Spring holder and workpiece carrier

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spring holder having an elastically deformable hanging structure and an elastically deformable clamping structure, wherein the spring holder can be hookedly connected to a workpiece carrier via the hanging structure, and the clamping structure has elastically deformable clamping tabs, which, in a clamping position, can apply a holding force to the workpiece via the clamping area when the spring holder is connected to the workpiece carrier, and the workpiece can be frictionally connected to the spring holder via a clamping surface abutting the clamping area, and thus can be removably fixed to the workpiece carrier.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a spring holder.The present invention further relates to a workpiece carrier. [Background technology]

[0002] Background of the Invention The spring holder and the workpiece carrier are used, for example, to fasten a workpiece (hereinafter also referred to as a substrate) to the workpiece carrier, which may be separated within and / or on the workpiece carrier. Furthermore, the spring holder and the workpiece carrier are used, for example, to subject the workpieces they hold to treatment, for example, surface treatment. Such treatment may include, for example, coating the workpiece surface or individual surface sections of the workpiece. The workpiece can be coated, for example, by chemical and / or physical processes, such as chemical vapor deposition, plasma-enhanced vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, or a combination of these processes. Other possible treatments in this context are, for example, polishing, painting, sanding, sandblasting, ultrasonic cleaning, or similar processes. Coating can be, and typically will be, performed in a coating facility.

[0003] Spring holders (also called clamping springs in this context) can be used to hold individual workpieces in place on fastening segments or receiving areas of a workpiece carrier. Thus, spring holders can be used to attach workpieces to a workpiece carrier.

[0004] The workpiece carrier is used to support one or more workpieces fastened by spring holders, and in particular, serves to support one or more workpieces attached to the workpiece carrier at one or more predetermined positions.

[0005] To position individual workpieces on, within, and / or on the respective fastening segments, the workpieces are fastened, positioned, and / or held by spring holders. After positioning, the workpieces can be removed from the workpiece carrier again. The spring holders and the workpiece carrier enable the workpiece to be attached to the workpiece carrier and subsequently detached.

[0006] In this regard, the spring holder is particularly suitable for holding compact workpieces, for example rectangular parallelepiped multi-sided workpieces, but the spring holder can also be designed to receive, hold, and / or clamp workpieces with different basic body shapes, for example, spherical, cubic, elliptical, pyramidal, or similar basic body shapes.

[0007] In order to ensure the most uniform possible machining results on the workpiece surface, the workpiece can be connected via the spring holder to the workpiece carrier and / or the fastening segments of the workpiece carrier in a non-positive (force-fixed) and / or positive (form-fit) manner.

[0008] The state of the art knows spring holders which are fastened in a materially joined manner to the workpiece carrier, for example by means of a welded connection.

[0009] To mount or equip a workpiece carrier, the workpiece is typically placed and clamped between several spring holders. For this purpose, the spring holders are securely connected to the workpiece carrier. In particular, a materially bonded connection is formed by welding the spring holders to the workpiece carrier. However, welding prevents the spring holders from being manually removed from the workpiece carrier. Deformation or breakage of one spring holder can result in lengthy repairs and / or replacement of the workpiece carrier, resulting in delayed operation time and additional costs. To prevent damage to the spring holders, all spring holders must also be covered when the workpiece carrier is cleaned, for example, by sandblasting. Covering the spring holders also causes time delays and additional costs. Additionally, other cleaning processes, such as ultrasonic cleaning, can result in unintended microwelded connections between the spring holders and the workpiece in contact with them. These micro-welded connections are often difficult to remove manually and can lead to damage to the surfaces of the spring holder and / or workpiece carrier when the workpiece carrier is unseated. Sensitive workpieces and spring holders can be damaged in the process. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved spring holder and an improved workpiece carrier in which these drawbacks are at least partially reduced.

[0011] Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention is based on the finding that a special configuration of the spring holder and workpiece carrier elements allows for quick installation or replacement of the spring holder and quick removal of the spring holder from the workpiece carrier. In addition, the inadvertent formation of microwelds between the spring holder and the workpiece during ultrasonic cleaning is reduced or completely eliminated.

[0013] In this way, the spring holder according to the present invention can be attached to and / or detached from the workpiece carrier according to the present invention very quickly, manually, semi-automatically, or fully automatically. As a result, time-consuming or difficult manual operations can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the spring holder according to the present invention and the workpiece carrier according to the present invention make it possible to equip the workpiece carrier with spring holders for different workpieces.

[0014] The spring holder according to the present invention is a spring holder having an elastically deformable hanging arrangement and an elastically deformable clamping arrangement, the spring holder being capable of being hooked to a workpiece carrier via the hanging arrangement, the clamping arrangement having an elastically deformable clamping tab, via which a holding force can be applied to the workpiece via the clamping area when the spring holder is connected to the workpiece carrier in the clamping position, the workpiece being frictionally coupled to the spring holder via a clamping surface abutting the clamping area, and thus being removably fixed to the workpiece carrier.

[0015] "Workpiece carrier" refers to a plate-shaped carrier element, such as a chassis, substrate sheet or holder, designed to hold one or more workpieces.

[0016] A "hanging arrangement" refers to an element of the spring holder that is suitable for fastening the spring holder to the workpiece carrier. The spring holder can be fastened to the workpiece carrier by one or more hanging arrangements, either detachably or non-detachably. A hanging arrangement can be, for example, a spring holder that is fastened to the workpiece carrier. Non-mating type (force fixed) and / or Interlocking type ( Shape Fit ) It can be designed to make the connection.

[0017] The connection between the spring holder's latching arrangement and the workpiece carrier is preferably designed to have a certain amount of play, i.e., to allow relative movement between the components. Play, for example, within an interval of 1 / 10 of a millimeter to 5 / 10 of a millimeter, allows for a resiliently movable suspension or attachment of the spring holder to the workpiece carrier. In the event of vibrations, such as during a cleaning process (e.g., an ultrasonic cleaning process), a resiliently movably attached spring holder allows for vibration decoupling. In other words, this allows the spring holder to vibrate at a different frequency and amplitude than the workpiece held within the spring holder during the vibration process. This vibration decoupling can reduce or prevent undesired welding, such as microwelding, between the spring holder and the workpiece. Furthermore, connections subject to play are particularly easy to remove. Connections subject to play between the latching arrangement, spring holder, and workpiece carrier can be released and / or made manually, semi-automatically, or automatically, particularly quickly and inexpensively.

[0018] A non-interlocking and / or interlocking connection, in particular a snap connection, between the spring element and the workpiece carrier makes it possible to eliminate connecting elements and processes such as welding seams between the spring holder and the workpiece carrier, and to easily replace the spring element.

[0019] "Elastically deformable" refers to the ability of an element and / or material to change its shape under the influence of a force and return to its original shape when the force is removed. The elastically deformable fastening arrangement allows the spring holder to be fastened to the workpiece carrier particularly quickly and manually. The elastically deformable clamping tabs allow the spring holder to adapt to the shape of the workpiece to be held. For example, the elastically deformable clamping tabs and / or the elastically deformable fastening arrangement can comprise a particularly highly elastic and / or formable material, such as austenitic steel. Such an austenitic steel is, for example, material 1.4310 (X10CrNi18-8), a particularly formable austenitic chromium-nickel steel.

[0020] A "clamping arrangement" refers to another element of the spring holder, the clamping arrangement adapted for holding a workpiece in contact therewith. The clamping arrangement can, for example, form a non-mating connection with a workpiece disposed thereon. Further, for example, the clamping arrangement can also form a frictional and / or mating connection with a workpiece disposed thereon.

[0021] "Latchable" refers to a removable or non-removable connection between two elements achieved by a latch. For example, the spring holder, or an element of the spring holder, or a section of the spring holder, may have a geometry suitable for being brought into a latching position with a workpiece carrier.

[0022] A "clamping tab" refers to an elastic element of a clamping arrangement that fastens a workpiece placed thereon. The clamping tab is a connecting element or connector between several elements. The clamping tab can be arranged, for example, between a workpiece and a workpiece carrier. The clamping tab can also include, for example, other elements. The clamping tab serves, in particular, to absorb and / or transmit forces, for example frictional and / or holding forces.

[0023] The "clamping position" refers to a position or setting of the spring holders in which the spring holders are latchably connected to the workpiece carrier. In the clamping position, a workpiece can be clamped between the clamping tabs of each spring holder. In other words, in the clamping position, one or more workpieces can be attached to the workpiece carrier, and the workpiece or workpieces can be secured by the spring holders.

[0024] The "clamping area" refers to the portion of the clamping tab that contacts the placed workpiece. Force is transmitted between the workpiece and the spring holder via the clamping area. For example, the clamping area of ​​the clamping tab makes contact with a clamping surface in or on the fastening area of ​​the workpiece. The clamping area can have clamping strips designed, for example, as edges or folds. Additionally or alternatively, the clamping area can have spherically curved clamping catches or clamping catches with a concave cross-sectional shape. Furthermore, clamping points, for example, embossed or painted nodules, can be arranged in the clamping area. The clamping points result in a selective distribution of holding and / or frictional forces.

[0025] "Clamping surface" refers to a surface of the workpiece that is a surface section or portion of the workpiece surface that is located in the clamping area of ​​the workpiece and that directly contacts the clamping area of ​​the spring holder in the clamping position. The fastening area of ​​the workpiece can be designed, for example, as a retaining tab, a latching tab, or a latching tongue of the workpiece and / or can be designed to form a friction connection with the clamping area of ​​the spring holder.

[0026] The "holding force" refers to one or more forces required to hold a workpiece, and may be, for example, a force caused by static friction. The one or more holding forces may be generated, for example, between a clamping surface and a clamping region at the clamping position of a spring holder.

[0027] "Frictionally engaged" refers to a detachable and resilient connection between two elements, which is achieved by frictional forces at the contact area of ​​the elements connected to one another. The frictional connection can be provided, for example, between a clamping surface and a clamping area in the clamping position of a spring holder.

[0028] In one variant, the latching arrangement includes a resilient tab that passes through a mating opening in the workpiece carrier and can be connected to the workpiece carrier via a latching tongue that acts as a snap hook.

[0029] "Resilient" refers to the tab's yielding under compressive stress, returning to its original shape when the compressive stress is removed. In other words, a resilient tab is a tab that is elastically deformed and therefore capable of absorbing mechanical energy. The resilient tab allows the spring holder to be manually inserted into the workpiece carrier in a particularly simple manner. For example, by manually compressing the resilient tab, the resilient tab can be particularly easily guided through a mating opening in the workpiece carrier. Furthermore, for example, the mating opening can have a smaller dimension than the dimension of the resilient tab in a state where it is not stressed by a compressive force.

[0030] A latching tongue acting as a "snap hook" is, for example, a snap connection or an element of a snap connection. A snap connection can include an element for a simple, form-fit connection of components or elements, detachable or non-detachable. In this context, for example, the parts to be connected, such as the latching tongue, are elastically deformed and then hook in a detachable or non-detachable manner.

[0031] There are versions in which the clamping arrangement and the latching arrangement, respectively, are arranged in a folded manner on the base plate.

[0032] The base plate is a flat, plate-like element of the spring holder. The base plate can have, for example, a rectangular or rectangular body. Furthermore, for example, the clamping arrangement and / or the hooking arrangement can be arranged on the edge of the base plate. "Folded" refers to an angled arrangement of the clamping arrangement and / or the hooking arrangement on the base plate. In other words, the clamping arrangement and the base plate form an angle, and the hooking arrangement and the base plate form a further angle. The folded clamping arrangement and / or the folded hooking arrangement allow the spring holder to be manufactured particularly easily and / or geometrically adapted to the corresponding workpiece carrier.

[0033] There is a variant in which the spring holder is formed in a single piece. A single-piece spring holder is formed from a single spring holder molding. This allows the spring holder to be manufactured in a particularly cheap and / or quick manner, for example by stamping a spring holder blank from sheet metal. Additionally or alternatively, a preformed spring holder can also be cut out from a corresponding shape, such as sheet metal or thin sheet, by laser cutting.

[0034] In one variant, the base plate is rectangular, the first and second latching arrangements are formed on opposing edges, and the clamping arrangement is formed on an edge connecting the opposing edges. "Rectangular" refers to the rectangular or rectangular-shaped body of the base plate, on whose edges the first and second latching arrangements and the clamping arrangement can be arranged. A spring holder having at least two latching arrangements can be latched to a workpiece carrier in a particularly secure manner.

[0035] In one variant, the resilient tab comprises a side plate and a latching tongue. The side plate can be, for example, a plate-like element with a rectangular body that is arranged between the base plate and the latching tongue. The latching tongue can be, for example, a plate-like element with a rectangular body. The side plate and the latching tongue can be arranged at an angle to each other. The side plate and the latching tongue can be designed as one integral part.

[0036] In some embodiments, the latch end is disposed on a protrusion formed on the latch tongue. The term "latch end" refers to the end section of the latch tongue or the end section of the protrusion formed on the latch tongue. Such a latch end may have, for example, a rectangular or similarly suitable profile, and is designed to engage in a latch slot and / or latch into a latch slot and / or engage in a latch notch and / or engage in a force-locking connection and / or a form-fit connection and / or a contact connection and / or a friction connection. The latch end may be defined by the thickness of the latch tongue. The latch end may be integrally formed in one piece with the latch tongue and / or may be part of the latch tongue.

[0037] Alternatively, the latching end can be arranged on a protrusion formed on the latching tongue. The protrusion represents a shoulder, protrusion, or latching tab extending from the latching tongue or the end of the latching tongue. The protrusion allows particularly fast manual, semi-automatic, or automatic insertion or removal of the spring holder on the workpiece carrier. In particular, the protrusion can make it easier to insert the spring holder into the workpiece carrier.

[0038] In one variation, the clamping tab includes clamping legs and guide legs, which encompass a clamping angle, the magnitude of which is between 60° and 170°, preferably between 115° and 125°. In other words, the clamping angle is formed by the guide legs and the clamping legs. In the clamping position or clamping setting of the spring holder, the clamping angle of the elastic clamping tab can, for example, be further widened. Furthermore, for example, the clamping angle can also define the size and / or shape of the clamping area.

[0039] There are variants in which the clamping region includes clamping strips designed as edges and / or folds, or clamping fasteners designed as spherically curved tabs. The edges or boundaries can be formed, for example, as single straight edges or as edges with recesses. The folds can be formed, for example, as step, edge, fold, or groove-shaped transitions. In this respect, the folds can be designed as single folds or as folds with recesses. Alternatively, the clamping region can have clamping fasteners designed as spherically curved tabs. The spherically curved tabs can have a concave, convex, or U-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0040] In some variations, the clamping region has at least one clamping point. The clamping point may be, for example, a spherical, cylindrical, or point-like arc or curve extending from the surface of the clamping region. For example, the clamping point may extend perpendicularly or at an angle from the clamping region. The clamping point is suitable for particularly large and minimized contact areas between the spring holder and the workpiece, allowing particularly good access to exposed workpiece surface sections as the workpiece is machined. The clamping region may also have several clamping points.

[0041] In a variant, at least one pinch point is in the form of an embossed or painted nodule. The nodule can be formed, for example, as a raised bump or a knot-like thickening. Some pinch points can also be formed, for example, as an embossed and / or painted nodule.

[0042] In some variations, the latching and clamping features extend in a first vertical direction from the base plate. The first vertical direction represents one or more directions extending at an angular interval from the primary extension plane. The primary extension level is defined by at least one longitudinal direction and one lateral edge of the base plate. For example, the first vertical direction can include a first angular interval of 0° to 180°. Furthermore, for example, the side plate and the base plate can encompass a lateral angle, and the base plate and the clamping legs can encompass a contact angle. Furthermore, for example, the lateral angle and the contact angle can each have an angular magnitude within a first angular interval, whereby the positions of the side plate and the clamping legs are within the first vertical direction. The angular magnitude of the lateral angle can be different from or equal to the angular magnitude of the contact angle.

[0043] Alternatively, the latching feature and the clamping feature may extend in opposite vertical directions from the base plate. For example, the clamping tab may extend in a first vertical direction from the base plate, and the latching feature may extend in a second vertical direction. The second vertical direction may include, for example, a second angular interval of 180° to 360°. Further, for example, the contact angle may have an angular magnitude in the second angular interval. In this position, the clamping tab extends in a vertical direction opposite the vertical orientation of the latching feature.

[0044] The workpiece carrier according to the present invention is a workpiece carrier for holding a plurality of workpieces with a plurality of removable spring holders, wherein at least two clamping areas of the plurality of removable spring holders are arranged so that in each case one fastening area of ​​the workpiece is held by the clamping area with the clamping surface facing the respective clamping area due to elastic deformation of the clamping tabs in the clamping position.

[0045] "Fastening area of ​​the workpiece" refers to an area or portion of the workpiece that includes the clamping surface that directly contacts the clamping portion of the spring holder in the clamped position.

[0046] "Elastic deformation" refers to a reversible change in the shape of an element as a result of an external force. For example, the clamping tab and / or individual sections of the clamping tab, such as the clamping region and / or the guide leg and / or the clamping leg, may be elastically deformable under the action of an external force.

[0047] Alternatively or additionally, however, the workpiece and / or the fastening area and / or the clamping surface may also be elastically deformable under the influence of an external force. The elastic deformability of the clamping tabs, for example, allows for the formation of a frictional connection between the clamping surface of the workpiece and the clamping area of ​​the spring holder. In addition, the elastically deformable clamping tabs allow for clamping of rigid workpieces. In other words, for example, the workpiece and / or the fastening area and / or the clamping surface may include or be formed from a material that is harder and / or less elastic than the clamping tabs and / or the material of the clamping tabs. Alternatively, for example, the workpiece and / or the fastening area and / or the clamping surface may include or be formed from a material that is softer and / or more elastic than the clamping tabs and / or the material of the clamping tabs. As a further alternative, the elastic deformability of the workpiece and / or the fastening area and / or the clamping surface may allow for a rigid or constant configuration of the spring holder, for example. The rigid configuration of the spring holder reduces stress on the spring holder and reduces wear on the spring holder and / or workpiece carrier.

[0048] In some embodiments, two clamping regions are arranged opposite each other, and the fastening region is held between the clamping regions. For example, the two opposing clamping regions of each spring holder can be arranged so as to be mirror-symmetrical or offset on the workpiece carrier or in the open slot of the workpiece carrier. In particular, the two clamping regions can be arranged to fix the fastening region in the clamping position. Alternatively, the two opposing clamping regions can be arranged to fix several fastening regions of the workpiece. In the clamping position of the spring holder, the two opposing clamping regions enable a particularly uniform distribution of the holding force on the respective clamping surfaces.

[0049] In an embodiment, the workpiece carrier has a plurality of mating openings, and a resilient tab of a hooking configuration that passes through the mating openings of the workpiece carrier can be connected to the workpiece carrier via a hooking tongue that functions as a snap hook, and the dimensions of the mating openings of the workpiece carrier and the dimensions of the resilient tab are adapted to each other so that the spring holder is fixed to the workpiece carrier with at least one degree of freedom of movement transverse to the mating direction in which the resilient tab passes through the mating openings.

[0050] The "mating direction" refers to the direction in which the resilient tab passes through the mating opening. The mating direction can extend parallel to the width of the workpiece carrier. A direction transverse to the mating direction extends perpendicular to the mating direction. For example, a direction transverse to the mating direction is parallel to the length of the workpiece carrier.

[0051] "Mating opening dimensions" refers to the dimensions of the mating opening, such as the length and / or width edges of the mating opening. "Resilient tab dimensions" refers to the dimensions of the resilient tab.

[0052] The "degree of freedom of movement" refers to the possibility of independent movement of an element. For example, the spring holder can have at least one degree of freedom of movement transverse to the mating direction. In other words, after the spring holder is inserted into the workpiece carrier, the spring holder can be displaced in a direction transverse to the mating direction, i.e., along a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece carrier. The displacement can be limited by the dimensions of the mating opening. Alternatively, the displacement can be enabled by play. The degree of freedom of movement transverse to the mating direction also allows for limited positional changes and / or adjustments of the spring holder in the clamped position, in addition to particularly simple manual use of the spring holder.

[0053] In an embodiment, the resilient tab comprises a side plate and a latching tongue, a latching slot for accommodating the latching end of the latching tongue is formed in the region of the mating opening, and the spring holder can be adjusted in the direction of the degree of freedom of movement transverse to the mating direction.

[0054] The "area of ​​the fitting opening" refers to a spatial area extending around the fitting opening, for example, a spatial area preferably having an extending interval of 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm.

[0055] The "latching slot" refers to a rectangular or rectangular-shaped recess on the workpiece carrier. The latching slot can be designed as a notch, groove, or recess. The latching slot can form an opening in the workpiece carrier. Alternatively, the latching slot can be designed as a discontinuous recess. The latching slot can be arranged in and / or on the workpiece carrier, parallel to the wall of the mating opening and at a distance. The latching slot allows, for example, a connection between the latching tongue and the workpiece carrier, which connection can be precise or subject to play. In particular, a spring holder can be arranged on the workpiece carrier so that it can be displaced or adjusted along the latching slot.

[0056] There is a version in which the resilient tab comprises a side plate and a latching tongue, a latching notch is arranged on at least one wall of the mating opening, the latching notch receives a latching end of the latching tongue, and the spring holder is adjustably movable in the direction of the degree of freedom of movement transverse to the mating direction.

[0057] The "latch notch" refers to a groove, cutout, or recess formed in the fitting opening of the workpiece carrier or in the wall of the fitting opening. The latch notch of the fitting opening can have, for example, a rectangular or similarly suitable basic shape. The latch notch can enlarge the fitting opening. The latch notch can be designed or formed accordingly to engage with the latch end of the latch tongue in a force-locking connection, a form-fit connection, a contact connection, and / or a friction connection. The latch notch can also be designed to guide and / or fix the latch end. The latch notch allows the latch end to be received, positioned, and fixed. For example, the connection between the latch notch and the latch end arranged on the protrusion can be designed as a snap connection.

[0058] The latching end can extend along and / or contact the latching notch. The latching notch can, for example, enable a connection between the latching tongue and the workpiece carrier that is precisely fitted and / or has a certain degree of play. The latching notch can be designed to receive the latching end of the latching tongue, in particular, so that the spring holder can be adjusted in the direction of its degree of freedom of movement transverse to the mating direction. The latching notch allows for particularly fast manual, semi-automatic or automatic installation of the spring holder in the workpiece carrier and / or removal of the spring holder from the workpiece carrier.

[0059] Further aspects and features of the present invention emerge from the dependent claims, the accompanying drawings and the following description of embodiments.

[0060] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0061] [Figure 1A] 1 is a schematic plan view of the upper side of a workpiece carrier with a workpiece and a welded spring holder according to the state of the art; [Figure 1B] 1B is a schematic plan view of the lower section of the workpiece carrier shown in FIG. 1A; [Figure 2A] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a spring holder for fastening a workpiece to a workpiece carrier; [Figure 2B] 2B shows a schematic side view of the spring holder of FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] 1 is a schematic plan view of one embodiment of a pre-formed spring holder according to the present invention; [Figure 2D] 2D shows a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line AA shown in FIG. 2C. [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a schematic exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional profile of a clamping configuration. [Figure 3B]10 illustrates another schematic exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional profile of a clamping configuration. [Figure 3C] 10 illustrates another schematic exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional profile of a clamping configuration. [Figure 3D] 10 illustrates another schematic exemplary embodiment of a cross-sectional profile of a clamping configuration. [Figure 3E] 3A-3C show diagrammatically the functional principle of an embodiment of the workpiece carrier, the workpiece and the spring holder in the clamped position, shown in cross-sectional profile; [Figure 4A] 1 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of an unloaded workpiece carrier according to the invention; [Figure 4B] 3A shows a schematic enlargement of the area marked X from FIG. 3A. [Figure 5A] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a surface section of a workpiece carrier with two spring holders. [Figure 5B] 5B shows a schematic perspective view of the lower section of the workpiece carrier of FIG. 5A. [Figure 6] 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a spring holder; [Figure 7] 10 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a spring holder for fastening a workpiece to a workpiece carrier; [Figure 8] 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a surface section of a workpiece carrier with two spring holders. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0062] Description of the embodiment FIG. 1A shows a schematic plan view of the upper side of a workpiece carrier 200 according to the state of the art, which includes a workpiece 300 and welded spring holders 10. A plurality of workpieces 300 or substrates are arranged on the workpiece carrier 200 at a distance from one another. In addition, several spring holders 10 are arranged on the workpiece carrier 200 or substrate sheet. The spring holders 10 are designed to hold the workpieces 300 (not shown) in place by frictionally engaging the clamping surfaces of the respective workpieces 300. The state-of-the-art spring holder 10 includes a base plate that is fixed to the workpiece carrier 200 in a material-joint manner by welded seams 11 at two parallel width edges. In addition, the state-of-the-art spring holder 10 includes clamping arrangements 13. The workpiece carrier 200 includes a plurality of open slots 203, into which the clamping arrangements 13 of the respective spring holders 10 are arranged. The spring holders 10 are in a clamping position in which the workpieces clamped by them can be processed, cleaned and / or coated.

[0063] 1B is a schematic plan view of the lower section of the workpiece carrier 200 shown in FIG. 1A. A retention tab or fastening area 302 of the workpiece 300 having a clamping surface 301 and a plurality of clamping arrangements 13 of each spring holder 10 pass through an open slot 203 in the workpiece carrier 200. The clamping arrangements 13 each contact the clamping surface 301 of the workpiece 300, thereby holding the workpiece 300 in place.

[0064] 2A shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a spring holder 100 for fastening a workpiece to a workpiece carrier. The spring device 100 has a base plate 110 having an essentially rectangular or rectangular-like basic shape in a main extension plane defined by a longitudinal edge 111 and a width edge 112. The spring holder 100 is designed as one integral part. The spring holder 100 has two elastically deformable latching arrangements 120 and an elastically deformable clamping arrangement 130.

[0065] Each of the hooking arrangements 120 is folded or positioned at an angle on the base plate 110. The spring holder 100 can be fabricated to hook with a workpiece carrier 200 (not shown) via the hooking arrangements 120. Each of the hooking arrangements 120 has a resilient tab 121 that passes through a mating opening (not shown) in the workpiece carrier 200 and can be connected to the workpiece carrier via a hooking tongue 122 that acts as a snap hook. The two hooking arrangements 120 are spaced apart parallel to each other and are each positioned on an edge or width edge 112. In other words, the first and second hooking arrangements 120 are formed on opposing edges 112, and the clamping arrangement 130 is formed on an edge 111 connecting the opposing edges. A base fold edge 124 extends between the hooking arrangements 120 and the base plate 110. The resilient tab 121 and the base plate 110 enclose a lateral angle α. The lateral angle α can have a magnitude between 100° and 120°, preferably between 105° and 115°, and most preferably 110°. The lateral angle α defines a base fold edge 124.

[0066] The resilient tab 121 includes a side plate 126 and a latching tongue 122. The latching tongue 122 and the side plate 126 are arranged at an angle relative to each other. A latching end 125 having a rectangular profile is arranged in the end region of the latching tongue 122. The side plate 126 is formed as a plate-like element having a rectangular body. The side plate 126 is arranged between the base plate 110 and the latching tongue 122. The side plate 126 and the latching tongue 122 are arranged at an angle relative to each other. The side plate 126 and the latching tongue 122 enclose a return angle β. The return angle β can have a magnitude of 30° to 50°, preferably 35° to 45°, and most preferably 40°. When pressure is applied to the surface of the latching tongue 122, the return angle β can increase or decrease. The lateral folded edges 123 extend between the lateral plates 126 and the latching tongues 122. A return angle β defines the lateral folded edges 123.

[0067] The elastically deformable clamping structure 130 is disposed on the longitudinal edge 111 of the base plate 110. The clamping structure 130 is folded or disposed at an angle on the base plate 110. The clamping structure 130 has a clamping tab 131. The clamping tab 131 includes a plate-shaped clamping leg 133, a plate-shaped guide leg 132, and a clamping region 134 disposed between the guide leg 132 and the clamping leg 133. The clamping leg 133 and the base plate 110 enclose a contact angle γ. In other words, the clamping leg 133 and the base plate 110 are disposed at an angle relative to each other. The contact angle γ may be 105° to 125°, preferably 110° to 120°, and most preferably 115°. The contact angle γ shown in FIG. 2A is 115°. A forward fold edge 109 extends between the clamping legs 133 and the base plate 110. A contact angle γ defines the forward fold edge 109.

[0068] The clamping region 134 has a clamping strip 136 extending between the guide leg 132 and the clamping leg 133. In the clamping position (not shown), the clamping strip 136 contacts the clamping surface 301 of the fastening region 302 of the workpiece 300. The clamping leg 133 and the guide leg 132 are disposed at an angle relative to each other. The clamping leg 133 and the guide leg 132 subtend a clamping angle δ. The clamping angle δ defines the clamping region 134. The clamping angle δ can have a magnitude between 110° and 130°, preferably between 115° and 125°, and most preferably 120°. The clamping angle δ shown in FIG. 2A is 120°.

[0069] 2B shows a schematic side view of the spring holder 100 of FIG. 2A. In the clamping position (not shown), the clamping angle δ can widen and the contact angle γ can decrease under the influence of pressure and / or holding force. As a result, in the clamping position, a holding force can be applied to the contact clamping surface 301 of the workpiece 300 via the clamping region 134, so that the workpiece 300 can be frictionally coupled to the clamping region 134 via the clamping surface 301 resting on the clamping region 134. The guide legs 132 allow for easy insertion of the spring device 100 into the open slot 203 of the workpiece carrier 200 (not shown).

[0070] 2C shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a pre-formed spring holder 100 according to the present invention. The dotted lines indicate the rectangular shape of the base plate 110.

[0071] Figure 2D shows a schematic cross section along the section line AA shown in Figure 2C. In the position of the spring holder 100 shown, the lateral angle α is 110°. In the position of the spring holder 100 shown, the return angle β is 40°.

[0072] 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D each show schematic exemplary embodiments of different cross-sectional shapes of a clamping arrangement 130 having clamping tabs 131 of different shapes. FIG. 3A shows a clamping arrangement 130 having clamping tabs 131 with a clamping region 134 having clamping strips 136 designed as folds. FIG. 3B shows a clamping region 134 with clamping strips 136 designed as edges. FIG. 3C shows a clamping region 134 with clamping strips 136 designed as folds, with clamping points 138 arranged in the clamping region 134. The clamping points 138 can be designed as embossed or painted blobs. The blobs can particularly enable the formation of a non-slip clamping region 134. In FIG. 3C, the clamping points 138 are in the form of painted blobs. FIG. 3D shows a clamping arrangement 130 having a clamping tab 131 with a clamping catch 137 designed as a spherically curved tab in a clamping area 134 .

[0073] 3E shows a schematic diagram of the functional principle of an embodiment of the workpiece carrier 200, the workpiece 300 and the two spring holders 100 shown in cross-sectional profile in the clamping position. The clamping arrangement 130 passes through the open slot 203 of the workpiece carrier 200, and the clamping strips 136, designed as folds in the clamping area 134, contact the opposing clamping surfaces 301 of the fastening area 302 of the workpiece 300, whereby the fastening area 302 is fixed and held under the elastic deformation of the clamping tabs 131.

[0074] 4A shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of an unloaded workpiece carrier 200. The workpiece carrier 200 has five fastening segments 204 arranged parallel to one another for fastening a workpiece 300. The adjacent fastening segments 204 define a longitudinal direction L of the workpiece carrier. A width direction B of the workpiece carrier is defined by the width of the fastening segments 204. Each fastening segment 204 has three parallel open slots 203 spaced apart from one another, which differ in length and shape from one another. Adjacent to two of the open slots 203 are a plurality of pairs of spaced-apart mating openings 201. Each mating opening 201 allows a latching arrangement 120 to pass through and, in the clamped position, serves as a seat for a resilient tab 121. The resilient tab 121 of the latching arrangement 120 can be connected to the workpiece carrier 200 by passing through the fitting opening 201 of the workpiece carrier 200 via the latching tongue 122 acting as a snap hook. The dimensions of the fitting opening 201 of the workpiece carrier 200 and the dimensions of the resilient tab 121 are adapted to each other so that the spring holder 100 is fixed to the workpiece carrier 200 with at least one degree of freedom of movement in a direction transverse to the fitting direction in which the resilient tab 121 passes through the fitting opening 201. In other words, the spring holder 100 can be adjusted in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L of the workpiece carrier via the existing play.

[0075] The mating opening 201 is arranged such that, in the clamping position, the two spring devices 100 are arranged with their clamping regions 134 facing each other. In other words, a single fastening region 302 of the workpiece 300 can be arranged in the clamping position between the two opposing clamping regions 134 of the two spring devices 100 within the opening slot 203 and held on the abutting clamping surfaces 301 of the two opposing clamping regions 134.

[0076] 4B schematically shows an enlargement of the region marked with X from FIG. 3A. The fitting opening 201 has a rectangular basic shape, with a longitudinal edge 205 of the basic shape extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L and a width edge 206 of the fitting opening extending in a direction parallel to the width direction B. The rectangular latching slot 202 is arranged within an extension interval 209 in the region of the fitting opening 201. The width edge 207 of the latching slot is aligned with the width edge 206 of the fitting opening. In other words, the width edge 206 of the fitting opening and the width edge 207 of the latching slot are aligned in a direction parallel to the width direction B. The latching slot 202 is designed to receive the latch end 125 of the latch tongue 122, so that the spring holder 100 can be adjusted in the direction of the degree of freedom of movement transverse to the fitting direction of the spring holder 100.

[0077] 5A shows a schematic perspective view of a surface section of a workpiece carrier 200 with two spring holders 100. The spring holders 100 are located in the mating receiving holes 201 on two sides of the opening slot 203. The clamping regions 134 of the two spring holders are arranged opposite each other (not shown). The latching end 125 of the latching tongue 122 is arranged to latch with the latching slot 202, and the latching end 125 is arranged inside the latching slot 202.

[0078] 5B shows a schematic perspective view of the underside section of the workpiece carrier 200 of FIG. 5A. Two spring holders 100 are latchably connected to the workpiece carrier 200. The clamping portions 134 of the spring holders 100 are disposed opposite each other. The latch ends 125 of the latch tongues 122 are engaged with the latch slots 202, respectively, to form a positive and / or non-positive connection.

[0079] FIG. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a spring holder. The spring holder 100 has a base plate 110 having a basic rectangular shape, on which a clamping arrangement 130 having an elastic clamping tab 131 is arranged. In the clamping position (not shown), when the spring holder 100 is connected to a workpiece carrier, a holding force is applied to the workpiece via a clamping area 134. The workpiece (not shown) can be frictionally connected to the spring holder via a clamping surface that contacts the clamping area 134 and can thus be removably fixed to the workpiece carrier (not shown). The spring holder has an elastically deformable latching arrangement 120. The latching arrangement 120 can be latchably connected to the workpiece carrier. The latching arrangement 120 is formed as an integral part with the base plate 110. The base plate 110 has three cutting edges 113 connected to each other. The three cutting edges 113 form a U-shaped cut. The hooking arrangement 120 is removed from the base plate 110 along the cut and is positioned at an angle relative to the base plate 110. In other words, the hooking arrangement 120 is formed from a portion of the base plate 110. The hooking arrangement 120 has a resilient tab 121 that passes through a mating opening in the workpiece carrier and can be connected to the workpiece carrier via a hooking tongue 122 that acts as a snap hook. The clamping arrangement 130 and the hooking arrangement 120 are each folded and positioned on the base plate 110. The spring holder 100 is formed as a single, integral part.

[0080] 7 is a schematic perspective view of a further embodiment of a spring holder for fastening a workpiece to a workpiece carrier. The spring holder 100 has a latching tongue 122 with a latching end 125, which is formed by a protrusion on the latching tongue. 127 The latching end 125 is a protrusion formed on the latching tongue 122. 127 The latch end 125 has a rectangular cross-sectional profile adapted to engage and / or mate with a latch notch (not shown). 127 The latch tongue 122 is integrally formed. 127 extends perpendicularly from the edge of the latch tongue 122.

[0081] 8 shows a schematic perspective view of a surface section of the workpiece carrier 200 with two spring holders according to FIG. 7. The fitting openings 201 of the workpiece carrier 200 each have a latch notch 208. The latch notches 208 are each arranged in the wall of the fitting opening 201. The latch notches 208 have a rectangular basic shape. The two spring holders 100 are arranged opposite each other in the opening slots 203 in the clamping position. Each latch notch 208 receives a latch end 125 of a latch tongue 122. Due to the play (not shown) between the latch end 125 and the latch notch 208, the spring holder 100 can be adjusted in the direction of its degree of freedom of movement transverse to the fitting direction. The latch end 125 and the protrusion 127 extends over or within the latch notch 208.

[0082] The exemplary embodiments described above are embodiments of the present invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the present invention that should be considered independently of one another, and they also develop the present invention independently of one another and therefore should also be considered as part of the present invention individually or in combinations other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can be supplemented by further features of the present invention already described.

[0083] Further features and embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure and claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] Reference Code List 10 Current state of the art spring holder 13 Current technology of clamping structure of spring holder 100 Spring holder 109 Front folded edge 110 Base Plate 111 Long edge 112 Edge 120 Hanging Configuration 121 Resilient Tabs 122 Latching tongue 123 Side folded edge 126 Side Plate 130 Sandwiching configuration 131 Clamping tab 132 Guide leg 133 Clamping legs 134 Clamping area 136 Clamping strip 138 Pinching point 200 Workpiece carrier 201 Mating opening 203 Opening slot 204 Fastening Segments 300 Workpiece 301 Clamping surface 302 Fastening area

Claims

1. A spring holder (100) having an elastically deformable latching arrangement (120) and an elastically deformable clamping arrangement (130), The spring holder (100) may be latchably connected to a workpiece carrier (200) via the latch arrangement (120), the clamping arrangement (130) has elastically deformable clamping tabs (131), and when the spring holder (100) is connected to the workpiece carrier (200), a holding force can be applied to the workpiece (300) in the clamping position via the clamping tabs (131) via the clamping area (134), and the workpiece (300) can be frictionally connected to the spring holder (100) via a clamping surface (301) that contacts the clamping area (134), and thus can be removably fixed to the workpiece carrier (200); Each of the clamping arrangements (130) and the latching arrangements (120) is folded and arranged on a base plate (110), and the spring holder (100) is integrally formed; The spring holder (100) has a rectangular base plate (110), first and second latching arrangements (120) formed on opposing edges (112), and the clamping arrangement (130) formed on an edge (111) connecting the opposing edges.

2. 2. The spring holder (100) of claim 1, wherein the latching arrangement (120) includes a resilient tab (121) that passes through a mating opening (201) in the workpiece carrier (200) and can be connected to the workpiece carrier (200) via a latching tongue (122) that acts as a snap hook.

3. 3. The spring holder (100) of claim 2, wherein the resilient tab (121) includes a side plate (126) and a latching tongue (122).

4. 4. The spring holder (100) according to claim 3, wherein the latching end (125) is disposed on a protrusion (127) formed on the latching tongue (122).

5. 5. The spring holder (100) according to claim 1, wherein the clamping tab (131) includes a clamping leg (133) and a guide leg (132), the clamping leg (133) and the guide leg (132) enclosing a clamping angle (δ), the clamping angle (δ) having a magnitude between 70° and 170°.

6. The spring holder (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the clamping area (134) further comprises clamping strips (136) formed as edges and / or folds, or clamping catches (137) designed as spherically curved tabs.

7. The spring holder (100) of claim 6, wherein the clamping area (134) has at least one clamping point (138).

8. The spring holder (100) of claim 7, wherein the at least one pinch point (138) is in the form of an embossed or painted nodule.

9. 8. A workpiece carrier (200) for receiving a plurality of workpieces (300) with a plurality of removable spring holders (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least two clamping areas (134) of the spring holders (100) are arranged such that a fastening area (302) of the workpiece (300) is held by the clamping area (134) and a clamping surface (301) faces the respective clamping area (134) in a clamping position with elastic deformation of the clamping tabs (131).

10. 10. The workpiece carrier (200) of claim 9, wherein two clamping regions (134) are arranged opposite each other, and the fastening region (302) is held between the clamping regions (134).

11. 11. The workpiece carrier (200) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the workpiece carrier has a plurality of mating openings (201), and resilient tabs (121) of the latching arrangement (120) can pass through the mating openings (201) of the workpiece carrier (200) and be connected to the workpiece carrier (200) via latch tongues (122) acting as snap hooks, and dimensions (205, 206) of the mating openings (201) of the workpiece carrier (200) and dimensions of the resilient tabs (121) are adapted to each other so that the spring holder (100) is fixed to the workpiece carrier (200) with at least one degree of freedom of movement transverse to a mating direction (B) in which the resilient tabs pass through the mating openings (201).

12. 12. The workpiece carrier (200) according to claim 11, wherein the resilient tab (121) comprises a side plate (126) and a latching tongue (122), and in the region of the mating opening (201) a latching slot (202) is formed to receive the latching end (125) of the latching tongue (122), and the spring holder (100) can be adjusted in the direction of the degree of freedom of movement transverse to the mating direction.

13. 12. The workpiece carrier (200) of claim 11, wherein the resilient tab (121) includes a side plate (126) and a latching tongue (122), a latching notch (208) is arranged on at least one wall of the mating opening (201), the latching notch (208) receives a latching end (125) of the latching tongue (122), and the spring holder (100) is adjustable in the direction of the degree of freedom of movement transverse to the mating direction.

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