ARRANGEMENT WITH A FIRST CLAMPING UNIT FOR A MOLDING MACHINE

Abstract

An arrangement with a first clamping unit including a first fixed platen and a first movable platen movable relative thereto, a first clamping force mechanism to apply a clamping force to the first movable platen, and a control or regulating unit for controlling or regulating the first clamping force mechanism. Arranged next to and/or above the first clamping unit is a second clamping unit including a second fixed platen or the first fixed platen and a second movable platen movable relative thereto and which are suitable for carrying at least one mold, and a second clamping force mechanism to apply a clamping force to the second movable platen. The control or regulating unit can actuate the first clamping force mechanism and the second clamping force mechanism to apply a clamping force synchronously when all platens present jointly carry a mold.

Claims

1. An arrangement with a first clamping unit for a molding machine, comprising: a first fixed platen and a first movable platen that can be moved relative thereto, which are suitable for carrying at least one mold, at least one first clamping force mechanism, which is formed to apply a clamping force to the first movable platen, a control or regulating unit, which is designed to control or regulate the first clamping force mechanism, wherein arranged next to and/or above the first clamping unit is at least one second clamping unit, comprising a second fixed platen or the first fixed platen and a second movable platen that can be moved relative thereto, which are suitable for carrying at least one mold, at least one second clamping force mechanism, which is formed to apply a clamping force to the second movable platen, wherein the control or regulating unit is designed to control or regulate the at least one second clamping force mechanism, and to actuate the at least one first clamping force mechanism and the at least one second clamping force mechanism to apply a clamping force synchronously when the first fixed platen, the first movable platen, optionally the second fixed platen and the second movable platen jointly carry at least one mold.

2. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the control or regulating unit is formed to move the first movable platen and the at least one second movable platen synchronously.

3. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second clamping unit is arranged such that the at least one second clamping axis of the at least one second clamping unit is aligned parallel or perpendicular to a first clamping axis of the first clamping unit.

4. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping unit and the at least one second clamping unit have a mechanical movement coupling.

5. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the control or regulating unit is formed to control or regulate the first clamping unit and the at least one second clamping unit coupled.

6. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein between the first clamping unit and the at least one second clamping unit at least one movable separator is arranged, which is arranged outside a first mold region of the first clamping unit and a second mold region of the at least one second clamping unit when the first fixed platen, the first movable platen, the second fixed platen and the second movable platen (10) jointly carry a mold.

7. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping force mechanism and/or the at least one second clamping force mechanism has at least one hydraulic drive, preferably a hydraulic cylinder, and/or an electric drive, preferably a spindle drive.

8. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping force mechanism and/or the at least one second clamping force mechanism has at least one tension or pressure rod.

9. The arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the at least one tension rod penetrates the first fixed platen and the first movable platen and/or the at least one second fixed platen and the at least one second movable platen.

10. The arrangement according to claim 8, wherein at least one pulling device is present, which is formed to move the at least one tension rod substantially in the direction of the first clamping axis of the first clamping unit and/or the at least one second clamping axis of the at least one second clamping unit in order to arrange the at least one tension rod outside the first mold region of the first clamping unit and/or outside the at least one second mold region of the at least one second clamping unit.

11. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first fixed platen and the at least one second fixed platen are a single fixed platen, with the result that the first clamping unit and the at least one second clamping unit have a common fixed platen.

12. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping unit has at least one fast stroke drive, which is different from the first clamping force mechanism, and/or the at least one second clamping unit has at least one fast stroke drive, which is different from the second clamping force mechanism, for the fast stroke movement of the first movable platen and/or the at least one second movable platen.

13. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping force mechanism and/or the at least one second clamping force mechanism has at least one toggle joint.

14. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping force mechanism and/or the at least one second clamping force mechanism has a locking device.

15. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least one injection unit is provided.

16. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first clamping force mechanism is connected to a first hydraulic line system and the at least one second clamping force mechanism is connected to at least one second hydraulic line system, wherein the first hydraulic line system and the at least one second hydraulic line system are formed couplable to each other.

17. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein at least one control valve, by which the first hydraulic line system and the at least one second hydraulic line system can be coupled, is arranged between the first hydraulic line system and the at least one second hydraulic line system.

18. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first hydraulic line system and/or the at least one second hydraulic line system are connected to at least one pump system.

19. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first hydraulic line system and/or the at least one second hydraulic line system can be controlled or regulated by at least one valve, in particular proportional valve.

20. A molding machine with an arrangement according to claim 1.

21. A method for operating an arrangement with a first clamping unit and at least one second clamping unit for a molding machine, preferably according to claim 1, wherein the at least one second clamping unit is arranged next to and/or above the first clamping unit, and a first partial clamping force is applied to at least one first movable platen of the first clamping unit by a first clamping force mechanism, and at least one second partial clamping force is applied to at least one second movable platen of the at least one second clamping unit by at least one second clamping force mechanism, and the first partial clamping force and the at least one second partial clamping force are applied synchronously.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0123] Further advantages and details of the invention are revealed by the figures and the associated description of the figures, in which:

[0124] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention,

[0125] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention,

[0126] FIGS. 3a-d show four embodiments with different mechanical movement couplings,

[0127] FIGS. 4a-c show two embodiments of an arrangement with a separator,

[0128] FIGS. 5a-b show one embodiment of an arrangement with a jointly carried mold,

[0129] FIGS. 6a-b show one embodiment of an arrangement with pulling devices,

[0130] FIGS. 7a-f show six embodiments of an arrangement with different arrangements of injection units,

[0131] FIGS. 8a-b show one embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention with fast stroke drives,

[0132] FIGS. 9a-d show four examples of a hydraulic circuit diagram for a fast stroke for an arrangement according to the invention, and

[0133] FIG. 10 shows one example of a hydraulic circuit diagram for a power stroke for an arrangement according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0134] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an arrangement 1 according to the invention, in which the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8 (and possible further clamping units) are arranged next to each other and/or one above the other such that their clamping axes are aligned parallel to each other.

[0135] In this embodiment, the first clamping unit 2 includes a first fixed platen 3, a first movable platen 4 and a first clamping force mechanism 6, and the at least one second clamping unit 8 includes a second fixed platen 9, a second movable platen 10 and a second clamping force mechanism 11.

[0136] In this embodiment, the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8 in each case include four tension rods 17 and drives 16, in particular power stroke drives 26.

[0137] As an alternative to the implementation with tension rods 17, at least one pressure rod 17 and/or a toggle joint can for example also be provided.

[0138] Furthermore, FIG. 1 schematically shows the control or regulating unit 7, which is favorably formed so as to control or regulate the first clamping force mechanism 6 and the second clamping force mechanism 11, together with or separately from the first clamping force mechanism 6.

[0139] For example, both clamping units could have separate control or regulating units 7 which are connected to each other via a data connection such that the clamping force application can be synchronized.

[0140] In this embodiment the control or regulating unit 7 controls or regulates the four drives 16, in particular power stroke drives 26, of the first clamping force mechanism 6 and the four drives 16 of the second clamping force mechanism 11.

[0141] It is to be mentioned that the control or regulating unit 7 is favorably arranged directly on the machine. In principle, the control or regulating unit 7 could, however, also be realized as a computer server, which is arranged remote from the machine. The control or regulating unit could alternatively or additionally also be realized by distributed computing. Of course, mixed forms are also conceivable.

[0142] If further clamping units are arranged next to the first clamping unit 2 and/or the second clamping unit 8, the control or regulating unit 7 in this embodiment also controls the drives 16 of the clamping force mechanisms and/or fast stroke drives 25 of these further clamping units.

[0143] FIG. 1 shows in particular the drives 16 and tension rods 17 of the first clamping force mechanism 6 and/or the second clamping force mechanism 11, which are preferably used for the power stroke and thus the clamping force application.

[0144] However, drives 16 and tension rods 17 can also be provided for a fast stroke.

[0145] In the description of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 to 8 that now follow, primarily the differences from the first embodiment will be discussed, to avoid repetitions. Otherwise, the above description of the first embodiment, to the extent to which it may be applicable, also applies to the embodiments also described in the following.

[0146] FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment of an arrangement 1 according to the invention, in which the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8 share two of the total of six drives 16, in particular power stroke drives 26, and/or tension rods 17, wherein those two tension rods 17 are located on the adjacent side edges of the first fixed platen 3, the second fixed platen 9, the first movable platen 4 and the second movable platen 10. Unlike FIG. 1, this arrangement 1 therefore has only six drives 16 and/or tension rods 17, instead of eight.

[0147] The control or regulating unit 7 is represented simplified in FIG. 2 and in all subsequent figures and embodiments, wherein for the purpose of a clearer representation the connecting lines which illustrate the functional connectivity between the control or regulating unit 7 and the drives 16 of the first clamping force mechanism 6 and the second clamping force mechanism 11 have been dispensed with.

[0148] According to the invention, the control or regulating unit 7 is in any case contained in all embodiments with at least the functional features which have already been described.

[0149] FIGS. 3a-3d show four embodiments of an arrangement 1 according to the invention with different mechanical movement couplings 12 between the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8.

[0150] FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of an arrangement 1, wherein the first clamping unit 2 and the at least one second clamping unit 8 are coupled to each other by means of mechanical movement couplings 12 via the clamping frames, for example using crossbars.

[0151] FIG. 3b shows an example of an arrangement 1, wherein the first fixed platen 3 is movement-coupled to the second fixed platen 9 and/or the first movable platen 4 is movement-coupled to the second movable platen 10 by means of mechanical movement couplings 12, for example using screwed connecting plates, with the result that the first clamping unit 2 and the at least one second clamping unit 8 are movement-coupled to each other.

[0152] FIG. 3c shows an example of an arrangement 1, in which the first clamping unit 2 and the at least one second clamping unit 8 are movement-coupled to each other by means of deformably constructed mold elements 12 between the first fixed platen 3 and the second fixed platen 9 and/or between the first movable platen 4 and the second movable platen 10.

[0153] FIG. 3d shows an example of an arrangement 1, in which the first clamping unit 2 and the at least one second clamping unit 8 are movement-coupled to each other by means of screw connections 12 between the first fixed platen 3 and the second fixed platen 9 and/or between the first movable platen 4 and the second movable platen 10.

[0154] FIGS. 4a and 4b show a first, and FIG. 4c shows a second, embodiment of an arrangement 1 according to the invention with a separator 13, wherein the separator 13 is arranged between the first clamping unit 2 and the at least one second clamping unit 8.

[0155] FIGS. 4a and 4b show examples of a position of the separator 13, in which the separator 13 is located between the first mold region 14 and the second mold region 15 and wherein one mold 5 is carried by the first clamping unit 2 and one mold 5 is carried by the second clamping unit 8. FIG. 4a is a perspective view of the arrangement 1; FIG. 4b is a top view or side view of the arrangement 1.

[0156] FIG. 4c shows a top view or side view of an arrangement 1, in which the separator 13 is located outside the first mold region 14 and the second mold region 15 and a single mold 5 is jointly carried by the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8.

[0157] In the example of FIG. 4c the first movable platen 4 and the second movable platen 10 are in a coplanar position and the jointly carried mold 5 has a cuboid shape.

[0158] FIGS. 5a and 5b show an embodiment of an arrangement 1 according to the invention, in which a third clamping unit is arranged next to the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8, and all three clamping units jointly carry one mold 5. FIG. 5a is a perspective view and FIG. 5b is a top view or side view of the arrangement 1.

[0159] In this embodiment the spacing between the first fixed platen 3 and the first movable platen 4 of the first clamping unit 2 differs from the spacing between the second fixed platen 9 and the second movable platen 10 of the second clamping unit 8 and/or from the spacing between a third fixed platen and a third movable platen of a third clamping unit, and the shape of the jointly carried mold 5 is stepped.

[0160] As a single stepped mold 15 is jointly carried by the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8 and the third clamping unit in the embodiment in FIGS. 5a and 5b, the first movable platen 4 and the second movable platen 10 and the third movable platen are displaced synchronously.

[0161] If, however, several molds 15 are carried by the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8 and possible further clamping units, only those movable platens which jointly carry one mold 15 are displaced synchronously.

[0162] As an alternative to the fact that each of the clamping units can have its own fixed platen, it is also conceivable for several clamping units to share one fixed platen.

[0163] The at least one movable platen of the at least one clamping unit which solely carries a mold can be displaced asynchronously relative to the movable platens of the other clamping units which can jointly carry a mold.

[0164] FIGS. 6a and 6b show perspective views of an embodiment of an arrangement 1 according to the invention with pulling devices 18 which are arranged on some or all of the tension rods 17.

[0165] FIG. 6a shows a position in which the tension rods 17 are located in the first mold region 14 and in the second mold region 15.

[0166] FIG. 6b shows a position in which the tension rods 17 have been partially pulled out of the first mold region 14 and/or the second mold region 15.

[0167] An arrangement of pulling devices 18 in particular on the upper tension rods 17 makes sense in order to simplify a lifting in and/or out of the at least one mold 5.

[0168] FIGS. 7a-7f show perspective views of six embodiments of an arrangement 1 according to the invention with several injection units 19 which are arranged in a different manner spatially.

[0169] The arrangement of the injection units 19 can be effected at all possible angles to the clamping axes of the first clamping unit 2 and/or the second clamping unit 8.

[0170] Moreover, the injection units 19 can be arranged such that they can be pressed against the at least one mold 5 by means of the openings provided for this purpose in the first fixed platen 3 and/or the second fixed platen 9 and/or the first movable platen 4 and/or the second movable platen 10 and/or over the first mold region 14 and/or the second mold region.

[0171] FIG. 7a shows an example of an arrangement 1 with two injection units 19, wherein the injection units 19 are arranged in each case on the first fixed platen 3 of the first clamping unit 2 and the second fixed platen 9 of the second clamping unit 8 in directions parallel to the clamping axes and can be pressed against the at least one mold and/or the platens themselves by means of the openings provided for this purpose.

[0172] FIG. 7b shows an example of an arrangement 1 with three injection units 19, wherein two injection units 19 can be pressed in each case against an opening in the first fixed platen 3 of the first clamping unit 2 and the second fixed platen 9 of the second clamping unit 8 and in directions parallel to the clamping axes, and wherein one of these three injection units 19 is arranged tilted relative to the clamping axis of the second clamping unit 8.

[0173] FIG. 7c shows an example of an arrangement 1 with four injection units 19, wherein one injection unit 19 can be pressed against an opening in the first fixed platen 3, one injection unit can be pressed against an opening in the second fixed platen 9, one injection unit 19 can be pressed against an opening in the first movable platen 4, and one injection unit 19 can be pressed against an opening in the second movable platen 10, and wherein all four injection units 19 are arranged parallel to the clamping axes.

[0174] FIG. 7d shows an example of an arrangement 1 with three injection units 19, wherein two injection units 19 are pressed in each case against an opening in the first fixed platen 3 and the second fixed platen 9 and are arranged parallel to the clamping axes, and wherein one injection unit 19 is arranged in perpendicular and vertical alignment with the clamping axis of the first clamping unit 2 and/or the second clamping unit 8 and is pressed against the mold 5 directly over the first mold region 14 and/or the second mold region 15.

[0175] FIG. 7e shows an example of an arrangement 1 with three injection units 19, wherein two injection units 19 are arranged in each case against an opening in the first fixed platen 3 and the second fixed platen 9 in alignments parallel to the clamping axes, and wherein one injection unit 19 is arranged in a horizontal direction and in a direction perpendicular to the clamping axis of the first clamping unit 2 and/or the second clamping unit 8.

[0176] FIG. 7f shows an embodiment of an arrangement 1 with four injection units 19, wherein in each case two injection units 19 are arranged together against at least one opening of the first fixed platen 3 of the first clamping unit 2 and/or the second fixed platen 9 of the second clamping unit 8 in directions parallel to the clamping axes.

[0177] The injection units 19 could also be arranged against separate openings.

[0178] Any other arrangements of injection units 19 are generally possible.

[0179] FIGS. 8a and 8b show an embodiment of an arrangement 1 according to the invention, in which not only drives 16 in the form of power stroke drives 26 for the clamping force application but also fast stroke drives 25 for carrying out a fast stroke movement are shown.

[0180] In this embodiment the first clamping unit 2 and the at least one second clamping unit 8 in each case have at least two fast stroke drives 25.

[0181] FIGS. 9a-d show four examples of hydraulic circuit diagrams, in particular with fast stroke drives 25 for carrying out a fast stroke movement, for an arrangement according to the invention.

[0182] All following circuit diagrams relate to two clamping units arranged against each other, i.e. next to each other or one above the other. The principles of these circuit diagrams can, however, be transferred to any desired number of clamping units arranged against each other, i.e. next to each other and/or one above another.

[0183] FIG. 9a shows a circuit diagram for two clamping units arranged against each other with in each case two hydraulic drives 16, in particular fast stroke drives 25, wherein by a hydraulic drive 16 is meant in particular a hydraulic cylinder.

[0184] As this embodiment involves in particular a circuit diagram for at least one fast stroke movement, the drives 16 are preferably fast stroke drives 25.

[0185] Fast stroke drives generally serve to carry out a rapid movement or shift of movable platens for the purpose of closing and opening movements of a clamping unit.

[0186] It may also be the case that the drives 16 are power stroke drives 26, which are provided for the clamping force application to a mold.

[0187] During the power stroke, the movements or shifts of the platens are usually very small or negligibly small.

[0188] It may be mentioned that the movable platens to which a clamping force has been applied by the hydraulic cylinders are not represented in any of FIGS. 9a-d.

[0189] In the embodiment of FIG. 9a the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8 and consequently the first movable platen 4 and the second movable platen 10 are in a force-free position.

[0190] No power stroke takes place in a force-free position. However, precisely a fast stroke could take place in this position or in the case of the circuitry in FIG. 9a.

[0191] The circuit diagram of FIG. 9a furthermore represents a separate individual operation.

[0192] That is to say the first movable platen 4 and the second movable platen 10 are operated independently of each other in this example.

[0193] Thus, the movement directions and/or the speeds of the first clamping force mechanism 6 and/or the at least one fast stroke drive 25 of the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping force mechanism 11 and/or the at least one fast stroke drive 25 of the at least one second clamping unit 8 can be set independently of each other.

[0194] In FIG. 9a, the first hydraulic cylinder pair, in particular in the form of fast stroke drives 25, is connected to a first hydraulic line system 20 and the second cylinder pair, in particular in the form of fast stroke drives 25, is connected to a second hydraulic line system 21.

[0195] Moreover, all drives 16, in particular fast stroke drives 25, are fed via a single pump system 22 here.

[0196] FIG. 9a also shows control valves 27 which serve for coupling the first hydraulic line system 20 and the second hydraulic line system 21.

[0197] This means that the fast stroke drives 25 of the first clamping unit 2 and the fast stroke drives 25 of the second clamping unit 8 can be controlled coupled or independently of each other.

[0198] It is preferably provided that the control valves 27 between the first hydraulic line system 20 and the second hydraulic line system 21 for the separate individual operation, as represented in FIG. 9a, are in an energized or connected state.

[0199] A currentless state of the control valves 27 in the coupled state is advantageous from a mechanical and/or drive-technology and/or safety-technology point of view.

[0200] In the circuit diagram in FIG. 9a the control valves 27 are set such that the first hydraulic line system 20 and the second hydraulic line system 21 are in a decoupled state.

[0201] The control valves 27 are thus preferably in the energized state here.

[0202] It is generally possible for not only two hydraulic line systems but any desired number of hydraulic line systems to be coupled to each other, wherein the number of hydraulic line systems preferably corresponds to the number of clamping units arranged against each other.

[0203] In all descriptions of examples of hydraulic circuit diagrams that follow, primarily the differences from the example shown in FIG. 9a will be discussed, to avoid repetitions. That is to say the description in relation to FIG. 9a, to the extent to which it may be applicable, also applies to the examples also described in the following.

[0204] FIG. 9b shows a further example of a hydraulic circuit diagram of an arrangement according to the invention operated individually.

[0205] Unlike the circuit diagram in FIG. 9a, the circuit diagram in FIG. 9b comprises two pump systems 22.

[0206] Preferably, one pump system 22 is allocated in each case to the first hydraulic line system 20 and to the second hydraulic line system 21.

[0207] The at least one pump system 22 can, however, also be arranged at any desired point on the first hydraulic line system 20 and/or on the second hydraulic line system.

[0208] As the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8 are also operated individually in this embodiment, as already shown in the circuit diagram in FIG. 9a, the control valves 27 between the first hydraulic line system 20 and the second hydraulic line system 21 are set here such that the first hydraulic line system 20 and the second hydraulic line system 21 are in a decoupled state.

[0209] The first hydraulic line system 20 and the second hydraulic line system 21 are thus preferably fed by one pump system 22 in each case.

[0210] Here too, the control valves 27 are preferably energized in the decoupled state.

[0211] A pump system control valve 28, via which the two pump systems 22 can be interconnected, is arranged between the two pump systems 22.

[0212] In contrast to the control valves 27, which can preferably serve to interconnect the line systems 20, 21, the at least one pump system control valve 28 preferably serves to interconnect the pump systems 22.

[0213] In this embodiment the pump system control valve 28 is preferably in the energized state, with the result that the pump systems 22 are decoupled.

[0214] FIG. 9c shows a hydraulic circuit diagram of an arrangement according to the invention with the same circuit elements as are shown in FIG. 9b. However, these circuit elements are set such that the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8 are operated in parallel.

[0215] This means that the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8 are controllable or regulatable completely synchronously, and that the first movable platen 4 and the second movable platen 10 are movable and/or a clamping force can be applied to them synchronously.

[0216] The fast stroke drives 25 of the first clamping unit 2 are preferably fed via the first hydraulic line system 20 and controlled or regulated via a valve 23, in particular proportional valve 24, and the fast stroke drives 25 of the second clamping unit 8 are fed via the second hydraulic line system 21 and controlled or regulated via a further valve 23, in particular proportional valve 24.

[0217] Furthermore, two control valves 27 are preferably arranged between the first hydraulic line system 20 and the second hydraulic line system 21, and a pump system control valve 28 is arranged between the two pump systems 22.

[0218] In the embodiment of a circuit diagram in FIG. 9c the control valves 27 between the first hydraulic line system 20 and the second hydraulic line system 21 are in a coupled, and preferably currentless, state, with the result that all fast stroke drives 25 present are coupled to each other.

[0219] Furthermore, the pump system control valve 28 between the pump systems 22 is set here such that the pump systems 22 are interconnected.

[0220] Here, it can furthermore be seen that all fast stroke drives 25 present are controlled or regulated by a single valve 23, in particular proportional valve 24, (represented on the left-hand side) via the coupled line systems.

[0221] All fast stroke drives 25 could also be fed using a single pump system 22. For this, the pump system control valve 28 between the two pump systems 22 would have to be set to a decoupled state.

[0222] Parallel operation of the fast stroke drives 25 of the first clamping unit 2 and the fast stroke drives 25 of the second clamping unit 8 with a single pump system 22 is preferably used in the case of lower required speeds of the hydraulic cylinders.

[0223] Controlling all hydraulic cylinders via a single valve 23, in particular proportional valve 24, has the advantage that only one proportional valve 24 is relevant in terms of control technology for the entire movement sequences of the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8 and the setting and/or control or regulation is therefore easier.

[0224] On the other hand, in the case of the control or regulation by means of a single valve 23, in particular proportional valve 24, the valve 23, in particular proportional valve 24, would have to be chosen to be correspondingly large because of the large number of hydraulic cylinders to be actuated.

[0225] That can furthermore result in the disadvantage that in the case of very slow movements and/or when the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping unit 8 are operated individually the sharpness, i.e. the precision of the control, is worse.

[0226] FIG. 9d shows a further example of a circuit diagram for a parallel operation of two clamping units arranged against each other, wherein the disadvantage of the use of a single large valve 23, in particular proportional valve 24, can be avoided in parallel operation.

[0227] Here, a circuit diagram is shown in which the first hydraulic line system 20 and the second hydraulic line system 21 can be coupled to each other by means of two control valves 27, wherein these can be fed by two pump systems 22, and wherein the control of the first clamping force mechanism 6 and/or the fast stroke drives 25 of the first clamping unit 2 and the second clamping force mechanism 11 and/or the fast stroke drives 25 of the second clamping unit 8 can be effected by means of at least two valves 23, in particular proportional valves 24.

[0228] An advantage of the circuit diagram in FIG. 9d is the possibility of being able to optimize the valves 23 used, in particular proportional valves 24, for the respective hydraulic line system and/or the respective clamping force mechanism and/or fast stroke drive.

[0229] This means for example that the proportional valve 24 represented on the left can be optimized for the first hydraulic line system 20 and/or the first clamping force mechanism 6 and/or the fast stroke drives 25 of the first clamping unit 2.

[0230] In the same way, the proportional valve 24 represented on the right can be optimized for the second hydraulic line system 21 and/or the second clamping force mechanism 11 and/or the fast stroke drives 25 of the second clamping unit 8.

[0231] Through the optimization of the valves 23, in particular proportional valves 24, in parallel operation identical speeds of all hydraulic cylinders and/or identical clamping force profiles and/or clamping force sequences can be achieved.

[0232] In FIG. 9d the control valves 27 are connected such that the first hydraulic line system 20 and the second hydraulic line system 21 are coupled, which preferably corresponds to a currentless position.

[0233] That can have the advantage that in the event of failure, for example if a valve 23, in particular proportional valve 24, fails, a hydraulic compensation between the first hydraulic line system 20 and the second hydraulic line system 21 is guaranteed.

[0234] As the control valves 27 between the first hydraulic line system 20 and the second hydraulic line system 21 can have great importance in drive-technology and/or mechanical and/or safety-technology terms in parallel operation, it is preferably provided that the control valves 27 are electrically monitored.

[0235] All valves 23, in particular proportional valves 24, and/or control valves 27 and/or pump system control valves 28 are favorably electrically monitored.

[0236] For example, with an electrical monitoring of the valves 23, in particular proportional valves 24, and/or control valves 27 and/or pump system control valves 28 a controlled operation stop can be triggered in the event of failure.

[0237] FIG. 10 shows an example of a hydraulic circuit diagram, in particular with power stroke drives 26 for implementing a power stroke, for an arrangement according to the invention.

[0238] In this example the first hydraulic line system 20 and the second hydraulic line system 21, wherein each system or each clamping force mechanism 6, 11 in each case comprises four drives 16 or power stroke drives 26 respectively, are fed by a pump system 22 and coupled to each other by means of a control valve 27.

[0239] The totality of the hydraulic drives 16, in particular power stroke drives 26, of an individual clamping unit is to be understood as a single clamping force mechanism.

[0240] This means that the four hydraulic drives 16, thus the four hydraulic cylinders, of the first clamping unit 2 correspond to the first clamping force mechanism 6, and that the four hydraulic drives 16 of the second clamping unit 8 correspond to the second clamping force mechanism 11.

[0241] This circuit diagram relates to the control or regulation of power stroke drives 26, such as e.g. pressure cushions.

[0242] The examples of circuit diagrams shown in FIGS. 9a-d and 10 are not a complete statement of possible variants.

[0243] Other circuitries are also conceivable provided they make a reasonable operation of two or more clamping units arranged against each other possible.

[0244] From a hydraulic point of view the same principles apply in general to circuit diagrams for fast stroke movements and for power strokes.

[0245] A circuit diagram should at least satisfy safety-technology aspects, but can depend on a wide variety of requirements and/or objectives, for example the conditions of a molding machine and/or a mold and/or the production sequences and/or the material requirements etc.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0246] 1 arrangement according to the invention [0247] 2 first clamping unit [0248] 3 first fixed platen [0249] 4 first movable platen [0250] 5 mold [0251] 6 first clamping force mechanism [0252] 7 control or regulating unit [0253] 8 second clamping unit [0254] 9 second fixed platen [0255] 10 second movable platen [0256] 11 second clamping force mechanism [0257] 12 mechanical movement coupling [0258] 13 separator [0259] 14 first mold region [0260] 15 second mold region [0261] 16 drive [0262] 17 tension or pressure rod [0263] 18 pulling device [0264] 19 injection unit [0265] 20 first hydraulic line system [0266] 21 second hydraulic line system [0267] 22 pump system [0268] 23 valve [0269] 24 proportional valve [0270] 25 fast stroke drive [0271] 26 power stroke drive [0272] 27 control valve [0273] 28 pump system control valve