EP0962285B1 - 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 device, in particular for use in the bodywork of the automotive industry.

From EP 0 778 107 A a toggle clamping device according to the preamble of independent claims 1 and 19, in particular for the particular known for use in the bodywork of the automotive industry, with a clamping head and an axial extension adjoining cylinder in which an alternately longitudinally displaceable on both sides by pressure medium pressure piston to be acted upon, twisting and sealing, which passes through the cylinder and the clamping head with its piston rod, wherein at the free end of the piston rod within the housing of the clamping head a toggle joint arrangement is arranged, which is associated with a clamping arm, wherein the piston subdivides the cylinder into a Zylinderrückhubraum and a Zylinderspannhubraum, and the Zylinderrückhubraum end face by a lid is sealingly closed, with a brake or stop piston, which is assigned to the piston and arranged coaxially to the same cylinder as the piston, and with an adjusting device for the brake or stop piston, with which this steplessly axially in both directions Change and / or adjustment of the opening angle of the clamping arm is adjustable and lockable. This prior publication has the object, a toggle lever device in such a way that when braking moving masses no resilient restoring forces occur, the damping device should be better than before depending on the specific operating conditions present in their damping behavior adjustable.

For this purpose, it is proposed to integrate a connection channel and the throttle device, for example, in an end-face cover of the cylinder clamping space, so that no visible to the outside enlargement of the construction dimensions of the toggle lever device occurs, so that optionally built toggle clamping devices by replacing this cover and the existing therein connection channel with throttle devices can also be retrofitted without making any changes to the outside at the site. This applies in particular to the connections for the supply of the pressure medium, in particular of air pressure.

In order to enable the cushioning over a larger range from 0 to 135 ° pivoting angle, it is proposed to design the damping device in its axial extent with respect to the piston variable in length and lockable. It is also described in the document that the damping device can be designed to be infinitely variable in length. It is also described that by continuously or otherwise changing the axial length of the throttle body with its support piston, the throttle device can be changed depending on the desired pivot angle of the clamping arm. This can be done according to this document by the fact that the support piston has a projection on the end face facing the piston, which is adjustable in length depending on the desired pivot angle. This length adjustability can be stepless, but also done by material removal, in which, for example, the projection is turned off to achieve the desired damping effect depending on the pivot angle of the clamping arm. Consequently, the total length of the damping body can be changed by allowing the protrusion opposite and engaging in a cover end face of the damping body can be removed by material removal, depending on the desired pivot angle of the clamping arm.

Instead, however, the damping body may consist of two or more telescoping parts which are telescopically adjustable. These parts can be connected to each other, for example by screw thread.

In addition, the damping body may be formed integrally with the lid and can also be adjusted or changed in terms of its length according to the respective desired pivot angle.

In some cases, it should even be possible according to the statements in the document to adjust the length hydraulically, for example, by corresponding stroke adjustment of a piston in a cylinder to thereby take into account the respective desired pivot angle of the arm and to achieve the desired damping effect.

Also, the inside arranged in the cylinder space materially integral projection of the support piston can be designed so that it is formed as a plug or a ring which is infinitely adjustable and adjustable to the desired damping capacity and thus on the pivot angle of the clamping arm, or as a clamping aid Shortening the total length is used. All this is not possible without disassembly of the device. For example, for the purpose of material removal for length adjustment, the entire Support piston expanded and created to a lathe and machined there, while in training as an internal stopper also degraded at least the bottom cover of the toggle lever device and the parts, in particular the support piston and the stopper removed and then adjusted so that reaches the desired axial length and thereby the swivel angle is changed. For this purpose, if necessary, a repeated external testing is not necessary, which requires a correspondingly high expenditure of time.

From DE 196 16 441 C1 a toggle clamping device for the body construction with a guided in an orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod cross-section rectangular clamping head is already known, which is constructed of two housing parts, and with an adjoining in axial extension to the cylinder-side end of the clamping head cylinder , in which an alternately on both sides by pressure medium pressure, in particular to be acted upon by air pressure piston longitudinally displaceable and sealing, with its piston rod axially engages through the cylinder and a cavity of the clamping head, wherein at the free end of the piston rod a toggle joint assembly is fixed, which is attached to a clamping arm coupled with limit switches or positioners in the form of microswitches, inductive switches, pneumatic switches or sensors in a space of the clamping head are integrated, wherein the switches are adjustable relative to each other and are arranged on a cover forming the same holder as a total interchangeable query cartridge in the form of a board in the form of a board in the region of a slot in the axial direction of the clamping head and fastened, wherein the query cartridge in plan view a "T "-shaped shape with a mounting rail and a flange, which is followed by a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod extending profile, wherein the query cartridge from the back of the housing of the clamping head by a narrow, extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the piston rod Slot and while maintaining the possibility of attachment of the toggle lever clamping device is inserted from all four sides, in particular from the back, such that the profile seals the slot as far as possible to the outside of the slot. The profile may be designed in an orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod guided cross-section "L" -shaped, wherein the web of the "L" is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod and the switch has adjustable, while the cross bar closes the slot to the outside. Another construction may be provided with a consisting of two shell-shaped housing parts clamping head which lie flat on one another in a plane and encapsulate the toggle joint assembly, the piston rod, the limit switch, dirt and dustproof to the outside, the two shell-shaped housing parts on the one narrower side of the rectangular cross-section clamping head have the slot for arranging the query cartridge. The profile can dip so far into the slot that the one, the narrower side of the cross-sectionally rectangular clamping head projects beyond the outwardly delimiting wall, the outwardly facing boundary of the L-shaped profile. This toggle-type clamping device is equipped with an end stop for the toggle joint arrangement, primarily in the over-center position of the toggle joint, wherein the end stop is designed as an externally operable, adjustable in its Längsachsrichtung stop, in particular as a threaded plug. In this operating with the so-called cassette technology toggle lever clamping device, the query cartridge is inserted from the back of the tensioner housing through a narrow, slot-shaped recess in the housing. Such a construction is very service-friendly, since by loosening, for example, only one screw, the complete interrogation cassette with switch and plug, which are completely wired in itself, must be replaced. Fully interchangeable interrogation cassettes can thus be kept in stock, which can be exchanged in a few simple steps. As a result, only a small downtime can be expected, it should be necessary to replace the query cartridge. Also you can for certain strokes or opening angle have selected polling cartridges in stock so they can be replaced with built-in polling cartridges in a few simple steps.

DE 42 42 601 A1 describes a piston-cylinder arrangement with a guided in a cylinder and displaceable between two Endlagenbegrenzungselementen by Druckmittelbeaufschlagung piston with a piston rod, wherein at least one of the two Endlagebegrenzungselemente in the axial direction within the cylinder is adjustable. That the at least one Endlagenbegrenzungselement is designed as a damping element and works with a constructed between piston and damping element during the stroke pressure medium pad. That the at least one Endlagenbegrenzungselement is held against rotation within the cylinder and is adjustable by means of a spindle mounted on the cylinder. This spindle is formed at least partially as a threaded spindle and extends through a threaded bore of a Endlagenbegrenzungselementes in a corresponding recess of the piston rod. The spindle is rotatable by means of a hand wheel arranged on the front side of the cylinder. The relevant end position limiting element is arranged for length adjustment by means of an external or internal thread in a corresponding mating thread on the cylinder. Simultaneously with the adjustment of the respective Endlagenbegrenzungselementes switch to control the piston-cylinder assembly with misplaced. Characterized in that the one Endlagenbegrenzungselement is displaceable in the axial direction within the cylinder, a stepless adjustment of the stroke length of the piston rod according to the respective requirements to achieve. The adjustment of the Endlagenbegrenzungselementes carried by means of a mounted on an outer housing cover of the cylinder and extending through a threaded bore of the Endlagenbegrenzungselementes in a corresponding recess of 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 drei - voneinander um 90 Grad abweichenden Einbaulagen in der Eckausnehmung anzuordnen und lösbar zu arretieren.

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

• a) in a z. B. Eckausnehmung of the cylinder and / or the bottom cover a prismatic connector body is arranged, with which the plug designed as an angle plug is connected;
• b) the prismatic connector body has a threaded hole with which the angle connector is coupled;
• c) the prismatic connection body has an interior to which the bore is connected, wherein the electrical leads lead into the interior;
• d) the prismatic connection body is in several - preferably three - to arrange by 90 degrees different installation positions in the corner recess and releasably lock.

The DE 91 05 755.8 U1 relates to a clamping device consisting of a head piece with adjusting mechanism for the clamping lever and a fixed with anchor rods on the head piece actuating cylinder for the adjusting mechanism, wherein adjustable Endstellungsabfrageelemente are arranged in the region of the actuating cylinder, which a standing with the piston rod in operative connection Endstellungsgeber is assigned and their cable out to the cylinder end are, wherein the Endstellungsabfrageelemente such as microswitches are arranged on bow-shaped supports that sit adjustable and fixable on two adjacent anchor rods.

DE 22 22 686 B2 relates to a pressure-actuated toggle lever clamping device, in particular for body parts, consisting of a housing with a cylinder space for the piston, at the free piston rod end guide means for the piston rod and a piston rod pin are arranged, which via a tab with the knee joint of a Werkstückspannenden- Angle lever is connected, which is pivotally mounted on a bearing journal mounted in the housing, wherein the guide means for the piston rod consisting of the ends of the piston rod pin and arranged in the housing, extending in the axial direction of the piston rod guide grooves for guiding these ends. The housing on the side with the free piston rod end has an independent of the cross section of the piston rod shapable and seal-free movement space. It is also arranged a stroke limiting stop or buffer at the bottom of the cylinder chamber and steplessly axially adjustable by an adjusting screw from the outside. In a further construction of this prior art design, for supplying and discharging the pressure fluid medium at each end of the cylinder space, a valveless common conduit having in size invariable passages intended. The elimination of valves or other throttling means in the conduits results in substantial savings and simplifications for the manufacture and operation of the apparatus. Each end of the cylinder space requires effort-saving only a common supply and discharge for the print medium. The passage at each end of the cylinder space may be formed as a bore or otherwise, and be unchanging in size. The passage width is provided such that the pressure medium leaving the cylinder chamber dampens the piston in each case in the final phase of its movement. The cylinder chamber also serves as a damping chamber and makes a special throttling chamber dispensable. The toggle clamping device is further characterized in that the housing carries a fastening eye and this is mounted on a pivot pin to allow pivoting of the housing during movement of the piston and the piston rod. Advantageously, there is the possibility to hold the housing immovable in any position and to arrange. The arrangement also makes it possible to provide the housing movable about a pivot point. Here, the pivot point on the side with the cylinder chamber can be located so that the housing is pivotable. This results in the advantage of moving the housing to or from the workpiece during the clamping process. According to the respective requirements, the axial movements of the piston and the piston rod at the same time with the movement of the housing take place. Characteristically, the pivoting range of the angle lever is infinitely variable in its size by the variably adjustable stroke of the piston. It is possible to move the angle lever in a swivel range up to 180 °. The piston rod is always safe to move from its end position and without any special effort, even if the angle lever is pivoted to zero or dead position. The buffer at the bottom is a buffer made of rubber or rubber.

From GB-A-1 413 751 a toggle-type clamping device, in particular for use in coachbuilding, is previously known, with a clamping head and an axially extending adjoining cylinder, in which an alternately on both sides by pressure medium pressure, preferably by air pressure to be acted upon piston longitudinally displaceable and is guided sealingly, which passes through the cylinder and the clamping head with its piston rod. At the free end of the piston rod within the housing a toggle joint assembly is attached, which is associated with a clamping arm, the piston dividing the cylinder into a Zylinderrückhubraum and in a Zylinderspannhubraum, wherein the Zylinderrückhubraum and the Zylinderspannhubraum via a respective connecting channel alternately either to the pressure medium source or to vent. Furthermore, the Zylinderspannhubraum is the front end sealed by a lid, the one Damping device is assigned for braking the opening movement of the piston.

The invention has the object of providing a toggle lever device, in particular for use in the bodywork of the automotive industry, in such a way that their device and setting on the one hand is particularly relieved, on the other hand, their appearance is largely exempt from disturbing device parts.

The object is solved by the reproduced in the claims 1 or 19 features.

In the toggle lever clamping device according to the invention, the cylinder end position, the opening angle of a clamping arm, the Endlagenabfragung and optionally a cushioning set simultaneously and jointly via an actuator. If, for example, working conditions change, only the adjustment need be made via the adjusting element, without dismantling the toggle lever clamping device and its cylinder.

As a result, together and at the same time adjust the matching parameters, ie cylinder end position, opening angle of the clamping arm, Endlagenabfragung and possibly also the end position damping and lock in the desired position. This may possibly also occur during operation. This is advantageous if, for example, it should be shown that tolerances are not precisely maintained or that contours of the parts to be clamped change. In this case, the adjusting element can be actuated from the outside on the toggle lever clamping device in order to make the desired adjustments, so to speak with a handle. This is a not to be underestimated advantage, since it then comes to no downtime in production lines of the automotive industry, which otherwise high costs for set-up times, etc. are connected. In addition, the actuator allows each desired sensitive adjustment under operating conditions. Since the adjusting element can be arranged at a non-obstructing point, for example at the cylinder bottom, the outer contour of the toggle lever clamping device is not adversely affected, so that its all-round mounting option is maintained from four sides. It then no need to be provided openings on the cylinder, the chuck or the like, for example, to arrange sensors. Rather, it is possible in this embodiment, all electrical lines, Sensors and damping elements in the toggle lever tensioning device, for example, in the cylinder and / or the clamping head, hineinververlagern.

As can be seen, sensors and contacts as well as electrical lines are protected in the toggle lever clamping device arranged in all embodiments. It is particularly advantageous, however, that it is possible by means of a simple tool to sensitively change and lock cylinder end interrogation, opening angle, end position detection and possibly end cushioning simultaneously and in the same direction, ie very quickly and with built-in toggle lever clamping device.

It is particularly advantageous in this case that the adjusting device is designed as a set screw and locked by a lock nut.

The inner hex screw can be countered by an inner hex nut, both the head of the screw and the head of the lock nut are arranged in an enlarged recess of the bore in the cylinder base - claim 2. During the adjustment process, first, the inner hex nut half Gear solved, whereupon with an Allen key through the inner opening of the inner hexagon nut the Adjusting screw can be rotated to make the new setting. Thereafter, the set screw is locked again on the lock nut.

The adjusting screw is pressure-tightly sealed at its threaded longitudinal section by a sealing element in the cylinder bottom - Claim 3.

According to the invention the brake piston is provided with a one-piece bearing lug, which has the thread for the screw - claim 4.

In claim 5, 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, can be adjusted axially by the actuator of the brake piston, thereby adjusting the cylinder end position, the opening angle of the clamping arm and possibly Endlagenabfragung and end position damping simultaneously and together and lock. In this case, the actuator can be mechanically, hydraulically or electro-hydraulically adjustable as in the embodiment according to claim 1.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the brake piston is preferably provided centrically to the adjusting screw with a brake chamber, in which the piston sealingly engages with a formed as a damping piston integral extension - claim 6.

According to claim 7, the throttle device having a channel throttle and / or throttle valve device is arranged in the brake piston, wherein the throttle device connects the Zylinderrückhubraum with a arranged on the back of the brake piston expansion space, which is connected to the discharge channel. This also promotes a compact design, wherein all parts can be rotationally symmetrical as turned parts.

Claim 8 describes a further advantageous embodiment of the invention.

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

Of particular advantage is an embodiment according to claim 9. In this are the Endabfragevorrichtungen such as sensors, micro-switches, inductive proximity switch or the like in the piston and / or in the brake piston and / or in the cylinder wall and / or in the clamping piston, ie in the toggle lever integrated arranged and thus protected stored in the device itself. In addition, this results in no outward protruding parts. Even manipulation of the sensors by unauthorized exuded by.

Of particular advantage is an embodiment according to claim 10. In this, the toggle clamping device of all four sides, including from the back readily on device parts attachable, which is in some cases of particular advantage.

Another inventive and particularly advantageous embodiment is described in claim 11. Also in this solution, the sensor is arranged in the brake piston, while all other electrical lines or the like are integrated into the toggle lever itself.

Claim 12 shows a further advantageous embodiment of the invention.

In some cases, it may be advantageous to choose an embodiment according to claim 13. Also in this, the sensors and the like are integrated in the toggle lever clamping device and arranged protected.

The solutions also contribute to the claims 14 to 17 at.

In the embodiment according to claim 16 results in a compact, easy to maintain construction.

Particularly advantageous is also a solution according to claim 18. In this essential lines, but also a pneumatic directional control valve and the like are integrated in the adapter plate.

In the embodiment according to claim 19 can be determined by the position transducer exactly the positions and forward, for example, to a PC or a PLC, which can be triggered automatically and / or manually, for example, a sequential control.

(This is followed by pages 22 to 36 in the version of 30 January 2003 and the list of reference numerals and the bibliography filed therewith.)

Fig. 1 und 2

Kniehebelspannvorrichtungen, jeweils im Längsschnitt;

Fig. 3

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

Fig. 4

eine Teilansicht in Richtung des Pfeiles "A" der Fig. 5 und

Fig. 5

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

In the drawing, the invention is illustrated by several Auführungsbeispielen. Show fez;

Fig. 1 and 2

Toggle clamps, each in longitudinal section;

Fig. 3

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

Fig. 4

a partial view in the direction of arrow "A" of Fig. 5 and

Fig. 5

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

In the embodiments shown in the drawing, reference numeral 1 denotes a chuck, on which axially a cylinder 2 connects. The cylinder 2 is closed at the end facing the clamping head 1 by a wall or a cover 3 and at its opposite end face by a, for example, designed as a lid cylinder bottom 4 pressure-tight manner.

In the cylinder 2, a piston 5 is longitudinally displaceable and sealingly arranged, which is sealed by a seal 6. The piston 5 is connected to a piston rod 7. The piston rod 7 passes through a bore 8 in the Lid 3 and is sealed by a seal 9 pressure medium tight. The cylinder is in cross section as deviating from the circular cylinder, for example, flat oval, formed. The piston 5 is adapted to this cross-sectional shape, so that it is guided against rotation in the cylinder 2. The term "flat oval" is understood to mean a cross-sectional shape which consists of longer sides running parallel to one another in a cross-section which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 2 and which are connected to each other at their narrow sides facing away from each other. For example, oval shapes are also possible.

The piston rod 7 passes axially through the clamping head 1 and is connected at its end with a toggle joint assembly 10, which is assigned a unspecified clamping arm. The clamping arm is arranged to pivot in the direction of A or B by a certain pivot angle about a housing-fixed axis 11 in the chuck 1. The swivel angle can be obtuse.

The clamping head 1 has a housing, which consists in the illustrated embodiment of two shell-shaped housing parts which are sandwiched and without gaps on each other (not shown) and thus the piston rod 7, the toggle joint assembly 10 and all other between the Enclose housing parts dirt and moisture-tight objects. The housing parts are separated by a rectilinear separation plane, so that the housing parts lie flat on one another by walls and by means of screws (not shown) are detachably connected to each other. If necessary, the walls can also be associated with sealing elements. These housing parts are formed closed on all sides and have only on one side each about an approximately semicircular recess (not shown), which thus complement the bore 8 through which the piston rod 7 protrudes into the space bounded by the housing parts 12 space. In this space 12 and the toggle lever assembly 10 is arranged. The lying within the space 12 end of the piston rod 7 and the toggle lever assembly 10 are thus dirt, dust and splash liquid sealed to the outside.

The two shell-shaped housing parts each have a bore (not shown) passing through them orthogonally, through which the shaft 11 passes. Instead, the axis 11 may also be stored in outwardly not penetrating formations of the relevant housing part. Furthermore, the two shell-shaped housing parts guide grooves (not shown). The guide grooves can be identical and correspond to one another in the assembled state of the housing parts, in such a way that the toggle joint arrangement 10 is guided with associated components, for example by rollers, in the longitudinal axis direction with low friction. Furthermore, the housing parts have holes for screws, not shown, by means of which the housing parts are screwed together without sealing. For example, the holes of a housing part may be formed as through holes, while then the associated coaxial thereto arranged holes of the other housing part blind holes are threaded. By screwing screws, not shown, the housing parts can thereby releasably, but tightly connect with each other. The housing parts may be made of steel or aluminum or of another suitable material, for example of an injection molding material. The adjacent to each other in the parting plane walls can be of high quality, for example, sanded or cast with appropriate surface finish, so that they are full and jointless on each other.

The toggle joint assembly 10 may be associated with fork arms (not shown), which are arranged with their ends on cross-sectionally square or polygonal shaped end portions of the axis 11. For this purpose, a retaining tab may be provided which engages against the fork-shaped end of the associated fork arm and engages with form-fitting recesses, the end portions of the pivot pin and with the concerned fork arm is connected by screws (also not shown).

It may also be associated with the fork arm a Anschraubteil, which is arranged centrally or eccentrically with respect to the fork arm.

The housing of the clamping head 1 is formed rectangular in a cross-section orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the piston rod 7 (not shown). As a result, the housing in principle on four sides, namely on the respective opposite sides of the rectangle optionally on device parts, for example, in the bodywork of the automotive industry, grown, for example, screwed.

The piston 5 opposite coaxially opposite a brake piston 13 is arranged, which is adjustable and lockable in all embodiments by an actuator 14 in the longitudinal axis direction. This actuator 14 is formed in the illustrated embodiments as a threaded bolt, which is provided at its the cylinder bottom 4 facing end portion with a head 15 with internal polygon, for example, internal hexagon 16. The head 15 of the actuating element 14 is to be locked by a lock nut 17, which in the illustrated embodiments also with an internal polygon, preferably also provided with an internal hexagon.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 2, the internal polygon of the lock nut 17 is formed as a through hole, so that via a corresponding tool centrally by the lock nut 17 in the inner polygon 16 of the head 15 of the actuating element 14 can be grasped, to turn after loosening the lock nut 17, the actuator 14 in one or the other direction, thereby to adjust the brake piston 13 in the axial direction, ie in the direction X or Y. During the adjustment process, this is first achieved by intervention by means of a suitable tool in the internal polygon of the lock nut 17 this by half a gear. Then it can be grasped by a corresponding socket wrench through the inner opening of the lock nut 17 in the inner polygon of the actuating element 14 to rotate them in one or the other direction. It suffice after a certain default usually relatively small displacement of the brake piston 13 to make the necessary adjustments and adjustments. Then, in turn, the lock nut is clamped against the head 15 of the actuating element 14 in order to block this axially. As can be seen, this can be done from the outside even with built-in toggle lever device.

The head 15 of the adjusting element 14 and the lock nut 17 are arranged in a corresponding recess 18 of the cylinder base 4, which is arranged coaxially with the adjusting element 14 and thus also to the brake piston 13 and in turn coaxially to the piston 5 and the piston rod 7.

For example, in the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the locknuts 17 lie completely within the threaded recess 18.

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

The brake piston 13 is at least in the embodiment of FIG. 1 by a seal arranged in a groove 26 pressure-sealed against the cylinder inner wall 27 sealed.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 is connected to the piston 5 in the direction of the brake piston 13 outstanding material integral with the piston 5 ausgestalteter damping piston 25 which is provided in its interior with a blind bore 28 chamber formed in the at the axial stroke of the piston 5, the actuator 14 is able to immerse with a certain length section.

In all embodiments, the brake piston 13 has a channel provided with a throttle device 29, which connects a cylinder clamping stroke chamber 30 to a pressure relief chamber 31 arranged on the rear side of the brake piston 13. This relaxation space 31 is connected via a channel 32 to the outside or to another relaxation space into which the pressure medium, preferably compressed air, can escape.

On the side opposite the Zylinderspannhubraum 30 side of the piston 5 is a pressure to be acted upon by a channel 33 to be acted Zylinderrückhubraum 34th

With 35 in the embodiment of Fig. 1, a brake chamber is referred to, in which the damping piston 25 from a certain stroke of increasingly sealing occurs. For this purpose, the damping piston 25 has an annular groove with a seal 36 which sealingly abuts against the wall 37 of the brake chamber 35 during the movement of the damping piston 25 and thereby the brake chamber 35 and a connected thereto channel 38, the Brake chamber 35 and the relaxation space 31 connects, shuts off. From now on, the pressure medium can only be displaced by the piston 5 via the throttle device 29 into the expansion space 31, so that there is a certain delay and deceleration of the stroke movement of the piston 5.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the brake chamber 35 is missing. Also, a damping piston 25 is not present. Rather, the piston rod 7 is provided with a central bore 39 into which the actuator 14 is able to enter coaxially. 40 denotes an approach.

In the embodiment of Fig. 1, a contact 43, for example made of steel or the like, is provided in the piston 5, which cooperates with at least one sensor 44 which is arranged on the opposite side in the brake piston 13. On the opposite side of the contact 43, a further contact 45 in the form of a steel body or the like is provided, which cooperates with a sensor 46. The sensor 46 is disposed in a bore in the lid or wall 3.

As can be seen from FIG. 1, a distributor block 47 is arranged in the cylinder bottom 4, which distributes the electrical or electronic contacts, Contains building blocks and the like. This distributor block 47 is associated with a plug 48 which is connected to the corresponding electrical lines for remote interrogation of the piston 5 and thus also the position of the clamping arm and the like.

The distributor block 47 is also connected via electrical lines 49 and 50 on the one hand to the sensor 44 and on the other hand to the sensor 46. The line 50 extends in a recess 51 of the cylinder wall and in a corresponding channel 52 of the wall or the cover 3. This allows the positions of the piston 5 and also the position of the clamping arm query. By axial adjustment of the adjusting element 14 and thus of the brake piston 13, it is possible with a handle, so to speak, to effect a continuous adjustment of Zylinderendabfrage, the opening angle, the end position damping and Endlagenabfragung. This can be done very sensitively, which is influenced by appropriate choice of the thread of the actuating element 14. At 55, an electrical line is designated.

In the embodiment of Fig. 2, the brake piston 13 is associated with a sensor 64 which cooperates with a contact 65, which may also be an existing steel or the like body, in which Aluminum existing piston 5 is arranged. In all other embodiments, the piston 5 may be made of aluminum or a corresponding alloy.

Opposite to the contact 65, a further sensor 66 is arranged in a recess of the wall or of the lid 3. The cylinder 2 in turn has a recess in the form of a channel 67, in which electrical lines 68 and 69 are arranged, which lead to a distributor block 70 with plug 71. The line 68 is connected to the sensor 66, while the line 69 is electrically connected to the sensor 64. -

Also in this embodiment, the Zylinderendabfrage, the opening angle and Endlagenabfrage can be changed simultaneously and in the same direction and lock simultaneously. Also in this embodiment, as in all other embodiments, the manifold block 70 is provided with the corresponding electronic or electrical elements. Distribution block 70 with plug 71 do not interfere with the rear attachment of the toggle lever device to device parts, as there are sufficiently large areas for the arrangement of screw holes or the like.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, again the same reference numerals have been used for parts of the same function as in the previously described embodiments. Reference numeral 72 denotes an adapter plate which is connected to a plug 73 for electrical connection, for example to a display device, a personal computer or the like (not shown). The adapter plate 72 also has an electronics 74. Finally, plug parts 75 and 76 are provided in both end regions of the adapter plate 72, which cooperate with coupling plugs 77 and 78 in the wall 3 and in the cylinder bottom 4, respectively. Plug parts 75 and 76 and coupling plugs 77 and 78 allow a sealed to the extent necessary connection of these parts.

As can be seen, moreover, the adapter plate 72 extends in the longitudinal axis of the cylinder 2 and can be adapted in the contour of the outer shape of the cylinder, so that there are no protruding parts. The adapter plate 72 is replaceable, so that can be easily and quickly replace adapter plates 72 with appropriate configuration in case of disturbances or other operating conditions.

Of the coupling connectors 77 and 78 extend electrical lines 79 and 80 to the sensors 66 in the wall 3 and 64 in the stopper piston 13th

It can also be seen from Fig. 3, that in this embodiment - as well as in the embodiment of FIG. 2 - the stop piston 13 is not sealed at its periphery relative to the cylinder inner wall 27 pressure medium tight.

In the embodiment according to FIGS. 4 and 5, the same reference numerals have again been used for parts having the same function.

This embodiment differs from the embodiment of FIG. 3 in that an adapter plate 81 is provided with a pneumatic line 82 extending in the longitudinal axis thereof which, sealed by a seal 83, cooperates with a channel 84 in the wall 3 behind the piston 3 in the Zylinderrückhubraum 34 opens.

At its other end, the pneumatic line 82 discharges sealed into a pneumatic directional valve 85, which is connected to the adapter plate 81 in one piece, but interchangeable. The directional control valve 85 has a further pneumatic line 86 which on the one hand sealed with the directional control valve 85, on the other hand sealed via a plug member 87 with a channel 88 cooperates, which opens into the Zylinderspannhubraum 30 behind the stopper piston 13.

At 89 an electrical connection is provided.

On the opposite side of the adapter plate 81, a displacement sensor 90 is associated with the cylinder 2, which consists essentially of a rod-shaped element which is sealed in the cylinder bottom 4 via a seal 91 and on the one hand the stopper piston 13 and on the other hand engages the piston 5. With 92 is designated a position encoder, while 93 represents a seal which seals the transducer 90 relative to the piston 5. The piston 5 slides on the transducer 90 during its stroke in its axial direction.

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

Depending on the position of the position sensor 92, corresponding measured values are supplied via the receiver 94 to the connected PC or the like, so that the individual positions of the toggle lever clamping device can also be queried remotely with high reproducibility and contactless, ie very robust. In the event that no stop piston, but a Damping piston is provided, this can also be arranged and designed as shown in Fig. 5. In this case, however, the displacement sensor 90 is then arranged sealed in the piston 13. By means of a central unit, it is then possible - if necessary numerous - to readjust or modify such toggle lever clamping devices in terms of their swivel angle.

It is also conceivable to include the displacement transducer 90 in a sequence control, which runs automatically, so that upon reaching a certain position of the piston 5 corresponding control operations are triggered automatically or manually.

The features described in the summary, in the patent claims and in the description and apparent from the drawing features, both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention may be essential.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

clamping head

2

cylinder

3

Wall, cover

4

Cylinder bottom, lid

5

piston

6

poetry

7

piston rod

8th

drilling

9

poetry

10

Toggle lever arrangement

11

Axle, fixed to the housing

12

room

13

brake pistons

14

Control element, adjusting device, adjusting screw

15

head

16

Inside polygon, inside hexagon

17

locknut

18

recess

19

gorget

20

outside

21

bolt part

22

poetry

23

"

24

ring groove

25

damping piston

26

poetry

27

Cylinder inner wall

28

Blind hole, chamber

29

throttling device

30

Cylinder clamping stroke

31

relaxation room

32

Channel, discharge channel

33

"

34

Cylinder return

35

brake chamber

36

poetry

37

wall

38

channel

39

drilling

40

approach

41

screw bushing

42

spacer body

43

Contact

44

sensor

45

Contact

46

sensor

47

distribution block

48

Plug, connector

49

Lines, electrical

50

management

51

recess

52

channel

53

Contact, sensor

54

sensor

55

Wire, electric

56

drilling

57

radial channel

58

"

59

Wire, electric

60

sensor

61

distribution block

62

Plug, connector

63

Wire, electric

64

sensor

65

Contact

66

sensor

67

channel

68

Wire, electric

69

"

70

distribution block

71

Plug, connector

72

adapter plate

73

plug

74

electronics

75

male member

76

"

77

coupling plug

78

"

79

Wire, electric

80

81

adapter plate

82

Pipe, pneumatic

83

poetry

84

channel

85

way valve

86

Pipe, pneumatic

87

poetry

88

channel

89

Connection, electrical

90

transducer

91

poetry

92

locator

93

poetry

94

receiver

A

Swing direction of the clamping arm

B

"" "

X

Adjustment of the brake piston 13th

Y

"" ""

bibliography

• DE-AS 22 22 686
• DE-AS 29 26 258
• DE-OS 24 31 706
• DE-OS 25 19 251
• DE-OS 25 55 207
• DE-OS 27 18 639
• DE-OS 41 11 430
• DE-OS 42 42 601
• DE-PS 24 48 028
• DE-PS 28 28 344
• DE-PS 30 22 376
• DE-PS 196 16 441

• DE-U-87 14 390
• DE-U-89 08 288.5
• DE-U-90 05 183.1
• DE-U-90 16 781.3
• DE-U-91 04 532.0
• DE-U-91 05 755.8
• DE-U-92 15 151.5
• DE-U-93 11 132.0
• DE-U-295 04 267
• DE-U-295 13 586.7
• DE-U-295 19 232.1
• DE-U-297 00 981
• DE-U-297 18 644.2

• EP-A-0 005 407
• EP-A-0 080 565
• EP-A-0 256 208
• EP-A-0 313 767
• EP-A-0 317 924
• EP-A-0 359 073
• EP-A-0 433 601
• EP-A-0 595 074
• EP-A-0 636 449
• EP-A-0 648 941
• EP-A-0 778 107

• WO-A-92/08899

• GB-A-1 413 751
• GB-A-495 563
• FR-A-2 427 179
• FR-A-2 431 625
• FR-A-2 618 718

• JP-AS 9548/73

• U.S. Patent 2,980,387
• U.S. Patent 2,983,256
• U.S. Patent 2,985,140
• U.S. Patent 3,180,236
• U.S. Patent 3,371,953
• U.S. Patent 3,482,831
• U.S. Patent 3,815,480
• U.S. Patent 3,961,559
• U.S. Patent 3,994,539
• U.S. Patent 4,240,620
• U.S. Patent 4,424,737
• U.S. Patent 4,429,715
• U.S. Patent 4,700,611
• U.S. Patent 4,905,973
• U.S. Patent 5,072,652
• U.S. Patent 5,171,001
• U.S. Patent 5,201,838
• US-08/759 518

• Catalog "Clamping Technology" DE-STA-CO, Frankfurt 1972/1973, p.72 / 73
• Brochure of the company ISI Anlagen- und Komponenten Vertriebs GmbH - "New power in gripper technology - only from ISI."
• "Quick Change Gripper Head Mounts" from I.S.I. Manufacturing Inc.
• Brochure of the company ISI Manufacturing Inc. "Other ISI Products", in particular "The Grip-Lok System: Proven Gripper Technology"
• Leaflets KG84A32101, KG84A32102, KG84A32103, KG84A32104 from DE-STA-CO Metallerzeugnisse GmbH concerning "Curve clamping gripper, single clamp gripper, double clamp gripper"
• Brochure of the company Sommer Automatic GmbH "toggle gripper GK 20, GK 25"
• Leaflet of the company Fritz Schunk GmbH "toggle gripper, type PKG, pneumatic"
• Leaflet of Fritz Schunk GmbH "15.2" and "15.3"

Claims (19)

1. Toggle clamp, in particular for use in car bodywork construction, with a clamping head (1) and a cylinder (2) connected to it in axial extension, in which cylinder (2) a piston (5) is longitudinally displaceably, torsionfreely and sealingly guided to both sides of which piston (5) pressure is alternately applied by a pressurising medium and which piston (5) extends through the cylinder (2) and the clamping head (1) by its piston rod, where at the free end of the piston rod (7) and within the housing of the clamping head a toggle arrangement (10) is arranged, to which toggle arrangement (10) is assigned a clamping arm, where the piston (5) divides the cylinder (2) into a cylinder return stroke chamber (34) and a cylinder clamping stroke chamber (30) and the cylinder return stroke chamber (34) is closed at the forward end by a cover, a housing wall (3) or the like, with a brake or stop piston (13) which is assigned to the piston (5) and is arranged in the same cylinder (2) as and coaxially with the piston (5) and with a displacement device for the brake or stop piston (13) with which displacement device this piston can be steplessly axially adjusted in both directions and locked to alter and/or adjust the opening angle of the clamping arm, characterised in that the clamping device incorporates end-position sensing devices for the piston (5) in the form of contactless, for example, inductive sensors (44, 46, 64, 66) or the like, and that the displacement device (14) is constructed as a set-screw arranged coaxially with the brake or stop piston (13) and is provided with a thread, which set-screw is arranged in a hole in the cylinder bottom (4) and locked with a locknut (17) such that the brake or stop piston (13) can be steplessly axially adjusted in either direction and locked without disassembly of the toggle clamp from outside on the cylinder bottom (4) for simultaneously and jointly altering and/or adjusting the opening angle of a clamping arm and the end-position sensing.
2. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the set-screw (14) is a hexagon-socket screw which can be locked by means of a hexagon nut (17) and in that both the head of the set-screw (14) and the head of the locknut (17) are arranged in an extended recess (18) of the hole in the cylinder bottom (14).
3. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised in that the set-screw (14) on its non-threaded longitudinal portion is sealed tight to pressurising media by a seal in the cylinder bottom (4).
4. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised in that the brake piston (13) is provided with a one-piece projecting member (40) which incorporates the thread for the set-screw (14).
5. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised 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), where the cylinder return stroke chamber (34) and the cylinder clamping stroke chamber (30) are alternately to be connected through at least one connecting channel (32, 33) each either to the pressurising medium source or depressurised, where the connecting channel (32) deloading the cylinder clamping chamber (30) or connecting it to the pressurising medium source can be blocked off from the cylinder clamping stroke chamber (30) from a specific opening stroke of the piston (5) on, whereupon the cylinder clamping stroke chamber (30) is depressurised only via a choke device (29) assigned to the brake piston (13).
6. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised in that the brake piston (13) incorporates a brake chamber (35) preferably arranged centrically to the set-screw (14) into which brake chamber (35) the piston (5) engages sealingly with a one-piece brake sleeve constructed as a damping cylinder (25).
7. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised in that the choke device (29) incorporating a channel with a choke hole and/or choke valve is arranged in the brake piston (13), where the choke device (29) connects the cylinder clamping stroke chamber (30) to a relief chamber (31) arranged on the rear of the brake piston (13) and connected to the deloading channel (32).
8. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised in that the brake piston (13) guided torsionfreely in the cylinder (2) in a straight-line section through its longitudinal axis comprises a piston portion with a groove arranged on its periphery for a seal (26) and attached to it a one-piece member forming the projecting member (40) with the thread for receiving the set-screw (14).
9. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised in that the end position sensing devices are arranged integratedly in the piston (5) and/or in the cylinder wall (3) and/or in the clamping head (1).
10. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised in that, while retaining the possibility of attaching the toggle clamp from all four sides on a device, for example, a bearing block, a bracket or the like, only one distributor block (47, 70) with connecting plug (48, 71) is arranged outside on the toggle clamp - on the cylinder bottom (4), or on a side wall or on the clamping head (1).
11. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised in that a sensor (44) is arranged in the brake piston (13) which sensor is connected to an electrical distributor block (47) via an electric conductor (49) to which a plug (48) or such like is assigned and that the distributor block (47) is connected to a further sensor (46) which is arranged in the clamping head (1), preferably in the end cover (3) or a wall of the clamping head (1), while contacts (43, 45) are located in the piston (5) on diametrically opposing sides which contacts (43, 45) act together with the sensor (44, 46) located in the clamping head (1), on the one hand, and with the sensor located in the brake piston (13), on the other.
12. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised in that the distributor block (47) is coupled to the sensors (44, 46) via electric conductors which are partly arranged in the relief chamber (31) and partly in the wall of the cylinder (2) and the cover (3) or the wall of the clamping head (1).
13. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised in that the piston (5) on its side facing the brake piston (13) incorporates a sensor which acts together with a suitable contact, for example, a steel member in the brake piston (13), and that a contact of steel or the like is arranged in the piston (5) on the side facing the clamping head (1), which contact acts together with a second sensor arranged in the cover (3) of the clamping head (1) and that the sensors are connected via electric conductors to a distributor block on the rear or the like of the toggle clamp in the area of the clamping head (1) to which a plug is assigned.
14. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised in that the electric conductors of the sensor arranged in the piston (5) are run through a hole in the piston rod (7).
15. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised in that the electric conductors assigned to the sensors are partly arranged in the chamber of the clamping head (1) through which the piston rod (7) runs.
16. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 1 or any of the claims following it, characterised in that an adaptor plate arranged along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder (2) is assigned to the cylinder (2) which adaptor plate is exchangeably arranged on the cylinder (2) and incorporates coupling plugs for the electrical or electronic connection of conductors which lead to the sensors, if necessary, incorporates an electrical connection and, if required, electronic components.
17. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 16, characterised in that in the end covers or in the wall, on the one hand, in the cylinder bottom (4), on the other, are arranged plug portions which correspond to the plugs (75, 76. 77. 78) of the adaptor plate (81).
18. Toggle clamp in accordance with claim 17, characterised in that a pneumatic multiway valve and pneumatic connections are integrated into the adaptor plate (81), where a pneumatic line is arranged in the adaptor plate (81) which pneumatic line extends along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder (2) and corresponds to a plug portion in the wall (3) of the cylinder (2) to which wall a pneumatic line is connected which pneumatic line discharges into the cylinder return stroke chamber (34), while the other air line discharges into the cylinder clamping stroke chamber (30) via a channel.
19. Toggle clamp, in particular for use in car bodywork construction, with a clamping head (1) and a cylinder (2) connected to it in axial extension, in which cylinder (2) a piston (5) is longitudinally displaceably, torsion-freely and sealingly guided to both sides of which piston (5) pressure is alternately applied by a pressurising medium and which piston extends through the cylinder (2) and the clamping head (1) by its piston rod, where at the free end of the piston rod (7) and within the housing of the clamping head a toggle arrangement (10) is arranged, to which toggle arrangement (10) is assigned a clamping arm, where the piston (5) divides the cylinder (2) into a cylinder return stroke chamber (34) and a cylinder clamping stroke chamber (30) and the cylinder return stroke chamber (34) is closed at its forward end by a cover, a housing wall (3) or the like, with a brake or stop piston (13) which is assigned to the piston (5) and is arranged in the same cylinder (2) as and coaxially with the piston (5) and with a displacement device for the brake or stop piston (13) with which displacement device this brake or stop piston (13) can be steplessly axially adjusted in both directions and locked to alter and/or adjust the opening angle of the clamping arm, characterised in that the displacement device (14) is constructed as a set-screw arranged coaxially with the brake or stop piston (13) and is provided with a thread which set-screw is arranged in a hole in the cylinder bottom (4) and locked with a locknut (17) such that the brake or stop piston (13) can be steplessly axially adjusted in either direction and locked without disassembly of the toggle clamp from outside on the cylinder bottom (4) for simultaneously and jointly altering and/or adjusting the opening angle of a clamping arm and the end-position sensing means, where a displacement gauge (90) is assigned to the cylinder (2) which displacement gauge (90) acts together with a position generator (92) and that the data can be relayed to a PC or a PLC via a receiver (94) arranged in the cylinder bottom (4) or the like.

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