Sand blasting clamp facilitating workpiece switching
By designing sandblasting fixtures for the upper clamps, lower clamps and bases with quick disassembly connections, the problems of workpiece replacement in the prior art are solved, and rapid replacement and efficient production are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202422616854.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-28
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-02
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-10-28
AI Technical Summary
The existing sandblasting fixtures take a long time to replace workpieces and fixtures, affect production efficiency, are inconvenient to operate and have low safety.
A sandblasting fixture is designed to facilitate switching workpieces, including the upper clamp, the lower clamp and the base. It adopts quick-removal connection methods, such as magnetic suction, socket, plug, and snap connection, to realize the quick connection and separation of the upper clamp and the lower clamp, and to quickly install and disassemble the base and the machine.
It improves the efficiency of workpiece replacement, reduces operating time, improves production efficiency and safety, adapts to the rapid replacement of workpieces of different specifications, and improves the overall efficiency of sandblasting work.
Smart Images

Figure CN223289616U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of sandblasting fixtures, in particular to a sandblasting fixture which is convenient for switching workpieces. Background Art
[0002] Products such as watch cases and bezels need to be sandblasted during the production process. The equipment generally used for sandblasting is a sandblasting machine, such as an automatic sandblasting machine.
[0003] The automatic sandblasting machine is equipped with a rotatable machine table, which is generally equipped with multiple workstations. Each workstation can be installed with a fixture to clamp the workpiece to be sandblasted, such as a watch case or bezel.
[0004] Existing sandblasting fixtures are generally divided into two parts, namely an upper clamping part and a lower clamping part. The workpiece to be sandblasted is clamped between the upper and lower clamping parts, and the upper and lower clamping parts are fixed with screws. The bottom of the lower clamping part is fixed to the machine table with screws.
[0005] The existing sandblasting fixture has the following defects:
[0006] 1. When replacing the next workpiece to be sandblasted on the fixture of the machine, it is necessary to disassemble the connecting screws between the upper and lower clamps, then loosen the upper and lower clamps, remove the previously sandblasted workpiece, and then put the workpiece to be sandblasted between the upper and lower clamps, and then tighten the connecting screws between the upper and lower clamps. This takes a long time to replace the workpiece and is inconvenient to operate. When there are multiple workpieces that need to be sandblasted, the waiting time for replacing the workpiece is long, which seriously affects the efficiency of batch sandblasting.
[0007] 2. When the model and size of the workpiece changes, the entire set of fixtures needs to be replaced, that is, the upper clamping parts and the lower clamping parts need to be replaced. At this time, the connecting screws between the lower clamping parts and the machine table need to be removed. That is, when the entire set of fixtures is replaced on the machine table, it is also time-consuming and affects production efficiency.
[0008] 3. Replacing workpieces requires operation on the machine, which is less safe.
[0009] Therefore, the existing technology needs to be improved. Utility Model Content
[0010] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a sandblasting fixture that is convenient for switching workpieces, aiming to quickly replace workpieces and quickly replace upper and lower clamps on the machine, thereby improving the efficiency of sandblasting production and increasing safety.
[0011] In order to achieve the above purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:
[0012] A sandblasting fixture that is convenient for switching workpieces, comprising an upper clamping member, a lower clamping member, and a base;
[0013] The upper clamping member and the lower clamping member are connected in a quick-release manner, the upper clamping member is provided with a first clamping portion, and the lower clamping member is provided with a second clamping portion. After the upper clamping member and the lower clamping member are connected, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion contact the workpiece to clamp the workpiece;
[0014] The lower clamping member and the base are connected in a quick-release manner to achieve quick removal and placement of the lower clamping member.
[0015] In some examples, the lower clamping member is sleeve-connected to the base.
[0016] In some examples, a first sleeve hole is provided at the bottom of the lower clamping member, a first sleeve rod is provided at the top of the base, and the first sleeve rod extends into the first sleeve hole.
[0017] In some examples, the lower clamping member is provided with a first countersunk hole at the upper portion of the first sleeve hole, a first magnetic member is provided in the first countersunk hole, a second countersunk hole is provided at the end portion of the first sleeve rod, a second magnetic member is provided in the second countersunk hole, and the first magnetic member is attracted to the second magnetic member.
[0018] In some examples, the upper clamping member is magnetically connected to the lower clamping member.
[0019] In some examples, a third countersunk hole is opened at the lower portion of the upper clamping member, a third magnetic member is arranged in the third countersunk hole, a fourth countersunk hole is opened at the upper portion of the lower clamping member, a fourth magnetic member is arranged in the fourth countersunk hole, and the third magnetic member is attracted to the fourth magnetic member.
[0020] In some examples, a first clamping plate is provided on the outer surface of the upper clamping member, and a second clamping plate is provided on the outer surface of the lower clamping member. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are used to press against the upper and lower end surfaces of the workpiece.
[0021] In some examples, a fitting structure is further provided at the magnetic connection between the upper clamping member and the lower clamping member so that the upper clamping member and the lower clamping member fit into each other.
[0022] In some examples, the interlocking structure includes an interlocking rod extending from the bottom of the upper clamping member and an interlocking hole opened at the top of the lower clamping member, the interlocking rod extends into the interlocking hole, the third countersunk hole is opened at the bottom end of the interlocking rod, and the lower clamping member is provided with the fourth countersunk hole at the lower part of the interlocking hole.
[0023] In some examples, a handle is provided on the top of the upper clamping member.
[0024] It should be understood that within the scope of the present invention, the above-mentioned technical features of the present invention and the technical features specifically described below (such as the implementation methods) can be combined with each other to form new or preferred technical solutions. Due to space limitations, they will not be listed here one by one.
[0025] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:
[0026] 1. Since the fixture of the utility model is divided into three parts: an upper clamping part, a lower clamping part, and a base, and the upper clamping part, the lower clamping part, and the base can all be quickly connected (such as magnetic attraction, sleeve connection, plug-in connection, snap connection, etc.), when the fixture on the machine needs to replace the same model workpiece, the upper clamping part, the lower clamping part, and the processed workpiece can be quickly removed from the base as a whole component, and then the upper clamping part and the lower clamping part can be quickly separated to remove the processed workpiece, and then replace it with the workpiece to be processed. The upper clamping part, the lower clamping part, and the workpiece to be processed are placed as a whole component on the base of the machine, thus completing the entire replacement process. Since there is no need to disassemble screws in the entire process, removing and clamping the workpiece and taking and placing the whole component on the base are very fast and convenient, greatly improving efficiency.
[0027] 2. The fixture of the utility model is designed to replace the workpiece by removing the upper clamping member, the lower clamping member, and the workpiece as a whole from the base and then replacing them. The replacement process does not take place on the machine, so personal safety is guaranteed and the safety is high.
[0028] 3. Because the utility model has a base designed to connect to the machine, when the size of the workpiece to be sandblasted changes, the entire set of upper and lower clamps can be removed from the base, and then replaced with upper and lower clamps of different specifications. After the new workpiece is installed, the original base is placed back and sandblasting production can be immediately resumed, thereby improving efficiency. That is, the utility model has a base designed to match upper and lower clamps of different specifications, making the replacement of upper and lower clamps on the machine very convenient and quick.
[0029] 4. Multiple sets of the sandblasting fixture of the present invention can be set up for combination, such as 8 bases, and then more than 16 upper clamping members and lower clamping members are set respectively. After the 8 bases are installed on the machine table of the automatic sandblasting machine, the workpieces are clamped with 8 sets of upper clamping members and lower clamping members respectively and then placed in the 8 bases. Then the automatic sandblasting machine starts sandblasting. During the sandblasting process, the workpieces are clamped with at least 8 sets of remaining upper clamping members and lower clamping members. After the automatic sandblasting machine completes this round of sandblasting, the 8 sets of upper clamping members and lower clamping members on the 8 bases are immediately removed and replaced with new 8 sets of upper clamping members and lower clamping members for the workpiece to be sandblasted. Then the automatic sandblasting machine enters the next round of sandblasting. At the same time, the workers take and install the workpieces on the removed 8 sets of upper clamping members and lower clamping members, waiting for the next round of sandblasting, which can greatly improve the efficiency of sandblasting. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.
[0031] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a sandblasting fixture for facilitating workpiece switching according to the present invention.
[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure.
[0033] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure clamping the workpiece.
[0034] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the upper and lower clamps of the structure clamping the workpiece and removing it from the base.
[0035] Figure 5 for Figure 1 Schematic cross-section of the structure.
[0036] Figure 6 for Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure.
[0037] Reference numerals:
[0038] 100-clamp, 10-upper clamping member, 11-first clamping part, 12-third countersunk hole, 13-first clamping plate, 131-bottom surface, 132-slot, 14-mating rod, 15-handle, 20-lower clamping member, 21-second clamping part, 22-first sleeve hole, 23-first countersunk hole, 24-fourth countersunk hole, 25-second clamping plate, 251-top surface, 26-mating hole, 30-base, 31-first sleeve rod, 32-second countersunk hole, 33-mounting hole, 41-first magnetic member, 42-second magnetic member, 43-third magnetic member, 44-fourth magnetic member, 50 interlocking structure, 200-workpiece. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0039] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0040] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of the present invention are only used to explain the relative position relationship, movement status, etc. between the various components under a certain specific posture (as shown in the accompanying drawings). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.
[0041] In this utility model, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "connection" and "fixation" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, "connection" can mean a fixed connection, a quick-release connection, or an integral connection; it can mean a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can mean a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can mean the internal communication between two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this utility model can be understood according to the specific circumstances.
[0042] In addition, in this utility model, the terms "first," "second," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood to indicate or imply relative importance or implicitly specify the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, features specified as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features.
[0043] The present utility model includes the following embodiments.
[0044] like Figures 1 to 4As shown, the present invention provides a sandblasting fixture 100 that is convenient for switching workpieces, including an upper clamping member 10, a lower clamping member 20 and a base 30. Figure 3 As shown in , the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 are used to cooperate to clamp the workpiece 200. The base 30 is used to be installed on the machine table of the sandblasting machine.
[0045] The upper clamping member 10 of the present invention is connected to the lower clamping member 20 in a quick-release manner. The upper clamping member 10 is provided with a first clamping portion 11, and the lower clamping member 20 is provided with a second clamping portion 21. Figure 3 As shown in , after the upper clamping member 10 is connected to the lower clamping member 20, the first clamping portion 11 and the second clamping portion 21 contact the workpiece 200 to clamp the workpiece 200. In this embodiment, the first clamping portion 11 abuts against the upper end surface of the workpiece 200, and the second clamping portion 21 abuts against the lower end surface of the workpiece 200, thereby tightening the workpiece 200 from the upper and lower ends of the workpiece 200.
[0046] At the same time, since the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 of this embodiment can be quickly detachably connected, the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 can be used to quickly clamp the workpiece 200, or the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 can be quickly loosened to remove the workpiece 200. The quick-detachable connection of the present invention can be a magnetic connection, a socket connection, a plug-in connection, a snap connection, etc. In this way, when the fixture 100 of the present invention replaces a workpiece 200 of the same model, there is no need to remove the screws between the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 as in the prior art. Instead, the quick-detachable connection structure is used to quickly switch the workpiece 200 of the same model, thereby improving the efficiency of sandblasting production.
[0047] Specifically, if Figure 5 As shown, the outer surface of the upper clamping member 10 of this embodiment is provided with a first clamping plate 13, and the outer surface of the lower clamping member 20 is provided with a second clamping plate 25. The first clamping plate 13 and the second clamping plate 25 are used to press against the upper and lower end surfaces of the workpiece 200. Figure 5 In the embodiment, the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 are both columnar structures, the first clamping plate 13 is circumferentially arranged on the outer surface of the upper clamping member 10, and the second clamping plate 25 is circumferentially arranged on the outer surface of the lower clamping member 20, that is, the first clamping plate 13 and the second clamping plate 25 are respectively protruded from the columnar outer side walls of the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20, so that when clamping the workpiece 200, the workpiece 200 can be put on the columnar outer side wall of the upper clamping member 10 or the lower clamping member 20 and then pressed and clamped by the first clamping plate 13 and the second clamping plate 25.
[0048] In this embodiment, the first clamping plate 13 is the first clamping portion 11 of the upper clamping member 10, and the second clamping plate 25 is the second clamping portion 21 of the lower clamping member 20. The bottom surface 131 of the first clamping plate 13 and the top surface 251 of the second clamping plate 25 are used to clamp the upper and lower end surfaces of the workpiece 200 to clamp the workpiece 200.
[0049] Preferably, a slot 132 is further provided on the bottom surface 131 of the first clamping plate 13. In this way, the protrusion on the workpiece 200 can be embedded in the slot 132, thereby facilitating the clamping and positioning of the workpiece 200 and clamping the workpiece 200 more firmly.
[0050] At the same time, the lower clamping member 20 of the present invention can be quickly detachably connected to the base 30 to achieve quick removal and placement of the lower clamping member 20. Similarly, the quick detachable connection between the lower clamping member 20 and the base 30 can be a magnetic connection, a socket connection, a plug connection, a snap connection, etc., so that the lower clamping member 20 can be quickly removed from the base 30, or the lower clamping member 20 can be quickly placed on the base 30. In actual use, when the fixture 100 of the present invention replaces a workpiece 200 of the same model, the upper clamping member 10, the lower clamping member 20, and the processed workpiece 200 are quickly removed from the machine as a whole component, and then the workpiece 200 on the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 is replaced outside the machine. In this way, the actual replacement process of the workpiece 200 is not on the machine, and the personal safety of the operator is guaranteed, with high safety.
[0051] At the same time, the fixture 100 of the present invention is separately designed with a base 30 connected to the sandblasting machine platform. Therefore, when the model and size of the workpiece 200 to be sandblasted changes, just remove the entire set of upper clamping members 10 and lower clamping members 20 from the base 30, and then replace the entire set of upper clamping members 10 and lower clamping members 20 with upper clamping members 10 and lower clamping members 20 of different specifications (the upper clamping members 10 and lower clamping members 20 of different specifications are mainly different in size of the first clamping plate and the second clamping plate and can clamp workpieces of different sizes). After the new model of the workpiece 200 is installed, the original base 30 is put back into the sandblasting production, which improves efficiency. That is, after the clamp 100 of the present invention is independently designed with a base 30, it can adapt to upper clamping parts 10 and lower clamping parts 20 of different specifications. The connection structure between the lower clamping parts 20 of different specifications and the base 30 remains unchanged. In this way, it is very convenient and fast to replace different upper clamping parts 10 and lower clamping parts 20 on the machine, thereby improving production efficiency.
[0052] As an implementation method, Figure 2 、 5 As shown in FIG6 , the clamp 100 of the present invention has the lower clamping member 20 and the base 30 connected in a sleeve connection. The sleeve connection is very convenient for taking and placing the lower clamping member 20 and the base 30. Figure 4 As shown in FIG, the upper clamping member 10, the workpiece 200, and the lower clamping member 20 are taken out from the base 30 as a whole.
[0053] Specifically, the bottom of the lower clamping member 20 is provided with a first sleeve hole 22, and the top of the base 30 is provided with a first sleeve rod 31, which extends into the first sleeve hole 22. The sleeve connection between the first sleeve rod 31 and the first sleeve hole 22 is a loose fit, which allows the lower clamping member 20 to be placed on or removed from the base 30 very smoothly.
[0054] Furthermore, the lower clamping member 20 has a first countersunk hole 23 formed above the first sleeve hole 22. A first magnetic member 41 is disposed within the first countersunk hole 23. A second countersunk hole 32 is formed at the end of the first sleeve rod 31. A second magnetic member 42 is disposed within the second countersunk hole 32. The first magnetic member 41 and the second magnetic member 42 are attracted to each other. In this way, in addition to the sleeve connection, the lower clamping member 20 and the base 30 are also connected magnetically, making the connection between the two more stable. The first magnetic member 41 and the first countersunk hole 23, and the second magnetic member 42 and the second countersunk hole 32 can both be fastened by an interference fit, or the first magnetic member 41 and the second magnetic member 42 can be installed and fixed by a snap-fit structure.
[0055] As an embodiment, the upper clamping member 10 of the clamp 100 of this embodiment is magnetically connected to the lower clamping member 20. The magnetic connection between the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 is very convenient for both to clamp or release the workpiece 200.
[0056] Specifically, a third countersunk hole 12 is formed at the bottom of the upper clamping member 10, and a third magnetic member 43 is disposed in the third countersunk hole 12. A fourth countersunk hole 24 is formed at the top of the lower clamping member 20, and a fourth magnetic member 44 is disposed in the fourth countersunk hole 24. The third magnetic member 43 and the fourth magnetic member 44 are attracted to each other. The magnetic force of the third magnetic member 43 and the fourth magnetic member 44 ensures that the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 are quickly attracted to each other and connected together to clamp the workpiece 200. At the same time, when the external force is greater than the magnetic force, the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 can be quickly separated to remove the workpiece 200, thereby switching the workpiece 200. The third magnetic member 43 and the third countersunk hole 12, and the fourth magnetic member 44 and the fourth countersunk hole 24 can be installed and fastened by interference fit, or the third magnetic member 43 and the fourth magnetic member 44 can be installed and fixed by a snap-fit structure.
[0057] Furthermore, a fitting structure 50 is provided at the magnetic connection between the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 so that the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 fit together. In this way, the connection between the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 is more stable and will not move left or right.
[0058] Specifically, if Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the interlocking structure 50 includes an interlocking rod 14 extending from the bottom of the upper clamping member 10 and an interlocking hole 26 opened at the top of the lower clamping member 20. The interlocking rod 14 extends into the interlocking hole 26, and the bottom end of the interlocking rod 14 opens the third countersunk hole 12. The lower clamping member 20 is provided with the fourth countersunk hole 24 at the bottom of the interlocking hole 26. In this way, when the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 are connected together, the interlocking rod 14 at the bottom of the upper clamping member 1 is embedded in the interlocking hole 26 at the top of the lower clamping member 20, and at the same time, the third magnetic member 43 at the bottom of the upper clamping member 10 is attracted to the fourth magnetic member 44 at the top of the lower clamping member 20. At the same time, the provision of the interlocking rod 14 facilitates the installation and insertion of the workpiece 200.
[0059] Preferably, a handle 15 is provided on the top of the upper clamping member 10. The handle 15 is convenient for workers to take the upper clamping member 10 and facilitate the separation and closing operations of the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20.
[0060] Preferably, the bottom of the base 30 is provided with a mounting hole 33 for connecting and fixing with the machine platform of the sandblasting machine. The mounting hole 33 can be a screw hole, so that the base 30 is firmly fixed on the machine platform.
[0061] The sandblasting fixture 100 of this embodiment is convenient for switching workpieces. By providing an upper clamping member 10, a lower clamping member 20 and a base 30 that can be quickly disconnected, it is convenient for quickly switching the workpiece 200. It is also convenient for replacing the upper clamping member 10 and the lower clamping member 20 on the machine, thereby improving the production efficiency of the sandblasting operation.
[0062] The above description is merely an example to clearly illustrate the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. It is impossible to list all implementation methods here. All equivalent structural transformations made by utilizing the contents of the technical solution of the present invention under the concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A sandblasting fixture that is convenient for switching workpieces, characterized in that: It includes an upper clamping part, a lower clamping part and a base; The upper clamping member and the lower clamping member are connected in a quick-release manner, the upper clamping member is provided with a first clamping portion, and the lower clamping member is provided with a second clamping portion. After the upper clamping member and the lower clamping member are connected, the first clamping portion and the second clamping portion contact the workpiece to clamp the workpiece; The lower clamping member and the base are connected in a quick-release manner to achieve quick removal and placement of the lower clamping member.
2. The sandblasting fixture for facilitating workpiece switching according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower clamping piece is sleeve-connected to the base.
3. The sandblasting fixture for facilitating workpiece switching according to claim 2, characterized in that: A first sleeve connection hole is provided at the bottom of the lower clamping member, and a first sleeve connection rod is provided at the top of the base. The first sleeve connection rod extends into the first sleeve connection hole.
4. The sandblasting fixture for facilitating workpiece switching according to claim 3, characterized in that: The lower clamping member is provided with a first countersunk hole at the upper part of the first sleeve hole, and a first magnetic member is arranged in the first countersunk hole. The end of the first sleeve rod is provided with a second countersunk hole, and a second magnetic member is arranged in the second countersunk hole. The first magnetic member and the second magnetic member are attracted to each other.
5. The sandblasting fixture for facilitating workpiece switching according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper clamping piece is magnetically connected to the lower clamping piece.
6. The sandblasting fixture for facilitating workpiece switching according to claim 5, characterized in that: A third countersunk hole is provided at the lower portion of the upper clamping member, a third magnetic member is provided in the third countersunk hole, a fourth countersunk hole is provided at the upper portion of the lower clamping member, a fourth magnetic member is provided in the fourth countersunk hole, and the third magnetic member is attracted to the fourth magnetic member.
7. The sandblasting fixture for facilitating workpiece switching according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer surface of the upper clamping member is provided with a first clamping plate, and the outer surface of the lower clamping member is provided with a second clamping plate. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are used to press against the upper and lower end surfaces of the workpiece.
8. The sandblasting fixture for facilitating workpiece switching according to claim 6, characterized in that: The magnetic connection between the upper clamping member and the lower clamping member is further provided with an interlocking structure so that the upper clamping member and the lower clamping member are interlocked with each other.
9. The sandblasting fixture for facilitating workpiece switching according to claim 8, characterized in that: The interlocking structure includes an interlocking rod extending from the bottom of the upper clamping member and an interlocking hole opened at the top of the lower clamping member. The interlocking rod extends into the interlocking hole, and the bottom end of the interlocking rod opens the third countersunk hole. The lower clamping member is provided with the fourth countersunk hole at the lower part of the interlocking hole.
10. The sandblasting fixture for facilitating workpiece switching according to claim 1, characterized in that: A handle is provided on the top of the upper clamping piece.