Mould clamp with mould height adjustment system and method for the actuation thereof

A mould closing unit, comprising a device for automatically adapting a mould height of injection moulds of variable height as measured in a closing direction, for an injection moulding machine for processing plastics and other plasticisable materials, comprising,

• a stationary platen,
• a movable platen,
• a closing device for moving the movable platen in the closing direction, towards the stationary platen and away therefrom,
• an adjustable supporting element for the closing device,
• a mould height adjustment device for adjusting a spacing between the stationary platen and the adjustable supporting element by moving the adjustable supporting element,
• a drive for actuating the mould height adjustment device,
• a locking device for releasably locking the adjustable supporting element in its current position, biased by locking elements,
• wherein during movement of the movable platen in the closing direction towards the stationary platen and away therefrom, the locking device is releasable by removing a bias from the locking elements,
• wherein the locking elements are selectively relieved of load or biased by active actuation elements, for the purpose of releasing the mould height adjustment device,
• wherein during operation of the injection moulding machine, a monitoring device is provided for monitoring a total force, acting as a dynamic operating force with no bias on the adjustable supporting element, and
• wherein the locking elements of the locking device are releasable for removing the bias within a period of time in which the total force is greater than or equal to zero.