MX2007014126A - Block mold having moveable liner - Google Patents

Abstract

A mold assembly for manufacturing concrete blocks and which is adapted for use in a concrete block machine. The mold assembly includes a plurality of liner plates forming at least a first mold cavity, wherein at least a first liner plate is moveable, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a first drive element having a first end and coupled to the first moveable liner plate proximate to a second end, and an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly includes a second drive element selectively coupled to the first drive element proximate to the first end, wherein the actuator assembly is configured to drive the second drive element along a first axis so as to cause at least the second end of the first drive element to move along a second axis and cause the first moveable liner plate to move toward and away from an interior of the first mold cavity.

Description

BLOCK MOLD WITH MOBILE CLADDING Field of the Invention The present invention relates to block molds, and more particularly to a concrete block mold adapted for use with a concrete block machine and having at least one movable liner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Concrete blocks, also called concrete masonry units (CMU), are generally manufactured by forming them in different shapes using a concrete block machine that employs a mold frame mounted in such a way as to form a box of concrete. mold. A mold cavity having a negative of a desired shape of the block that is to be formed inside the mold box is provided. A support panel, or pallet, is moved through a transport system on a pallet table. The pallet table moves up until the pallet comes into contact and forms a bottom of the mold box. The cavity is then filled with concrete with a mobile advance box drawer.

As soon as the mold is filled with concrete, the advancing box drawer moves back to a storage position and a plunger, or a head shoe assembly, descends to form an upper part of the mold. The head shoe assembly is generally equiped with the upper part outside the mold cavity and pressed hydraulically or mechanically down onto the concrete. The head shoe assembly compresses the concrete to a desired rating of pounds per square inch (psi) and block dimension while simultaneously vibrating the mold together with the vibrating board, which results in substantial compression and optimum distribution of the concrete in the entire mold cavity.

Due to the compression, the concrete reaches a level of hardness that allows to scrape immediately the finished block of the mold. To remove the finished block from the mold, the mold remains stationary while the shoe and the pallet table, together with the corresponding pallet, move downwards and push the block from the mold onto the pallet. As soon as the lower edge of the head shoe assembly leaves the lower edge of the mold, the transport system moves the pallet with the finished block forward and another pallet takes its place under the mold. The pallet table then lifts the next pallet to form a bottom of the mold box for the next block, and the process is repeated. For many types of CMU (for example, pavers, patio blocks, lightweight blocks, ash bricks, etc.), but for retaining wall blocks and architectural units in particular, it is desirable that at least one surface of the block have a desired texture, such as a texture similar to stone. One technique for creating a desired texture on the surface of the block is to provide a negative of the desired design or texture on the sidewalls of the mold. However, due to the way in which the finished blocks are ejected vertically from the mold, any such designs or textures would be scraped from the side walls unless they move out of the interior of the mold before the block is ejected.

One of the techniques used to move the side walls of a mold is to use a cam mechanism to move the side walls of the mold inwardly and an opposite spring to push the side walls outwardly from the center of the mold. However, this technique applies an "active" force to the side wall only when the side wall is moving inward and depends on the energy stored in the spring to move the side wall outward. The energy stored in the spring may potentially be insufficient to retract the side wall if it adheres to the concrete. In addition, the cam mechanism can potentially be difficult to use within the limited confines of a concrete block machine. A second technique is to use a piston to extend and retract the side wall. Nevertheless, a piston shaft is directly connected to the movable side wall and moves in line with the direction of movement of the movable side wall. Therefore, during the compression of the concrete with the head shoe assembly, an enormous amount of pressure is exerted on the piston through the piston axis. Consequently, a piston with a high psi rating is needed to keep the sidewall in place during the compression and vibration of the concrete. In addition, direct pressure on the piston shaft can potentially produce increased wear and shorten the expected life of the piston.

EXAMPLE OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention provides a mold assembly for making concrete blocks and which is adapted for use in a concrete block machine. The mold assembly includes a plurality of facing plates forming at least a first mold cavity, wherein at least a first coating layer is movable and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a first drive member that has a first end and is coupled to a first movable cover plate near a second end, and a drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a second drive element selectively coupled to the first drive member proximate the first end, wherein the drive assembly is configured to drive the second drive element along a first axis in such a manner as to cause at least the second end of the first drive element moves along a second axis and causes the first moving cover plate to move toward and away from the interior of the first mold cavity.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a mold assembly having movable liner plates according to the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a gear transmission assembly and a mobile coating plate according to the present invention.

Figure 3A is a top view of a gear drive assembly and the movable liner plate illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 3B is a side view of the gear drive assembly and the movable liner plate illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 4A is a top view of the mold assembly of Figure 1 having the coating plates retracted.

Figure 4B is a top view of the mold assembly of Figure 1 having the coating plates extended.

Figure 5A is a top view of an exemplary embodiment of a gear plate according to the present invention.

Figure 5B illustrates an end view of the gear plate illustrated in Figure 5A.

Figure 5C illustrates a bottom view of an embodiment of a gear head according to the present invention.

Figure 5D is an end view of the gear head of Figure 5C.

Figure 6A is a top view of an embodiment of a gear rail according to the present invention.

Figure 6B is a side view of the gear rail of Figure 6A.

Figure 6C is an end view of the gear rail of Figure 6A.

Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the gear rail and the gear plate according to the present invention.

Figure 8A is a top view illustrating the relationship between an embodiment of a gear head, a gear plate and a gear rail according to the present invention.

Figure 8B is a side view of the illustration of Figure 8A.

Figure 8C is an end view of the illustration of Figure 8A.

Figure 9A is a top view of an embodiment of a gear plate in a retracted position within a gear rail according to the present invention.

Figure 9B is a top view illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a gear plate that is in an extended position from a gear rail according to the present invention.

Figure 10A is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a drive unit according to the present invention.

Figure 10B is a partial top view of the drive unit of the illustration of Figure 10A.

Figure HA is a top view illustrating an embodiment of a mold assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 11B is a diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a gear drive assembly in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating a part of an embodiment of a mold assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a gear drive assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 14 is a top view illustrating a part of an embodiment of a mold assembly and a gear drive assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 15A is a top view illustrating a part of an embodiment of a gear drive assembly employing a stabilizer assembly.

Figure 15B is a cross-sectional view of the gear drive assembly of Figure 15A.

Figure 15C is a cross-sectional view of the gear drive assembly of Figure 15A. Figure 16 is a side view illustrating a part of an exemplary embodiment of a gear drive assembly and a moving skin plate according to the present invention.

Figure 17 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a mold assembly employing a control system in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 18A is a top view illustrating a portion of a gear drive assembly embodiment employing a screw drive system in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 18B is a cross-sectional view of a gear drive assembly of Figure 18A.

Figure 18C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the gear drive assembly of Figure 18A.

Figure 19A is a perspective view of an embodiment of a drive assembly in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 19B is a top view of the drive assembly of Figure 19A.

Figure 20 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a drive assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 21 is a top view of an embodiment of a drive assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 21 is a top view of an embodiment of a drive assembly according to the present invention.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a drive assembly according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of it and in which specific embodiments in which the invention can be put into practice are shown by way of illustration. In this regard, the directional terminology, for example, "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "back", etc., is used with reference to the orientation of the Figure (s) being described. Since the components of the embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in numerous different orientations, the directional terminology is used for illustrative purposes and is by no means exhaustive. It should be understood that other embodiments may be used and that structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, accordingly, should not be taken in a narrow sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a mold assembly 30 having the movable liner plates 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d according to the present invention. The mold assembly 30 includes a drive system assembly 31 having the side members 34a and 34b and the transverse members 36a and 36b, respectively having an inner wall 38a, 38b, 40a and 40b and are coupled to each other. so that the interior surfaces form the box. mold 42. in the illustrated embodiment, the cross members 36a and 36b are bolted to the side members 34a and 34b with the bolts 37.

The moving cladding plates 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d, respectively, have a first surface 44a, 44b, 44c and 44d configured in such a way as to form a cavity 46. In the illustrated embodiment, each cladding plate has a drive assembly by associated gears internally located in relation to an adjacent mold frame member. A portion of a gear drive assembly 50 which corresponds to a skin plate 32a and which is located internally in relation to the transverse member 36a is shown extended through side member 34a. Each gear drive assembly is selectively coupled to its associated liner plate and is configured to move the liner plate toward the interior of the mold cavity 46 by applying a first force in a first direction parallel to the cross member to move the plate of coating out of the interior of the mold cavity 46 by applying a second force in a direction opposite to the first direction. The side members 34a and 34b and the cross members 36a and 36b each have a corresponding lubrication port that extends into the member and provides lubrication to the corresponding gear elements. For example, ls lubrication doors 48a and 48b. The gear drive assembly and the moving liner plates according to the present invention are discussed in more detail below.

During the operation, the mold assembly 30 is selectively coupled to a concrete block machine. For ease of illustration, however, the concrete block machine is not shown in Figure 1. In one embodiment, the mold assembly 30 is mounted on the concrete block machine by bolting the side members 34a and 34b of the concrete. gear drive assembly 31 to the concrete block machine. In one embodiment, the mold assembly 30 also includes a head shoe assembly 52 having dimensions substantially equal to those of the mold cavity 46. The head shoe assembly 52 is also configured to selectively couple it to the block machine of concrete.

The coating plates 32a to 32d first extend a desired distance into the mold box 42 to form the desired mold cavity 46. A vibrating board on which a paddle 56 is positioned is then lifted (as indicated by the directional arrow 58) so that the paddle 56 comes into contact and forms a bottom for the mold cavity 46. In one embodiment, a mounting The central rod (not shown) is positioned within the mold cavity 46 to create gaps within the finished block according to the design requirements of a particular block.

The mold cavity 46 is then filled with concrete from a movable advance box drawer. The gear drive assembly 52 is then lowered (as indicated by arrow 54) on the mold 46 and presses the concrete in a hydraulic or mechanical manner. The head shoe assembly 52 together with the vibrating board then simultaneously vibrate the mold assembly 30, which results in a high compression of the concrete within the mold cavity 46. The high level of compression fills all the gaps within the mold. the mold cavity 46 and makes the concrete quickly reach a level of hardness that allows immediate removal of the finished block from the mold cavity 46.

The finished block is removed first by retracting the facing plates 32a to 32d. The head shoe assembly 52 and the vibrating board, together with the paddle 56, are then lowered (in the opposite direction to that indicated by the arrow 58), while the mold assembly 30 remains stationary so that the mounting shoe 56 push the finished block out of the mold cavity 46 on the blade 52. When a lower edge of the head shoe assembly 52 falls below a lower edge of the mold assembly 30, the transport system moves the blade 56 that transports the finished block out and a new palette takes its place. The preceding process is repeated to create additional blocks.

By retracting the facing plates 32a through 32d before removing the finished block from the mold cavity 46, the facing plates 32a through 32d experience less wear and therefore have a longer operating life expectancy. In addition, the mobile facing plates 32a to 32d also allow a concrete block to be molded in a vertical position relative to the blade 56, instead of the normal horizontal position, such that the head shoe assembly 52 come into contact with what will be a "face" of the finished concrete block. A "face" is a surface of the block that will potentially be exposed to be observed after installation on a wall or other structure.

Figure 2 is a perspective view 70 illustrating a movable liner plate and the corresponding gear drive assembly according to the present invention, such as the moving liner plate 32a and the corresponding gear drive assembly 50. With Illustrative purposes, side member 34a and cross member 36 are not shown. The gear drive assembly 50 includes a first gear element 70 selectively coupled to the liner plate 32, a second gear member 74, a single-ended double-ended pneumatic cylinder (cylinder) 16 coupled to the second gear element 74 through a rod 78, and a gear rail 80. Cylinder 76 includes a bore 82 for coupling a pneumatic accessory. In one embodiment, the cylinder 76 comprises a hydraulic cylinder. In one embodiment, the cylinder 76 comprises a double-acting double rod end cylinder. In one embodiment, the piston rod 78 is threadably coupled to the second gear element 74.

In the embodiment of Figure 2, the first gear element 72 and the second gear element 74 are illustrated and hereinafter referred to as gear plate 72 and second gear element 74, respectively. However, while illustrated as a gear plate and a cylindrical gear head, the first gear element 72 and the second gear element 74 can have any shape and dimension.

The gear plate 72 includes a plurality of angled channels on a first major surface 84 and is configured to slide on the gear rail 80. The gear rail 80 is slidably inserted into a gear slot (not shown) which extends in a transverse member 36a from the inner wall 40a. The cylindrical gear head 74 includes a plurality of channels angled on a surface 86 adjacent the first major surface 84 of the female gear plate 72, wherein the angled channels are tangential to the radius of the cylindrical gear head 74 and are configured to engage and interlock slidably with the angled channels of the gear plate 72. The cover plate 32a includes guide pillars 88a, 88b, 88c and 88d extending from a rear surface 90. Each of the Guide pillars are configured to be slidably inserted into a corresponding guide hole (not shown) extending in the transverse member 36a from the inner wall 40a. The gear slot and guide holes are discussed in more detail below.

When the cylinder 76 extends the piston rod 78, the cylindrical gear head 74 moves in a direction indicated by the arrow 92 and, due to the interlocked angled channels, causes the gear plate 72 and, therefore, that the cover plate 32a moves towards the interior of the mold 46 as indicated by the arrow 94. It should be noted that, as illustrated, Figure 2 illustrates the piston rod 78 and the cylindrical gear head 74 in an extended position . When the cylinder 76 retracts the piston rod 78, the cylindrical gear head 74 moves in a direction indicated by the arrow 96 which causes the gear plate 72 and the coating plate 32 to move out of the interior of the mold as the arrow 98 indicates. The cover plate 32a is moved to or from the center of the mold, the gear plate 72 slides in the guide rail 80 and the guide pillars 88a to 88d slide into their guide holes corresponding.

In one embodiment, a removable cover face 100 selectively engages the front surface 44a with the fasteners 102a, 102b, 102c and 102d extending through the cover plate 32a. The removable cover face 100 is configured to provide a desired shape and / or provide a desired printed design, including text, on a block made in the mold 46. In this regard, the removable cover face 100 comprises a negative of the shape or desired design. In one embodiment, the removable coating face 100 comprises a polyurethane material. In one embodiment, the removable coating face 100 comprises a rubber material. In one embodiment, the removable cover plate comprises a metal or a metal alloy, such as steel or aluminum. In one embodiment, the cover plate 32 also includes a heater mounted in the cavity 104 on the back surface 90, wherein the heater contributes to cure the concrete within the mold 46 to reduce the possibility of the concrete adhering to the surface 44a front and 100 removable liner face.

Figure 3A is a top view 120 of the gear drive assembly 50 and the cover plate 32a, as indicated by the directional arrow 106 of Figure 2. In the illustration, the side members 34a and 34b, and the cross members 36a and 36b are indicated by broken lines. The guide pillars 88c and 88d are slidably inserted in the guide holes 122c and 122d, respectively, which extend in the transverse member 36c from the inner surface 40a. The guide holes 122a and 122b, corresponding respectively to the guide pillars 88a and 88b, are not shown but are located below and in line with the guide holes 122c and 122d. In one embodiment, the sleeves of the guide holes 124c and 124d are inserted into the guide holes 122c and 122d, respectively, and slidably receive the guide pillars 88c and 88d. The sleeves of the guide holes 124a and 124b are not shown, but are located below and in line with the sleeves of the guide holes 124c and 124d. The gear rail 80 is shown slidably inserted into a gear slot 126 that extends through the transverse member 36a with the gear plate 72 that slides on the guide rail 80. It is indicated that the gear plate 72 it is coupled to the facing plate 32a by a plurality of fasteners 128 which extend through the facing plate 32a from the front surface 44a.

A cylindrical gear shaft is indicated by the dashed lines 134 extending through the side member 34a and within the transverse member 36a and intersecting at least partially with the gear slot 126. the cylindrical gear head 74, the cylinder 76, and piston rod 78 are slidably inserted into gear shaft 134 with cylindrical gear head 74 which is positioned on gear plate 72. Angled channels of cylindrical gear head 74 are shown as the dashed lines 130 and are interlocked with the angled channels of the gear plate 72 as indicated at 132.

Figure 3B is a side view 140 of the gear drive assembly 50 and the cover plate 32a, as indicated by the directional arrow 108 in Figure 2. It is noted that the cover plate 32a extends, at least partially, from the transverse member 36a. Correspondingly, it is indicated that the guide pillars 88a and 88d extend partially from the guide hole sleeves 124a and 124d, respectively. In one embodiment, a pair of boundary rings 142a and 142d are selectively coupled to the guide posts 88a and 88, respectively, to limit an extension distance from the transverse member 36a to the interior of the mold cavity 46. The rings limit 142b and 142c corresponding respectively to the guide pillars 88b and 88c are not shown, but they are located behind and in line with limit rings 142a and 142d. In the illustrated embodiment, it is indicated that the limit rings are substantially at one end of the guide pillars, which therefore allows a substantially maximum extension distance from the transverse member 36a. However, the limit rings can be placed in another location along the guide pillars to adjust the allowable extension distance.

Figure 4A and Figure 4B are top views 150 and 160, respectively, of the mold assembly 30. Figure 4A illustrates the coating plates 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d in a retracted position. The facing faces 152, 154 and 154 correspond respectively to the facing plates 32b, 32c and 32d. Figure 4B illustrates the facing plates 32a, 32b, 32c and 32d, along their corresponding facing faces 100, 152, 154 and 156 in an extended position.

Figure 4A is a top view 170 of the gear plate 72. The gear plate 72 includes a plurality of angled channels 172 that run through the upper surface 174 of the gear plate 72. The angled channels 172 they form a corresponding plurality of the linear "teeth" 176 having as a surface the upper surface 174. Each angled channel 172 and each tooth 176 has a respective width 178 and 180. Angled channels run at an angle (?) 182 from 0o, indicated 186, through the gear plate 72.

Figure 5B is an end view ("A") 185 of the gear plate 72, as indicated by the directional arrow 184 of Figure 5A, which also illustrates the plurality of angled channels 172 and the linear teeth 176. Each Angle channel 172 has a depth 192.

Figure 5C illustrates a view 200 of a flat surface 202 of the cylindrical gear head 76. The cylindrical gear head 76 includes a plurality of angled channels 204 running through the surface 202. The angled channels 204 form a corresponding plurality of linear teeth 206. The angled channels 204 and linear teeth 206 have widths 180 and 178, respectively, such that the width of the linear teeth 206 is substantially equal to the width of the angled channels 172 and that the The width of the channels at an angle 204 is substantially equal to the width of the linear teeth 176. The angled channels 204 and the teeth 206 run at the angle (?) 182 from 01, indicated at 186, through the surface 202.

Figure 5D is an end view 210 of the cylindrical gear head 76, as indicated by the directional arrow 208 of Figure 5, which also illustrates the plurality of angled channels 204 and the linear teeth 206. The surface 202 is a flat surface tangential to the radius of the cylindrical gear head 76. Each angled channel has the depth 192 from the flat surface 202.

When the cylindrical gear head 76 is "rotated" and positioned through the surface 174 of the gear plate 72, the linear teeth 206 of the gear head 76 engage and interlock with the angled channels 172 of the gear plate 72, and the linear teeth 176 of the gear plate 72 engage and interlock with the angled channels 204 of the gear head 76 (See also Figure 2). When the gear head 76 is pushed in the direction 92, the linear teeth 206 of the gear head 76 push against the linear teeth 176 of the gear plate 72 and push the gear plate 72 to move in the direction 94. A the reverse, when the gear head 76 is pushed in the direction 96, the gear teeth 206 of the gear plate 76 push against the linear teeth 176 of the gear plate 72 and push the gear plate 72 to move in the address 98.

For the cylindrical gear head 76 to push the gear plate 72 in the directions 94 and 98, the angle (?) 182 must be greater than 0 ° and less than 90 °. However, it is preferable that? 182 is at least greater than 45 °. When ? 182 is 45 ° or less, it takes more force for the cylindrical gear head 74 to move in the direction 92 to push the gear plate 72 in the direction 94 than it takes to push the gear plate 72 in the direction 98 to push the cylindrical gear head 74 in the direction 96, such as when the concrete is being compressed in the mold 46. The more it increases? 182 above 45 °, the greater is the force that is needed in the direction 98 on the gear plate 72 to move the cylindrical gear head 74 in the direction 96. In fact, at 90 ° the gear plate 72 could not move the cylindrical gear head 74 in either direction 92 or 96, regardless of how much force was applied to the gear plate 72 in the direction 98. In effect, the angle (?) acts as a multiplier of a force provided to the cylindrical gear head 74 by the cylinder 76 through the piston rod 78. When? 182 is greater than 45 °, a magnitude of force that is necessary to apply to the gear plate 72 in the direction 98 to move the cylindrical gear head 74 in the direction 96 is greater than the magnitude of the force that needs to be applied to the cylindrical gear head 74 in the direction 92 through the piston rod 78 for "holding" the gear plate 72 in position (i.e., when the concrete is being compressed in the mold 46).

However, the more it is increased? 182 above 45 °, the smaller the distance the gear plate 72, and hence the corresponding liner plate 32a, moves in the direction 94 when the cylindrical gear head 74 is pushed in the direction 92. A preferred operating angle for? 182 is approximately 70 °. This angle roughly represents a balance, or compromise, between the length of travel of the gear plate 72 and an increase in the level of force that needs to be applied in the direction 98 on the gear plate 72 to push the gear head 74 in the direction 96. The gear plate 72 and the cylindrical gear head 74 and their corresponding angled angles 176 and 206 reduce the necessary psi rating of the cylinder 76 to maintain the position of the gear plate 32a when compressing concrete in the mold cavity 46 and also reduces the wear experienced by the cylinder 76. Furthermore, from the foregoing analysis, it is evident that one method for controlling the distance of travel of the cover plate 32a is to control the angle (?) 182 of the angle channels 176 and 206 respectively of the gear plate 72 and the cylindrical gear head 74.

Figure 6A is a top view 220 of the gear rail 80. The gear rail 80 has an upper surface 220, a first end surface 224, and a second end surface 226. A rectangular gear channel, indicated by the lines Stroke 228, having a first opening 230 and a second opening 232 extends through the gear rail 80. An arched channel 234, having a radius necessary to receive the cylindrical gear head 76 extends through the surface upper 220 and forms a gear window 236 that extends through the upper surface 222 in the gear channel 228. The gear rail 80 has a width 238 gradually smaller than the width of the gear opening 126 in the side member 36a (see also Figure 3A).

Figure 6B is an end view 250 of the gear rail 80, indicated by the direction arrow 240 of Figure 6A, which also illustrates the gear channel 228 and the arcuate channel 234. The gear rail 80 has a depth 252 which is gradually smaller than the height of the gear opening 126 in the side member 36a (see Figure 3A). Figure 6B is a side view 260 of the gear rail 80 indicated by the directional arrow 242 of Figure 6A.

Figure 7 is a top view 270 illustrating the relationship between the gear rail 80 and the gear plate 72. The gear plate 72 has a width 272 gradually smaller than the width 274 of the gear rail 80, such that the gear plate 72 can be slidably inserted into the gear channel 228 through the first opening 230. When the gear plate 72 is inserted into the gear rail 80, the angled channels 172 and the linear teeth 176 they are exposed through the gear window 236.

Figure 8A is a top view 280 illustrating the relationship between the gear plate 72, the cylindrical gear head 74, and the gear rail 80. It is indicated that the gear plate 72 is slidably inserted into the rail gear 80. It is noted that the cylindrical gear head 74 is positioned within the transverse channel 234, with the angled channels and the linear teeth of the cylindrical gear head 74 engaged and interlocked in slidable manner with the angled channels 172 and the linear teeth 176 of the gear plate 72. When the cylindrical gear head 74 moves in the direction 92 extending the piston rod 78, the gear plate 72 extends outwardly from the gear rail 80 in the direction 94 ( See also Figure 9B below). When the gear head 74 moves in the direction 96 by retracting the piston rod 72, the gear plate 72 retracts into the gear rail 80 in the direction 98 (See also Figure 9A below).

Figure 8B is a side view 290 of the gear plate 72, the cylindrical gear head 74 and the guide rail 80 as indicated by the directional arrow 282 of Figure 8A. The cylindrical gear head 74 is positioned such that. the surface 202 is located within the arched channel 234. The angled channels 204 and the teeth 206 of the gear head 74 extend through the gear window 236 and interlock with the angled channels 172 and the linear teeth 176 of the gear plate 72 located within the gear channel 228. Figure 8C is an end view 300 as indicated by the directional arrow 284 of Figure 8A, and also illustrates the relationship between the gear plate 72, the head of the cylindrical gear 74 and gear rail 80.

Figure 9A is the top view 310 illustrating the gear plate 72 which is in a fully retracted position within the gear rail 80, with the cover plate 32a retracting against the transverse member 36a. For purposes of clarity, the cylindrical gear head 74 is not shown. The angled channels 172 and the linear teeth 176 can be seen through the gear window 236. It is noted that the coating plate 32a is coupled to the gear plate 72 with a plurality of fasteners 128 extending through the gear plate 32a on the gear plate 72. In one embodiment, the fasteners 128 threadably engage the cover plate 32a to the gear plate 72. Figure 9B is a top view 320 illustrating the gear plate 72 which is extended, at least partially from the gear rail 80, with the cover plate 32a separated from the transverse member 36a. Again, the cylindrical gear head 74 is not shown and the angled channels 172 and the linear teeth 176 are visible through the gear window 236.

Figure 10A is a diagram 330 illustrating an embodiment of a gear drive assembly 332 according to the present invention. The gear drive assembly 332 includes the cylindrical gear head 74, the cylinder 76, the piston rod 78 and a cylindrical sleeve 334. The cylindrical gear head 74 and the piston rod 78 are configured to be slidably inserted into the piston rod. the cylindrical sleeve 334. The cylinder 76 is threadably engaged with the cylindrical sleeve 334 with an O-ring 336 forming a seal. A window 338 along an axis of the cylindrical sleeve 334 partially exposes the angled channels 204 and the linear teeth 206. It is indicated that an accessory 342, such as the pneumatic or hydraulic accessory, is threadably coupled to the bore. 82. The cylinder 76 also includes a bore 344, which can be accessed through the transverse member 36a.

The gear drive assembly 332 is configured to be slidably inserted into the cylindrical gear shaft 134 (indicated by dashed lines) so that the window 338 intersects the gear slot 126 in such a way that the channels in angle 204 and the linear teeth 206 are exposed within the gear slot 126. The gear rail 80 and the gear plate 72 (not shown) are first inserted into the gear slot 126, such that when the gear drive assembly 332 is slidably inserted into the cylindrical gear shaft 134 of the angled channels 204 and the linear teeth 206 of the cylindrical gear head 74 engage and interlock with the channels 172 and the linear teeth 176 of the gear plate 72.

In one embodiment, a key 340 is connected to the cylindrical gear head 74 and runs inside the key slot 342 in the cylindrical sleeve 334. The key 340 prevents the cylindrical gear head 74 from rotating inside the cylindrical sleeve 334. The key 340 and the key slot 342 together also control the maximum extension and retraction of the cylindrical gear head 74 within the cylindrical sleeve 334. Therefore,, in one embodiment, the key 340 can be adjusted to control the extension distance of the facing plate 32a toward the interior of the mold cavity 46. FIG. 10A is a top view 350 of the cylindrical shaft 334 illustrated in FIG. Figure 10B, and also illustrates the key 340 and the key slot 342.

Figure HA is a top view illustrating an embodiment of the mold assembly 360 according to the present invention for forming two concrete blocks. The mold assembly 360 includes a mold frame 361 having the side members 34a and 34b and the cross members 36a to 36c coupled to each other so as to form a pair of mold boxes 42a and 42b. The mold box 42a includes the movable liner plates 32a to 32d and the corresponding removable liner faces 33a to 33d configured to form the mold cavity 46a. The mold box 42b includes the movable liner plates 32e to 32h and the corresponding removable liner faces 33e to 33h configured to form the mold cavity 46b.

Each movable liner plate has an associated gear drive assembly located internally with respect to an adjacent mold frame member indicated by 50a to 5Oh. Each movable liner plate is illustrated in an extended position with a corresponding gear plate indicated by 72a to 72h. As indicated below, the mobile cladding plates 32c and 32e share the gear drive assembly 50c / e, where the gear plate 72e has its corresponding plurality of channels angled upwardly and the gear plate 72c has its plurality corresponding channels at an angle looking down.

Figure 11B is a diagram illustrating a gear drive assembly in accordance with the present invention, such as a gear drive assembly 50c / e. Figure 11B illustrates a gear drive mounting view 50c / e as seen from the section A-A through the transverse member 36c of Figure HA. The gear drive assembly 50c / e includes the single cylindrical gear head 76c / e having the angled channels 204c and 204e on opposite surfaces. The cylindrical gear head 76c / e fits into the arcuate channels 234c and 234e of the gear rails 80c and 80d, such that the angled channels 204c and 204e are slidably interlocked with the angled channels 172c and 172e of the gear plates 72c and 72e, respectively.

The angled channels 172c and 204c and 172e and 204e oppose each other and are configured such that when the cylindrical gear head 76c / e is extended (eg, outwardly from Figure 11B) the gear plate 72c it moves in the direction 372 towards the interior of the mold cavity 46a and the gear plate 72e moves in the direction 374 towards the interior of the mold cavity 46b. Similarly, when the cylindrical gear head 76c / e is retracted (e.g., inwardly of Figure 11B) the gear plate 72c moves in the direction 376 outside the interior of the mold cavity 46a and the plate gear 72e moves in the direction 378 outside 5 of the interior of the mold cavity 278. Again, the cylindrical gear head 76c / e and the gear plates 72c and 72e may have any suitable shape.

Figure 12 is a perspective view illustrating a part of an exemplary embodiment of a mold assembly 430 according to the present invention. The mold assembly includes the plates Movable liner 432a to 4321 to simultaneously mold several concrete blocks. The mold assembly 430 includes a drive system assembly 431 having the side members 514a and 434b, and the cross members 436a and 436b.

For illustrative purposes, the side member 434a is indicated by broken lines. The mold assembly 430 also includes the division plates 437a to 437g. 0 Together, the moving cladding plates 432a to 4321 and the partition plates 437a to 437g form the mold cavities 446a to 446f, wherein each mold cavity is configured to form a concrete block. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the mold assembly 430 is configured to simultaneously form six blocks. However, it should be apparent from the illustration that the mold assembly 430 can be easily modified to simultaneously form amounts of concrete blocks other than six. In the illustrated embodiment, the side members 434a and 434b each have a corresponding gear drive assembly for moving the moveable liner plates 432a to 432f and 432g to 4321, respectively. For purposes of illustration, only the gear drive assembly 450 associated with the side member 434a and the corresponding movable cover plates 432a to 432g are shown. The gear drive assembly 450 includes first gear elements 472a to 472f selectively coupled to the corresponding movable cover plates 432a to 432f, respectively, and a second gear element 474. In the illustrated embodiment, it is shown that the first elements of gear 472a to 472f and second gear element 474 i have a cylindrical shape. However, 0 any form can be used.

The second gear elements 474 are selectively coupled to a cylinder-piston (not shown) through the piston rod 478. In one embodiment, which is described in more detail below (see Figure 12), the second gear element 474 is integrated with the cylinder-piston in such a way as to form a single component.

In the illustrated embodiment, each first gear element 472a to 472b also includes a plurality of substantially parallel angled channels 484 that are slidably interengaged and interlocked with a plurality of substantially parallel angled channels 486 on the second gear member 474 When the second gear member 474 moves in a direction indicated by the arrow 492, each of the moveable liner plates 432a to 432f moves in a direction indicated by the arrow 494. Similarly, when the second driver element Gear 474 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 496, each of the moving coating plates 432a to 432f moves in the direction indicated by arrow 498.

In the illustrated embodiment, the angled channels 484 on each of the first gear elements 432a to 432f and the angled channels 486 are at the same angle. Therefore, when the second gear element 474 moves in the direction 492 and 496, each movable cover plate 432a to 432f moves the same distance in the direction 494 and 498, respectively. In one embodiment, the second gear element '474 includes a plurality of groups of channels at substantially parallel angles where each group corresponds to a different one of the first gear elements 472a to 472f. In one embodiment, the angled channels of each group and their corresponding first gear element have a different angle such that each moving coating plate 432a through 432f moves a different distance in the directions 494 and 498 in response to the second element of gear 474 moving in the direction 492 and 496, respectively.

Figure 13 is a perspective view illustrating a gear drive assembly 500 in accordance with the present invention, and a corresponding movable liner plate 502 and the removable liner face 504. For illustrative purposes, the frame assembly including the lateral members and the transverse members is not shown. The gear drive assembly 500 includes the dual-rod end dual-action cylinder-piston 507, and a hollow piston rod 508 with a first rod end 510 and a second rod end 512. The gear drive assembly 500 also includes a pair of first gear elements 514a and 514b selectively coupled to the mobile coating plate 502, where each first gear element 514a and 514b has a plurality of substantially parallel angled channels 516a and 516b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cylinder body 507 of the cylinder-piston 506 includes a plurality of substantially parallel angled channels 518 configured to interlock and interlock in slidable manner with the angled channels 516a and 516b. In one embodiment, the cylinder body 507 is configured to be slidably inserted and coupled to a cylinder liner having the angled channels 518.

In one embodiment, the cylinder-piston 506 and the piston rod 508 are located within a drive shaft of a frame member, such as the drive shaft 134 of the transverse member 36a, with the rod end 510 engaged and extended. through a frame member, such as side member 34b, and second rod end 512 coupled and extended through a frame member, such as side member 34a. The first rod end 510 and the second rod end 512 are configured to receive and provide compressed air to drive the dual-action cylinder-piston 506. With the piston rod 508 fixed to the side members 34a and 34b through the first and second rod ends 512 and 510, the piston-cylinder 506 travels along the axis of the piston rod 508 in the direction indicated by the arrows 520 and 522 in response to the compressed air received through the first and second ends of the piston rod 508. rod 510 and 512.

When compressed air is received through the second rod end 512 and is ejected through the first rod end 510, the piston-cylinder 506 moves within a driving shaft, such as the drive shaft 134, in the direction 522 and causes the first gear elements 514a and 516b and the corresponding cover plate 502 and the cover face 504 to move in the direction indicated by the arrow 524. Conversely, when compressed air is received through the first 510 piston rod and is ejected through the second rod end 512, the piston cylinder 506 moves within a gear shaft, such as the gear shaft 134, in the direction 520 and makes the first gear elements 514a and 516b and corresponding facing plate 502 and facing face 504 are moved in the direction indicated by arrow 526.

In the illustrated embodiment, it is shown that cylinder-piston 506 and first gear elements 514a and 514b have a substantially cylindrical shape. However, any suitable form can be employed. In addition, in the illustrated embodiment, cylinder-piston 506 is a double-acting dual rod end cylinder. In one embodiment, the cylinder-piston 506 is a dual-action cylinder of a single rod end having only a single rod end 510 coupled to a rod member. • 5 framework, such as a side member 34b. In such an embodiment, compressed air is supplied to the cylinder-piston through a single rod end 510 and a flexible pneumatic connection made with the cylinder-piston 506 through the side member 34a through the gear shaft 134. In addition, the 506 cylinder-piston -0 comprises a hydraulic cylinder.

Fig. 14 is a top view of a portion of the cavity assembly 430 (illustrated by Fig. 12) having a drive assembly 550 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The drive assembly 550 includes first drive elements 572a to 572f which are selectively coupled to corresponding facing plates 432a through 432f through openings, such as opening 433, in side member 434a. Each of the first drive elements 572a to 572f is also coupled to the main rod 573. The drive assembly also includes a double rod end hydraulic piston assembly 606 having the dual acting cylinder 607 and the hollow piston rod 608 having the first rod end 610 and the second rod end 612. The first and second rod ends 610, 612 are stationary and are coupled and extend through the removable box 560 which is coupled to the side member 434a and encloses the drive member 550. The first and second rod ends 610, 612 are each coupled to cylindrical fittings 620 that are configured to connect through lines 622a and 622b to external hydraulic system 624 and to transfer hydraulic fluid to and from the dual-action cylinder 607 through of the hollow piston rod 608.

In another illustrated embodiment, the first drive elements 572b and 572e include a plurality of substantially parallel angled channels 616 that are slidably interlocked with a plurality of substantially parallel angled channels 618 that form a second drive element. In one embodiment, illustrated above by Figure 12, the angled channels 618 are formed on the dual-acting cylinder 607 of the hydraulic piston assembly 606, such that the dual-acting cylinder 607 forms the second drive element. In other embodiments, which will be described with Figures 15A-15C below, the second drive element is separated and operatively coupled to the dual action cylinder 607.

When hydraulic fluid is transmitted to the dual action cylinder 607 from the second rod end 612 through the accessory 620 and the hollow piston rod 608, the hydraulic fluid is expelled from the first end of rod 610, causing the dual-acting cylinder 607 and the angled channels 618 to move along the piston rod 608 towards the second end of rod 612. When the dual action cylinder 607 moves to the second rod end 612, the angled channels 618 interact with the angled channels 616 and drive the first driving channels 572b and 572e, and therefore the lining plates 432b and 432e corresponding, into the mold cavities 446b and 446e, respectively. Further, since each of the first gear elements 572a to 572f is coupled to the main rod 573, driving the first gear elements 572b and 572e into the interiors of the mold cavities 446b and 446e also removes the first elements of the mold cavities 446b and 446e. impellers 572a, 572c, 572d and 572f and the facing plates 432a, 432c, 432d and 432e corresponding to the interiors of the mold cavities 446a, 446c, 446d and 446f, respectively. Conversely, the transmission of hydraulic fluid to the double-acting cylinder 607 from the first end of rod 620 and the hollow piston rod 608 causes the dual-acting cylinder 607 to move towards the first end of rod 610, and makes that the lining plates 432 move out of the interiors of the corresponding mold cavities 446.

In one embodiment, the drive assembly 550 also includes (5 support axes 626, such as the support shafts 626a and 626b, which are coupled between the removable box 560 and the member (lateral 434a and extend through main rod 573. > When the dual action cylinder 607 moves by transmitting / expelling the hydraulic fluid from the first and I 0 second rod ends 610, 612, the main rod 573 moves back and forth along the support shafts 626. As they are coupled to the static elements of the mold assembly 430, the support shafts 626a and 626b they provide support and rigidity to the lining plates 432, the drive elements 572 and the main rod 573 as they move to and from the mold cavities 446.

In one embodiment, the drive assembly 550 also includes a pneumatic fitting 628 configured to connect through line 630 to an external compressed air system 632a and supply compressed air to the box 560. Receiving compressed air through the pneumatic accessory 628 to the removable box 560, the compressed air pressure of the box 560 is positive in relation to the outside air pressure, so that the air is continuously "pushed" out of the box 560 through any unsealed opening , such as the openings 433 through which the first drive elements 572 extend through the side member 434a. By maintaining a positive air pressure and pushing air out through the unsealed opening, the possibility of dust and debris and other unwanted contaminants entering the box 560 and drive assembly 550 is reduced.

The first and second rod ends 610, 612 are each coupled to the hydraulic fittings 620 which are configured to be connected through the lines 622a and 622b to the hydraulic system 624 and to transfer the hydraulic fluid to and from the action cylinder. dual 607 through the 5 piston rod 608.) Figure 15A is a top view illustrating a portion of an embodiment of the drive assembly 550 in accordance with the present invention. The drive assembly 550 includes the double rod end hydraulic piston assembly 606 which * comprises the dual action cylinder 607 and the hollow piston rod 608 with the first and second rod ends 610 and 612 which are engaged and extend through the removable box 560.

As illustrated, the dual-action cylinder 607 is slidably engaged within a milled opening 641 within a second gear element 640, where the hollow piston rod 608 extends through the end caps 642. In one embodiment, the end caps 646 are threaded into the milled opening 641 such that the end caps 646 line and secure the dual-action cylinder 607 so that the dual-action cylinder 607 remains stationary with respect to to the second drive element 640. The second drive element 640 includes the plurality of substantially parallel angled channels 607. With reference to Figure 14, the angled channels 618 of the second gear element 640 are configured to interlock in a slidable manner with the angle channels 616 of the first gear elements 572b and 572e.

The second gear element 640 also includes a guide rail 644 that slidably engages the linear bearing blocks 646 that are mounted to the case 560. As described above with respect to Figure 14, the transmission and ejection of hydraulic fluid to and from the ring cylinder 607 through the first and second end of rod 610, 612 cause the dual-acting cylinder 607 to move along the hollow piston rod 609. Since the dual-acting cylinder 607 is "locked" in place within the milled shaft 641 of the second gear element 640 through the end caps 642, the second gear element 640 moves along the hollow piston end 608 together with the dual action cylinder 607. When the second drive element 640 moves along the hollow piston rod 608, the blocks of Linear bearings 646 guide and secure the guide rail 644, thereby guiding and securing the second drive element 640 and reducing undesirable movement in the second drive element 640 which is perpendicular to the hollow piston rod 608.

Figure 15B is a side cross-sectional view A-A of the portion of the drive assembly 550 illustrated by Figure 15A. The guide rail 644 is slidably engaged in a linear bearing rail 650 and is moved over the bearings 652 when the second driving member 640 moves along the piston rod 608 through the dual-action cylinder 607 In one embodiment, the linear bearing block 646b is coupled to the housing 560 through the bolts 648.

Figure 15C is a longitudinal cross-sectional view BB of the drive assembly part 550 of Figure 15A, and illustrates the dual-action cylinder 607 that is secured within the shaft 641 of the drive member 640 through the caps of end 642a and 642b. In one embodiment, the end caps 642a and 642b are threaded into the ends of the second drive member 640 so that they abut each end of the dual action cylinder 607. The hollow piston rod 608 extends through of the end caps 642a and 642b and has first and second rod ends 610 and 612 coupled and extending through the cabinet 560. A divider 654 is coupled to the piston rod 608 and divides the dual-acting cylinder into a first chamber 656 and a second chamber 658. A first door 660 and a second pillar 662 allow the hydraulic fluid to be pumped and ejected from the first chamber 656 and the second chamber 658 through the first and second rod ends 610 and 612 and the associated hydraulic accessories 620, respectively.

When the hydraulic fluid is pumped into the first chamber 656 through the first rod end 610 and the first port 660, the dual-action cylinder 607 moves along the hollow piston rod 608 toward the first rod end 610 and the hydraulic fluid is ejected from the second chamber 658 through the second door 662 and the second end of rod 612. Since the dual-action cylinder 607 is secured within the shaft 641 through the end caps 642a and 642b, the in, 1 second drive element 640 and, therefore, the angled channels 618 move towards the first end of rod 610. In ) similar way, when the hydraulic fluid is pumped into the second chamber 658 through the second end of rod 612 and the second door 662, the dual-action cylinder 607 moves along the hollow piston rod 608 towards the second end of rod 612 and the hydraulic fluid is expelled from the first chamber 656 through the first 660 door and the first end of rod 610.

Figure 16 is a side view of a portion of the drive assembly 550 as shown in Figure 14 and illustrates a typical liner plate, such as the liner plate 432a and the corresponding removable cladding face 400. The cladding plate 432a is coupled to the second driving element 573a through a bolted connection 670 and, in turn, the driving element 572a is coupled to the main rod 573 a through a secured connection with bolts 672. A lower part of the facing face 400 is coupled to the facing plate 432a through a bolted connection 674. In one embodiment, illustrated, the facing plate 432a it includes an "edge" 676 running along the length and an upper edge of the facing plate 432a. The channel 678 of the facing face 400 is superposed and interlocked with the raised edge 676 to form a "boltless" connection between the facing plate 432a and an upper part of the facing face 400. Such an interbonding connection engages the The top portion of the facing face 400 to the facing plate 432 is securely formed in an area of the facing face 400 that would otherwise be too narrow to allow the use of a bolted connection between the facing face 400 and the lining plate 432a without the bolt being visible on the surface of the facing face 400 facing the mold cavity 446a.

In one embodiment, the coating plate 432 includes the heater 680 configured to maintain the temperature of the corresponding coating face 400 at a desired temperature to prevent the concrete that is inside the mold cavity 446 from adhering to the surface of the mold. face of coating 400 during the concrete curing process. In one embodiment, the heater 680 comprises an electric heater.

Fig. 17 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a mold assembly according to the present invention, such as the mold assembly 430 of Fig. 14, which also includes a controller 700 configured to coordinate the movement of the plates coating devices, such as the coating plates 432, with the operations of the concrete block machine 702 controlling the operation of the drive assembly, such as the drive assembly 550. In one embodiment, illustrated, the controller 700 comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC).

As described above with respect to Figure 1, the mold assembly 430 is selectively coupled, generally through a plurality of bolted connections, to the concrete block machine 702. During the operation, the block machine Concrete 702 first places pallet 56 below mold box assembly 430. A concrete advance box 704 then fills mold cavities, such as mold cavities 446, of assembly 430 with concrete. The head shoe assembly 52 is then lowered onto the mold assembly 430 and hydraulically or mechanically compresses the concrete into the mold cavities 446 and, together with a vibrating board on which the plate 56 is positioned, vibrates simultaneously the mold assembly 430. After the compression and vibration ends, the head shoe assembly 52 and the paddle 56 lower the relationship with the mold cavities 446 so that the concrete blocks formed are expelled from the moldings 446. mold cavities 446 on the pallet 56. The head shoe assembly 52 is then lifted and a new pallet 56 moved to the position below the mold cavity 446. The preceding process is repeated continuously, each such repetition is repeated. commonly called cycle. With specific reference to mold assembly 430, each such cycle produces six concrete blocks.

The PLC 700 is configured to coordinate the extension and retraction of the liner plates 432 in and out of the mold cavities 446 with the operations of the concrete block machine 702 as described above. At the start of a cycle, the lining plates 432 are fully retracted from the mold cavities 446. In one embodiment, with reference to Figure 14, the drive assembly 550 includes a pair of sensors, such as the proximity switches 706a and 706b for monitoring the position of the main rod 573 and, therefore, the positions of the corresponding mobile cladding plates 432 coupled to the main rod 573. As illustrated in Figure 14, the proximity switches 706a and 706b are respectively configured to detect when the coating plates are in an extended position and in a retracted position with respect to the mold cavities 446.

In one embodiment, after the pallet 56 has been positioned below the mold assembly 430, the PLC 700 receives a signal 708 from the concrete block machine 702 which indicates that the concrete advance box 704 is ready to provide the concrete to the mold cavities 446. The PLC 700 controls the position of the mobile coatings 432 on the signals 710a and 710b received respectively from the proximity switches 706a and 706b. With the liner plates 432 in the retracted position, the PLC 700 provides an extension signal of the liner 702 to the hydraulic system 624.

In response to the coating extension signal 712, the hydraulic system 624 starts pumping the hydraulic fluid through the path 622b to the second rod end 612 of the piston assembly 606 and begins to receive the hydraulic fluid from the first rod end 610 through the path 622a, thereby making the dual-action cylinder 607 begin to move the moving facing plates into the interiors of the mold cavities 446. When the proximity switch 706a detects that the main rod 573, the proximity switch 706a provides signal 710a to PLC 700 which indicates that facing plates 432 have reached the desired position. In response to the signal 710a, the PLC 700 instructs the hydraulic system 624 through the signal 712 to stop pumping the hydraulic fluid to the piston assembly 606 and provides a signal 714 to the concrete block machine 702 which indicates that the lining plates 432 are extended.

In response to the signal 714, the concrete advance box 704 fills the mold cavities 446 with concrete and the head shoe assembly 52 is lowered onto the mold assembly 43. After the compression and vibration of the concrete ends , the concrete block machine 702 provides a signal 706 indicating that the formed concrete blocks are ready to be expelled from the mold cavities 446. In response to the signal 716, the PLC 700 provides a retraction signal of the coating 718 to the 624 hydraulic system.

In response to the coating retraction signal 718, the hydraulic system 624 starts pumping the hydraulic fluid through the path 622b to the first end of rod 610 through the path 622 and begins to receive the hydraulic fluid through the path 622b from the end of rod 612, thereby making the dual-action cylinder 607 begin to move the lining plates 432 out of the interiors of the mold cavities 446. When the proximity switch 706b detects the main rod 573, the switch Proximity 706b provides the signal 710b to the PLC 700 indicating that the coating plates 432 have reached a retracted position \? desired. In response to signal 710b, PLC 700 gives (6) instructions to hydraulic system 624 through signal 718 f to stop pumping hydraulic fluid to 0 piston assembly 606 and provide a signal 720 to the concrete block machine indicating that liner plates 432 are retracted .

In response to the signal 720, the head shoe assembly 52 and the paddle 56 eject the concrete blocks formed from the concrete cavities 446. The concrete block machine 702 then retracts the head shoe assembly 52 and positions a new pallet 56 below the mold assembly 430. The preceding process is then repeated during the next cycle. In one embodiment, the PLC 700 is also configured to control the supply of compressed air to the mold assembly 430. In one embodiment, the PLC 700 provides a status signal 722 to the compressed air system 630 which indicates when the block machine of concrete 702 and mold assembly 430 are in operation and form concrete blocks. When in operation, the compressed air system 632 provides compressed air through the line 630 and the mechanical attachment 628 to the box 560 of the mold assembly 420 to reduce the possibility of dirt / dust and other debris entering the assembly of drive 550. When not in operation, compressed air system 632 does not provide compressed air to mold assembly 430.

Although the foregoing description of the controller 700 is with respect to the control of a drive assembly employing only a single piston assembly, such as the piston assembly 606 of the drive assembly 500, the controller 700 can be adapted to control assemblies of employing drive several piston assemblies and employ several pairs of proximity switches, such as proximity switches 706a and 706b. In those cases, hydraulic system 624 was coupled to each piston assembly through a pair of hydraulic lines, such as lines 622a and 622b. 2\? In addition, the PLC 700 received several position signals and respectively allowed the mold cavities to be filled with concrete and the formed blocks to be ejected when each applicable proximity switch indicates that all the mobile casing plates are in their extended position and each Applicable proximity switch indicates that all movable cover plates are in their retracted position.

Figures 18A to 18C illustrate parts of an alternative embodiment of the drive assembly 550 illustrated by Figures 15A to 15C. Figure 18A is the top view of the second gear element 640, wherein the second gear element is driven by a screw driving system 806 instead of a piston assembly, such as a piston assembly 606. The Screw drive 806 includes a threaded screw 808, such as an Acme or Ball style screw and an electric motor 810. The threaded screw 808 is threaded through a corresponding threaded shaft 812 extending lengthwise through of a second gear element 640. The screw screw 808 is coupled at a first end to a first bearing assembly 814a and is coupled at a second end to the motor 810 through a second bearing assembly 814b. The motor 810 is selectively coupled through the mounts of the motor 824 to the box 560 and / or to the lateral / transverse members, such as the transverse member 434a, of the mold assembly.

In a manner similar to that described in Figure 15A, the second gear element 640 includes the plurality of angled channels 618 which are slidably interlocked and intertwine with the channels, at an angle 616 of the first gear elements 572b and 572c , as illustrated in Figure 14. Since the second gear element 640 is coupled to the linear bearing blocks 64, when the motor 810 is driven to rotate a threaded screw 808 in the counterclockwise direction 816, the second gear element 640 is driven in the direction 818 along the linear bearing rail 650. When the second 640 moves in the direction 818, the angled channels 618 interact with the angled channels 616 and extend the plates 618. coating, such as facing plates 432a through 432f illustrated by Figures 12 and 14, into the mold cavities 446a through 446f.

When the motor 810 is urged to rotate the threaded screw 808 in the clockwise direction 820, the second gear element 640 is driven in the direction 822 along the bearing rail 650. When the second gear element 640 it moves in the direction 822, the angled channels 618 interact with the angled channels 615 and retract the facing plates, so that the facing plates 432a to 432f illustrated by Figures 12 and 14, move away from the interior of the mold cavities 446a to 446f. In one embodiment, the distance that the liner plates extend and retract towards and from the interior of the mold cavities is controlled based on the pair of proximity switches 706a and 706b, as illustrated in Figure 14. In a alternative embodiment, the travel distance of the coating plates is controlled based on the number of revolutions that the motor 810 drives to the threaded screw 808.

Figures 18B and 18C respectively illustrate the lateral and longitudinal cross section views A-A and B-B of the drive assembly 550 illustrated by Figure 18A. Although illustrated to be located external to box 560, in alternative embodiments, motor 810 is mounted within box 560.

As described above, concrete blocks, also widely referred to as concrete masonry units (CMU), comprise a wide variety of block types such as, for example, patio blocks, pavers, lightweight blocks, ash bricks, units architectural and retaining wall blocks. The terms concrete block, masonry block, and concrete masonry unit are used interchangeably herein, and include all types of concrete masonry units suitable for being formed by assemblies, systems, and methods of the present invention. . In addition, although in the present they comprise and employ primarily concrete, dry-cast concrete, or other mixtures, the concrete masonry systems, methods, and units of the present invention are not limited to such materials, and comprise the use of any suitable material. for the formation of such blocks.

Figures 19A and 19B respectively illustrate perspective and top views of an embodiment of a drive assembly 850 according to the present invention for moving an associated mobile liner plate 852 (indicated by the dashed lines and similar to the liner plate 52 of Figures 1 and 2). To simplify the illustration, the side and transverse members of a mold assembly of the movable liner plate 852 in part (similar to the side and transverse members 34a, 34b and 36a, 36b of the mold assembly 30 of Figure 1) do not shows.

The drive assembly 850 includes a first drive element 854 and a drive assembly 856 that includes a second drive element 868. In one embodiment, the second drive element 858 includes a linear rail 860 at a non-zero angle ( ?) 862 with the x-axis 870. In one embodiment, the first drive element 854 includes a channel 864 proximate the first end 866, where the channel 864 is also substantially at the nonzero angle (?) 862 with the plate of moving coating 852 and is configured to receive and interlock with the linear rail 860 such that the first driving element 854 is substantially at a right angle with the moving facing plate 852 and the second driving element 858. A second end 868 of the first IJ.0 drive element 854 is selectively coupled to the moving skin plate 952.

The drive assembly 856 is configured to move the second drive element 858 substantially in bilinear fashion along the x-axis 870. The first drive element 854 is limited to moving substantially along • * of the shaft and 872. In the movement, the first drive element 854 extends through a guide rail through a lateral or transverse member of the mold assembly (not shown). shows) similar to the gear rail 80 illustrated in Figure 2 above. In one embodiment, the movable liner plate 852 includes one or more guide pillars, such as the guide pillars 870a and 870b (similar to the guide pillars 88a-88d of Figure 2) that extend within a lateral member. or transverse of the mold assembly (not shown) and guide and limit the movement of the movable liner plate 852 along the y-axis 872. When in operation, when the drive assembly 856 drives the second driver element 858 along the x-axis 870 in the first direction 874, the channel 864 of the first drive element 854 travels along the linear rail 860, thereby making the first drive channels 854 and therefore the moving facing plate 852 move along the y-axis 872 in the first direction 876. Similarly, when the drive assembly 856 drives the second drive element 858 along the x-axis 870 in the second direction 878, the channel 864 of the first drive element 854 travels along the linear rail 860 and causes the drive element 854 and therefore the movable facing plate 852 to move along the axis and 872 at address 880. It is noted that the magnitude of the movement of The first drive element 854 along the axis and 872 is i proportional to the angle (?) 862 (ie, the greater the angle (?) 862, the greater the ratio of the movement of the first drive element 854 to the long axis and 872 with the (\ movement of the second drive element 858 along the x-axis 870).

In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 19A-19B, the drive assembly 856 includes a dual rod end piston assembly 882 similar to the double rod end piston assembly 606 illustrated and described above in Figures 15A-15C . The double rod end piston assembly 882 includes a hollow piston body 884 selectively coupled within the second drive member 854 and having first and second hollow rod ends 886 and 888. As described above with respect to the end assembly of double rod 606 of Figures 15A-15C, a hydraulic medium is pumped in and out of the piston body 884 to drive the second drive element 858 in the first and second directions 876 and 878 along the x-axis 870. In one embodiment, the drive assembly 856 comprises a screw drive system (not shown), similar to the screw drive system 806 and illustrated above by Figures 18A-18C, for driving the second drive element 858 in the first and second directions 876 and 878 along the x-axis 870.

Figure 20 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a drive assembly 900 in accordance with the present invention. The drive assembly 900 is similar with the drive assembly 850 that is described and illustrated in Figures 19A-19B above, except that the second drive element 858 includes a curvilinear rail 902 in place of the linear rail 860 and the first drive element. The gear 854 includes a pair of roller elements 904a and 904b in place of the channel 864. The roller elements 904a and 904b are separated from one another and configured to contact and move along the curvilinear rail 902. In one embodiment the curvilinear rail 902 has a "serpentine" nature and has a portion 906 that is a greater distance from the moving facing plate 852 than the parts 908 and 910 of the curvilinear rail 902. As with the drive assembly 850, the facing plate mobile 852 and first gear 854 are limited to movement along the y-axis 872 and second element 858 is limited to movement along the x-axis 870.

In operation, the drive assembly 856 is configured to drive the second drive member 858 back and forth along the x-axis 870 which causes the first drive member 854 and, therefore, the movable facing plate 852 extend and retract along the y-axis 872. For example, when the drive assembly 856 drives the second gear element 858 in a first direction 912 along the x-axis 870 such that the roller element 904a and 904b travel along the curvilinear rail 902 from the 908 part to the 906 part, the first gear element 854 and therefore, the moving liner plate 852 move along the axis and 872 in a first direction 914 (ie, "retract" from an associated mold cavity). Similarly, when the drive assembly 856 drives the second gear element 858 in the first direction 912 along the x-axis 870 so that the roller elements 904a and 904b travel along the curvilinear rail 902 from the part 906 to the part 910, the first gear element 854 and therefore, the moving skin plate 852 move along the and 872 in the second direction 916 (ie, "extend" in a cavity of associated mold).

Similarly, when the drive assembly 856 drives the second element it drives the second gear element 858 in the second direction 918 along the x-axis 870 so that the roller elements 904a and 904b travel along the rail curvilinear 902 from part 910 to part 906, the first gear element 854 and therefore the movable cover plate 852 move along the axis and 872 in the first direction 914 (ie, "retract" from an associated mold cavity). Similarly, when the drive assembly 856 drives the second gear element 858 in the second direction 918 along the x-axis 870 so that the roller elements 904a and 904b travel along the curvilinear rail 902 from the part 906 to the part 908, the first gear element 854 and therefore, the movable liner plate 852 move along the axis and 872 in the second direction 916 (i.e., "retract" in a cavity of associated mold).

Figure 21 is a top view illustrating an embodiment of a drive assembly 950 in accordance with the present invention. The drive assembly 950 is similar to the drive assembly 850 illustrated and described above by Figures 19A-19B, except that the second drive member 858 does not include a rail element (e.g., the coating rail 860 and the curvilinear rail). 902) and the first driving element is pivotally coupled at a first end 952 to the moving facing plate 852 through a first pin 954 and is coupled at the second end 956 to the second engagement element 858 through a second one. pin 958. The second gear member 858 is limited to movement along the y-axis 872 and the movable liner plate 852 is limited to movement along the x-axis 870.

As illustrated in Figure 21, the full lines indicate the drive assembly 950 when the movable liner plate 852 is in the extended position 960, while the broken lines indicate the drive assembly 950 when the moving liner plate 852 is in the retracted position 962. In operation, the drive assembly 856 is configured to drive the second drive element 858 back and forth along the x-axis 870 so as to make the first drive member 854 boost the plate ; movable liner 852 back and forth along the axis and 872 when the first drive element 854 rotates about 5 of the first and second pegs 954 and 958.

For example, when the drive assembly 856 drives the (second drive element 858 a distance DI 964 in the 1 address 966 along the axis and 968 from a position 0 extended to a retracted position, the first drive member 854 rotates about the first and second pegs 954 and 958 to a position indicated by the dashed lines and pulls the movable facing plate 852 a distance D2 970 in the direction 972 along the x-axis 974 from the extended position 960 to the retracted position 962. Similarly, when the driving assembly 856 drives the second driving element 856 the distance DI 964 in the direction 976 along the y-axis 968 from the retracted position to the extended position, the first drive member 854 rotates around the first and second pegs 954 and 958 to a position indicated by the full lines and pushes the movable facing plate 852 the distance D2 970 in the direction 978 along the x-axis 974 from the retracted position 962 to the extended position 960. In one embodiment, the upper element 980 prevents the drive assembly 856 from moving The first drive element 854 beyond a fully extended position.

FIG. 22 is a top view of the drive assembly 1000 according to the present invention for simultaneously moving two moving liner plates. The drive assembly 1000 is similar to the drive assembly 950 illustrated and described in Figure 21, except that the drive assembly 856 includes a pair of first drive elements 854a and 854b each coupled to a moveable facing plate 852a and 852b of the mold cavities separated from a mold assembly (similar to the movable liner plates 32c and 32e of the mold cavities 46a and 46b of the mold assembly 360 described and illustrated above with respect to Figure HA). The first drive element 654a is pivotally coupled to the moving skin plate 852a through the pin 954a and the second drive element 858 through the pin 958a, and the first drive element 854b is pivotally coupled to the movable liner plate 852b through the pin 954b and to the second drive element 858 through the pin 958b. The second drive element 858 is limited to movement along the y-axis 872 and the movable liner plates 852a and 852b are limited to movement along the x-axis 870.

As illustrated in Figure 22, the full lines indicate the drive assembly 1000 when the movable liner plates 852a and 852b are in respective extended positions 960a and 960b, while the dashed lines indicate the drive assembly 1000 when the Movable cover plates 852a and 852b are in respective retracted positions 962a and 962b. In operation, the drive assembly 856 is configured to drive the second drive member 858 back and forth along the y-axis 872 so as to urge the movable liner plates 852a and 852b back and forth along the length. of the x-axis 870 through the respective first drive element 854a and 854b.

For example, when the drive assembly 856 drives the second drive element 858 the distance DI 964 in the direction 966 along the x-axis 870 from the extended position to the retracted position, the first drive element 854a rotates around the pins 954a and 958a at a position indicated by the dashed lines and pulls the moving facing plate 852a a distance D2 970a in the direction 972a along the axis and 872 from the extended position 960a to the retracted position 962a. Simultaneously, the first drive element 854b rotates around the pins 954b and 958b at a position indicated by the dashed lines and pulls the moving facing plate 852b a distance D2 970b in the direction 972b along the axis and 872 from the extended position 960b to the retracted position 962b.

Conversely, when the drive assembly 856 drives the second drive element 858 the distance DI 964 in the direction 976 along the axis 870 from an extended position to a retracted position, the first drive element 854a rotates around the pins 954b and 958b at a position indicated by the full lines and pushes the moving facing plate 852a a distance D2 970a in the direction 978a along the axis and 872 from the retracted position 962a to the extended position 960a. Simultaneously, the first drive element 854b rotates around the pins 854b and 858b to a position indicated by the full lines and pushes the moving skin plate 852b a distance D2 970b in the direction 978b along the axis and 872b from the position extended 962b to retracted position 960b.

Figure 23 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a drive assembly 1050 according to the present invention for simultaneously moving two moving liner plates. The drive assembly 1050 is similar to the drive assemblies 850 and 900 illustrated and described above in Figures 19A-19B and 20, except that the drive assembly 856 includes a pair of third drive elements 1054a and 1054b each coupled to the drive assembly. first drive element 854 at first ends and at second ends 1055a and 1055b to corresponding movable liner plates 852a and 852b from the mold cavities separated from a mold assembly (similar to the movable liner plates 32c and 32d of the cavities of molds 46a and 46b of mold assembly 360 described and illustrated above with respect to Figure HA).

As illustrated, the first gear element 854 includes the channel 864 configured to interlock in a slidable manner and travel along the linear rail 860, each of which is at the same non-zero angle (?) 862 with the axis x 872. The first drive element 854 also includes a first set of angled elements 1056a and a second set of channels at an angle 1056b on opposite sides of the first drive element 5. The third drive elements 1054a and 1054b respectively include sets of angled channels 1058a and 1058b which are respectively configured to be slidably interlocked with the angled channels i 1056a and 1056b of the first drive element 854. Angled channels 056a, 1056b, 1058a and 1058b are similar to those f described above with respect to Figures 5A to 9B. In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 23, the first drive element 854 is positioned between the plates of I mobile lining 852a and 852b and the mold cavities to which they correspond (e.g., within the transverse member 36c between the moving liner plates 32c and 32e and the corresponding mold cavities 46a and 46b illustrated and described above in Figure HA).

In operation, when the drive assembly 856 drives the second drive member 858 along the x-axis 870 in the first direction 874, the channel 864 of the first drive element 854 travels along the linear rail 860 which makes that the first drive element 854 moves along the axis y 872 in the first direction 876. In turn, the interaction between the channels at an angle 1056a and 1058a and the channels at an angle 1056b and 1058b respectively make the third elements of 5 gears 1054a and 1054b and movable liner plates 852a and 852b are moved along the x-axis 870 in the directions 1060a and 1060b into their respective mold cavities.

Conversely, when the drive assembly 856 drives the second drive member 858 along the x-axis 870 in the second direction 878, the channel 864 of the first drive member 854 travels along the linear rail 860 which makes that the first drive element 854 moves along the y-axis 872 in the second direction 880. In turn, the interaction between the channels at an angle 1056a and 1058a and the channels at an angle 1056b and 1056b respectively make the third parties elements of , gear 1054a and 1054b and the corresponding movable cover plates 852a and 852b move along the x-axis 870 0 in the directions 1062a and 1062b outside the interior of their respective mold cavities.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of alternative and / or equivalent implementations can replace the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is desired that the patent application cover all adaptations and variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Accordingly, it is desired that this invention be limited only by the claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims (22)

1. A mold assembly for making concrete blocks and adapted for use in a machine for concrete blocks, the mold assembly comprises: A plurality of cladding plates forming at least a first mold cavity, wherein at least a first lining plate is movable; and A drive assembly comprising: A first drive element having a first end and coupled to the first movable liner plate proximate a second end; and A drive assembly including a second drive element selectively coupled to the first drive member proximate the first end, wherein the drive assembly is configured to drive the second drive element along a first axis in such a manner that cause at least the second end of the first drive element to move along a second axis and cause the first moving cover plate to move to and from the interior of the first mold cavity.

2. The mold assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

3. The mold assembly according to claim 1, wherein the second drive element includes a rail element, and wherein the first drive element is slidably coupled to the rail element.

4. The mold assembly according to claim 3, wherein the rail element is substantially linear and is at a non-zero angle with the first axis.

5. The mold assembly according to claim 3, wherein the rail element is curvilinear in relation to the first axis.

6. The mold assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first drive element includes a channel proximate the first end that is configured to receive and interlock in a slidable manner with the rail element.

7. The mold assembly according to claim 3, wherein the first drive member includes a plurality of separate roller elements to receive slidably and configured to follow the rail element.

8. The mold assembly according to claim 1, wherein the first drive member is slidably coupled to the second drive member proximate the first end and rotatably coupled to the first movable face plate proximate the second end.

9. The mold assembly according to claim 1, which also includes a third drive element coupled close to a first end to the second drive element and coupled close to a second end to a second moving skin plate of a second mold cavity. , wherein at least the second end of the third drive member moves along the second axis to cause the second liner plate to move to and from the inside of the second mold cavity in response to the drive assembly that drives the second drive element along the first axis.

10. The mold assembly according to claim 9, wherein the movement of the first and second movable cover plates is substantially parallel to the second axis.

11. The mold assembly according to claim 1, the drive assembly includes: A third drive element selectively coupled between the first drive element and the first moving cladding plate, and 0 A fourth drive element selectively coupled between the first drive element and the second moving cover plate of a second mold cavity, wherein the third drive element moves a third axis and and the fourth drive element moves along a fourth axis to move the fifth axis. respectively the first and second moving facing plates towards and from the interior of the first and second mold cavities and wherein the third and fourth axes are substantially parallel to the first axis.

The mold cavity according to claim 10, wherein the movement of the first and second movable cover plates is in a direction substantially parallel to the first axis.

13. A mold assembly for making concrete blocks and adapted for use in a machine for concrete blocks, the mold assembly comprises: A plurality of coating plates forming at least a first mold cavity, wherein at less a first liner plate is movable and a drive assembly comprising: A first drive element having a first end and a second end, the second end is rotatably coupled to the first movable liner plate; and A drive assembly including a second drive member rotatably coupled to the first end of the first drive element, wherein the drive assembly is configured to drive the second drive element along a first axis in such a manner that the first end of the first drive element rotates and moves along the first axis and the second end rotates and moves along a second axis that is substantially perpendicular to the first axis and makes the first moving cladding plate move to and from the inside of the first mold cavity.

14. The mold assembly according to claim 13, wherein when the drive assembly moves the second drive element in a first direction along the first axis the second end of the first drive element moves in a first direction as length of the second axis and moves the first moving facing plate out of the interior of the first mold cavity, and where when the drive assembly moves the second driving element in a second direction along the first axis the second end of the The first drive element moves in a second direction along the second axis and moves the first moving facing plate into the first mold cavity.

15. The mold assembly according to claim 14, wherein the drive assembly also includes a third drive member having a first end rotatably coupled to the second drive element and a second end rotatably coupled to a second gate of moving liner of a second mold cavity, wherein the first end moves along the first axis and the second end of the third drive element moves along the second axis and moves the second moving liner to and from the inside the second mold cavity when the second drive element moves along the first axis.

16. The mold assembly according to claim 15, wherein when the drive assembly moves the second drive element in the first direction along the first axis the second end of the third drive element moves in the second direction as length of the second axis and rotates the second moving facing plate out of the interior of the second mold cavity, and wherein when the drive assembly moves the second driving element in the second direction along the first axis the second end of the third drive element moves in the first direction along the second axis and moves the second moving skin plate into the second mold cavity.

17. A mold assembly for making concrete blocks and adapted for use in a concrete block machine, the mold assembly comprises: A plurality of facing plates forming at least a first mold cavity, wherein at least a first coating plate is movable; and A drive assembly comprising: A drive assembly having a first drive element and A second drive element coupled between the first drive element and the first moveable drive plate, wherein the drive assembly is configured to drive the first drive element along a first axis such that it causes the second drive element to move along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and causes the first moving facing plate to move towards and from inside the first mold cavity.

18. The mold assembly according to claim 17, wherein the second drive element includes a first channel at an angle, and wherein the drive assembly also includes: A third drive element coupled to the first moving facing plate and which it has a plurality of angled channels configured to interlock in slidable manner with the first plurality of angled channels of the second drive element; wherein the interaction between the first plurality of angled channels of the second drive element and the plurality of angled channels of the third drive element causes the third drive element to move along the third axis and move the first drive plate. of mobile coating and outside the interior of the first mold cavity in response to the second drive element moving along the second axis.

19. The mold assembly according to claim 18, wherein the second drive element includes a second plurality of channels at an angle, and wherein the drive assembly also includes: A fourth drive element coupled to a second moving plate of a second mold cavity and having a plurality of angled channels configured to interlock in sliding form ii with the second plurality of angled channels of the second driving element, wherein the interaction between the second plurality of channels at an angle of the second drive element and the plurality of angled channels of the fourth drive element causes the fourth drive element to move along another axis and move the second moving liner plate to and from the inside of the first mold cavity in response to the second drive element that moves along the second axis.

20. The mold assembly according to claim 19, wherein the third and fourth axes are substantially parallel to the first axis, and wherein the movement of the first and second moving facing plates towards and from the interior of the first and second axes. Mold cavities is substantially parallel to the first axis.

21. The mold assembly according to claim 19, wherein the movement of the first drive element along the first axis in a first direction causes the movement of the second drive element in a first direction as 5 along the second axis, causes the movement of the third drive element in a first direction along the third axis and the movement of the first moving facing plate into the interior of the first mold cavity, and causes the movement of the fourth drive element in a first direction along the length of the fourth axis and the movement of the second moving facing plate into the second mold cavity, wherein the first direction along the third axis is opposite to the first direction along the fourth axis. i

22. The mold assembly according to claim 21, in t h where the movement of the first drive element along t i of the first axis in a second direction causes the movement . { of the second drive element in a second direction along the length of the second axis, causes the movement of the third drive element 0 in the second direction along the third axis and the movement of the first moving skin plate out of the interior of the first mold cavity, and causes the movement of the fourth driving element in a second direction along the fourth axis and the movement of the second moving coating plate out of the interior of the second mold cavity, wherein the Second direction along the third axis is opposite to the second direction along the fourth axis.