EP2283972B1 - Fixing element - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a fixing element for fixing workpieces to jigs with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Such a fixing element is from the document EP 1 707 915 A known.

Such fixing elements are known, they are used in particular as so-called toggle clamps in many ways use.

So is in the DE 20 2005 014 871 U1 a fixing shown and described. The element shown there is modularly constructed of a first, the Hebelarmlager bearing element, an L-shaped bridge piece and a longitudinally displaceable on one of the L-legs of the bridge piece in predetermined detent positions and in the direction transverse to the longitudinal displacement abutment piece.

Unlike in the prior art previously known such fixing elements, which are integrally formed, which allows the DE 20 2005 014 871 U1 Known fixing already a larger selection of setting positions, so that a variety of construction situations can be accomplished with a single fixing, for the previously different, solid or integrally formed fixing should be kept or used. This pays particular in the field of construction of three-dimensional jigs for complex-shaped three-dimensional workpieces, such as automobile body parts, housing parts of mobile phones or other electrical appliances and the like. For in such devices must be reached exactly in space arranged fixing points exactly, for example by the construction of jigs from struts and attachments. In these situations, it is not always the case that a uniform fixing element can be used to control a precisely defined fixing point, which can be precisely controlled with regard to its position in space. The modular structure of the fixing according to the DE 20 2005 014 871 U1 has proven itself so far.

However, there is still a lack of flexibility in space utilization in jig construction (overall jig configuration). Because the fixing element according to the DE 20 2005 014 781 U1 is regularly set to a jig by means of appropriate devices, which in turn attack the modular element with the anvil. This results in only one installation direction with respect to a rotational orientation about the longitudinal axis of the in the DE 20 2005 014 781 U1 shown module element with the anvil. At most, two installation situations rotated by 180 ° are possible.

Often, however, it is difficult, if not impossible, to provide sufficient space and space in such a direction for easy operability of the fuser member in fixture construction. In these cases, the device must be constructed as a whole more expansive and less compact, or it must be made special fixing or it must be used fixing, unlike the cost-manually operated elements have complicated and expensive automated techniques. In the latter case, then the appropriate supply is then in addition, which in turn not only a construction effort, but also requires space.

This problem is addressed by the present invention. With her so a modular fixation elements should be specified, which is a further increase the flexibility brings with it, in particular, also oblique mounting situations are given for the fixing.

This object is achieved by a fixing according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous developments of such a fixing are designated in the feature combinations of the dependent claims 2 to 7.

In this case, the essential solution is to make the fixing element with at least two module pieces, one of which carries the pressing piece, the other the counter-bearing. The peculiarity consists in the fact that these two modules or parts are rotatable about an axis of rotation and in an angle of rotation adjustable to each other can be fixed. This rotatability includes in particular a rotatability and adjustable determination in angles other than 180 °, so that depending on the respective mounting situation in a complex structure and space-saving device formed a suitable angle of rotation can be adjusted, on the one hand, the position of the investment or fixing point to meet exactly for the workpiece, on the other hand, exploit the spatial conditions such that the construction continues to be compact and with as few parts for the jig, and also a simple operation of the fixing is given.

For a better stability in terms of rotatability, the solution is also chosen, in which the peg-like extension has a polygonal, in particular square cross-section. The sleeve or clamp has a regularly formed, multi-beam, star or sun-shaped inner contour, which is designed to a rotatable by predetermined angle jumps engagement with the one angular, in particular square cross-section having pin. Thus arises depending on the number of beams adjustable by predetermined angle jumps, then very definite fixable adjustment.

In particular, while a rotatability about an axis of rotation of advantage, as it is called in claim 2, namely such, in or in parallel to the pressing, so a direction in which in the holding position the pressure piece on a workpiece to be determined a force in Direction of the anvil applies, runs. As a rule, it is a possibility of the angular arrangement of the projecting elements of the fixing element about this axis of rotation, the leads to a manageable and yet compact utilization of the installation space for the jig equipped with the fixing element according to the invention. If, as indicated in claim 3, the axis of rotation passes through a point at which a fixing position of the fixing pressure member and abutment lie on each other or each other for fixing a workpiece, changes in a change or adjustment of the angular position of the components Location of a fixation point not. This offers a particular advantage when the fixing element according to the invention is to be used in devices for clamping workpieces, which specify a certain position of the fixing point in the room. Because here can be changed without further adjustment and tuning of the device simply the angular position of the components of the fixing.

In particular, when the pin-like extension extends with a constant cross-sectional shape and size over such a length that the part with the lever bearing on the sleeve or clamp on the pin-like extension in the longitudinal direction is displaceably adjustable in different positions, results in addition to the Rotatability about the longitudinal axis of the pin-like extension also a height adjustment about the longitudinal direction of the pin axis and thus a further adjustment. This can eg be used to adapt the fixing element to different thicknesses of the material of a workpiece to be clamped.

A as described in claim 5 four-part design of the fixing proves to be particularly flexible. Thus, standardized parts lever part, abutment part and connecting part can be used, and it can be used for distance adjustment different bridge parts.

In general, the fixing element according to the invention will have a handle for actuating the lever arm and pivoting of the attached thereto Andrückstückes, even if, of course, automatically operable fixing are also possible to implement the invention.

Particularly preferably, the fixing element according to the invention is formed as a toggle clamp.

With a fixing element as generally described above, this should already be clear from the above description, achieve even greater flexibility in the construction of equipped with the fixing device for clamping workpieces, in particular a space-saving and thus emanating with fewer parts construction such devices is possible.

Fig. 1

in einer Explosionsdarstellung ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Fixierelementes in Form eines aus vier Grundelementen zusammengefügten Kniehebelspanners;

Fig. 2

den Kniehebelspanner aus Fig. 1 in zusammengefügter Position in einer ersten Winkelausrichtung;

Fig. 3

den Kniehebelspanner aus Fig. 1 in einer zweiten, gegenüber der Darstellung in Fig. 2 verdrehten Winkelanordnung; und

Fig. 4

in einer vergrößerten Draufsicht das Zusammenwirken der sternförmigen Innenkontur der Schelle mit der quadratischen Außenkontur des zapfenartigen Fortsatzes zur im Drehwinkel einstellbaren, dann jedoch drehfesten Verbindung zwischen diesen beiden Elementen.

Further advantages and features of the invention, which may not yet be apparent from the foregoing general description, will become apparent from the following description of an embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. Showing:

Fig. 1

an exploded view of an embodiment of a fixing element according to the invention in the form of an assembled from four basic elements toggle lever tensioner;

Fig. 2

the toggle clamp off Fig. 1 in an assembled position in a first angular orientation;

Fig. 3

the toggle clamp off Fig. 1 in a second, opposite to the illustration in Fig. 2 twisted angle arrangement; and

Fig. 4

in an enlarged plan view, the interaction of the star-shaped inner contour of the clamp with the square outer contour of the peg-like extension to the rotational angle adjustable, but then non-rotatable connection between these two elements.

In the FIGS. 1 to 4 an embodiment of a fixing element according to the invention is shown, which here has the shape of a toggle lever 1.

The toggle clamp 1 in this embodiment is modular in structure from a total of four parts or assemblies. These are a counter-bearing piece 2, a clamp 6, a bridge part 8 and a lever part 12.

The counter-bearing piece 2 can be fixed with a connecting means 5, in this case a screw, on an element of a clamping device so as to form a fixing point on such a clamping device with the toggle clamp 1. Furthermore, the counter-bearing piece has a cross-sectionally square pin-like extension 3, whose upper end face forms the counter-bearing surface 4, which constitutes a contact surface for a workpiece to be fixed.

About the pin-like extension 3, the clamp 6 can be adjusted with a star or sun-shaped inner contour 7 in different angles of rotation about the longitudinal axis of the peg-like extension 3 adjustable and fixed by tightening the screws 10. On the clamp 6, the bridge part 8 is fixed by entering into the bridged by the screw 10 slot, the screws 10 are guided through the openings 9. The bridge part 8 is L-shaped, wherein at the end of the second leg further openings 11 are arranged, on which the lever part 12 can be fixed by means of screws 13. The lever member 12 has a pivotable about a Hebelarmlager 17 mounted lever arm, at the free end of a pressing member 15 is arranged.

The lever arm 14 is pivotable about a handle 16, wherein a link guide provides the necessary feed movements of the toggle clamp. In the FIGS. 1 to 3 the lever arm 14 and the handle 16 are each shown in two different positions, the open position and the clamping position. In the clamping position, the lever arm 14 is horizontal, so that the pressure member 15 is opposite in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the pin-like extension 3 of the abutment surface 4. The handle 16 is thereby exposed substantially in the axial extension of the lever arm 14 in this position. In the released position, the lever arm 14 is standing upright substantially in extension of the longitudinal axis of the leg of the bridge part 8 with the openings 11, the handle 16 is pivoted in the direction of the erected lever arm 14. In the figures, the pressure piece 5 is not shown in the open position of the lever arm 14.

In the Figures 2 and 3 It can be seen that a jib 18 is placed on the abutment surface 4 for abutment of the workpiece. This is inserted into an opening 19 in the abutment surface 4, for example screwed there with a pin or with a screw thread. This jib 18 serves a more precise definition of the workpiece, which applies to fix it with the toggle clamp 1.

Furthermore, in the Figures 2 and 3 to recognize that the toggle clamp 1 can be set in this embodiment with different angular positions about the longitudinal axis of the pin-like extension 3. So these positions are in the Figures 2 and 3 differently. While in Fig. 2 the clamp 6 and the pin-like extension 3 are aligned with each other so that the bridge part 8 diametrically opposite the provided with the screw 5 extension of the counter bearing piece 2, close the bridge part 8 and this extension of the counter bearing piece 2 in Fig. 3 a deviating from 180 ° angle to each other. The lever arm 4, in the longitudinally displaceable displaceable pressure plate 15 can be fixed with an insert 20, is so dimensioned and applied, or the insert 20 is pushed so far in the longitudinal direction of the lever arm 14, that the pressure member 15 centered on the longitudinal axis of the pin-like extension shows when the clamping position is selected. This allows a free rotatability of the elements clamp 6 and pin-like extension 3 to each other, without any of the rotational positions of the fixing point of the device would be changed, a clamping, so a coincidence of Andrückstück 15 and abutment surface 4 (or interposed Anlegestück 18), not more took place.

The interaction between the inner contour 7 of the clamp 6 and the peg-like extension 3 is in the schematic view in FIG Fig. 4 to recognize again very well. Due to the high number of each perpendicular tapered "rays" or "spikes" of the star-shaped inner contour 7 results in a variety of screened selectable angle settings between the clamp 6 and the pin-like extension 3, whereby a high degree of flexibility in the device the fixing element and ultimately its installation in the jig is achieved.

However, with the cooperation between the pin-like extension 3 and the clamp 6 not only an adjustability with regard to the angle can be achieved but also an adjustability with regard to the height, i. Because the pin-like extension 3 is formed with a constant cross-section over such a height that the clamp 6 is moved with its inner contour 7 along the longitudinal direction of the peg-like extension 3 and in any longitudinal positions by fixing the screws 10 and thus jamming the clamp 6 can be set. It should be noted, of course, that the clamp 6 in its dimensions (dimensioning of the inner contour 7 and opening width of the slot with the screws 10 performed) is performed such that when setting the bridge part 8 both a sufficient contraction of the inner contour 7 by elastic deformation of the clamp 6 for a frictional connection between the clamp 6 and the pin-like extension 3 as well as a secure clamping connection with the bridge part 8 done to make the connection overall stable even under the forces occurring during the setting of a workpiece.

From the above descriptions it is readily apparent that with the fixing element according to the invention a greatly increased degree of flexibility in the establishment of devices for clamping workpieces can be achieved, in particular by the rotatability in the connection between the clamp 6 and the pin-like extension. 3 the alignment of the expansive part of the bridge part 8 and the lever part 12 can be designed so that an optimal space utilization of the device for clamping workpieces while maintaining good operability thereof can be achieved.

It also becomes clear that the toggle clamp 1 shown in the exemplary embodiment can be put together simply because of its overall modular construction. In particular, for different applications, for example, standardized Lever 12, counter bearing 2 and clamp 6 are stored. In order to produce different distances between the lever part 12 and the counter bearing piece 2, now only different bridge parts 8 would have to be used and correspondingly adapted inserts 20 are used for the pressure piece 15.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Toggle clamps

2

Support portion

3

peg-like extension

4

Thrust face

5

connecting means

6

clamp

7

inner contour

8th

bridge part

9

opening

10

screw

11

opening

12

lever part

13

screw

14

lever arm

15

press-down

16

handle

17

Hebelarmlager

18

mooring piece

19

opening

20

commitment

Claims (7)

1. A fixing element for immobilising work pieces on clamping devices with a compression part (15) arranged on a lever arm (14) pivotally mounted in a lever arm bearing (17) and with a counterbearing (4) opposite the compression part (15) in a retaining position, whereas the fixing element (1) consists of at least two components (2, 6, 8, 12) which can be connected to one another in a detachable way, from which one (12) carries the lever arm bearing (17) and another one (2) carries the counterbearing (4), whereas both parts (2, 12) can rotate with the lever arm bearing (17) or the counterbearing (4) around a rotational axis and can be adjusted in a rotational angle with respect to each other, whereas an extension (3) is built in the form of a journal on the part (2) with the counterbearing (4), against which the part (12) with the lever bearing (17) can be adjusted via a rotary sheath or shell (6) around the longitudinal axis of the extension (3) in the form of a journal, characterised in that the extension (3) in the form of a journal has a square, in particular a rectangular cross-section and the sheath or shell (6) has a regular shaped, multibeam, star or sun-shaped inside contour (7), which is designed to provide a rotary grip around preset angular jumps with the extension (3) in the form of a journal and having a square, in particular rectangular cross-section.
2. A fixing element according to claim 1, characterised in that the rotary axis runs in a direction or parallel to a direction, in which in the retaining position the compression part (15) applies force in the direction of the counterbearing (4) on a work-piece to be immobilised.
3. A fixing element according to claim 2, characterised in that the rotary axis runs through a point on which in a fixing position of the fixing element the compression (15) and the counterbearing (4) lie on top of each other or lie opposite to each other for fixing the work piece.
4. A fixing element according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the extension (3) in the form of a journal extends with constant cross-sectional shape over such a length that the part (12) with the lever bearing (17) can be adjusted in different positions via the sheath or shell (6) against the extension (3) in the form of a journal (3) and can be moved in its longitudinal direction.
5. A fixing element according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it consists of four parts, of a counterbearing part (2), which carries the counterbearing (4), of a lever part (12), on which the lever bearing (17) is arranged, of a bridging part (8) for connection of the lever part (12) to the counterbearing part (2) and of a connecting part (6) for adjusting the bridging part (8) on the counterbearing part (2) in rotational selectable position.
6. The fixing element according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it has a manual grip (16) for actuating the lever arm (14) and pivoting the compression part (15) mounted thereon.
7. A fixing element according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is a toggle lever clamp.

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