Patent ID: 7112058
Filing Date: 2006-09-26
Classification: B29C

Abstract:
1. A clamping mechanism for a clamping unit of an injection molding machine, comprising: a drive unit for moving a first platen in linear direction in relation to a fixed second platen, said drive unit being so linked to the first platen as to be able to carry out a limited movement relative to the first platen; a force-application unit for building up a clamping force, when the first platen assumes a closing position; and a locking device, disposed between the force application unit and the first platen, for transmitting the clamping force, said locking device including a screw mechanism operating in synchronism with the drive unit and having a screw shaft and a locking nut which is supported on the first platen such as to be able to rotate but being immovable in axial direction and which is constructed to connect with clearance to the screw shaft via a thread connection and to interact with the screw shaft for transmitting a load, when the clamping force is applied, whereby the threaded connection is forced to self-lock and to act free of clearance to thereby secure the locking nut on the screw shaft and prevent reverse rotation of the locking nut.