allow two translational movements (x, y; linear movements) and two rotations (RotX, RotY; rotary movements). As described, the integration of the four degrees of freedom can optionally take place on or in the rod, wherein the rod preferably moves linearly in a plane (x / y) and is rotationally free via a (possibly modified) ball head to enable the RotX and RotY movements.

[0055] An alternative design, as already described, involves integrating the four degrees of freedom at or within the mold clamping head. This allows the mold clamping head to move linearly in a plane (e.g., the x / y plane) and provides rotational freedom via a ball joint to enable the aforementioned rotational movements RotX and RotY.

[0056] Another alternative design, as already described, provides that the integration of the four degrees of freedom is combined or distributed on / in the rod and on / in the forming head.

[0057] The rod or the forming head is preferably supported without the use of balls, rollers, or cylinders, as these are limited in their ability to transmit high loads. Instead, support is provided by surface pressure using machined or turned metal parts that are subjected to a surface load, preferably with metal-on-metal contact.

[0058] The rod and the forming head are decoupled in this way according to the invention, which in particular enables parallel operation of several forming heads, increases the service life due to the absence of parasitic forces and eliminates jamming of the forming heads (when using several units).

[0059] Specifically, the following advantages can be achieved with appropriate design of the invention:

[0060] • Assembly errors are corrected through inherent readjustment. • The system is robust against manufacturing tolerances.

[0061] • (Mechanical) distortion due to the high forces during the closing of an injection molding machine does not lead to misalignment of the rods and mold clamping heads through inherent readjustment.

[0062] • (Thermal) distortion due to heating during the closing of an injection molding machine does not lead to misalignment of the rods and mold clamping heads through inherent readjustment.

[0063] • Large forces can be transmitted in the direction of the load.

[0064] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing.

[0065] In this process, identical or at least similarly effective elements in all figures are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0066] Figure 1 shows the basic structure of a device according to the invention in a perspective view;

[0067] Figure 2 shows the device from Figure 1 in a side view;

[0068] Figure 3 schematically shows possible misalignments in a device according to the invention;

[0069] Figure 4 schematically shows possible misalignments in a first alternative of the device according to the invention and their compensation;

[0070] Figure 5 schematically shows possible misalignments in a second alternative of the device according to the invention and their compensation;

[0071] Figure 6 schematically shows possible misalignments in a third alternative of the device according to the invention and their compensation;

[0072] Figure 7 shows in detail a detailed embodiment of the third alternative according to Figure 6; Figure 8 shows in detail a detailed embodiment of the second alternative according to Figure 5; and

[0073] Figure 9 shows a different view of the design according to Figure 8.

[0074] Figures 1 and 2 show a device 1 according to the invention for closing and clamping a mold, in particular an injection mold, or a press. The device 1 comprises a first support plate 2 on which, as shown in Figure 2, a first mold part or press part 3 is arranged. It further comprises a second support plate 4, which is arranged parallel to the first support plate 2. On the second support plate 4, as shown in Figure 2, a second mold part or press part 5 is arranged on one side facing the first support plate 2. The embodiment according to Figures 1 and 2 also includes four rods 6, which extend perpendicularly from the first support plate 2 and which are each guided through a corresponding opening or recess 4a in the second support plate 4. This allows the second support plate 4 to be movable relative to the first support plate 2 along the rods 6.

[0075] On the side opposite the first support plate 2, a controllable clamping / holding device (i.e., a mold clamping head, FSK) 7 is provided for each of the rods 6 in operative connection with the second support plate 4 and is arranged coaxially on the respective rod 6. The respective clamping / holding device 7 is designed and intended to hold (fix) the second support plate 4 in a first relative position with respect to the first support plate 2 on the respective rod 6 when it is activated (e.g., pressurized with a hydraulic fluid). Preferably, the mold / press parts 3, 5 mechanically interact with each other in the first relative position.Optionally, the respective clamping / holding device 7 can also be designed and intended, upon activation, to move the second support plate 4 further towards the first support plate 3 into a second relative position by means of an additional force stroke and to hold it there. This is possible, for example, with the form clamping head described in DE102024125569.2, as already mentioned. Furthermore, the respective clamping / holding device 7 is also designed and intended, upon deactivation, to release the second support plate 4 for movement along the relevant rod 6.

[0076] As shown in Figure 2, previously known devices 1 of the described type only allow rotational movements RotZ about an axis coaxial to a respective rod 6, which can lead to tilting, transverse loads, etc. and consequently to increased wear and damage.

[0077] To specifically avoid this problem, according to the invention, the device 1 is additionally provided with a joint arrangement for each combination of rod 6 and mold clamping head 7, which allows four degrees of freedom: two translational degrees of freedom in a plane E parallel to the support plates 2, 4, and, in addition to rotation Z, two further rotational degrees of freedom in directions perpendicular to the rods 6. This will be explained in more detail below. The aforementioned joint arrangements can be arranged as a single unit in / on a base 8 of the respective rod 6 in the region of the first support plate 2, or in / on a base 9 of the respective mold clamping head 7 in the region of the second support plate 4, or in two parts distributed between the two bases 8, 9. Preferably, one and the same type of joint arrangement is used for all rods 6 and mold clamping heads 7.

[0078] Figure 3, in part a), schematically illustrates the problems that can arise if, in particular, the second support plate 4 is not perfectly flat or planar, or if there is insufficient planarity between the support plates 2 and 4, which consequently leads to misalignment of the respective mold clamping head 7 on the rod 6. The consequences include, among other things, increased wear and a reduced service life.

[0079] Partial illustration b) of Figure 3 shows the same problem, but for two rods 6 and a corresponding number of mold clamping heads 7. Here, too, insufficient flatness or planarity, especially of the second support plate 4 with respect to the first support plate 2, leads to a different alignment of the rods 6 and consequently to an inclination of the mold clamping heads 7, resulting in the build-up of transverse loads. Partial illustration c) of Figure 3 schematically shows the problems that can arise if, in particular, the rods 6 are not aligned exactly perpendicular to the first support plate 2, which in turn leads to an inclination of the respective mold clamping head 7 on the rod 6, which again results in transverse loads. The consequences here, too, include increased wear and a reduced service life.

[0080] Figure 4 schematically illustrates in part a) how, specifically, an inclination of the rods 6 relative to the first support plate 2 can be compensated according to the invention. For this purpose, two of the aforementioned joint arrangements 10 are provided, each formed in one piece and arranged in / at the respective base 8 of the respective rod 6 in the region of the first support plate 2. Each of the joint arrangements 10 allows two degrees of freedom of translation in the direction of the double arrow T and perpendicular to it into the plane of the drawing (x / y), as well as two degrees of freedom of rotation RotX, RotY (according to the double arrow R and perpendicular to it about an axis lying in the plane of the drawing (not shown)).

[0081] Partial illustration b) of Figure 4 again shows a desired state, as it results for the two rods 6 and correspondingly many forming heads 7 due to the action of the joint arrangements 10 in partial illustration a) of Figure 4.

[0082] Figure 5, in partial illustration a), schematically shows how, specifically, an inclination of the rods 6 relative to the first support plate 2 can be compensated for according to the invention. For this purpose, two of the aforementioned joint arrangements 10 are provided, each formed in one piece and arranged in / on the respective base 9 of the respective mold clamping head 7 in the area of ​​the second support plate 4. Each of the joint arrangements 10 allows two degrees of freedom of translation in the direction of the double arrow T and perpendicular to it into the plane of the drawing (x / y), as well as two degrees of freedom of rotation RotX, RotY (according to the double arrow R and perpendicular to it about an axis lying in the plane of the drawing (not shown)). Partial illustration b) of Figure 5 again shows a desired state as it results for the two rods 6 and the corresponding number of mold clamping heads 7 due to the action of the joint arrangements 10 in partial illustration a) of Figure 5.

[0083] Figure 6, in partial illustration a), schematically shows how, according to the invention, an alternative misalignment of the rods 6 with respect to the first support plate 2 can be compensated for. For this purpose, two of the aforementioned joint arrangements 10 are provided, each consisting of two parts and arranged in / on the respective base 8 of the respective rod 6 in the region of the first support plate 2, and in / on the respective base 9 of the respective mold clamping head 7 in the region of the second support plate 4. Each of the joint arrangements 10 allows two degrees of freedom of translation in the direction of the double arrow T and perpendicular to it into the plane of the drawing (x / y). This is realized in the region of the second support plate 4. The two degrees of freedom of rotation RotX, RotY (according to the double arrow R and perpendicular to it about an axis lying in the plane of the drawing (not shown)) are, on the other hand, realized in the region of the first support plate 2.

[0084] In principle, the reverse design is also possible.

[0085] Partial illustration b) of Figure 6 again shows a desired state, as it results for the two rods 6 and correspondingly many forming heads 7 due to the action of the two-part joint arrangements 10 in partial illustration a) of Figure 6.

[0086] The translational degrees of freedom can be released, in particular, by providing a floating flange in each of the relevant areas. To release the rotational degrees of freedom, a (modified) ball head can be arranged in each of the relevant areas. In the one-piece version, this results in a so-called...

[0087] The ball float flange, which will now be discussed in more detail and is best seen in Figure 9.

[0088] A floating flange is, in this case, a flange-like device, i.e., a right-angled, preferably circumferential edge, used to connect two components that butt flush against each other. The most common application is pipes and other rod-shaped components whose ends are joined with flange rings. However, in this case, the connection is not rigidly fixed in a plane containing the contact surface of the components, but rather allows for displacement (a "floating") within or parallel to this plane.

[0089] A (modified) ball head is understood here as part of a (modified) ball joint. In mechanical engineering, the term "ball joint" refers to a joint in which the ball head has a spherical shape. The counterpart, which surrounds the head to varying degrees depending on the joint, is called the socket or ball socket. Due to this geometry, a ball joint is, in principle, rotatable in three axes (three degrees of freedom of rotation). Translational movements, however, are not possible. In this context, "modified" means that the ball head does not have to be a complete sphere, but that spherical segments can also be used. The same applies to the corresponding counterpart.

[0090] A ball-bearing floating flange is thus a structure or joint arrangement that combines all the aforementioned aspects of a ball joint and a floating flange, preferably in a single component. However, certain embodiments of the invention provide that the floating flange and the ball joint or ball head can be designed as separate components and arranged in different locations.

[0091] Figure 7 shows a side view of a device 1, which is essentially identical to the device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2. A modified ball joint 11 is arranged at each of the bases 8 of the rods 6, forming a (second) part of a joint assembly. The other (translationally effective, first) part of the joint assembly is located at reference numeral 18 (see Figures 8 and 9) in the area of ​​the second support plate 4 and is not shown in detail. The ball joint 11 is shown in more detail in the close-up of Figure 7.

[0092] At one end 12 of the rod 6, a first, inner ring section 13 is attached. This section has a circumferential convex curve 14 in a region facing away from the first support plate 2, forming a joint surface. Attached to the first support plate 2 is a second, outer ring section 15. This outer ring section has a circumferential concave curve or joint surface 16, which is complementary to the convex curve / joint surface 14. Thus, the ring sections 13 and 15 interact over a surface like a ball joint, with the inner ring section 13 representing the ball head and the outer ring section 15 the ball socket. This allows the rod 6 to pivot about two mutually perpendicular axes, one perpendicular to the plane of the drawing and the other in the plane of the drawing. Rotation about the longitudinal axis L of the rod 6 is also possible (see reference numeral RotZ in Figure 2). Large forces can be transmitted through the surface interaction of the joint parts (ring parts 13, 15).

[0093] In principle, it is also possible to design the ball joint 11 according to Figure 7 to be movable parallel to the plane of the drawing and perpendicular to it along a surface 2a of the first support plate 2 in the manner of a floating flange, which is not shown in Figure 7. This would then result in a ball floating flange, as described above.

[0094] Figures 8 and 9 show a possible embodiment of the joint arrangement 10 as a combined ball-bearing floating flange 17 with a (modified) ball joint 11 and a floating flange 18. The ball-bearing floating flange 17 is arranged between the forming head 7 and the second support plate 4 (see Figure 9). R' denotes a radius of the complementary spherical surface segment of the ring parts 13, 15.

[0095] The convex inner ring section 13 is connected to the mold clamping head 7 on one side via pins 19 (which engage in bores 19a in the mold clamping head 7) and on the other side via a retaining ring 20 with a chamfered circumferential edge 20a and corresponding screws 20b, the retaining ring 20 radially overlapping the inner ring section 13 in a fastening area. The concave outer ring section 15 is attached to the second support plate 4 via screw bolts 21. The interacting radii 14, 16 of the spherical surface sections of the ring sections 13, 15 enable the rotational degrees of freedom already mentioned above. The ring sections 13, 15 are also connected by screws 22, which are guided through openings 23 in the ring section 15. These openings 23 have an interference fit with the diameter D of the screws 22 (see Figure 9) to allow the described pivoting.For the same reason, the screws 22 have a convexly rounded section 24 in the area of ​​their screw head 25 (or a correspondingly shaped washer). The chamfered edges 20a of the fastening ring 20 also serve the same purpose.

[0096] In Figures 8 and 9, reference numeral 13 shows the modified ball head or the corresponding ring part that enables rotation. The pin 19 has play in its bore 19a, and the plate or the mold clamping head 7 can be moved translationally relative to the ring part 13 (to the left or right in the image). This creates a floating flange 18. The ring part 13, specifically its upper surface 13a, thus functions as a flange plate of the floating flange 18. The lower surface 7a of the mold clamping head 7 can be considered another flange plate of the floating flange 18.

[0097] In other words: The pins 19, the fastening ring 20 and the FSK 7 have play in the x / y direction, i.e. in the drawing plane and perpendicular to it into the drawing plane (distance to the nearest components), in order to allow movement of the FSK 7 in the x / y direction (floating flange 18).

[0098] Pin 19 acts as an anti-rotation device. The chamfer 20a mentioned above is only required for space reasons in the design according to Figures 8 and 9; otherwise, it has no special function and is generally dispensable.

[0099] Between the ring part 13 and the fastening ring 20, spring-loaded O-rings 26 are arranged, which ensure that no axial play occurs in the direction of the rod 6 when at rest.

[0100] During operation, only radial movement across the sliding plane between the components at reference numerals 13 and 7 is possible. The "ball" or the modified ball joint 11 between the elements 13 and 15, on the other hand, is only aligned once during assembly and then fixed in the desired position with the screws 22.

Claims

Claims 1. Device (1) for closing and clamping a mold, in particular an injection mold, comprising: a first support plate (2), wherein preferably a first mold part (3) is arranged on the first support plate (2); a second support plate (4) which is arranged parallel to the first support plate (2), wherein preferably a second mold part (5) is arranged on the second support plate (4) on a side facing the first support plate (2); at least one rod (6) which extends perpendicularly away from the first support plate (2) and which is guided through an opening or a recess (4a) in the second support plate (4) so ​​that the second support plate (4) is movable relative to the first support plate (2) along the rod (6);at least one controllable clamping / holding device (7) in operative connection with the second support plate (4), which is designed and intended to hold the second support plate (4) in a first relative position with respect to the first support plate (2) on the rod (6) when activated, and optionally, starting from the first relative position, to move the second support plate (4) into a second relative position in the direction of the first support plate (2) by means of a force stroke and to hold it there, and which is designed and intended to release the second support plate (4) for movement along the rod (6) when deactivated; characterized by at least one joint arrangement (10) which releases four degrees of freedom, namely two translational degrees of freedom (x, y) in a plane (E) parallel to the support plates (2, 4) and two rotational degrees of freedom (RotX, RotY) about directions perpendicular to the rod (6).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping / holding device (7) is arranged on or around the rod (6).

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first part of the joint arrangement (10), which enables the translational degrees of freedom (x, y), and a second part of the joint arrangement (10), which enables the rotational degrees of freedom (RotX, RotY), are arranged at a common location within the device (1).

4. Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the joint arrangement (10) is arranged at a foot point (9) of the clamping / holding device (7), in which the clamping / holding device (7) is connected to the second support plate (4).

5. Device (1) according to claim 3, wherein the joint arrangement (10) is arranged at a foot point (8) of the rod (6) in which the rod (6) is connected to the first support plate (2).

6. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a first part of the joint arrangement (10), which enables the translational degrees of freedom (x, y), and a second part of the joint arrangement (10), which enables the rotational degrees of freedom (RotX, RotY), are arranged at separate locations within the device (1).

7. Device (1) according to claim 6, wherein the first part of the joint arrangement (10) is connected to a foot point (8) of the rod (6) in which the rod (6) is connected to the first support plate (2), and the second part of the joint arrangement (10) is connected to a foot point (9) of the clamping / holding device (7) in which the clamping / holding device (7) is connected to the second support plate (4), or vice versa.

8. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the joint arrangement (10) is designed as a ball floating flange (17) and comprises: a flange plate (7a) which is attached to the first support plate (2) or to the second support plate (4) and is in or parallel to the said plane (E) is translationally movable; a modified ball joint (11) with two ring parts (13, 15) arranged coaxially to each other and coaxially to the rod (6), namely an inner ring part (13) and an outer ring part (15), which are in a planar mechanical articulated connection via sectionally complementary shaped, rounded respective joint surfaces (14, 16).

9. Device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the flange plate (7a) and the modified ball joint (11) are arranged together in an integral joint arrangement (10), in particular according to claim 4 or 5, wherein preferably the flange plate (7a) and one of the ring parts (13, 15) are connected to each other with clearance, preferably the flange plate (7a) and the inner ring part (13).

10. Device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the joint arrangement (10) is designed as a distributed joint arrangement, wherein the flange plate and the modified ball joint (11) are arranged separately from each other, in particular according to claim 7, on the one hand at a foot point (8) of the rod (6) in which the rod (6) is connected to the first support plate (2), and on the other hand at a foot point (9) of the clamping / holding device (7) in which the clamping / holding device (7) is connected to the second support plate (4).

11. Device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the flange plate is arranged at a foot point (8) of the rod (6) in which the rod (6) is connected to the first support plate (2), and the modified ball joint (11) is arranged at a foot point (9) of the clamping / holding device (7) in which the clamping / holding device (7) is connected to the second support plate (4).

12. Device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the modified ball joint (11) is arranged at a foot point (8) of the rod (6) in which the rod (6) is connected to the first support plate (2), and the Flange plate is arranged at a base point (9) of the clamping / holding device (7), in which the clamping / holding device (7) is connected to the second support plate (4).

13. Device (1) according to at least claim 3 or claim 6, wherein the second part of the joint arrangement (10) is designed such that interacting joint elements (13, 15) are turned or machined from a metallic material and subjected to a surface load in order to form a surface pressure.

14. Device (1) according to at least claim 8, in which the ring parts (13, 15) are turned or machined from a metallic material and subjected to a surface load, at least in the area of ​​the respective joint surfaces (14, 16).

15. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which a plurality of parallel rods (6) with corresponding openings or recesses (4a), a corresponding plurality of joint arrangements (10) and a corresponding plurality of clamping / holding devices (7) are provided.

16. Device (1) according to claim 15, in which two rods (6), preferably three rods (6), most preferably four rods (6), are provided, which are in particular arranged in a square.

17. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims with at least one movement device for moving the second support plate (4) along the rod (6) or rods (6) into the first relative position, wherein in particular the movement device is integrated into the clamping / holding device (7) or into the clamping / holding devices (7).

18. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping / holding device (7) or the clamping / holding devices (7) as in the DE102024125569 describes trained.

19. Mold, in particular casting mold, or press, comprising a first mold part (3) or press part and a second mold part (5) or press part, wherein the first mold part (3) or press part is designed and intended for mechanical interaction with the second mold part (5) or press part, characterized by a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which is designed for closing and clamping the mold or press, in that the first mold part (3) or press part is arranged on the first support plate (2) and in that the second mold part (5) or press part is arranged on the second support plate (4) on a side facing the first support plate (2).

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