EP1253994B1 - Clamping device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a clamping device with a slidably guided in its longitudinal direction of the clamping rail and an actuating device which comprises a handle member through which the clamping rail is displaceable, wherein on the clamping rail a first contact element is held.

From DE 299 08 240 U1 it is known in a clamping device with a slidably guided in its longitudinal direction clamping rail and an actuating device which comprises a handle member through which the clamping rail is displaceable, a clamping bracket with a fixed counter-stop pivotally mounted on a housing of the actuator to arrange.

From US 4 989 847 it is known to provide a releasable support bracket.

Based on this prior art, the present invention seeks to provide a clamping device that is easy to use.

This object is achieved with a clamping device of the type described above according to the invention that the clamping rail is displaceable relative to the first contact element, that the first contact element is rotatable relative to the actuator that a second contact element is held on the clamping rail, that the clamping rail rotatably on the Actuator is mounted, wherein first and second contact element with the Clamping rail are rotatable, and that the clamping rail is infinitely rotatable with the investment elements held on it.

By clamping device according to the invention can be aligned with respect to a workpiece even with one-handed operation sitting on the clamping rail system elements without the actuator must be rotated or enclosed. In addition, an investment element can rotate indefinitely because no housing parts in the way. Due to the immovability of the first contact element can on the one hand provide a contact surface for clamping a workpiece (this can in principle also be done by a contact surface of the actuator itself), on manufacturing technology simple way on the one hand, the rotation of this system element, the setting of a certain distance between the first contact element and the second contact element and a rotation is achievable, which does not change the relative orientation of the two contact elements in the rotation of the clamping rail.

The clamping rail is rotatably mounted on the actuating device, wherein first and second abutment member are rotatable with the clamping rail. As a result, a set relative orientation of the contact elements is maintained transversely to the clamping rail even when rotating relative to the actuator.

The clamping rail is infinitely rotatable with the investment elements held on it, in order to obtain a variety of applications.

Basically, the rotatability of the first contact element can be achieved in that it is rotatable against the clamping rail and / or the clamping rail with the first contact element is rotatable.

In a not falling under the claims manufacturing technology advantageous and structurally simple embodiment, the clamping rail rotatably guided slidably. The first contact element is then relative to the clamping rail rotatable. In particular, the second contact element is then formed rotationally symmetrical transversely to the clamping rail. Upon rotation of the first contact element, however, the relative orientation between the first and the second contact element does not change.

It is particularly advantageous in terms of construction if the tensioning rail is displaceably guided by at least one bearing element. This ensures the displaceability of the tensioning rail. In particular, the clamping rail is slidably guided by the bearing element.

It is particularly advantageous if the bearing element itself is rotatably mounted on the actuating device in order to secure in this way, the rotation of the clamping rail.

Conveniently, this leads to a bearing element, the clamping rail rotatably slidably, i. the clamping rail is not rotatable relative to the bearing element and the rotation of the clamping rail via the rotation of the bearing element. It is advantageous if the clamping rail has a profile which is formed so that the rotatability of the clamping rail relative to a bearing element, through which the clamping rail is displaceably guided, can be blocked.

It is provided in an advantageous embodiment that the clamping rail has a flat profile, for example, a rectangular profile. Such a tensioning rail can be produced inexpensively and is less prone to damage during operation, which could hinder Gleitverschieblichkeit.

In an alternative embodiment, which is particularly easy to manufacture, a bearing element rotatably and slidably guides the tensioning rail, i. Such a bearing element is designed as a rotary-sliding bearing.

Manufacturing technology is particularly favorable when at least one bearing element is designed as a groove bearing, which is arranged immovably and rotatably on the actuating device by a groove. Such a groove bearing can be produced in a cost effective manner and also an assembly of a device according to the invention is possible in a simple manner, since such a groove bearing must only be used and no further fastening means, such as screws, are necessary.

Furthermore, it is structurally favorable if the first contact element is held non-displaceably by means of a groove bearing with the tensioning rail on the housing of the actuating device. For example, the first contact element can be integrally or positively connected to the groove bearing. As a result, on the one hand a slidable mounting of the clamping rail is achieved and on the other hand a pivot bearing. Furthermore, it is achieved that the first contact element is rotated with the clamping rail and therefore its orientation relative to the second contact element is maintained even during rotation. Furthermore, thereby the first contact element is held immovably on the housing of the actuating device, so that in a structurally simple manner with a displacement of the clamping rail, the distance between the first contact element and the second contact element changes.

The clamping device according to the invention can be operated in a simple manner, when the handle element comprises a pivotally arranged on the actuating device handle. In particular, a handle for each direction of movement of the clamping rail or even a single handle can be present in particular.

It is particularly advantageous in terms of construction if at least one advancing element is provided which is arranged and designed such that it can be tilted against the direction of displacement of the tensioning rail in order to block the displaceability of the tensioning rail relative to the advancing element, and in that it can move in the direction of displacement of the tensioning rail is. As a result, a feed of the clamping rail can be achieved in one direction in a simple manner upon actuation of the gripping element. Advantageously, a feed element is rotatably arranged in the housing of the actuating device in order to ensure the rotatability of the clamping rail.

Conveniently, a feed element via force applied by the handle member is tilted and movable.

If a compression spring is arranged between which a restoring force on the feed element against the displacement direction is exerted between a feed element and a blocking element or holding element, then the feed element can be pushed back into its initial position in a simple manner, from which a further feed of the clamping rail can be actuated.

Conveniently, while the locking element is rotatably mounted on a housing of the actuating device so as to achieve a largely backlash-free rotation of the clamping rail.

Conveniently, the blocking element or the holding element can be brought into a blocking position, in which a displaceability of the clamping rail is locked in one direction. This locking element ensures that the clamping rail is displaceable only in a desired feed direction, while in the opposite direction, the shift is locked. As a result, good clamping results can be obtained because the force acting on a workpiece, which is transmitted by the displacement of the clamping rail, acts only in one direction.

A high ease of use is achieved when a holding element is provided, through which the displaceability of the clamping rail can be blocked in one direction. In particular, a blocking element is associated with such a holding element, by which the blocking element is durable in a non-locking position. By means of the holding element, which can be moved in particular from outside the housing of the actuating device, the blocking position can be adjusted or canceled in a simple manner (ie, setting the non-blocking position).

Conveniently, while the holding element is actuated independently of the handle element, so that in particular the one-handed operation is maintained.

Advantageously, the holding element is non-rotatably arranged on the actuating device, on the one hand not to hinder the rotatability of the clamping rail and on the other hand to fulfill its holding function.

Conveniently, the holding element is fixable in a holding position, wherein a possibly provided blocking element is in the holding position in a non-locking position. This prevents jamming of the locking element with the clamping rail and thus ensures the displaceability of the clamping rail in the desired direction. It is particularly advantageous in this case if the holding element can be fixed in a holding position in which the holding element is aligned substantially perpendicular to the clamping rail. In such a vertical position Gleitverschieblichkeit the clamping rail is not hindered.

On constructive and manufacturing technology simple way, the holding element can be fixed in its holding position by means of a coupling pin.

Conveniently, a contact surface for a feed element, which limits the displaceability of a feed element in the opposite direction to the displacement direction of the tensioning rail, formed in a housing of the actuating device. This ensures that the advancing element is always pushed back into its initial position and can be brought into a position in which it does not hinder the displacement of the clamping rail.

It is particularly advantageous if the actuating device is formed essentially mirror-symmetrically to a median plane transverse to the direction of displacement of the tensioning rail. As a result, it can be achieved in a simple manner that the clamping rail is displaceable in two opposite directions and is thus used in particular as a clamping element and as a spreading element.

Conveniently, a displacement of the first and the second contact element to each other and away from one another via the handle member. As a result, a high ease of use is provided because one-hand operation both a clamping tool and a spreading tool can be actuated.

Conveniently, a first feed element for displacing the clamping rail in a first displacement direction and a second feed element for displacement in an opposite direction is provided. The displacement mechanism can then be formed substantially the same, regardless of the direction of displacement, whereby the design effort is reduced.

It is particularly advantageous if first and second feed elements can be tilted in opposite directions. As a result, a displacement of the tensioning rail can be accomplished in particular via oppositely pivotable handle lever.

Conveniently, a first gripping lever of the gripping element engages the first advancing element and a second gripping lever engages the second advancing element. As a result, can be easily moved with ease of use by an operator, the clamping rail in the desired direction of displacement.

It is particularly advantageous in terms of construction if the first and second handle levers are pivotable in opposite directions for engagement with the associated feed element.

In an alternative embodiment, a handle lever is provided, through which, depending on the pivoting direction, the first feed element or the second feed element are displaceable.

It is particularly advantageous in terms of construction if a first compression spring, a first retaining element and optionally a first blocking element are associated with the first advancing element and the second advancing element is assigned a second compression spring, a second retaining element and optionally a second blocking element.

It is particularly favorable if the first and second retaining element can be coupled together so that when the first blocking element is in a blocking position, the second blocking element is in a non-locking position and vice versa. As a result, it can be achieved in a structurally simple manner that the clamping rail is displaceable only in one direction, while the displacement is locked in the opposite direction. This ensures that the displacement of the clamping rail is a pure "clamping displacement" or a pure "spread", in which a workpiece in a force in one direction (either clamping direction or spreading) can be exercised.

Conveniently, a coupling device is provided, which can be fixed in a first position on the actuating device, wherein the first locking element is fixed in a non-locking position via the associated first retaining element and the second locking element is in a blocking position, and can be fixed in a second position, in which the first blocking element in a Locking position is and the second locking element is fixed on the associated second holding element in a non-locking position. By the coupling device, which may for example be arranged as a sliding element on the housing or may be a separate plug-in element, then the displacement direction of the clamping rail can be switched.

Conveniently, the first blocking element is tilted in its blocking position in the opposite direction to the second advancing element during its displacement and accordingly tilted the second blocking element in the opposite direction to the first advancing element during its displacement. Such a tilting of the locking element in the opposite direction to the associated feed element allows a displacement of the feed element itself, since the displacement, in which the clamping rail is moved, counteracts the tilting of the locking element and thus their locking position is canceled for the displacement in the direction of displacement of the clamping rail. However, the clamping rail is not displaced by this tilting in the opposite direction, since the blocking acts in this direction.

Conveniently, in the first position of the coupling device, the second feed element is secured against tilting and secured in the second position, the first feed element against tilting. As a result, the adjustment and switching of the displacement direction is made possible in a simple manner.

The clamping device according to the invention can be produced in a cost-effective manner, when the housing of the actuating device is formed and provided with recesses is that the movable parts are fixed solely on the acting as a contact surfaces recesses with respect to the housing. There are then no screw or the like necessary, but the parts are held solely on the recesses, so that in particular the clamping device is quickly and easily assembled.

The housing also protects the movement mechanism for shifting the tensioning rail and grease or oil to increase the mobility is not removed in the working use of the moving parts.

It is particularly favorable if the housing of the actuating device comprises a first housing part and a second housing part, which can be fixed to one another. It can then use the components in the first housing part, whereupon then the second housing part is fixed to the first housing part. As a result, then the corresponding parts are fixed in the housing. The fixation of the two housing parts can be done in a simple manner, for example via screw connections.

It can be provided that the first contact element and / or the second contact element are designed as an attachment bracket or as a contact washer.

Conveniently, a contact element substantially equally trained contact surfaces transverse to the longitudinal direction of the clamping rail. As a result, such a contact element can be used both for clamping a workpiece on a contact surface and for spreading on the other contact surface. Conveniently continue to have the first contact element and the second contact element substantially equally trained contact surfaces, whereby the ease of use is increased, since in particular a simple use with respect to clamping and spreading is possible.

In one embodiment, which allows a high versatility, the first contact element and / or second contact element with respect to the clamping rail are rotatable, for example by such a contact element in a rotary bearing, which is non-rotatably mounted on the clamping rail, is rotatable. As a result, on the one hand, the contact elements can be rotated with the tensioning rail, whereby their relative orientation is maintained and, on the other hand, the relative orientation can be adjusted.

In a further embodiment, a coupling element is provided, by means of which the first contact element and the second contact element are coupled together so that they are rotated upon rotation of the clamping rail with this. It is then sufficient to fix a contact element rotationally fixed to the clamping rail. The other contact element is taken on rotation of the clamping rail on the coupling element.

A rotation of a contact element relative to the clamping rail can be achieved in a simple manner that the contact element sits by means of a pivot bearing on the clamping rail.

Figur 1:

eine seitliche Schnittansicht einer ersten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Spanneinrichtung;

Figur 2:

eine Seitenansicht von Anlageelementen einer erfindungsgemäßen Spanneinrichtung;

Figur 3:

eine seitliche Schnittansicht einer Betätigungsvorrichtung gemäß Figur 1, welche eine Umschalteinrichtung zum Umschalten der Verschiebungsrichtung einer Spannschiene zeigt;

Figur 4:

eine Schnittansicht längs der Linie X-X in Figur 3;

Figur 5:

eine Ansicht eines zweiten Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Spanneinrichtung, bei welcher ein Gehäuse einer Betätigungsvorrichtung geöffnet gezeigt ist;

Figur 6:

eine Schnittansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Spanneinrichtung;

Figur 7:

eine Teilschnittansicht entlang der Linie Y-Y in Figur 6;

Figur 8:

eine Teilansicht einer alternativen Ausführungsform eines Anlageelements;

Figur 9:

eine Seitenansicht des Anlageelements gemäß Figur 8 und

Figur 10:

eine vordere Teilschnittansicht auf eine vierte Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Spanneinrichtung.

The following description of preferred embodiments of the invention is used in conjunction with the drawings for further explanation. Show it:

FIG. 1:

a side sectional view of a first embodiment of a clamping device according to the invention;

FIG. 2:

a side view of investment elements of a clamping device according to the invention;

FIG. 3:

a side sectional view of an actuator according to Figure 1, which shows a switching means for switching the displacement direction of a clamping rail;

FIG. 4:

a sectional view taken along the line XX in Figure 3;

FIG. 5:

a view of a second embodiment of a clamping device according to the invention, in which a housing of an actuating device is shown open;

FIG. 6:

a sectional view of a third embodiment of a clamping device according to the invention;

FIG. 7:

a partial sectional view along the line YY in Figure 6;

FIG. 8:

a partial view of an alternative embodiment of a contact element;

FIG. 9:

a side view of the contact element according to Figure 8 and

FIG. 10:

a front partial sectional view of a fourth embodiment of a tensioning device according to the invention.

A first embodiment of a tensioning device according to the invention, which is designated as a whole in FIG. 1 by 10, comprises an actuating device 12 and a tensioning rail 14, which is displaceably guided on the actuating device 12 and whose displacement can be actuated via the actuating device 12.

The actuating device 12 has a housing 16 and in particular a closed housing in which the clamping rail 14 is slidably guided. In a variant of one embodiment, the tensioning rail 14 has a flat profile and, as shown in FIG. 4, has a substantially rectangular cross section, in particular with lateral indentations.

For displacement guidance of the tensioning rail 14, a first bearing element 18 in the form of a bearing disk is arranged in the housing 16 of the actuating device 12, which has a centrally arranged recess 20 in which the tensioning rail 14 is guided in a sliding manner (FIG. 4). The recess 20 is designed so that the clamping rail 14 is not rotated against the first bearing element 18.

The first bearing element 18 is rotatably arranged in the housing 16, wherein a block element 24 of the housing 16 with an end face 26 provides a particular annular contact surface for the first bearing element 18, which is oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the clamping rail 14.

The block element 24 is seated in the variant of an embodiment shown symmetrically and in particular mirror-symmetrical to a median plane 30 of the actuator 12. By one of the end face 26 opposite end face 32 of the block member 24, a contact surface for a second rotatable bearing element 34 is formed, which is the same structure first bearing element 18 and through which the clamping rail 14 is also guided.

For displacement guidance of the tensioning rail 14, a first groove bearing 36 is furthermore arranged on a first passage 38 of the tensioning rail 14 through the housing 16 and a second groove bearing 40 on a second passage 42 of the housing 16, which lies opposite the first passage 38. Such a groove bearing 36, 40 is formed by a disk-shaped element which is provided on its cylindrical surface with a groove-shaped recess 44. This groove-shaped recess 44 has a width which substantially corresponds to the housing wall in the region of an associated passage 38, 42. As a result, such a groove bearing 36, 40 can be inserted via its groove-shaped recess 44 in the housing 16, wherein it is not displaceable against the housing 16.

Due to the cylindrical inner wall of the groove-shaped recess 44, the groove bearing 36 is rotatably mounted in the first passage 38 and the second groove bearing 40 in the second passage 42 with a corresponding cylindrical shape of the associated passage 38, 42. The groove bearings 36 and 40 each have a recess which is configured substantially the same as the recess 20 (Figure 4) in the first bearing element 18 and in alignment therewith (And to the corresponding recess of the second bearing element 34) is arranged and in which the clamping rail 14 is slidably guided.

With the second groove bearing 40, a first contact element 46 is connected, for example by positive engagement or in one piece. The first abutment element 46 is designed, in particular, as an abutment bow, which is oriented transversely to the tensioning rail 14. As a result, this first support bracket 46 with the clamping rail 14 via the rotatable mounting means of the first bearing element 18, the second bearing element 34 and the groove bearings 36 and 40 rotatably mounted on the actuator 12, but not against these displaceable.

In a variant of one embodiment, a pivot bearing 47 is non-rotatably mounted on the groove bearing 40, so that this pivot bearing 47 is rotated with the clamping rail 14. The first support bracket 46 is rotatably held in this pivot bearing 47, wherein it is fixable, for example by friction or positive engagement in its rotation in the pivot bearing 47. As a result, the first support bracket 46 can be rotated as a whole with rotation of the clamping rail and regardless of relative to the clamping rail to the pivot bearing 47th

A second contact element 48 is the first support bracket 46 facing the clamping rail 14 and in particular at one end thereof held, for example by positive engagement. By displacing the tensioning rail 14, the distance between the first abutment hanger 46 and the second abutment element 48 can thus be changed. The two abutment elements 46 and 48 are aligned in a defined orientation to each other and in particular substantially parallel or in a slight inclination to each other. By an inclination of a contact element and in particular of the first contact element 46, the clamping action on a workpiece between the contact elements can be increased.

It can be provided that the second contact element 48 is formed as a support bracket (Figure 2). In a variant of one embodiment, the second abutment element is designed as a particularly circular abutment disc 49 (FIGS. 8, 9), which is held centrally on the tensioning rail 14. In this case, an annular contact part 51 on the contact disk 49 may be formed facing the first contact element in order to provide a contact surface which corresponds to that of the first contact element, in particular with respect to the dimensions in the radial direction. Preferably, the contact part 51 and a contact surface of the first contact element are aligned with each other.

In a niche 50 of a wall of the housing 16, in which the first groove bearing 36 is seated at one end, this first groove bearing 36 is optionally facultatively arranged a first blocking element 52 which is rotatable relative to the housing 16 and substantially the same as the first bearing element 18. The first blocking element 52 is associated with a first holding element 54, on which the first blocking element 52 can be applied. This first holding element 54 has a passage opening 56 for the tensioning rail 14, in which it is rotatable. It extends transversely to the clamping rail 14 through the housing 16 and exits at an opening 58 out of this, so that the first holding member 54 is movable from outside the housing 16.

The first holding element 54 has a holding part 60, which is formed flat, for example, a guide member 62, which is arranged at an angle, for example, in the order of 20 ° to the first blocking element 52, and further a handle portion 64, which is substantially parallel to Holding member 60 is and protrudes beyond the opening 58 from the housing 16 so that the first holding member 54 can be moved (in particular in the direction of the first bearing member 18 to). The function of the guide member 62 will be explained below.

The first holding element 54 can be brought into a position 66 (indicated in dashed lines in FIG. 1), in which the holding part 60 is oriented perpendicular to the tensioning rail 14 and can be fixed in this position. As a result, the first blocking element 52 is aligned perpendicular to the clamping rail 14, and the clamping rail 14 is thereby not jammed by the first blocking element 52, d. H. whose mobility is not hindered.

Between the first bearing element 18 and the first blocking element 52, a compression spring 68 is arranged which exerts a force on the first blocking element 52 in the direction away from the first bearing element 18 and presses the first blocking element 52 against the holding element 54 and in particular from the first bearing element 18 tilted away when the first holding member 54 is not in its vertical position 66. The compression spring 68 is in particular able to tilt the blocking element 52 and the first holding element 54 so far that the blocking element 52 blocks the displacement of the tensioning rail 14 in the direction A.

In the same way as the first bearing element 18, a first blocking element 52 is assigned to the second bearing element 34, a second locking element 70, a second retaining element 72 and a second compression spring 73 between the second locking element 70 and the second bearing element 34 assigned.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second holding element 72 is of the same design as the first holding element 54 and arranged in the same orientation (that is, not mirror-symmetrical with respect to the median plane 30). A guide part 74 of the second holding element 72 is therefore arranged at a small angle to a holding part 76 away from the second bearing element 34.

The second holding element 72 and thus also the second blocking element 70 can be tilted in a direction away from the second bearing element 34 in order to clamp the tensioning rail 14 accordingly. The first blocking element 52 and the second blocking element 70 can therefore be tilted in opposite directions.

On the housing, a handle member 77 with a respective pivotally mounted first handle lever 78, which acts on the first bearing element 18, and a second handle lever 80, which acts on the second bearing element 34, respectively. The first handle lever can be pivoted about a pivot axis 82 in the direction of the first handle lever 78, ie in a direction away from the first bearing element 18. The second handle lever 80 can be pivoted in the direction of the first handle lever 78, ie away from the second bearing element 34.

In the embodiment of a clamping device according to the invention shown in Figure 1, the two handle lever 78 and 80, the common pivot axis 82.

The first handle lever 78 and the second handle lever 80 are each formed as a two-armed lever, each with an eccentric 84 and 86, which acts on pivoting of the associated handle lever on the associated first bearing element 18 and the second bearing member 34 to this against the clamping rail 14 tilt and move in a direction of displacement of the clamping rail, thereby causing the displacement itself of the clamping rail 14. The bearing elements 18 and 34 therefore act as feed elements for the clamping rail 14, wherein this feed takes place against the spring force of the compression springs 68 and 73, respectively.

The handle member 77 is adapted to be placed in a user's hand and to be operated with one hand; ie, the tensioning device is a one-handed tensioning device. For displacing the tensioning rail in a certain direction, for example in the direction A according to FIG. 1, in which the two contact elements 46 and 48 are pushed toward one another (and thus a workpiece between these two contact elements can be clamped), a handle lever is fixed and the other handle lever is pivotable. In particular, for the displacement in the direction A according to Figure 1, the second handle lever 80 is fixed and the first handle lever 78 to the second handle lever 80 to pivot. To shift in the opposite direction B, in which the two contact elements 46 and 48 are moved apart to use the tensioning device for spreading, is the first Handle lever 78 fixed and the second handle lever 80 can pivot in the direction of the first handle lever 78 about the pivot axis 82.

In order to effect a displacement of the tensioning rail 14 in only one direction A or B via the grip element 77, a coupling device is provided as a switching device for the displacement direction, which is designated as a whole by 88 in FIGS. 1, 3 and 6.

In a variant of an embodiment, the coupling device 88, as shown in Figure 3, a sliding element 90, which is arranged as a whole transversely to the longitudinal direction of the clamping rail 14 slidably on the housing 16 of the actuator 12. For this purpose, spaced parallel guide grooves 92a, 92b are formed on the housing, which are aligned perpendicular to the displacement directions A and B and in which in each case a guide pin 94a, 94b of the sliding element 90 engages.

Furthermore, retaining lugs 96a and 96b are arranged on the sliding element 90, which each serve to position the second retaining element 72 and the first retaining element 54. They are arranged so that only one of the two holding elements 54 and 72 is in a vertical position 66, that is, either the first holding element 54 in such a position and the second holding member 72 is tilted (for a displacement of the clamping rail 14 in the direction B) or the second retaining element 72 is tilted and the first retaining element 54 in its vertical position 66 (for a displacement in the direction A). The two retaining lugs 96a and 96b have to the same distance to the substantially Clamping rail 14 on. They engage with the respective guide part 62, 74 of the first holding element 54 or the second holding element 72, which serves to transfer the holding lugs 96a, 96b between a fixing position for the holding element 72 or 54 and a non-holding position.

Furthermore, the sliding element 90 comprises retaining lugs 98a and 98b, which serve in each case as anti-tilt device for the first bearing element 18 (retaining lug 98b) or the second bearing element 34 (retaining lug 98a). The retaining lugs 98a and 98b are arranged and formed so that either the first bearing element 18 is secured against tilting and displacement (in the displacement of the clamping rail in the direction B) or the second bearing element 34 is protected against tilting and displacement (during displacement in the direction A).

In Figures 1 and 3, a tilt lock is shown in solid lines, which allows only a shift in the direction B, and in dashed lines an anti-tip device that allows only a shift in the direction A. For this purpose, the two retaining lugs 98a and 98b are connected via a web element 100 (FIG. 3), which is pivotably connected between the eccentric elements 84 and 86 with an axis of rotation 102 parallel to the pivot axis 82 on the housing 16 and is likewise pivotably connected to the first retaining lug 98a. If the sliding element 98 is then displaced with the retaining lug 98a, then the retaining lug 98b also moves across the rotated web element 100 transversely to the tensioning rail 14, such that upon movement of the sliding element 90 into a holding position relative to the second bearing element 34, the retaining lug 98a is moved into a holding position for the second bearing element 34 and the retaining lug 98 b of a Holding position for the first bearing element 18; with a corresponding reverse displacement of the sliding element 90, the conditions are reversed.

By displacement of the sliding element 90 while the corresponding holding element (if a displacement of the clamping rail 14 is to be allowed in the direction B, the second holding member 72, if to be shifted in the direction A, the first holding member 54) is displaced in its vertical position ,

In a preferred variant of an embodiment, the first contact element 48 and the second contact element 46 are formed substantially the same. In particular, each contact element has a substantially identical first contact surface 106, which is arranged facing the other contact element, and a second contact surface 108, which is arranged facing away from the other contact element (FIG. 2). Thus, the clamping device according to the invention can advantageously be used for clamping (clamping) and spreading. Furthermore, it is provided that the two contact elements 48 and 46 have an aligned flat lower surface 110, to which the contact elements 48 and 46 are adjustable. Likewise, it is provided in a variant of an embodiment that at least a portion of that surface 112 of a contact element, which faces the other contact element, is flat and in particular perpendicular to the clamping rail 14, so that here a support surface is formed, with which the Create abutment elements 48 and 46 on a workpiece.

The tensioning device according to the invention functions as follows:

Above the sliding element 90 of the switching device, a user adjusts the direction of displacement of the tensioning rail 14. In its lower position (shown in solid lines in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4), the tensioning rail 14 can be displaced in the direction B, ie. H. the two contact elements 48 and 46 can be moved away from each other. If, starting from this position, the sliding element 90 is displaced upward, then the displacement direction can be switched in the opposite direction A, in which the two contact elements 48 and 46 can be moved towards each other.

In the lower position of the sliding element 90 for displacement in the direction B, the pivoting of the first handle lever 78 is locked. The first bearing element 18 is oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the tensioning rail 14. In this position of the sliding element 90, the first holding element 54 is not in the position 66, so that the first blocking element 52 is tilted against the direction of displacement and thus jammed with the clamping rail 14. As a result, the displacement of the tensioning rail 14 in the direction A is blocked.

By pressing the second handle lever 80, a force is exerted on the second bearing element 34 via the eccentric element 86, this tilted in the direction of force and jammed with the clamping rail 14. This is at further exercise of force on actuation of the second handle lever 80, the second bearing element 34, as Feed element acts, further moved and due to the jamming with the clamping rail 14, this is moved. The bearing element 34 is thereby a feed bearing.

The second handle lever 80 can only be pivoted to a certain pivot angle. When the user releases this second handle lever 80, the second compression spring 73 pushes the second bearing member 34 back to its home position. Since it is no longer subjected to force on the second handle lever 80, the tilt is released, which allows the pushing back of the bearing element 34. Due to the blocking position of the first locking element 52 is ensured that upon retraction of the second bearing element 34, the clamping rail 14 is not moved back in the direction A. Since this first blocking element 52 is tilted in the direction A, a displacement in the direction B, as it is effected via the second bearing element 34, counteracts this tilting and thus does not hinder the displacement in the direction B.

By displacement of the sliding element 90, the retaining lug 96 b is pushed along the guide part 62 of the first holding member 54 that this is displaced into the vertical position 66 and thus the first blocking element 52. Furthermore, the retaining lug 96 a, the previously the second holding member 76th held in a vertical position, pushed out, so that due to the action of the spring force of the second compression spring 73, the second locking element 70 and the second support member 76 tilt. At the same time, the retaining lug 98a is displaced toward the second bearing element 34, so that it is no longer tiltable and the pivotability of the second handle lever 80 is locked. By the displacement of the retaining lug 98a, the retaining lug 98b is pivoted away from its locking position on the first bearing element 18 and thereby released.

It can then be the first handle lever 78 pivot against the second handle lever 80, thereby tilting the first bearing member 18 and move the clamping rail 14 in the direction A due to its design as a feed element to move the two contact elements 46 and 48 toward each other.

The displacement in the direction B is blocked in the direction B due to the tilting of the second locking element 70.

Due to its rotatable mounting, the clamping rail 14 is independent of the position of the sliding element 90 with respect to the housing 16 of the actuator 12 unlimited, d. H. rotatable by any angle. As a result, a set orientation of the two abutment elements 46 and 48 remains relative to each other even upon rotation of the clamping rail 14 is obtained.

In a second embodiment of a tensioning device according to the invention, which is designated in Figure 5 as a whole with 120, the feed / return mechanism for displacing the tensioning rail is basically the same as already described in connection with the first embodiment according to Figures 1 to 4. Equally formed components therefore have the same reference numerals in Figure 5 as in Figures 1 to 4.

In the clamping device 120, a grip element 122 is provided with a first handle lever 124 which is pivotally mounted about a first pivot axis 126 and a second handle lever 128 which is pivotally connected about a second pivot axis 130 which is parallel to the first pivot axis 126 , A pivot bearing 123 for the first Handle lever 124 is formed by a pin 125 about which the first handle lever 124 is rotatable. A same pivot bearing 127 with a pin 129 is formed for the second handle lever 128 in the same way. A web member 132 is slid over the pins 125 and 129 to couple the two handle levers 124 and 128 together.

The housing 16 has a recess 133 in which at least one of the web elements 132 is guided displaceably parallel to the clamping rail 14; not only a pivoting is achieved in the application of force to a handle lever 124 and 128, but on the or the web elements 132, the two coupled handle lever 124 and 128 are shifted together. It can then be achieved via the pivoting of the handle lever 124 and 128, a displacement of the rod member 132 in the direction of displacement of the clamping rail 14, whereby at the same pivot angle a longer displacement of the clamping rail 14 is reached, since to some extent the handle lever 124 and 128 respectively the advancing element 18 and 34 is tracked. It is thus a slide track for the handle lever 124 and 128 is formed. By the linear guide of the handle lever 124 and 128 is pivoted in the pivoting of a handle lever 124 and 128 for moving the clamping rail 14 in the direction A and B, the other handle lever 128 or 124 something in the opposite direction to the actuating handle lever 124 and 128.

Furthermore, in the housing 16 mutually associated recesses 138 and 140 and mutually associated recesses 142 and 144 are provided. In the recess 138, a pin can be inserted, which blocks the tilting of the second bearing element 34. Similarly, can be in the recess 142 a pin insert, which blocks the tilting of the first bearing element 18. In the recess 140, a pin can be inserted, which brings the first holding member 54 in a vertical position in which the first locking element 52 is in a non-locking position for the displacement of the clamping rail 14. In the recess 144, a pin can be inserted, which fixes the second holding member 72 in a vertical position in which the locking element 70 is not jammed against the clamping rail 14.

Advantageously, a coupling element is provided as a switching element, for example in the form of a bridge element, which has a web on which pins are arranged at a certain distance (not shown in the figures). This coupling element can then be arranged on the housing 16 so that in a first position, the displacement of the clamping rail in one direction is possible and the displacement is locked in the other and vice versa in a second position accordingly.

For example, if the coupling element is arranged so that it is inserted into the recesses 138 and 140, then a displacement of the clamping rail in the direction A is released.

If corresponding pins of the coupling element are inserted into the recesses 142 and 144, then a displacement of the clamping rail in the direction B is possible while the displacement in the direction A is locked.

The coupling element thus forms, together with the recesses 138, 140, 142 and 144, a switching device for switching over the direction of displacement of the tensioning rail 14.

Otherwise, the tensioning device 120 functions substantially the same as described above for the tensioning device 10.

Advantageously, the housing 16 is formed so that it comprises a first housing part 146 (see for example Figure 5), which is provided for example with recesses 38, 42, 50, in which the movable parts can be inserted. By fixing a second housing part (not shown in the figure) on the first housing part can then fix these parts in their recesses, without having to be screwed. It is then sufficient to connect only the two housing parts together, for example via screws. As a result, the production cost can be kept low.

In a third embodiment of a tensioning device according to the invention, which is designated as a whole in Fig. 6 at 150, in a housing 152 opposite each a rotary-slide bearings 154 and 156 are arranged, in which a clamping rail 158 both rotatable about a longitudinal axis 160 as is also slidably mounted in the direction of the longitudinal axis 160.

Such a rotary-slide bearing 154 or 156 is formed by a circular recess 162, wherein around the circumference of the recess 162 a cylindrical flange 164 is seated to ensure the Gleitverschieblichkeit the tensioning rail 158. The clamping rail 158 has a circular profile with opposite lateral recesses 165.

A first abutment element 166, which is designed in particular as an abutment bar, is held on the housing 152 in such a way that it is immovable against it and thus the actuating device 12. By way of example cylindrical recess 167 in the first contact element 166, the clamping rail 158 relative to this first contact element 166 slidably. For example, in the first contact element 166, an annular recess 170 is provided into which a corresponding flange of the rotary sliding bearing 156 dips, on the one hand to ensure the rotatability of the first contact element 166 relative to the housing 152 and on the other hand this immovably with respect to the housing 152 hold.

The first contact element 166 itself is rotatably held in a variant of an embodiment of the clamping rail 158, so that upon rotation of the clamping rail 158 relative to the actuating device 12, the first contact element 166 is rotated. To sit in the recess 167 in the first contact element 166, through which the clamping rail 158 is guided, diametrically opposite strips 169 which engage in the groove-shaped recesses 165 (Figure 7).

At the clamping rail 158, a second contact element 172 is also held immovably and in particular rotationally fixed. This second contact element 172 may be formed as a support bracket.

In a variant of one embodiment, the first abutment member 166 is rotatably disposed relative to the clamping rail 158, for example, sit in the recess 167 no strips for engagement in the recesses 165 or the Clamping rail 158 has no such recesses at all. It can also be an additional pivot bearing, as described in connection with the first embodiment (Figure 1, pivot bearing 47) may be provided.

Between the second contact element 172 and the first contact element 166 then a particular parallel to the clamping rail 158 aligned coupling rod 174 is arranged, which couples the first contact element 166 so with the second contact element 172 that upon rotation of the clamping rail 158, wherein the second contact element 172 is rotated, via the coupling with the coupling rod 174, the first contact element 166 is rotated and thus rotated relative to the actuator 12; As a result, during the rotation of the tensioning rail 158, the relative orientation between the two contact elements 166 and 172 is maintained, without the first contact element 166 being non-rotatably seated on the tensioning rail 158. The coupling of the first contact element 166 via the coupling rod 174 to the second contact element 172 thus blocks the free rotation of the first contact element 166 about the tensioning rail 158.

In order to be able to change the relative distance between the first contact element 166 and the second contact element 172 when the tensioning rail 158 is displaced, the coupling rod 174 is provided with a guide recess 176 with respect to the second contact element 172 or with respect to the first contact element 166 or with respect to both contact elements 166 and 172 slidably guided.

The mechanism for advancing the tensioning rail 158 functions independently of the type of fixing of the first contact element 166 on the tensioning rail 158 in FIG essentially the same, as has already been described in connection with FIG. 1. Feed elements 178 and 180 are likewise provided, between which a block element 182 is arranged. The feed elements 178 and 180 are each tiltable against the clamping rail 158 in order to jam with this and then move them in the direction A or B can. The feed elements 178 and 180 have central recesses through which the clamping rail 158 is guided and in which it is rotatable relative to the feed elements. (It can also be provided in an alternative embodiment that the clamping rail 158 is rotatably guided in the feed elements 178, 180, for example, by holding elements of the feed elements 178, 180 engage in the recesses 165 of the clamping rail 158. The feed elements 178, 180 must then as Whole be rotatably mounted in the housing.)

Further, holding members 184 and 186 are provided which function in the same manner as the holding members 64 and 74 and the locking members of FIG. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, no separate locking elements and retaining elements as shown in Fig. 1 are provided, but the holding elements 184 and 186 take over both the locking and the holding function.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, a handle lever 188 is provided, which is arranged pivotably with a pivot axis 190 transversely to the displacement direction of the clamping rail 158 on the housing 152. This handle lever 188 is pivotable in both pivoting directions. In a rest position it is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 192 Longitudinal axis 160 of the clamping rail 158 aligned, in which orientation the longitudinal axis 192 is located in particular in a median plane of the housing 152.

On the housing 152 fixed counter-elements 194 and 196 are arranged, against each of the handle lever 188 is pivotable, and each serve as a solid handles.

The switching device for blocking the displaceability of the clamping rail 158 in one direction and for switching the blocking direction is basically the same as already described in connection with FIG.

If then the coupling device 88 is set so that the tilting of the feed element 178 and its transport is locked in the direction A, then can be tilted by pivoting the handle lever 188 to the counter element 196 towards the feed element 180 and move in the direction B, whereby the Clamping rail 158 is moved in the direction B. Correspondingly, when the tilting of the feed element 180 is blocked, the handle lever 188 can pivot toward the counter element 194 in order to be able to displace the tensioning rail 158 in the direction A.

In a fourth embodiment, which is shown schematically in Figure 10, a tensioning rail 200 is slidably but not rotatably guided to a housing 202 of the actuator 12. A first contact element 204 sits immovably to the actuating device 12 on the clamping rail 200 and is rotatable relative to this, for example via a pivot bearing 206. Thus, the first abutment member 204 is rotatable relative to the actuator.

A second contact element 208, which is in particular rotationally symmetrical about a longitudinal axis of the tensioning rail 200, is seated on the tensioning rail 200 (FIGS. 8, 9). The contact element has, for example, a shape already described above in connection with the contact element 49. Nevertheless, due to the rotation of the first abutment element 204 relative to the second abutment element 208, its relative orientation is maintained because of the symmetrical design of the second abutment element 208.

The feed mechanism for the clamping rail 200 is basically the same design as described in connection with the other embodiments.

Claims (44)

1. Clamping device with a clamping rail (14; 200) guided displaceably in its longitudinal direction and an operating device (12), which comprises a gripping element (77), by means of which the clamping rail (14; 200) is displaceable, wherein a first abutment element (46; 204) is held against the clamping rail (14; 200),
   characterised in that the clamping rail (14; 200) is displaceable in relation to the first abutment element (46; 204), that the first abutment element (46; 204) is rotatable in relation to the operating device (12), that a second abutment element (48; 208) is held against the clamping rail (14; 200), that the clamping rail (14) is rotatably disposed on the operating device (12), wherein the first and second abutment elements are rotatable with the clamping rail (14), and that the clamping rail (14) is unrestrictedly rotatable with the abutment elements (46, 48) held against it.
2. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the clamping rail (14) is displaceably guided by means of at least one bearing element (36, 40).
3. Clamping device according to Claim 2, characterised in that the bearing element (36, 40) is rotatably disposed on the operating device (12).
4. Clamping device according to Claim 2 or 3, characterised in that a bearing element (36, 40) guides the clamping rail (14) to be displaceable by sliding in a manner fixed against rotation.
5. Clamping device according to one of Claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the clamping rail (14) has a profile, which is configured so that the ability of the clamping rail (14) to rotate in relation to a bearing element (36, 40), by means of which the clamping rail (14) is displaceably guided, can be blocked.
6. Clamping device according to Claim 5, characterised in that the clamping rail (14) has a flat profile.
7. Clamping device according to Claim 6, characterised in that a bearing element (154; 156) guides the clamping rail (158) to be rotatable and displaceable by sliding.
8. Clamping device according to one of Claims 2 to 6, characterised in that at least one bearing element (36, 40) is configured as a ball bearing, which is arranged to be non-displaceable and rotatable on the housing (16) of the operating device (12) by means of a channel (44).
9. Clamping device according to Claim 8, characterised in that the first abutment element (46) is held non-displaceably by means of a deep groove bearing (40) and to be rotatable with the clamping rail (14) on the operating device (12).
10. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the gripping element (77) comprises a handle (78, 80; 188) arranged to pivot on the operating device (12).
11. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one feed element (18, 34) is provided, which is arranged and configured so that it can be tilted against the displacement direction (A, B) of the clamping rail (14) in order to block the displacement capability of the clamping rail (14) in relation to the feed element, and that it is movable in the displacement direction (A, B) of the clamping rail (14).
12. Clamping device according to Claim 11, characterised in that a feed element (18, 34) is rotatably arranged in a housing (16) of the operating device (12).
13. Clamping device according to Claim 11 or 12, characterised in that a feed element (18, 34) can be tilted and moved by applying force through the gripping element (77).
14. Clamping device according to one of Claims 11 to 13, characterised in that a pressure spring (68; 73), by means of which a restoring force can be exerted onto the feed element against the displacement direction, is arranged between a feed element (18; 34) and a blocking element (52; 70) or holding element (54; 72).
15. Clamping device according to Claim 14, characterised in that the blocking element (52, 70) is rotatably arranged in the housing (16) of the operating device (12).
16. Clamping device according to Claim 14 or 15, characterised in that the blocking element (52, 70) and/or holding element (54; 72) can be brought into a blocking position, in which a displacement capability of the clamping rail (14) is blocked in one direction.
17. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a holding element (54; 72) is provided, by means of which the displacement capability of the clamping rail (14) is blocked in one direction.
18. Clamping device according to Claim 17, characterised in that the holding element (54, 72) can be operated independently of the gripping element (77).
19. Clamping device according to Claim 17 or 18, characterised in that the holding element (54, 74) is arranged in a manner fixed against rotation with respect to the operating device (12).
20. Clamping device according to Claim 18 or 19, characterised in that the holding element (54, 72) can be secured in a holding position, wherein in the holding position any blocking element (52, 70) provided is in a non-blocking position.
21. Clamping device according to Claim 20, characterised in that the holding element (54, 72) can be secured in a holding position, in which the holding element is oriented to be substantially perpendicular to the clamping rail (14).
22. Clamping device according to Claim 20 or 21, characterised in that the holding element (54, 72) can be secured in its holding position by means of a coupling pin.
23. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an abutment surface (32), which restricts the displacement capability of a feed element (18) in the opposite direction to the displacement direction of the clamping rail (14), is configured for a feed element (18) in a housing (16) of the operating device (12).
24. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the operating device (12) is configured substantially mirror-symmetrically to a central plane (30) transverse to the displacement direction (A, B) of the clamping rail (14).
25. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that by means of the gripping element (77) a displacement of the first (46) and the second (48) abutment element can be actuated towards one another and away from one another.
26. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a first feed element (18) is provided for displacement of the clamping rail (14) in a first displacement direction (A) and a second feed element (34) is provided for displacement in an opposite direction (B).
27. Clamping device according to Claim 26, characterised in that the first and second feed elements (18, 34) can be tilted in opposite directions.
28. Clamping device according to Claim 26 or 27, characterised in that a first gripping lever (78) of the gripping element (77) acts on the first feed element (18) and a second gripping lever (80) acts on the second feed element (34).
29. Clamping device according to Claim 28, characterised in that the first and second gripping lever (78, 80) can be pivoted in opposite directions for acting on the associated feed elements (18, 34).
30. Clamping device according to Claim 26 or 27, characterised in that a gripping lever (188) is provided, by means of which the first feed element (178) or the second feed element (180) are displaceable depending on the pivoting direction.
31. Clamping device according to one of Claims 26 to 30, characterised in that a first pressure spring (68), a first holding element (54) and optionally a first blocking element (52) are associated with the first feed element (18), and a second pressure spring (73), a second holding element (72) and optionally a second blocking element (70) are associated with the second feed element (34).
32. Clamping device according to Claim 31, characterised in that the first and second holding elements (54, 72) can be coupled to one another in such a manner that when the first blocking element (52) is in a blocking position, the second blocking element (70) is in a non-blocking position, and vice versa.
33. Clamping device according to Claim 32, characterised in that the first blocking element (52) in its blocking position is tilted in the opposite direction to the second feed element (34) during its displacement, and correspondingly the second blocking element (70) is tilted in the opposite direction to the first feed element (18) during its displacement.
34. Clamping device according to Claim 32 or 33, characterised in that a coupling device (88) is provided, which can be fixed in a position on the operating device (12), in which the first blocking element (52) is secured in a non-blocking position by means of the associated first holding element (54) and the second blocking element (70) is in a blocking position, and can be fixed in a second position, in which the first blocking element (52) is in a blocking position and the second blocking element (70) is secured in a non-blocking position by means of the associated second holding element (72).
35. Clamping device according to Claim 34, characterised in that in the first position of the coupling device (88) the second feed element (34) is secured against tilting and in the second position the first feed element (18) is secured against tilting.
36. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a housing (16) of the operating device (12) is provided with recesses (38, 50) and configured in such a way that the movable parts (18, 32, 52, 54, 70, 72, 78, 80) are secured in relation to the housing (16) only by means of the recesses acting as abutment surfaces.
37. Clamping device according to Claim 36, characterised in that the housing (16) of the operating device (12) comprises a first housing part (146) and a second housing part, which can be secured to one another.
38. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first abutment element (46) and/or second abutment element is/are configured as an abutment strap element.
39. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first abutment element and/or second abutment element is/are configured as an abutment disc element (49).
40. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an abutment element (46, 48) has substantially identically configured abutment surfaces (106, 108) transverse to the longitudinal direction of the clamping rail (14).
41. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first abutment element (46) and the second abutment element (48) have substantially identically configured abutment surfaces (106, 108).
42. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first abutment element (46) and/or the second abutment element (48) is/are rotatable in relation to the clamping rail (14).
43. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a coupling element (174) is provided, by means of which the first abutment element (46) and the second abutment element (48) can be coupled to one another in such a manner that, during rotation of the clamping rail (158), they are rotated with it.
44. Clamping device according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first abutment element (46; 204) is held against the clamping rail (14; 200) by means of a pivot bearing (47; 206).

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