Centering clamping apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a centering clamping apparatus comprising a movable clamping hook (2) which is located on a housing (1), is operatively connected, extending through a wall of the housing (1) and a centering pin (3) located on the housing (1), to an actuation mechanism (4) located inside the housing (1), and is designed to perform a lifting and pivoting movement. According to the invention, the clamping hook (2) and the actuation mechanism (4) are located on a holder (5) mounted rotatably in the housing (1), and the centering pin (3) through which the clamping hook (2) extends is adjustably secured to the housing (1).

Description

[0001] Centering clamping device

[0002] The invention relates to a centering clamping device according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0003] A centering clamping device of the type mentioned above is known from document DE 20 2014 010 281 U1. This consists of a movable clamping hook arranged on a housing, which extends through a wall of the housing and a centering mandrel arranged on the housing, is operatively connected to an adjusting mechanism arranged within the housing, and is designed to perform a lifting and pivoting movement. Such a centering clamping device is used in particular for clamping sheet metal provided with a recess matching the centering mandrel during welding, particularly in automobile production.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of improving a centering clamping device of the type mentioned above. In particular, a centering clamping device that can be used even more flexibly is to be created.

[0005] This object is achieved with a centering clamping device of the type mentioned at the outset by the features listed in the characterizing part of patent claim 1.

[0006] According to the invention, it is therefore provided that the clamping hook and the adjusting mechanism are arranged on a holder which is rotatably mounted in the housing, and that the centering mandrel through which the clamping hook passes is adjustably fastened to the housing. In other words, the solution according to the invention is characterized in that the clamping position of the clamping hook in relation to an outer circumference of the centering mandrel is adjustable independently of the position of the housing. If, for example, the clamping position in relation to the circumference of the centering mandrel has to be changed because of a changed workpiece, there is no need to dismantle the entire housing from the system and reassemble it in a different position; it is sufficient to rotate the holder according to the invention within the housing together with the centering mandrel accordingly.The solution according to the invention is also particularly advantageous since the clamping hook can no longer be used only in two positions ( namely on its front and rear housing flank ) , but can now be used in practically any number of circumferential positions 15 .

[0007] Other advantageous developments of the centering clamping device according to the invention result from the dependent patent claims. 20

[0008] The centering clamping device according to the invention, including its advantageous developments according to the dependent patent claims, is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing of a preferred embodiment.

[0009] It shows

[0010] Figure 1 shows a section through the centering clamping device according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a perspective view through the centering clamping device according to

[0011] Figure 1 ;

[0012] Figure 3 shows a partially exploded view of the centering clamping device according to Figure 1;

[0013] Figure 4 shows, as an assembly, a perspective view from below of the middle part of the centering clamping device according to Figure 3;

[0014] Figure 5 shows in perspective and partially transparent the centering clamping device with the clamping hook in a first circumferential position; 10

[0015] Figure 6 shows in perspective and partially transparent the centering clamping device with the clamping hook in a second circumferential position;

[0016] Figure 7 shows a section through the assembly according to Figure 4;

[0017] Figure 8 shows in perspective as an assembly the 15 holder according to the invention with two ring bearings and a position sensor ring;

[0018] Figure 9 shows in section the assembly according to Figure 8;

[0019] Figure 10 shows a section through the centering clamping device (without drive) with the position sensor; 20

[0020] Figure 11 shows in perspective an assembly of the centering mandrel with the workpiece abutment and the fixing element;

[0021] Figure 12 shows a perspective view from below of the assembly according to Figure 11, but without the fixing element;

[0022] Figure 13 from above the assembly according to Figure 11 ; and 25

[0023] Figure 14 from above one with the here octagonal

[0024] Intermediate disc of the fixing element cooperating with the edge of the centering mandrel.

[0025] The centering clamping device shown in the figures in different positions consists, in a known manner, of a movable clamping hook 2 arranged on a housing 1, which extends through a wall of the housing 1 and a centering mandrel 3 arranged on the housing 1, is operatively connected to an adjusting mechanism 4 arranged within the housing 1 and is designed to carry out a lifting and pivoting movement. 5

[0026] In this case, a workpiece abutment 12 which interacts with the clamping hook 2 when clamping a workpiece is preferably provided on the centering mandrel 3. As can be seen particularly well in Figure 11, at least one chip removal recess 12.1 is preferably provided on the workpiece abutment 12, so that accumulating chips or the like do not remain on the workpiece abutment 12 as far as possible.

[0027] What is essential for this centering clamping device (see Figure 1 in particular) is that the clamping hook 2 and the adjusting mechanism 4 are arranged on a holder 5 which is rotatably mounted in the housing 1, and that the centering mandrel 3, through which the clamping hook 2 passes, is adjustably fastened to the housing 1. The high flexibility of the solution according to the invention is particularly evident from Figures 5, 6, 13 and 14, which show the different circumferential positions of the clamping hook 2.

[0028] Particularly preferably, with reference to Figures 5 and 8, the holder 5 has a cylindrical outer surface 5.1. The term "cylindrical" here and in the following refers not only to the ideal cylindrical shape, which is particularly preferred, but also to approximately cylindrical surfaces, i.e., ultimately, bodies that are at least pentagonal in cross-section, with the cylindrical shape increasing accordingly with the number of corners or edges. Ultimately, the decisive factor is that the holder 5 has a shape that is favorable for rotation in the housing 1.

[0029] Accordingly, a recess with a cylindrical inner surface 1.1 facing the outer surface 5.1 of the holder 5 is preferably provided in the housing 1 (see in particular Figure 7).

[0030] In order to ensure that the holder 5 can be rotated smoothly in the housing 1, and ultimately also independently of the shape of the inner surface 1.1 and the outer surface 5.1, at least one rotary bearing device 6 is preferably provided between the housing 1 and the holder 5.

[0031] Looking at it in more detail (see in particular Figures 7 and 8), it is particularly preferred that the pivot bearing device 6 be designed as a cylindrical ring bearing that rests on the outside of the housing 1 and on the inside of the holder 5. As can be seen from the said figures, two of these ring bearings are also particularly preferably provided, one at the upper and one at the lower end of the holder 5. The ring bearing is preferably designed as a steel ring with good sliding properties.

[0032] Furthermore, it is preferably provided (see in particular Figures 1 and 2) that the clamping hook 2 is connected to an axially displaceably mounted actuator 7.1, which can be actuated by a drive 7. It is further preferably provided that the drive 7 is designed as a pressure cylinder that operates either pneumatically (as shown) or hydraulically (not separately shown). Furthermore, the drive 7 can alternatively be designed as an electric motor, optionally with a gear.

[0033] As a further special feature of the solution according to the invention, a through opening 5.2 is also particularly preferably provided on the holder 5 (see in particular Figures 5 and 8), which is formed by a position sensor 8 extending from inside the holder 5 to outside the holder 5 and operatively connected to the clamping hook 2.

[0034] 10

[0035] In order to be functional in every circumferential position of the clamping hook 2, a position sensor ring 8.1 surrounding the holder 5 is particularly preferably arranged on the position sensor 8. Furthermore, at least one position sensor 9 cooperating with the position sensor 8, preferably with the said position sensor ring 8.1, is preferably arranged in the housing 1 (two position sensors 9 are shown in Figures 1 and 7, which is preferred).

[0036] 20

[0037] As is particularly clear from Figures 8 and 10, it is further preferably provided that the position indicator 8 is designed as a preferably bolt-shaped connecting element of the clamping hook 2 and the actuator 7.1. In this case, the clamping hook 2 preferably has a slotted guide 2.1 (see 25 in particular Figure 1) and is mounted on the position indicator 8 via this so that it can move to a limited extent transversely to the stroke direction of the clamping hook 2 and is operatively connected to the latter.

[0038] As in the prior art mentioned at the outset, the solution according to the invention also preferably provides for the clamping hook 2 to be mounted axially displaceably in a guide element 10 which is pivotally mounted relative to the housing 1 and provided with corresponding seals (see in particular Figure 9). However, in contrast to the prior art, the invention preferably provides for the guide element 10 to be mounted on the holder 5. Looking at this in somewhat more detail (see in particular Figures 8 and 9), it is preferably provided that the guide element 10 partially has a cylindrical outer surface; on the other hand, a partially cylindrical inner surface for receiving the guide element 10 is preferably provided on the holder 5. Alternatively, a spherical design of the inner and outer surfaces is also conceivable.

[0039] To implement the lifting and pivoting movement mentioned above, it is furthermore preferably provided that the adjusting mechanism 4 comprises a curved guide for the clamping hook 2 arranged in the holder 5. It is particularly preferred (see in particular Figure 1) that the curved guide is formed from a curved recess 4.1 on the clamping hook 2 and a bolt 4.2 connected to the holder 5 and penetrating the recess 4.1.

[0040] According to the inventive requirement mentioned at the outset that the centering mandrel 3 through which the clamping hook 2 passes is adjustably fastened to the housing 1, it is furthermore preferably provided that the centering mandrel 3 is arranged and fastened to the housing 1 in a manner oriented to a position of the holder 5 guiding the clamping hook 2. Looking at this in somewhat more detail (see in particular Figures 11 to 14), it is preferably provided that the centering mandrel 3 has a projecting edge 3.1 at its housing-side end and that a fixing element 11 provided with a through-opening 11.1 for the clamping hook 2 is provided for fastening the edge 3.1 of the centering mandrel 3 to the housing 1. Furthermore, the edge 3.1 of the centering mandrel 3 preferably has a non-circular shape over its circumference, wherein an abutment 5 11.2 is provided on the fixing element 11 which fits positively to the non-circular shape of the edge 3.1.A particularly preferred non-circular shape is a hexagonal or octagonal shape.

[0041] Finally, it is preferably provided (see Figure 1) that the centering mandrel 3 and its edge 3.1 are formed from two parts, wherein the centering mandrel 3 is fixed to its edge 3.1 via the workpiece abutment 12, so that ultimately the centering mandrel 3 is rotatably mounted relative to the edge 3.1 and the workpiece abutment 12 when the fixation is released accordingly. 15

[0042] The adjustment of the clamping hook 2 is done as follows:

[0043] In a first step, the four screws 20 holding the fixing element 11 (formed from two plate elements) are loosened. The centering mandrel 3 can then be rotated, for example by 45°, i.e. exactly according to the grid, which is particularly clearly visible in Figures 12 and 14. As mentioned at the beginning, however, no grid is required in principle, i.e., in principle, the edge 3.1 of the centering mandrel 3 could actually be simply round, so that any rotational position would be feasible. In practice, however, it will be shown that a grid, particularly in 45° steps, will satisfy all requirements.

[0044] 30 After rotation, the fixing element 11 can be put back on in a form-fitting manner (in the case of a non-circular design) and fixed or screwed onto the housing 1.

[0045] The user, who ultimately isn't interested in the processes taking place inside the centering clamping device during rotation 5, is completely unaware of them. These processes will be briefly discussed below:

[0046] By the said rotation of the centering mandrel 3 with the fixing element 11 released, the holder 5 also rotates in the housing 1, and thereby the rotational force is transferred from the centering mandrel 3 to the clamping hook 2 and from there in particular via the guide element 10 and the bolt 4 .2 to the holder 5.

[0047] Since the actuator 7.1 of the drive 7 can essentially rotate freely, the connection of the clamping hook 2 to the actuator 7.1 does not cause any interference. Furthermore, since the position of the clamping hook 2 is transmitted via the position sensor ring 8.1 to any outer circumferential position of the holder 5 and thus always remains interrogable by the position sensors 9, the position sensors 9 do not even have to be repositioned or adjusted when the centering mandrel 3 is adjusted or rotated.

[0048] List of reference symbols

[0049] 1 housing

[0050] 1.1 Internal surface

[0051] 2 tension hooks

[0052] 2.1 Slot guide

[0053] 3 centering mandrel

[0054] 3.1 Edge

[0055] 4 Adjusting mechanism

[0056] 4.1 Recess

[0057] 4.2 Bolts

[0058] 5 holders

[0059] 5.1 External surface

[0060] 5.2 Passage opening

[0061] 6 Pivot bearing device

[0062] 7 Drive

[0063] 7.1 Actuator

[0064] 8 position sensors

[0065] 8.1 Position sensor ring

[0066] 9 Position sensor

[0067] 10 Guide element

[0068] 11 Fixing element

[0069] 11.1 Passage opening

[0070] 11.2 Abutments

[0071] 12 workpiece abutments

[0072] 12.1 Chip removal recess

Claims

Patent claims 1. Centering clamping device, comprising a movable clamping hook (2) arranged on a housing (1), which extends through a wall of the housing (1) and through a centering mandrel (3) arranged on the housing (1), is operatively connected to an adjusting mechanism (4) arranged inside the housing (1) and is designed to carry out a lifting and pivoting movement, characterized in that the clamping hook (2) and the adjusting mechanism (4) are arranged on a holder (5) which is rotatably mounted in the housing (1) and in that the centering mandrel (3) through which the clamping hook (2) extends is adjustably fastened to the housing (1).

2. Centering clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the holder (5) has a cylindrical outer surface (5.1).

3. Centering clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that a recess with a cylindrical inner surface (1.1) facing the outer surface (5.1) of the holder (5) is provided in the housing (1).

4. Centering clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one rotary bearing device (6) is provided between the housing (1) and the holder (5).

5. Centering clamping device according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotary bearing device (6) is designed as a cylindrical ring bearing which rests on the outside of the housing (1) and on the inside of the holder (5).

6. Centering clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the centering mandrel (3) is arranged and fastened to the housing (1) in a manner oriented to a position of the holder (5) guiding the clamping hook (2).

7. Centering clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the clamping hook (2) is connected to an actuator (7.1) which can be actuated by a drive (7) and is mounted in an axially displaceable manner.

8. Centering clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a through-opening (5.2) is provided on the holder (5), which is formed by a hole extending from inside the holder (5) to outside the holder (5) and connected to the clamping hook (2) operatively connected position sensor (8) is designed to penetrate.

9. Centering clamping device according to claim 8, characterized in that a position sensor ring (8.1) surrounding the holder (5) is arranged on the position sensor (8).

10. Centering clamping device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that at least one position sensor (9) cooperating with the position transmitter (8) is arranged in the housing (1).

11. Centering clamping device according to claim 7 and 8, characterized in that the position sensor (8) is designed as a connecting element of the clamping hook (2) and the actuator (7.1).

12. Centering clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the clamping hook (2) is mounted axially displaceably in a guide element (10) pivotally mounted to the housing (1), characterized in that the guide element (10) is mounted on the holder (5).

13. Centering clamping device according to claim 12, wherein the guide element (10) partially has a spherical outer surface, characterized in that a partially cylindrical or spherical inner surface is optionally provided on the holder (5) for receiving the guide element (10).

14. Centering clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the adjusting mechanism (4) comprises a curved guide for the clamping hook (2) arranged in the holder (5).

15. Centering clamping device according to claim 14, characterized in that the curved guide is formed from a curved recess (4.1) on the clamping hook (2) and a bolt (4.2) connected to the holder (5) and passing through the recess (4.1).

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