Clamping device with flexible outlet barrier
By introducing a design of flexible barriers and end stops in the clamping device, its bending range is limited, solving the problem of slender objects being inserted in the wrong direction, and improving the durability and alignment of the device.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480009263.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-01-26
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-25
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-05
AI Technical Summary
Existing clamping devices are prone to direction errors when inserting slender objects, causing the device to malfunction and the flexible blocking member to be easily damaged.
A clamping device is designed, which includes an inlet orifice, an outlet orifice and a flexible barrier located near the outlet orifice. The bending range of the flexible barrier in the opening direction is limited to an acute angle and further bending is prevented by an end stop. Combined with the design of the spring and the clamp, it ensures that slender objects can only be inserted in the correct direction.
Improves the durability and alignment of the clamping device, prevents incorrect insertion of slender items, and enhances the reliability and service life of the device.
Smart Images
Figure CN120604055A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a clamping device having a flexible barrier located proximal to an outlet orifice. In particular, embodiments of the present invention relate to a clamping device for clamping elongated items (eg, wires, ropes, cables, etc.). Background Art
[0002] Clamping devices for securing elongated objects in the form of cables or wire ropes are known. Clamping devices are known to include internal springs that urge internal clamping members against the elongated object. In some designs, the elongated object must be inserted in the correct orientation, and the clamping device may not function properly if the elongated object is inserted in the wrong orientation. Summary of the Invention
[0003] According to various embodiments (but not necessarily all embodiments) of the present invention, there is provided a clamping device for clamping an elongated object, the clamping device comprising:
[0004] a body into which elongated items may be inserted;
[0005] entrance orifice;
[0006] an outlet opening adjacent to the inlet opening; and
[0007] a flexible barrier located proximal to the outlet orifice,
[0008] wherein the flexible barrier is positioned relative to the outlet orifice so as to be contactable by an end of the elongate article,
[0009] wherein the force exerted by the end of the elongate article on the flexible barrier deflects the flexible barrier in an opening direction to enable the end of the elongate article to exit the clamping device through the exit aperture, and
[0010] The clamping device is configured to limit the bending range of the flexible barrier in the opening direction to an acute angle.
[0011] The advantage is that the clamping device is more durable, since the maximum stress in the flexible barrier is limited; bending cannot be 90 degrees or more.
[0012] The flexible barrier may be constrained within a clamping device to limit the extent to which the flexible barrier can bend in the opening direction to an acute angle.
[0013] An advantage is that durability is further improved because the flexible barrier is confined within the clamping device rather than being entirely exposed outside of the clamping device.
[0014] The clamping device may include an end stop to prevent the flexible barrier from bending further than an acute angle in the opening direction. The end stop may include an abutment surface that can be contacted by the flexible barrier. As the flexible barrier deflects in the opening direction, the flexible barrier may become more parallel to the end stop.
[0015] In a neutral, unbent state, the flexible barrier can extend at a first angle relative to the end stop. The first angle can be acute relative to the end stop. Thus, the angular separation between the first angle and the end stop can be acute. The angular separation can be less than 60 degrees, such as approximately 45 degrees.
[0016] The clamping device may further include a second end stop to prevent the flexible barrier from bending beyond an acute angle in a direction opposite to the opening direction from a neutral, unbent state. The second end stop may include an abutment surface contactable by an abutment of the flexible barrier to limit bending to the acute angle. The abutment may include a boss.
[0017] The first angle may be in a direction which prevents the elongate article from being inserted through the exit aperture and enables the elongate article to exit the clamping device through the exit aperture.
[0018] The advantage of a flexible barrier is that it prevents elongated items from being inserted in the wrong direction. This is preferable to using visual markings such as arrows, which can be misinterpreted or overlooked by some users. However, in some examples, an arrow may be depicted on the body of the clamp.
[0019] The outlet orifice can be adjacent to the inlet orifice by being located at the same end of the clamping device as the inlet orifice. The flexible barrier can block the outlet orifice without blocking the inlet orifice. Thus, the inlet orifice can be an unblocked orifice, while the outlet orifice can be an orifice blocked by the flexible barrier. The flexible barrier can be visible from the exterior of the clamping device, for example, by positioning the flexible barrier closer to the outlet orifice than to the clamp of the clamping device.
[0020] An advantage is that the flexible barrier provides a visual reference indicating which aperture the elongate article should be inserted into.
[0021] The flexible barrier may include a flexible hinge supporting a contact member. The contact member may be positioned relative to the outlet aperture so as to be contactable by the end of the elongated object. A force applied by the end of the elongated object against the contact member of the flexible barrier may deflect the contact member in an opening direction, thereby enabling the end of the elongated object to exit the clamping device through the outlet aperture. The clamping device may be configured to limit the bending range of the flexible hinge of the flexible barrier in the opening direction to an acute angle.
[0022] The flexible hinge may include a living hinge. The living hinge may be thinner than the contact member. The living hinge may be formed from the same material as the contact member. The end stop may be formed from the same material. The material may be a plastic material. The flexible stop and the end stop may be a single molded component.
[0023] The advantage is that it is easy to manufacture. The living hinge is protected because it cannot bend beyond an acute angle in the opening direction.
[0024] The flexible barrier may be enclosed within the body of the clamping device. The flexible barrier may be enclosed within the body of the clamping device regardless of whether the flexible barrier is closed or fully open to allow passage of an elongated object. The flexible barrier may be enclosed within the body of the clamping device regardless of the position of the flexible barrier within its deflection limits.
[0025] An advantage is that the flexible barrier is protected within the clamping device, which increases durability. Another advantage is that foreign objects cannot interfere with the opening of the flexible barrier.
[0026] The flexible barrier may be bendable about an axis substantially perpendicular to a plane. The plane may be a plane of motion of the clamp of the clamping device and / or a plane along which one or more elongated articles are configured to extend within the clamping device. When the flexible barrier is deflected in an opening direction, a restoring force of the flexible barrier may be directed within the plane.
[0027] When the flexible barrier is deflected in the opening direction, the direction of the restoring force of the flexible barrier may be substantially normal to the plane of the surface in the clamping device along which the elongate article is configured to extend when clamped.
[0028] The advantage is that alignment is improved because the forces acting on the sides of the elongate article (the clamping force from the clamps and to a lesser extent the force from the deflected stop) are in a common plane.
[0029] The clamping device may include a component adjacent to the outlet orifice, to which the flexible barrier is mounted. The component may include an end cap and / or a spring seat. The component may be an end cap including the spring seat and the flexible barrier. The side surface of the component may further define the aforementioned end stop. The component may be the aforementioned single molded component.
[0030] The clamping device may include a clamp. The clamp may include a clamping surface. The clamping surface may be serrated. The clamp may be wedge-shaped or rounded. If wedge-shaped, the clamp may include a wedging surface opposite the clamping surface.
[0031] The clamping device may include a spring configured to urge the clamp into clamping engagement with the elongated article. The spring may be configured to resist movement of the clamp out of clamping engagement with the elongated article. The spring may be seated against the clamp and against a component comprising the flexible barrier. The spring may include a coil spring. The spring may include a compression spring.
[0032] The clamping device may include a release that is movable from an initial position to a released position to release the clamp from clamping engagement with the elongated object. The release may include an input button that is depressible by a user's finger. Depressing the release may push the clamp out of clamping engagement with the elongated object. When the release is moved to the released position, the spring may be compressed.
[0033] During use, the clamp can slide at an angle relative to the passage along which the elongated article extends. The clamp can slide at an angle within the clamp's plane of motion of the clamping device. The angle of inclination can have a value of less than 30 degrees or less than 20 degrees. If the clamp is wedge-shaped, the clamp's taper angle can be equal to the angle of inclination relative to the passage.
[0034] The advantage of this low angle is that the clamp can slide easily to clamp the wire rope, but can also release it easily. The smaller the value of the tilt angle, the greater the clamping force, while the steeper the tilt angle, the easier it is to release.
[0035] The clamping device may comprise a first clamping structure against which the clamp may be configured to clamp the elongate article. The clamping structure may be a clamping wall. The clamping wall may extend along the channel.
[0036] The clamping device may include a second clamping structure for applying a clamping force to the clamp. Thus, the clamp and the elongated article are clamped between the first clamping structure and the second clamping structure. The second clamping structure may be a second clamping wall. The second clamping structure may converge toward the first clamping structure at an oblique angle relative to the first channel.
[0037] The clamping surface of the clamp may be parallel to the first clamping structure.The wedging surface of the clamp may be parallel to the second clamping structure.
[0038] For the flexible barrier, the first angle at which the flexible barrier extends may be an oblique angle relative to the channel.
[0039] It will be appreciated that the angle of inclination along which the clamp can slide relative to the first clamping structure imparts "handedness" to the clamping device. An elongated object can only be easily inserted from one direction. If the end of the elongated object is inserted in the correct insertion direction, the end of the elongated object will push the clamp away from the first clamping structure at the inclination angle. This creates a space between the first clamping structure and the clamp, allowing the elongated object to be pushed through the clamp so that the clamp can engage with the side of the elongated object. Once engaged, the elongated object is clamped to prevent it from being pulled back. However, if the end of the elongated object is inserted into the clamping device in the wrong, opposite insertion direction, the end of the elongated object cannot push the clamp away. This is because the end of the elongated object pushes the clamp towards the first clamping structure at the inclination angle.
[0040] The clamping device may include multiple channels. The inlet and outlet openings may be openings for separate channels of the clamping device. The body of the clamping device may define multiple channels for receiving one or more elongated items, the multiple channels including a first channel and a second channel. The inlet opening may be a first inlet opening for entering the first channel. The clamping device may include a first outlet opening for exiting the first channel. The clamping device may also include a second inlet opening for entering the second channel. The outlet opening may be a second outlet opening for exiting the second channel.
[0041] An advantage of multiple channels is that the clamping device is more versatile since it can be used to secure multiple elongate articles or a single loop of elongate articles.
[0042] The first outlet orifice may be adjacent to the second inlet orifice. The first inlet orifice and the second outlet orifice may be located at the same first end of the clamping device. The second inlet orifice and the first outlet orifice may be located at the same second end of the clamping device, the second end being opposite the first end of the clamping device. The clamping device may include another flexible barrier located proximate to the first outlet orifice. The flexible barrier located proximate to the first outlet orifice may be a first barrier, and the flexible barrier located proximate to the second outlet orifice may be a second barrier.
[0043] The clamping device may include a separate end stop for each stop. Each end stop may be as described above. Each end stop may be part of a separate end cap. Each end cap / component including a corresponding stop may be located at a respective opposite end of the first and second ends of the clamping device.
[0044] The clamping device may include a plurality of clamps. Each channel may be associated with a different one of the clamps. Each clamp may apply a clamping force in a direction opposite to that of another clamp.
[0045] The clamping device may include a plurality of springs. Each channel may be associated with a different one of the springs. The clamping device may include a plurality of end caps. Each channel may be associated with a different one of the end caps. The clamping device may include a plurality of first and second clamping structures, wherein each channel is associated with a different pair of first and second clamping structures. The clamping device may include a plurality of releasers, wherein each channel is associated with a different one of the releasers. The releasers and the end caps may be located at opposite first and second ends of the clamping device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] For a better understanding of various examples of embodiments of the present invention, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0047] Figure 1 An example of a clamping device is shown;
[0048] Figure 2 a side section of the clamping device showing an unactuated release;
[0049] Figure 3 a side section of the clamping device showing the release actuated;
[0050] Figure 4 An end section through the center of the clamping device is shown;
[0051] Figure 5 The clamp is shown;
[0052] Figure 6 shows an end view of the release and the end cap including the flexible barrier;
[0053] Figure 7 The spring-mounted end cap is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0054] Figure 1 An exemplary clamping device 100 is shown for clamping elongated articles 1 and 2. The elongated articles 1 and 2 may be in the form of wire, wire rope, cable, or the like. The elongated articles 1 and 2 may be separate wires that are joined end-to-end by the clamping device 100. Alternatively, the elongated articles 1 and 2 may be identical wires, with the clamping device 100 securing loops of the wires. In another embodiment, the clamping device 100 is used to clamp only one elongated article 1 at a time.
[0055] The clamping device 100 includes a body 102 and internal components within the body 102, such as Figures 2 to 4 Cross-sectional view and Figures 5 to 7 As shown in the component diagram.
[0056] The internal components include grippers 104, 204. Each gripper 104, 204 is an actuator for engaging with an elongated article 1, 2.
[0057] like Figure 2-4 As shown in Figures 5 and 6, each clamp 104, 204 includes an elongated clamp body 120, 220 in the form of a clamping wedge. The clamp body 120, 220 may be a wedge-shaped prism. The clamp body 120, 220 is movable within the clamping device 100. The clamps 104, 204 are not limited to the specific shape and configuration shown. For example, the clamps 104, 204 may have another suitable shape, such as a circular shape defining a roller.
[0058] Each clamp body 120, 220 has a front end 122, 222 and an opposite rear end 124, 224. In use, each clamp 104, 204 can be urged into engagement with the elongate article 1, 2 in a direction where the front end 122, 222 leads the rear end 124, 224.
[0059] Each clamp body 120, 220 includes a clamping surface 118, 218 extending therebetween. The clamping surface 118, 218 has a plurality of parallel serrations to provide a tight engagement with the elongated article 1, 2. As shown, the serrations may extend perpendicular to the axis of the elongated article 1, 2.
[0060] The opposite surface of the clamp body 120, 220 (located behind the clamping surface 118, 218) is a wedging surface 126, 226. The wedging surface 126, 226 faces the inner wall 132, 232 of the clamping device 100 and is capable of contacting the inner wall 132, 232 to wedge the clamp 104, 204 and the elongated object 1, 2 between the pair of tapered inner walls 130-132 or 230-232. In some examples, the wedging surface 126, 226 is a sliding surface configured to slide along the inner wall 132, 232.
[0061] like Figure 4-5 As shown, each clamp body 120 , 220 also has left and right sides 152 - 154 , 252 - 254 (side surfaces) that interconnect the clamping surface 118 , 218 and the wedging surface 126 , 226 .
[0062] The wedging surface 126, 226 of the clamp body 120, 220 tapers inwardly from the rear end 124, 224 to the front end 122, 222 to form a wedge shape. The taper of the wedging surface 126, 226 can be a uniform taper from the rear end 124, 224 to the front end 122, 222. The height of the clamp 104, 204 decreases substantially uniformly from the rear end 124, 224 to the front end 122, 222 to form the wedge configuration.
[0063] like Figure 2-3 As shown, the spring 106, 206 wedges each clamp 104, 204 into a small area of the interior space 128, 228 within the clamping device 100, so that the clamping surface 118, 218 of the clamp 104, 204 is biased against the side of the elongated article 1, 2. The spring 106, 206 ensures that the clamp 104, 204 remains in its desired clamping position when in use. One end of the spring 106, 206 contacts the trailing end 124, 224 of the clamp 104, 204. Figure 7 As best shown, the other end of the spring 106 , 206 contacts the spring seat 111 of the end cap 110 , 210 .
[0064] In use, the elongated articles 1, 2 can be fed through the clamping device 100 in a feed direction +F. The feed direction +F is determined by the direction of the springs 106, 206 and the direction of movement of the clamps 104, 204, both of which are at an oblique angle relative to the elongated articles 1, 2. Once fed into the clamping device 100, the clamps 104, 204 engage the sides of the elongated articles 1, 2 in a clamping engagement to prevent slippage.
[0065] The tilt angle may be less than 45 degrees. The tilt angle may be less than 30 degrees. The tilt angle may be greater than 5 degrees. The tilt angle may be approximately 12 degrees to achieve an optimal balance between clamping force and ease of release.
[0066] The elongated article 1, 2 can be inserted by feeding it along its axis in the feed direction +F through the appropriate opening arrangement 148-150 or 248-250 of the clamping device 100, through the internal channel 112, 212 connecting the openings 148-150 and 248-250 of the opening arrangement. In the example shown, the opening arrangement includes an inlet aperture 148, 248 and an outlet aperture 150, 250 opposite the inlet aperture 148, 248. The elongated article 1, 2 cannot be easily inserted through the outlet aperture 150, 250 because it would be blocked by the clamp 104, 204.
[0067] The shape of the interior space 128, 228 of the clamping device 100 can function to enable the clamps 104, 204 to apply force to the elongated articles 1, 2. Figure 4As shown, the space 128, 228 is defined by the walls of the body 102, which include a first clamping wall 130, 230, a second clamping wall 132, 232, and side walls 156-158, 256-258 connecting the first clamping wall 130, 230 and the second clamping wall 132, 232. The first clamping wall 130, 230 is a surface against which the side of the elongated article 1, 2 is compressed. The second clamping wall 132, 232 is a tapered surface against which the wedging surface 126, 226 of the clamp 104, 204 is wedged.
[0068] like Figure 2-4 As shown, the first clamping wall 130, 230 may extend from the inlet aperture 148, 248 toward the outlet aperture 150, 250. Figure 4 As shown, the first clamping wall 130, 230 is shown to include an optional slot along its length along which the elongate article 1, 2 is positioned.
[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the body 102 of the clamping device 100 may include a partition 160 that separates the interior spaces 128 and 228 from each other. Opposing surfaces of the partition 160 may form first clamping walls 130, 230 for the respective interior spaces 128, 228.
[0070] The divider 160 may extend in a straight line between the inlet and outlet apertures 148-150 / 248-250 such that the channels 112, 212 are substantially straight and parallel to one another. However, in other examples, the paths of the channels 112, 212 may be non-parallel.
[0071] like Figure 2-4 As shown, the second clamping wall 132, 232 is a surface against which the clamp 104, 204 can slide. The second clamping wall 132, 232 tapers toward the first clamping wall 130, 230 as it approaches the inlet aperture 148, 248. Therefore, the second clamping wall 132, 232 is a ramp for the clamp 104, 204.
[0072] As a result, the interior space 128, 228 within the body 102 of the clamping device 100 has a cross-sectional area that gradually decreases toward the entry aperture 148, 248, as the second clamping wall 132, 232 tapers toward the first clamping wall 130, 230. The spring 106, 206 causes the clamp 104, 204 to slide along the second clamping wall 132, 232 toward the entry aperture 148, 248, thereby wedging the clamp 104, 204 into the gradually narrowing gap between the first clamping wall 130, 230 and the second clamping wall 132, 232. This forces the clamping surfaces 118, 218 of the clamp 104, 204 against the sides of the elongated article 1, 2.
[0073] The clamp 104,204 is wedged between the second clamping wall 132,232 and the side of the elongated article 1,2 by the spring 106,206. The elongated article 1,2 is wedged between the clamping surface 118,218 of the clamp 104,204 and the first clamping wall 130,230 of the clamping device 100.
[0074] In use, if the elongated article 1, 2 is pulled in the feed direction +F (generally opposite to the direction of the urging force (restoring force) of the springs 106, 206), the clamps 104, 204 are pushed out of the way of the passages 112, 212. This overcomes the urging force of the deflecting (e.g., compressing) springs 106, 206. This widens the passages 112, 212 along which the elongated article 1, 2 can be dragged, and allows the elongated article 1, 2 to be pulled through the outlet apertures 150, 250. The clamps 104, 204 offer limited resistance to the elongated article 1, 2 being pulled in the feed direction +F.
[0075] When the elongate article 1 , 2 has been received through the clamping device 100 , the clamping surfaces 118 , 218 of the clamps 104 , 204 engage the sides of the elongate article 1 , 2 in the channel 112 , 212 .
[0076] If the clamped elongated articles 1, 2 are pulled in the reverse direction -F opposite to the feed direction +F, the effect is to pull the clamps 104, 204 together with the elongated articles 1, 2 into the gradually narrowing gap between the first clamping walls 130, 230 and the second clamping walls 132, 232, thereby tightly clamping the elongated articles 1, 2 and the clamps 104, 204 between the first clamping walls 130, 230 and the second clamping walls 132, 232.
[0077] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the second clamp 204 can apply a clamping force in the opposite direction to the first clamp 104. The clamping forces of the clamps 104 and 204 can be coplanar and in opposite directions. Therefore, the elongated articles 1 and 2 should be fed from opposite ends of the clamping device 100.
[0078] Thus, at a first end of clamping device 100, inlet aperture 148 for first channel 112 is adjacent to outlet aperture 150 for second channel 212. Likewise, at a second, opposite end of clamping device 100, inlet aperture 248 for second channel 212 is adjacent to outlet aperture 150 for first channel 112.
[0079] It is desirable to provide a means for releasing the clamping force so that the elongated articles 1, 2 can be withdrawn from the clamping device 100 in a direction -F opposite to the feed direction +F. Therefore, releasers 108, 208 are provided. One of the releasers 108 is used to release the first elongated article 1 in the first channel 112, while the other of the releasers 208 is used to release the second elongated article 2 in the second, parallel channel 212. The releasers 108, 208 are shown attached to the same body 102. The releasers 108, 208 are shown located at opposite ends of the body 102. The releasers 108, 208 are shown located at opposite corners of the body 102. However, they may be located elsewhere, such as along the sides of the body 102.
[0080] Each of the releases 108, 208 ( Figure 1-3 ) enables a user to move the clamps 104, 204 apart, thereby causing the clamping surfaces 118, 218 of the clamps 104, 204 to disengage from the elongated articles 1, 2.
[0081] Figure 1-3 An exemplary release 108 , 208 is shown including an input button 136 , 236 that may be pressed by a user's finger.
[0082] exist Figure 2 In the embodiment, the releasers 108, 208 are in their original positions, while in Figure 3 , the release 108, 208 is in its release position.
[0083] As soon as the release 108 , 208 is pushed (eg slid) into its release position, thereby moving the clamps 104 , 204 , the elongated objects 1 , 2 can be extracted in the opposite direction −F.
[0084] The release 108, 208 actuates the front end 122, 222 of the clamp body 120, 220. The input button 136, 236 pushes the release 108, 208 against the clamp 104, 204 to poke the clamp 104, 204 in the opposite direction toward a wider space of the clamping device 100. Figure 3 The resulting path of the clamp 104, 204 is shown, which in this example is the tilt angle defined above.
[0085] Thus, pressing (pushing) the input button 136, 236 will poke the clamp 104, 204 towards the wider portion of the interior space 128, 228 towards the exit aperture 150, 250. This will release the elongated article 1, 2.
[0086] Actuating the release 108 , 208 to the released position deflects (eg, compresses) the spring 106 , 206 , which in turn applies a reaction force to the narrower portion of the interior space 128 , 228 .
[0087] Thus, if the user ceases actuating the release 108 , 208 , the spring 106 , 126 will urge the clamp 104 , 204 back to its clamping position in which it is in clamping engagement with the elongate article 1 , 2 .
[0088] like Figure 1 and Figure 6 As best shown, the inlet aperture 148, 248 of a given channel 112, 212 may be defined by a hole through the release 108, 208. The outlet aperture 250, 150 of an adjacent channel 212, 112 may include a gap between the release 108, 208 and the adjacent end cap 110, 210, defining the hole / aperture.
[0089] The illustrated clamping device 100 is a push-to-release type. In other embodiments, the release 108, 208 can be actuated in another manner.
[0090] In terms of materials and manufacturing, the body 102 can be formed of a metal material, such as zinc, steel, aluminum, or any other suitable metal. In one example, the body 102 can be die-cast zinc. The releaser 108, 208 can optionally be formed of a plastic material.
[0091] As previously mentioned, the elongated article 1, 2 cannot be easily inserted through the outlet aperture 150, 250 because it would be obstructed by the clamp 104, 204. However, because the outlet aperture 150, 250 is adjacent to the inlet aperture 148, 248, it may be unclear to the installer which is the outlet aperture and which is the inlet aperture. Some installers may not notice Figure 1 The raised arrows shown in FIG. 1 are aligned with the inlet apertures 148 , 248 .
[0092] Therefore, if Figure 2-3 6-7 , the clamping device 100 includes a flexible barrier 162 , 262 located proximal to each outlet orifice 150 , 250 .
[0093] The flexible barrier 162, 262 is a movable gate which is movable by the end of the elongate article 1, 2 to enable the end of the elongate article 1, 2 to be fed through the outlet aperture 150, 250 when inserted in the correct feed direction +F.
[0094] The illustrated stopper 162, 262 is visible through the outlet aperture 150, 250. The flexible stopper 162, 262 is proximate to the outlet aperture 150, 250 and is sub-flush relative to the outlet aperture 150, 250. This indicates to the installer that they should not attempt to insert the elongated object 1, 2 through the aperture 150, 250.
[0095] In an example, the flexible barriers 162, 262 are movable via elastic deformation. Figure 7 As shown, the flexible barrier 162, 262 includes a flexible hinge 164 that supports a contact member in the form of a material flap 166. The flap 166 is shown to substantially block the outlet aperture 150, 250 when in a neutral, unbent state. The flexible hinge 164 enables elastic deformation.
[0096] The flap 166 is shown cantilevered from the flexible hinge 164. The flexible hinge 164 may be in the form of a living hinge made of a material that is locally thinned relative to the material thickness of the flap 166.
[0097] The flexible hinge 164 is fixedly supported by a component of the clamping device 100 proximal to the outlet orifice 150, 250. In the example shown, the end cap 110, 210 is the component that includes and supports the flexible barrier 162, 262. The end cap 110, 210 and the flexible barrier 162, 262 may be an integrally molded plastic component.
[0098] The flexible hinge 164 is shown connected to the inside of the end cap 110, 210 within the interior space 128, 228 of the clamping device 100. The flexible barrier 162, 262 is in a below flush position relative to the outlet aperture 150, 250.
[0099] The axis of the flexible hinge 164 is substantially perpendicular to Figure 2-3 , which is the plane in which the clamp can move and the plane along which the elongated articles 1, 2 extend. Therefore, the restoring force of the flexible hinge 164 is substantially located in the plane and is substantially directed towards the first clamping wall 130, 230 (although the wall 130, 230 is shown not reaching the flexible barrier 162, 262).
[0100] The proximal end (fixed end) of the flap 166 of the flexible barrier 162 , 262 is connected to the flexible hinge 164 , while the distal end (free end) of the flap 166 of the flexible barrier 162 , 262 is spaced apart from the adjacent boundary of the clamping device 100 .
[0101] When the flap 166 is not deflected, the spacing 'S' between the flexible barrier 162, 262 and the boundary ( Figure 2 ) is less than the nominal maximum diameter of the elongated articles 1, 2 with which the clamping device 100 is configured. For example, the spacing S can be less than 2 mm or less than 1.5 mm. Therefore, the elongated articles 1, 2 cannot pass through the flexible barriers 162, 262 without first deflecting the flap 166 to increase the spacing.
[0102] like Figure 2As shown, the flexible barriers 162 , 262 are located proximal to the sides of adjacent releases 208 , 108 such that a space S is located between the distal ends of the flexible barriers 162 , 262 and the sides of the releases 208 , 108 .
[0103] The ends of the correctly inserted elongated articles 1, 2 inserted in the feed direction +F push the flap 166 so that the flap 166 moves in the opening direction ( Figure 7 This allows the ends of the elongate articles 1 , 2 to leave the clamping device 100 through the exit apertures 150 , 250 .
[0104] As the flap 166 deflects about the flexible hinge 164 , the spacing S increases. Once the spacing S becomes at least equal to the diameter of the elongated articles 1 , 2 (“minimum spacing”), the ends of the elongated articles 1 , 2 can pass through the space around the flap 166 .
[0105] The flexible barrier 162, 262 is constrained within the clamping device 100 such that the flexible barrier 162, 262 and the flexible hinge 164 are located internally relative to the outlet aperture 150, 250. The opening direction of the flap 166 may be toward the outlet aperture 150, 250.
[0106] When the flap 166 is opened in the opening direction with a minimum separation, sufficiently open to allow the elongate article 1, 2 to pass through the flexible barriers 162, 262, the flap 166 can remain within the envelope of the body 102 of the clamping device 100. This geometry prevents the flap 166 from colliding with external objects and means that the overall dimensions of the clamping device 100 are not affected.
[0107] When the flap 166 is deflected to the minimum spacing in the opening direction, the flap 166 can remain below flush or no more than flush with the outlet aperture 150, 250. This ensures that the flap 166 is always located within the interior space 128, 228.
[0108] In some, but not necessarily all, examples, the flexible barrier 162, 262 is configured as a one-way door. The flexible barrier 162, 262 is shaped to prevent the elongated article 1, 2 from being inserted through the exit aperture 150, 250 in the reverse direction -F, while allowing the elongated article 1, 2 pulled in the feed direction +F to exit the clamping device 100 through the exit aperture 150, 250.
[0109] To achieve unidirectional behavior, the flaps 166 of the flexible barriers 162, 262 are oriented at an oblique angle relative to the corresponding channels 112, 212. The flaps 166 are angled to minimize deflection in the opening direction, thereby achieving minimum separation. In the illustration, the flaps 166 are oriented at an acute angle toward the plane of the outlet orifice 150, 250 / away from the channels 112, 212.
[0110] The acute angle of the flap 166 is configured so that if the elongated articles 1, 2 are inserted along the feed direction +F, the minimum spacing is achieved by deflecting the acute angle of the flap 166. This makes it easy for the flexible barriers 162, 262 to deflect away.
[0111] However, if the insertion is in the opposite, i.e., forbidden direction-F, the flap 166 will need to be deflected at an obtuse angle to achieve the minimum spacing. This deflection may not even occur at all. Attempting insertion in the forbidden direction-F may require the user to damage the flexible barrier 162, 262, which may involve a significant amount of force.
[0112] exist Figure 2-3 In the examples of FIG6-7, the flexible blocking member 162, 262 is constrained within the clamping device 100 to limit the deflection range of the flexible hinge 164 in the opening direction to an acute angle. Figure 6-7 As best shown, the deflection limits of the flexible barrier 162 , 262 are defined by end stops in the form of abutment surfaces 170 , 172 and result from the confinement of the flexible barrier 162 , 262 within the clamping device 100 .
[0113] Figure 6-7 A first end stop is shown in the form of a first abutment surface 170 which is abutted when the flap 166 is deflected in the opening direction from the neutral unbent state by insertion of the end of an elongated article 1 , 2 (not shown) in the feed direction +F.
[0114] The first abutment surface 170 is configured to limit the bending range of the flexible hinge 164 in the opening direction to an acute angle, which may be no more than 45 degrees or no more than 60 degrees relative to the neutral unbent state.
[0115] In the neutral, unbent state of the flexible barrier 162 , 262 , the interior angle between the flap 166 / flexible hinge 164 and the first abutment surface 170 may be equal to an acute angle.
[0116] The first abutment surface 170 is shown on a first side of the flexible hinge 164. As shown, the first abutment surface 170 can be part of the side surface of the component to which the flexible hinge 164 of the flexible barrier 162, 262 is connected. In the example shown, the component is the end cap 110, 210. Figure 7As shown, the side surface may be a surface of a partition protrusion of the end cap 110, 210 that separates the flexible barrier 162, 262 from the spring seat 111. The first abutment surface 170 is a surface portion extending from the flexible hinge 164 toward the outlet aperture 150, 250.
[0117] As the flap 166 deflects in the opening direction, the interior angle between the flap 166 and the first abutment surface 170 decreases, becoming more parallel, until the flap 166 abuts the first abutment surface 170. As shown, the first abutment surface 170 may extend generally parallel to the first clamping wall 130,230.
[0118] When the flap 166 is deflected into abutment with the first abutment surface 170, the flap 166 can remain within the envelope of the body 102 of the clamping device 100. When the flap 166 is deflected into abutment with the first abutment surface 170, the flap 166 can remain below flush or no more than flush with the outlet aperture 150, 250.
[0119] Figure 7 A second end stop in the form of a second abutment surface 172 is shown, which is formed when the flap 166 of the flexible barrier 162, 262 is moved in a second direction ( ) opposite to the opening direction by inserting the end of the elongated article 1, 2 in the prohibition direction -F. Figure 7 When deflected in a neutral, unbent state (ie, center-down), a portion of the flexible barrier 162, 262 abuts the second end stop.
[0120] The second abutment surface 172 is shown on a second, opposite side of the flexible hinge 164. The second abutment surface 172 may be 180 degrees relative to the first abutment surface 170. As shown, the second abutment surface 172 may be part of the same side surface of the same component (e.g., the end cap 110, 210) to which the flexible hinge 164 of the flexible barrier 162, 262 is connected.
[0121] like Figure 7 As shown, the second abutment surface 172 is arranged to contact the abutment 168 (or one abutment 168) mounted to the flexible barrier 162, 262. In the example shown, the abutment 168 is a boss protruding from the underside of the flexible hinge 164. As the flap 166 deflects in the second direction, the abutment 168 rotates about the axis of the flexible hinge 164 until the abutment 168 contacts the second abutment surface 172. Before the flap 166 reaches the second abutment surface 172, the abutment 168 contacts the second abutment surface 172 to limit total bending.
[0122] The combination of the second abutment surface 172 and the abutment member 168 can limit the bending range of the flexible hinge 164 in the second direction to an acute angle. The acute angle may not exceed 45 degrees or 60 degrees relative to the neutral, unbent state. This prevents the flexible hinge 164 from deforming beyond an acute angle in either direction from the neutral, unbent state, thereby limiting fatigue stress regardless of the direction from which the elongated article 1, 2 pushes against the flexible barrier 162, 262.
[0123] The second abutment surface 172 and the abutment member 168 may be arranged to come into contact before the flap 166 is rotated in the second direction by a sufficient angle to provide a minimum clearance for the passage of the ends of the elongated articles 1, 2. Thus, if an attempt is made to insert the elongated articles 1, 2 in the wrong direction, the abutment member 168 against the second abutment surface 172 will physically prevent the flexible barrier 162, 262 from opening sufficiently to allow the ends of the elongated articles 1, 2 to pass through.
[0124] In general, the total bending range of the flexible hinge 164 from a neutral, unbent state in both directions can be limited to no more than 90 degrees or no more than 120 degrees.
[0125] Although the preceding paragraphs have described embodiments of the present invention with reference to various examples, it should be understood that modifications may be made to the examples given without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, a clamping device 100 having a single, one-way channel can benefit from the flexible barriers 162, 262 described herein. For example, the clamping device 100 can include a single, curved channel that connects an inlet orifice to an outlet orifice 150, 250 that is adjacent to the inlet orifice at the same end as the inlet orifice.
[0126] Furthermore, the elongate articles 1, 2 may be clamped in a manner different from that shown. If the clamping device 100 only allows insertion in one direction, the flexible barriers 162, 262 may be helpful.
[0127] Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.
[0128] Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may also be performed by other features whether described therein or not.Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also exist in other embodiments whether described therein or not.
[0129] While efforts have been made in the foregoing description to call attention to features of the invention regarded as particularly important, it will be understood that the applicants claim protection for any patentable feature or combination of features mentioned above and / or illustrated in the drawings, whether or not specifically emphasized.
Claims
1. A clamping device for clamping an elongated object, the clamping device comprising: a body into which the elongated article can be inserted; entrance orifice; an outlet opening adjacent to the inlet opening; as well as a flexible barrier located proximal to the outlet orifice, wherein the flexible barrier is positioned relative to the outlet orifice so as to be contactable by an end of the elongate article, wherein the force exerted by the end of the elongated article on the flexible barrier causes the flexible barrier to deflect in an opening direction to enable the end of the elongated article to exit the clamping device through the exit aperture, and The clamping device is configured to limit the bending range of the flexible barrier in the opening direction to an acute angle.
2. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein The flexible barrier is constrained within the clamping device to limit the bending range of the flexible barrier in the opening direction to the acute angle.
3. The clamping device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The clamping device includes an end stop to prevent the flexible barrier from bending further in the opening direction beyond the acute angle.
4. The clamping device according to claim 3, wherein: The end stop includes an abutment surface contactable by the flexible barrier.
5. The clamping device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: As the flexible barrier deflects in the opening direction, the flexible barrier becomes more parallel to the end stop.
6. The clamping device according to claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein: In a neutral, unbent state, the flexible barrier extends at a first angle relative to the end stop, and wherein the first angle is acute relative to the end stop.
7. The clamping device according to claim 6, wherein: The first angle is in a direction that prevents insertion of the elongate article through the exit aperture, but enables the elongate article to exit the clamping device through the exit aperture.
8. The clamping device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The clamping device comprises a clamp wherein, in use, the clamp is slidable at an oblique angle relative to a channel along which the elongate article extends, and wherein the first angle at which the flexible barrier extends is an oblique angle relative to the channel.
9. The clamping device of claim 6, 7 or 8, further comprising a second end stop to prevent the flexible barrier in the neutral unbent state from bending beyond an acute angle in a direction opposite to the opening direction.
10. The clamping device according to claim 9, wherein: The second end stop includes an abutment surface contactable by an abutment of the flexible barrier to limit the bend to an acute angle.
11. The clamping device according to claim 10, wherein: The abutment member includes a boss.
12. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The outlet aperture is adjacent to the inlet aperture by being located at the same end of the clamping device as the inlet aperture, and wherein the flexible barrier blocks the outlet aperture but does not block the inlet aperture.
13. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein: With the clamp closer to the outlet orifice than to the clamping device, the flexible barrier is visible from outside the clamping device.
14. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The flexible barrier comprises a flexible hinge supporting a contact member, wherein the contact member is positioned relative to the outlet orifice so as to be contactable by the end of the elongated article, wherein a force exerted by the end of the elongated article on the contact member of the flexible barrier deflects the contact member in the opening direction so that the end of the elongated article can exit the clamping device through the outlet orifice, and wherein the clamping device is configured to limit the bending range of the flexible hinge of the flexible barrier in the opening direction to an acute angle.
15. The clamping device according to claim 14, wherein: The flexible hinge comprises a living hinge.
16. The clamping device according to claim 15, wherein The living hinge is thinner than the contact member and / or formed from the same material as the contact member.
17. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein: The flexible barrier is encased within the body of the clamping device.
18. The clamping device according to claim 17, wherein: Whether the flexible barrier is closed or fully open to allow the elongate article to pass through, the flexible barrier is enclosed within the body of the clamping device.
19. The clamping device according to claim 18, wherein Regardless of the position of the flexible barrier within its deflection limits, the flexible barrier is enclosed within the body of the clamping device.
20. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein The flexible barrier is bendable about an axis substantially perpendicular to a plane, wherein the plane is a plane of motion of the clamps of the clamping device and / or a plane along which the elongate article is configured to extend within the clamping device.
21. The clamping device according to claim 20, wherein: When the flexible barrier is deflected in the opening direction, a direction of a restoring force of the flexible barrier is located within the plane.
22. The clamping device according to claim 21, wherein When the flexible barrier is deflected in the opening direction, the restoring force of the flexible barrier is directed generally normal to a plane of a surface in the clamping device along which the elongated article is configured to extend when clamped.
23. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, comprising a component adjacent the outlet aperture to which the flexible barrier is mounted, wherein the component further comprises an end cap and / or a spring seat.
24. A clamping device according to any preceding claim, wherein The clamping device includes a plurality of channels, wherein the entry orifice and the exit orifice are orifices for separate channels of the clamping device, wherein the body of the clamping device defines a plurality of channels for receiving one or more elongated items, the plurality of channels including a first channel and a second channel, wherein the entry orifice is a first entry orifice for entering the first channel, wherein the clamping device also includes a first exit orifice for exiting the first channel, wherein the clamping device also includes a second entry orifice for entering the second channel, wherein the exit orifice is a second exit orifice for exiting the second channel, wherein the first exit orifice is adjacent to the second entry orifice, and wherein the first entry orifice and the second exit orifice are located at a same first end of the clamping device, and wherein the second entry orifice and the first exit orifice are located at a same second end of the clamping device, the second end being opposite the first end of the clamping device.
25. The clamping device of claim 24, further comprising another flexible barrier located proximal to the first exit orifice.