EP1574291B1 - Clamping and spreading device - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a clamping and spreading device with a slidingly mounted slide whose displacement movement is operable in a clamping direction with blocking the erschieblichkeit in the opposite direction and its displacement movement in a spreading direction is operable with blocking the displacement in the opposite direction, the displacement direction between clamping direction and Spreizrichtung is switchable.

Such a tensioning and spreading device is for example from the WO01 / 56747 A1 known. Clamping and spreading are also from the US 4257,584 and the US 5,593,147 known. The WO 2001/009294 shows a device according to the preamble of claim 1.

The invention has for its object to provide a clamping and spreading device of the type mentioned, which is easy to manufacture and easy to use.

This object is achieved in the above-mentioned clamping and spreading device according to the invention that a movable positioning is provided which holds actuators for the slide, wherein in response to the position of the positioning element, the displacement movement of the slide in the clamping direction or in the spreading direction can be actuated ,

By the movable and in particular displaceable positioning (which may be formed in one or more parts), the actuators can be positioned so that the slide can be moved in the clamping direction or in the spreading. It can thereby be realized in a simple manner a switchability for the displacement operation of the slide between clamping direction and spreading.

In particular, it is possible to act on a single handle lever on the actuating elements, so that a single handle lever, a displacement operation in the clamping direction and in the spreading direction is possible. The handle lever can be arranged in a simple manner so that in a pivoting movement in a single direction, depending on the position of the positioning a displacement of the slide in the clamping direction or spreading direction.

Furthermore, it is possible by the movable positioning, to freely arrange a handle lever. It can be arranged in particular so that the clamping and spreading device has reduced dimensions. He can also be arranged so that the clamping and spreading device is operated with one hand. For example, it is possible to arrange the handle lever so that it can be pivoted to the slide to the shift operation. He then does not stand laterally beyond the tensioning and spreading device. As a result, a simple handling of the clamping and spreading device can be achieved.

About the movable positioning of the assembly of the clamping and spreading device during manufacture is simplified. The number of components can be kept low. For example, it is possible to provide only two actuating elements which can also act as blocking elements for the displaceability in the opposite direction of the displacement direction associated with an actuating element.

Conveniently, the positioning element is displaceable in the displacement direction of the slide rail. It can then be provided on the slide rail a displacement guide, so that no separate displacement guide must be formed within a housing.

For the same reason, it is favorable if the positioning element is mounted on the slide rail and in particular is displaceable on the slide rail.

It is particularly advantageous if a first position is provided for the positioning element, in which the displacement of the slide rail in the spreading direction can be actuated. The first position is an excellent position. In this first position, the positioning element is arranged so that only just a shift operation of the slide in the spreading direction is possible. The displaceability of the slide rail in the opposite direction (the clamping direction) is preferably blocked by the positioning of the positioning element in the first position.

It is favorable if the first position can be fixed, for example by latching. As a result, precisely the first position is defined as an excellent position and this is adjustable for an operator in a defined manner.

For the same reason, it is favorable if a second position is provided as the excellent position for the positioning, in which the displacement of the slide in the clamping direction can be actuated.

It is then also favorable if the second position can be fixed.

It is particularly advantageous if a movement of the positioning element can be actuated via a switching device for switching over the direction of movement of the slide rail. The positioning element can also be part of the switching device. If a switchover takes place, then the positioning element is moved into a position (in particular the first position or the second position) in which the slide rail is displaceable only in the spreading direction or only in the clamping direction.

It is advantageous if the positioning element can be brought into a first position via the switching device, in which the slide rail is displaceable in the spreading direction, and can be brought into a second position in which the slide rail is displaceable in the clamping direction. As a result, the displacement direction can be switched over the positioning element.

A tensioning and spreading device according to the invention can be produced in a simple manner if the switching device has a mechanical switch which is coupled to the positioning element. About this mechanical switch, the positioning can be moved and in particular move. For example, a rotary switch can be provided, which is arranged and configured and is thus coupled to the positioning element, a rotational movement of the mechanical switch can be converted into a translational movement of the positioning element.

It is particularly advantageous if an actuating element is designed as a blocking element for blocking the displaceability of the slide rail in the opposite direction to the displacement direction assigned to the actuating element. As a result, the number of parts for the displacement mechanism and locking mechanism of the clamping and spreading device according to the invention can be minimized. Furthermore, this makes the corresponding device also compact and space-saving form, since in addition to the actuators no separate locking elements must be provided.

It is advantageous if at least one contact surface is provided in order to hold a blocking element in a blocking position. By such a contact surface can be a blocking element, for example, hold in a tilted position, which allows the displacement of the slide in the released direction, and blocks the mobility in the opposite direction. About the contact surface can be the blocking element in its blocking position (tilted position) hold.

It is favorable if an actuating element is assigned at least one return spring. When a force is applied to an actuator, for example, such a return spring is compressed. After completion of the application of force, the actuator is reset to its original position, so that a renewed actuation operation is feasible. This also makes it possible that a pivot lever (handle lever) is pivoted back to its original position.

Conveniently, the at least one return spring associated with the actuating element is arranged on the positioning element, wherein the positioning element is advantageously designed as a spring cage. The movable positioning then ensures in its excellent positions for a provision of the respective actuator.

In one embodiment, the positioning element holds a first actuating element for actuating the displacement movement of the slide rail in the clamping direction.

It is advantageous if the first actuating element acts as a blocking element for the displaceability in the spreading direction.

Furthermore, the positioning element holds a second actuating element for actuating the displacement guide of the slide rail in the spreading direction. It is then also advantageous if the second actuating element acts as a blocking element for the displaceability of the slide in the clamping direction. The number of components required can be kept low. As a result, in turn, the clamping and spreading device according to the invention can be made compact and easy to manufacture.

Conveniently, at least one spring is arranged between the first actuating element and the second actuating element. Preferably, a spring is arranged between the first actuating element and the second actuating element with respect to both sides of the slide rail. In addition, a spacer element between the two actuators may be arranged. By the spring, the two actuators can support each other, providing for a provision. The spacer element can also serve as a spring guide, which simplifies the mounting of the positioning element as a spring cage with actuators.

Conveniently, at least one handle lever is provided for actuating the displacement of the slide rail. This handle lever, which may be formed integrally or in several parts, acts on the corresponding actuating elements in order to tilt them with the slide rail and then provide for a forward thrust.

In particular, an actuating element is tiltable and displaceable on the at least one handle lever in order to take the slide for shifting can.

It is particularly advantageous if a single handle lever is provided, which is arranged and designed so that it acts on a first actuating element for displacement of the slide in the clamping direction or on a second actuator for displacing the slide in the spreading according to the position of the positioning , By the movable positioning a single handle lever is sufficient to actuate the displacement of the slide in the clamping direction and in the spreading direction. About movement and in particular displacement of the positioning is switchable between these two directions. It can then be compact build the clamping and spreading device according to the invention. Since only a single handle lever must be provided, the space requirement can be kept low. The handle lever can in turn be arranged so that the clamping and spreading device according to the invention can be operated in a simple manner and in particular one-handed operation. Furthermore, thereby also the production is simplified.

In particular, the first actuating element and the second actuating element can be tilted (and displaced) in opposite directions, depending on the position of the positioning element, via a handle lever. By tilting in opposite directions and corresponding tilting and movement can be on the respective actuator, the slide rail in one direction or in the other direction (opposite direction) take.

It is advantageous if the at least one handle lever is pivotably mounted on a housing via a stub shaft stub shaft receiving bearing. The handle lever can be stored starting from an (inner) surface of the housing, so that no shaft must pass through the housing. There must then be provided no corresponding space for such a wave. As a result, the assembly is simplified and it can achieve a compact design.

It is conveniently provided that the stub shaft stub shank mount is located above the positioning member. As a result, corresponding lever tabs of the handle lever can then easily access the actuating elements, in order in turn to be able to displace the slide rail by the actuating elements.

It is envisaged that the at least one handle lever is arranged and designed so that upon pivoting on the slide to a shift of the slide can be actuated. This results in a simple Operability. In particular, a one-hand operation can be realized if a corresponding counter-grip element is provided.

In this context, it is advantageous if the at least one handle lever is seated at an acute angle to the slide rail when not in operation. This angle is for example in the order of 40 °. An operator can then grasp the handle lever and a counter-grip element with one hand and pivot the handle lever in the direction of the slide rail (in the direction of the counter-grip element) so as to actuate the displacement of the slide rail. By positioning the positioning the displacement direction of the slide rail is adjusted.

It is particularly advantageous if a counter-grip element for single-handed operation is provided for the at least one grip lever.

It is advantageous in this context if the counter-grip element is oriented along the slide rail. As a result, the dimensions of the clamping and spreading device according to the invention can be kept low and it is easy to use.

In particular, the slide rail is mounted displaceably in the counter-grip element. About the counter-grip element can then provide another displacement bearing for the slide in order to store them largely free of play can.

In an advantageous embodiment, a release element (release lever) is provided, via which a blocking element can be brought into a non-locking position. The release element may be formed in one or more parts. In the Practice often occurs on the case that the slide must be moved over longer distances and such a shift on the actuators is too time-consuming. About the release element can be accessed directly to the respective acting locking element and this can be solved and an operator can then move the slide by hand. Furthermore, a clamping position of the device (with clamped workpiece) can be solved.

In particular, the release element is designed so that it acts on the respective locking element depending on the position of the positioning. This makes it possible that the release element acts just on the relevant blocking element. An operator can then solve the slide regardless of whether an operability of the slide in the clamping direction or in the spreading direction is set.

In a constructive simple embodiment, the release element is pivotally mounted. In particular, the release element is designed as a release lever. By pivoting can be acted upon a blocking element so that its blocking effect is canceled.

For example, the release element is mounted on a handle lever for actuating the pivoting of the slide rail. As a result, a corresponding pivot bearing can be formed in a simple and space-saving manner.

In particular, the release element is arranged and designed such that a pivoting direction for releasing is independent of the position of the positioning element. This simplifies operation.

It is advantageously provided a housing in which the slide rail is slidably mounted. The housing can accommodate the sliding mechanism and locking mechanism for the slide rail. This is housed there protected.

Conveniently, the positioning element is guided in the housing, so that it is just protected in its displaceability from external influences.

For example, a housing cover is provided. As a result, the assembly of the clamping and spreading device according to the invention during manufacture can be simplified.

It is particularly advantageous if the housing is designed so that the moving parts for the displacement mechanism can be inserted. The corresponding contact surfaces and receiving areas are preferably produced integrally in the corresponding housing part. The mechanism can then be inserted without additional elements such as pen shafts or the like must be provided. The assembly is greatly simplified. About a housing cover, which is fixed to the rest of the housing, then close the housing.

Conveniently, a contact element for workpieces is connected to the housing. This contact element may be a separate part, which is connected to the housing. But it may also be an integrally formed on the housing bearing element.

Furthermore, a contact element for workpieces is connected to the slide rail. This contact element sits in particular firmly on the slide rail. Workpieces can then be clamped between the two contact elements when they are moved towards each other. If the abutment elements are moved away from one another, then corresponding spreading forces can be exerted on workpieces.

Figur 1

eine Teil-Schnittansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer erfindungsgemäßen Spann- und Spreizvorrichtung;

Figur 2

eine vergrößerte Darstellung des Bereichs A gemäß Figur 1;

Figur 3

eine Schnittansicht der Spann- und Spreizvorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 längs der Linie 3-3;

Figur 4

eine Teil-Schnittansicht von mechanischen Elementen zur Bewegung einer Gleitschiene der Spann- und Spreizvorrichtung gemäß Figur 1 bei unverschwenktem Griffhebel;

Figur 5

die gleiche Ansicht wie Figur 4 in einem Momentbild während der Verschwenkung eines Griffhebels und

Figur 6

die gleiche Ansicht wie Figur 4 und 5 als Momentaufnahme während der Schwenkbewegung eines Löseelements.

The following description of a preferred embodiment is used in conjunction with the drawings for a more detailed explanation of the invention. Show it:

FIG. 1

a partial sectional view of an embodiment of a tensioning and spreading device according to the invention;

FIG. 2

an enlarged view of the area A according to FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3

a sectional view of the clamping and spreading device according to FIG. 1 along the line 3-3;

FIG. 4

a partial sectional view of mechanical elements for moving a slide rail of the tensioning and spreading according to FIG. 1 at unverschwenktem handle lever;

FIG. 5

the same view as FIG. 4 in a momentary image during the pivoting of a handle lever and

FIG. 6

the same view as FIGS. 4 and 5 as a snapshot during the pivoting movement of a release element.

An embodiment of a clamping and spreading device according to the invention, which is designed in particular as a single-hand clamp, is in FIG. 1 shown in partial sectional view and designated there as a whole with 10. The clamping and spreading device 10 has a slide rail 12 which extends in a longitudinal direction 14. The slide rail 12 is profiled ( FIG. 3 ). It has indentations 16a, 16b on opposite long sides. The slide rail 12 is preferably made of a metallic material.

In the region of one end 18 of the slide rail 12, a contact element 20 for workpieces is arranged. This contact element 20 is in particular fixedly connected to the slide rail 12. It can be provided that the abutment member 20 is releasably fixed to the slide rail 12 or fixedly fixed thereto. The abutment element 20 may be integrally formed on the slide rail 12 or it may be a separate element, which is subsequently fixed to the slide rail 12. For example, the abutment element 20 is made of a plastic material.

The contact element 20 has a first contact surface 22. This first contact surface 22 is preferably flat. The contact surface 22 is based on opposite short sides 24a, 24b of the slide beyond this, so that a workpiece above or below the slide rail 12 can be applied.

The contact element 20 has a further second contact surface 26 which lies opposite the first contact surface 22. The second contact surface 26 is an outer surface. This second contact surface 26 is preferably flat.

The slide rail 12 is slidably mounted in a housing 28 and in particular mounted slidably. Relative to this housing 28, the slide rail 12 is displaceable parallel to its longitudinal direction in a clamping direction 30 and in a spreading direction 32. The spreading direction 32 is the opposite direction to the tensioning direction 30 or the tensioning direction 30 is the opposite direction to the spreading direction 32.

With the housing 28, a contact element 34 is connected, which has a first contact surface 36 for workpieces. The first contact surface 36 of the contact element 34 has the first contact surface 22 of the contact element 20, so that between the contact surfaces 22, 36 one or more workpieces can be clamped. The first contact surface 36 is in particular substantially planar and extends beyond both sides 24a, 24b of the slide rail 12. The first contact surface 36 is substantially the same in shape design as the first contact surface 22 of the contact element 20.

The contact element 34 also has a second contact surface 38 which lies opposite the first contact surface 36. This second contact surface 38 is in particular substantially planar. By applying the second contact surface 26 of the contact element 20 to a workpiece and applying the second contact surface 38 of the contact element 34 to a workpiece can be exerted on displacement of the slide rail 12 in the spreading 32, a spreading force on the corresponding workpieces.

The second abutment element 34 may be integrally connected to the housing 28. For example, the housing 28 is made with integrated contact element 34 of a plastic material. It is also possible in principle that the abutment element 34 is a separate part from the housing 28, which is fixed to the housing 28 during manufacture.

About the sliding slide 12, the contact element 20 relative to the contact element 34 (and thus to the housing 28) displaceable, wherein the displacement of the slide in the clamping direction 30, the contact element 20 on the contact element 34 (on the housing 28) is moved and upon displacement of the slide in the spreading direction 32, the abutment member 20 is moved away from the abutment member 34 (the housing 28).

For the sliding mounting of the slide rail 12, the housing 28 aligned bearing points 40, 42 and 44. Through these bearings 40, 42, 44, the slide 12 passes through and is slidably guided. The bearings 40, 42, 44 have such adapted to the dimensions of the slide rail 12 dimensions that the slide rail 12 is held substantially free of play on the housing 28 and thereby guided on the housing 28 slidably.

The bearing 40 is formed for example by a recess in the contact element 34. The bearing 44 is formed by a recess in a counter-grip element 46. The bearings 40, 44 lie on or in the vicinity of opposite end-side ends of the housing 28. The bearing 42 is formed between the bearings 40 and 44 in the housing 28 to provide additional support of the slide rail 12.

In the housing 28, a displacement mechanism and locking mechanism for the displacement operation of the slide rail 12 is added. The housing 28 has for this purpose a shell-like portion 48 which receives the corresponding parts. Via a housing cover 50 (FIG. FIG. 3 ), this shell-like region 48 is closed.

The housing 28 is preferably formed so that the sliding mechanism and locking mechanism for the slide rail 12 can be positioned in the housing 28 without additional fastening screws must be provided or that further components (such as pins or shafts) must be provided.

In the housing 28, a positioning element 52 is movable and in particular displaceably guided, wherein the displacement direction is parallel to the displacement direction of the slide rail 12. The positioning element 52 can be displaced in the clamping direction 30 and the spreading direction 32. The positioning can be formed in one or more parts.

In the embodiment shown, the positioning member 52 is seated on the slide rail 12 and is guided on this sliding. The slide rail 12 thus provides a guideway for the positioning element 52, so that no additional guide track in the housing 28 must be provided.

The positioning element 52 has two excellent positions, namely a first position 54, in which the positioning element 52 is displaced furthest in the clamping direction 30. This first position 54 is in FIG. 1 indicated by dashed lines. In this first position 54, the positioning element 52 is located at or in the vicinity of the bearing 42.

In a second position 56, which in FIG. 1 shown in solid lines, the positioning member 52 is displaced in the housing 28 farthest in the spreading direction 32. In FIG. 2 the positioning element 52 is shown in its first position 54. One end 58 of the positioning element 52 which faces the abutment element 20 is then closest to the bearing point 40. An end 60 of the positioning element 52 opposite the end 58 has the greatest distance to the bearing point 42 in the second position 56 the first position 54, the end 58 the greatest distance from the bearing 40 and the end 60 has the smallest distance to the bearing 42 on.

The displacement movement of the positioning member 52 on the slide rail 12 is actuated via a switching device 62, which, as will be described below, via the switching device 62 between a displacement of the slide rail 12 in the spreading direction 32 with blocking the mobility in the opposite direction 30 and a displaceability the slide rail 12 in the clamping direction 30 with blocking the mobility in the opposite direction 32 is switchable. Switching takes place by positioning the positioning element 52 in the positions 54 and 56.

The switching device 62 comprises in the embodiment shown a rotary switch 64 ( Figures 1 and 2 ), which is rotatably mounted in the housing 28. This rotary switch 64 has an eccentrically arranged pin 66, which is immersed in a recess 68 of the positioning element 52. The recess 68 is oriented transversely and in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 14 of the slide rail 12 (and thus transversely to the directions 30 and 32).

By means of the engagement of the eccentrically arranged pin 66 in the recess 68, a rotational movement of the rotary switch 64 can be converted into a linear displacement movement of the positioning member 52 so as to be able to move in particular the positioning element 52 starting from its first position 54 in the second position 56 and starting from the second position 56 to bring the positioning member 52 in the first position 54 can. For example, the pin 66 is in the first position 54 (FIG. FIG. 2 ) further away from the bearing 40 than in the second position 56 (FIG. FIG. 1 ) of the positioning element 52.

The rotary switch 64 is in relation to the recess 68 preferably formed so that just the first position 54 and the second position 56 are excellent positions, which are fixable. For example, the rotary switch 64 can be latched when the first position 54 is reached or when the second position 56 is reached. It may also be provided that the rotary switch 64 is formed in relation to the recess 68 so that it can not be further rotated when the first position 54 is reached, that is, starting from the first position 54 only a rotational movement in an opposite direction is possible to bring out the positioning member 52 from the first position 54. Similarly, it is advantageous if it is provided that the rotary switch 64 can not be further rotated when starting from the first position 54, the second position 56 is reached. It is then only a counter rotation possible to bring the positioning member 52 from the second position 56 in the first position 54 can.

The positioning element 52 holds a first actuating element 70 and a second actuating element 72. Via the first actuating element 70, a displacement actuation of the slide rail 12 in the tensioning direction 30 is made possible, and via the second actuating element 72 a displacement actuation of the slide rail 12 in the spreading direction 32 is made possible.

A pair of return springs 74a, 74b acts on the first actuating element 70, wherein the return springs 74a, 74b are arranged on opposite sides of the positioning element 52 ( FIG. 3 ). The return springs 74a, 74b are supported on a region of the positioning element 52 which lies on or in the vicinity of the end 60.

Accordingly, a pair of return springs for the second actuator 72 is provided, wherein in FIG. 1 only one return spring 76 of this pair is visible.

The actuating elements 70, 72 are preferably metallic parts, which have a respective recess 78 (FIG. FIG. 3 ), with which they are arranged on the positioning element 52 on the slide rail 12. Upon movement of the positioning member 52, the actuators 70, 72 are moved along.

The actuating elements 70, 72 are in particular plate-shaped. They are tilted relative to the slide rail 12 or tilted and with the slide rail 12 can be tilted. Depending on the tilting direction and the application of force, the movement of the slide rail 12 in a direction of displacement is effected by the actuating elements 70, 72 and locked in the opposite direction. This will be explained in more detail below.

The second actuating element 72 serves for the displacement operation of the slide rail 12 in the spreading direction 32. Whether the actuating element 70 acts on the slide rail 12 or the actuating element 72 acts on the slide rail 12 is adjusted by the position of the positioning element 52. In the first position 54, the second actuating element 72 can be tilted so that over the corresponding tilting and movement of the actuating element 72, the slide rail 12 is taken and is moved in the spreading direction 32. In the second position 56 of the positioning 52, the first actuator 70 can be tilted and tilt with the slide and move that the slide 12 is taken in the clamping direction 30.

The first actuating element 70 is a blocking element which blocks the displaceability of the slide rail 12 in the clamping direction 30 and releases the displaceability in the spreading direction 32 when the positioning element 52 is in its first position 54. Accordingly, the second actuating element 72 is a blocking element which blocks the displaceability of the slide rail 12 in the spreading direction 32 and releases the displaceability in the clamping direction 30 when the positioning element 52 is in the second position 56.

In order for the first actuating element 70 to act as a blocking element, a bearing surface 80 is provided in the housing 28, on which the first actuating element 70 can be placed in the first position 54 of the positioning element 52 so as to provide a tilting of the actuating element 70, which is flat a displacement of the slide rail 12 in the clamping direction 30 locks.

Accordingly, in the housing 28, a contact surface 82 for the second actuator 72 is provided when this second actuator 72 acts as a locking element when the positioning member 52 is in the second position 56. At this contact surface 82, the second actuator 72 can be applied to provide such a tilt, which blocks a displacement of the slide rail 12 in the spreading direction 32 (and thereby allows the displacement of the slide rail 12 in the clamping direction 30).

To actuate the displacement of the slide rail 12 in opposite directions 30, 32, the actuators 70, 72 must be tilted in opposite directions. Accordingly, the contact surfaces 80, 82, based on the slide rail 12, on (diagonally) opposite sides in the housing 28. The contact surfaces 80, 82 can be integrally formed in the manufacture of the housing 28.

The two actuating elements 70, 72 are arranged at a distance from the positioning element 52. At the positioning 52 sits a spacer 84 between these two actuators 70 and 72nd

The two actuating elements 70, 72 are in turn supported by a first spring 86 and a second spring 88 against each other, wherein the springs 86, 88 are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the slide rail 12. The spacer 84 has corresponding recesses through which the springs 86, 88 pass. The springs 86, 88 allow force application to one of the actuators 70, 72 a relative tiltability to each other with restoring action when the exercise is completed.

To act on the actuating elements 70, 72, a handle lever 90 is provided as a handle element with a handle portion 92. The grip element 90 is pivotally mounted on the housing 28. For this purpose, the grip element 90 has a stub shaft 94, which lies in a shaft stub receptacle 96 formed in particular integrally on the housing cover 50, so that a stub shaft stub end bearing 98 is formed. By this storage no wave must be provided, which passes through the housing 28. The bearing 98 is arranged above the positioning element 52 in relation to a direction from a housing interior to the outside (transverse to the slide rail 12).

The gripping element 90 is designed so that it either acts on the first actuating element 70 or acts on the second actuating element 72, depending on the position of the positioning element 52, either a displacement in the clamping direction 30 (second position 56 of the positioning 52) or a shift in the spreading direction 32 (first position 54 of the positioning member 52) to operate. For this purpose, the grip element 90 has a first tab 102 in a region 100 of the grip element 90 arranged within the housing 28, which can act on the first activation element 70 in order to tilt it in the direction of the bearing 42 and move it in the spreading direction 32 and thus to cause the displacement of the slide rail 12 in the clamping direction 30; Furthermore, it has a second tab 104 which can act on the second actuator 72 to tilt it in the direction of the bearing 40 and move in the clamping direction 30 and thus cause a displacement of the slide rail 12 in the spreading direction 32. The second tab 104 is arranged so that it faces the actuating element 72 of the side 24b of the slide rail 12 and acts on it one side of the second actuating element 72 acts, which faces away from the contact surface 36. The first tab 102 is disposed on the handle member 90 so as to act on the first operating member 70 in an area facing the side 24a of the slide rail 12. Furthermore, the first tab 102 acts on a region of the first actuating element 70, which faces the contact surface 36. As a result, a movement in the clamping direction 30 or in the opposite direction 32 can be achieved by a pivoting movement of the grip element 90 in a pivoting direction 106, depending on the position of the positioning element 52. Whether the gripping element 90 acts with its first tab 102 on the first actuating element 70 or acts with its second tab 104 on the second actuating element 72 in turn depends on the displacement position of the positioning element 52. In its second position 56, the gripping element 90 acts on the first actuating element 70, while in the first position 54 of the positioning element 52, the second flap 104 acts on the second actuating element 72.

It can be provided that the grip element 90 is integrally formed with the handle portion 92, the region 100 and the tabs 102 and 104 and the stub shaft 94 and in particular is made of a plastic material.

The handle portion 92 of the handle member 90 is formed so that it can be grasped by a user's hand with the fingers or the palm of the hand. In a non-pivoted position, the handle portion 92 is disposed at an acute angle to the longitudinal direction 14 of the slide rail 12 in the embodiment shown. This angle can, for example, in a Order of magnitude of 40 °. By a pivoting movement in the pivoting direction 106 on the slide rail 12, the respective actuation element 70, 72 selected via the position of the positioning element 52 can be subjected to a force.

The counter-grip element 46, which is in particular integrally formed with the housing 28, is just a counter-grip element for the handle portion 92 of the handle member 90. The angular position of the handle portion 92 is just so that a user can grasp the counter-grip element 46 and the handle portion 92 with one hand , so that the clamping and spreading device 10 according to the invention can be actuated with one hand.

Furthermore, a release element 108 is provided, which is arranged pivotably in the housing 28. For example, it is pivotally mounted on the handle member 90. It is provided for this purpose a corresponding pivot bearing. Via a recess 110 in the housing 28, a user can access the release element and move it.

The release element 108 has a first tab 112, with which it can act on the second actuation element 72, specifically on one side of the actuation element 72, which faces the abutment surface 36. Furthermore, the release element 108 has a second tab 114 with which it can act on the first actuating element 70, namely on a side which faces away from the abutment surface 36. The first tab 112 of the release element 108 is opposite the second tab 104 of the handle member 90. By the release element, the second actuator 72 can be released from a Verkippungsstellung. The same applies to the first actuating element 70 via the Tab 114. By the release element, a locking position of the corresponding actuating element 70 or 72, if this is in a blocking position, be repealed to move the slide 12 "by hand" or to solve a clamping position or spread position with respect to workpieces.

If, for example, the positioning element 52 in the first position 54 and thus the first actuating element 70 in its blocking position, then the operating element 70 can be tilted in the direction of the contact surface 36 via the release element with the second tab 114 in order to lift the blocking.

If the positioning element 52 in the second position 56, in which the second actuating element 72 acts as a blocking element, then via the release element with the first tab 112, a movement of the second actuating element 72 away from the contact surface 36 can be effected to cancel the tilting and thus to lift the blockage.

The release element 108 is in particular formed in one piece. The tabs 112, 114 are based on the slide rail 12 on opposite sides. As a result, a solution of the slide rail can be achieved by a pivoting movement in one direction, regardless of whether the positioning element 52 is in its first position 54 or in its second position 56.

The operation of the clamping and spreading device according to the invention is based on the FIGS. 4 to 6 explains:

The rotary switch 64 of the switching device 52 is in such a position that the positioning element 52 is in its second position 56 ( FIG. 4 ). The second actuator 72 abuts against the associated abutment surface 82 and is tilted relative to the slide rail 12. As a result, the mobility of the slide rail 12 is locked in the spreading direction 32. The first actuating element 70 is in such a position that a displaceability in the clamping direction 30 is released. In principle, by pressing the slide rail 12 in the clamping direction 30, these are displaced in the clamping direction 30. In the second position 56 of the positioning element 52, the grip element 90 with the first lug 102 can act on the actuating element 70 in order to ensure that the slide rail 12 is entrained in the tensioning direction 30.

In FIG. 5 a position is shown in which the handle member 90 is pivoted relative to a starting position in the direction of the slide rail 12. The first tab 102 of the handle member 90 acts on the first actuator 70 and tilts and moves this. As a result, the springs 74a, 74b are compressed. Due to the tilting and movement of the actuating element 70, the slide rail 12 is entrained in the tensioning direction 30 (while the actuating element 72 blocks the displaceability in the opposite direction 32). The springs 86, 88 between the two actuating elements 70, 72 ensure that just a tilting or tilting of the actuating element 70 is made possible to take along the slide rail 12.

When the handle member 90 is released, the restoring force of the springs 74a, 74b causes the handle member 90 to return to its original position. The first actuator 70 then returns to its in the FIG. 4 shown starting position, but the slide rail 12 is displaced by a corresponding piece in the clamping direction 30.

In FIG. 6 the effect of the release element 108 is shown. If this, according to the situation according to FIG. 4 is pivoted in the pivoting direction 116, then this acts on the actuating element 72 and at least partially eliminates its tilting relative to the slide rail 12. As a result, the blocking action of the actuating element 72 (which is a blocking element in the second position 56 of the positioning element 52) is released and the sliding rail can be displaced forwards or backwards (in the clamping direction 30 or the spreading direction 32).

By the switching device 62 with the rotary switch 64, the positioning element 52 can be moved starting from the second position 56 in the first position 54 and fixed in this position 54, for example by latching. The conditions compared to those in the FIGS. 4 to 6 explained case turn around in that now the first actuator 70 acts as a blocking element and is acted on the handle member 90 to the second actuator 72 for the shift operation. About the release element 108, the blocking effect of the first actuating element 70 can be canceled. The operation is basically the same as described above with reference to the second position 56.

The tensioning and spreading device 10 according to the invention can be produced in a simple manner. The number of parts needed can be kept low. The displacement and locking mechanism can be mounted easily. By the positioning element 52, which is designed in particular as a spring cage, can be between a spreading or a clamping operation by positioning the positioning member 52 in the first position 54 or in the second position 56 accordingly. By shifting on the slide rail 12 can be switched easily between these positions 54 and 56.

With a single handle member 90 can be carried out (depending on the position of the positioning 52) either a spreading or a clamping operation. By a single handle member 90 with a single pivoting actuation direction, the slide rail 12 can be moved either in the clamping direction 30 or in the spreading direction 32.

The arrangement of the handle member 90 with respect to the slide is basically arbitrary, so that an optimized ergonomic design is possible. In particular, a counter-grip element (the counter-grip element 46) can be aligned along the slide rail 12. In turn, this makes it possible to mount the slide rail 12 in the counter-grip element 46 for its Gleitverschieblichkeit.

Claims (44)

1. Clamping and spreading device with a slide rail (12) mounted for displacement, the displacement movement of said slide rail being actuatable in a clamping direction (30) with blocking of the displaceability in the opposite direction (32) and the displacement movement of said slide rail being actuatable in a spreading direction (32) with blocking of the displaceability in the opposite direction (30), wherein the direction of displacement (30, 32) is switchable between clamping direction (30) and spreading direction (32), wherein a movable positioning element (52) is provided, wherein the displacement movement of the slide rail (12) in the clamping direction (30) or in the spreading direction (32) is actuatable as a function of the position (56; 54) of the positioning element (52),
   characterized in that the movable positioning element supports actuating elements (70, 72) for the slide rail (12).
2. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 1, characterized in that the positioning element (52) is displaceable in the direction of displacement (30, 32) of the slide rail (12).
3. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the positioning element (52) is mounted on the slide rail (12).
4. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning element (52) is displaceable on the slide rail (12).
5. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first position (54) is provided for the positioning element (52), the displacement of the slide rail (12) in the spreading direction (32) being actuatable in said position.
6. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 5, characterized in that the first position (54) is adapted to be fixed.
7. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second position (56) is provided for the positioning element (52), the displacement of the slide rail (12) in the clamping direction (30) being actuatable in said position.
8. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 7, characterized in that the second position (56) is adapted to be fixed.
9. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a movement of the positioning element (52) is actuatable via a changeover device (62) for changing the direction of movement (30, 32) of the slide rail (12).
10. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 9, characterized in that via the changeover device (62) the positioning element (52) is adapted to be brought into a first position (54), the slide rail (12) being displaceable in the spreading direction (32) in said first position, and is adapted to be brought into a second position (56), the slide rail (12) being displaceable in the clamping direction (30) in said second position.
11. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the changeover device (62) has a mechanical switch (64) coupled to the positioning element (52).
12. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an actuating element (70; 72) is designed as a blocking element for blocking the displaceability in the opposite direction (32; 30) to the direction of displacement (30; 32) associated with the actuating element (72; 70).
13. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 12, characterized in that at least one contact surface (80; 82) is made available in order to keep a blocking element (70; 72) in a blocking position.
14. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one return spring (74a; 74b; 76) is associated with an actuating element (70; 72).
15. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 14, characterized in that the at least one return spring (74a, 74b; 76) associated with the actuating element (70; 72) is arranged on the positioning element (52).
16. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 15, characterized in that the positioning element (52) is designed as a spring cage.
17. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning element (52) supports a first actuating element (70) for actuating the displacement movement of the slide rail in the clamping direction (30).
18. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 17, characterized in that the first actuating element (70) acts as a blocking element for the displaceability of the slide rail (12) in the spreading direction (32).
19. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning element (52) supports a second actuating element (72) for actuating the displacement movement of the slide rail (12) in the spreading direction (32).
20. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 19, characterized in that the second actuating element (72) acts as a blocking element for the displacement of the slide rail (12) in the clamping direction (30).
21. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 19 or 20, characterized in that at least one spring (86, 88) is arranged between the first actuating element (70) and the second actuating element (72).
22. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 21, characterized in that a spring (86, 88) is arranged between the first actuating element (70) and the second actuating element (72) with respect to both sides (24a, 24b) of the slide rail (12).
23. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one gripping lever (90) is provided for actuating the displacement of the slide rail (12).
24. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 23, characterized in that an actuating element (70; 72) is adapted to be tilted via the at least one gripping lever (90).
25. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 23 or 24, characterized in that a single gripping lever (90) is provided, said lever being arranged and designed such that it acts on a first actuating element (70) for the displacement of the slide rail (12) in the clamping direction (30) or on a second actuating element (72) for the displacement of the slide rail (12) in the spreading direction (32) depending on the position (56; 54) of the positioning element (52).
26. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 25, characterized in that the first actuating element (70) and the second actuating element (72) are adapted to be tilted via the gripping lever (90) in opposite directions relative to the slide rail (12) depending on the position (56; 54) of the positioning element (52).
27. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of claims 23 to 26, characterized in that the at least one gripping lever (90) is pivotally mounted on a housing (28) via a bearing (98) formed by a stub shaft and stub shaft receiver.
28. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 27, characterized in that the bearing (98) formed by the stub shaft and stub shaft receiver is arranged above the positioning element (52).
29. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of claims 23 to 28, characterized in that the at least one gripping lever (90) is arranged and designed such that during its pivoting towards the slide rail (12) a displacement of the slide rail (12) is actuatable.
30. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that the at least one gripping lever (90) is seated at an acute angle in relation to the slide rail (12) when it is not actuated.
31. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of claims 23 to 29, characterized in that a counter-gripping element (46) is provided for the at least one gripping lever (90) for the purpose of one-handed actuatability.
32. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 31, characterized in that the counter-gripping element (46) is oriented longitudinally in relation to the slide rail (12).
33. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 31 or 32, characterized in that the slide rail (12) is mounted for displacement in the counter-gripping element (46).
34. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a release element (108) is provided, a blocking element (70; 72) being adapted to be brought into a non-blocking position via said release element.
35. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release element (108) is designed such that it acts on the respective blocking element (70; 72) dependent on the position (54; 56) of the positioning element (52).
36. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 34 or 35, characterized in that the release element (108) is arranged so as to be pivotable.
37. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 36, characterized in that the release element (108) is mounted on a gripping lever (90) for actuating the displacement of the slide rail (12).
38. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the release element (108) is arranged and designed such that a pivoting direction for the purpose of releasing is independent of the position (54, 56) of the positioning element (52).
39. Clamping and spreading device as defined in defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a housing (28) is provided, the slide rail (12) being mounted for displacement in said housing.
40. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 39, characterized in that the positioning element (52) is guided in the housing (28).
41. Clamping and spreading device as defined in claim 39 or 40, characterized in that a housing cover (50) is provided.
42. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of claims 39 to 41, characterized in that the housing (28) is designed such that the movable parts (52, 90, 108) for the displacement mechanism are insertable.
43. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of claims 39 to 42, characterized in that a contact element (34) for workpieces is connected to the housing (28).
44. Clamping and spreading device as defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a contact element (20) for workpieces is connected to the slide rail (12).

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