EP0962285A2 - Toggle clamp, in particular for use in car bodywork construction - Google Patents

Abstract

A toggle clamping device or piston-cylinder unit including mechanism for adjusting the opening angle of the clamping arm. Within the cylinder there are a number of interrogator devices that function to determine the position of pistons within the cylinder and transmit this information to a micro processor. The location of the interrogator devices can be adjusted. Also within the cylinder there are damping mechanism, the location of which can also be adjusted. When the toggle clamping device is in use, the opening angle of the clamping arm, the final-position of the interrogator devices and the final-position of the damping mechanism can be adjusted and locked simultaneously and jointly through a single adjusting element from the outside of the device without dismantling the toggle clamping device.

Description

The invention relates to a toggle lever tensioning device, in particular for use in the body shop of the automotive industry.

EP 0 778 107 A1 describes a toggle lever tensioning device, in particular for use in body construction in the automotive industry, with a clamping head and an adjoining cylinder in axial extension, in which an alternating on both sides by pressure medium, preferably by air pressure, the piston to be loaded is guided in a longitudinally displaceable and sealing manner, which reaches through the cylinder and the clamping head with its piston rod, whereby at the free end of the piston rod within the housing, a toggle joint arrangement is attached, which is assigned a clamping arm, the Piston the cylinder into a cylinder return displacement and into a cylinder clamping space divided, and that the cylinder span at the end face by a Lid is sealed, which has a damping device for braking is assigned to the opening movement of the piston, the cylinder return displacement and the cylinder span alternately via a connection channel either connect to the pressure medium source or vent is, with the pressure relieving the cylinder clamping space or with the pressure medium source Connection channel to be connected by a certain opening stroke of the Piston is blocked off from the cylinder clamping space, whereupon the cylinder clamping space is only vented via a throttle device. The damping device is controlled or adjustable. It is suggested that Damping device depending on the opening angle of the tension arm preferably continuously adjustable, in particular adjustable in length, to train. This should be done by machining. Thereby the possibility is to be opened, the throttle device depending on the operating conditions adjust, so that a particularly sensitive and can achieve precise damping effect. To the end position damping via a To enable a larger range from 0 to 135 ° swivel angle Damping device in its axial extension with respect to the piston adjustable in length and lockable. Either through stepless or other change in the axial length of the throttle body with his Supporting piston, the throttle device can be selected depending on the desired Change the swivel angle of the clamping arm. In one embodiment, this can be done this known type happen that the support piston the end facing the piston has a projection, which depending on the desired swivel angle is adjustable in length. This length adjustability can be done steplessly, but also by material removal, in which to Example of the protrusion is covered by depending on the swivel angle of the tension arm to achieve the desired damping effect. The damping body can consist of two or more telescopically adjustable parts consist. These parts can be screwed together, for example be connected. It is also suggested that the length be hydraulic, for example by adjusting the stroke of a piston in a cylinder adjust and thereby the desired swivel angle of the Poor to take into account and the desired damping effect achieve.

T"-förmige Gestalt mit einer Befestigungsschiene und einem Flansch aufweist, an den sich ein mit seiner Längsachse parallel zur Längsachse der Kolbenstange erstreckendes Profil anschließt, wobei die Abfragekassette von der Rückseite des Gehäuses des Spannkopfes durch einen engen, sich in Richtung der Längsachse der Kolbenstange erstreckenden Schlitz und unter Beibehaltung der Anbaumöglichkeit der Kniehebelspannvorrichtung von allen vier Seiten, insbesondere von der Rückseite her eingesteckt ist, derart, daß das Profil den Schlitz nach außen hin möglichst fugendicht abdichtet. Das Profil kann in einem orthogonal zur Längsachse der Kolbenstange geführten Querschnitt L"-förmig gestaltet sein, wobei der Steg des L" parallel zur Längsachse der Kolbenstange verläuft und die Schalter verstellbar aufweist, während der Quersteg den Schlitz nach außen hin verschließt. Eine weitere Konstruktion kann mit einem aus zwei schalenförmigen Gehäuseteilen bestehenden Spannkopf versehen sein, die flächig in einer Ebene aufeinander aufliegen und die Kniehebelgelenkanordnung, die Kolbenstange, die Endschalter, schmutz- und staubdicht nach außen hin abkapseln, wobei die beiden schalenförmigen Gehäuseteile an der einen schmaleren Seite des im Querschnitt rechteckförmigen Spannkopfes den Schlitz zum Anordnen der Abfragekassette aufweisen. Das Profil kann so weit in den Schlitz eintauchen, daß die eine, die schmalere Seite des im Querschnitt rechteckförmigen Spannkopfes die nach außen begrenzende Wandung die nach außen weisende Begrenzung des L-förmigen Profils überragt. Diese Kniehebelspannvorrichtung ist mit einem Endanschlag für die Kniehebelgelenkanordnung, vornehmlich in Übertotpunktlage des Kniehebelgelenkes ausgerüstet, wobei der Endanschlages als von außen zu betätigender, in seiner Längsachsrichtung verstellbarer Anschlag, insbesondere als Gewindestopfen, ausgebildet ist. Bei dieser mit der sogenannten Kassettentechnik arbeitenden Kniehebelspannvorrichtung wird die Abfragekassette von der Rückseite des Spannergehäuses durch einen engen, schlitzförmige Ausnehmungen in das Gehäuse eingesteckt. Eine solche Konstruktion ist sehr servicefreundlich, da durch Lösen von zum Beispiel nur einer Schraube die komplette Abfragekassette mit Schalter und Stecker, die in sich komplett verkabelt sind, auszuwechseln ist. Am Lager können somit komplett austauschfähige Abfragekassetten bereit gehalten werden, die sich mit wenigen Handgriffen austauschen lassen. Dadurch sind nur geringe Stillstandzeiten zu erwarten, sollte es erforderlich sein, die Abfragekassette auszutauschen. Auch kann man für bestimmte Hübe beziehungsweise Öffnungswinkel eingestellte Abfragekassetten am Lager bereithalten, um sie mit wenigen Handgriffen gegen eingebaute Abfragekassetten auszutauschen.From DE 196 16 441 C1, a toggle lever clamping device for the body shop is known with a clamping head rectangular in a cross section guided orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod, which is constructed from two housing parts, and with a cylinder adjoining the cylinder-side end of the clamping head in an axial extension , in which a piston to be acted upon alternately on both sides by pressure medium pressure, in particular by air pressure, is guided in a longitudinally displaceable and sealing manner, with its piston rod engaging axially through the cylinder and a cavity of the clamping head, a toggle joint arrangement being fastened to the free end of the piston rod and having a clamping arm is coupled with limit switches or position transmitters in the form of microswitches, inductive switches, pneumatic switches or sensors which are integrated in a space of the clamping head, the switches being adjustable relative to one another and the cover f r have the same forming holder are arranged as a total exchangeable cassette query in the form of a circuit board in the area of a slot in the axial direction of the clamping head and fixed, wherein the interrogator cassette in the plan view of a

T "-shaped shape with a mounting rail and a flange, to which a profile extending with its longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod connects, the interrogation cassette from the rear of the housing of the clamping head through a narrow, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the piston rod extending slot and while maintaining the attachment option of the toggle lever clamping device is inserted from all four sides, in particular from the rear, in such a way that the profile seals the slot as tightly as possible to the outside. The profile can be in a cross section that is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod L "-shaped, the web of the L "runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod and has the switches adjustable, while the crossbar closes the slot to the outside. Another construction can be provided with a clamping head consisting of two shell-shaped housing parts, which lie flat on one another and the toggle joint arrangement, encapsulate the piston rod, the limit switches, in a dirt and dust-tight manner to the outside, the two shell-shaped housing parts on one narrow side of the cross-sectionally rectangular clamping head having the slot for arranging the interrogation cassette. The profile can be immersed in the slot so far that the one, the narrower side of the clamping head, which is rectangular in cross section, projects beyond the outwardly delimiting wall and outwardly delimiting the L-shaped profile. This toggle lever tensioning device is provided with an end stop for the toggle joint arrangement, primarily in the top dead center position s equipped with a toggle joint, the end stop being designed as an externally operable stop that is adjustable in its longitudinal axis direction, in particular as a threaded plug. In this toggle lever clamping device, which works with the so-called cassette technology, the interrogation cassette is inserted into the housing from the rear of the tensioner housing through a narrow, slit-shaped recesses. Such a construction is very easy to service, since by loosening just one screw, for example, the complete query cassette with switch and plug, which is completely wired, can be replaced. Fully interchangeable query cassettes can thus be kept in stock, which can be exchanged in a few simple steps. This means that only short downtimes are to be expected should it be necessary to replace the query cassette. You can also have query cartridges set for certain strokes or opening angles in stock so that they can be exchanged for built-in query cartridges in just a few simple steps.

DE 42 42 601 A1 describes a piston-cylinder arrangement with an in a cylinder guided and between two end position limiting elements piston displaceable by pressurization with a piston rod, wherein at least one of the two end position limiting elements in axial direction is adjustable within the cylinder. That at least an end position limiting element is designed as a damping element and with one between the piston and the damping element during the lifting movement built up pressure medium cushion works. That the at least one end position limiting element is held against rotation within the cylinder and is adjustable by means of a spindle mounted on the cylinder. This spindle is formed and extends at least in some areas as a threaded spindle by a threaded hole in the one end position limiting element a corresponding recess in the piston rod. The spindle is by means of a Handwheel arranged on the face of the cylinder can be rotated. The one in question End position limiting element is for length adjustment by means of a External or internal thread in a corresponding counter thread on the cylinder arranged. Simultaneously with the adjustment of the relevant end position limiting element become switches for controlling the piston-cylinder arrangement with adjusted. The fact that the one end position limiting element in axial direction within the cylinder is stepless Adjustment of the stroke length of the piston rod according to the respective requirements to reach. The adjustment of the end position limiting element takes place by means of a bearing on an outer housing cover of the cylinder and through a threaded hole in the end position limiting element extending into a corresponding recess in the piston rod Spindle.

a) in einer z. B. Eckausnehmung des Zylinders und/oder des Bodendeckels ein prismatischer Anschlußkörper angeordnet ist, mit dem der als Winkelstecker ausgebildete Stecker verbunden ist;

b) der prismatische Anschlußkörper weist eine Bohrung mit Gewinde auf, mit der der Winkelstecker gekuppelt ist;

c) der prismatische Anschlußkörper besitzt einen Innenraum, an den die Bohrung angeschlossen ist, wobei in den Innenraum die elektrischen Leitungen einmünden;

d) der prismatische Anschlußkörper ist in mehreren - vorzugsweise in dreivoneinander um 90 Grad abweichenden Einbaulagen in der Eckausnehmung anzuordnen und lösbar zu arretieren.

From DE 91 04 532.0 U1 is also a toggle lever clamping device for the body shop with a clamping head and an adjoining cylinder in an axial extension, in which a piston to be acted upon alternately on both sides by pressure medium pressure, in particular by air pressure, is guided in a longitudinally displaceable and sealing manner, which is guided by its piston rod engages axially through the cylinder and the clamping head, with a toggle joint arrangement attached to the free end of the piston rod, which is coupled to a clamping arm, with limit switches and with a plug for the power supply of the limit switches, the plug being arranged in different positions on the toggle lever clamping device , in which

a) in a z. B. corner recess of the cylinder and / or the bottom cover, a prismatic connector body is arranged, with which the connector designed as an angled connector is connected;

b) the prismatic connector body has a threaded bore with which the angled connector is coupled;

c) the prismatic connection body has an interior to which the bore is connected, the electrical lines opening into the interior;

d) the prismatic connector body is to be arranged in several - preferably in three different 90 degree installation positions in the corner recess and releasably locked.

DE 91 05 755.8 U1 relates to a tensioning device consisting of a Headpiece with adjusting mechanism for the tensioning lever and one with anchor rods actuating cylinder attached to the head piece for the actuating mechanism, whereby End position query elements adjustable in the area of the actuating cylinder are arranged, which are in operative connection with the piston rod End position sensor is assigned and its cable to the cylinder end are, the end position query elements such as microswitches on bracket-like Carriers are arranged, which are adjustable and fixable on two adjacent anchor rods to sit.

DE 22 22 686 B2 relates to a pressure-operated toggle lever tensioning device, in particular for body parts, consisting of a housing with a Cylinder space for the piston, on the free piston rod guide means arranged for the piston rod and a piston rod pin are over a tab with the knee joint of a workpiece clamping angle lever is connected, which is mounted on a bearing journal in the housing is pivotally mounted, the guide means for the piston rod consisting of the ends of the piston rod pin and arranged in the housing, in the axial direction of the piston rod guide grooves for Leading these ends. The housing on the side with the free piston rod end has a design independent of the cross section of the piston rod and seal-free movement space. It is an as well stroke-limiting stop or buffer arranged at the bottom of the cylinder space and continuously adjustable axially from the outside using a set screw. At Another construction of this known type is for feeding and Discharge of the pressure medium at each end of the cylinder space Valve-free common line with passages that cannot be changed in size intended. Due to the elimination of valves or other throttling devices There are significant savings and resources in the lines Simplifications for the manufacture and operation of the device. Each The end of the cylinder space only requires a common access and saving Derivation for the pressure medium. The passage at each end of the cylinder space can be designed as a hole or in another way and in its Size cannot be changed. The passage width is provided such that the pressure medium leaving the cylinder chamber the piston in the final phase dampens its movement. The cylinder chamber also serves as Damping space and makes a special throttling chamber unnecessary. The toggle lever tensioning device is further characterized in that the housing carries a mounting eye and this is mounted on a pivot pin is to pivot the housing when moving the piston and to allow the piston rod. With advantage there is the possibility that To hold and arrange the housing immovably in any position. The order also allows the housing to be made movable about a pivot point. Here, the pivot point on the side with the cylinder space itself are so that the housing is pivotable. This results in the Advantage, the housing to or from the workpiece during the clamping process to move. Depending on the respective requirements, the axial movements of the piston and the piston rod simultaneously with the movement of the housing. The swivel range is characteristic of the angle lever is infinitely variable in size due to the variably adjustable The stroke of the piston can be changed. It is possible to use the angle lever to move in a swivel range up to 180 °. The piston rod is out their end position always safe and movable without any special effort, too if the angle lever is pivoted into the zero or dead position. The buffer on the bottom is a buffer made of rubber or rubber.

From GB-A-1 413 751 is a toggle lever tensioning device, in particular for Known for use in body construction, with one clamping head and one in an axial extension adjoining the cylinder, in which an alternating on both sides by pressure medium pressure, preferably by air pressure Acting piston is longitudinally displaceable and sealed, the with his piston rod reaches through the cylinder and the clamping head. Outdoors The end of the piston rod inside the housing is a toggle joint arrangement attached, which is assigned a clamping arm, the piston Cylinder in a cylinder return displacement and in a cylinder clamping displacement divided, with the cylinder return displacement and the cylinder clamping displacement over one connection channel each alternately either to connect to the pressure medium source or are to be vented. Furthermore, the cylinder clamping displacement is at the end sealed by a lid, which a damping device assigned to brake the opening movement of the piston is.

The invention has for its object a toggle lever clamping device, in particular for use in body construction in the motor vehicle industry, that their establishment and adjustment on the one hand is particularly easy is, on the other hand, its exterior largely freed from interfering device parts is.

The object is achieved by the features set out in claim 1 .

In the toggle lever tensioning device according to the invention, the cylinder end position, the opening angle of a clamping arm, the end position detection and if necessary, end position damping simultaneously and together via one Adjust the control element. For example, if working conditions change, needs via the control element, without dismantling the toggle lever device and its cylinder, just the adjustment to be made. Thereby together and at the same time the matching parameters can be So cylinder end position, opening angle of the clamping arm, end position detection and if necessary also adjust the end position damping and in the also lock the desired position. This can also be done during of the company. This is an advantage if, for example should show that tolerances are not strictly observed or Change the contours of the parts to be clamped. In this case, from the outside the toggle lever clamping device the actuating element can be operated to the desired Make adjustments, so to speak, with one hand. This is an advantage not to be underestimated, as there is then no downtime in production lines of the automotive industry, which otherwise leads to high costs for Set-up times etc. are connected. In addition, the actuator enables each desired sensitive setting under operating conditions. Since that Control element at a non-obstructive point, for example on the cylinder bottom, can be arranged, the outer contour of the toggle lever device not adversely affected, so that its all-round attachment possibility preserved from four sides. Then no openings are required to be provided on the cylinder, on the clamping head or the like, for example to arrange sensors. Rather, it is with this configuration possible, all electrical lines, sensors and damping elements in the toggle clamp, for example in the cylinder and / or To relocate Spannkopt.

As can be seen, sensors and contacts are in all embodiments as well as electrical lines arranged protected in the toggle lever clamping device. It is particularly advantageous, however, that a simple Tool, if necessary, cylinder end detection, opening angle, end position detection and possibly end position damping simultaneously and in the same direction, So very quickly and with a built-in toggle clamp device change and lock.

According to claim 2 , the adjusting device is designed as an adjusting screw which can be locked by a lock nut.

In contrast, it is described in the embodiment according to claim 3 that the adjusting device is designed as a linear motor, air motor, hydraulic motor, as a piston-cylinder unit to be acted upon alternately on both sides with pressure medium pressure.

Within the scope of the inventive concept are also solutions according to the invention in which the brake piston for simultaneous joint adjustment of the cylinder end position, the opening angle, the end position damping and the end position detection in the axial direction is gradually - intermittently - adjustable - claim 4.

In the solution to be inferred from claim 5 , the brake piston is supported and locked by a plurality of interchangeable bodies which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal axis direction of the cylinder and are supported against one another, so that the axial position of the brake piston and. By exchanging and / or increasing or reducing the number of these spacers so that the opening angle, the end position detection and possibly the end position damping in the cylinder can be predetermined and set.

Advantageously, the spacer elements are formed as rings in accordance with patent claim. 6 These are also rotationally symmetrical parts that are easy to manufacture. These rings can, for example, consist of a suitable plastic, which contributes to minimizing weight. The fact that the adjusting screw, which extends through the spacer and is screwed into the thread of the brake piston, and that the brake piston is axially braced against the spacer and against the cylinder base, results in a reliable, accurate locking .

The internal hexagon screw can be countered by an internal hexagon nut, whereby both the head of the set screw and the head of the counter nut are arranged in an enlarged recess in the bore in the cylinder base - claim 8. During the adjustment process, the internal hexagon nut is first half Disengaged gear, whereupon the set screw can be turned with an Allen key through the inner opening of the hexagon nut to make the new setting. Then the set screw is locked again using the lock nut.

The set screw is sealed on its threaded length section by a sealing element in the cylinder base pressure-tight - claim 9.

According to the invention, the brake piston is provided with a one-piece bearing attachment, which has the thread for the set screw - claim 10.

In claim 11 an embodiment is described in which the piston and the brake piston together form the damping device for braking the opening movement of the piston. Since the brake piston is arranged coaxially to the piston in a common cylinder, the adjusting element can be used to adjust the brake piston axially in order to adjust and lock the cylinder end position, the opening angle of the tensioning arm and possibly end position detection and end position damping simultaneously and together. The control element can be mechanically, hydraulically or electrohydraulically adjustable as in the embodiment according to claim 1.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the brake piston is preferably provided centrally with the adjusting screw with a brake chamber in which the piston sealingly engages with a one-piece extension designed as a damping piston .

According to claim 13 , the throttle device having a channel with throttle bores and / or throttle valve is arranged in the brake piston, the throttle device connecting the cylinder return displacement space to a relaxation space arranged on the rear side of the brake piston, which is connected to the relief channel. This also promotes a compact design, it being possible for all parts to be rotationally symmetrical as turned parts.

Claim 14 describes a further advantageous embodiment of the invention.

The set screw passes through the spacer and is in the thread of the Brake piston screwed in, so that the brake piston against the spacer and is axially braced against the cylinder bottom. This results in a reliable, accurate locking.

An embodiment according to claim 15 is particularly advantageous . In this case, the end interrogation devices such as sensors, microswitches, inductive proximity switches or the like are in the piston and / or in the brake piston and / or in the cylinder wall and / or in the tensioning piston, that is to say in the toggle lever tensioning device arranged integrated and thus protected in the device itself. In addition, there are no outwardly protruding parts. Tampering with the sensors by unauthorized persons is also ruled out.

An embodiment according to claim 16 is particularly advantageous . In this case, the toggle lever tensioning device can be easily attached to device parts from all four sides, that is to say also from the rear, which is in some cases particularly advantageous.

Another inventive and particularly advantageous embodiment is described in claim 17 . In this solution, too, the sensor is arranged in the brake piston, while all other electrical lines or the like are integrated into the toggle lever tensioning device itself.

Claim 18 shows a further advantageous embodiment of the invention.

In some cases it may be advantageous to choose an embodiment according to claim 19 . In this case too, the sensors and the like are integrated in the toggle lever tensioning device and arranged in a protected manner.

Solutions according to patent claims 20 to 23 also contribute to this.

When configured according to claim 22 , a compact, easy to maintain construction results.

A solution according to claim 24 is also particularly advantageous. In this case, essential lines, but also a pneumatic directional valve and the like, are integrated in the adapter plate.

In the embodiment according to claim 25 , the position transducer allows the positions to be exactly determined and, for example, forwarded to a PC or a PLC, which, for example, can trigger a sequence control automatically and / or manually.

In this context, claim 26 describes a further advantageous solution.

This also applies to the solvents such as those associated with the contactless sensors, but also with the adapter plate and the Position transducers or position sensors are described. These solutions can also be used, for example, for sequential controls for pressure fluid Piston-cylinder units to be loaded in general in the industrial sector apply.

All embodiments are characterized in that with only one simple Tool, for example an Allen key, both the Allow the lock nut and the adjusting element to operate to the required Setting the brake piston and thus the swivel angle or the like to accomplish. This allows the parameters to be set very sensitive, if necessary stepless, adjust and in each also lock the desired position. This also happens with built-in Toggle clamps without loosening any construction parts, since the adjusting element designed as an adjusting screw is from the cylinder bottom is accessible from.

Fig. 1 bis 3

Kniehebelspannvorrichtungen, jeweils im Längsschnitt;

Fig. 4

eine weitere Ausführungsform teils in Längsschnitt, teils abgebrochen dargestellt, mit einem Anschlagkolben;

Fig. 5

eine Teilansicht in Richtung des Pfeiles A" der Fig. 6 und

Fig. 6

eine weitere Ausführungsform der Erfindung, ebenfalls teils im axialen Längsschnitt, teils in der Teilansicht.

In the drawing, the invention is illustrated - partly schematically - using several exemplary embodiments. Show it:

1 to 3

Toggle clamps, each in longitudinal section;

Fig. 4

a further embodiment partly shown in longitudinal section, partly broken off, with a stop piston;

Fig. 5

a partial view in the direction of the arrow A "of FIGS. 6 and

Fig. 6

a further embodiment of the invention, also partly in axial longitudinal section, partly in partial view.

In the embodiments shown in the drawing, the reference numeral 1 denotes a clamping head to which a cylinder 2 is axially connected. The cylinder 2 is closed at the end facing the clamping head 1 by a wall or a cover 3 and on its opposite end by a cylinder base 4, for example in the form of a cover, in a pressure-tight manner. A piston 5, which is sealed by a seal 6, is arranged in the cylinder 2 in a longitudinally displaceable and sealing manner. The piston 5 is connected to a piston rod 7. The piston rod 7 passes through a bore 8 in the cover 3 and is sealed by a seal 9 in a pressure-tight manner. The cross section of the cylinder is designed as a cylinder deviating from the circular shape, for example flat oval. The piston 5 is adapted to this cross-sectional shape, so that it is guided against rotation in the cylinder 2. Under "Flat oval" is understood to mean a cross-sectional shape that consists of longer sides that run parallel to one another in a cross section that runs orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 2 and that are connected to each other on the narrow sides facing away from each other by circular arcs or curves. For example, oval shapes are also possible.

The piston rod 7 passes axially through the clamping head 1 and is at its end connected to a toggle joint assembly 10, which is an unspecified Clamp arm is assigned. The tension arm is in direction A respectively B by a certain swivel angle around a housing-fixed Axis 11 is pivotally arranged in the clamping head 1. The swivel angle can be obtuse.

The clamping head 1 has a housing that in the illustrated embodiment consists of two shell-shaped housing parts that are sandwich-like and lie on each other without gaps (not shown) and thus the piston rod 7, the toggle joint assembly 10 and all other between the housing parts encapsulate objects in a dirt and moisture-proof manner. The housing parts are separated from each other by a straight dividing plane separated, so that the housing parts lie flat on one another through walls and releasably connected to each other by screws (not shown) are. If necessary, the walls can also have sealing elements be assigned. These housing parts are closed on all sides and only have an approximately semicircular one on each side Recess on (not shown), which thus complement the bore 8, through which the piston rod 7 in the space delimited by the housing parts 12 protrudes. The toggle joint arrangement 10 is also in this space 12 arranged. The end of the piston rod 7 located within the space 12 and the toggle joint assembly 10 are thus dirt, dust and spray liquid tight encapsulated to the outside.

The two shell-shaped housing parts each have an orthogonally penetrating one Bore on (not shown) through which the axis 11 passes. Instead, the axis 11 can also not penetrate into the outside Moldings of the relevant housing part can be stored. Furthermore the two shell-shaped housing parts have guide grooves (not shown). The guide grooves can be of the same design and with each other correspond in the assembled state of the housing parts, such that the toggle joint assembly 10 with associated components for Example by rollers, is guided with low friction in the longitudinal axis direction. Of further the housing parts have holes for screws, not shown by means of which the housing parts are screwed together in a joint-tight manner. For example, the bores of a housing part can be used as through bores be formed while the associated coaxially arranged thereto Holes in the other part of the housing Blind holes with thread are. By screwing in bolts, not shown, can be thereby releasably but tightly connecting the housing parts. The housing parts can be made of steel or aluminum or any other suitable Material, for example made of an injection molded material. The one another walls in the parting plane can be of high quality, For example, ground or cast with the appropriate surface quality be so that they are full and tight on each other.

The toggle joint arrangement 10 can be assigned fork arms (not shown) be that with their ends square or polygonal in cross section designed end portions of the axis 11 are arranged. This can a retaining tab can be provided which against the fork-shaped end of the associated Fork arm attacks and with formally adapted recesses engages around the end sections of the pivot pin and with the relevant one Fork arm is connected by screws (also not shown).

A screw-on part can also be assigned to the fork arm, which is centric or is arranged eccentrically with respect to the fork arm.

The housing of the clamping head 1 is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the Piston rod 7 guided cross section rectangular (not shown). As a result, the housing can in principle be on four sides, namely on the opposite sides of the rectangle optionally on device parts, for example in the body shop of the automotive industry, attached, for example screwed on, become.

Opposite the piston 5 is a brake piston coaxially opposite 13 arranged, which in all embodiments by an actuator 14th is adjustable and lockable in the longitudinal axis direction. This actuator 14 is as threaded in the illustrated embodiments Bolt formed, which facing the cylinder bottom 4 End section with a head 15 with an internal polygon, for example an internal hexagon 16, is provided. The head 15 of the actuator 14 is by a Lock nut 17 to lock in the illustrated embodiments also with an internal polygon, preferably also with an internal hexagon, is provided.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 3, the inner polygon is the Lock nut 17 formed as a through opening, so that a corresponding Tool centered through the lock nut also in the inner polygon 16 of the head 15 of the actuator 14 can be reached to after loosening the lock nut 17, the control element 14 in one or the other Rotate direction, thereby the brake piston 13 in the axial direction, ie to adjust in the X or Y direction. During the adjustment process first by engaging the polygon with a suitable tool the lock nut 17 loosened this by half a gear. Thereupon can be opened with an appropriate socket wrench through the inner opening Lock nut 17 inserted into the inner polygon of the control element 14 to turn them in one direction or the other. It is enough after a certain presetting, relatively small adjustment ranges of the Brake piston 13 to make the necessary adjustment and adjustment work. Then the lock nut against the head 15 of the Adjusting element 14 clamped to axially block it. As can be seen this can be done from the outside even with the toggle clamp device installed.

The head 15 of the control element 14 and the lock nut 17 are in a corresponding Recess 18 of the cylinder bottom 4 arranged coaxially to the control element 14 and thus also to the brake piston 13 and again coaxially to the piston 5 and the piston rod 7 is arranged.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 3, the lock nuts 17 for example entirely in the threaded recess 18 while in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the lock nut 17 with a Ring collar 19 is supported against the outside 20 of the cylinder base 4.

Furthermore, the non-threaded bolt part 21 of the actuating element 14 sealed by a seal 22 in a pressure medium-tight manner. The seal 22 is in an annular groove in the cylinder base 4.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the pressure-tight seal takes place by a seal 23, which is arranged in an annular groove 24 behind the annular collar 19 is.

The brake piston 13 is at least in the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2 by means of a seal 26 arranged in a groove opposite to pressure medium the cylinder inner wall 27 sealed.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2, an in with the piston 5 Direction on the brake piston 13 with excellent material in one piece the piston 5 designed damping piston 25 connected in its Inside is provided with a chamber formed by a blind bore 28, in which at the axial stroke of the piston 5, the actuator 14 with a certain Longitudinal section is able to submerge.

The brake piston 13 has one with a throttle device in all embodiments 29 provided channel on the one cylinder clamping displacement 30th with a relaxation space arranged on the rear of the brake piston 13 31 fluid pressure connection. This relaxation room 31 is via a channel 32 to the outside or to another relaxation room connected, in which the pressure medium, preferably compressed air, escape can.

On the side of the piston opposite the cylinder clamping displacement 30 5 is a pressure medium to be acted upon via a channel 33 Cylinder return displacement 34.

With 35 in the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2 is a brake chamber referred to, in which the damping piston 25 increases from a certain stroke sealing entry. For this purpose, the damping piston 25 an annular groove with a seal 36, which against the wall 37 of the brake chamber 35 rests sealingly during the movement of the damping piston 25 and thereby the brake chamber 35 and a channel 38 connected to it, which connects the brake chamber 35 and the relaxation space 31, shuts off. From now on, the pressure medium can only pass through the piston 5 via the throttle device 29 are pushed into the relaxation room 31, so that there is some delay and braking of the lifting movement the piston 5 comes.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the brake chamber 35 is also missing Damping piston 25 is not available. Rather, the piston rod 7 is included provided a central bore 39 into which the actuator 14 coaxially enter can

In contrast to the stepless adjustment of the brake piston 13 at 1, the brake piston 13 is adjusted in the embodiment according to FIG. 2 intermittently. For this purpose between a shoulder 40 of the brake piston 13 and a screw bushing 41, which is screwed into a recess in the cylinder base 4, annular spacers 42 arranged. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 a total of four such spacers 42 are provided. Through exchange or by increasing and decreasing the number of spacers 42 the brake piston 13 can be stepped in the direction from X or Y adjust and lock. The spacers 42 do not need all to be the same thickness, but can have different axial dimensions have, so that depending on the operating conditions a corresponding setting and locking is possible.

In this case too, the lock nut 17 is loosened again Inserting a key in the inner polygon of the head 15 the actuator 14 unscrewed, the number of spacers and / or their Shape changed and then again the actuator 14 in the screw thread provided shoulder 40 of the brake piston 13 and screwed the spacer 42 between the shoulder 40 of the brake piston 13 and axially braced the cylinder base 4 or the screw bushing 41, whereby the brake piston 13 is locked accordingly.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 1 there is a contact 43 in the piston 5 for Example made of steel or the like, provided with at least one Sensor 44 cooperates on the opposite side in the brake piston 13 is arranged. On the opposite side of contact 43 a further contact 45 in the form of a steel body or the like is provided, which interacts with a sensor 46. The sensor 46 is in one Bore arranged in the lid or wall 3.

1, a distributor block 47 is arranged in the cylinder base 4, of the electrical or electronic contacts, components and the like. A connector 48 is assigned to this distributor block 47, the one with the appropriate electrical cables for remote access the piston 5 and thus also the position of the clamping arm and the like connected is.

The distributor block 47 is also on the one hand via electrical lines 49 and 50, respectively connected to the sensor 44 and on the other hand to the sensor 46. The administration 50 runs in a recess 51 of the cylinder wall and in a corresponding one Channel 52 of the wall or cover 3. This can the positions of the piston 5 and also the position of the clamping arm Interrogate. By axial adjustment of the actuator 14 and thus the Brake piston 13, so to speak, is possible with one handle, at the same time a stepless adjustment of the cylinder end query, the opening angle, the End position damping and the end position detection. This can be done accomplish very sensitively, what by appropriate choice of thread of the control element 14 is to be influenced.

Instead of a spindle, another suitable adjusting element 14 can be used Example a linear motor that can be controlled remotely, a hydraulic actuator or the like, use.

A similar arrangement is made in the embodiment according to FIG. 2. The brake piston 13 in turn has a suitable contact 53, which with a sensor 54 cooperates with an electrical line 55 in connection stands, through an arranged in the piston rod 7 axial bore 56 runs, which are each connected to the outside via radial channels 57 and 58 is. An electrical line 59 is connected to the radial channel 58, which is connected to a distributor block 61 to which a connector 62 is assigned which is arranged in a recess of the clamping head 1. Neither through the distributor block 61 or through the connector 62, the rear-side option this toggle lever clamping device impaired. There are enough Large screw-on surfaces are available so that they can be attached to the back To attach toggle lever clamping device.

60 is a further sensor, which is connected via an electrical line 63 is connected to the distributor block 61.

In this embodiment - as shown and described - the In contrast to the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the brake piston 13 is intermittent adjust. By this adjustment by means of the annular spacers but can also simultaneously and in the same direction the cylinder end query, the opening angle of the tension arm, the end position damping and the Change and fix end position detection at the same time.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, the brake piston 13 is a sensor 64 assigned, which interacts with a contact 65, which is also an off Steel or the like existing body can be that in the aluminum existing piston 5 is arranged. Also in all other embodiments The piston 5 can be made of aluminum or a corresponding alloy be made.

Opposite the contact 65 is a further sensor 66 in a recess the wall or the cover 3 arranged. The cylinder 2 again has a recess in the form of a channel 67 in which electrical Lines 68 and 69 are arranged leading to a distributor block 70 Lead connector 71. Line 68 is connected to sensor 66 while the line 69 is connected to the sensor 64 in an electrically conductive manner.

In this embodiment, too, the cylinder end query can be change the opening angle and the end position query simultaneously and in the same direction and lock at the same time. In this embodiment as well in all other embodiments, manifold block 70 with the corresponding ones provided electronic or electrical elements. Distribution block 70 with plug 71 interfere with the rear attachment of the toggle lever clamping device not on device parts, since there are enough large areas for the Arrangement of screw holes or the like are present.

4 are again the same function for parts the same reference numerals as in the previously described embodiments been used. The reference numeral 72 denotes an adapter plate, which a connector 73 for electrical connection, for example with a Display device, a PC or the like, is connected (not shown). The Adapter plate 72 also has electronics 74. After all, in both 72 end parts of the adapter plate 75 and 76 are provided, those with coupling plugs 77 or 78 in the wall 3 or in the cylinder base 4 work together. Allow plug parts 75 and 76 and coupling plugs 77 and 78 a sealed connection of these to the required extent Parts.

As can be seen, the adapter plate 72 extends in the longitudinal axis direction of the cylinder 2 and can in the contour of the outer shape of the cylinder be adjusted so that there are no protruding parts. The adapter plate 72 is interchangeable, so that in the event of malfunctions or other operating conditions Adapter plates 72 with the appropriate configuration are no problem and have it replaced quickly.

Electrical lines 79 and 78 run from the coupling plugs 77 and 78, respectively. 80 to the sensors 66 in the wall 3 or 64 in the stop piston 13.

It can also be seen from Fig. 4 that in this embodiment - as well as in the embodiment of FIG. 3 - the stop piston 13 on his The circumference of the cylinder inner wall 27 is not sealed in a fluid-tight manner is.

5 and FIG. 6 are again the same for parts Function the same reference numerals have been used.

This embodiment differs from the embodiment according to FIG. 4 in that an adapter plate 81 with one in the longitudinal direction extending pneumatic line 82 is provided which has a seal Seals 83 cooperates with a channel 84 in the wall 3, which is behind the piston 3 opens into the cylinder return displacement 34.

At its other end, the pneumatic line 82 opens in a sealed manner a pneumatic directional control valve 85, which is integral with the adapter plate 81, but interchangeable, connected. The directional control valve 85 has another pneumatic line 86, which is sealed on the one hand with the directional control valve 85, on the other hand, cooperates with a channel 88 in a sealed manner via a plug part 87, in the cylinder clamping displacement 30 behind the stop piston 13 flows out.

An electrical connection is provided at 89.

On the side opposite the adapter plate 81, the cylinder 2 is a Assigned transducer 90, which consists essentially of a rod-shaped Element exists, which seals in the cylinder bottom 4 via a seal 91 is arranged and on the one hand the stop piston 13 and on the other hand reaches through the piston 5. With 92 a position encoder is designated, while 93 is a seal that the displacement transducer 90 against the piston 5 seals. The piston 5 slides on the displacement sensor 90 at the latter Stroke movement in its axial direction.

At 94, a receiver is arranged in the cylinder base 4, which has a Electrical line, not shown, with a PLC, a PC, a signal converter or an evaluation device is connected.

Depending on the position of the position transmitter 92, corresponding measured values are obtained delivered via the receiver 94 to the connected PC or the like, so that with high reproducibility and contactless, so very robust, the individual positions of the toggle clamp device can also be queried remotely to let. In the event that not a stop piston, but a damping piston is provided, this can also be arranged and designed be as shown in Fig. 6. In this case, however, is the Displacement sensor 90 is then arranged in a sealed manner in the piston 13. By a The center can then - if necessary numerous - such toggle clamps readjust or change their swivel angle.

It is also conceivable to include the displacement sensor 90 in a sequence control, which runs automatically, so that when a certain position is reached of the piston 5 corresponding control processes automatically or can also be triggered manually.

The in the summary, in the claims and in the description described features and can be seen from the drawing both individually and in any combination for the realization of the Invention to be essential.

Claims (26)

Toggle lever clamping device, in particular for use in body construction the automotive industry, with a clamping head (1) and one in axial Extension adjoining cylinder (2), in which an alternating Pistons to be acted upon on both sides by pressure medium pressure (5) longitudinally displaceable, twist-proof and sealed, the with its Piston rod (7) passes through the cylinder (2) and the clamping head (1), whereby at the free end of the piston rod (7) inside the housing of the Clamping head (1) a toggle joint arrangement (10) is arranged, the a clamping arm is assigned, the piston (5) into a cylinder Cylinder return displacement (34) and a cylinder clamping displacement (30) divided, and the cylinder clamping displacement (30) at the end face by a Cover, a housing wall (3) or the like, sealed is, with end position sensing devices for the piston in the form of non-contact, for example inductive sensors (44, 46, 54, 64) or the like, with a brake piston (13) or a stop piston, which is assigned to the piston (5) and in the same cylinder (2) as the Piston (5) is arranged coaxially to this, with one in the cylinder bottom (4) arranged adjusting device (14) for the brake piston (13) or the stop piston with which it is continuously axially in both Directions without removing the toggle clamp device from the outside on the cylinder bottom for simultaneous and joint change and / or adjusting the opening angle of a tension arm and the End position detection is adjustable and lockable, whereby a sensor (53, 64) of the end position interrogation device, the brake piston or the stop piston (13) is assigned. Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the adjusting device (14) is designed as an adjusting screw arranged coaxially to the brake or stop piston, which is arranged in a bore in the cylinder base (14) and can be locked by a lock nut (17). Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the adjusting device is designed as a linear motor, air motor, hydraulic motor, electric spindle motor, as a piston-cylinder unit to be acted upon alternately on both sides with pressure medium pressure. Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the brake piston (13) and thus the opening angle, the end position detection and optionally the end position damping in the axial direction can be adjusted in steps - intermittently. Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the brake piston (13) by a plurality of interchangeable ones arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal axis direction of the cylinder (2) and supported against one another and against the brake piston (13) on the one hand and against the cylinder bottom on the other - if necessary, indirectly - supporting spacer (42) is mounted and locked, and that by exchanging and / or increasing or reducing the number of these spacers (42) the axial position of the brake piston (13) and thus the opening angle, the end position detection and, if applicable, the end position damping are predeterminably adjustable in the cylinder (2). Toggle lever clamping device according to claim 5, characterized in that the spacers (42) are designed as rings. Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the adjusting screw (14) is screwed through the spacers (42) in the thread of the brake piston (13) and the brake piston (13) against the spacers (42) and against the cylinder base (4 ) axially clamped. Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the adjusting screw (14) is an internal hexagon screw to be countered by an internal hexagon nut (17), and that both the head of the adjusting screw (14) and the head of the lock nut (17) is arranged in an enlarged recess (18) of the bore in the cylinder base (4). Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the adjusting screw (14) is sealed on its non-threaded length section by a seal in the cylinder base (4) in a pressure-tight manner. Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the brake piston (13) is provided with a one-piece extension (40) which has the thread for the adjusting screw (14). Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the piston (5) and the brake piston (13) together form a damping device (25, 35) for braking the opening movement of the piston (5), the cylinder return displacement (34) and the cylinder clamping displacement (30) is alternately either connected to or relieved from the pressure medium source via at least one connection channel (32, 33), the connection duct (32) relieving or connecting to the pressure medium source from a certain opening stroke of the Piston (5) can be shut off from the cylinder clamping displacement (30), whereupon the cylinder clamping displacement (30) is relieved of pressure only via a throttle device (29) which is assigned to the brake piston (13). Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the brake piston (13) has a brake chamber (35) which is preferably arranged centrally to the adjusting screw (14) and into which the piston (5) integrally integrates with a damping piston (25) Brake sleeve engages sealingly. Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the throttle device (29) having a channel with a throttle bore and / or throttle valve is arranged in the brake piston (13), the throttle device (29) comprising the cylinder tensioning chamber (30) on the back of the brake piston (13) arranged relaxation space (31) connects to the relief channel (32). Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the brake piston (13), which is guided in the cylinder (2) against rotation, in a straight section through its longitudinal axis made of a piston part with a groove for a seal (26) arranged on the periphery. and there is a part integrally connected to it, which forms the shoulder (40) with the thread for receiving the adjusting screw (14). Toggle lever clamping device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the end position interrogation devices are arranged integrated in the piston (5) and / or in the cylinder wall (3) and / or in the clamping head (1). Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that only one distributor block (47, 61, 70) with connector (48, 62, 71) on the outside of the toggle lever tensioning device - on the cylinder base (4), or on a side wall, or on the clamping head (1) - while maintaining the possibility of mounting the toggle lever clamping device from all four sides on a device, for example on a bearing block, a holder or the like. Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that a sensor (44) is arranged in the brake piston (13) and is connected via an electrical line (49) to an electrical distributor block (47), to which a plug (48) or the like, and that the distributor block (47) is connected to a further sensor (46) which is located in the clamping head (1), preferably in the end cover (3) or in a wall of the clamping head (1), is arranged, while in the piston (5) on diametrically opposite sides there are contacts (43, 45) which on the one hand interact with the sensor (44, 46) located in the clamping head (1) and on the other hand with the sensor in the brake piston (13). Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the distributor block (47) is coupled to the sensors (44, 46) via electrical lines which are partly in the relaxation space (31) and partly in the wall of the cylinder (2) and the cover (3) or the wall of the clamping head (1) are arranged. Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the piston (5) on its side facing the brake piston (13) has a sensor (54) which is connected to a suitable contact (53), for example a steel body in the brake piston (13) cooperates, and that in the piston (5) on the side facing the clamping head (1) a contact made of steel or the like is arranged, which cooperates with a second sensor (60) which is in the cover (3) of the clamping head ( 1) and that the sensors (54, 60) are connected via electrical lines to a distributor block (61) on the back or the like of the toggle lever clamping device in the region of the clamping head (1), to which a plug (62) is assigned. Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the electrical lines of the sensor (54) arranged in the piston (5) are guided through a bore (56) in the piston rod (7). Toggle lever clamping device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that part of the electrical lines assigned to the sensors is arranged in the space of the clamping head (1) penetrated by the piston rod (7). Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the cylinder (2) is assigned an adapter plate which runs laterally in the longitudinal axial direction thereof and is interchangeably arranged on the cylinder (2) and coupling plug for the electrical or electronic connection of lines has, which lead to the sensors, optionally an electrical connection and, if necessary, electronic components. Toggle lever clamping device according to claim 22, characterized in that plug parts are provided on the one hand in the end covers or in the wall (3), on the other hand in the cylinder base (4), which are connected to the plugs (75, 76, 77, 78) of the adapter plate (81) correspond. Toggle lever clamping device according to claim 23, characterized in that a pneumatic directional control valve and pneumatic connections are integrated in the adapter plate (81), a pneumatic line running in the adapter plate (81) extending in the longitudinal axis direction of the cylinder (2) and with a plug part in the wall (3) of the cylinder (2) corresponds to which a pneumatic line is connected which opens into the cylinder return displacement (34), while the other air line opens out via a channel into the cylinder clamping displacement (30). Toggle lever clamping device according to claim 1 or one of the subsequent claims, characterized in that the cylinder (2) is associated with a displacement sensor (90) which interacts with a position transmitter (92), and in that the data are arranged in the cylinder base (4) or the like Receivers (94), for example, can be forwarded to a PC or a PLC. Toggle lever tensioning device according to claim 25, characterized in that the position sensors (92) are arranged in the piston (5), and in that the displacement sensor (90) extends through the cylinder and through the piston (5) and through the damping piston (13) and the Stop piston extends and is sealed in the cylinder base (4).

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