Mounting Press, Aspiration Device for a Mounting Press, and Modular Mounting Press System

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a mounting press for hot mounting a sample, comprising: a mounting cylinder which receives the sample and has a main cylinder axis and a cylinder opening, wherein the main cylinder axis extends inside the mounting cylinder and out through the cylinder opening, and a covering that extends around the cylinder opening, and a suction device for extracting granular material dust, granular material, or vapors, for example, wherein the suction device comprises a vacuum generator for providing a suction effect, and wherein the suction device is at least partly mounted on the covering or embedded in the covering.

Claims

1. A mounting press for hot mounting a sample, comprising: a mounting cylinder for receiving the sample, having a main cylinder axis and a cylinder opening, with the main cylinder axis extending inside the mounting cylinder and out of the cylinder opening; a covering extending around the cylinder opening; a suction device for extracting granular material dust, granular material, or vapor, for example; wherein the suction device comprises a vacuum generator for providing a suction effect; wherein the suction device is at least partly mounted on the covering or embedded in the covering.

2. The mounting press of claim 1, wherein the covering is a covering plate with the cylinder opening recessed therein; and/or wherein the covering has a carriage guide for a sliding carriage.

3. The mounting press of the claim 2, wherein the suction device is at least partially integrated in the sliding carriage, or wherein the extracted granular material dust and/or vapors are passed through the sliding carriage.

4. The mounting press as claimed in claim 2, wherein the suction device comprises suction openings in the covering plate, which are arranged around the cylinder opening recessed in the covering plate.

5. The mounting press as claimed in claim 1, further comprising the vacuum generator arranged at the mounting press for providing the suction effect.

6. The mounting press as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a front side granular material compartment for receiving granular material residues not fitting through the suction opening, wherein for example granular material residues can be conveyed into the granular material compartment by means of the sliding carriage by sliding the sliding carriage onto the cylinder opening prior to using the mounting press.

7. A suction device for a mounting press, which mounting press comprises a mounting cylinder, a cylinder opening and a main cylinder axis extending through the mounting cylinder, comprising: a covering extending around the cylinder opening; a vacuum generator for providing a suction effect, for example a fan device; at least one suction air passage connected to the vacuum generator; at least one suction opening in communication with the suction air passage and arrangeable adjacent to the cylinder opening so as to allow to achieve a suction effect in the region of the cylinder opening; wherein the suction device is at least partly mounted on the covering or embedded in the covering.

8. The suction device of claim 7, wherein the suction device is adapted to unfold the suction effect directly in the region of the cylinder opening of the mounting cylinder.

9. The suction device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the at least one suction opening is recessed in the covering laterally spaced apart from the cylinder opening; wherein the at least one suction opening is recessed in the covering or provided on the covering concentrically around the cylinder opening.

10. The suction device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the covering is a covering plate and has a carriage guide for a sliding carriage.

11. The suction device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a sliding carriage; wherein the at least one or a further suction opening is arranged on the sliding carriage and is in communication with the suction air passage through the sliding carriage.

12. The suction device (150) of claim 11, wherein the sliding carriage has at least one sliding carriage passage extending through the sliding carriage so as to connect the at least one suction opening to the suction air passage; and/or wherein the sliding carriage has a suction position in which the at least one suction opening is in communication with the vacuum device through the sliding carriage so as to be exposed to extracting negative pressure thereby.

13. The suction device as claimed in claim 11, wherein the sliding carriage has a position of use in which the sliding carriage covers the cylinder opening; and wherein the suction device enables vapor extraction for sucking off vapors arising during the pressing operation of the mounting press.

14. The suction device as claimed in claim 10, wherein at least a section of the suction air passage is embedded in the covering plate so that the suction air passage extends through the covering plate and/or at least a section thereof extends through the covering plate.

15. The suction device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a filter element disposed at the vacuum generator.

16. The suction device as claimed in claim 7, further comprising at least one further mounting press having a further cylinder opening (11); wherein the vacuum generator is a shared vacuum generator; wherein the suction device is adapted to unfold the suction effect directly in the region of the cylinder opening of the mounting cylinder and at the same time at the further cylinder opening of the at least one further mounting press.

17. A modular mounting press system for hot mounting samples comprising: a basic module for controlling at least one external mounting press; a first external mounting press separate from and controllable by the basic module, and having a first mounting cylinder for receiving samples; the basic module comprising: a central input device for entering control data for the at least one external mounting press; a central power supply port for connecting the modular mounting press system to an external power supply; and a power distributor for providing the electrical power to the at least one external mounting press.

18. The modular mounting press system of claim 17, further comprising a hydraulic distributor for supplying cooling water to the at least one external mounting press.

19. The modular mounting press system as claimed in claim 18, wherein the basic module further comprises: at least one mounting press connector for electrically connecting the at least one external mounting press to the basic module for transferring the electrical power required by the at least one external mounting press as well as control data for controlling the at least one external mounting press.

20. The modular mounting press system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the basic module accommodates a basic module mounting press in a shared basic module housing.

21. The modular mounting press system as claimed in claim 20, wherein the power distributor distributes the electrical power to the basic module mounting press and to the at least one external mounting press while taking into account a prioritization order that can be predetermined by the central controller; and/or wherein the power distributor distributes the electrical power to the basic module mounting press and to the at least one external mounting press in a clocked manner when reaching or exceeding a predetermined amount of electrical power.

22. The modular mounting press system as claimed in claim 19, wherein the at least one mounting press connector, the central power supply port, and the hydraulic distributor are arranged on a rear side of the basic module.

23. The modular mounting press system as claimed in claim 17, wherein two or three external mounting presses (104) are connectable to the basic module and all the external mounting presses are controlled and supplied with electrical power by the basic module.

24. The modular mounting press system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the at least one external mounting press comprises an indicator device for indicating the operating state, for example a color-changing indicator device.

25. The modular mounting press system as claimed in claim 24, wherein the at least one external mounting press comprises a decentralized control button, and wherein for example the decentralized control button also comprises the indicator device.

26. The modular mounting press system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the basic module mounting press comprises a sliding closure; and/or wherein the at least one external mounting press comprises a sliding closure.

27. The modular mounting press system as claimed in claim 17, further comprising a central suction device including a suction manifold for connecting the basic module mounting press and the at least one external mounting press to the central suction device.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0070] In the figures

[0071] FIG. 1 is a schematic side elevational view of a mounting press with closed closing lever;

[0072] FIG. 2 is a schematic front elevational view of a mounting press;

[0073] FIG. 3 is a sectional side view of a mounting press with the closing lever closed;

[0074] FIG. 4 is a perspective top view of a mounting press with the closing lever closed;

[0075] FIG. 5 is another perspective view of a mounting press with the closing lever closed;

[0076] FIG. 6 is another sectional view of a mounting press with the closing lever closed;

[0077] FIG. 7 is yet another sectional view of a mounting press with the closing lever closed;

[0078] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a mounting press with the closing lever in a turning point position;

[0079] FIG. 9 is a schematic side elevational view of a mounting press with the closing lever in the turning point position;

[0080] FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of amounting press according to the invention;

[0081] FIG. 11 is a sectional front view of amounting press according to the invention;

[0082] FIG. 12 is a view of a mounting press;

[0083] FIG. 13 is a schematic side elevational view of a mounting press with the closing lever opened;

[0084] FIG. 14 is a schematic front elevational view of a mounting press with the closing lever opened;

[0085] FIG. 15 is a sectional side view of a mounting press with the closing lever opened;

[0086] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a mounting press with the closing lever opened;

[0087] FIG. 17 is another perspective view of a mounting press with the closing lever opened;

[0088] FIG. 18 is a sectional side view of a mounting press with the closing lever opened;

[0089] FIG. 19 is a schematic side view of a mounting press with sliding carriage in service position;

[0090] FIG. 20 is a sectional side view of a mounting press with sliding carriage in service position;

[0091] FIG. 21 is a schematic front elevational view of a mounting press with the sliding carriage in service position;

[0092] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a mounting press with the sliding carriage in service position;

[0093] FIG. 23 is another perspective view of a mounting press with sliding carriage in service position;

[0094] FIG. 24 is a sectional side view of a mounting press with suction device;

[0095] FIG. 25 is another sectional side view of a mounting press with suction device;

[0096] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a mounting press with suction device;

[0097] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a mounting press with suction device and filing funnel;

[0098] FIG. 28 is a sectional side view of a further embodiment of a mounting press with suction device and filling funnel;

[0099] FIG. 29 is a schematic view of the rear side of a modular mounting press system;

[0100] FIG. 30 shows an external mounting press of a modular mounting press system;

[0101] FIG. 31 shows a basic module of a modular mounting press system;

[0102] FIG. 32 shows a modular mounting press system with basic module and external mounting press;

[0103] FIG. 33 shows a further arrangement of a modular mounting press system with basic module and external mounting press;

[0104] FIG. 34 shows a modular mounting press system with basic module and three external mounting presses;

[0105] FIG. 35 is a schematic flowchart for the power control of a plurality of mounting presses;

[0106] FIG. 36 is a further flowchart of a filling assistant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0107] Referring to FIG. 1 which shows a first side elevational view of a sliding closure device 120 of a mounting press 100 according to the present invention, with closed closing lever 130. The closing lever 130 is mounted on a closure shaft 132 that is arranged on an upper side of the sliding carriage 134. In the present example, closure shaft 132 is covered on the outer surface by a rotary part 72. The sliding carriage 134 can be moved along the carriage support 136 and is arranged in the position of use, so that the mounting cylinder 10 is closed by the sliding closure 120.

[0108] FIG. 2 shows a front elevational view of the sliding closure device 120 shown in FIG. 1, with the closing lever 130 closed. Section marks B-B and A-A indicate the sectional planes of FIGS. 3 and 7, respectively. Suction openings 152 of the suction device 150 are arranged on the front side of sliding carriage 134, in the present example five suction openings arranged next to each other.

[0109] FIG. 3 shows the sectional plane B-B of FIG. 2 with the closure device 120 in the position of use and with the closing lever 130 in the closed position. The upper piston 27 is engaged in the cylinder 10 so that the cylinder opening 12 (cf. FIG. 15, for example) is closed. Closure shaft 132 extends across sliding carriage 134.

[0110] On the front side of carriage support 136, a granular material compartment 1 is provided for collecting excess granular material. When the sliding carriage 134 is moved to the position of use, it automatically pushes excess granular material into it.

[0111] On the front side of sliding carriage 134, a suction opening 152 is shown, which merges into a sliding carriage passage 154 inside the sliding carriage 134.

[0112] FIG. 4 shows a perspective schematic view of the closure device 120 in the closed position of the closing lever 130 as above. In the closed position, the upper piston covering 128 terminates flush with the upper surface of sliding carriage 134. FIG. 5 shows a further perspective schematic view of the closure device 120 holding closed the cylinder 10.

[0113] FIG. 6 shows a further sectional view, the section being taken along a plane extending centrally through the upper piston covering 128, closure shaft 132, and cylinder 10 in FIG. 3. Closure shaft 132 has a variable cross section along its extension direction. Closure shaft 132 has recesses 142 in which spring elements 144 are engaging. The spring elements 144 generate a restoring force that holds the upper piston 27 and thus the closing lever 130 either in the closed position or in the open position, similar to a kind of “over-center locking”. Furthermore, FIG. 6 shows a carriage guide 122 on both sides of the cylinder 10, guiding the sliding carriage 134 along its direction of displacement (out of the plane of the sheet).

[0114] Finally, FIG. 7 shows a sectional view along section line A-A indicated in FIG. 2. In this region of its extension, the closure shaft 132 has two flattened areas 132a and 132b. Between them, the closure shaft 132 has a protrusion, that is to say a cam 132c. The flexible element 144 presses against the flattened region 132a, thus creating a retaining force such that the closure shaft 132 is retained in the closed position. By adjusting the spring force or pressing force of the flexible element 144 against the closure shaft 132, it is possible to control or adjust the disengaging force that has to be applied to release the closing lever 130 from the closed position.

[0115] Referring to FIG. 8, the closure device 120 remains in the turning point position in which the disengagement force for releasing the closing lever 130 from the closed position has just been applied or the closing lever 130, when guided toward the closed position, is pulled into the closed position by the now increasing retaining force of the flexible element 144. Thus, the movement of the closing lever into the two end positions “open position” and “closed position” is “pulling and detenting”. So, a rotation of the closure shaft 132 beyond the dead point results in a chocking of the closure device 120 and hence also of the upper piston 27 which is directly operatively connected to the closure device. When in the closed position of the sliding closure 120 the mounting cylinder 10 is subjected to cylinder pressure, this cylinder pressure will generate an additional retaining force on the engagement of the flexible element 144 with the flattened area 132a, so that finally the sliding closure 120 cannot be opened by hand during operation of the mounting press 100. Furthermore, FIG. 9 shows a side elevational view of the closure device 120 in the turning point position.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 10, a sectional side view is shown of a mounting press 100 with the sliding closure device 120 in the position of use of the sliding carriage 134 and the closed position of closing lever 130, in this example lever 60. The cylinder 10 is divided into a sample cylinder 10a and a pressure cylinder 10b and comprises a cylinder tube 53. On the front side, the granular material compartment 1 is provided to receive excess granular material. Cam guide 4 and cam lock 5 together define a movement space 124 for the closure shaft 132, in the present example implemented by eccentric bolt 66.

[0117] For heating and cooling a sample (not shown) inserted in the cylinder 10, a heating/cooling unit 14 is arranged laterally of the pressing region. Heating/cooling unit 14 annularly surrounds the cylinder 10. The heating/cooling unit 14 is supplied with water through hose lines 34 (cf. FIG. 12, for example). A press mold 63 with a specific diameter is inserted into the sample cylinder. Press mold 63 is exchangeable in order to account for different sample diameters. In the present example, a 50 mm press mold 63 is used.

[0118] The lower pressure cylinder 10b has a cylinder head 16 and a cylinder bottom 17. A piston 18 is movably disposed within the pressure cylinder 10b. Piston 18 is connected to the upper-lower piston 23 through a piston rod 19 such that a change in the position of the piston 18 induces a change in the position of the upper-lower piston 23. The upper piston 27, in this case a pressing piston 27, is positioned by the sliding closure 120 and blocked by the pressure built up in the sample cylinder 10a. Hydraulic fluid is supplied to or returned from the pressure cylinder 10b through high-pressure hose 55, for example through hydraulic port 70.

[0119] The closing lever 130, in this case a lever 60, may have a grip surface 46 for improving haptics.

[0120] A first position sensor 56 such as a proximity switch 56 may be used in the carriage support 136. In the present example, the proximity switch 56 is adapted to identify whether the support plate 74 is retracted or is extended, which means that the sliding carriage 134 may have taken up a service position (cf. FIGS. 18 to 23, for example). In order to take up the service position, the sliding carriage 134 is displaced on the carriage support 136 as far as to the pivot plate 59 and is pivoted about the axis 73 on the pivot plate 59. Here, the position sensor 56 is implemented as an inductive proximity switch 56, e.g. with a normally open design.

[0121] In the present example, a covering plate 61 is inserted in the carriage support 136, which covers the suction connection passage 156 embedded in the carriage support. A suction covering 68 is attached to the sliding carriage 134 in this example.

[0122] The position of use of the sliding carriage 134 is detected by a front side position sensor 30 which for example is an inductive position sensor 30.

[0123] Referring to FIG. 11, which shows the embodiment of FIG. 10 in a sectional front view in which the same reference numerals designate the same elements. Sliding carriage 134 is in the position of use, and lever 60 is in the closed position. Carriage guide 122 is implemented by a slide guide 64 in this embodiment, so as to engage around the guide pins 123 of the sliding carriage 134 and so as to provide for a reliable guidance of the sliding carriage 134 on the carriage support 136.

[0124] In the closed position, the closure shaft 132 has a respective recess 142 on its lower surface on either side of the sample cylinder 10a, in each of which a spring element 144 is engaged, in the present case a spring compressor 71.

[0125] The heating/cooling unit 14 is supplied with cooling water through hoses 34.

[0126] FIG. 12 shows a schematic view of a mounting press 100 with sliding closure 120 in the position of use, in which the cylinder opening 11 (cf. FIG. 15, for example) is completely closed. Due to the engagement of the upper piston 27 in the sample cylinder 10a and the established pressure in the sample cylinder 10a, the sliding closure 120 is held in the closed position. Here, the sliding carriage 134 builds up pressure on the carriage guide 122, optionally via the guide pins 123, and is thus supported by the carriage support 136.

[0127] In the open position of the sliding closure 120, the sliding carriage 134 can be displaced along the carriage support 136 as far as to a rear end position in which the guide pins 123 no longer engage in the carriage guide 122, since the carriage guide 122 extends only over a portion of the carriage support 136.

[0128] In the rear end position, the sliding carriage 134 can then be pivoted about the pivot axis, while it is supported on the pivot plate 59. Latching in the service position can be achieved by means of the support plate 74.

[0129] FIG. 13 shows a side elevational view of the mounting press 100 with the sliding closure displaced toward the rear end position, so that the cylinder opening (cf. FIG. 15, for example) is cleared. In FIG. 13, the closing lever 130 has a closing lever sensor 80 integrated therein, which together with the second closing lever sensor 82 allows for position recognition of the closing lever 130. For example, the closing lever sensor 80 can be used for querying the closed position of the closing lever. FIG. 14 shows a front elevational view with the same position of the sliding carriage 134.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 15, a sectional side view is shown of a portion of the mounting press 100 with the sliding carriage in the position described in conjunction with FIG. 13. The mounting press 100 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 15 comprises a suction device 150 which is ready for operation in the suction position of the sliding carriage 134 shown in the figure. Suction opening 152 is in communication with the suction connection passage 156 embedded in the covering 136 or carriage support 136 through the sliding carriage passage. Suction air passage 158 directly follows said connection passage 156.

[0131] FIG. 15 furthermore shows the cylinder axis 12. Moreover, the granular material compartment 1 shown in FIG. 15 contains granular material 180 that was introduced into it by the sliding carriage 134.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 16, the suction position of sliding carriage 134 is illustrated by another perspective view. In this example, 5 suction openings 152 are incorporated in the front side of sliding carriage 134. FIG. 17 also illustrates the suction position of the sliding carriage 134 by way of yet another perspective view.

[0133] Referring to FIG. 18, the closing lever 130 is illustrated with the closure shaft 132 in the open position. Flexible element 144 engages on the flattened area 132b of the closure shaft and thus exerts a retaining force on the closing lever 130. In order to transfer the closing lever 130 from the open position to the closed position, the flexible element 144 has to be diverted downwards, as seen in the drawing plane of FIG. 18, by application of a force, and the force applied to the closing lever 130 is optionally amplified by the cam 132c of closure shaft 132 and is transferred to the flexible element 144, FIG. 19 illustrates the service position of sliding carriage 134, while the sliding carriage 134 is supported in the service position by support plate 74 hinged to carriage support 136.

[0134] FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of the mounting press 100 with a sliding carriage 134 in the service position, and in this embodiment the support plate 74 is hinged to the sliding carriage 134 and is supported in the recess in the carriage support 136. In this position, the closure shaft 132 is completely offset to one side within the movement space 124.

[0135] Referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, the mounting press 100 is shown from the front side with the closure device 120 in the service position, also illustrating the easy accessibility of the upper piston 27 from the bottom. Here, one embodiment of suction device 150 is additionally illustrated. Suction openings 152 open into the sliding carriage passage 154. If the sliding carriage 134 is in the suction position, the lower-side opening of the sliding carriage passage 154 is aligned flush with the recess of suction connection passage 156, so that an underpressure generated on the bottom side will cause a suction effect at the suction openings 152 through the suction connection passage 156 and the sliding carriage passage 154. FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of this embodiment, FIG. 23 likewise shows the mounting press 100 with the closure device 120 in the service position in a further perspective view. FIGS. 22 and 23 clearly show the position sensor 30 at the front side, which detects the position of the sliding carriage 134 in the position of use.

[0136] Referring to FIG. 24, the mounting press 100 is shown in a sectional side view, with the sliding carriage 134 in the suction position. Suction opening 152 opens into the sliding carriage passage 154 which, in the suction position, in turn opens into the suction connection passage 156 embedded in the carriage support 136. Below suction connection passage 156, a suction air passage 158 is provided, which extracts the exhaust air, possibly with vapors and/or dusts, toward a vacuum generator 160. Downstream of vacuum generator 160 in the exhaust air direction, a suction filter 162 is arranged. This arrangement is advantageous, for example, if the suction device 150 is intended for extracting vapors. The suction filter 162 may, for example, as well be arranged at a suitable location within the suction air passage 158 and upstream of the vacuum generator 160, for example if larger particles are expected in the exhaust air in addition to dust, so that damage to the vacuum generator is avoided.

[0137] Referring to FIG. 25, a further embodiment of the mounting press 100 is shown with a sliding closure 120 in the closed position, and a suction device 150 is implemented, which ensures suction operation even in the closed position and for example during operation and heating operation of the mounting press. The suction opening 152 is disposed around the upper piston 27. Optionally, the front side suction opening which was in use in the suction position of the sliding carriage 134 is closed by a suction cover 155 which is advantageously arranged or attached on the closing lever 130. Thus, the closing lever 130 does not only close the mounting press 100 for starting the operation, but also seals the front side suction openings 152 so that the vacuum generator 160 can concentrate the suction effect for the operation of the mounting press 100 to the region of the cylinder opening 11. So if, for example, vapors escape from the sample cylinder 10a during the heating operation and hence during the melting process of the granular material, which vapors might be harmful to the environment or harmful to health, the suction device 150 of the present embodiment is able to accommodate such influences as well, so that the application experience of the mounting press is improved.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 26, another embodiment of the mounting press 100 with sliding closure 120 is shown, which includes suction openings 152 introduced in the covering 136′ and in the carriage support 136, respectively. In this example, the suction openings are arranged concentrically around the cylinder opening 11. A suction effect at the suction openings 152 can be generated from below the covering 136′ through a suction air passage 158 that is provided there.

[0139] FIG. 27 shows yet another embodiment of the mounting press 100, with a funnel 170 inserted in the cylinder opening 11 for filling granular material 180. The funnel may be connected to the vacuum device 160 through the suction air passage 158 in order to remove dusts directly during the filling using a funnel.

[0140] Referring to FIG. 28, another embodiment of the mounting press 100 is shown, with the funnel 170 inserted for filling granular material 180 into the cylinder opening 11, and the funnel is connected to the suction device 150. The suction opening 152′ provided on the funnel and annularly extending around the lower funnel opening of the funnel 170 is in communication with a funnel suction air passage 158′. The filling funnel 170 may now preferably be positioned such that the funnel suction air passage 158′ can be aligned with the suction opening 152 provided in the sliding carriage 134. The vacuum generator 160 can thus advantageously provide an extracting low pressure on the funnel 170 as well.

[0141] Referring to FIG. 29, an embodiment of the modular mounting press system 106 is shown in a rear view, comprising an internal mounting press 102 arranged in the basic module 101 and three external mounting presses 104. All mounting presses 102, 104 have a sliding closure 120 and are arranged directly adjacent to one another.

[0142] The basic module 101 has three mounting press connectors 108 on the rear side, for transferring both the electrical power required by the external mounting presses 104 and control data for controlling the external mounting presses 104. Furthermore, the basic module 101 has a central power supply port 110 for supplying all the mounting presses 100, 102, 104 with electrical power from the external power supply, such as the public power grid. Furthermore, the basic module 101 comprises a cooling water inlet 112 and a cooling water return line 114, which are supplied either from an external water supply or a circulation circuit with heat exchanger, for example. The modular mounting press system 106 comprises a water busbar 116, 118 for connecting the mounting presses 102, 104. Furthermore, central suction 164 is provided, which can be controlled and adjusted from the basic module 101.

[0143] FIGS. 30 to 34 show different variants of operation of the modular mounting press system. FIG. 30 shows a single external mounting press 104 for being connected to a basic module 101 according to the invention. The external mounting press 104 comprises the sliding closure 120. Furthermore, the external mounting press 104 is equipped with a control button 96 and an indicator device 98.

[0144] FIG. 31 shows a basic module 101 comprising an internal mounting press 102. The basic module 101 has a central input device 94 which can be used to program and control the internal and external mounting presses 102, 104. Furthermore, the basic module has a control button 96 and an indicator device 98. The indicator device is implemented as a light ring 98 arranged around the control button 96. Furthermore provided in the basic module 101 is the central control device 92 which generates and outputs control parameters for the internal and external mounting presses 102, 104. Furthermore, a power distributor 91 is provided in the basic module 101, through which the electrical power provided by the basic module 101 is distributed to the internal and external mounting presses 102, 104,

[0145] FIG. 32 shows a modular mounting press system 106 comprising an internal mounting press 102 and an external mounting press 104. Both mounting presses 102, 104 are equipped with the sliding closure 120 and a control button 96 and an indicator device 98. The basic module 101 furthermore has a central input device 94 for programming and controlling all mounting presses 102, 104 connected to the basic module. FIG. 33 shows another alternative arrangement of the modular mounting press system 106 with an internal mounting press 102 and an external mounting press 104.

[0146] Finally, FIG. 34 shows a modular mounting press system 106 comprising an internal mounting press 102 and three external mounting presses 104, each of which is controlled and programmed by the basic module 101 and supplied with electrical power by the basic module 101. The respective mounting presses 102, 104 may be configured identical to each other. However, the respective mounting presses 102, 104 may also be configured differently with regard to the closure system 120 or the suction device 150. With this system, it is moreover easily possible, for example, to provide different press molds 63 in the mounting presses 102, 104, so that different mounting presses 102, 104 can be employed for different sample diameters without having to exchange the press mold 63.

[0147] FIG. 35 shows a simple flowchart for the modular mounting press system 106. In a first step 202, a process starts. For example, the process start may mean that one or more mounting presses 102, 104 of the modular mounting press system 106 are already in operation and the user has activated a further mounting press 102, 104 via the central input device 94. The basic module 101 comprises the central control device 92 which is used to control the mounting presses 102, 104. Control device 92 now checks, in step 204, how many mounting presses 102, 104 have to be supplied with electrical power by the basic module 101, for example on the basis of the data provided by the power distributor 91. In the present example, prioritization of power distribution is only applied if 4 or more mounting units 102, 104 are operated. If less than 4 mounting units 102, 104 are connected or are in operation, prioritization of power distribution will not be necessary in this example, and the flowchart jumps to step 220, the end. The flowchart is based on the idea that if 3 or fewer mounting units are operated in parallel, sufficient power will be available for simultaneous full operation of all mounting units 102, 104.

[0148] If the response to the query for 4 or more mounting units 102, 104 is positive, the next query made in step 206 will be as to whether all of the at least 4 heating/cooling units 14 of the at least 4 mounting units 102, 104 have to be supplied with power. If not all of the heating/cooling units 14 are operated in parallel, the flowchart loops back to regularly check the status of the mounting units in step 206.

[0149] However, if at least 4 heating/cooling units 14 are required in parallel, a prioritization order is defined in step 208 depending on the mode of the mounting units (heating or holding) and on deviation from target temperatures. In step 210 it is predetermined which power distribution is to be performed, in the present example the heating unit of mounting units 102, 104 having the lowest priority is blocked. This query is also repeated cyclically as long as the conflicting parallel operation of more than 3 mounting units 102, 104 is proceeding.

[0150] Referring to FIG. 36, a flowchart for a filling assistant is shown. In a step 230, program flow is started and a first query is made in step 232 as to whether the assistant has been enabled. If not, the flowchart aborts and ends at step 260.

[0151] If the assistant has been enabled, the query made in step 234 is whether the button 96 has been pressed on a mounting unit (MU) 102, 104 and a closure 120 has been opened. In other words, in step 234 the assistant expects the selection of a mounting unit 102, 104, for example via the control button 96 on the embedding unit 102, 104 in order to proceed with the process.

[0152] In response to the request or selection of a mounting unit 102, 104, the piston 23 of the selected mounting unit 102, 104 will be lowered in the next step 236 (button/switch operation). In step 238, the suction device on the selected mounting unit 102, 104 or the central suction device 164 is automatically enabled for a predefinable period of time.

[0153] In step 240, a query is made as to whether the respective button with respect to a reverse piston movement has been set in the visualization. If reverse piston movement is desired, the piston movement is reversed in step 242.

[0154] In step 244, a query is made as to whether suction switch over has been set in the visualization. If this is the case, suction is switched over in step 246.

[0155] Finally, in step 248, the position sensors 30, 56, 80, 82 are queried for the closed position of the sliding closure 120 of the selected mounting unit 102, 104. If it is determined that the closure 120 is completely closed, then the hot mounting can be started in step 250.

[0156] Once the hot mounting operation by the selected mounting unit 102, 104 has been completed, it is queried in step 252 whether the closure can be opened. If this is the case, the piston 23 is lifted in step 254 and the filling assistant is terminated in step 260.

[0157] The present invention provides for a comfortable, rapid and safe operation of a mounting press 100, 102, 104 that comprises a suction device, and for an improvement of work safety by the integrated extraction of dusts and/or vapors in a mounting press 100, 102, 104. So, the present invention allows to operate a mounting press 100, 102, 104 that comprises the suction device 150 of the invention in a more comfortable manner and faster, while consistent safety is ensured.

[0158] Interruptions in the processing for venting purposes and waiting for dust clouds to disappear are no longer necessary. The invention can be combined with a sliding closure and/or can be integrated in a modular mounting press system. Thus, the sliding closure 120 provides for easy access to the upper piston 27 disposed within the sliding closure 120, for example for being easily cleaned or replaced.

[0159] It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the embodiments described above have to be understood as examples and that the invention is not limited thereto but can rather be varied in multiple ways without departing from the scope of the claims. Furthermore, it will be apparent that the features, irrespectively whether disclosed in the specification, the claims, the figures, or otherwise, individually define essential components of the invention, even if they are described in conjunction with other features. In all the figures, the same reference numerals designate the same elements, so that descriptions of elements that are possibly mentioned only in conjunction with one or at least not with all of the figures can also be applied to those figures in conjunction of which those elements have not been explicitly described in the specification.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0160] 1 Compartment for granular material [0161] 5 Cam lock [0162] 10 Cylinder or mounting cylinder or pressing cylinder [0163] 10a Sample cylinder [0164] 10b Pressure cylinder [0165] 11 Cylinder opening [0166] 12 Cylinder axis [0167] 14 Heating/cooling unit [0168] 16 Cylinder head [0169] 17 Cylinder base [0170] 18 Piston [0171] 19 Piston rod [0172] 23 Upper lower piston [0173] 27 Upper piston or pressing piston [0174] 34 Cooling water hose line [0175] 53 Cylinder tube [0176] 55 Hose line or high pressure hose [0177] 56 First position sensor or proximity device [0178] 59 Pivot plate [0179] 60 Lever [0180] 61 Covering plate [0181] 63 Press mold [0182] 64 Sliding guide [0183] 65 Sliding closure [0184] 66 Eccentric bolt [0185] 68 Suction covering [0186] 70 Hydraulic port [0187] 72 Rotary part [0188] 73 Pivot axis [0189] 74 Support plate [0190] 80 Closing lever sensor [0191] 82 Second closing lever sensor [0192] 91 Power distributor [0193] 92 Central control device [0194] 94 Central input device [0195] 96 Control button [0196] 98 Indicator device [0197] 100 Mounting press [0198] 101 Basic module [0199] 102 Internal mounting press [0200] 104 External mounting press [0201] 106 Modular mounting press system [0202] 108 Mounting press connector [0203] 110 Central power supply port [0204] 112 Cooling water inlet [0205] 114 Cooling water return [0206] 116 Cooling water inlet busbar [0207] 118 Cooling water outlet busbar [0208] 120 Sliding closure [0209] 122 Carriage guide [0210] 123 Guide pins [0211] 124 Movement space [0212] 128 Upper piston covering [0213] 130 Closing lever [0214] 132 Closure shaft [0215] 132a Flattened area of closure shaft [0216] 132b Flattened area of closure shaft [0217] 132c Cam [0218] 134 Sliding carriage [0219] 136 Carriage support [0220] 136 Covering [0221] 142 Recesses [0222] 144 Flexible element or spring element [0223] 150 Suction device [0224] 152 Suction opening [0225] 152′ Funnel suction opening [0226] 154 Sliding carriage passage [0227] 156 Suction connection passage [0228] 158 Suction air passage [0229] 158′ Funnel suction air passage [0230] 160 Vacuum generator [0231] 162 Suction filter [0232] 164 Central suction [0233] 170 Filling funnel [0234] 180 Granular material [0235] 202 through 260 Process steps