Device for temporarily clamping and fixing flat structures

Abstract

Device for temporarily clamping and fixing planar structures, in particular structures of different stiffness and / or surface properties, such as rigid glass or plastic sheets and textile materials, as an assembly aid for bonding the structures, comprising a rigid lever arrangement with a force arm (3) and a load arm (10), which is pivotable about a pivot point (6), wherein at least one suction cup (9) is located in the pivot point (6) to attach the lever arrangement to a first, in particular rigid, structure (1), wherein a device (4) for setting and specifying a lever force is formed at the end of the force arm and a web (11) for applying the lever force to a second, in particular flexible, structure (2) is provided on the load arm (10), such that the second structure (2) can be pressed against the first structure (1), characterized in thatthat the bridge (11) has a variable bridge width and / or bridge length and / or bridge shape and the bridge ends have a complementary crescent or circular arc shape (14), so that several such lever arrangements can be interlocked in the area of ​​their bridges (11) in a form-fitting manner.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for the temporary clamping fixation of planar structures, in particular structures of different stiffness and / or surface properties, such as rigid glass or plastic sheets on the one hand and textile materials on the other, as an assembly aid for bonding the structures, consisting of a rigid lever arrangement with a force arm and a load arm, which is pivotable about a pivot point, wherein at least one suction cup is located at the pivot point to attach the lever arrangement to a first, in particular rigid, structure, wherein a device for setting and specifying a lever force is formed at the end of the force arm and a web for applying the lever force to a second, in particular flexible, structure is provided on the load arm, such that the second structure can be pressed against the first structure according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] A modular rear window frame is known from DE 20 2024 001 991 U1. This frame is intended to facilitate the simple repair of rear windows, particularly rear windows in convertible tops.

[0003] The adapter can be made of rigid or flexible materials. In one design, the adapter is divisible to accommodate the actual window. The adapter with the window is then attached to the convertible top cover.

[0004] The real problem with repairing a convertible top with a rear window, however, lies in applying the necessary clamping force for a sufficient duration during the bonding process. Furthermore, to achieve a durable, bonded connection, the adhesive force must be applied evenly across the entire relevant area between the parts being joined.

[0005] A repair kit for convertible glass rear windows has already become known under the brand name "Cabriodoc" of Cabriodoc GmbH.

[0006] The repair kit includes, in addition to surface treatment agents for the parts to be bonded and the adhesive itself, so-called clamping devices made of a plastic material, which utilize the principle of a mechanical lever. Each clamping device has force and load arms, with a suction cup attached at or near the pivot point.

[0007] After appropriate preparation of the components to be joined, in particular the rear window of a convertible top and the convertible top fabric, the clamping device is applied to the surfaces to be joined using the adhesive. This involves arranging multiple clamps in a row using the suction cups on the edge of the glass pane. Then, a clamping screw is used to press the end of the clamping arm onto the convertible top fabric. This force secures the corresponding section of the convertible top fabric to the rear window. Once the adhesive has cured, the clamps can be removed.

[0008] However, the previously known clamping device has the following disadvantages.

[0009] The dimensions of the ends of the load arm are constant, so gaps inevitably arise when arranging the numerous devices for fixing the convertible top fabric to a convertible top window. In these gaps, no or only insufficient holding force can be generated and applied. Furthermore, it has been shown that, due to the angle of rotation of the load arm relative to the pivot point, the load arm, or rather its end, only presses against the convertible top fabric with one edge, meaning with a very small area. Consequently, only a linear force is applied. This leads to at least some adhesive being squeezed out of the adhesive gap, resulting in an inadequate bond.

[0010] From the foregoing, it is therefore an object of the invention to provide a further developed device for the temporary clamping fixation of planar structures, in particular structures of different stiffness and / or surface properties, such as rigid glass or plastic discs on the one hand and textile materials on the other, which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art described above and enables simple handling with a guarantee of success.

[0011] The problem of the invention is solved by the device according to the combination of features according to claim 1, wherein the dependent claims include at least expedient embodiments and further developments.

[0012] The device therefore represents an assembly aid and serves for the temporary clamping fixation of flat structures together.

[0013] These are primarily structures of varying stiffness and / or surface texture.

[0014] One of the structures can be a rigid glass or plastic pane, and the other structure a textile material, for example a convertible top fabric or boat cover.

[0015] The device comprises a rigid lever arrangement with a force arm and a load arm, which can be pivoted about a pivot point.

[0016] At least one suction cup is located at the pivot point to attach the lever assembly to a first, in particular rigid, structure, for example a glass pane.

[0017] A device for setting and specifying a lever force is provided at the end of the force arm.

[0018] The load arm features a bridge for applying leverage to a second, particularly flexible, structure, such as the convertible top fabric of a car or boat, or similar material. This leverage serves to press the flexible second structure against the first, ensuring sufficient pressure during the curing of the adhesive.

[0019] According to the invention, the bridge has a variable width and / or length and / or shape. The bridge ends each have a complementary crescent or circular arc shape such that several such lever arrangements can be aligned one after the other in a form-fitting manner and without gaps in the area of ​​their bridges.

[0020] This allows the appropriate contact and holding force to be generated and applied seamlessly across the entire surface to be bonded.

[0021] Each web has a circular arc shape over at least sections of its longitudinal extent. At the end of each circular arc-shaped web, this end can transition into a straight line, which is advantageous, for example, when curved sections of the disk transition back into a straight segment in corner areas.

[0022] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the contact surface and underside of the respective bridge facing the second structure is designed as a slope.

[0023] This inclined surface prevents the bridge in question from resting on the second, especially textile, structure with only one outer edge. This effectively prevents unwanted adhesive squeezing out or uneven application of pressure.

[0024] A further development of the invention features extensions with recesses for receiving flexible suction cups in the area of ​​the pivot point. These extensions, which project laterally in particular, allow several suction cups, including those of smaller diameter, to be attached.

[0025] This prevents the holding device from detaching unintentionally, even under a correspondingly greater force on the load arm.

[0026] The device for setting and specifying a lever force includes a through thread in the area of ​​the force arm, which accommodates an adjusting screw.

[0027] The free, lower end of the adjusting screw, pointing towards the first structure, accommodates a cap-like protective body to prevent damage to the surface of the first structure.

[0028] Instead of a conventional setscrew, a threaded bolt with an internal hexagon socket for attaching a tool or a comparable means can of course also be used without departing from the basic concept of the invention. The cap-like protective body preferably has a larger surface area on its underside that comes into contact with the disc surface, so that impermissible point loads are avoided. This prevents the disc from sustaining lasting damage when the necessary forces are generated.

[0029] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment and with the aid of figures.

[0030] This shows: Fig. 1 a side view of the device based on a lever arrangement, mounted on a rigid disc, in particular a rear window of a vehicle convertible top using a suction cup, but without yet applying any pressure or holding force to the convertible top fabric; Fig. 2 a representation similar to that shown in Fig. 1, however, by actuating the device for setting and specifying a holding force, a force is exerted on the convertible top fabric via the load arm, whereby the symbolically indicated adhesive layer is distributed and compressed by the pressure force, and the surface pressure is very uniform due to the inclined surface on the underside in the web area of ​​the load arm; Fig. 3 a top view of two devices arranged in a row with straight webs which have a complementary crescent or circular arc shape in the area of ​​the web ends, wherein these ends interlock in a form-fitting manner to form the exemplary arrangement; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a rigid lever arrangement according to the illustration after Fig. 3; Fig. 5 An exemplary representation of the lever arrangement with a bridge which has a circular arc shape in its longitudinal extent with a chamfered pressure surface also provided on the underside; and Fig. 6 an exemplary arrangement of the combination of lever arrangements according to the Fig. 1 to 4 in the area of ​​a corner of a (not shown in the figure) rear window for connecting it to a convertible top design, which is also not shown, wherein, in comparison to the straight designs, the lever arms are shortened in the case of the circular arc-shaped bridge design, the joining is carried out without interference and there is no impairment of the adjustment devices on the force arm in each case.

[0031] The device according to the exemplary embodiment serves for the temporary clamping fixation of flat structures. According to the exemplary embodiment, it is used to connect a first rigid structure 1 in the form of a glass pane, in particular the glass pane of a vehicle convertible top, with a convertible top fabric 2 as the flexible structure.

[0032] The lever arrangement has a device 4 at its force arm end 3 for setting and specifying a lever force.

[0033] This device 4 can include an adjusting screw guided in an internal thread at the force arm end 3. The free end of the adjusting screw has a protective cap 5 to prevent damage to the rigid structure 1, i.e., the surface of the vehicle disc.

[0034] At pivot point 6 there is a recess 7 which accommodates a mounting extension 8 of a suction cup 9.

[0035] As in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. As shown in Figure 6, several suction cups 9 can be provided in the area of ​​the pivot point 6.

[0036] In the area of ​​the load arm 10, preferably two webs 11 extending laterally from the load arm 10 are formed. These webs 11 (see also Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5) have a sloping surface 12 on their underside.

[0037] As can be seen from the overall picture of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. In a comprehensible manner, by actuating the device 4, the corresponding bridge 11 is brought into contact with the top of the flexible structure 2 over almost its entire surface and the corresponding force is transmitted uniformly in such a way that the indicated adhesive layer 13 is distributed uniformly, resulting in a secure material-bonded connection forming after the curing process and the removal of the device according to the invention.

[0038] The Fig. Figure 3 shows an exemplary arrangement of two devices according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.

[0039] Particularly noticeable here is the crescent or circular arc shape 14 at the respective end of the webs 11, so that several correspondingly designed devices or lever arrangements can be linked together in a form-fitting manner in the area of ​​their webs 11.

[0040] The formation of the crescent or circular arc shape of the bridge ends, together with the arrangement of two opposing suction cups 9, is also evident from the perspective representation. Fig. 4 removable and comprehensible for the expert.

[0041] The formation of a bridge 11 with a circular arc shape provided at least over sections of its length shows the Fig. 5. Even with this circular arc-shaped design of the corresponding web 11, the complementary crescent-shaped or circular arc-shaped web ends are recognizable.

[0042] In the area of ​​pivot point 6, in the embodiment according to Fig. 5 a single recess on the underside for attaching a single suction cup 9.

[0043] The Fig.Figure 6 now also shows how, by way of example, three lever arrangements according to the invention are to be arranged in the area of ​​a corner region of a rear window to be attached to a convertible top, which is not shown in the figure.

[0044] By adjusting the length of the lever arms, mutual interference during the arrangement and operation of the individual elements is prevented. The interlocking design of the complementary ends of the webs ensures a precise arrangement of the individual lever elements, without any gaps where sufficient contact pressure is not generated to maintain a secure adhesive bond.

[0045] According to the exemplary embodiment, the individual lever assemblies of the device are made of a plastic material. By using 3D printing technology, i.e., an additive manufacturing process, the dimensions of the lever assemblies can be adapted and varied to suit the specific application. Of course, it is also possible to use other materials, such as light metals.

[0046] The device according to the invention is of course reusable. The suction cups, which are made of a flexible material, can be easily replaced if they become worn or damaged. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2024 001 991 U1

[0002]

Claims

[1] Device for temporarily clamping and fixing planar structures, in particular structures of different stiffness and / or surface properties, such as rigid glass or plastic sheets and textile materials, as an assembly aid for bonding the structures, comprising a rigid lever arrangement with a force arm (3) and a load arm (10), which is pivotable about a pivot point (6), wherein at least one suction cup (9) is located in the pivot point (6) to attach the lever arrangement to a first, in particular rigid, structure (1), wherein a device (4) for setting and specifying a lever force is formed at the end of the force arm and a web (11) for applying the lever force to a second, in particular flexible, structure (2) is provided on the load arm (10) such that the second structure (2) can be pressed against the first structure (1), characterized by, that the bridge (11) has a variable bridge width and / or bridge length and / or bridge shape and the bridge ends have a complementary crescent or circular arc shape (14), so that several such lever arrangements can be interlocked in the area of ​​their bridges (11) in a form-fitting manner. [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the respective bridge (11) has a circular arc shape over at least sections of its length. [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the contact surface and underside of the respective bridge (11) pointing towards the second structure (2) is designed as a slope (12). [4] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that in the area of ​​the pivot point (6) the lever arrangement has extensions with recesses (7) for receiving flexible suction cups (9). [5] Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the device for adjusting (4) and specifying a lever force comprises a through thread which receives an adjusting screw, wherein the free, lower adjusting screw end pointing towards the first structure (1) has a cap-like protective body (5) to prevent damage to the surface of the first structure (1).

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