Plane plate of a pressing tool

Abstract

A plane plate for a pressing tool of a press in which the plane plate activate a punch of the press by way of at least one lifting cylinder that can be displaced along an axial direction. The plane plate has an upper side that points in a first axial direction and a lower side that points in a second axial direction counter to the first axial direction, a link to the at least one lifting cylinder, a centrally disposed receptacle for contacting the punch or a punch holder of the press, as well as at least a first at least partially cylindrical guiding face which for contacting a first guide column is parallel with the axial direction, and a second at least partially cylindrical guiding face which for contacting a second guide column is parallel with the axial direction; wherein on the lower side of the plane plate the first guiding face has a first lower end and the second guiding face has a second lower end, wherein the first lower end and the second lower end in relation to the axial direction are disposed at mutually dissimilar heights and thus are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart in the axial direction.

Claims

1. A plane plate for a pressing tool of a press, wherein the plane plate for activating a punch of a press by way of at least one lifting cylinder is displaceable along an axial direction; wherein the plane plate has an upper side that points in a first axial direction and a lower side that points in a second axial direction counter to the first axial direction, a link to the at least one lifting cylinder, a centrally disposed receptacle for contacting the punch or a punch holder of the press, as well as at least a first guiding face which for contacting a first guide column is parallel with the axial direction, and a second guiding face which for contacting a second guide column is parallel with the axial direction in which the first guiding face and the second guiding face are each at least partially cylindrical guiding faces; wherein on the lower side of the plane plate the first guiding face has a first lower end and the second guiding face has a second lower end, wherein the first lower end and the second lower end in relation to the axial direction are disposed at mutually dissimilar heights and thus are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart in the axial direction.

2. The plane plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein on the upper side of the plane plate the first guiding face has a first upper end, wherein the first lower end and the first upper end are disposed at mutually dissimilar heights in relation to the axial direction, and thus so as to be mutually spaced apart at a distance in the axial direction; wherein the first lower end and the second lower end are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart by at least 50% of the distance in the axial direction.

3. The plane plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plane plate has four at least partially cylindrical guiding faces for contacting four guide columns; wherein each guiding face has a lower end; wherein the lower ends of two guiding faces are in each case disposed at a common height.

4. The plane plate as claimed in claim 3, wherein the two guiding faces having the lower ends disposed at the common height are disposed so as to be mutually offset by 90 or 180 angular degrees in a circumferential direction.

5. The plane plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein all lower ends of the guiding faces of the one plane plate are disposed at mutually dissimilar heights in relation to the axial direction.

6. The plane plate as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plane plate in at least a first cross section which runs so as to be parallel with the axial direction and along a radial direction that runs so as to be perpendicular to the axial direction between the receptacle and one of the guiding faces has at least a first region having a wall thickness and a first centerline; wherein the first region in the radial direction extends across a first extent in which the first centerline runs at a first angle of at least 10 angular degrees in relation to the radial direction.

7. The plane plate as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first extent is at least 10% of a smallest spacing between the receptacle and the guiding face in the first cross section along the radial direction.

8. The plane plate as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plane plate in at least a second cross section which runs along a radial direction runs between the receptacle and one of the guiding faces and in relation to the first cross section in a circumferential direction is disposed so as to be rotated by an angular range, has at least a second region with a wall thickness and a second centerline, wherein the second region in the radial direction extends across a second extent in which the second centerline runs at a second angle of at least 10 angular degrees in relation to the radial direction; wherein the second extent differs from the first extent.

9. The plane plate as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plane plate in the first cross section has a third region that in the radial direction is contiguous to the first region, wherein the third region has a third centerline, wherein the third centerline runs at a third angle of at least 10 angular degrees in relation to the radial direction, wherein the first angle and the third angle are oriented so as to be mutually opposite in relation to the radial direction.

10. The plane plate as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first cross section extends through one of the guiding faces, and the guiding face has a lower end which is disposed at a height in relation to the axial direction, wherein a reversing region of the plane plate is disposed in the first cross section between the first region and the third region, wherein said reversing region in relation to the axial direction is disposed below said lower end.

11. A pressing tool for a press, at least comprising a first plane plate and a second plane plate, wherein at least the first plane plate for activating a punch of the press by way of at least one lifting cylinder is displaceable along an axial direction; wherein at least the first plane plate has a link to the at least one lifting cylinder, wherein each plane plate for contacting a guide column that is common to the plane plates has in each case at least one guiding face in which the at least one guiding face is at least partially cylindrical, and for contacting the punch or a punch holder of the press has in each case one centrally disposed receptacle; wherein the plane plates along an axial direction are capable of being disposed on top of one another such that the respective at least one guiding face of each plane plate is disposed so as to be coaxial with the respective other at least one guiding face; wherein at least the first plane plate is a plane plate as claimed in claim 1; wherein the plane plates are disposable so as to be at least partially mutually overlapping along the axial direction and along the radial direction.

12. The pressing tool as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plane plates for contacting two guide columns that are common to the plane plates have in each case at least two at least partially cylindrical guiding faces; wherein the first plane plate has a first guiding face having a first lower end, and the second plane plate has a third guiding face having a third lower end, wherein the first plane plate in relation to the axial direction is capable of being disposed above the second plane plate, and the plane plates herein are capable of being mutually disposed such that the first guiding face contacts a first guide column of the common guide columns, and the third guiding face contacts a second guide column of the common guide columns; wherein the first lower end in relation to the axial direction herein is disposed below the third lower end.

13. A method of using a plane plate in a pressing tool of a press for producing a green compact, the method comprising: displacing the plane plate for activating a punch of the press by way of at least one lifting cylinder in which the plane plate is displaceable along an axial direction; wherein the plane plate has an upper side that points in a first axial direction and a lower side that points in a second axial direction counter to the first axial direction, a link to the at least one lifting cylinder, a centrally disposed receptacle for contacting the punch or a punch holder of a press, as well as at least a first guiding face which for contacting a first guide column is parallel with the axial direction, and a second guiding face which for contacting a second guide column is parallel with the axial direction in which the first guiding face and the second guiding face are each at least partially cylindrical guiding faces; wherein on the lower side of the plane plate the first guiding face has a first lower end and the second guiding face has a second lower end, wherein the first lower end and the second lower end in relation to the axial direction are disposed at mutually dissimilar heights and thus are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart in the axial direction.

Description

(1) FIG. 1: shows a pressing tool of a press in a perspective, partially sectional, view;

(2) FIG. 2: shows the pressing tool as per FIG. 1 in a perspective sectional view;

(3) FIG. 3: shows the pressing tool as per FIGS. 1 and 2 in a view from above along the axial direction;

(4) FIG. 4: shows a lateral view of the pressing tool in the section IV-IV according to FIG. 3;

(5) FIG. 5: shows the pressing tool as per FIGS. 1 to 4 in a lateral view in a further section V-V according to FIG. 3;

(6) FIG. 6: shows a plane plate of the pressing tool as per FIGS. 1 to 5 in a perspective view;

(7) FIG. 7: shows the plane plate as per FIG. 6 in a further perspective view;

(8) FIG. 8: shows the plane plate as per FIGS. 6 and 7 in a lateral view in the section VIII-VIII according to FIG. 9;

(9) FIG. 9: shows the plane plate as per FIGS. 6 to 8 in a view from above along the axial direction;

(10) FIG. 10: shows a known pressing tool in a lateral sectional view;

(11) FIG. 11: shows a known adapter for a press in a lateral sectional view;

(12) FIG. 12: shows a known press frame for an adapter;

(13) FIG. 13: shows a further exemplary embodiment of a pressing tool of a press in a perspective, partially sectional, view;

(14) FIG. 14: shows the pressing tool as per FIG. 13 in a view from above along the axial direction;

(15) FIG. 15: shows a lateral view of the pressing tool as per FIGS. 13 and 14 in a section XV-XV according to FIG. 14;

(16) FIG. 16: shows the pressing tool as per FIGS. 13 to 15 in a lateral view in a further section XVI-XVI according to FIG. 14;

(17) FIG. 17: shows a plane plate of the pressing tool as per FIGS. 13 to 16 in a perspective view;

(18) FIG. 18: shows the plane plate as per FIG. 17 in a view from above along the axial direction;

(19) FIG. 19: shows the plane plate as per FIGS. 17 and 18 in a lateral view;

(20) FIG. 20: shows the plane plate as per FIGS. 17 to 19 in a lateral view in the section XX-XX according to FIG. 18; and

(21) FIG. 21: shows the plane plate as per FIGS. 17 to 19 in a lateral view in the section XXI-XXI according to FIG. 18.

(22) FIG. 1 shows a pressing tool 2 of a press 3 in a perspective, partially sectional, view. FIG. 2 shows the pressing tool 2 as per FIG. 1 in a perspective view, in the section according to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 shows the pressing tool 2 as per FIGS. 1 and 2 in a view from above along the axial direction 5. The profiles of the section lines II-II, Iv-Iv, and V-V are illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows a lateral view of the pressing tool in the section IV-IV according to FIG. 3. FIG. 5 shows the pressing tool 2 as per FIGS. 1 to 4 in a lateral view in a further section V-V according to FIG. 3. FIGS. 1 to 5 will be collectively described hereunder.

(23) The pressing tool 2 comprises a plurality of plane plates 1, 33, two first plane plates 1 and two second plane plates 33, thus four plane plates 1, 33 which are disposed on top of one another along the axial direction 5. Each of the four plane plates 1, 33 is repositioned along the axial direction 5 by two lifting cylinders, a first lifting cylinder 4 and a second lifting cylinder 47, as is illustrated in FIG. 9. Each plane plate 1, 33 thus has two links, a first link 34 to the first lifting cylinder 4, and a second link 46 to the second lifting cylinder 47. Furthermore provided are four guide columns, two first guide columns 8 and two second guide columns 37, wherein each plane plate 1, 33 for contacting the guide columns 8, 37 that are common to the plane plates 1, 33 has in each case four cylindrical guiding faces, specifically first guiding faces 7 on the first guide column 8 and second guiding faces 31 on the second guide column 37 (wherein the second plane plate 33 has at least one third guiding face 35 on the second guide column 37). Furthermore, each plane plate 1, 33 has in each case one centrally disposed receptacle 9 for contacting the punch 6 (see FIG. 8) or a punch holder (here likewise symbolized by the punch 6) of the press 3. The plane plates 1, 33 are disposed on top of one another along an axial direction 5 such that the guiding faces 7, 31, 35 of each plane plate 1, 33 are in each case disposed so as to be coaxial with the corresponding guiding faces 7, 31, 35 of the other plane plates 1, 33. The plane plates 1, 33 are capable of being at least partially mutually overlapping along the axial direction 5 and along the radial direction 11 such that at least parts of the various plane plates 1, 33 are disposed at an identical height 29 in relation to the axial direction 5 (and thus so as to neighbor one another along the radial direction 11). The plane plates 1, 33 can be disposed so as to be nested in one another (and thus not exclusively so as to be mutually spaced apart in the axial direction 5) such that an installation height 48 of the pressing tool 2 can be reduced. Nested herein means that the plane plates 1, 33 are capable of being disposed on top of one another along the axial direction 5, and in the radial direction 11 are capable of being disposed so as to have at least parts of the different plane plates 1, 33 beside one another.

(24) The pressing tool 2 here furthermore comprises a base plate 49 and a die receptacle plate 50, the guide columns 8, 37 extending therebetween and the plane plates 1, 33 being disposed therebetween.

(25) The plane plates 1, 33 of the pressing tool 2 for contacting four guide columns 8, 37 that are common to the plane plates 1, 33 have in each case four cylindrical guiding faces 7, 31, 35. A first plane plate 1 has a first guiding face 7 having a first lower end 28, and the second plane plate 33 has a third guiding face 35 having a third lower end 36. The first plane plate 1 in relation to the axial direction 5 is capable of being disposed above the second plane plate 33, and the plane plates 1, 33 herein are capable of being mutually disposed such that the first guiding face 7 contacts a first guide column 8 of the common guide columns 8, 37, and the third guiding face 35 contacts a second (thus another) second guide column 37 of the common guide columns 8, 37. The first lower end 28 in relation to the axial direction 5 herein is disposed below the third lower end 36 (see FIG. 4 having the section profile IV-IV illustrated in FIG. 3).

(26) As has been explained above in the context of the plane plate 1, 33, the guiding faces 7, 31, 35 of a plane plate 1, 33 are be disposed at dissimilar heights 29 such that the guiding faces 7, 31, 35 of different plane plates 1, 33 in the axial direction 5 are capable of being disposed on different guide columns 8, 37 in a sequence that is reversed in relation to the plane plates 1, 33. Tilting of the plane plate 1, 33 about an axis that runs so as to be perpendicular to the axial direction 5 can thus be reduced, or completely prevented, respectively, in comparison to a plane plate 1, 33 having guiding faces 7, 31, 35 that are exclusively disposed at a common height 29, and a nested arrangement of the plane plates 1, 33 can be implemented such that an overall lower installation height 48 of the pressing tool 2 is enabled.

(27) A method for activating a press 3 can be implemented by way of the plane plate 1, 33 and the pressing tool 2, wherein the press 3 comprises at least one guide column 8, 37 and at least one lifting cylinder 4, 47, as well as a pressing tool 2 described above. According to step a) of the method, the press 3 and the pressing tool 2 are provided. According to step b) of the method, at least the first plane plate 1 and the second plane plate 33 are disposed in the press 3 (thus between the base plate 49 and the die receptacle plate 50). The plane plates 1, 33 along an axial direction 5 herein are disposed on top of one another such that the respective at least one cylindrical guiding face 7, 31, 35 of each plane plate 1, 33 is disposed so as to be coaxial with the respective other at least one guiding face 7, 31, 35. The plane plates 1, 33 are disposed so as to be at least partially mutually overlapping along the axial direction 5 and along the radial direction 11 such that at least parts of the two plane plates 1, 33 are disposed at an identical height 29 in relation to the axial direction 5 (and thus so as to neighbor one another along the radial direction 11).

(28) As can be seen, the plane plates 1, 33 are embodied so as to be integral.

(29) Reference hereunder will be made to the respective plane plate that is the second from the bottom of the illustrated plane plates of FIGS. 1 to 5. The plane plate 1 for activating a punch 6 of the press 3 by way of at least one lifting cylinder 4, 47 is repositionable along an axial direction 5. The plane plate 1 has a link 34, 46 to the at least one lifting cylinder 4, 47, at least one cylindrical guiding face 7, 31 which for contacting a guide column 8, 37 is parallel with the axial direction 5, and a centrally disposed receptacle 9 for contacting the punch 6 or a punch holder of the press 3. The plane plate 1 in at least a first cross section 10 which between the receptacle 9 and the guiding face 7 runs parallel with the axial direction 5 and along a radial direction 11 that runs so as to be perpendicular to the axial direction 5 has at least a first region 12 in which a wall thickness 13 of the plane plate 1 is continuously variable.

(30) The illustrated plane plate 1 is activated by way of two lifting cylinders 4, 47, wherein the plane plate 1 has in each case one link 34, 46 to each lifting cylinder 4, 47. The lifting cylinder 4, 47, or the lifting cylinders 4, 47, respectively, in relation to the plane plate 1 is/are in particular disposed such that the plane plate 1 is impinged by as low a torque as possible about an axis that is parallel with the radial direction 11.

(31) The plane plate 1 has four guiding faces 7, 31 which are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart in a direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction 5. The plane plate 1 by way of the at least one guiding face 7, 31 can be guided along the axial direction 5 through the at least one guide column 8, 37 which extends along the axial direction 5. Twisting of the plane plate 1 in a circumferential direction 18 and/or tilting of the plane plate 1 about a rotation axis/direction that runs along a radial direction 11 is minimized or prevented, respectively, by way of the at least one guide column 8, 37. The various plane plates 1, 33 of an upper or a lower pressing tool 2 (only lower pressing tools 2 are illustrated here) are guided by common guide columns 8, 37.

(32) The receptacle 9 for contacting the punch 6 or a punch holder of the press 3 is centrally disposed, that is to say in a center of the plane plate 1, when the latter is viewed along the axial direction 5 (see FIG. 3). The receptacle 9 is disposed between a plurality of lifting cylinders 4, 47 and a plurality of guide columns 8, 37 such that the plane plate 1 in an impingement of the plane plate 1 with a compression force is impinged by as low a torque as possible about an axis that is parallel with the radial direction 11.

(33) The receptacle 9 here is embodied so as to be circular and has a longitudinal axis which runs parallel with the axial direction 5 and is disposed so as to be concentric with the receptacle 9. The radial direction 11 extends so as to be perpendicular to the axial direction 5 and proceeding in each case from the longitudinal axis.

(34) The receptacle 9 has a receptacle face for contacting and supporting the punch 6, or the punch holder, respectively. The punch 6, or the punch holder, respectively, can be fastened to the receptacle 9 by way of a clamping plate, a screw fitting, a bayonet closure, or similar.

(35) The plane plate in at least a first cross section 10 which between the receptacle 9 and the first guiding face 7 runs parallel with the axial direction 5 and along a radial direction 11 that runs so as to be perpendicular to the axial direction 5 has at least a first region 12 in which a wall thickness 13 of the plane plate 1 is continuously variable. The wall thickness 13 herein is determined in a direction that is parallel with the axial direction 5.

(36) Said wall thickness 13 is continuously variable, that is to say the first region 12 at each mutually neighboring position along the radial direction 11 has a respective other wall thickness 13.

(37) The first region 12 in the radial direction 11 extends across a first extent 14 which is at least 10% of a smallest spacing 15 between the receptacle 9 and the first guiding face 7 in the first cross section 10 along the radial direction 11.

(38) The receptacle 9 on the plane plate 1 comprises a receptacle face or a functional region (hereunder also referred to as parts of the receptacle 9) on which the punch 6 or a punch holder can be disposed. The smallest spacing 15 is determined between the first guiding face 7 and a part of the receptacle 9 that along the radial direction 11 is disposed so as to be closest to the guiding face 7.

(39) The plane plate 1 in at least a second cross section 16 (see FIGS. 2 and 4) which runs along the radial direction 11 between the receptacle 9 and the second guiding face 31 and in relation to the first cross section 10 in a circumferential direction 18 is disposed so as to be rotated by an angular range 17 of presently 90 angular degrees (see FIG. 3), has at least a second region 19 in which the wall thickness 13 of the plane plate 1 is continuously variable. The second region 19 herein in the radial direction 11 extends across a second extent 20 which (in terms of numerical value) differs from the first extent 14.

(40) The second region 19 has a wall thickness 13 and a second centerline 23, wherein the second region 19 in the radial direction 11 extends across a second extent 20 in which the second centerline 23 runs at a second angle 24 in relation to the radial direction 11, wherein the second extent 20 differs from the first extent 14.

(41) It can be seen from FIGS. 4 and 5 that a cross section that in relation to the first cross section 10 is rotated by an angular range 17 of 180 angular degrees in the circumferential direction 18 is exclusively embodied so as to be identical to the first cross section 10.

(42) The second cross section 16 also runs so as to be parallel with the axial direction 5 and along a radial direction 11 that runs so as to be perpendicular to the axial direction 5, thus so as to be rotated in relation to the first cross section 10 only in one circumferential direction 18.

(43) It can be seen that the wall thickness 13 varies in the first region 12 and in the second region 19.

(44) The first region 12 in the first cross section 10 has a first centerline 21, wherein the first centerline 21 runs at a first angle 22 in relation to the radial direction 11. The first centerline 21 (and also the second centerline 23) is formed by the centers of the wall thickness 13 present at the respective radial position.

(45) The plane plate 1 in the first cross section 10 (and in the second cross section 16) has a third region 25 which in the radial direction 11 is contiguous to the first region 12 (or to the second region 19, respectively) wherein the third region 25 has a third centerline 26, wherein the third centerline 26 runs at a third angle 27 in relation to the radial direction 11, wherein the first angle 22 (or the second angle 24, respectively) and the third angle 27 are oriented so as to be mutually opposite in relation to the radial direction 11.

(46) The plane plate 1 has an upper side 39 pointing in a first axial direction 38, and a lower side 41 pointing in a second axial direction 40 that is opposite to the first axial direction 38. The upper side 39 and the lower side 41 of plane plate 1 in the first region 12 of the first cross section 10 run at a first angle 22 in relation to the radial direction 11, and in the third region 25 run at third angle 27 in relation to the radial direction 11.

(47) The first cross section 10 extends through the first guiding face 7, and the first guiding face 7 has a first lower end 28 (on the lower side 41 of the plane plate 1) which is disposed at a height 29 in relation to the axial direction 5. A reversing region 30 of the plane plate 1 is disposed in the first cross section 10 (and in the second cross section 16) between the first region 12 (or the second region 19, respectively) and the third region 25. The reversing region 30 disposed in the first cross section 10 between the first region 12 and the third region 25 in relation to the axial direction 5 is disposed below the first lower end 28.

(48) The plane plate 1 for contacting in each case one guide column 8, 37 furthermore has at least two cylindrical guiding faces 7, 31, wherein a cylindrical first guiding face 7 has a first lower end 28 and a cylindrical second guiding face 31 has a second lower end 32, wherein the first lower end 28 and the second lower end 32 are disposed at mutually dissimilar heights 29 in relation to the axial direction 5.

(49) The lower ends, i.e. the first lower end 28 and the second lower end 32, are disposed on the lower side 41 of the plane plate 1. The lower ends 28, 32 of in each case two cylindrical guiding faces 7, 31 of a plane plate 1 (specifically the lower end of the respective first guiding face 7 or the lower end of the respective second guiding face 31) are disposed at a common height 29 (see FIG. 2). The two cylindrical guiding faces 7, 31 having the lower ends 28, 32 disposed at the common height 29 are disposed so as to be mutually offset by 180 angular degrees in the circumferential direction 18.

(50) The plane plate 1 for contacting in each case one guide column 8, 37 has at least two cylindrical guiding faces 7, 31, wherein a first cylindrical guiding face 7 has a first lower end 28 and a first upper end 43, and a second cylindrical guiding face 31 has a second lower end 32 and a second upper end 45, wherein the first lower end 28 in relation to the axial direction 5 is disposed at a different height 29 below the second lower end 32, and wherein the first upper end 43 in relation to the axial direction 5 is disposed at a different height 29 below the second upper end 45 (see FIG. 4).

(51) The link 34 on the upper side 39 has an upper linking face 44. The first upper end 43 and the upper linking face 44 are disposed at dissimilar heights 29 in relation to the axial direction 5, and thus are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart in the axial direction 5 (see FIG. 4).

(52) The upper linking face 44 along the axial direction 5, between the first upper end 43 and the second upper end 45, is disposed at a different height 29 in relation to the axial direction 5 (see FIG. 4).

(53) The upper linking face 44 along the axial direction 5, between the first upper end 43 and the second lower end 32, is disposed at a different height 29 in relation to the axial direction 5 (see FIG. 4).

(54) With reference to the uppermost of the plane plates 1, 33 it is illustrated in FIG. 5 that the (first) plane plate 1 at least in a first cross section 10 which between the first link 34 and the receptacle 9 (and between the second link 46 and the receptacle 9) runs parallel with the axial direction 5 and along a radial direction 11 that runs so as to be perpendicular to the axial direction 5, has at least a first region 12 having a wall thickness 13, wherein the wall thickness 13 in the first region 12, and so as to be spaced apart from the receptacle 9 as well as from the first link 34 (or from the second link 46, respectively) has a minimum 42.

(55) The plane plate 1 is contacted by way of two lifting cylinders 4, 47 and for activating a punch 6 of the press 3 is repositionable along an axial direction 5. The plane plate 1 has a first link 34 to a first lifting cylinder 4 and a second link 46 to a second lifting cylinder 47. The links 34, 46 are disposed at a common height 29 in relation to the axial direction 5.

(56) The minimum 42 here is configured as an opening which interconnects a first upper side 39 of the plane plate 1 that points in a first axial direction, and a lower side 41 of the plane plate 1 that points in a second axial direction 40 that is opposite to the first axial direction 38.

(57) The wall thickness 13 is continuously variable in the first region 12, at least between the receptacle 9 and the minimum 42.

(58) At least the first region 12 in the first cross section 10 has a first centerline 21, wherein the first centerline 21 runs at a first angle 22 in relation to the radial direction 11.

(59) The first plane plate 1 has an upper side 39 pointing in a first axial direction 38, and a lower side 41 pointing in a second axial direction 40 that is opposite to the first axial direction 38, wherein the at least one guiding face 7, 31 on the upper side 39 has an upper end 43; wherein the link 34 on the upper side 39 has an upper linking face 44. The upper end 43 and the upper linking face 44 are disposed at mutually dissimilar heights 29 in relation to the axial direction 5, and are thus disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart in the axial direction 5 (see FIG. 4).

(60) FIG. 6 shows a plane plate 1 of the pressing tool 2 as per FIGS. 1 to 5 in a perspective view. FIG. 7 shows the first plane plate 1 as per FIG. 6 in a further perspective view. FIG. 8 shows the first plane plate 1 as per FIGS. 6 and 7 in a lateral view in the section VIII-VIII according to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 shows the first plane plate 1 as per FIGS. 6 to 8 in a view from above along the axial direction 5. FIGS. 6 to 9 will be collectively described hereunder. Reference is made to the explanations pertaining to FIGS. 1 to 5.

(61) The illustrated plane plate 1 is activated by way of two lifting cylinders 4, 47, wherein the first plane plate 1 has in each case one link 34, 46 to each lifting cylinder 4, 47. The lifting cylinders 4, 47 in relation to the first plane plate 1 are disposed such that the first plane plate 1 is impinged by as low a torque as possible about an axis that is parallel with the radial direction 11.

(62) The first plane plate 1 has four guiding faces 7, 31 which are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart in a direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction 5. By way of the guiding faces 7, 31 first plane plate 1 can be guided along the axial direction 5 through the at least one guide column 8, 37 which extends along the axial direction 5. Twisting of the first plane plate 1 in a circumferential direction 18 and/or tilting of the plane plate 1 about an axis/direction that runs along a radial direction 11 is minimized, or prevented, respectively, by way of the at least one guide column 8, 37.

(63) The receptacle 9 for contacting the punch 6 or a punch holder of the press 3 is centrally disposed, that is to say in a center of the first plane plate 1, when the latter is viewed along the axial direction 5 (see FIG. 9). The receptacle 9 is thus disposed between a plurality of lifting cylinders 4, 47 and a plurality of guide columns 8, 37 such that the first plane plate 1 in an impingement of the first plane plate 1 with a compression force (along the axial direction 5) is impinged by as low a torque as possible about an axis that is parallel with the radial direction 11.

(64) The receptacle 9 here is embodied so as to be circular and has a longitudinal axis which runs so as to be parallel with the axial direction 5 and is disposed so as to be concentric with the receptacle 9. The radial direction 11 extends so as to be perpendicular to the axial direction 5, and proceeds in each case from the longitudinal axis.

(65) The receptacle 9 has a receptacle face for contacting and supporting the punch 6, or the punch holder, respectively. The punch 6, or the punch holder, respectively, can be fastened to the receptacle 9 by way of a clamping plate, a screw fitting, a bayonet closure, or similar (see FIG. 7).

(66) The first plane plate 1 for contacting in each case one guide column 8, 37 furthermore has at least four cylindrical guiding faces 7, 31, wherein a cylindrical first guiding face 7 has a first lower end 28, and a cylindrical second guiding face 31 has a second lower end 32, wherein the first lower end 28 and the second lower end 32 are disposed at mutually dissimilar heights 29 in relation to the axial direction 5.

(67) The lower ends 28, 32 are disposed on a lower side 41 of the first plane plate 1. The lower ends 28, 32 of in each case two cylindrical guiding faces 7, 31 of a first plane plate 1 are disposed at a common height 29. The two cylindrical guiding faces 7, 31 having the lower ends 28, 32 disposed at the common height 29 are disposed so as to be mutually offset by 180 annular degrees in a circumferential direction 18.

(68) The first plane plate 1 for contacting in each case one guide column 8, 37 has at least two cylindrical guiding faces 7, 31, wherein a first cylindrical guiding face 7 has a first lower end 28 and a first upper end 43, and a second cylindrical guiding face 31 has a second lower end 32 and a second upper end 45, wherein the first lower end 28 in relation to the axial direction 5 is disposed at a different height 29 below the second lower end 32, and wherein the first upper end 43 in relation to the axial direction 5 disposed at a different height 29 below the second upper end 45.

(69) The first guiding face 7 on the upper side 39 of the plane plate 1 has a first upper end 43, wherein the first lower end 28 and the first upper end 43 are disposed at mutually dissimilar heights 29 in relation to the axial direction 5, and thus are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart at a distance in the axial direction 5. The first lower end 28 and the second lower end 32 are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart by approximately 250% of the distance in the axial direction 5.

(70) The link 34 on the upper side 39 has an upper linking face 44. The first upper end 43 and the upper linking face 44 are disposed at mutually dissimilar heights 29 in relation to the axial direction 5, and thus are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart in the axial direction 5.

(71) The upper linking face 44 along the axial direction 5, between the first upper end 43 and the second upper end 45, is disposed at a different height 29 in relation to the axial direction 5.

(72) The upper linking face 44 along the axial direction 5, between the first upper end 43 and the second lower end 32, is disposed at a different height 29 in relation to the axial direction 5.

(73) FIG. 10 shows a known pressing tool 2 in a lateral sectional view. The pressing tool 2 is an adapter lower part 53 of an adapter 51 of a press 3 (see FIGS. 11 and 12). The pressing tool 2 comprises four plane plates 1 which are disposed on top of one another along the axial direction 5. Each of the four lane plates 1 is repositioned along the axial direction 5 by two lifting cylinders 4. Each plane plate 1 thus has two links 34. Furthermore, four guide columns 8 are provided, wherein each plane plate 1 for contacting the guide columns 8 that are common to the plane plate 1 has in each case four cylindrical guiding faces 7 on the guide column 8. Furthermore, each plane plate 1 has in each case one centrally disposed receptacle 9 for contacting the punch 6 (cf. FIG. 8) or a punch holder (here likewise symbolized by the punch 6) of the press 3. The plane plates 1 are disposed on top of one another along an axial direction 5 such that the guiding faces 7 of each plane plate 1 are in each case disposed so as to be coaxial with the corresponding guiding faces 7 of the other plane plates 1.

(74) The pressing tool 2 here furthermore comprises a base plate 49 and a die receptacle plate 50, the guide columns 8 extending therebetween and the plane plates 1 being disposed therebetween.

(75) In the case of the known pressing tool 2, the individual plane plates 1 are disposed so as to be on top of one another and mutually spaced apart in the axial direction 5, that is to say that said plane plates 1 are permanently disposed at dissimilar heights 29 (levels) along the axial direction 5. The plane plate 1 between the centrally disposed receptacle 9 for the punch holder or the punch 6 extends along the radial direction 1 at least up to a cylindrical guiding face 7 which is provided for contacting one of the guide columns 8.

(76) The plane plates 1 in the cross section illustrated are shaped so as to be rectangular and have a consistent wall thickness 13. The receptacle 9 here is embodied so as to be cylindrical and proceeding from the plane plate 1 extends along the axial direction 5. The receptacles 9 of the lower plane plates 1 herein are in each case embodied so as to be longer than the receptacle 1 of the plane plate 1 that is disposed in a neighboring manner. The cross-sectional variation does not lie in the region between the guiding faces 7 on the guide columns 8 and the central receptacle 9, and also does not run continuously along an extent, but is provided in each case only at a specific position, specifically at the receptacle 9. The cross-sectional variation is in each case formed by lateral walls that run so as to be parallel with the axial direction 5.

(77) FIG. 11 shows a known adapter 51 for a press 3 in a lateral sectional view. The adapter 51 comprises an adapter upper part 52 as well as an adapter lower part 53 (similar to the adapter lower part 53 as per FIG. 10) having plane plates 1, a base plate 49, and a die receptacle plate 50. Reference is made to the explanations pertaining to FIG. 10.

(78) FIG. 12 shows a known press frame 54 for receiving an adapter 51, for example the adapter 51 as per FIG. 11. The adapter 51 is supported on the press frame 54.

(79) The press frame 54 and the adapter 51 having the components mentioned above form a press 3. The press frame 54 has two couplings 55 for receiving the adapter 51.

(80) The construction of the known press 3, or of the pressing tool 2, respectively, (thus at least of the adapter lower part 53) according to FIGS. 10 to 12 has a large installation height 48 in the axial direction 5. Proceeding from the die receptacle plate 50 for each tool plane, which also comprises the respective plane plate 1, the individual components of the respective tool plane (thus the punch 6, optionally the associated punch holder, the receptacle 9) extend dissimilarly far along the axial direction 5 such that dissimilar elasticities are present for each tool plane. As a result of the dissimilar elasticities, demolding of the green compact to be produced can be specifically problematic on account of the dissimilar expansion of the components between different tool planes in the relaxation of the tool planes (compression force is reduced), wherein formations of cracks can arise in the green compact.

(81) FIG. 13 shows a further exemplary embodiment of the pressing tool 2 of a press 3 in a perspective, partially sectional, view. FIG. 14 shows the pressing tool 2 as per FIG. 13 in a view from above along the axial direction 5. The profiles of the section lines XV-XV and XVI-XVI are illustrated in FIG. 14. FIG. 15 shows a lateral view of the pressing tool 2 as per FIGS. 13 and 14 in the section XV-XV according to FIG. 14. FIG. 16 shows the pressing tool 2 as per FIGS. 13 to 15 in a lateral view in a further section XVI-XVI according to FIG. 14. FIGS. 13 to 16 will be collectively described hereunder. Reference is made to the explanations pertaining to FIGS. 1 to 5.

(82) By contrast to the pressing tool 2, or the press 3, respectively, as per FIGS. 1 to 5, the pressing tool 2 here has eight (8) guide columns 8, 37, specifically four (4) first guide columns 8 and four (4) second guide columns 37.

(83) The guide columns 8, 37 extend in each case from the base plate 49 up to the die receptacle plate 50.

(84) Each plane plate 1, 33 furthermore has in each case two (2) lifting cylinders 4, 47. Each lifting cylinder 4, 47 along the axial direction 5 extends through the base plate 49 up to a link 34, 46 on the plane plate 1, 33. It can be seen that the links 34, 46 of the lifting cylinders 4, 47 on a plane plate are in each case disposed at an identical height 29.

(85) The plane plates 1, 33 of the pressing tool 2 for contacting eight guide columns 8, 37 that are common to the plane plates 1, 33 have in each case eight cylindrical guiding faces 7, 31, 35. A first plane plate 1 has a first guiding face 7 having a first lower end 28, and the second plane plate 33 has a third guiding face 35 having a third lower end 36. The first plane plate 1 in relation to the axial direction 5 is capable of being disposed above the second plane plate 33, and the plane plates 1, 33 herein are capable of being mutually disposed such that the first guiding face 7 contacts a first guide column 8 of the common guide columns 8, 37, and the third guiding face 35 contacts a second (thus another) guide column 37 of the common guide columns 8, 37. The first lower end 28 in relation to the axial direction 5 herein is disposed below the third lower end 36 (see FIGS. 15 and 16).

(86) FIG. 17 shows a plane plate 1 of the pressing tool 2 as per FIGS. 13 to 16 in a perspective view. FIG. 18 shows the plane plate 1 as per FIG. 17 in a view from above along the axial direction 5. FIG. 19 shows the plane plate 1 as per FIGS. 17 and 18 in a lateral view. FIG. 20 shows the plane plate 1 as per FIGS. 17 to 19 in a lateral view in the section XX-XX according to FIG. 18. FIG. 21 shows the plane plate 1 as per FIGS. 17 to 20 in a lateral view in the section XXI-XXI according to FIG. 18. FIGS. 17 to 21 will be collectively described hereunder. Reference is made to the explanations pertaining to FIGS. 13 to 16 as well as to 6 to 9.

(87) The illustrated plane plate 1 is actuated by way of two lifting cylinders 4, 47, wherein the first plane plate 1 has in each case one link 34, 46 to each lifting cylinder 4, 47.

(88) The plane plate 1 furthermore has eight cylindrical guiding faces 7, 31, wherein each guiding face 7, 31 contacts each case one guide column 8, 37, wherein a cylindrical first guiding face 7 has a first lower end 28, and a cylindrical second guiding face 31 has a second lower end 32 (see FIG. 21), wherein the first lower end 28 and the second lower end 32 are disposed at dissimilar heights 29 in relation to the axial direction 5.

(89) The lower ends 28, 32 are disposed on a lower side 41 of the plane plate 1. All four (4) first lower ends 28 of the first guiding face 7 here are in each case disposed at a common height. Furthermore, all four (4) second lower ends 32 of the second guiding faces are in each case disposed at a common height. The first cylindrical guiding faces 7 having the first lower ends 28 disposed at the common height 29 are disposed so as to be mutually offset by 90 angular degrees in the circumferential direction 18 (likewise the second guiding faces 31 which herein in relation to the first guiding faces 7 are offset by 45 angular degrees in a circumferential direction 18).

(90) The first plane plate 1 has eight cylindrical guiding faces 7, 31, wherein first guiding faces 7 contact first guide columns 8, and second guiding faces 31 contact second guide columns 37. First cylindrical guiding faces 7 have in each case one first lower end 28 and one first upper end 43, wherein second cylindrical guiding faces 31 have in each case one second lower end 32 and one second upper end 45. The first lower end 28 in relation to the axial direction 5 is disposed at a different height 29 below the second lower end 32. The first upper end 43 in relation to the axial direction 5 is disposed at a different height 29 below the second upper end 45.

(91) The first link 34 and the second link 46 on the upper side 39 have an upper linking face 44. The first upper end 43 and the upper linking face 44 are disposed at dissimilar heights 29 in relation to the axial direction 5, and thus are disposed so as to be mutually spaced apart in the axial direction 5.

(92) The upper linking face 44 along the axial direction 5, between the first upper end 43 and the second upper end 45, is disposed at a different height 29 in relation to the axial direction 5.

(93) The upper linking face 44 along the axial direction 5, between the first upper end 43 and the second lower end 32, is disposed at a different height 29 in relation to the axial direction 5.

(94) The plane plate 1 at least in a first cross section 10 (illustrated in FIG. 20, for example) which between the receptacle 9 and the first guiding face 7 runs parallel with the axial direction 5 and along the radial direction 11 that runs so as to be perpendicular to the axial direction 5 has at least a first region 12 in which the wall thickness 13 of the plane plate 1 is continuously variable. The wall thickness 13 herein is determined in a direction that is parallel with the axial direction 5.

(95) Said wall thickness 13 is continuously variable, that is to say that the first region 12 at each mutually neighboring position along the radial direction 11 has in each case another wall thickness 13.

(96) The first region 12 in the first cross section 10 has a first centerline 21, wherein the first centerline 21 runs at a first angle 22 in relation to the radial direction 11. The first centerline 21 is formed by the centers of the wall thickness 13 that is present at the respective radial position.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

(97) 1 First plane plate 2 Pressing tool 3 Press 4 (First) lifting cylinder 5 Axial direction 6 Punch 7 (First) guiding face 8 Guide column 9 Receptacle 10 First cross section 11 Radial direction 12 First region 13 Wall thickness 14 First extent 15 Spacing 16 Second cross section 17 Angular range 18 Circumferential direction 19 Second region 20 Second extent 21 First centerline 22 First angle 23 Second centerline 24 Second angle 25 Third region 26 Third centerline 27 Third angle 28 (First) lower end 29 Height 30 Reversing region 31 Second guiding face 32 Second lower end 33 Second plane plate 34 (First) link 35 Third guiding face 36 Third lower end 37 Second guide column 38 First axial direction 39 Upper side 40 Second axial direction 41 Lower side 42 Minimum 43 (First) upper end 44 Upper linking face 45 Second upper end 46 Second link 47 Second lifting cylinder 48 Installation height 49 Base plate 50 Die receptacle plate 51 Adapter 52 Adapter upper part 53 Adapter lower part 54 Press frame 55 Coupling