CA2435717A1 - Operating mechanism for a clamping cartridge for panel type products - Google Patents
Operating mechanism for a clamping cartridge for panel type products Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2435717A1 CA2435717A1 CA 2435717 CA2435717A CA2435717A1 CA 2435717 A1 CA2435717 A1 CA 2435717A1 CA 2435717 CA2435717 CA 2435717 CA 2435717 A CA2435717 A CA 2435717A CA 2435717 A1 CA2435717 A1 CA 2435717A1
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- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- clamping
- cartridge
- view
- cam
- clamps
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G49/00—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for
- B65G49/05—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for for fragile or damageable materials or articles
- B65G49/06—Conveying systems characterised by their application for specified purposes not otherwise provided for for fragile or damageable materials or articles for fragile sheets, e.g. glass
- B65G49/068—Stacking or destacking devices; Means for preventing damage to stacked sheets, e.g. spaces
- B65G49/069—Means for avoiding damage to stacked plate glass, e.g. by interposing paper or powder spacers in the stack
Abstract
A clamping cartridge is provided which comprises a plurality of clamping mechanisms spaced apart on a frame or chassis. The clamping mechanisms are generally oriented perpendicular to their direction of spacing. The clamping mechanisms are of the type which comprise a pair of relatively movable jaws or arms which are biased together. A slotted guide which is movable relative to the frame is provided in which adjacent arms of adjacent clamps are confined within the slots. The guide is movable via a camming mechanism operable by rotation of a cam shaft so as to cause the jaws of the plurality of clamping mechanisms to close or clamp against one or more objects which may have been placed therebetween. The clamping cartridges are useful in a variety of applications requiring clamping of one or more articles in a side-by-side relationship. One such application is a transportation/storage rack which includes a plurality of aligned horizontal and vertical clamping cartridges for clamping the edges of glass panels.
Description
Operating Mechanism for a Clam~pin~ Cartridcte for Panel-T~r~e Products Back r~ ound In co-pending U.S. application No. 60/432,023 filed December 10, 2002 (which corresponds to Canadian Application No. 2,413,688 filed December 9, 2002), a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix A and incorporated herein by reference, there is described and illustrated a clamping cartridge for panel type products.
Summary< of the Invention A new operating mechanism for the clamping cartridcae has been developed in which the serial, individual cam action of the prior clamping cartridge is substituted with a single lift plate, which can be activated by a single, larger cam.
The clamping cartridge still comprises a plurality of clamping mechanisms spaced apart on a frame or chassis. The clamping mechanisms are generally oriented perpendicular to their direction of spacing. The clamping mechanisms are of the type which comprise a pair of relatively rnovable jaws which are normally biased together.
In the new embodiment, the jaws are elastic and normally closed. The jaws are openable by a slotted plate that can slide perpendicularly to the direction of clamping. Each slot moves along and brings together two arms belonging to two different, adjacent jaws, against the elasticity of the material, opening the active clamping space, which is normally closed when empty.
The slotted plate is part of a platform that is moveable relative to the frame and which is confined to a translational movement along end guides and along the direction of the panels to be clamped.
The moving platform with the slotted section is positively activated in both directions by a caroming mechanism which is operable to ultimately urge together respective pairs of arms of each clamping mechanism so as to cause the plurality of clamping mechanisms to open in unison and to permit the respective pairs of arms of each clamping mechanism to separate so as to cause the jaws of the plurality of clamping mechanisms to close or clamp against one or more objects which may have been placed therebetween.
In the preferred embodiment, the ramming mechanism comprises a shaft supported by the frame in the direction of spacing of the clamping mechanisms and having thereon at least one cam wheel which is fixed to rotate with the shaft.
Depending on the length of the cartridge, two or more cam wheels could be employed to ensure uniform lifting/lowering of the platform.
Preferably, there are a pair of cam surfaces, one at each end of the cartridge, and disposed inside a U-shaped element/channef of the moving platform. The cams are mounted on a shaft that can be rotated by a wrench, lever or similar handle means.
The rotation of handle causes the slotted surface of the platform to move up or down the length of the clamps' jaws.
The cam surface varies in the radial direction with the revolution of the wheel.
One embodiment of the clamping mechanisms of the invention comprise a flexible tulip-like spring clamp, covered at the ends with a protective material (typically rubber dipped).
The clamps are spaced out for a convenient density and mounted on a support frame. The distance between the two gripping ends of each pair of arms is at maximum (opening) when the slotted plate (moving platform) is the closest to the panels t~ be clamped.
The products) can then be introduced. The product is not designed to be seated onto the clamping system, but on a separate structure, that will only support the panels vertically, without any horizontal grip.
The clamp cartridges) are usually mounted under the floor level of a larger pack, or rack, or similar storage system. Only the gripping arms are extended upward and above the floor level.
Once product is inserted between the gripping ends of the opened arms, the shaft is rotated 180 degrees and the slotted actuators. retreat to their farthermost position, thus relaxing the springiness of the clamp.
The gripping ends of the arms naturally move to grip the product, whatever its width. If product is not present, the gripping ands of the arms will move to a light touch (relaxed position).
The operating principles that are unique to this invention are described by a positive, single cam action of a slotted plate, along U-like or tulip-shaped arms, normally closed, spring based clamping action, self-adjusting grip strength, proportional to the product thickness and simultaneous action on all cartridge clamps, regardless of product presence.
The main features and advantages are: versatility in typo-dimensional product sequencing and access patterns, simplicity of operation and ease of maintenance.
dlVhile minimum panel spacing depends on cam-to-cam or spring-to-spring open position geometry which is a function of maximum thickness and flatness of the panels, the overall applicability is only limited by scale factors, as they relate to industrial means of transport and logistics.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.
Summary< of the Invention A new operating mechanism for the clamping cartridcae has been developed in which the serial, individual cam action of the prior clamping cartridge is substituted with a single lift plate, which can be activated by a single, larger cam.
The clamping cartridge still comprises a plurality of clamping mechanisms spaced apart on a frame or chassis. The clamping mechanisms are generally oriented perpendicular to their direction of spacing. The clamping mechanisms are of the type which comprise a pair of relatively rnovable jaws which are normally biased together.
In the new embodiment, the jaws are elastic and normally closed. The jaws are openable by a slotted plate that can slide perpendicularly to the direction of clamping. Each slot moves along and brings together two arms belonging to two different, adjacent jaws, against the elasticity of the material, opening the active clamping space, which is normally closed when empty.
The slotted plate is part of a platform that is moveable relative to the frame and which is confined to a translational movement along end guides and along the direction of the panels to be clamped.
The moving platform with the slotted section is positively activated in both directions by a caroming mechanism which is operable to ultimately urge together respective pairs of arms of each clamping mechanism so as to cause the plurality of clamping mechanisms to open in unison and to permit the respective pairs of arms of each clamping mechanism to separate so as to cause the jaws of the plurality of clamping mechanisms to close or clamp against one or more objects which may have been placed therebetween.
In the preferred embodiment, the ramming mechanism comprises a shaft supported by the frame in the direction of spacing of the clamping mechanisms and having thereon at least one cam wheel which is fixed to rotate with the shaft.
Depending on the length of the cartridge, two or more cam wheels could be employed to ensure uniform lifting/lowering of the platform.
Preferably, there are a pair of cam surfaces, one at each end of the cartridge, and disposed inside a U-shaped element/channef of the moving platform. The cams are mounted on a shaft that can be rotated by a wrench, lever or similar handle means.
The rotation of handle causes the slotted surface of the platform to move up or down the length of the clamps' jaws.
The cam surface varies in the radial direction with the revolution of the wheel.
One embodiment of the clamping mechanisms of the invention comprise a flexible tulip-like spring clamp, covered at the ends with a protective material (typically rubber dipped).
The clamps are spaced out for a convenient density and mounted on a support frame. The distance between the two gripping ends of each pair of arms is at maximum (opening) when the slotted plate (moving platform) is the closest to the panels t~ be clamped.
The products) can then be introduced. The product is not designed to be seated onto the clamping system, but on a separate structure, that will only support the panels vertically, without any horizontal grip.
The clamp cartridges) are usually mounted under the floor level of a larger pack, or rack, or similar storage system. Only the gripping arms are extended upward and above the floor level.
Once product is inserted between the gripping ends of the opened arms, the shaft is rotated 180 degrees and the slotted actuators. retreat to their farthermost position, thus relaxing the springiness of the clamp.
The gripping ends of the arms naturally move to grip the product, whatever its width. If product is not present, the gripping ands of the arms will move to a light touch (relaxed position).
The operating principles that are unique to this invention are described by a positive, single cam action of a slotted plate, along U-like or tulip-shaped arms, normally closed, spring based clamping action, self-adjusting grip strength, proportional to the product thickness and simultaneous action on all cartridge clamps, regardless of product presence.
The main features and advantages are: versatility in typo-dimensional product sequencing and access patterns, simplicity of operation and ease of maintenance.
dlVhile minimum panel spacing depends on cam-to-cam or spring-to-spring open position geometry which is a function of maximum thickness and flatness of the panels, the overall applicability is only limited by scale factors, as they relate to industrial means of transport and logistics.
Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and drawings.
Descri~,tion of the Drawinos Fig. IA is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge with the new operating mechanism in its closed/clamping position according to the preferred embodiment of the invention. Details are shown in Figs. 1B, 1C and ~.D which illustrate respectively an elevations( view, a plan view and an end elevational view of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A in its closed position.
Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the support frame or chassis of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A;
Fig. 2B is an elevational view of the support frame;
Fig. 2C is a plan view of the support frame;
Fig. 2D is a left end view of the support frame;
Fig. 2E is a right end view of the support frame;
Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the cam housing of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A;
Fig. 3B is an eievational view of the cam housing of Fig. 3A;
Fig. 3C is a plan view of the cam housing of Fig. 3A;
Fig. 3D is an end view of the cam housing of Fig. 3A;
Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the cam shaft of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A;
Fig. 4B is an elevational view of the cam shaft of Fig. 4A;
Fig. 4C is an end view of the cam shaft of Fig. 4A;
Fig. 2A is a perspective view of the support frame or chassis of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A;
Fig. 2B is an elevational view of the support frame;
Fig. 2C is a plan view of the support frame;
Fig. 2D is a left end view of the support frame;
Fig. 2E is a right end view of the support frame;
Fig. 3A is a perspective view of the cam housing of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A;
Fig. 3B is an eievational view of the cam housing of Fig. 3A;
Fig. 3C is a plan view of the cam housing of Fig. 3A;
Fig. 3D is an end view of the cam housing of Fig. 3A;
Fig. 4A is a perspective view of the cam shaft of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A;
Fig. 4B is an elevational view of the cam shaft of Fig. 4A;
Fig. 4C is an end view of the cam shaft of Fig. 4A;
Fig. 5A is a perspective view of one cam of the clamping cartridge of Fig, 1A;
Fig. 5B is an elevational view of the cam of Fig. 5A;
Fig. 5C is an side view of the cam of Fig. 5A;
Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the movable channel of the clamping cartridge of Fig.lA;
Fig. 6B is an elevational view of the movable channel of Fig. 6A;
Fig. 6C is an end view of the movable channel of Fig. 6A;
Fig. 7A is a perspective view of one of the slats for the movable channel of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A;
Fig. 7B is an elevational view of the slat of Fig. 7A;
Fig. 7C is an end view of the slat of Fig. 7A;
Fig. 8A is a perspective view of one of the clamping mechanisms of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A;
Fig. 8B is an elevational view of the clamp of Fig. 8A;
Fig. 8C is an end view of the clamp of Fig. 8A;
Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a retainer for the clamp of the clamping cartridge of Fig . 1A;
Fig. 5B is an elevational view of the cam of Fig. 5A;
Fig. 5C is an side view of the cam of Fig. 5A;
Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the movable channel of the clamping cartridge of Fig.lA;
Fig. 6B is an elevational view of the movable channel of Fig. 6A;
Fig. 6C is an end view of the movable channel of Fig. 6A;
Fig. 7A is a perspective view of one of the slats for the movable channel of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A;
Fig. 7B is an elevational view of the slat of Fig. 7A;
Fig. 7C is an end view of the slat of Fig. 7A;
Fig. 8A is a perspective view of one of the clamping mechanisms of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A;
Fig. 8B is an elevational view of the clamp of Fig. 8A;
Fig. 8C is an end view of the clamp of Fig. 8A;
Fig. 9A is a perspective view of a retainer for the clamp of the clamping cartridge of Fig . 1A;
Fig. 9B is a plan view of the retainer of Fig. 9A;
Fig. 9C is an elevational view of the retainer of Fig. 9A;
Fig. 9D is an end view of the retainer of Fig. 9A;
Fig. 10A is a perspective view of the handle or crank for the cam shaft of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A;
Fig. lOB is an elevational view of the handle of Fig. 10A;
Fig. 10C is an end view of the handie of Fig. 10A;
Figs. 11A-11D illustrate the clamping cartridge with the new operating mechanism as shown in Fig. lA-1D in its closed position.
Fig. 12A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge with the new operating mechanism being initially activated to commence opening of the clamping mechanisms. Details are shown in Figs. 12B, 12C and 12D which illustrate respectively an elevational view, a plan view and ain end elevational view of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 12A in the beginning stages of opening.
Fig. 13A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge with the new operating mechanism continuing to be actuated during opening of the clamping mechanisms.
Details are shown in Figs. 138, 13C and 13D which illustrate respectively an elevational view, a plan view and an end elevational view of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 13A in an intermediate stage of opening.
Fig. 14A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge with the new operating mechanism actuated to a fully-opened position. Detains are shown in Figs. 148, and 14D which illustrate respectively an elevational view, a plan view and an end elevational view of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 14A in an intermediate stage of opening.
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a transportation/storage rack illustrating the use of the clamping cartridge with panels of varying sizes and thicknesses;
Fig. 16 is a close-up of one of the rack's side clamping cartridges with its clamps in their fully-opened position and having panels of varying thicknesses inserted in several of the clamps;
Fig. 17 is a close-up of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 16 wherein the handle is being rotated so as to actuate the caroming mechanism tc~ start closing the clamps;
Fig. 18 is a close-up of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 16 wherein the handle is being rotated so as to close the clamping mechanisms even more than in Fig. 17;
Fig. 19 is a close-up of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 16 wherein the handle has been rotated so as to close fully the clamping mechanisms with or without the panels therein;
Fig. 20 is an alternate close up view of the closed clamping cartridge as shown in Fig. 19;
Fig. 21 is a close-up of the underside of one of the rack's clamping cartridges in its closed position;
Fig. 22 is a wider view of the closed clamping cartridge than that shown in Fig. 21;
Fig. 23 is a view like Fig. 21, but illustrating more clearly the manner in which the panels of varying thicknesses are retained in the clamping cartridge;
Fig. 9C is an elevational view of the retainer of Fig. 9A;
Fig. 9D is an end view of the retainer of Fig. 9A;
Fig. 10A is a perspective view of the handle or crank for the cam shaft of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 1A;
Fig. lOB is an elevational view of the handle of Fig. 10A;
Fig. 10C is an end view of the handie of Fig. 10A;
Figs. 11A-11D illustrate the clamping cartridge with the new operating mechanism as shown in Fig. lA-1D in its closed position.
Fig. 12A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge with the new operating mechanism being initially activated to commence opening of the clamping mechanisms. Details are shown in Figs. 12B, 12C and 12D which illustrate respectively an elevational view, a plan view and ain end elevational view of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 12A in the beginning stages of opening.
Fig. 13A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge with the new operating mechanism continuing to be actuated during opening of the clamping mechanisms.
Details are shown in Figs. 138, 13C and 13D which illustrate respectively an elevational view, a plan view and an end elevational view of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 13A in an intermediate stage of opening.
Fig. 14A is a perspective view of the clamping cartridge with the new operating mechanism actuated to a fully-opened position. Detains are shown in Figs. 148, and 14D which illustrate respectively an elevational view, a plan view and an end elevational view of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 14A in an intermediate stage of opening.
Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a transportation/storage rack illustrating the use of the clamping cartridge with panels of varying sizes and thicknesses;
Fig. 16 is a close-up of one of the rack's side clamping cartridges with its clamps in their fully-opened position and having panels of varying thicknesses inserted in several of the clamps;
Fig. 17 is a close-up of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 16 wherein the handle is being rotated so as to actuate the caroming mechanism tc~ start closing the clamps;
Fig. 18 is a close-up of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 16 wherein the handle is being rotated so as to close the clamping mechanisms even more than in Fig. 17;
Fig. 19 is a close-up of the clamping cartridge of Fig. 16 wherein the handle has been rotated so as to close fully the clamping mechanisms with or without the panels therein;
Fig. 20 is an alternate close up view of the closed clamping cartridge as shown in Fig. 19;
Fig. 21 is a close-up of the underside of one of the rack's clamping cartridges in its closed position;
Fig. 22 is a wider view of the closed clamping cartridge than that shown in Fig. 21;
Fig. 23 is a view like Fig. 21, but illustrating more clearly the manner in which the panels of varying thicknesses are retained in the clamping cartridge;
Fig. 24 is a close-up, perspective end view of the lower portion of the rack;
Fig. 25 is a close-up, perspective view of the lower portion of the rack shown from the opposite side as Fig. 24; and Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the transportation rack with its cargo of panels being tested in a transportation simulator.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figs. 1A-1D, there is shown the clamping cartridge 11 having the new operating mechanism according to the invention.
The components of the clamping cartridge 11 are referenced with numerals 1 through 10, details of which are shown in Figs. 2A-2D to 10A-10D. The clamping cartridge 11 is similar to the clamping cartridge 10 shown in Appendix A, especially in operation, the difference being mainly related to the manner by which the individual clamping mechanisms are actuated between opened and closed positions and vice versa.
Clamping cartridge 11 comprises a plurality of spaced apart clamping mechanisms 8 (see Figs. 8A-8C) arranged on a chassis or frame 1. The clamping mechanisms 8 (hereinafter referred to as clamps 8) have a pair of clamping arms (jaws) 16 which are normally inwardly biased (for example, if made of spring steel or the like) so that the tips thereof converge together so as to close the clamp 8 in the absence of external forces. The individual clamps 8 are affixed to the frame 1 by means of respective retainers 9 (see Figs. 9A-9D) and suitable fasteners, not shown, which secure the bight 42 of the clamp 8 to the frame 1.
For opening the arms 16 of the clamps 8, a movable slotted guide 13 is provided through which the arms 16 of the clamps 8 extend. Preferably, the guide 13 is constructed of a channel 6 (see Figs. 6A-6C) having a plurality of spaced-apart slats 7 (see Figs. 7A-7C) affixed transversely thereto by suitable fasteners, not shown, so as to provide a number of transverse slots 15 through which a pair of arms 16, that is adjacent ones from adjacent clamps 8, extend therethrough, with the exception of the outermost clamps wherein only the singles outermost arm extends therethrough. The slotted guide 13 is movable relative to the frame 1, By moving the slotted guide 13 in the direction of the opening of the clamp, the arms 16 are constrained within the slots 15 and are thereby forced to pivot towards perpendicular from their normally inwardly angled position as the distance between the frame 1 and guide 13 increases and back as the distance between the frame i and guide 13 decreases. The channel 6 has sufficient depth D (see Fig. 6C) to accommodate the length of travel required to fully open the clamps 8, which is generally at least the length of the arms 16. Use of individual retainers 9 and slats 7 facilitate assembly.
A caroming mechanism is employed to controi the movement of the slotted guide 13 relative to the frame 1. One or more (two as shown in the drawings) cam housings 2 (see Figs. 3A-3D) are affixed to the slotted guide 13, particularly on the underside of channel 6, using suitable fasteners, not shown. Braces 3 are be welded to the cam housings 2 for strengthening purposes and or to assist with guiding the movement of the slotted guide 13 and cam housings 2 as shown in Fig 21. Each cam housing 2 encloses a cam wheel (or simply "a calm") 5 (see Figs. 5A-5C) which is mounted on a mutual cam shaft 4 (see Figs. 4A-4C:) which extends though slots 17 in the cam housing 2 and is rotatably mounted to frame 1 through apertures (see Fig. 2A). Cam surface 23 contacts both sides of housing 2.
The cam shaft 4 includes an extension 30 which can be used to rotate the cam shaft 4 and thus cam wheels 5. The extension 30 may be provided with means to facilitate rotation of the cam shaft 4, such as a handle 10 (see Figs. 10A-lOC) , or may include a lug which can be engaged by a wrench or similar tool. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1A, the handle 10 is screwable into a transverse threaded aperture 29 (see Fig. 1C) to effect leveraged rotation of shaft 4.
For ease of manufacture, the cams 5 are circular, but are mounted via off-centre aperture 21 with respect to the cam shaft 4. By rotceting the cam shaft 4, the cams rotate and urge their cam surface 23 against the cam housing 2, causing the 5 housing 2 to move relative to the frame 1, hence the reason for slots 17 in the housings 2. Depending on friction between the contacting components, the rotational position may be self-maintaining, but preferablyP low friction components are utilized so that the biasing force of the clamps 8 against the slots 15 is sufficient to always urge the clamping cartridge into its closed position.
Thus, as with the embodiments illustrated in Appendix A, the clamping cartridge 11 also employs a camming mechanism to effect unitary operation of the individual clamps.
Referring to Figs. 11A-11D to 14A-14D, to operate the clamping cartridge 11, the cam shaft 4 is rotated by the handle means 10, which causes the cam wheels 5 which are affixed to the cam shaft 4 to rotate. The rotation of the cams 5 causes the cam housings 2 and hence the slotted guide 13 to move relative to the frame 1. Initially, as shown in Figs. 12A-12D, nominal movement occurs. However, continued rotation of the handle/cam shaft/cams 10,.4,5 as shown in Figs. 13A-results in greater relative movement of the slotted guide 13, with the confinement of the slots 15 causing the straightening (towards perpendicular) of the arms 16 of clamps 8. At the fully rotated position shown in Figs. 14A-14C, the arms 16 of clamps 8 are fully opened to receive therebetween (or release) a portion of the edges) of the panel-like objects) 92 (shown schematically). The handle 10 may then be reversely rotated to cause the slotted guide to lower, thereby eventually retaining the panel-like object 92 between the arms 16 of the clamp 8.
Since each of the clamps 8 are individually biased toward a closed position, the clamps 8 will naturally adjust to the thickness of the rwtained panels) 92 (as shown best in Figs. 20 and 23). Accordingly, the clamping cartridge 10 can accommodate a series of different panels comprising panels of different thicknesses and/or a varying number of panels of same or different thickness within each clamp 8, as shown in Figs. 20 and 23. This will permit variability in loading or unloading (i.e.
random access) and typo-dimensional seguencing fear products retained within the clamping cartridge 11. When release or removal of one or more panels 92 is desired, the cam shaft 4 is rotated in the same manner as aforesaid to open the clamps 8 in unison. When the desired panels have been removed, the cam shaft 4 can be actuated again to close clamps 8 against the' remaining panels 92.
The clamping cartridge 11 can be used in a variety of storage and/or packaging systems as explained in conjunction with cartridge 10 in Appendix A, and similarly, Figs. 15-26 show the application of a plurality of clamping cartridges 11 in the glass-panel storage rack (100 in Appendix A). Fig. 15 illustrates a transportation/storage rack to retain panels of varying sizes and thicknesses.
Fig.
16 shows one of the rack's side clamping cartridges with its clamps in their fully-opened position and having panels of varying thicknesses inserted in several of the clamps. Figs. 17 to 18 show the rotation of the handle back towards the relaxed or clamping/closed position wherein the panels become retained in their respective clamps. Fig. 19 shows the handle rotated so as to close fully the clamping mechanisms with or without the panels therein. Fig.. 20 is an alternate view of the closed clamping cartridge as shown in Fig. 19, illustrating how the panels are cradled within the seating/supporting devices (106 in Appendix A) and merely clamped against movement by the clamps 8. Figs. 21 and 22: show the underside of one of the rack's clamping cartridges in its closed position and how the braces 3 assist in guiding the movement of the slotted guide 13 and cam housings 2. Fig. 23 illustrates more clearly the manner in which the panels of varying thicknesses are retainable in the clamping cartridge. Figs. 24 and 25 provide. opposite views of the lower portion of the rack. Fig. 26 shows the transportation rack with its cargo of panels being tested in a transportation simulator.
From the forgoing, it will be appreciated that the overall operation of the clamping mechanism 11 is similar to that of clamping mechanism 10 described in Appendix A, however, the subject clamping mechanism provides an alternative operation mechanism for actuation of its clamping devices. The subject operating mechanism provides economy of manufacture.
While there has been shown and described herein a clamping cartridge for panel-type products and a rack for its application, it will be appreciated that various modifications and or substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
1~
Fig. 25 is a close-up, perspective view of the lower portion of the rack shown from the opposite side as Fig. 24; and Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the transportation rack with its cargo of panels being tested in a transportation simulator.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figs. 1A-1D, there is shown the clamping cartridge 11 having the new operating mechanism according to the invention.
The components of the clamping cartridge 11 are referenced with numerals 1 through 10, details of which are shown in Figs. 2A-2D to 10A-10D. The clamping cartridge 11 is similar to the clamping cartridge 10 shown in Appendix A, especially in operation, the difference being mainly related to the manner by which the individual clamping mechanisms are actuated between opened and closed positions and vice versa.
Clamping cartridge 11 comprises a plurality of spaced apart clamping mechanisms 8 (see Figs. 8A-8C) arranged on a chassis or frame 1. The clamping mechanisms 8 (hereinafter referred to as clamps 8) have a pair of clamping arms (jaws) 16 which are normally inwardly biased (for example, if made of spring steel or the like) so that the tips thereof converge together so as to close the clamp 8 in the absence of external forces. The individual clamps 8 are affixed to the frame 1 by means of respective retainers 9 (see Figs. 9A-9D) and suitable fasteners, not shown, which secure the bight 42 of the clamp 8 to the frame 1.
For opening the arms 16 of the clamps 8, a movable slotted guide 13 is provided through which the arms 16 of the clamps 8 extend. Preferably, the guide 13 is constructed of a channel 6 (see Figs. 6A-6C) having a plurality of spaced-apart slats 7 (see Figs. 7A-7C) affixed transversely thereto by suitable fasteners, not shown, so as to provide a number of transverse slots 15 through which a pair of arms 16, that is adjacent ones from adjacent clamps 8, extend therethrough, with the exception of the outermost clamps wherein only the singles outermost arm extends therethrough. The slotted guide 13 is movable relative to the frame 1, By moving the slotted guide 13 in the direction of the opening of the clamp, the arms 16 are constrained within the slots 15 and are thereby forced to pivot towards perpendicular from their normally inwardly angled position as the distance between the frame 1 and guide 13 increases and back as the distance between the frame i and guide 13 decreases. The channel 6 has sufficient depth D (see Fig. 6C) to accommodate the length of travel required to fully open the clamps 8, which is generally at least the length of the arms 16. Use of individual retainers 9 and slats 7 facilitate assembly.
A caroming mechanism is employed to controi the movement of the slotted guide 13 relative to the frame 1. One or more (two as shown in the drawings) cam housings 2 (see Figs. 3A-3D) are affixed to the slotted guide 13, particularly on the underside of channel 6, using suitable fasteners, not shown. Braces 3 are be welded to the cam housings 2 for strengthening purposes and or to assist with guiding the movement of the slotted guide 13 and cam housings 2 as shown in Fig 21. Each cam housing 2 encloses a cam wheel (or simply "a calm") 5 (see Figs. 5A-5C) which is mounted on a mutual cam shaft 4 (see Figs. 4A-4C:) which extends though slots 17 in the cam housing 2 and is rotatably mounted to frame 1 through apertures (see Fig. 2A). Cam surface 23 contacts both sides of housing 2.
The cam shaft 4 includes an extension 30 which can be used to rotate the cam shaft 4 and thus cam wheels 5. The extension 30 may be provided with means to facilitate rotation of the cam shaft 4, such as a handle 10 (see Figs. 10A-lOC) , or may include a lug which can be engaged by a wrench or similar tool. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1A, the handle 10 is screwable into a transverse threaded aperture 29 (see Fig. 1C) to effect leveraged rotation of shaft 4.
For ease of manufacture, the cams 5 are circular, but are mounted via off-centre aperture 21 with respect to the cam shaft 4. By rotceting the cam shaft 4, the cams rotate and urge their cam surface 23 against the cam housing 2, causing the 5 housing 2 to move relative to the frame 1, hence the reason for slots 17 in the housings 2. Depending on friction between the contacting components, the rotational position may be self-maintaining, but preferablyP low friction components are utilized so that the biasing force of the clamps 8 against the slots 15 is sufficient to always urge the clamping cartridge into its closed position.
Thus, as with the embodiments illustrated in Appendix A, the clamping cartridge 11 also employs a camming mechanism to effect unitary operation of the individual clamps.
Referring to Figs. 11A-11D to 14A-14D, to operate the clamping cartridge 11, the cam shaft 4 is rotated by the handle means 10, which causes the cam wheels 5 which are affixed to the cam shaft 4 to rotate. The rotation of the cams 5 causes the cam housings 2 and hence the slotted guide 13 to move relative to the frame 1. Initially, as shown in Figs. 12A-12D, nominal movement occurs. However, continued rotation of the handle/cam shaft/cams 10,.4,5 as shown in Figs. 13A-results in greater relative movement of the slotted guide 13, with the confinement of the slots 15 causing the straightening (towards perpendicular) of the arms 16 of clamps 8. At the fully rotated position shown in Figs. 14A-14C, the arms 16 of clamps 8 are fully opened to receive therebetween (or release) a portion of the edges) of the panel-like objects) 92 (shown schematically). The handle 10 may then be reversely rotated to cause the slotted guide to lower, thereby eventually retaining the panel-like object 92 between the arms 16 of the clamp 8.
Since each of the clamps 8 are individually biased toward a closed position, the clamps 8 will naturally adjust to the thickness of the rwtained panels) 92 (as shown best in Figs. 20 and 23). Accordingly, the clamping cartridge 10 can accommodate a series of different panels comprising panels of different thicknesses and/or a varying number of panels of same or different thickness within each clamp 8, as shown in Figs. 20 and 23. This will permit variability in loading or unloading (i.e.
random access) and typo-dimensional seguencing fear products retained within the clamping cartridge 11. When release or removal of one or more panels 92 is desired, the cam shaft 4 is rotated in the same manner as aforesaid to open the clamps 8 in unison. When the desired panels have been removed, the cam shaft 4 can be actuated again to close clamps 8 against the' remaining panels 92.
The clamping cartridge 11 can be used in a variety of storage and/or packaging systems as explained in conjunction with cartridge 10 in Appendix A, and similarly, Figs. 15-26 show the application of a plurality of clamping cartridges 11 in the glass-panel storage rack (100 in Appendix A). Fig. 15 illustrates a transportation/storage rack to retain panels of varying sizes and thicknesses.
Fig.
16 shows one of the rack's side clamping cartridges with its clamps in their fully-opened position and having panels of varying thicknesses inserted in several of the clamps. Figs. 17 to 18 show the rotation of the handle back towards the relaxed or clamping/closed position wherein the panels become retained in their respective clamps. Fig. 19 shows the handle rotated so as to close fully the clamping mechanisms with or without the panels therein. Fig.. 20 is an alternate view of the closed clamping cartridge as shown in Fig. 19, illustrating how the panels are cradled within the seating/supporting devices (106 in Appendix A) and merely clamped against movement by the clamps 8. Figs. 21 and 22: show the underside of one of the rack's clamping cartridges in its closed position and how the braces 3 assist in guiding the movement of the slotted guide 13 and cam housings 2. Fig. 23 illustrates more clearly the manner in which the panels of varying thicknesses are retainable in the clamping cartridge. Figs. 24 and 25 provide. opposite views of the lower portion of the rack. Fig. 26 shows the transportation rack with its cargo of panels being tested in a transportation simulator.
From the forgoing, it will be appreciated that the overall operation of the clamping mechanism 11 is similar to that of clamping mechanism 10 described in Appendix A, however, the subject clamping mechanism provides an alternative operation mechanism for actuation of its clamping devices. The subject operating mechanism provides economy of manufacture.
While there has been shown and described herein a clamping cartridge for panel-type products and a rack for its application, it will be appreciated that various modifications and or substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
1~
Claims (4)
1. A clamping cartridge for panel-type products having an operating mechanism as shown and described herein.
2. A transportation or shipping package comprising one or more clamping cartridges as claimed in claim 1 used for clamping, spacing, separating and/or supporting one or more articles contained therein.
3. The transportation or shipping package as claimed in claim 2, wherein the transportation or shipping package is a rack.
4. The rack as shown and described herein for transportation and or storage of one or more articles.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2435717 CA2435717A1 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2003-07-22 | Operating mechanism for a clamping cartridge for panel type products |
| CA 2452689 CA2452689A1 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2003-12-09 | Clamping cartridge for panel type products |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2,413,688 | 2002-12-09 | ||
| CA 2413688 CA2413688A1 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2002-12-09 | Clamping cartridge for panel type products |
| CA 2435717 CA2435717A1 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2003-07-22 | Operating mechanism for a clamping cartridge for panel type products |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2435717A1 true CA2435717A1 (en) | 2004-06-09 |
Family
ID=32509204
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2435717 Abandoned CA2435717A1 (en) | 2002-12-09 | 2003-07-22 | Operating mechanism for a clamping cartridge for panel type products |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2435717A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106629060A (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2017-05-10 | 中江志诚钢化玻璃制品有限公司 | Using method of broken line form glass transportation equipment capable of preventing scratching |
| CN106697948A (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2017-05-24 | 中江志诚钢化玻璃制品有限公司 | Broken-line-form glass conveying equipment facilitating fetching |
| CN106743653A (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2017-05-31 | 中江志诚钢化玻璃制品有限公司 | The application method of the fold-line-shaped glass conveying equipment of adjustable angle |
-
2003
- 2003-07-22 CA CA 2435717 patent/CA2435717A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106629060A (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2017-05-10 | 中江志诚钢化玻璃制品有限公司 | Using method of broken line form glass transportation equipment capable of preventing scratching |
| CN106697948A (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2017-05-24 | 中江志诚钢化玻璃制品有限公司 | Broken-line-form glass conveying equipment facilitating fetching |
| CN106743653A (en) * | 2017-01-17 | 2017-05-31 | 中江志诚钢化玻璃制品有限公司 | The application method of the fold-line-shaped glass conveying equipment of adjustable angle |
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