WO1989011354A1 - Body clamp for use e.g. in conjunction with an automobile body straightener - Google Patents
Body clamp for use e.g. in conjunction with an automobile body straightener Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1989011354A1 WO1989011354A1 PCT/FI1989/000090 FI8900090W WO8911354A1 WO 1989011354 A1 WO1989011354 A1 WO 1989011354A1 FI 8900090 W FI8900090 W FI 8900090W WO 8911354 A1 WO8911354 A1 WO 8911354A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- clamp
- jaw
- tightening means
- supporting leg
- pressure block
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D1/00—Straightening, restoring form or removing local distortions of sheet metal or specific articles made therefrom; Stretching sheet metal combined with rolling
- B21D1/14—Straightening frame structures
- B21D1/145—Clamps therefor
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
- F16B2/10—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using pivoting jaws
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16B—DEVICES FOR FASTENING OR SECURING CONSTRUCTIONAL ELEMENTS OR MACHINE PARTS TOGETHER, e.g. NAILS, BOLTS, CIRCLIPS, CLAMPS, CLIPS OR WEDGES; JOINTS OR JOINTING
- F16B2/00—Friction-grip releasable fastenings
- F16B2/02—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening
- F16B2/06—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action
- F16B2/065—Clamps, i.e. with gripping action effected by positive means other than the inherent resistance to deformation of the material of the fastening external, i.e. with contracting action using screw-thread elements
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a body clamp for use e.g. in conjunction with an automobile body straightener, said body clamp comprising at least two clamp jaws, a gripping part attached to the clamp jaws, and a joint connecting the clamp jaws.
- the body clamp proposed by said Finnish patent comprises two clamp jaws held together by a joint placed below the supporting leg or clamp beam. Placed against the upper surface of the supporting leg is a wedge piece, which is tightened by means of a bolt and nut. When the wedge piece is being tightened, it presses the body clamp firmly against the supporting leg, and at the same time the clamp jaws grip the edge of the automobile body.
- the problem with this body clamp is the close dimensioning of the device. If the wedge piece presses the body clamp too early against the supporting leg, then it is possible that the power is insufficient for the actual task, i.e. for gripping the edge of the automobile body.
- the object of the present invention is to eliminate the draw ⁇ backs referred to above and to achieve a reliable body clamp which can be quickly and easily fastened and is simple in con ⁇ struction and therefore cheap.
- the body clamp of the invention is characterized in that it comprises a bearing surface and that one of the clamp jaws is provided with a tightening means and the other clamp jaw with a swivelling pressure block acting as a stop face for the tightening means.
- the invention provides the advantage that the body clamp can be quickly and reliably locked in place both on the supporting leg on which the body clamp is fastened and on the edge of the automobile body.
- each clamp jaw has two side plates placed at a distance from each other, the side plates of one of the clamp jaws being joined together by at least one bearing member, the underside of which constitutes a bearing surface located below the joint connecting the jaws.
- Another preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, relative to the gripping parts, the tightening means and the pressure block are located at the opposite end of the clamp jaws in such manner that a space is formed between the bearing surface and the tightening means, into which space a supporting means, such as a supporting leg of the straightener, can be inserted.
- the advantage in this case is a large pressing power and a convenient working position during the screwing of the tightening means.
- a third preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the pressure block surface pressed against the support ⁇ ing leg is essentially curved and located below the supporting leg at a suitable distance from the joint of the pressure block, and that the pressure block has a stop face for the tightening means, which is also located below the supporting leg.
- the advantage is a an even and strong locking pressure against the supporting leg.
- a further preferred embodiment of the invention is characterize in that the tightening means consists of a screw and a connecting beam that joins the side plates of the first clamp jaw together and is provided with an internal thread for the screw.
- the advantage is a simple tightening means construction that renders the clamp jaw more rigid.
- a still further preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the joint connecting the clamp jaws is placed above the supporting leg and, relative to the vertical plane passing between the gripping parts, on that side where the movable clamp jaw is located.
- the advantages in this case are that the device provides a high clamping power and that the gripping part of the movable clamp jaw moves in the correct direction when touching the edge of the vehicle body.
- Fig. 1 presents the body clamp in lateral view.
- Fig. 2 presents the body clamp in front view.
- the body clamp consists of two clamp jaws 1 and 2, a joint 4 that links them together, and a tightening means 6.
- the first clamp jaw 1 has two parallel side plates 9, placed at a distance from each other.
- the gripping part 3 which is attached to both side plates 9, thus connecting them together.
- the side plate 9 consists of an upper part with bevelled front and rear edges, a middle part of uniform width, and a lower part with a bevelled front edge. Attached to the front edges of the upper parts of the side plates 9 and placed in a direction parallel to the gripping part 3 is a bracing plate 18 which connects the side plates to each other.
- the bracing plate has been omitted for the sake of clarity.
- Attached between the front edges of the lower parts of the side plates 9 is a horizontal connecting beam 17 which stiffens the lower part of the clamp jaw.
- the connecting beam 17 has been slightly rotated about its horizontal axis so as to achieve a suitable angle for the tightening screw 16 going through it.
- the other clamp jaw 2 consists of a pair of parallel side plates 10, the distance between which is such that the external width of the second clamp jaw 2 is less than the internal width of the first clamp jaw 1.
- the topmost part of the clamp jaw 2 is the gripping part 3, which is attached to both side plates 10, thus connecting them together.
- the side plate 10 consists of an upper part with bevelled front and rear edges, a middle part of uniform width, and a lower part with bevelled front and rear edges.
- the clamp jaw 2 is provided with a lower horizontal bracing plate connecting the side plates 10.
- a pressure block 8 In the lower part of the second clamp jaw 2, between the front edges of the side plates 10 is a pressure block 8, which is supported by a horizontal shaft 14 pivoted on the side plates 10.
- the length of the pressure block 8 is so chosen that the pressure block fits between the side plates of the second clamp jaw 10 so that it can turn about its horizontal axis.
- a curved pressing surface 13 At the top edge of the pressure block 8 is a curved pressing surface 13, which, when the clamping screw 16 is tightened, is pressed against the underside of the supporting leg 12 of the automobile body straightener, said leg 12 being inside the body clamp.
- the pressing surface 13 is located at a suitable distance from the joint 14.
- On the front side of the pressure block 8 is a stop face 15 essentially perpendicular to the screw 16 of the tightening means, the end of the screw 16 being pressed against said stop face.
- the tightening screw 16 may be an ordinary hexagonal screw which is turned with a suitable tool.
- the clamp jaws are held together by a common horizontal bearing axle placed above the bearing surfaces 5 but below the gripping part 3.
- the axle 4 is located on the same side of said vertical plane as the movable clamp jaw 1.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Vehicle Cleaning, Maintenance, Repair, Refitting, And Outriggers (AREA)
- Clamps And Clips (AREA)
Abstract
Body clamp for use e.g. in conjunction with an automobile body straightener, said body clamp comprising at least two clamp jaws (1, 2), gripping parts (3) attached to the clamp jaws, and a joint (4) that links the clamp jaws by their upper parts. The lower part of one (1) of the clamp jaws is provided with a tightening means and the lower part of the other clamp jaw (2) with a swivelling pressure block (8) acting as a stop face for the tightening means. The upper part of the second clamp jaw is provided with a bearing surface (5) which keeps the jaw in place.
Description
BODY CLAMP FOR USE E.G. IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN AUTOMOBILE BODY STRAIGHTENER
The present invention relates to a body clamp for use e.g. in conjunction with an automobile body straightener, said body clamp comprising at least two clamp jaws, a gripping part attached to the clamp jaws, and a joint connecting the clamp jaws.
Previously known solutions for a body clamp are proposed by Finnish patent nr. 53930 and US patent nr. 3,108,629. The body clamp proposed by said Finnish patent comprises two clamp jaws held together by a joint placed below the supporting leg or clamp beam. Placed against the upper surface of the supporting leg is a wedge piece, which is tightened by means of a bolt and nut. When the wedge piece is being tightened, it presses the body clamp firmly against the supporting leg, and at the same time the clamp jaws grip the edge of the automobile body. The problem with this body clamp is the close dimensioning of the device. If the wedge piece presses the body clamp too early against the supporting leg, then it is possible that the power is insufficient for the actual task, i.e. for gripping the edge of the automobile body. The same problem exists in the contrary case as well. If the wedge forces the jaws together too early, the body clamp cannot be locked onto the supporting leg. The problem of dimensioning is further aggravated by the differences in the thickness of the body sheeting of different automobiles. The solution proposed by said US patent uses several screws for fastening the body clamp on the edge of the vehicle body. The drawback in this case is a very slow procedure of fastening the body clamp.
The object of the present invention is to eliminate the draw¬ backs referred to above and to achieve a reliable body clamp which can be quickly and easily fastened and is simple in con¬ struction and therefore cheap. The body clamp of the invention
is characterized in that it comprises a bearing surface and that one of the clamp jaws is provided with a tightening means and the other clamp jaw with a swivelling pressure block acting as a stop face for the tightening means. The invention provides the advantage that the body clamp can be quickly and reliably locked in place both on the supporting leg on which the body clamp is fastened and on the edge of the automobile body.
A preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that each clamp jaw has two side plates placed at a distance from each other, the side plates of one of the clamp jaws being joined together by at least one bearing member, the underside of which constitutes a bearing surface located below the joint connecting the jaws. The advantage is that the clamp jaw is held in a fixed position, so that the gripping part is also held in a fixed position.
Another preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that, relative to the gripping parts, the tightening means and the pressure block are located at the opposite end of the clamp jaws in such manner that a space is formed between the bearing surface and the tightening means, into which space a supporting means, such as a supporting leg of the straightener, can be inserted. The advantage in this case is a large pressing power and a convenient working position during the screwing of the tightening means.
A third preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the pressure block surface pressed against the support¬ ing leg is essentially curved and located below the supporting leg at a suitable distance from the joint of the pressure block, and that the pressure block has a stop face for the tightening means, which is also located below the supporting leg. The advantage is a an even and strong locking pressure against the supporting leg.
A further preferred embodiment of the invention is characterize
in that the tightening means consists of a screw and a connecting beam that joins the side plates of the first clamp jaw together and is provided with an internal thread for the screw. The advantage is a simple tightening means construction that renders the clamp jaw more rigid.
A still further preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the joint connecting the clamp jaws is placed above the supporting leg and, relative to the vertical plane passing between the gripping parts, on that side where the movable clamp jaw is located. The advantages in this case are that the device provides a high clamping power and that the gripping part of the movable clamp jaw moves in the correct direction when touching the edge of the vehicle body.
The invention is described in the following in greater detail by the aid of an example with reference to the drawings attached, wherein:
Fig. 1 presents the body clamp in lateral view. Fig. 2 presents the body clamp in front view.
The body clamp consists of two clamp jaws 1 and 2, a joint 4 that links them together, and a tightening means 6. The first clamp jaw 1 has two parallel side plates 9, placed at a distance from each other. When the body clamp is in its normal position, i.e. in the position shown in the drawings, the topmost part of the clamp jaw is the gripping part 3, which is attached to both side plates 9, thus connecting them together. The side plate 9 consists of an upper part with bevelled front and rear edges, a middle part of uniform width, and a lower part with a bevelled front edge. Attached to the front edges of the upper parts of the side plates 9 and placed in a direction parallel to the gripping part 3 is a bracing plate 18 which connects the side plates to each other. In figure 2, the bracing plate has been omitted for the sake of clarity. Attached between the front edges of the lower parts of the side plates 9 is a horizontal
connecting beam 17 which stiffens the lower part of the clamp jaw. The connecting beam 17 has been slightly rotated about its horizontal axis so as to achieve a suitable angle for the tightening screw 16 going through it. In the middle of the connecting beam 17, at a suitable angle to the horizontal plane, is a hole with internal thread for the tightening screw 16. The other clamp jaw 2 consists of a pair of parallel side plates 10, the distance between which is such that the external width of the second clamp jaw 2 is less than the internal width of the first clamp jaw 1. The topmost part of the clamp jaw 2 is the gripping part 3, which is attached to both side plates 10, thus connecting them together. The side plate 10 consists of an upper part with bevelled front and rear edges, a middle part of uniform width, and a lower part with bevelled front and rear edges. At the juncture of the upper and middle parts, attached to the front and rear edges of the side plates are horizontal bracing beams 11 connecting the side plates 10 and mounted in such manner that the undersides of said beams 11 are located at the same horizontal level, constituting the bearing surface 5 of the clamp jaw. In addition, the clamp jaw 2 is provided with a lower horizontal bracing plate connecting the side plates 10. In the lower part of the second clamp jaw 2, between the front edges of the side plates 10 is a pressure block 8, which is supported by a horizontal shaft 14 pivoted on the side plates 10. The length of the pressure block 8 is so chosen that the pressure block fits between the side plates of the second clamp jaw 10 so that it can turn about its horizontal axis. At the top edge of the pressure block 8 is a curved pressing surface 13, which, when the clamping screw 16 is tightened, is pressed against the underside of the supporting leg 12 of the automobile body straightener, said leg 12 being inside the body clamp. The pressing surface 13 is located at a suitable distance from the joint 14. On the front side of the pressure block 8 is a stop face 15 essentially perpendicular to the screw 16 of the tightening means, the end of the screw 16 being pressed against said stop face. The tightening screw 16 may be an ordinary hexagonal screw which is turned with a suitable tool. The clamp
jaws are held together by a common horizontal bearing axle placed above the bearing surfaces 5 but below the gripping part 3. In the locked position, the vertical plane passing betwee the gripping parts coincides with the centre line of the body clamp. The axle 4 is located on the same side of said vertical plane as the movable clamp jaw 1. By virtue of this positioning of the axle, the motion of the gripping part 3 of clamp jaw 1 is optimized with respect to the angle in which the gripping part meets the edge of the vehicle body, so that no bending strain is imposed on the automobile body sheeting. Another decisive factor regarding the positions of different parts of the clamp is that the bearing axle 4 is placed above the supporting leg 12 whereas the tightening means 6 is located below it. This arrangement provides a leverage that greatly increases the clamping power. Moreover, considering space utilization, the tightening screw is easy to turn from below the supporting leg.
It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted to the example described above, but that its embodiments may instead be varied in the scope of the following claims. Thus, for instance, instead of two separate bearing members 11 it is possible to use a single bearing member of a larger width. Also, instead of an internal thread in the connecting beam 17 it is possible to use a nut fixed to the beam, or the tightening means itself may have a construction differing from that of a screw.
Claims
1. Body clamp for use e.g. in conjunction with an automobile body straightener, said body clamp comprising at least two clamp jaws (1, 2), a gripping part (3) attached to the clamp jaw, and a joint (4) connecting the clamp jaws, c h a r a c t e r ¬ i z e d in that the body clamp has a bearing surface (5), and that the first clamp jaw (1) is provided with a tightening means and the second jaw (2) with a swivelling pressure block (8) acting as a stop face for the tightening means.
2. Body clamp according to claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that each clamp jaw has two side plates (9, 10) placed at a distance from each other, the side plates (10) of the second (2) clamp jaw being joined by at least one bracing member (11), the underside of which constitutes the bearing surface (5) , which is located below the joint (4) .
3. Body clamp according to claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r ¬ i z e d in that, relative to the gripping parts (3), the tightening means (6) and the pressure block (8) are located at the opposite end of the clamp jaws in such manner that a space is formed between the bearing surface (5) and the tightening means so that a supporting means, such as a supporting leg of the straightener (12), can be pushed into said space.
4. Body clamp according to claim 1, 2 or 3, c h a r a c t e r ¬ i z e d in that the pressure block surface (13) pressed against the supporting leg (12) is essentially curved and located below the supporting leg (12) at a suitable distance from the joint (14) of the pressure block, and that the pressure block has a stop face (15) for the tightening means (16), which is also located below the supporting leg (12).
5. Body clamp according to any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the tightening means consists of a screw (16) and a connecting beam (17) that joins the side plates (9) of the first clamp jaw (1) and is provided with an internal thread for the screw (16).
6. Body clamp according to any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that the joint (4) which links the clamp jaws is placed above the supporting leg (12) and, relative to the vertical plane passing between the gripping parts (3), on that side where the movable clamp jaw is located.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FI882367A FI90505C (en) | 1988-05-19 | 1988-05-19 | Side beam bracket for use, for example, in directional device of car |
FI882367 | 1988-05-19 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1989011354A1 true WO1989011354A1 (en) | 1989-11-30 |
Family
ID=8526487
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/FI1989/000090 WO1989011354A1 (en) | 1988-05-19 | 1989-05-18 | Body clamp for use e.g. in conjunction with an automobile body straightener |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0379533A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU3683089A (en) |
FI (1) | FI90505C (en) |
WO (1) | WO1989011354A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1994005440A1 (en) * | 1992-09-08 | 1994-03-17 | Uno Johansson Liner Ab | Device for fixing a vehicle to a straightening bench |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US117008A (en) * | 1871-07-11 | Improvement in steam-boiler-flue cleaners | ||
US120664A (en) * | 1871-11-07 | Improvement in valves | ||
US710544A (en) * | 1902-06-14 | 1902-10-07 | Charles C Wandell | Woodworking-clamp. |
GB2137684A (en) * | 1983-03-19 | 1984-10-10 | Keith Riley | Pivot jaw clamp |
-
1988
- 1988-05-19 FI FI882367A patent/FI90505C/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
1989
- 1989-05-18 AU AU36830/89A patent/AU3683089A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1989-05-18 EP EP19890906119 patent/EP0379533A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1989-05-18 WO PCT/FI1989/000090 patent/WO1989011354A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US117008A (en) * | 1871-07-11 | Improvement in steam-boiler-flue cleaners | ||
US120664A (en) * | 1871-11-07 | Improvement in valves | ||
US710544A (en) * | 1902-06-14 | 1902-10-07 | Charles C Wandell | Woodworking-clamp. |
GB2137684A (en) * | 1983-03-19 | 1984-10-10 | Keith Riley | Pivot jaw clamp |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO1994005440A1 (en) * | 1992-09-08 | 1994-03-17 | Uno Johansson Liner Ab | Device for fixing a vehicle to a straightening bench |
US5613397A (en) * | 1992-09-08 | 1997-03-25 | Uno Liner System Aktiebolag | Device for fixing a vehicle to a straightening bench |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU3683089A (en) | 1989-12-12 |
FI90505B (en) | 1993-11-15 |
EP0379533A1 (en) | 1990-08-01 |
FI90505C (en) | 1994-02-25 |
FI882367A (en) | 1989-11-20 |
FI882367A0 (en) | 1988-05-19 |
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