Fixed platen for die casting machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a fixed platen (1) for a die casting machine (D) or a thixomolding machine, comprising a channel for receiving a casting chamber (2), said channel extending through the fixed platen (1) from a front first side (1a), on which a casting mold half (3) can be provided, to a rear second side (1b). The fixed platen is characterized in that the channel is designed in such a way that a casting chamber (2) can be inserted into and removed from the channel from the second side (1b). The invention further relates to a die casting machine (D) or a thixomolding machine comprising such a fixed platen and to a method for mounting a casting chamber (2) in such a fixed platen (1).

Description

[0001] Fixed mounting plate for die casting machine

[0002] The present invention relates to a fixed mounting plate for a die casting machine or a thixomolding machine, from which a casting chamber can advantageously be removed.

[0003] The die-casting process and the die-casting machines required for it are well known (see, e.g., Brunnhuber, Praxis der Druckgussfertigung [Practice of Die Casting], Berlin, 3rd ed. 1980). Die-casting machines can produce molded parts in a mold, which typically consists of two mold halves that together define the outer contours of the part to be produced. Each molded part, usually one mold half, is located on a fixed mounting plate and a movable mounting plate.

[0004] Material for producing the desired part can be introduced into the formed hollow (casting) mold (also called cavity or mold contour). In die casting, this material consists of molten metals, such as aluminum or molten metal alloys, which are forced under pressure into the mold through a pouring opening in the fixed platen using a casting cylinder of a casting unit. To prevent the mold from opening under these stressful conditions, the movable platen is held in its closed position by a locking cylinder and clamping cylinders attached to the guide columns. Toggle latches are also used instead of a locking cylinder. After the material in the mold has solidified, the mold is opened by moving the movable platen in the opening direction, and the finished part can be removed.For example, the finished cast component can be ejected using ejectors. A distinction is made between cold-chamber and hot-chamber die-casting machines. In a hot-chamber die-casting machine, the hopper of a casting unit is held in a crucible containing molten metal. A plunger moves into the hopper and forces the molten metal through a hopper (also at least partially located in the crucible) and a sprue opening in the fixed mounting plate into the mold. In this process, the hopper and plunger are continuously exposed to the molten metal. The casting unit of a hot-chamber die-casting machine is fundamentally different in design from that of a cold-chamber die-casting machine. In a cold-chamber die-casting machine, the metal is melted or kept warm in a molten state in a separate device.The required quantity of molten metal for the production of the desired component is poured through a filling opening into a cold casting chamber of a casting unit and, with the aid of a movably arranged pouring piston in the casting chamber, pressed through a pouring opening provided in the fixed clamping plate into the mold. The pouring chamber is located in a channel provided in the fixed clamping plate. The molten metal is moved through the pouring chamber to the pouring opening without coming into contact with the fixed clamping plate.

[0005] Cold chamber and hot chamber die-casting machines are well known to the expert.

[0006] The thixomolding process is well known to those skilled in the art. It is described, for example, in US 5,040,589. The thixomolding process is primarily used for the production of components from magnesium alloys. In this process, granules of the magnesium alloy are fed into a screw extruder via a metering device. Inside the extruder, the granules are heated by heating devices such as heating belts arranged on the extruder and brought into a semi-solid state. They are then conveyed under constant shear into a collection chamber within the extruder, from where they are pressed into a mold cavity. A detailed description of the thixomolding process and common thixomolding machines from Japan Steel Works can be found at https: / / www.jsw.co.uk. jp / en / product / bus ine ss / molding_machine / mm_l 600 / .

[0007] During the die-casting process, very high temperatures are present at the casting chamber (also called the filling cylinder) (for example, around 600°C in the case of aluminum). Furthermore, the flow rate and the metallic affinity between aluminum and steel lead to leaching. As a result, the casting chamber is prone to wear and must be replaced regularly.

[0008] In recent years, there has been a trend, particularly in the automotive sector, towards increasingly larger structural components. Furthermore, there is a growing need for structural components for 5G antennas and battery housings for electric vehicles. Due to the aforementioned increasing demand for structural components, there is a need for larger die-casting machines with increased clamping force, preferably more than 45,000 kN. With these larger die-casting machines, the wear on the casting chamber increases because of the larger volume of hot, molten casting material that must be fed through the chamber. Depending on the application of the die-casting machine, it may be necessary to replace the casting chamber weekly.

[0009] Up to now, the casting chamber has been replaced via the side of the fixed clamping plate to which a mold half is attached. This is described, for example, in WO 2014 / 164171 A1.

[0010] This is very time-consuming. First, the mold half must be removed from the fixed mounting plate to expose the casting chamber. Only then can the casting chamber be pulled out of the fixed mounting plate and replaced.

[0011] CH 640439 describes a cold-chamber die-casting machine in which the casting residue is torn off during the demolding process without a shearing device or external support interventions, due to the increased reliability of the tear-off mechanism. The fixed mold mounting plate has a central recess into which an insert sleeve is placed. Half-shell-shaped fastening elements are arranged on the insert sleeve, which engage in annular grooves of a casting chamber and can fix it in place.

[0012] This solution is disadvantageous because it restricts the machine specifications (casting height adjustment) and only provides a suboptimal connection of the casting chamber.

[0013] The object of the present invention was to provide a fixed mounting plate for a die casting machine or a thixomolding machine from which the casting chamber can be removed more easily and quickly and which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art, particularly with regard to machine specifications and the connection of the casting chamber with the mounting plate.

[0014] This problem is solved by the present invention. In detail, the present invention relates to a fixed mounting plate for a die-casting machine or a thixomolding machine, comprising a channel for receiving a casting chamber, which extends through the fixed mounting plate from a front first side, on which a casting mold half can be arranged, to a rear second side, wherein the channel is designed such that a casting chamber can be inserted into and removed from the second side of the channel, characterized in that a releasable and / or clampable fastening means (8) is arranged at the opening of the channel on the second side (1b) of the fixed mounting plate (1).

[0015] In contrast to the prior art, the invention provides for the casting chamber to be removed and inserted on the opposite side, facing away from the mold half. This is simpler and more time-saving than the method disclosed in the prior art.

[0016] For this purpose, the fixed clamping plate is designed such that it includes a channel for receiving a casting chamber, which extends through the fixed clamping plate from a front side, on which a casting mold can be arranged, to a rear side. This channel is designed such that a casting chamber can be inserted into and removed from the channel from the rear side.

[0017] In contrast to the prior art, the channel of the fixed clamping plate according to the invention is constructed differently. In the prior art, this channel is provided with a casting chamber holder on the first side, where a casting mold half is arranged. In the section of the channel that directly adjoins this casting chamber holder, a section with a larger diameter is provided to accommodate a shoulder arranged on the casting chamber. Behind this section with a larger diameter, extending to the channel opening on the second side of the fixed clamping plate, a section with a smaller diameter is provided, which the shoulder of the casting chamber cannot pass through. The casting chamber is fixed in the channel and can only be removed from the front side.

[0018] In contrast, in the fixed clamping plate according to the invention, the section of the channel which connects to the channel opening on the second side of the fixed clamping plate is dimensioned in such a way that the casting chamber can be removed through this channel opening.

[0019] For example, the section of the channel directly adjacent to this casting chamber holder may have a smaller diameter and cannot be passed by the shoulder of the casting chamber. Behind this smaller-diameter section, a larger-diameter section may be provided up to the channel opening on the second side of the fixed clamping plate, which a shoulder located on the casting chamber can pass through. The casting chamber can only be removed from the rear.

[0020] Alternatively, the channel opening to the first side of the fixed clamping plate can be closed solely with a casting mold half, meaning that the casting chamber can still be removed from the first side even after removing the corresponding casting mold half. In addition, the channel opening is designed with a diameter that a shoulder located on the casting chamber can pass through. The casting chamber can also be removed from the second, rear side.

[0021] According to another alternative embodiment, a casting chamber without a shoulder is used. In this case, it is not necessary to provide a larger diameter section extending to the channel opening on the second side of the fixed clamping plate. A section extending to the channel opening on the second side of the fixed clamping plate with a diameter sufficient to accommodate the casting chamber itself is adequate.

[0022] According to the invention, preferably a casting chamber holder is arranged at the opening of the channel on the first side of the fixed clamping plate in a receiving area provided for this purpose in the fixed clamping plate.

[0023] Such casting chamber holders are known. A suitable casting chamber holder comprises a receiving section for receiving a casting chamber. This receiving section typically has a rectangular shape with a central circular opening through which a casting chamber can be guided into a casting mold half. Furthermore, the receiving section preferably comprises at least one bracket for attaching the casting chamber holder to the first side of the fixed clamping plate. Preferably, two brackets are arranged laterally on the receiving section. Attachment to the fixed clamping plate can be effected, for example, by means of screw connections. For this purpose, holes (preferably threaded) can be provided in the bracket(s) and in the fixed clamping plate through which screws can be passed.A suitable casting chamber holder further comprises a spacer plate for adjusting the height of the casting chamber holder. Several such spacer plates may also be provided. This is a plate typically rectangular in shape and has at least one bracket for attachment to the first side of the fixed clamping plate. Preferably, two brackets are arranged laterally on the spacer plate. Attachment to the fixed clamping plate can be carried out as described above for the receiving section. The spacer plate is typically arranged below the receiving section and can be connected to it (preferably detachably).

[0024] To assemble or disassemble the casting chamber holder, its attachment to the fixed mounting plate is tightened or loosened. Preferably, the casting chamber holder is moved using a lifting device such as a crane.

[0025] Preferably, according to the invention, a releasable fastening element is arranged at the opening of the channel on the second side of the fixed clamping plate. This releasable fastening element serves to reliably position the casting chamber in the channel within the fixed clamping plate. The releasable fastening element can be easily removed or opened to allow the casting chamber to be removed from the fixed clamping plate. The releasable fastening element is arranged on the fixed clamping plate and not on another component such as a casting chamber holder. This results in a more rigid connection. Consequently, less deformation occurs during operation. Furthermore, the flexible arrangement of the releasable fastening element on the fixed clamping plate does not restrict the machine specifications (e.g., casting height adjustment).

[0026] The releasable fastening device is designed such that the section of a casting unit which is filled with molten casting material is located outside the fixed mounting plate, and this section is connected to the casting chamber located in the channel in the fixed mounting plate via a connecting section which is guided by the releasable fastening device.

[0027] Basically, all detachable fasteners that have these functions are suitable.

[0028] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the releasable fastening means is a clamping device with a through-opening whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the channel on the second side of the fixed clamping plate.

[0029] The releasable fastening device according to this first embodiment is preferably a clamping device in the form of a clamping plate with a through-opening whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the channel on the second side of the fixed clamping plate.

[0030] This design is suitable for a casting chamber with a shoulder located on the chamber. Due to the smaller diameter of the clamping plate's opening, the actual body of the casting chamber, which typically has a cylindrical shape, can be guided through the opening, but only up to the section where a shoulder (i.e., an outwardly extending section) is located on the casting chamber. This section cannot pass through the clamping plate's opening.

[0031] The clamping plate preferably has a square or round shape with a central circular opening through which a casting chamber can be inserted. The clamping plate also has fastening means by which it can be attached to the second, rear side of the fixed clamping plate. Attachment to the fixed clamping plate can be effected, for example, by means of screw connections. For this purpose, holes (preferably threaded) can be provided in both the clamping plate and the fixed clamping plate through which screws can be inserted. Preferably, the clamping device can have several openings for inserting screws, so that it can be attached to the second side of the fixed clamping plate in a height-adjustable manner.

[0032] As long as the clamping device is attached to the second side of the fixed mounting plate, the casting chamber cannot be removed. To remove it, the screws must be loosened and the clamping device removed.

[0033] According to a second embodiment of the invention, the releasable fastening device is designed as a clamping device with two half-shells, which can be moved towards each other along the second side of the fixed clamping plate into a closed position and away from each other into an open position, wherein the half-shells form a through-opening in the closed position, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the channel on the second side of the fixed clamping plate. It is also conceivable, in principle, to design the releasable fastening device according to the second embodiment of the invention from more than two half-shells (for example, from three or four separate sections), but the variant with two half-shells is preferred for structural reasons.

[0034] For example, a suitable half-shell can have an arcuate shape, i.e., a rectangular outer shape with a semicircular opening that is open to one side of the half-shell. The half-shell can have holes on the side opposite the opening, into which components described below, such as an adjusting element, a guide rod, and a locking screw, can be inserted.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, arc-shaped half-shells can be used, the lower ends of which are slightly recessed, i.e., the opening is not exactly semicircular, but rather the arc transitions into chamfered sections at the ends. This has the advantage that the casting chamber can be removed from the fixed mounting plate after a comparatively small movement of the half-shells from the closed position.

[0036] This design is particularly suitable for a casting chamber with a shoulder located on the chamber. Due to the smaller diameter of the through-opening through the half-shells in the closed position, the actual body of the casting chamber, which is typically cylindrical, can be guided through the opening, but only up to the section on which a shoulder (i.e., an outwardly extending section) is located. This section cannot pass through the through-opening through the half-shells. In the open position of the releasable fastener, however, the casting chamber can be moved out of the second side of the fixed clamping plate, since the through-opening formed by the half-shells is sufficiently large to allow a shoulder of the casting chamber to pass through.

[0037] However, it is also possible to fix the half-shells in the closed position in such a way that the pouring chamber is clamped between them and cannot be moved at all. In this variant, the pouring chamber does not need to have a shoulder; its removal is prevented by the clamping action of the half-shells.

[0038] According to the invention, preferably the half-shells can be fixed hydraulically or mechanically in the closed position, as explained below.

[0039] According to this second embodiment, means are provided to move the two half-shells towards each other in a closed position and away from each other in an open position along the second side of the fixed clamping plate. All suitable known means are appropriate for this purpose. Preferably, the half-shells are arranged in guide rails which are attached to the second side of the fixed clamping plate.

[0040] The guide rails can be attached to the fixed clamping plate, for example, using screw connections. For this purpose, holes (preferably threaded) can be provided in both the guide rails and the fixed clamping plate, through which screws can be inserted. Preferably, the guide rails can have several openings for inserting screws, allowing them to be adjusted in height and attached to the other side of the fixed clamping plate.

[0041] These guide rails can be arranged vertically or horizontally on the fixed clamping plate to move the half-shells towards each other or away from each other from above and below or from left and right.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment, crossbeams are arranged above and below (or, in the case of a horizontal arrangement of the guide rails, to the left and right) the half-shells. The crossbeams are detachably connected to the guide rails, for example by screw connections or rivet connections.

[0043] Each crossbeam can accommodate an adjusting element, such as an adjusting screw, by which the corresponding half-shell can be moved. Preferably, each crossbeam has a threaded opening in which the adjusting element can be turned like an adjusting screw.

[0044] The mechanical fixing of the half-shells in the closed position can preferably be achieved with the aid of a locking element such as a locking screw. For this purpose, each half-shell has an opening that communicates with each other in the closed position. The mechanical fixing can be achieved by inserting the locking element, such as a locking screw (preferably through one of the crossbeams), through the adjacent half-shell and into the second half-shell. Preferably, all required openings are threaded. Preferably, the openings are arranged laterally next to the through-opening through the half-shells. According to a further preferred embodiment, the fixing of the half-shells in the closed position can be achieved hydraulically. For this purpose, known hydraulic elements are provided that can move the half-shells.As an example, consider rods or pistons which can be moved within a cylinder by applying pressure with the aid of a hydraulic medium such as oil, and which move components located outside the cylinder on the rod or piston. A closed position can be achieved by increasing or maximizing the pressure exerted by the hydraulic medium. Such hydraulic elements are known.

[0045] According to another variant, a guide rod can additionally be arranged to assist the movement of the half-shells. Preferably, the guide rod is arranged laterally (particularly preferably on the opposite side from the openings for the locking element described above, if present) next to the through-opening through the half-shells.

[0046] According to a third embodiment of the invention, the releasable fastening element is designed as a bayonet fastener. A bayonet fastener is well known and involves a quickly manufactured and releasable mechanical connection of two (preferably cylindrical) parts along their longitudinal axis. The parts are joined and separated by inserting them into one another and rotating them in opposite directions.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment of the third embodiment of the invention, the releasable fastening element constitutes a first part of a bayonet fastener. However, it is also possible that both parts of the bayonet fastener are formed from components of the releasable fastening element. Preferably, the bayonet fastener is realized from grooves and cams. By rotation, the cams can be moved into the grooves and fixed there.

[0048] In one embodiment of the invention, the cams can be arranged on an inner ring, which is a component of the releasable fastening means, is arranged loosely (i.e. rotatably) and may include a locking element such as a screw for fixing in order to prevent independent rotation.

[0049] The grooves are arranged in an outer plate, which forms a component of the releasable fastener and is held laterally in guide rails. The guide rails are preferably designed as described above for the second embodiment; however, no movable guidance of the outer plate in the guide rails is required. The guide rails are attached to the second side of the fixed clamping plate as described above for the second embodiment, preferably with the aid of screws.

[0050] If the cams are not fixed in the grooves in the outer plate, the casting chamber, together with the inner ring and the cams, can be moved out of the second side of the fixed mounting plate.

[0051] However, if the cams of the inner ring are guided into the grooves of the outer plate by rotation, they are fixed there. The opening through the fixed inner plate is no longer large enough to allow a shoulder of the casting chamber to pass through. The shoulder of the casting chamber abuts the inner ring with the cams. According to an alternative version of the third design, the cams are located directly on the casting chamber. The casting chamber itself here constitutes the second part of a bayonet fitting. A shoulder on the casting chamber is omitted in this version.

[0052] In this variant, rotating the casting chamber allows the cams on the chamber to be fixed in the grooves of the removable fastener. The casting chamber cannot be removed in this closed position. By rotating the casting chamber again, the cams on the chamber can be moved out of the grooves of the removable fastener. The casting chamber can then be moved axially out of the removable fastener and removed.

[0053] The present invention further relates to a die-casting machine or a thixomolding machine comprising a fixed mounting plate according to the present invention, as described above. Die-casting machines and thixomolding machines are well known and comprise a fixed mounting plate, a movable mounting plate, guide columns which extend through receiving openings in the fixed mounting plate and receiving openings in the movable mounting plate and on which the movable mounting plate can be moved, and a casting unit with a casting chamber which extends through the casting opening in the fixed mounting plate.

[0054] Preferably, the inventive die-casting machine is designed for very high clamping forces; preferably, the inventive die-casting machine has a maximum clamping force of at least 45,000 kN, more preferably at least 50,000 kN and particularly preferably at least 60,000 kN, up to preferably 120,000 kN, more preferably up to 100,000 kN and particularly preferably up to 85,000 kN.

[0055] Preferably, this is a two-plate die-casting machine, although three-plate die-casting machines can also be equipped with the fixed mounting plate described above according to the invention.

[0056] According to the invention, cold chamber die-casting machines are preferred.

[0057] The present invention further relates to a method for mounting a casting chamber in a fixed clamping plate according to the invention, comprising the steps: a) inserting the casting chamber into the channel of the fixed clamping plate through the opening of the channel on the second side of the fixed clamping plate, b) fixing the casting chamber in the channel of the fixed clamping plate by means of a releasable fastening means.

[0058] Preferably, a casting chamber holder is arranged at the opening of the channel on the first side of the fixed clamping plate in a receiving area provided for this purpose in the fixed clamping plate before step a).

[0059] Preferably, in step b), the fixing of the casting chamber is achieved by a measure selected from the group consisting of

[0060] Attaching a detachable fastening device designed as a clamping device to the opening of the channel on the second side of the fixed clamping plate, wherein the clamping device has a through-opening whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the channel on the second side of the fixed clamping plate; moving a detachable fastening device formed as two half-shells into a closed position in which a through-opening is formed whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the channel on the second side of the fixed clamping plate; and forming a bayonet closure by rotating an annular section with cams, which is preferably arranged on the casting chamber and represents a second part of a bayonet closure, in a detachable fastening device which represents a first part of a bayonet closure.

[0061] In the inventive method, the casting chamber is inserted into the channel in the fixed clamping plate and preferably arranged in the casting chamber holder, which is located at the opening on the first side of the fixed clamping plate facing the mold. Lifting devices such as a crane can be used for this purpose. Subsequently, the casting chamber is fixed at the opening on the second side of the fixed clamping plate by means of a described releasable fastening device.

[0062] The present invention can reduce the time required to replace a casting chamber of a die-casting machine by up to 90%, preferably 90%. The downtime caused by the replacement can be significantly reduced, and the product output of the die-casting machine can be significantly increased.

[0063] The present invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and non-limiting drawings. Figures 1a-c show a schematic representation of the removal of a casting chamber from a fixed mounting plate according to the prior art.

[0064] Fig. 2a-c shows a schematic representation of the removal of a casting chamber from a fixed clamping plate according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a casting chamber holder.

[0066] Fig. 4a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fixed clamping plate with a first embodiment of a detachable fastening element.

[0067] Fig. 4b shows a schematic representation of a fixed mounting plate with the first embodiment of a detachable fastening device.

[0068] Fig. 5a shows a schematic representation of a fixed mounting plate with a second embodiment of a releasable fastening element in the open position.

[0069] Fig. 5b shows a schematic representation of a half-shell of the second embodiment of a detachable fastening element.

[0070] Fig. 5c shows a schematic sectional view of a fixed mounting plate with a second embodiment of a releasable fastening element in the closed position.

[0071] Fig. 6a shows a schematic sectional view of a front view of a fixed clamping plate with a third embodiment of a detachable fastening element.

[0072] Fig. 6b shows a schematic representation of a variant of a casting chamber of the third embodiment of a detachable fastening device.

[0073] Fig. 6c shows a schematic representation of a fixed mounting plate with a third embodiment of a releasable fastening element. The same reference numerals in different figures denote the same components.

[0074] Figures 1a to 1c show a schematic representation of the removal of a casting chamber from a fixed mounting plate according to the prior art.

[0075] A die-casting machine D comprises a fixed clamping plate 1 with a mold half 3 arranged on it, and a movable clamping plate 4 with a mold half 5 arranged on it. The movable clamping plate 4 can be moved via guide columns 6 into a closed position in which the two mold halves 3, 5 together form a closed mold.

[0076] A casting chamber 2 is arranged in the fixed clamping plate 1. For this purpose, a channel is provided in the fixed clamping plate 1, which extends from a first side 1a of the fixed clamping plate 1, on which the mold half 3 is or can be arranged, to a second side 1b. In the illustrated embodiment, the second side 1b comprises a dome-shaped cavity through which the casting chamber 2 located in the channel can be filled with casting material. During operation, the casting material is pressed through the casting chamber into the closed mold, which is formed by the two mold halves 3 and 5.

[0077] Fig. 1a shows the starting position for removing the casting chamber 2. The die-casting machine D is fully open, i.e., the movable clamping plate 4 is in a position where it is removed from the fixed clamping plate 1. In this position, the casting mold half 3 located on the fixed clamping plate 1 is accessible and removable from the fixed clamping plate 1. In a first step, the casting mold half 3 is detached from the fixed clamping plate 1 in a known manner and moved towards the movable clamping plate 4 in the direction of the arrow.

[0078] Fig. 1b shows a position in which the mold half 3 has been moved away from the fixed clamping plate 1 and towards the movable clamping plate 4. The casting chamber 2 is now exposed. The casting chamber 2 can now be removed from the channel of the fixed clamping plate 1 and moved towards the movable clamping plate 4 in the direction of the arrow.

[0079] Fig. 1c shows a position in which the casting chamber 2 is completely removed from the fixed clamping plate 1 and can, for example, be replaced.

[0080] Figures 2a to 2c show a schematic representation of the removal of a casting chamber from a fixed clamping plate according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figures 2a to 2c show only a fixed clamping plate 1, since, in contrast to the prior art, according to the invention the casting chamber 2 is not removed in the direction of the movable clamping plate 4.

[0081] Figure 2a shows the starting position for removing the casting chamber 2. In contrast to the prior art method, it is not necessary to fully open the die-casting machine. The casting mold half 3, as well as the casting chamber holder 7, remains arranged on the first side 1a of the fixed clamping plate 1, which represents a significant simplification of the process. A releasable fastener 8 is arranged on the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1. As can be seen in Figure 2a, according to the embodiment shown here, the releasable fastener 8 is in a closed state, with an element of the releasable fastener 8 projecting downwards into the opening of the channel on the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1. According to the embodiment shown here, the casting chamber 2 has a shoulder 2a.When the releasable fastener 8 is closed, the shoulder 2a cannot be moved outwards past the releasable fastener 8. The casting chamber 2 is fixed in the channel in the fixed clamping plate 1.

[0082] Figure 2b shows a position in which the releasable fastener 8 is in an open state and does not obstruct the opening of the channel on the second side 1b of the fixed mounting plate 1. The casting chamber 2 can now be moved to the right out of the second side 1b of the fixed mounting plate 1, since the shoulder 2a of the casting chamber is no longer obstructed by the releasable fastener 8.

[0083] Figure 2c shows a position in which the casting chamber 2 has been moved out of the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1 and can be moved further to the right or upwards in the direction of the arrow and, for example, replaced. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a casting chamber holder 7. Such casting chamber holders 7 are known and comprise a receiving section 7a for receiving a casting chamber 2 (not shown here), a spacer plate 7b for adjusting the height of the casting chamber holder 7, and a bracket 7c for attaching the casting chamber holder 7 to the fixed clamping plate (not shown here). This attachment can be effected, for example, by means of screw connections. Figure 4a shows a schematic cross-sectional view of a fixed clamping plate 1 with a first embodiment of a releasable fastening means 8.The releasable fastening device 8 according to this first embodiment is a clamping device in the form of a clamping plate with a through-opening whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the channel on the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1. The clamping device is fastened to the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1 by means of screws 8a. According to the embodiment shown here, the casting chamber 2 has a shoulder 2a. As long as the clamping device is fastened to the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1, the casting chamber 2 cannot be removed. To remove it, the screws 8a must be loosened and the clamping device removed.

[0084] Figure 4b shows a schematic representation of a fixed clamping plate 1 with the first embodiment of a releasable fastening device 8. Figure 4b shows that the clamping device (i.e., the releasable fastening device 8) and the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1 have several openings for inserting screws 8a. The clamping device (i.e., the releasable fastening device 8) can be adjusted in height and attached to the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1 by fastening it in different holes of the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1.

[0085] Figure 5a shows a schematic view of a fixed clamping plate 1 with a second embodiment of a releasable fastening element 8. According to this embodiment, the releasable fastening element 8 comprises two half-shells 8b and 8c, which can be moved along the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1 towards each other into a closed position (Figure 5c) and away from each other into an open position (Figure 5a). For this purpose, the half-shells 8b and 8c are arranged in guide rails 8d, which are attached to the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1 by means of screws 8a. It can be seen in Figure 5a that the guide rails 8d and the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1 have several openings for inserting screws 8a.The guide rails 8d can be attached to the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1 in a height-adjustable manner by being attached in different holes of the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1 .

[0086] Above and below the half-shells 8b and 8c, crossbeams 8e and 8f are arranged. The crossbeams 8e and 8f are detachably connected to the guide rails 8d. An adjusting screw 8g (only the upper adjusting screw is shown here) passes through each of the crossbeams 8e and 8f, allowing the corresponding half-shell 8b or 8c to be moved up or down by means of these screws. The adjusting screws 8g are arranged in corresponding threads.

[0087] Fig. 5a shows an open position of the releasable fastening element 8. In this open position, the casting chamber 2 can be moved out of the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1, since the through-opening formed by the half-shells 8b and 8c is sufficiently large to allow the shoulder 2a of the casting chamber 2 (not shown here) to pass through.

[0088] Figure 5b shows a schematic representation of one of the half-shells (here, half-shell 8b). According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention shown here, arc-shaped half-shells can be used, the lower ends of which are slightly recessed; that is, the opening is not exactly semicircular, but rather the arc transitions into chamfered sections at the ends. This has the advantage that the casting chamber can be removed from the fixed mounting plate after a comparatively small movement of the half-shells from the closed position.

[0089] Figure 5c shows the releasable fastener 8 in a closed position. Using the adjusting screws 8g, the half-shells 8b and 8c have been moved towards each other into the closed position, in which they form a through-opening whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the channel on the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1. This through-opening is no longer sufficiently large to allow the shoulder 2a of the casting chamber 2 (not shown here) to pass through. Figure 5c shows that arcuate half-shells 8b and 8c are used, the lower ends of which are slightly recessed. The casting chamber 2 is not completely enclosed.

[0090] Fig. 5c also shows a locking screw 8h, with which the half-shells 8b and 8c can be fixed in the closed position.

[0091] Fig. 5c also shows a guide rod 8i which supports the movement of the half-shells 8b and 8c.

[0092] Figure 6a shows a schematic representation of a second side 1b of a fixed clamping plate 1 with a third embodiment of a releasable fastening element 8. In this third embodiment, a bayonet fitting is implemented with grooves 8j and cams 8k. The cams 8k can be moved into the grooves 8j and fixed by rotation. In the variant shown in Figure 6a, the cams 8k are located on an inner ring, which is loosely arranged and may include a screw (not shown) for fixing it to prevent self-rotation. The grooves 8j are arranged on an outer plate, which is held laterally in guide rails 8d. The guide rails 8d are fastened to the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1 by means of screws 8a.

[0093] If the cams 8k are not fixed in the grooves 8j, the casting chamber 2, together with the inner ring containing the cams 8j, can be moved out of the second side 1b of the fixed clamping plate 1. However, if the cams 8k are guided into the grooves 8k by rotation, they are fixed there, and the through-opening is no longer large enough to allow the shoulder 2a of the casting chamber 2 (not shown here) to pass through. The shoulder 2a of the casting chamber 2 (not shown here) abuts the inner ring containing the cams 8k.

[0094] Figure 6b shows an alternative variant of the third embodiment. Here, the cams 8k are located directly on the casting chamber 2. A shoulder 2a is omitted.

[0095] As shown in Fig. 6c, by rotating the casting chamber 2, the cams 8k located on the casting chamber 2 can be fixed in the grooves 8j of the releasable fastener 8. The casting chamber 2 cannot be removed in this closed position. By rotating the casting chamber 2 again, the cams 8k located on the casting chamber 2 can be moved out of the grooves 8j of the releasable fastener 8. The casting chamber can now be moved axially out of the releasable fastener 8 and removed.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Fixed clamping plate (1) for a die casting machine (D) or a thixomolding machine, comprising a channel for receiving a casting chamber (2) which extends through the fixed clamping plate (1) from a front first side (1a) on which a mold half (3) can be arranged, to a rear second side (1b), wherein a casting chamber holder (7) is arranged at the opening of the channel on the first side (1a) of the fixed clamping plate (1), wherein the channel is designed such that a casting chamber (2) can be inserted into and removed from the second side (1b), characterized in that a releasable and / or clampable fastening means (8) is arranged at the opening of the channel on the second side (1b) of the fixed clamping plate (1).

2. Fixed clamping plate according to claim 1, characterized in that the releasable fastening means (8) is a clamping device with at least one through-opening, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the channel on the second side (1b) of the fixed clamping plate (1) • 3. Fixed clamping plate according to claim 1, characterized in that the releasable fastening means (8) comprises two half-shells (8b, 8c) which can be moved towards each other in a closed position and away from each other in an open position along the second side (1b) of the fixed clamping plate (1), wherein the half-shells (8b, 8c) have a through-opening in the closed position form, the diameter of which is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the channel on the second side (1b) of the fixed clamping plate (1) .

4. Fixed clamping plate according to claim 3, characterized in that the half-shells (8b, 8c) are pneumatically, electrically, hydraulically or mechanically movable and fixable in the closed position.

5. Fixed clamping plate according to claim 1, characterized in that the releasable fastening means (8) constitutes a first part of a bayonet closure.

6. Fixed clamping plate according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the releasable fastening means (8) is height-adjustable.

7. Fixed clamping plate according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a casting chamber (2) is arranged in the channel and fixed by means of the releasable fastening means (8).

8. Fixed clamping plate according to claim 7, characterized in that the casting chamber (2) has a shoulder (2a).

9. Fixed clamping plate according to claim 7, characterized in that the casting chamber (2) has an annular section with cams (8k) which forms a second part of a represents a balonet closure.

10. Die casting machine (D) or thixomolding machine comprising a fixed clamping plate (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. Method for mounting a casting chamber (2) in a fixed clamping plate (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising the steps: a) inserting the casting chamber (2) into the channel of the fixed clamping plate (1) through the opening of the channel on the second side (1b) of the fixed clamping plate (1), b) fixing the casting chamber (2) in the channel of the fixed clamping plate (1) by means of a releasable fastening means ( 8 ).

12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that a casting chamber holder is provided at the opening of the channel on the first side (1a) of the fixed clamping plate (1) before step a). (7) is ordered.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that in step b) the fixing of the casting chamber (2) is achieved by a measure which is selected from the group consisting of Attaching a detachable fastening device (8) designed as a clamping device to the opening of the channel on the second side (1b) of the fixed clamping plate (1), wherein the clamping device has a through-opening whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the channel on the second side (1b) of the fixed clamping plate (1), moving a detachable fastening device (8) formed as two half-shells (8b, 8c) into a closed position in which a through-opening is formed will be, whose diameter is smaller than the diameter of the opening of the channel on the second side (1b) of the fixed clamping plate (1) , and Formation of a bayonet lock by rotating an annular section with cams (k), which is preferably arranged on the casting chamber (2) and represents a second part of a bayonet lock, in a releasable fastening means (8), which represents a first part of a bayonet lock.

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