WATER JET STOP CLAMP

Abstract

A clamping device is provided that is configured to hold a workpiece in a waterjet cutting system, wherein the clamping device comprises a head having a tip configured to hold the workpiece down on the upper surfaces of support lamellae inserted in a water reservoir of the waterjet cutting system; a shaft extending from the head, the shaft being configured to extend through a gap defined between two of the support lamellae; a base at a distal end of the shaft, the base extending perpendicular to the shaft and configured to rest against the undersides of the support lamellae; and a lever connected to the shaft, wherein a rod interacts with a thread of the shaft such that a rotation of the lever screws the rod into the shaft, thereby drawing the shaft into the head.The rotation of the lever pulls the base against the undersides of the support lamellae and pushes the tip against the workpiece.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device configured to hold a workpiece in a waterjet cutting system.

[0002] The publication DE 20 2019 005 263 U1 describes a clamping device with a head, a shaft, a base and a lever.

[0003] The publication DE 20 2022 000 606 U1 describes a hole-welding table clamping clamp with a clamping lever.

[0004] The publication EP 2 912 362 B1 describes a bracket which has a holder for attaching an electronic device.

[0005] Waterjet cutting systems comprise a waterjet cutter configured to cut a workpiece. The waterjet cutter is capable of cutting various materials using a high-pressure water jet or a mixture of water and an abrasive substance. Waterjet cutting is used in various industrial sectors, including the automotive industry. SUMMARY

[0006] A clamping device according to the invention, configured to hold a workpiece in a waterjet cutting system, comprises a head having a tip configured to hold the workpiece down on the upper surfaces of support plates inserted in a water reservoir of the waterjet cutting system; a shaft extending from the head, the shaft configured to extend through a gap defined between two of the support plates; a base at a distal end of the shaft, the base extending perpendicular to the shaft and configured to bear against the undersides of the support plates; and a lever connected to the shaft, wherein a rod interacts with a thread of the shaft such that a rotation of the lever screws the rod into the shaft, drawing the shaft into the head.Since the shaft is positioned in the gap defined between the support lamellae, the rotation of the lever pulls the base against the undersides of the support lamellae and pushes the tip against the workpiece to hold the workpiece against the tops of the support lamellae.

[0007] According to further features, the head defines an opening through which the shaft extends, with the interaction between the surfaces of the opening and the shaft restricting the rotation of the shaft relative to the opening.

[0008] According to further characteristics, both the opening and the shaft are rectangular.

[0009] According to further characteristics, the base has a first projection at its first end and a second projection at its second end, with the shaft being connected to the base midway between the first end and the second end.

[0010] According to further characteristics, the base is dimensioned to accommodate two of the support lamellae between the first projection and the shaft, and two of the support lamellae between the second projection and the shaft.

[0011] According to further characteristics, the tip of the head is a first tip, and the head furthermore has a second tip opposite the first tip.

[0012] According to further characteristics, the first tip and the second tip are spaced differently from the shaft.

[0013] According to further characteristics, a first end of the head, located near the first tip, has a lower height than a second end of the head, located near the second tip.

[0014] According to further features, the lever includes a flattened surface, wherein the lever can be rotated about the flattened surface between a raised position and a lowered position; and wherein the rotation of the lever from the raised position to the lowered position pulls the rod and shaft into the head to draw the base closer to the head and reduce a distance between the base and the head.

[0015] According to further characteristics, the shaft is made of a metallic material.

[0016] According to further characteristics, the head is made of a non-metallic material.

[0017] According to further characteristics, the head is three-dimensionally printed.

[0018] According to further characteristics, the head extends parallel to the base.

[0019] According to further characteristics, the lever is located on a side of the head opposite the shaft.

[0020] The present disclosure further provides, according to a non-independently claimed aspect, a clamping device configured to hold a workpiece in a waterjet cutting system, wherein the clamping device comprises a head configured to hold the workpiece down on the upper surfaces of support plates inserted in a water reservoir of the waterjet cutting system; a shaft extending from the head, the shaft configured to extend through a gap defined between two of the support plates; and a base at a distal end of the shaft configured to bear against the undersides of the support plates, the base extending perpendicular to the shaft and parallel to the head.and includes a lever on a side of the head opposite the shaft, the lever being connected to the shaft, a rod interacting with a thread of the shaft such that a rotation of the lever screws the rod into the shaft, the shaft is drawn into the head, and the lever has a flattened surface and can be rotated about the flattened surface between a raised and a lowered position. Since the shaft is located in the gap defined between the support lamellae, the rotation of the lever pulls the base against the undersides of the support lamellae and pushes the head against the workpiece to hold the workpiece against the upper sides of the support lamellae. The movement of the lever from the raised position to the lowered position draws the rod and shaft into the head to draw the base closer to the head and reduce the gap between the base and the head.

[0021] According to further characteristics, the head has a first point and a second point opposite the first point; the first point and the second point are spaced differently from the shaft; and a first end of the head, which is near the first point, has a lower height than a second end of the head, which is near the second point.

[0022] According to further characteristics, the shaft is made of a metallic material and the head of a non-metallic material.

[0023] The present disclosure further provides, according to a non-independently claimed aspect, a clamping device configured to hold a workpiece in a waterjet cutting system, wherein the clamping device comprises a head configured to hold the workpiece down on the upper surfaces of support plates inserted in a water reservoir of the waterjet cutting system, the head having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end having a lower height than the second end; a shaft extending from an opening defined by the head, the shaft being configured to extend through a gap defined between two of the support plates, and the shaft being made of a metallic material;a base at a distal end of the shaft, configured to rest against the undersides of the supporting lamellae, the base extending perpendicular to the shaft and parallel to the head, and the base having projections at opposite ends of the base; and comprising a lever on a side of the head opposite the shaft, the lever being connected to the shaft, a rod interacting with a thread of the shaft such that a rotation of the lever screws the rod into the shaft, the lever having a flattened surface and being rotatable about the flattened surface between a raised and a lowered position. The movement of the lever from the raised position to the lowered position draws the rod and the shaft into the head to draw the base closer to the head and reduce the distance between the base and the head.

[0024] According to further characteristics, the first end has a first point and the second end has a second point, with the first point being further away from the rod than the second point.

[0025] According to further characteristics, the head is made of a non-metallic material.

[0026] Further applications of this disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims, and the drawings. The detailed description and the specific examples serve only for illustration. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present revelation is more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings; they show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a waterjet cutting system comprising clamping devices according to the present disclosure for holding down a workpiece to be cut by a waterjet; Fig. 2 a side view of one of the clamping devices of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 a perspective view of the clamping device of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a section 4 of Fig. 2; Fig. 5 a side view of the clamping device of Fig. 2, which is inserted between the support lamellae of the waterjet cutting system; Fig. 6 a side view of the clamping device of Fig. 2, which is installed in the waterjet cutting system to hold the workpiece; and Fig. 7 a side view similar to the Fig. 6, wherein the clamping device is relative to the Fig. 6 is tightened to the workpiece.

[0028] Reference symbols can be used multiple times in the drawings to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present disclosure includes a clamping device configured to hold a workpiece in a waterjet cutting system. The system comprises several support plates inserted in a water reservoir. The support plates hold the workpiece on their upper surfaces. The clamping device includes a head and a shaft extending from the head. The clamping device is arranged such that the head contacts the workpiece and the shaft extends downward between two of the support plates to the undersides of the plates. The clamping device includes a lever which, when rotated, pulls the shaft into the head to tighten the clamping device.Specifically, when the lever is rotated, the base of the clamping device at a distal end of the shaft is drawn into contact with the undersides of the blades, and the clamping device is pressed downwards onto the workpiece to secure it in place. By attaching the clamping device to the undersides of the blades, it is able to firmly hold the workpiece in position during the waterjet cutting process.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary waterjet cutting system 10 including a waterjet former 20. The waterjet former 20 can be any suitable waterjet former configured to cut a workpiece 30. The waterjet former 20 is configured to direct a high-pressure jet of water or a mixture of water and an abrasive substance from a nozzle 22 onto the workpiece 30 to cut the workpiece 30 in any suitable manner. For example, the waterjet former 20, as shown in Fig. Figure 1 shows the waterjet former 20 configured to cut an opening 32 within the workpiece 30. The workpiece 30 can be any suitable workpiece, such as a component for an automobile or a machine component for a machine used during automobile manufacturing. The waterjet former 20 and the waterjet cutting system 10 can also generally be configured for any suitable non-automotive application.

[0031] The waterjet cutting system 10 further comprises several support lamellae 40 which are inserted into a water reservoir 50. The water reservoir 50 is configured to be filled with water 60. The support lamellae 40 extend downwards into the water reservoir. The support lamellae are spaced apart to define gaps between them. The support lamellae have top surfaces 42 and bottom surfaces 44 which face the top surfaces 42 ( Fig. 1, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7).

[0032] According to the present disclosure, the workpiece 30 is held down by clamping devices 110 on the upper surfaces 42 of the support lamellae 40. Any suitable number of clamping devices 110 can be used. For example, the figure shows Fig. 1 four of the clamping devices 110, which hold the workpiece 30 down on the several support lamellae 40. As in Fig. 1 and in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2-4, each of the clamping devices 110 comprises a head 120, a shaft 140 extending from the head 120, a base 150 at a distal end of the shaft 140, and a lever 170.

[0033] The head 120 has a first tip 122 and a second tip 124 opposite the first tip 122. The first tip 122 is located at a distal section of a first end 126 of the head 120. The second tip 124 is located at a distal section of a second end 128. The first end 126 is shorter than the second end 128. The first tip 122 is therefore located farther from the center of the head 120 than the second tip 124. The clamping device 110 is configured to be mounted in a first orientation in which the first tip 122 contacts the workpiece 30 to hold the workpiece 30 down. Fig. Figure 1 shows the first orientation of the clamping device 110. One or more of the clamping devices 110 can generally be rotated 180 degrees such that the second tip 124 contacts the workpiece 30 to hold it down. As further explained here, the second tip 124 generally exerts a higher downward clamping force on the workpiece 30 because it is located at the shorter second end 128. The first tip 122, being located at the longer first end 126, can provide a lower clamping force. However, because the first end 126 is shorter, it is less likely to obstruct the movement of the nozzle 22.

[0034] The head 120 can be made of any suitable material. For example, the head 120 can be made of any suitable polymer material. The head 120 can be formed in any suitable way, such as by three-dimensional printing.

[0035] With particular reference to Fig. 3. The shaft 140 extends from an opening 160 defined by the head 120. In the example shown, the opening 160 is rectangular, and the shaft 140 has a rectangular shape, approximately in cross-section. Therefore, the shaft 140 is "wedged" to the surfaces of the opening 160 to restrict its rotation relative to the head 120. The shaft 140 and the opening 160 can have any other suitable shape or configuration to restrict the relative rotation between the head 120 and the shaft 140.

[0036] The base 150 is located at a distal end of the shaft 140. The base 150 extends perpendicular to the shaft 140 such that the shaft 140 and the base 150 generally together provide a "T-shape," which in the orientation shown is an inverted "T-shape." The base 150 generally extends parallel to the head 120. The base 150 includes a first projection 152 at a first end and a second projection 154 at a second end. The first projection 152 and the second projection 154 extend toward the head 120. The distance between the first projection 152 and the shaft 140 is sufficient to accommodate two of the multiple support lamellae 40, as shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows. Likewise, the distance between the second projection 154 and the shaft 140 is sufficient to accommodate two of the multiple support lamellae 40. The distance between the first projection 152 and the shaft 140 and between the second projection 154 and the shaft 140 can be dimensioned in any other suitable way to accommodate a single one of the multiple support lamellae 40 on opposite sides of the shaft 140 or more than two of the multiple support lamellae 40.

[0037] The lever 170 is located on the side of the head 120 opposite the shaft 140. The lever 170 is connected to a rod 180 that extends through the head 120 and interacts with the shaft 140. Specifically and with particular reference to Fig. 4 The rod 180 extends into a receptacle 142, which is defined at a proximal end of the shaft 140 opposite the base 150. Both the rod 180 and the receptacle 142 are threaded.

[0038] The lever 170 is rotatable (i.e., twistable) to rotate the rod 180 (see rotation arrows of Fig. 6), and can be divided into an elevated position ( Fig. 6) and a lowered position ( Fig. 7) be pivoted. The rotation (i.e., the twisting) of the lever 170 in a first direction screws the rod 180 into the receptacle 142 of the shaft 140, drawing the shaft 140 into the head 120 and pulling the base 150 closer to the head 120. The rotation (i.e., the twisting) of the lever 170 in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, releases the rod 180, moving the base 150 away from the head 120.

[0039] The lever 170 is located between the raised position of Fig. 6 and the lowered position of Fig. 7 pivots around a head 182 of the rod 180. The lever 170 includes a flattened surface 172. When the lever 170 moves from the raised position of Fig. 6 into the lowered position of Fig. When the rod 180 is pivoted downwards, the rod is pulled upwards by the interaction between the flattened surface 172 and the head 120, and the base 150 is pulled in conjunction with the undersides 44 of the support lamellae 40 to lock the clamping device 110 downwards onto the workpiece 30 and onto the undersides 44 of the support lamellae 40.

[0040] With regard to the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 and Fig. Section 7 now describes the installation of the clamping device 110 in more detail. The clamping device 110 is first installed as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the base 150 is arranged such that it extends parallel to the support lamellae 40. The base 150 and the shaft 140 are then inserted into a gap defined between two of the support lamellae 40. Once the base 150 is located below the undersides 44 of the support lamellae 40, the clamping device 110 is rotated such that the base 150 extends perpendicular to the support lamellae 40, as shown in Figure 5. Fig. Figure 6 is shown. The lever 170 is then rotated / twisted to pull the shaft 140 into the head 120, pull the base 150 against the undersides 44 of the support lamellae 40, and press the head 120 onto the workpiece 30. Particular attention is paid to the alignment of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 The first tip 122 is pressed onto the workpiece 30 and the second tip 124 is pressed onto a support plate 70, which is placed on the upper surfaces 42 of the support lamellae 40. After the lever 170 has been turned / twisted to tighten the clamping device 110, the lever 170 is moved from the raised position by Fig. 6 into the lowered position of Fig. 7. When the lever is moved from the raised position to the lowered position, the rod 180 is pulled upwards by the interaction between the lever 170 and the head 182 of the rod 180 due to the flattened surface 172, and the base 150 is pulled against the undersides 44 of the support slats 40 to further secure the clamping device 110 and the workpiece 30 in place. The flattened surface 172 prevents the lever 170 from being turned back to the raised position on its own without being moved by an operator of the waterjet cutting system 10.

[0041] Alternatively to the alignment of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 The clamping device 110 can be rotated 180 degrees such that the second tip 124 presses down on the workpiece 30 and the first tip 122 presses down on the support plate 70. The second tip 124 generally exerts more force on the workpiece 30 because it is located closer to the center of the head 120 through which the rod 180 extends. The first tip 122 is located farther from the center of the head 120 and therefore generally provides a lesser downward force. However, the first tip 122 is thinner and its first end 126 is generally shorter, which prevents it from obstructing the movement of the nozzle 22 or other equipment.

[0042] The preceding description is merely illustrative. The comprehensive teachings of the disclosure can be implemented in various forms. It is to be understood that one or more steps within a process can be performed in a different order (or overlapping in time) without altering the principles of the present disclosure. Although each of the embodiments above has been described with certain features, furthermore, one or more of these features described with respect to any embodiment of the disclosure can be implemented in any of the further embodiments and / or combined with its features, even if this combination is not explicitly described. In other words, the described embodiments are not mutually exclusive, and permutations of one or more embodiments with each other remain within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0043] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, such as "connected," "interlocking," "coupled," "adjacent," "next to," "on top of," "above," "below," and "arranged." Unless explicitly described as "direct," when a relationship between a first and a second element is described in the disclosure above, this relationship can be a direct relationship in which no further intervening elements exist between the first and the second element, or it can be an indirect relationship in which one or more intervening elements (either spatial or functional) exist between the first and the second element.As the expression "at least one of A, B and C" is used here, it should be interpreted as meaning a logical (A OR B OR C) using a non-exclusive logical OR, and should not be interpreted as meaning "at least one of A, at least one of B and at least one of C".

[0044] In the diagrams, the direction of an arrow, indicated by its tip, generally demonstrates the flow of information (such as data or commands) that is relevant for illustration. For example, if element A and element B exchange various pieces of information, but the information transferred from element A to element B is relevant for the illustration, the arrow may point from element A to element B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no further information is sent from element B to element A. Furthermore, element B may send requests or acknowledgments of the information sent from element A to element B to element A.

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