Method for manufacturing a terminal body and terminal body

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a clamping body comprising the following steps: Material preparation: preparing an elongated metal blank; Bend forming: bending the metal blank into an L-shape to form a semi-finished product with a long handle and an associated short handle; Hot forming: hot forming the short handle of the semi-finished product, whereby the short handle receives a groove on opposite sides by pressure; and Heat treatment: performing a heat treatment on the semi-finished product produced after hot forming to create the clamping body. This results in the production of a lighter clamping body.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a clamping body and a product made therefrom, in particular a method for manufacturing a lighter clamping body and the corresponding product.

[0002] Other procedures are known, for example, from DE 100 13 543 A1 and from US 2013 / 0276276 A1.

[0003] According to the disclosure in U.S. Patent Publication No. US10,099,398B2, a multifunctional clamp is described, consisting of a connector, a guide arm, a first support arm, and a second support arm. The connector is provided with a screw, with one end of the guide arm attached to the screw. The other end of the guide arm is attached to the first support arm, the first support arm being slidably connected to the guide arm to clamp objects of varying thicknesses. The second support arm is fixed to one end of the first support arm and is positioned approximately at a right angle of 90 degrees to the first support arm.

[0004] The second post has a trapezoidal cross-section and consists of two conical side faces extending between two flat end faces, thus achieving a degree of structural rigidity. The second post slides within a track of the auxiliary fence and, via the engaging member, firmly presses the fence and the auxiliary fence together to securely fix them for wood cutting operations.

[0005] However, to maintain the required structural strength, the second post must have a certain volume, necessitating the use of appropriate materials for its manufacture. In other words, as the strength requirements for the second post increase, so do the material requirements and the post's volume, resulting in an increase in the clamp's weight. This makes handling more difficult, especially if the clamp needs to be moved or its position adjusted frequently. Furthermore, using more material for the second post also increases the clamp's cost. For clamps of certain sizes, this cost increase can be particularly noticeable.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of providing a method for manufacturing a clamping body and a clamping body, wherein recessed grooves are formed on opposite sides of a short handle of the semi-finished product by hot forming, which contribute to weight reduction and material savings while maintaining the intended shape and size of the clamping body, thereby ensuring that the clamping body remains both structurally complete and functional.

[0007] This problem is solved according to the invention by a method for manufacturing a clamping body having the features specified in claim 1, and by a clamping body having the features specified in claim 8. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the features of the dependent claims.

[0008] According to the invention, a method for manufacturing a clamping body is provided, comprising the following steps: Material preparation: Preparing an elongated metal blank; Angle bending: Angle the metal blank into an L-shape to form a semi-finished product with a long handle and an associated short handle; Hot forming: Hot forming of the short handle of the semi-finished product, wherein the short handle receives a recessed groove on opposite sides by pressure; and Heat treatment: Performing a heat treatment on the semi-finished product manufactured after hot forming in order to produce the clamping body.

[0009] According to the invention, a clamping body is further provided which has a long handle and a short handle connected thereto, wherein the short handle has a recessed groove on each of its opposite sides by means of hot forming.

[0010] The manufacturing process described above results in a lighter and more material-efficient clamping body. The recessed grooves formed on both sides of the short handle by hot forming not only reduce material consumption but also preserve the original shape and size of the clamping body. This ensures the structural integrity and functionality of the clamping body.

[0011] The invention and its embodiments are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a flowchart of the method according to the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the hot forming step of the process according to the invention; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a mold upper half according to the invention; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a lower half of a mold according to the invention; Fig. 5 a perspective view of a clamping body produced by the method according to the invention; Fig. 6 a cut along the line from 6-6 in Fig. 5; and Fig. 7 a cut along the line from 7-7 in Fig. 5.

[0012] The exemplary embodiments of this invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. However, it is not intended to limit the technical principles of this invention to the specific disclosed embodiments. The scope of protection of this invention is defined exclusively by the claims and also includes their alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

[0013] Referring to Fig. Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method according to the invention for manufacturing a terminal body. The method comprises the following steps: Material preparation S1: First, an elongated metal blank 10 is prepared, as in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the metal blank 10 is produced by an extrusion process and then cut to the desired size by a cutting process. The cutting process is carried out using a metal saw.

[0014] Angled S2: The metal blank 10 is angled to create an L-shape, forming a semi-finished product 20 with a long handle 21 and a short handle 22. The angled metal blank 10 is performed using a hydraulic press.

[0015] Hot forming S3: The short handle 22 of the semi-finished product 20 is hot formed such that a recessed groove 23 is pressed into each of the two opposite sides of the short handle 22. As in Fig. 2 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the short handle 22 is positioned between an upper mold half 30 and a lower mold half 40 during hot forming. The upper mold half 30 has a first contact surface 31, while the lower mold half 40 has a second contact surface 41 opposite the first contact surface 31. The first contact surface 31 has a first elongated projection 32, while the second contact surface 41 has a mold cavity 42. At the bottom of the mold cavity 42 is a second elongated projection 43, and one side of the mold cavity 42 is connected to the mold cavity by a side cavity 44 to accommodate the long handle 21 and facilitate hot forming. During hot forming, the short handle 22 is first heated to a temperature between 870°C and 1100°C.The short handle 22 is then placed between the upper half of the mold 30 and the lower half of the mold 40 and pressed together so that the two recessed grooves 23 are pressed into the short handle 22.

[0016] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, the short handle 22 in an embodiment of the present invention has a clamping surface 221 and an opposing outer surface 222. Two side walls 223 are arranged between the clamping surface 221 and the outer surface 222. The two recessed grooves 23 are formed in the clamping surface 221 and the outer surface 222, respectively.

[0017] Furthermore, with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. In an embodiment of the present invention, it is explained in Figure 7 that the two recessed grooves 23 are configured as a first recessed groove 231 and a second recessed groove 232. The first recessed groove 231 is located on the outer surface 222, while the second recessed groove 232 is arranged on the clamping surface 221. The first recessed groove 231 is not connected to the second recessed groove 232. The first recessed groove 231 has a first length D1, a first width W1, and a first depth H1, while the second recessed groove 232 has a second length D2, a second width W2, and a second depth H2. The first length D1 is greater than the second length D2, the first width W1 is greater than the second width W2, and the first depth H1 is greater than the second depth H2. This means that, in this embodiment, the dimensions of the first recessed groove 231 are larger than those of the second recessed groove 232.In other embodiments, the dimensions of the first recess groove 231 can be smaller than or equal to those of the second recess groove 232.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present invention, the two side walls 223 each have a flat surface 2231, a conical surface 2232, and a stepped section 2233. The flat surface 2231 connects the outer surface 222 to the conical surface 2232, while the stepped section 2233 connects the clamping surface 221 to the conical surface 2232. The length of each flat surface 2231 is shorter than the length of each conical surface 2232. This allows the short handle 22, due to its specific cross-sectional shape, to fit into and slide in a groove having a corresponding cross-sectional shape, such as the rail of the aforementioned auxiliary fence according to the prior art.

[0019] The semi-finished product 20 exhibits a volume reduction of 10% to 30% after the hot forming process. The formation of the two recessed grooves 23 also results in a weight reduction of the semi-finished product 20. Furthermore, the external dimensions of the short handle 22 remain within the planned range, thus maintaining the overall design. At the same time, the existing structural strength is preserved, so that the functionality of the short handle 22 is not impaired.

[0020] Deburring S4: The semi-finished product 20 undergoes a deburring process to remove burrs and enable easier handling.

[0021] Heat treatment S5: The semi-finished product 20 produced after hot forming is subjected to heat treatment to produce the clamping body 100, as in Fig.Figure 5 shows that the heat treatment gives the clamping body 100 improved mechanical properties.

[0022] Electroplating S6: After heat treatment, the terminal body 100 undergoes an electroplating process. Electroplating protects the metal surface of the terminal body 100 from oxidation (e.g., rust) and improves its external appearance.

[0023] In this way, the inventive method, compared to the prior art, enables the production of the clamping body 100 from smaller-dimensioned raw metal material, such as structural steel. By applying the described process steps, a clamping body 100 of the same size is formed as when using larger-dimensioned raw metal material. The dimensions and mechanical properties of the product are retained. In addition, the formation of the recessed grooves 23 reduces material consumption, leading to savings in material costs. This increases production efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

[0024] Despite the description using a preferred embodiment, various modifications are possible for those skilled in the art without deviating from the inventive spirit and scope of protection of the present invention. Reference symbol list 10 metal blanks 20 semi-finished product 21 long handle 22 short handle 221 clamping surface 222 Outside 223 Side wall 2231 even surface 2232 conical surface 2233 stepped section 23 Recessed groove 231 first recess groove 232 second recess groove 30 Upper half of the mold 31 first contact surface 32 first elongated lead 40 Lower half of the mold 41 second contact surface 42 Mold cavity 43 second elongated lead 44 Side cavity D1 first length W1 first width H1 first depth D2 second length W2 second width H2 second depth S1 Material preparation S2 Angle S3 Hot forming S4 Deburring S5 Heat treatment S6 Electroplating 100 clamping bodies

Claims

[1] Method for manufacturing a terminal body comprising the following steps: Material preparation (S1): Preparing an elongated metal blank (10); Angle (S2): Angle the metal blank (10) into an L-shape to form a semi-finished product (20) with a long handle (21) and an associated short handle (22); Hot forming (S3): Hot forming of the short handle (22) of the semi-finished product (20), wherein the short handle (22) is given a recessed groove (23) on each of its opposite sides by pressure; and Heat treatment (S5): Performing a heat treatment on the semi-finished product (20) produced after hot forming in order to create the clamping body (100). [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , - that the metal blank (10) is brought into the desired shape by extrusion and subsequent cutting; - that the semi-finished product (20) is subjected to a deburring process (S4) before heat treatment (S5); and - that the terminal body (100) is subjected to a galvanizing process (S6) after heat treatment (S5). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the short handle (22) is positioned between an upper shape (30) and a lower shape (40) during hot forming (S3), wherein the upper shape (30) has a first contact surface (31) and the lower shape (40) has a second contact surface (41); - that the first contact surface (31) is provided with a first elongated projection (32), wherein the second contact surface (41) is provided with a molded cavity (42) which has a second elongated projection (43) at its base; and - that when the short handle (22) is clamped between the upper form (30) and the lower form (40), the two recessed grooves (23) are created on both sides of the short handle (22) by pressure. [4] Method according to claim 3, characterized by , that the short handle (22) has a clamping surface (221) and an opposite outer surface (222), wherein two side surfaces (223) are located between the clamping surface (221) and the outer surface (222), wherein the two recessed grooves (23) are formed in the clamping surface (221) and the outer surface (222), respectively. [5] Method according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by , - that the two recessed grooves (23) consist of a first recessed groove (231) and a second recessed groove (232), wherein the first recessed groove (231) is arranged in the outer surface (222), while the second recessed groove (232) is formed in the clamping surface (221), wherein the first recessed groove (231) and the second recessed groove (232) are not connected to each other; and - that the first recess groove (231) has a first length (D1), a first width (W1) and a first depth (H1), while the second recess groove (232) has a second length (D2), a second width (W2) and a second depth (H2), wherein the first length (D1) is greater than the second length (D2), the first width (W1) is greater than the second width (W2) and the first depth (H1) is greater than the second depth (H2). [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized by, that the two side surfaces (223) each have a straight surface (2231), a conical surface (2232) and a stepped section (2233), wherein the straight surface (2231) connects the outer surface (222) to the conical surface (2232), while the stepped section (2233) connects the clamping surface (221) to the conical surface (2232), and wherein each straight surface (2231) is shorter than each conical surface (2232). [7] Method according to one of claims 1 or 6, characterized by , that the semi-finished product (20) undergoes a volume reduction of 10% to 30% during hot forming (S3). [8] Terminal body, characterized by , that the clamping body (100) has a long handle (21) and a short handle (22) connected thereto, wherein the short handle (22) has a recessed groove (23) on each of its opposite sides by hot forming (S3). [9] Clamping body according to claim 8, characterized by, that the short handle (22) has a clamping surface (221) and an opposite outer surface (222), wherein two side surfaces (223) are located between the clamping surface (221) and the outer surface (222), wherein the two recessed grooves (23) are formed in the clamping surface (221) and the outer surface (222), respectively. [10] Clamping body according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by , - that the two recessed grooves (23) consist of a first recessed groove (231) and a second recessed groove (232), wherein the first recessed groove (231) is arranged in the outer surface (222), while the second recessed groove (232) is formed in the clamping surface (221), wherein the first recessed groove (231) and the second recessed groove (232) are not connected to each other; and - that the first recess groove (231) has a first length (D1), a first width (W1) and a first depth (H1), while the second recess groove (232) has a second length (D2), a second width (W2) and a second depth (H2), wherein the first length (D1) is greater than the second length (D2), the first width (W1) is greater than the second width (W2) and the first depth (H1) is greater than the second depth (H2). [11] Clamping body according to claim 10, characterized by , that the two side surfaces (223) each have a straight surface (2231), a conical surface (2232) and a stepped section (2233), wherein the straight surface (2231) connects the outer surface (222) to the conical surface (2232), while the stepped section (2233) connects the clamping surface (221) to the conical surface (2232), and wherein each straight surface (2231) is shorter than each conical surface (2232).

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