DE202018104259U1 - Device for releasably securing a body - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for detachably fastening a body (3) in a fastening groove (4) open at the side, - with a rotatable clamping part (6) connected to the sensor housing (2), which is inserted in the sensor housing (2) inserted into the fastening groove (4) by twisting into a clamping position can be brought, in which it is clamped with opposite inner surfaces (10) of the mounting groove (4), - the clamping part (6) has two with respect to its axis of rotation (12) radially outwardly facing clamping surfaces (9) extending located at the relative to the axis of rotation (12) opposite points of the clamping part (6) and form an eccentric shape over which the clamping part (6) in the clamping position between the inner surfaces (10) is clamped, characterized in that the clamping surfaces (9) each have a spherical segment-shaped curved surface.

Description

The invention relates to a device for releasably securing a body according to the preamble of claim 1.

Magnetic field sensors have for accurate position determination by contactless detection of the position of z. B. pneumatic or hydraulic piston proven within a working cylinder. For holding the sensors guide grooves are mounted on the outer surfaces of the housing of the working cylinder, in which the magnetic field sensors are held axially adjustable. In a desired position in the longitudinal direction of the groove, the sensors can be locked by suitable means, such as screws.

A holder of magnetic field sensors on a working cylinder is for example from DE102009019502A1 and the EP2068127B1 known. Therein, sensors are disclosed, which are fixed by an eccentric. The eccentric engages the groove shoulders.

Sometimes there are only very small groove shoulders or no groove shoulders at all. This often leads to the eccentric deforming the groove shoulder and thus no firm grip is given. Due to the high surface pressure between the groove shoulder and eccentric it comes to deformations of the groove shoulder and damage to the groove shoulder, which are not desired.

Since the groove depth also varies greatly, it can not be ensured that the sensor does not look out over the groove, which is to be avoided according to many users, since the sensor thus does not completely disappear in the groove, as a result of which the sensor can be mechanically stressed, for example. for example, when cleaning the groove of the cylinder.

In the attachment of the prior art is a non-positive connection, wherein mainly only forces along the groove can be accommodated. But forces acting perpendicular to the groove, it may happen that the sensor slips out.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide an improved device for holding a body that allows easy and secure attachment of one and the same body in different sized mounting grooves. Another object is not to attach the body to the groove shoulders of the groove.

This object is achieved by a device for releasable attachment of a body in a longitudinally open mounting groove with a rotatable clamping member connected to the body, which is brought into the fastening groove inserted body by turning into a clamping position in which it clamps with opposite inner surfaces of the mounting groove is, the clamping member has two with respect to its axis of rotation radially outwardly facing clamping surfaces which are located opposite to the axis of rotation of the clamping member and form an eccentric shape over which the clamping member is clamped in the clamping position between the inner surfaces, wherein the clamping surfaces in each case one have spherical segment-shaped curved surface.

Due to the spherical segment-shaped curved surface of the clamping surfaces of the clamping part of the eccentric, the eccentric adapts better to the different grooves, even if the groove diameter and the eccentric diameter differ.

Starting from an origin in the center of the clamping part, the curved surface of the clamping surfaces has a radius, wherein the radius lies in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation of the clamping part. The clamping part further comprises a flattened part of the spherical segment-shaped curved partial surfaces, which serves as a flat plane of rotation.

The clamping surfaces are thus convexly curved, whereby a central diameter transverse to the axis of rotation of the clamping member in a plane is greater than adjacent diameters transverse to the axis of rotation of the same plane and the diameter transverse to the axis of rotation in the direction of the flattened sides of the same plane steadily decrease.

Due to the lateral jamming occur only load forces that affect the clamping part. On the body itself, no mechanical forces are exerted during the fastening by the rotational movement. Damage to the body, for example due to excessive rotational forces in a mounting, are therefore excluded. Due to the eccentric shape of the clamping part when turning in the Befestigungsmut only a maximum of half a revolution of the clamping member is necessary to perform a jamming.

Characterized in that the clamping part is disc-shaped with flattened sides remains at the point at which the clamping part is integrated into the body, enough space to accommodate a connection cable or electronic components.

In a further development of the invention, the body is a sensor housing, a fastening element, a sliding block, an adapter or the like. Sensor housing have at least one sensor element, for example for determining the position or position of a piston of a piston / cylinder arrangement. A fastener may serve as a holder for the assembly of further components, wherein on the fastener itself a body such as a sensor housing can be attached. A sliding block is used, for example, to secure a stop in a groove. Adapters are for example adapter adapter to adapt to a mounting option.

Due to the structured surface, the clamping part is partially positively connected to the inner surfaces of the fastening groove during rotation by the inner surface of the groove is slightly deformed by the structure on the clamping part and thus takes place meshing of the structured surface with the inner surface of the mounting groove. In this partial present positive connection, the clamping forces, which are caused by the rotation of the clamping member, transmitted to the side surfaces of the mounting groove. Through this mechanical connection, the connection between the clamping part and the mounting groove can not be solved even with interrupted power transmission. Due to the partial positive engagement, in addition to the conducted adhesion, the sensor housing is held securely in the mounting groove, for example, even in extreme environmental conditions, such as increased vibration or exceptional vibration and shock conditions.

The structured surface has a tooth structure or sawtooth structure, wherein a tooth direction is aligned against a rotational direction for clamping the clamping part. By aligning the tooth structure, the teeth intersect with the rotation of the clamping part in the material of the side walls of the mounting groove. The fact that the teeth are aligned counter to the direction of rotation, the teeth engage in the material of the mounting groove accordingly. As a result, the torque is increased in an opposite movement to the solution of the clamping part of the mounting groove and there is an increased Loslösmoment against the fastening torque, whereby the sensor is secured against unintentional release from the mounting groove.

In an optional embodiment, the structured surface has a knurled structure. A knurl structure is easy to manufacture and advantageously has a plurality of individual tips or teeth, whereby a particularly stable fit between the inner surfaces of the mounting groove is ensured. In particular, when the sensor is repeatedly attached and released in the mounting groove, an optimal fastening is always ensured by the large number of existing teeth. Depending on the manufacturing process, the knurl is pressed into the clamping part or already taken into account in a production form.

In a preferred embodiment, the teeth have a parallel direction to the axis of rotation. Due to the parallel alignment of the teeth to the axis of rotation, the clamping part and the sensor housing connected thereto are not moved out of the fastening groove upwards or downwards in the direction of the axis of rotation when jammed by the rotational movement. Due to the simple geometric shape of the teeth, the clamping part is inexpensive and easy to produce even by a simple manufacturing form. However, the teeth may also be arranged transversely to the axis of rotation.

Preferably, the clamping part is a metal injection molded part. The clamping part is particularly easy to produce by the metal injection molding process, which is also known as Metal Injection Molding (MIM) method. As a result, the clamping element can be produced in particularly high numbers economically and very inexpensively.

In a further development of the invention, the clamping part of a metallic, non-magnetic material, in particular stainless steel. In order not to impair a sensor behavior, for example of a magnetic sensor in the sensor housing, it is advantageous to use non-magnetic metals. For use, for example in the food industry, it is provided that the clamping part is made of stainless steel. As a result, the function of the clamping member is not affected even under the most severe environmental conditions, such as frequent cleaning or when used in industrial environments with lubricants and solvents.

The clamping part can be connected to the sensor housing by a plastic injection process. For this purpose, the clamping part has on the side facing the sensor housing a conical section, which is connected to the sensor housing in a plastic injection process. This makes it particularly easy to integrate the clamping part in the sensor housing. Such sensor housings are usually produced by a plastic injection molding method, wherein in a first injection process an intended electronics and a connection cable of the sensor are encapsulated with plastic. Subsequently, in a second injection process, the clamping part is connected to the sensor housing. As a result, the sensor housing is liquid, dust or gas-tight completed and the clamping part additionally rotatably integrated in the sensor housing.

The clamping part is preferably connected to the sensor housing via an axial axis. As a result, the clamping part is not moved relative to the sensor housing, whereby the sensor remains exactly in the desired position when mounted. In particular, when the sensor housing is required for position detection or travel detection of a piston of a pneumatic cylinder, it is particularly important that the sensor housing is attached very accurately to a desired position.

However, it can also be provided that the clamping part can be screwed to the sensor housing via a threaded socket. As a result, the clamping part is easily replaceable, if the clamping part has damage or must be adapted for special Befestigungsnutformen.

The invention makes it possible that the clamping part can be arranged on a cable-side end of the sensor housing, because the clamping part does not have to fully enforce the sensor housing, so that space for the cable and / or other electronics remains. Mechanical load forces on the sensor housing are usually caused by the existing connection cable of the sensor housing. In order to avoid leverage as possible, the clamping part is provided at the cable end of the sensor housing, whereby the forces occurring on the sensor housing, in particular lever forces are minimized. It may also be provided that a plurality of clamping parts, in particular for larger sensor housings or increased load requirements on the sensor housing, are provided. These are then preferably attached to the respective ends of the sensor housing.

Preferably, the clamping part has an actuating portion, which is designed as a longitudinal groove, Phillips, hexagon socket or Torxaufnahme, for receiving a tool for rotating the clamping part. The intended operating section allows the sensor housing to be fastened particularly easily with conventional tools, for example a screwdriver or a hexagonal wrench or a Torx key.

The mounting groove is a T-slot or C-slot. According to the invention, one and the same sensor housing can be inserted and fastened with the clamping part in different fastening grooves. The groove width can also be different. The clamping part of the sensor housing in this case only a little less or more must be rotated, depending on the width of the mounting groove to clamp the sensor housing by the clamping part between the side walls of the mounting groove. As a result, the sensor housing can be used in a variety of ways.

The invention relates in particular to sensor housing for magnetic or inductive sensors, in particular magnetic or inductive displacement sensors or magnetic or inductive switches, which are often arranged on a housing of a working cylinder. Such sensors have for accurate position determination by contactless detection of the position of z. B. pneumatic or hydraulic piston proven within the working cylinder. For this purpose, mounting grooves are mounted on the outer surfaces of the housing of the working cylinder, in which the magnetic field sensors are held axially adjustable and locked after adjustment in the mounting groove. An adjusted and fixed sensor housing outputs a switching signal as a function of the piston position. Frequently, several switching points are desired per stroke of a piston. In most cases, the retracted end position and the extended end position of the piston is to be detected.

• 1 eine perspektivische schematische Darstellung eines Sensors in einer Befestigungsnut;
• 2 eine schematische Darstellung eines Sensors mit einer Vorrichtung zur lösbaren Befestigung in einer Schnittdarstellung einer Nut;
• 3 eine perspektivische Darstellung des Klemmteils;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung des Klemmteils in einer Draufsicht;
• 5 eine schematische Seitenansicht des Klemmteils.
• 6 eine perspektivische Darstellung des Klemmteils mit einer strukturierten Oberfläche;
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung des Klemmteils in einer Draufsicht;
• 8 eine schematische Seitenansicht des Klemmteils;
• 9 eine schematische Darstellung eines Sensors in einer Befestigungsnut.

In the following, the invention will be explained with reference to exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawing in detail. In the drawing show:

• 1 a perspective schematic representation of a sensor in a mounting groove;
• 2 a schematic representation of a sensor with a device for releasable attachment in a sectional view of a groove;
• 3 a perspective view of the clamping part;
• 4 a schematic representation of the clamping part in a plan view;
• 5 a schematic side view of the clamping part.
• 6 a perspective view of the clamping part with a structured surface;
• 7 a schematic representation of the clamping part in a plan view;
• 8th a schematic side view of the clamping part;
• 9 a schematic representation of a sensor in a mounting groove.

1 shows the device 1 in a perspective view. Shown is a body 3 , in particular a sensor housing 2 , preferably a magnetic field sensor, in a mounting groove 4 by means of a clamping part 6 is held axially adjustable. The body may also be a fastener, a sliding block, an adapter or the like. The fastening groove 4 extends in a longitudinal direction. The sensor housing 2 points for easy insertion into the mounting groove 4 for example, in cross section oval shape or preferably has rounded edges or is also cylindrical. The fastening groove 4 has a round cross section or a groove bottom, inner surfaces 10 and a longitudinal direction of the fastening groove 4 extending groove opening. The inner surfaces 10 If necessary, have undercuts, whereby groove shoulders are formed alongside the slot opening. However, the sensor housing 2 also attachable in a C-shaped groove without undercuts. Here is the sensor housing 2 in at least one transverse dimension narrower than the mounting groove 4 , making it easy through the slot opening in the groove 4 can be used. The clamping part 6 For example, can be fastened to the sensor housing via a conical shape.

According to 2 The sensor housing was inserted into the groove by a 90 ° rotation along the longitudinal axis. In in the mounting groove 4 used sensor housing 2 and twisting the clamping part 6 on the sensor housing 2 approach the clamping surfaces 9 through the eccentric shape of the inner surfaces 10 the fastening groove 4 on, causing the sensor housing 2 against the inner surfaces 10 is clamped and the sensor housing 2 in the mounting groove 4 is attached.

As a diameter of the clamping part 6 in a first insertion position (cf. 3 or 4 ) is smaller than a width B the slot opening of the mounting groove 4 , the sensor housing can 2 just in the mounting groove 4 be used. For fixing can then the clamping part 6 be turned up to the sensor housing 2 firmly between the inner surface 10 is attached.

3 shows the clamping part 6 which two with respect to its axis of rotation 12 radially outwardly facing clamping surfaces 9 having, with respect to the axis of rotation 12 opposite points of the clamping part 6 and form an eccentric shape over which the clamping part 6 is clamped in the clamping position between the inner surfaces, wherein the clamping surfaces 9 each have a spherical segment-shaped curved surface.

4 shows the clamping part 6 of the sensor housing in a plan view from above. Here is the clamping part 6 already brought in a clamping position by more than a quarter turn in a clamping position to the sensor housing with an inner surface of the mounting groove 4 to jam.

4 schematically shows the course of the clamping surfaces 9 of the clamping part 6 in plan view for different groove widths or shoulder widths of a mounting groove. The radius R0 corresponds to half the minimum occurring groove width. The radius R1 corresponds to half of the maximum occurring groove width. The clamping surface 9 is designed so that the radius starting from radius R0 over the clamping surface 9 evenly up to the radius R1 increases. This increases a clamping force during rotation of the clamping part 6 towards the inner surfaces evenly until an optimal clamping point is reached.

5 shows the clamping part 6 in a side view with the axis of rotation 12 , Starting from an origin in the center of the clamping part, the curved surface of the clamping surfaces has a radius R2 on, where the radius R2 lies in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation of the clamping part. The clamping part further has a flattened part 33 the spherical segment-shaped curved partial surfaces, which serves as a flat plane of rotation.

The clamping surfaces are thus convex, creating a central diameter D transverse to the axis of rotation of the clamping member in a plane is greater than adjacent diameters D1 transverse to the axis of rotation of the same plane and the diameter D1 steadily decrease transversely to the axis of rotation in the direction of the flattened sides of the same plane.

In 6 is the clamping part 6 shown in perspective, wherein the clamping part has a toothed structured surface 14 having. The toothed textured surface 14 the clamping surface 9 is designed so that the teeth 22 against the direction of rotation 24 are aligned. This will attack the teeth 22 in the inner surfaces of the mounting groove such that a torque in the direction of rotation 24 smaller than a torque to be applied counter to the direction of rotation 24 , This ensures that the clamping part 6 can not solve independently after a fastening operation. The clamping part 6 is preferably made as a metal injection molded part. This is the clamping part 6 especially for large quantities very inexpensive to produce. The material to be used is preferably non-magnetic metal and / or stainless steel.

The rotation can be done with a simple tool, such as a screwdriver, a hex key or other commercially available tools. To accommodate the screwdriver, the clamping part 6 a hexagon socket 30 on.

7 shows the clamping part 6 of the sensor housing in a plan view from above. Here is the clamping part 6 in a clamping position already brought by more than a quarter turn in a clamping position to the sensor housing 2 with an inner surface of the fastening groove 4 to jam. The lateral clamping surfaces 9 of the clamping part 6 are there with a structured surface 14 Provided. In In this case, the structured surface 14 from a tooth structure 18 with teeth pointing in the direction of the axis of rotation of the clamping part 6 run, formed.

8th shows the clamping part 6 in a side view with the axis of rotation 12 , Starting from an origin in the center of the clamping part, the curved surface of the clamping surfaces has a radius R2 on, where the radius R2 lies in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation of the clamping part. The clamping part further has a flattened part 33 the spherical segment-shaped curved surfaces on which serves as a flat plane of rotation.

The clamping surfaces are thus convex, creating a central diameter D transverse to the axis of rotation of the clamping member in a plane is greater than adjacent diameters D1 transverse to the axis of rotation of the same plane and the diameter D1 steadily decrease transversely to the axis of rotation in the direction of the flattened sides of the same plane.

9 shows a section of a mounting groove 4 with the already used sensor housing 2 in the plan view. After the sensor housing 2 was used is the clamping part 6 with the help of the screwdriver in the direction of the arrow turned into a clamping position. The clamping surfaces 9 with the tooth structure 18 are then according to 7 within half a turn against the inner surfaces 10 the fastening groove 4 pressed. The forces occurring only affect the clamping part 6 , but not on the sensor housing 2 out. As a result, high clamping forces can be exerted with the screwdriver, without the sensor housing 2 to damage. The forces press through the teeth 22 in the material, preferably aluminum, the inner surfaces 10 the fastening groove 4 and lead to a partial positive connection with the inner surface 10 , In addition to the resulting frictional connection, the partial form fit results in a stable attachment of the sensor housing 2 reached. Around the sensor housing 2 To solve, now due to the toothing direction has a higher torque on the clamping part 6 be exercised as when fixing. However, the sensor housing 2 also be fully resolved to a new placement of the sensor housing 2 make.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

device

2

sensor housing

3

body

4

mounting groove

6

clamping part

9

clamping surface

10

palm

12

axis of rotation

14

structured surface

18

tooth structure

22

tooth

24

direction of rotation

30

Allen

33

flattened part

R0

radius

R1

radius

R2

radius

D

diameter

D1

diameter

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102009019502 A1 [0003]
• EP 2068127 B1 [0003]

Claims (10)

Device (1) for detachably fastening a body (3) in a fastening groove (4) open at the side, - with a rotatable clamping part (6) connected to the sensor housing (2), which is inserted in the sensor housing (2) inserted into the fastening groove (4) by twisting into a clamping position can be brought, in which it is clamped with opposite inner surfaces (10) of the mounting groove (4), - the clamping part (6) has two with respect to its axis of rotation (12) radially outwardly facing clamping surfaces (9) extending located at the relative to the axis of rotation (12) opposite points of the clamping part (6) and form an eccentric shape over which the clamping part (6) in the clamping position between the inner surfaces (10) is clamped, characterized in that the clamping surfaces (9) each have a spherical segment-shaped curved surface. Device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the body (3) is a sensor housing (2), a fastening element, a sliding block or an adapter. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping surfaces (9) have a structured surface (14) over which a partially positive connection between the clamping surfaces (9) and the inner surfaces (10) is formed. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the structured surface (14) has a tooth structure (18) or sawtooth structure, wherein a tooth direction against a rotational direction (24) for clamping the clamping part (6) is aligned. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the teeth (22) have a parallel direction to the axis of rotation (12) or are aligned in the direction of the axis of rotation (12). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping part (6) consists of stainless steel. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding Claims 2 to 6 , characterized in that the clamping part (6) via an axial axis with the sensor housing (2) is connected. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping part (6) has an actuating portion which is designed as a longitudinal slot, Phillips, hexagon socket (30) or Torxaufnahme, for receiving a tool for rotating the clamping part (6 ). Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening groove (4) is a T-slot or C-slot. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding Claims 2 to 9 , characterized in that a sensor in the sensor housing (2) is a magnetic or inductive displacement sensor or switch.

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