EP2049314A1

EP2049314A1 - Rapid clamping unit, rapid clamping system, machine part or tool part and moulding tool or forming tool

Info

Publication number: EP2049314A1
Application number: EP07786546A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Andreas Hoch; Friedrich Kurz; Matthias Haag
Original assignee: Schunk GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Schunk GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2006-08-08
Filing date: 2007-08-03
Publication date: 2009-04-22
Also published as: DE102006037709B4; DE102006037709A1; WO2008017425A1; WO2008017425A8

Abstract

The invention relates to a rapid clamping unit, more particularly for the locking of tool parts of moulding tools or of forming tools or of moulding tools or forming tools on associated moulding machines or forming machines, where the rapid clamping unit is lockable with a retainer part corresponding to the rapid clamping unit, where the rapid clamping unit encompasses a sheath element intended for axial engagement into the retainer part and a piston element axially engaging into the sheath element or engaging through the sheath element, and axially movable with respect to the sheath element between a locking position and an unlocking position, and also encompassing locking elements engaging at least to some extent through the sheath element in a radial direction, in such a way that the locking elements in the locking position are in contact with the piston element radially outwardly in order to engage from behind to lock the retainer part, and in the unlocking position can be shifted radially inwardly, in order to release the retainer part. The invention further relates to a rapid clamping system, a moulding tool or forming tool and a moulding machine or forming machine.

Description

Title: Schneilspanneinheit, quick clamping system, machine or tool part and master or forming tool

Besehreibung

The invention relates to a quick-release unit, in particular for locking of master or forming tools to Ur- or forming machines or for mutual locking tool parts of Ur- or forming tools. The quick-release unit is locked to Verrieglung with a corresponding with the quick-clamping unit holding part. The invention also relates to a

Quick-release system comprising a quick-release unit and an associated holding part. The invention further relates to a master or forming tool and a master or forming machines with at least one quick-release unit and / or a quick-release system.

In casting, and in particular in injection molding, the tool halves are moved between a closed position in which the injection-molding compound is injected into the tool cavity and between an open position in which the injection-molded workpiece can be removed. When forging a blank is placed in the open mold and the halves of the tool joined together. Depending on the component to be produced, different master or forming tools with corresponding tool halves together with associated tool parts are to be provided on associated master or forming machines.

From DE 195 24 803 Cl, DE 31 49 745 Al, DE 44 34 746 Al and DE 81 36 607 Ul various clamping systems for locking mold halves other tool parts, especially on platens, known. The present invention has for its object to provide a quick-release, with a simple way, a fast, large forces transmitting, functionally reliable and automatable locking and unlocking the quick-release unit with a corresponding with the quick-clamping unit holding part is possible. In particular, the quick-release unit should not be damaged even when moving together of the quick-release unit and holding part in the locked state of the quick-release unit.

This object is achieved by a quick-release unit having the features of patent claim 1. In such a quick-release unit is provided that the quick-release unit provided for axial engagement in the holding part sleeve member and an axially engaging in the sleeve member, relative to the sleeve member between a locking position and a

Entriegelungsstellung axially movable piston member and the sleeve member in the radial direction at least partially cross-locking elements provides. The locking elements are acted upon radially outward in the locking position by the piston element in order to lock the retaining part behind. In the unlocked position, the locking elements are radially inwardly displaceable, whereby the holding part is released and an axial moving out of the sleeve member from the holding part is possible. In the case of injection molding machines, the axial direction is, in particular, the direction of movement of the tool halves or clamping plates. By means of such a quick-release unit can thus be made possible by axially moving the piston member into the locking position or unlocking a fast, large forces transmitting and functionally reliable locking or unlocking between the quick-clamping unit and the corresponding with the quick-clamping unit holding part. With such a quick clamping unit tool parts of Ur- or forming tools, in particular clamping plates, mold halves with ejector plates and the like but also the entire tool on an associated machine in a simple manner for replacement can be solved and locked.

It is further provided that between the piston member and the sleeve member, a first spring element for urging the piston member in the Verrieglungsstellung and between the sleeve member and the quick-clamping unit receiving component, a second spring element ur axial loading of the sleeve member toward the holding member provided and matched in that when the quick-action clamping unit and holding part move together in the locked state of the quick-action clamping unit, the sleeve element is moved against the spring force of the two spring elements in the axial direction until the locking elements dip radially inward, and then the sleeve element together with the piston element inside the other Movement direction of the holding part opposite direction due to the spring force of the second spring element is moved so far until the

Locking elements engage behind the retaining element radially outward, in which case the piston element is then acted upon by the first spring element in the locking position. Thus, therefore, an automatic locking of the quick-release unit can be achieved even when moving together of the quick-release unit and holding part in the locked state of the quick-release unit.

In this case, for example, a plurality of quick-release units may be provided, which cooperate with corresponding to be changed tool parts holding parts for locking.

According to the invention it can be provided that the sleeve element for receiving the locking elements has in the radial direction extending openings. The individual locking elements can be trapped, for example, in a respective associated breakthrough and captive, but arranged to be movable in the radial direction. As locking elements are in particular metal balls into consideration. According to the invention, however, geometrically differently shaped parts can be used, such as locking pins.

According to the invention, the piston element can have guide bevels which act on the locking elements radially outwards when the piston element is moved from the unlocking position into the locking position. The guide bevels can be realized for example as a conical, radially inwardly directed circumferential groove on the piston element. In particular, at the radially inner end of the groove, the piston member may have at least one recess into which the locking elements can engage so far that they do not or only slightly beyond the sleeve member in the radial direction. As a result, consequently, the sleeve member can be freely inserted in the axial direction in the holding part or engage in this. The recess having the guide bevels can thereby pass into an annular groove-like recess.

For automated movement of the piston element can be provided in particular that the piston element is designed druckbeaufschlagbar at least in the unlocked position. For movement of the piston element in the locking position can be advantageously provided that between the piston member and the sleeve member, a correspondingly arranged spring element is provided. Such an embodiment has the advantage that due to the spring element, the locking position is permanently held without, for example, the piston element is pressurized with a medium. A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the sleeve member in the locking position of the piston member opposite to the piston member against the locking direction of the piston member is arranged so far axially movable until the locking elements are radially inwardly displaceable. In this embodiment, therefore, not only the piston member is arranged movable relative to the sleeve member, but also the sleeve member in itself in the

Locking position befindendem piston element. This has the advantage that in the event that the holding part impinges in the axial direction on the locked clamping unit, the clamping unit is not damaged. Rather, the sleeve element is initially displaced axially in the direction of movement of the holding part when the holding part which projects radially outwards protrudes. The axial displacement of the sleeve member relative to the piston element takes place until the locking elements move radially inward, whereby the sleeve member in the holding part counter to the direction of movement of the holding part dive and can take its intended for locking with the holding part axial position. In this position, the piston element acts on the locking elements radially outward, wherein the locking elements lock the holding part engages behind. Consequently, even when the quick-release unit is locked, the holding member not locked with the quick-release unit can be driven onto the sleeve member or the lock member for locking with the quick-release unit without damaging the quick-release unit or the holding member. Of course, on the holding part and / or on the clamping unit in the areas with the

Interlocking elements cooperate, guide radii or guide bevels may be provided which force the movement of the locking elements radially inward or radially outward. In order to always ensure that the quick-release unit occupies a predefined relative position in a component accommodating the quick-action clamping unit, it can be provided according to the invention that a spring is provided which is arranged between the sleeve element and the component such that the sleeve element is acted upon in the axial direction towards the holding part. The provision of such a spring element can in particular cause that upon movement of the quick-release unit and holding member in the locked state of the quick-release unit, the sleeve member is initially moved against the spring force of the spring element in the axial direction and then at radially inwardly dipping locking elements of the spring force in the other, the Movement direction of the holding part opposite direction is moved. By means of such a spring element, consequently, the entire quick-action clamping unit can be arranged biased in the direction of the holding part relative to the component by being installed.

To support the spring element on the component, a ring element revolving around the piston element can be provided with a radially outwardly directed contact surface for abutment against the component. About such a ring member, the forces applied by the spring element forces can be dissipated in an optimum manner in the component.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the piston element fully engages through the sleeve member. Further, stops are provided in particular on the piston element, which limit a relative mobility of the sleeve member relative to the piston member. As a result, a captive arrangement of the sleeve element on the piston element can be achieved. The piston element itself can be designed in several parts and have a piston section which can be guided in a cylinder and a piston rod engaging in the sleeve element at least in sections. In particular, as already stated, the piston section can be designed to be pressurizable with a medium for moving the piston element into the unlocking position. The spring element can, or, when two spring elements are provided, both spring elements can be designed to run around the piston rod as helical spring elements. In particular, in the region of the free end of the piston rod guide bevels can be provided for the locking elements.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the piston member may provide a on the side facing away from the piston portion of the piston rod, fixed to the piston rod cooperating with the locking elements locking element. This locking element can be arranged detachably and in the axial direction adjustable on the piston rod in particular via a screw connection. In this case, the sleeve element can be arranged partially displaceable on the piston rod and partially on the locking element. The locking element itself can advantageously have a circumferential recess for enabling the radially inward back of the locking elements and provide guide slopes, via which the locking elements are acted upon in the locking position of the piston member radially outward.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the piston element has an engagement section for a release unit which is supported on the sleeve element and with which the piston element can be brought from the locking position into the unlocked position. Occurs, for example, the case that the piston element can not be brought into the unlocked position, for example, at a Leakage in a pressure line for pressurizing the piston member, the piston member can be brought from the locking position to the unlocked position by means of the release unit. The engaging portion of the piston member is freely accessible to the release unit.

The engagement portion may be formed in particular as a threaded portion, wherein the release unit provides a counter-threaded portion for screwing with the threaded portion. When screwing the release unit on the threaded portion, the release unit is supported on the sleeve member, so that the piston member can be converted into the unlocked position. The release unit can be screwed onto the free end of the piston rod of the piston element, in particular from the side from which the holding part is slid over the sleeve. An at least partially circumferential collar of the release unit can be supported on the end face of the sleeve element facing away from the piston element. Upon further unscrewing the release unit, the piston member is displaced relative to the sleeve member in the unlocked position.

The threaded portion is advantageously arranged freely accessible at the free end of the piston rod or arranged on the piston rod locking element as a circumferential external thread.

The aforementioned object is also achieved by a quick-release system comprising a quick-release unit according to the invention and a holding part with a central opening corresponding to the quick-release unit, wherein in the locked state the sleeve element engages in the opening and the locking elements lock behind the holding part. In particular, in such a quick-release system, the quick-release unit may be arranged on a tool part and the holding part on an exchangeable tool part of a master or forming tool. Furthermore, the quick clamping unit can be arranged on the machine side and the holding part ur- or Umformwerkzeugseitig The holding part can be arranged so that it can accommodate a certain clearance in the radial direction relative to the tool part to be locked when closing the tool.

Furthermore, the object mentioned at the outset is also achieved by a master or forming tool having at least one quick-action clamping unit according to the invention provided on a tool part and a replaceable tool part lockable therewith. In this case, the one tool part can have a cylinder space, wherein the quick-clamping unit is then provided in the cylinder space. The cylinder chamber may in particular comprise a first cylinder section for receiving and guiding the piston element and a second cylinder section for receiving and guiding the sleeve element. In this case, the diameters of the individual cylinder sections can be different in particular. It is also possible that the first cylinder portion within a first sub-plate and the second cylinder portion within a second sub-plate of the tool part and in particular the platen are arranged. Such an arrangement has the advantage that even in the case of clamping plates which comprise a plurality of superimposed partial plates, individual partial plates have cylinder sections provided for the individual components of the quick-action clamping unit according to the invention.

A master or forming machine with a machine part comprising at least one quick-clamping unit according to the invention, in particular for locking with a replaceable tool part, solves the above-mentioned object.

Further details and advantageous embodiments of the invention will be apparent from the following description, based of which the embodiments of the invention shown in the figures are described and explained in more detail.

Show it:

FIG. 1 shows an injection molding tool according to the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a quick-action clamping unit in a perspective view;

FIG. 3 shows the quick-action clamping unit according to FIG. 2 in longitudinal section;

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of a quick-release unit;

FIGS. 5a to 5d) show various states of a quick-release system during retraction and subsequent locking;

FIGS. 6a) to 6d) show different states of the quick-release system according to FIG. 5 when closing in the locked state;

FIGS. 7a) to 7c) show different states during emergency unlocking of the quick-release system according to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIG. 1 shows an injection molding tool comprising a plurality of tool parts with two clamping plates 10 movable toward and away from one another and tool halves 12 arranged between the two clamping plates 10, which form a tool cavity for the medium to be injected. For releasable locking of the tool halves 12 on their respectively associated platen 10 see the platens 10 quick release units 14 before. The Quick clamping units 14 can be locked by way of holding parts 16, which correspond to the quick-action clamping units 14, on the tool half-side. As is clear from FIG. 1, the clamping plates 10 can be formed by a plurality of mutually superposed partial plates 18, 20 and 22, 24, 26. On the platen 10 not centering or positioning 28 may be arranged not shown.

As is clear from Figures 2 and 3, which show a quick-release unit 14, each includes

Quick-action clamping unit 14 a sleeve member 30 provided for axial engagement in an opening 29 provided on the associated holding member 16 and a piston member 32 engaging axially in the sleeve member 30 or the sleeve member 30. The piston member 32 consists of a one-sided, pressurizable with a fluid Piston portion 34, a piston rod 36 and a bolted to the piston rod 36 via a thread 38 locking element 40. The piston member 32 is shown by a locking position shown in Figure 3 relative to the sleeve member 30 in an unlocking position, which is shown in Figure 5b) Pressurization movable. The quick-clamping unit 14 further comprises locking elements 42 in the form of balls whose diameter is greater than the wall thickness of the sleeve member 30. The balls 42 are arranged trapped in provided on the sleeve member openings 44 and are in the locking position shown in Figure 3 from the piston member 32, respectively from the locking element 40, acted upon radially outward.

As is also clear from FIGS. 2 and 3, a helical spring 46 is arranged between the piston element 32 and the sleeve element 30, which guides the sleeve element 30 in the direction away from the piston section 34 against a piston element 32, or respectively at the locking element 40, in FIG Radial direction projecting annular collar 48 acted upon. Coaxially with the helical spring 46, a second helical spring 50 is provided, which is supported at one end on a circumferential annular collar 52 of the sleeve element 30 and at the other end against a ring element 54 arranged movably on the piston element 32 in the axial direction relative to the piston element 32. The ring element 54 is acted upon by the spring element 50 against the holding part 16 facing side of the piston portion 34.

The piston element 32, or the locking element 40, has for receiving the balls 42 in the unlocked position a radially inwardly directed, circumferential recess 56. In the unlocking position of the piston member 32, the recess 56 is opposite to the openings 44, so that the balls 42 can engage radially inward. To guide the balls 42 radially outward, or radially inward, close to the recess 56 guide slopes 58, 60 with different angles of inclination. The guide bevel 58, which immediately adjoins the recess 56, is designed to be comparatively steep in order to realize a suitable force-displacement control, the guide bevel 60 comparatively flat.

In Figures 2 and 3, a release unit 62 is also shown, which can be screwed onto the annular collar 48 having an external thread. For this purpose, the release unit 62 has an internal thread 64.

The quick-clamping unit 15 shown in FIG. 4 essentially corresponds to the quick-clamping unit 14, corresponding components being provided with the same reference numerals. However, this quick-clamping unit 15 does not provide the spring 50.

In Figures 5, 6 and 7, the clamping unit 14 according to Figure 2 and 3 in the platen 10, which are the two partial plates 18 and 20 arranged. As can be clearly seen, the sub-plate 18 in this case has a cylinder portion 72 in which the piston portion 34 is axially movable. The piston section 34 can be pressurized on one side via a pressure line 74. The sub-plate 20 provides a cylinder portion 76, within which the sleeve member 30 is arranged to be movable in the axial direction. In the state shown in Figure 5a, the pressure line 74 is depressurized, wherein the piston member 32 due to the spring 46 in its locking position, in which the balls are acted upon radially outwardly due to the locking element 40 is held.

In Figure 5b, the pressure line 74 is pressurized, whereby the piston member 32 is moved in the axial direction against the spring force of the spring 46 in the unlocked position. In this unlocking position, the ball elements 42 can engage in the recess 56 of the locking element. After reaching this unlocking position arranged on the tool half 12 via a clamping ring 78, ring-shaped holding part 16 can be pushed onto the sleeve member 32, as shown in Figure 5c). The outer diameter of the sleeve member 32 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the opening 29 of the holding part sixteenth

After joining the platens 10 with the tool halves 12, as shown in Figure 5d), the pressure line 74 are switched depressurized, whereby the piston member 32 is moved due to the spring force of the spring member 46 in the locking position and the ball elements 42 from the piston member 32, or the locking element 40, are pushed radially outward and engage behind the holding part 16. As a result, the respective tool half 12 is locked to the respective clamping plates 10. In the figure 6, the case is now shown in which the piston member 32 is in the locking position and the balls 42 are acted upon radially outward. In this state, the clamping plate 10 is now joined with the clamping tool 12. In this case, according to Figure 6a), the holding member 16 moves against the balls 42. Upon further closing the sleeve member 16 is axially against the spring force of the two springs 46, 50 moves. The piston member 32, the piston portion abuts the bottom of the cylinder chamber 72, does not change its relative position according to Figure 6b).

Upon further moving together, as shown in FIG. 6 c), the balls 42 pass into the region of the recess 56 and move radially inward. As a result of the spring 50 supported on the partial plates 18, 20 via the ring element 40, the sleeve element 30 together with the piston element 32 is displaced in the axial direction by the holding part 16 until the balls 42 hold the holding part 16 behind. Due to the spring force of the spring 46 then the piston member 32 in his

Locked position applied, whereby the balls 42 are moved radially outward. The platen 10 is thus then locked to the tool half 12.

In the case in which, for example, a leakage takes place in the pressure line 74 and / or a piston seal on the piston portion 34 is leaking, a displacement of the piston member 32 in the unlocking by pressurizing the pressure line 74 is no longer possible. In order nevertheless to enable an emergency release, the release unit 62 is used. According to FIG. 7a), the release unit 62 is screwed onto the external thread of the annular collar 48 of the piston element 32 until the end face 79 facing the sleeve element 30 strikes the free end face 80 of the sleeve element 30, as shown in FIG. 7b. Upon further unscrewing of the release unit 62, a relative movement of the piston element takes place 32 with respect to the sleeve member 30; the piston element 32 is moved into its unlocking position, which is shown in FIG. 7b). In this unlocking position, the balls 42 can engage the recess 56 radially inward. A moving apart of the clamping plate 10 and the tool half 12 is, as shown in Figure 7c), then possible.

The release unit 62 itself is formed like a sleeve, wherein its outer diameter is equal to or smaller than the outer diameter of the sleeve member 30. On its freely accessible side, the release unit has a key surface 82, for example, for a fork wrench, with which the release unit 62 is rotatable in a simple manner.

Claims

claims

1. quick clamping unit (14, 15), in particular for

Locking of tool parts (10, 12) of master or forming tools or master or forming tools to associated master or forming machines, wherein the quick-clamping unit (14, 15) with a with the quick-clamping unit (14, 15) corresponding holding part (16) lockable is, wherein the quick-clamping unit (14, 15) provided for axially engaging in the holding part (16) sleeve member (30), an axially in the sleeve member (30) engaging or the sleeve member (30) by cross-over the sleeve member (30) between a locking position and a Entrieglungsstellung axially movable piston member (32) and the sleeve member (30) in the radial direction at least partially cross-locking elements (42) such that the locking elements (42) in the locking position of the piston member (32) are acted upon radially outward locking the holding part (16) behind and releasing the holding part (16) in the Entrie be displaced radially inwardly between the piston member (32) and the sleeve member (30), a first spring element (46) for urging the piston member (32) in the Verrieglungsstellung and between the sleeve member (30) and a quick-clamping unit (14 , 15) receiving component (18, 20) a second spring element (50) for axial loading of the sleeve member (30) in the direction of the holding part (16) provided and matched to one another such that when moving together of quick-release unit (14) and holding part ( 16) in the locked state of the quick-release unit (14), the sleeve member (30) against the spring force of the two Spring elements (46, 50) in the axial direction is moved so far until the locking elements (42) dive radially inward, and then the sleeve member (30) together with the piston element (32) in the other, the direction of movement of the holding part (16) opposite Direction due to the spring force of the second spring element (50) is moved so far until the locking elements (42) the retaining element (16) engaging behind move radially outward, then the piston member (32) is acted upon by the first spring element (46) in the locking position ,

2. quick clamping unit (14, 15) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sleeve member (30) for receiving the Verrieglungselemente (42) extending in the radial direction openings (44).

3. Quick-clamping unit ^• (14, 15) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the piston element (32) has guide slopes (58, 60) which the locking elements (42) during movement of the piston member (32) from the unlocking position into the Apply radially outward locking position and / or that the piston member (32) has at least one recess (56) into which the

Locking elements (42) can engage so far that they do not or only slightly beyond the sleeve member (30) in the radial direction.

4. quick-clamping unit (14, 15) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the piston element

(32) is pressurizable to move in the Entrieglungsstellung.

5. quick clamping unit (14, 15) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sleeve member (30) in the Verrieglungsstellung of the piston member (32) relative to the piston member (32) so is disposed axially movable until the locking elements (42) are radially inwardly displaceable.

6. quick-release unit (14) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for supporting the second spring element (50) on the component around the piston member (32) encircling ring member (54) with a radially outwardly directed contact surface for abutment against the Component (18, 20) is provided.

7. quick-clamping unit (14, 15) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the piston element (32) completely engages through the sleeve member (30) and stops (48) for mutual movement limitation.

8. quick-clamping unit (14, 15) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the piston element (32) has a guided in a cylinder piston portion (34) and at least partially engaging in the sleeve member piston rod (36).

9. quick-clamping unit (14, 15) according to claim 8, characterized in that the piston element (32) on the piston section (34) facing away from the piston rod (36) attached to the piston rod and cooperating with the locking elements locking element (40). includes.

10. quick clamping unit (14, 15) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the piston element (32) has an engaging portion (48) for on the sleeve member (30) supporting the release unit (62), with which the piston element ( 32) can be brought from the Verrieglungsstellung in the unlocked position.

11. quick-clamping unit (14, 18) according to claim 10, characterized in that the engagement portion (48) is designed as a threaded portion and that the release unit

(62) provides a counter-threaded portion (64) for screwing to the threaded portion such that upon unscrewing the release unit (62) on the threaded portion, the release unit (62) on the piston element (32) facing away from end face (80) of the sleeve member (30) supports and transfers the piston member (32) in the Entrieglungsstellung.

12. quick clamping unit (14, 15) according to claim 9, 10 and 11, characterized in that the threaded portion _. (48) at the free end of the piston rod (36) or on the piston rod (36) arranged locking element (40) is arranged as a circumferential external thread.

13. Quick- ^{clamping system,} comprising ^■ a quick-release unit (14, 15) according to at least one of the preceding

Claims and one with the quick-release unit (14, 15) corresponding holding part (16) having a central opening (29), wherein in the locking state, the sleeve member (32) engages in the opening (29) and the locking elements (42) the holding part (16 ) interlocking.

14. master or forming tool comprising at least one of a tool part (10) provided quick-clamping unit (14) according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and a lockable therewith interchangeable tool part (12) with at least one holding part (16).

15. master or forming tool according to claim 14, characterized in that the tool part (10) has a cylinder chamber (72, 76) and that the quick-clamping unit (14, 15) in the cylinder chamber (72, 76) is arranged.

16. master or forming tool according to claim 15, characterized in that the cylinder chamber has a first cylinder portion (72) for receiving and guiding (32) of the piston member and a second cylinder portion (76) for receiving and guiding the sleeve member (30).

17. master or forming tool according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the first cylinder portion (72) within a first sub-plate (18, 26) and the second cylinder portion (76) within a second sub-plate (20, 24) of a clamping plate formed

Tool part (10) are arranged.

18. master or forming machine, with a quick-release unit according to at least one of claims 1 to 12.