EP1426143B1 - Clamping device, especially toggle lever clamp - Google Patents

Abstract

The clamp has a linearly driven length-adjustable positioning member (5) connected to a clamping arm (6) whose end position is detected by a sensor (7). The sensor and the associated elements (8) for forwarding the final position signal are mounted on or in the head piece (1) of the clamp as separate accessory components and are each provided with an interface half which are in active connection for contactless transfer of the signal. The elements for forwarding the signal are arranged with easy accessible handling with a plug connection on the head piece (1) and are detachably fixed thereon. Two sensors (7, 7') can be mounted in linearly spaced stationary association in a cassette (11) along the path of the position transmitter (4) inside the head piece.

Description

The invention relates to a clamping device, in particular toggle lever clamping device, according to the preamble of claim 1, which is known from the document DE 297 18 644 A is known.

Clamping devices of the type mentioned are well known and in use, so that in this regard, no documentary proof is required. However, reference is made, for example, to the DE-A-202 09 237.2 U1 and also on the DE-A-297 18 644 U1 and that DE-A-200 04 977 U1. At the subject of the DE-A-202 09 237.2 U1 and also the DE-A-297 18 644 it is toggle lever tensioning devices in which the so-called Endstellungsabfrageelemente are designed in the form of a insertable into the head cartridge, the actual query elements of the cassette with a likewise belonging to the cassette plug connection are in connection exposed in the footer of the head end accessible and thus also is arranged at risk of damage. When the tensioning device after the DE-A-202 09 237 U1 is insofar a clamping device of a special kind, as this is the opening angle size caused by length adjustment of the linearly movable actuator, resulting in that arranged in the end piece Endstellungsabfragesensoren, as they may be designed in detail, not be installed variable position in the head In principle, the interrogation sensors do not have to be accessible from the outside, but, as far as is known and for whatever reason, this has not been practiced so far.
If an event of damage to tensioning devices, in particular on the exposed plug connections, so must whole, the plug-in connector having cassette to be replaced, which means that the relatively expensive Endstellungsabfrageelemente, whether sensors, micro-switches or the like., A scrapping with fall. In addition, in the new replacement cassette gegf. the query elements set again accordingly and it must be reconnected the connection cable with its plug, which in turn can lead to damage, because such fixtures, for example. In the course of production lines for the production of bodies in general are only unfavorably accessible. The same applies even if a whole, damaged tensioner must be replaced. It should be noted that such exchanges are usually associated with a stop of the manufacturing operations, the maintenance staff is thus held to perform such exchanges in a hurry.

Starting from a clamping device of the type mentioned, so one that does not need adjustment access for the Endstellungssensoren, the invention has for its object to remedy this, ie, jigs regarding their Endstellungsabfrageeinrichtungen to improve and to design that always unavoidable re-occurring exchange requirements, these are not only reduced to the necessary minimum but can also be carried out quickly and easily.

This object is achieved with a clamping device of the type mentioned according to the invention by the features cited in claim 1. Advantageous developments will become apparent from the dependent claims 2 to 10.

Thus, the solution according to the invention makes use, on the one hand, of the fact or knowledge that, in the case of tensioning devices with a variable-length actuator, the elements for the end position query no longer have to be installed on the head end to be accessible, ie, completely protected without further ado be placed in the head piece, and on the other hand, that particularly vulnerable male connector part or the elements for signal forwarding from the elements for Endstellungsabfrage one hand to keep separate and easily removable for Austauscherfordernisse to attach the head and on the other hand to ensure that despite a separate holding a Signal transmission and power supply of the interrogator is guaranteed.

A special feature is that on the one hand, the contactless energy transmission via interface for two to three sensors is sufficient, but on the other hand there are tensioning devices in which a continuous and higher energy-demanding path measurement takes place. However, such a higher energy transfer is, as far as known, not possible with the resources available so far. However, since the extent to which the same hazard problem also exists for such tensioning devices, this is to be solved in the same manner according to the invention, but with the difference that the interface halves are designed as a plug and plug receptacle, the plug-in contacts of the plug with its side load easily separable respect. their insertion length are short.

The clamping device according to the invention including advantageous developments according to the dependent claims will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing of exemplary embodiments.

Fig.1

schematisch eine Spannvorrichtung, in Seitenansicht mit geöffnetem Kopfstück;

Fig.2

perspektivisch die Spannvorrichtung mit dem einschiebbar zuzuordnenden Steckeranschlußteil;

Fig.3

vergrößert und perspektivisch das Steckeranschlußteil;

Fig.4

perspektivisch eine Endstellungsabfragekassette;

Fig.5

perspektivisch die Zuordnung von Endstellungsabfragekassette und Steckeranschßteil;

Fig.6

im Schnitt eine besondere Ausführungs- und Anordnungsform der Schnittstelle am Kopfstück;

Fig.7

perspektivisch das Ausführungsbeispiel eines Sensoranschlusses für eine kontinuierliche Wegemessung und

Fig.8

in Seitenansicht den Sensoranschluß gemäß Fig.7 im Kopfstück einer Spannvorrichtung.

It shows

Fig.1

schematically a clamping device, in side view with opened head piece;

Fig.2

in perspective, the clamping device with the plug-in connector part to be inserted in an insertable manner;

Figure 3

enlarged and perspective the plug connector part;

Figure 4

in perspective, an end position sensing cartridge;

Figure 5

in perspective, the assignment of Endstellungsabfragekassette and Steckeranschßteil;

Figure 6

on average, a particular embodiment and arrangement of the interface on the head piece;

Figure 7

in perspective, the embodiment of a sensor terminal for a continuous path measurement and

Figure 8

in side view the sensor connection according to Figure 7 in the head piece of a clamping device.

The clamping device is made by reference to Fig.1 as before from a arranged in a tensioning head piece 1 adjusting mechanism 2 with a linearly adjustable by a drive 3, provided with position transmitter 4 and adjustable in length actuator 5, which is in communication with a clamping arm 6, wherein in the travel of the position sensor 4 at least one sensor. 7 arranged to detect at least one end position of the clamping arm 6 and equipped with elements 8 for passing the at least one end position signal.

How out Fig.1 can be seen, there is the guided linearly in the head piece 1 actuator 5, for example, from two mutually toothed in different positions parts T, T '. Depending on the toothing position of these parts T, T 'results in a more or less large opening angle β for the tensioning arm 6. Regarding this length adjustability of the actuator 5, it should be noted that such an embodiment is not mandatory insofar as a length adjustability of the actuator 5 also can be realized in other ways, ie, it is only essential that such a length adjustability is present in order not to assign the clamping device Endstellungsabfragesensoren position adjustable in the head piece.

For such a clamping device is now essential that the at least one sensor 7 and the elements 8 for passing the at least one end position signal on or in the head piece. 1 arranged as separate inputs and attachments, each provided with an interface half 9,9 'and are assigned to each other in the head piece 1 so that the interface halves 9,9' are in operative connection for contactless transmission of at least one end position signal, the elements arranged for signal transmission with a connector terminal part 10 accessible to access the head piece 1 and are releasably secured thereto.

Reference is also made to this Fig.1 and also Figure 5 because this illustrates the Endstellungsabfrageeinrichtung in the form of a cassette and the elements 8 and the male connector part 10 in their assignment to the head 1 more clearly, it being noted that the distance between the so-called interface halves is much lower, as in Figure 5 represented, that is, about only 1-2 mm.

Since no adjustment or access requirement exists for the Endstellungsabfragesensoren 7 and usually queries for the closed and open position of the clamping arm 6 are required, an embodiment is preferred in that the one sensor 7 and another sensor 7 'in linear distanced , Stationary assignment in the form of the already mentioned cassette 11 in the head piece 1 along the Geberstellweges inside the head piece 1 are arranged. In this regard and with reference to Fig.2 If the head piece 1 is formed in a known manner from two halves 1 ', 1 ", wherein the cassette 11 is arranged in one of the halves which are substantially cup-shaped, such a protected installation of the cassette also applies to the case where the head piece 1 is fork-shaped should be, which is also common in such fixtures.

As regards the so-called interface halves 9,9 ', they are preferably in the form of inductive current and signal transformers, since in this way not only a signal transmission to the connector terminal 10 can take place, but vice versa from there also a power supply Sensors 7,7 'itself, which is a prerequisite that even query signals generated and can be passed. The signal transmission can also be done optically.

Furthermore, the interface halves 9,9 'housed in lobe-like projections 13,13' of the cassette 11 and the male connector part 10, wherein the extension 13 'of the male connector part 10 on the head piece 1 in alignment with the extension 13 of the cassette 1 located in the head piece 1 11 in the head piece. 1 is designed to be inserted. This is on Fig.2 referenced, which shows the cassette 11 separate plug connector part 10 with its interface half 9 'in the insertion position. For releasable attachment to the base of the head piece 1, the plug connection part 10 is provided with a fastened to the outside of the head piece 1 holding extension 14. In the event of damage to this connector 10, which, as vorerläutert preliminary, light and therefore relatively often occurs, so it requires only the solution of one or two small Befestigungsschräubchen and an exchange for a new terminal part 10th

Apart from such a mapping of the interfaces halves 9,9 'but they can also reference Figure 6 be associated under interposition of an inductive transmission element 12 operatively connected to each other, if this should require special design conditions on the device itself or their arrangement conditions at the site. A concrete embodiment in this respect shows the above Figure 6 according to which the inductive transmission element 12 passes through the wall 1 'of the head piece 1 and engages contactlessly with its ends projecting out of the wall 1' into the respective interface half 9, 9 'or its induction coils 15. The plug-side connector 10, which is not particularly shown here, which contains a coil 15, is also fastened access-accessible on the outside of the head piece 1 detachably with one or two small screws.

Bezgl. the specificity mentioned in the introduction, according to which the interface halves 9,9 'as a plug 90 and plug receptacle 90' formed and the Einsteckkontakte 91 of the plug 90 in its side load easily separable respect. Their insertion length L are short, is on the Fig.7,8 directed. Briefly, a length of only 3 to 5 mm is to be understood, which allows the connector, for example, to be detached from the plug receptacle by slightly sloping tilting.
The path length in the embodiment according to Figure 8 on the control shaft 92 in the head piece 1 of the clamping device continuously measuring sensor is denoted by 93, which communicates with a line 94 with the cartridge 11 in connection.

Apart from the too Figure 5 aforementioned attachment possibility of the male connector part 10 by means of a small screw and the holding extension 14, but can also in the embodiment according to Figure 7 , And in order to be able to rely on the bracket of the plug 90 on the plug receptacle 90 'not alone on the short sized plug-in contacts 91, advantageously the plug 90 and the plug receptacle 90' are provided outside the power supply in a suitable manner with Verrastungselementen, the on the one hand support the cohesion of said elements, on the other hand, but easily solve each other in a side load. Such latching elements can be formed, for example, from at least one small, dome-like depression on one element and a small nubs can be latched therein on the other element, which is not particularly illustrated, as readily conceivable.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Spanner head

1 ', 1 "

Head halves

2

actuating mechanism

3

drive

4

position transmitter

5

actuator

6

clamping arm

7,7 '

sensor

8th

elements

9, 9 '

Interface halves

10

Male fitting part

11

cassette

12

transmission element

1 to 3.13 '

projections

14

Holding projection

15

inductors

T, T '

Actuator parts

90

plug

90 '

plug receptacle

91

insert contacts

L

Insertion

92

actuating shaft

93

sensor

94

management

Claims (10)

1. A clamping device, in particular a toggle clamping device, consisting of an adjusting mechanism (2) arranged in a clamp headpiece (1) comprising an adjustable-length control member (5) which is linearly adjustable by means of a drive (3) and is provided with position sensors (4), which control member is connected to a clamping arm (6), wherein at least one sensor (7) for detecting at least one end position of the clamping arm (6) is arranged in the adjusting path of the position sensor (4) and is equipped with elements (8) for transmitting the at least one end position signal,
   characterised in
   that the at least one sensor (7) and the elements (8) for transmitting the at least one end position signal are arranged on or in the headpiece (1) as separate built-in and attachment parts, are each provided with an interface half (9, 9') and thereby assigned to one another in the head piece (1) in such a manner that the interface halves (9, 9') are operatively connected for contactless transmission of the at least one end position signal, wherein the elements (8) for transmission of the at least one end position signal with a plug connecting part (10) are arranged on the headpiece (1) so that they are accessible for access and are detachably connected thereto.
2. The clamping device according to claim 1,
   characterised in
   that the one sensor (7) and a further sensor (7') are arranged in a linearly distanced, stationary arrangement in the form of a cassette (11) along the path of the position sensor in the interior of the headpiece (1).
3. The clamping device according to claim 2,
   characterised in
   that the headpiece (1) is formed from two halves (1', 1") and the cassette (11) is arranged in one of the halves.
4. The clamping device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterised in
   that the interface halves (9, 9') are configured in the form of inductive current and signal transmitters.
5. The clamping device according to claim 4,
   characterised in
   that the interface halves (9, 9') are assigned in operative connection to one another with an interposed inductive transmission element (12).
6. The clamping device according to claim 5,
   characterised in
   that the inductive transmission element (12) passes through the wall (1') of the headpiece (1) and with its ends projecting from the wall (1') engages in a contactless manner in the respective interface halves (9, 9').
7. The clamping device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
   characterised in
   that the interface halves (9, 9') are arranged in lobe-like continuations (13, 13') of the cassette (11) and the plug connection part (10), wherein the continuation (13) of the plug connection part (10) on the headpiece (1) in alignment with the continuation (13') of the cassette (11) is configured as insertable into the headpiece.
8. The clamping device according to claim 7,
   characterised in
   that the plug connection part (10) is provided with a retaining continuation (14) which can be fastened externally on the headpiece (1).
9. The clamping device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 with a sensor (7') for continuous distance measurement, which requires a higher energy transmission,
   characterised in
   that the interface halves (9, 9') are configured as plug (90) and plug receptacle (90'), wherein the plug-in contacts (91) of the plug (90) are designed to be short with regard to their plug-in length (L) having a length of 3 to 5 mm for easy separation of the contacts.
10. The clamping device according to claim 9,
    characterised in
    that outside the current passages, the plug (90) and the plug receptacle (90') are additionally provided with locking elements which additionally support their cohesion but are easily detachable.

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