Clamp

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping device (10) for holding an object (18), comprising: a) a lower part (20) having a first toothed plate (50) which has a plurality of first teeth (56); b) an upper part (30) having a second toothed plate (50) which has a plurality of second teeth (56), wherein the upper part (30) is pivotable relative to the lower part (20) about a swivel pin (12); c) a latching plate (26) having a toothing; d) a latching block (38) which is mounted in the upper part (30) and has at least one latching bolt (42) which engages in the toothing of the latching plate (26) in order to fix the upper part (30) relative to the lower part (20) in different closed positions; e) a booster lever (60) which is coupled to the upper part (30) and exerts an additional clamping force on the object (18) when actuated.

Description

clamp

[0001] The present invention relates to a mechanical clamp that can be used for the recovery of wounded, fallen or objects.

[0002] The clamp is an essential component of a hook-and-line set (HUL), used by soldiers to move objects of all kinds while minimizing the risk to the operator's life. An HUL consists of an assembly of various fastening elements and ropes, designed to allow operation from a safe distance, thus avoiding a specific danger zone in the event of a potential ordnance discharge.

[0003] In explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) scenarios, certain principles apply, based on the assumption and confirmed experience that almost any object can be tampered with and secured with hidden charges (booby traps) before the enemy takes up a position. Therefore, a fundamental rule of EOD is: "Don't pick up anything you didn't put there yourself." Other principles include not moving objects by hand and not manually opening doors, drawers, or cabinets. This is because the enemy places charges in such a way that they are invisible and difficult to disarm, with the aim of triggering them upon approach or tampering.Examples of such concealed charges include hand grenades with a pulled pin placed under corpses or objects, explosive charges with microswitches and batteries, anti-personnel mines that react to pressure, fragmentation bouncing mines with tripwires or pullwires, and directional mines such as Claymore or MON-50 with pullwires.

[0004] Depending on the operator's skill level, different HULs (Heavy Rescue Units) are used. As the soldier's qualifications increase, the HUL's equipment becomes more extensive and complex. Nevertheless, there are components that are present in every HUL, as they are part of the absolute basic equipment. These include a rope of a certain length (at least 20 meters, up to 400 meters) for pulling from cover, carabiners for quickly attaching tools or objects, rope sections (pieces of rope with a double eyelet), hooks in various designs, and clamps such as the alligator clip.

[0005] The purpose of this basic equipment is to enable soldiers to move simple objects from a distance. Such objects can include crates, projectiles, garbage bags, scrap metal, cables, wires, corpses, or sandbags and cover. These objects are encountered in almost every situation, whether in fortifications, buildings, or open terrain.

[0006] A key principle in the application of the HUL (Hidden Unarmed Load) is that the object being moved should not move, or only move minimally, to avoid triggering a concealed charge. The alligator clip plays a crucial role here as a universal tool, offering the operator several advantages. It can be attached quickly, the point of attachment remains stable (which is particularly important for cables, ropes, wires, and conduits), and the attachment process causes little to no movement of the object. Furthermore, virtually any geometry and material can be secured, and it can be operated with one hand, which is important due to restricted mobility caused by bomb suits or passive protective equipment.

[0007] Alternatives to alligator clips, such as hooks when pulling bodies, sandbags, or fabric, carry the risk of slippage. This presents a critical scenario because the object has been moved in an undefined manner without being completely dislodged. The concealed load may have been brought into a critical state, causing it to be triggered the next time the operator approaches. The same problem exists when using a carabiner or hook to pull a cable.

[0008] The aforementioned advantages of the alligator clip require technically flawless implementation to avoid undesirable scenarios during use. These include the alligator clip opening on its own when pulled, which leads to the object falling out; insufficient force being applied, which can cause the object to slip out; the need to attach the alligator clip with both hands, which increases the risk of unintentional movement of the object; and the need to lock the alligator clip to secure it, which prolongs the time it remains attached to the object.

[0009] The invention is set out in the attached claims. Technical task

[0010] One problem is that the clamping devices available in the state of the art do not meet the specific requirements for handling potentially dangerous objects in ordnance disposal scenarios. In particular, existing clamps, such as alligator clips, have several crucial disadvantages that can significantly impair the safety and efficiency of emergency personnel.

[0011] Firstly, existing clamps lack sufficient holding force to securely and reliably hold objects under varying or increased tensile forces. This creates the risk that the object being recovered will slip out of the clamp during operation, resulting not only in a loss of control over the object but also potentially causing uncontrolled movements that could trigger hidden explosive devices.

[0012] Another key problem is the lack of an automatic increase in clamping force depending on the applied tensile force. Current clamping devices do not guarantee that the clamping force increases exponentially in proportion to the tensile force. As a result, the effectiveness of the clamping can decrease with increasing load, which poses a significant safety risk.

[0013] Furthermore, existing clamps are often not designed for one-handed operation under difficult conditions. Particularly when using heavy protective equipment, such as a bomb suit, the operator's mobility is severely restricted. The need to operate the clamp with both hands or to engage additional locking mechanisms increases the exposure time in the hazardous area and thus the risk to the user.

[0014] Furthermore, the available clamps are not flexible enough to be used securely on different object geometries and materials. This applies particularly to objects with smooth or irregular surfaces, where the risk of slippage is especially high.

[0015] Finally, contamination and harsh environmental conditions present further challenges that existing clamping devices cannot withstand. Sensitivity to dirt and mechanical stress can impair the functionality of the clamps and thus further reduce operational safety. Technical solution

[0016] As can be seen from the following description, this problem is solved according to the characterizing part of the independent claims. Beneficial effects

[0017] The unique design of the clamping device offers significant advantages compared to previous technologies. It ensures reliable and safe handling of potentially hazardous objects, as it automatically increases the clamping force exponentially in proportion to the applied tensile force. This feature effectively prevents the object from slipping out, even under increasing or changing loads, thus minimizing the risk of uncontrolled movements that could lead to dangerous situations.

[0018] The automatic increase of the clamping force when a tensile force is applied can be achieved through the special design of the clamping device in any position of the clamping device applied to an object to be fixed – regardless of the opening angle of the clamping device.

[0019] The design also allows for one-handed operation, even under challenging conditions such as wearing heavy protective equipment. This increases efficiency and safety during operations, as the user spends less time in the hazardous area and their mobility is not unnecessarily restricted. The intuitive handling reduces the complexity of the operation and allows the user to concentrate on the critical aspects of the mission.

[0020] Another advantage lies in the clamping device's flexibility. Interchangeable tooth plates allow it to be adapted to different object geometries and materials. This significantly expands its range of applications and ensures that a wide variety of objects can be held securely and reliably. The special tooth arrangement guarantees a firm grip, even on smooth or irregular surfaces.

[0021] The robust mechanics of the clamping device are resistant to contamination and mechanical stress. This ensures reliable operation even in harsh environments and increases operational readiness under difficult conditions. The locking mechanisms are designed to retain their function even in the event of wear or external influence, further enhancing the safety and longevity of the device.

[0022] Overall, these features of the clamping device offer significant improvements in safety, reliability, and ease of use compared to existing solutions. It overcomes previous limitations and enables efficient operations in potentially hazardous environments, while significantly reducing the risk to the user.

[0023] The isometric view shows a clamp from the front left and diagonally above.

[0024] The clamp shown has the locking pin pulled out at the top and the toothed plate removed.

[0025] The arrangement shown is in the side view from the left.

[0026] shows a section in the CC plane according to.

[0027] shows a view of the clamp from below.

[0028] shows a section in the plane AA according to.

[0029] shows a section in the plane EE according to.

[0030] shows detail F.

[0031] shows a view of the clamp from the rear. Description of the execution types

[0032] Figures 1 and 2 show a clamping device (10), which is depicted in Figure 1 in an isometric view from the front left and obliquely from above. This device consists of a lower part (20) and an upper part (30) that pivots relative to it about a main or rotational axis (12). A plurality of detent plates (26) are attached to a transmission lever (22) mounted in the lower part (20) via a lever axis (24). A toothed plate (50) equipped with toothed strips (54) and teeth (56) is attached to the front end of both the lower part (20) and the upper part (30). The components are connected and fixed by means of locking pins (14, 16), which are clearly visible. In addition, a release bolt (40) and a booster lever (60) are installed, the booster lever (60) being coupled to the system via the transmission lever (22), which is pivotably mounted about the lever axis (24).The clamping device (10) further comprises at least one, preferably two, spring-loaded pressure pins (34) that contribute to holding the upper part (30) in the open position. This function can alternatively be achieved, for example, by installing a torsion spring in the area of ​​the pivot axis (12). Figure 2 shows the same arrangement, but with the upper locking pin (14) pulled out and the toothed plate (50) removed, which allows a detailed view of the internal structure, in particular the support plate (52) and the specific arrangement of the toothed strips (54) and teeth (56).

[0033] The clamping device (10) is closed and thus fixed to any object (18) in the closed position by simply pressing the upper part (30) and lower part (20) of the clamping device (10), which rests in the operator's palm, against the spring force (35) of the pressure pins (34). No other operating elements need to be actuated. The unlocking of the locking mechanism is now outlined with reference to Figures 3a and 3b. Actuating the release bolt (40) mounted in the upper part (30) allows the upper part (30) to pivot relative to the lower part (20) about the axis of rotation (12). This enables the clamping device (10) to open. Two support pins support the toothed plate (50) essentially in or very close to the line of action of the force flow between the retaining teeth (56) and the object (18) to be fixed.It is understood that a comparable effect may be achieved by an edge and / or an undercut which are formed on the upper part (30).

[0034] The arrangement and function of the locking mechanism can be further illustrated in section planes AA and EE according to Figures 4a to 4c. A locking block (38) mounted in the upper part (30) carries several locking pins (42). These locking pins (42) are pre-tensioned by a compression spring (43) and can be arranged at different heights to engage in corresponding locking grooves (27) of the locking plate (26). When the clamping device (10) is closed, the locking pins (42) engage in the locking grooves (27) of the teeth of the locking plate (26) and thus fix the upper part (30) relative to the lower part (20) in the desired position. Preferably, the locking plates (26) associated with the individual locking pins (42) arranged at different heights are at the same height when viewed vertically. Preferably, the height offset between two built-in detent pins (42) is ½ the pitch of the teeth of the detent plates (26).Preferably, three integrated detent pins (42) are used, and their vertical offset from one another corresponds to one-third of the pitch of the teeth on the detent plates (26). This vertical offset arrangement of the detent pins (42) allows for a relatively coarse, dirt-resistant tooth pitch on the detent plates (26). Because the detent pins (42) can only be pivoted alternately into the detent grooves (27) of the corresponding detent plates (26), this design provides the operator with a very sensitive detent feel despite the coarse teeth on the detent plates (26) and offers precise adjustment of the clamping device (10). When the release bolt (40) is actuated, the locking block (38) is moved against the force of a further compression spring (39), thereby releasing the locking bolts (42) from the locking grooves (27) of the toothing and allowing movement of the upper part (30).

[0035] Figure 4b illustrates the compression spring (35) that biases one of the pressure pins (34). Its function is to push the upper part (30) away from the lower part (20) in the open, basic position. This facilitates the insertion and removal of the object (18) between the toothed plates (50), as the upper part (30) does not fall into the closed position on its own. When the clamping device (10) is closed, the clamping device (10) is compressed against the spring force (35) of the pressure pins (34), so that the upper part (30) is brought towards the lower part (20) and the toothed plates (50) can engage with each other with their teeth (56).

[0036] Figure 4c further shows the booster cam (66) of the transmission lever (22), into which a base cam (62) and a booster cam (64) of the booster lever (60) engage. The booster cam (66) is designed as a curved guide in the transmission lever (22).

[0037] With the booster lever (60) in a vertical orientation, the base cam (62) is also vertically aligned in the booster cam (66) and pushes the rear end of the transmission lever (22) into its lower end position. The front end of the transmission lever (22), with at least one detent plate (26) arranged at the front end of the transmission lever (22) via a bearing pin (28), is in its upper end position. The booster cam (64) is not engaged with the booster cam (66) in this position. The clamping device (10) is thus in its base position, in which it can be attached to an object (18). When a pulling force is applied to the vertically oriented booster lever (60) from behind, for example via a pull rope, the booster lever (60) is pivoted backwards about its axis of rotation (12) out of its vertical position.The base cam (62) attached to the booster lever (60) releases its operative connection with the booster cam (66) and exposes the booster cam (66) (see diagram). The booster cam (64) can then engage with the booster cam (66) and move the rear end of the transmission lever (22) into its upper end position. The front end of the transmission lever (22), with the at least one detent plate (26) arranged at the front end of the transmission lever (22) via a bearing pin (28), pivots into its lower end position. The upper part (30), which is already operatively connected to the at least one detent plate (26) via at least one detent pin (42), is thereby pressed against the lower part (20) of the clamping device (10).

[0038] This exerts an additional clamping force, the so-called "boost" force, on the object (18). As Figure 5 illustrates in detail, the locking bolt (42) is held radially and linearly by a locking bolt (45).

[0039] The particularly preferably replaceable tooth plate (50) is firmly, essentially without play, connected to the lower part (20) and can preferably be replaced very easily and without tools by the user / operator as required, even in the field, for example by pulling out the locking pin (16) shown in Figure 6.

[0040] This is particularly advantageous because, depending on the geometry and hardness of the object (18) found, the most suitable tooth plate (50) for receiving / fixing the object (18) can be selected and attached to the lower part (20) of the clamp (10).

[0041] In case of damage to one or more teeth (56) of the tooth plate (50) and / or in case of damage to the tooth plate (50) itself, the tooth plate (50) can be replaced very easily and quickly.

[0042] The clamp (10) is therefore very quickly ready for ongoing use and can be reused.

[0043] Therefore, if the clamp (10) is damaged, it is not necessary to throw away the entire clamp.

[0044] A second, particularly preferably replaceable, tooth plate (50) is preferably pivotably connected to the upper part (30) transversely to the main plane of the clamping device (10) and can preferably be replaced very easily and without tools by the user / operator as required, even in the field, for example by pulling out the locking pin (14) shown in Figure 6.

[0045] Due to the pivotable mounting of the tooth plate (50) attached to the upper part (30), the tooth plate (50) can align itself independently parallel to a main extension direction of an object (18) to be fixed, in order to always pick it up and fix it with the largest possible contact area.

[0046] Furthermore, the particularly preferred replaceable tooth plate (50) can of course also be fixed to the upper part (30) and not be swivelled.

[0047] The particularly preferred replaceable tooth plate (50) can also be pivotably attached to the lower part (20).

[0048] Other variants are also possible in which replaceable tooth plates (50) are preferably fixed to the upper part (30) and the lower part (20) or replaceable tooth plates (50) are preferably pivotably attached.

[0049] Furthermore, in the case of any other components of the terminal (10), if damage to a single component(s) is detected, the damaged component(s) can be replaced.

[0050] Reference symbolShort descriptionExplanation10Clamp complete, clamping device12Main axis, axis of rotationPreferably located at the rear end of the lower part and at the rear end of the upper part14Locking pin, captive locking pinLocking of the toothed plate on the upper part16Locking pin, captive locking pinLocking of the toothed plate on the lower part18Object, textile fabric, tarpaulin, branch, cable, rope, plate20Lower part, base component21Support pin at the bottom, support pin supports toothed plate, force application path22Transmission leverTransmission lever for mechanicalBooster 24 Lever axle Bearing of the transmission lever 26 Detent plate Radius-shaped detent plate 27 Detent groove Clearance between two adjacent teeth of the detent plate 28 Bearing bolt Lower axle in the detent plates 29 Support bolt Upper bolt in the detent plates 30 Top part 32 Top support pin Support pin Supports toothed plate, force application path 34 Push pin Opens clamp 35 Compression spring for push pin 38 Detent block Holder for detent bolt 39 Compression spring for detent block 40 Release bolt To pull detent block backward 42 Detent bolt Engages in detent plate 43 Compression spring for detent bolt 45 Locking bolt Holds detent bolt, radial and linear 50 Toothed plate, replaceable toothed plate 52 Carrier plate Receives toothed strips orTeeth on 54 Toothed strip 56 Tooth, retaining tooth, retaining means 60 Booster lever here carabiner with pull rope is attached 62 Base cam pushes transmission lever downwards at the rear, ratchet plate package goes into the uppermost end position, basic position 64 Booster cam pushes transmission lever upwards at the rear, mechanical clamping force amplification 66 Booster cam Curve profile at the rear of the transmission lever.

Claims

Clamping device (10) for holding an object (18), comprising: a lower part (20) with a first toothed plate (50) having one or more first teeth (56); an upper part (30) with a second toothed plate (50) having one or more second teeth (56), wherein the upper part (30) is pivotable relative to the lower part (20) about a pivot axis (12); at least one detent plate (26) with a toothed section; at least one detent pin (42) engaging in a detent groove (27) of the toothed section of the at least one detent plate (26) to fix the upper part (30) relative to the lower part (20) in various closed positions. Clamping device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and the second tooth plate (50) each have at least one tooth (56), but preferably several teeth (56). Clamping device (10) according to claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the first and the second tooth plate (50) each have at least one toothed strip (54), but preferably several toothed strips (54) with several teeth (56). Clamping device (10) according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first and / or the second tooth plate (50) are preferably replaceable. Clamping device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the tooth plates (50) are fixed to the lower part (20) or upper part (30) by at least one locking pin (14, 16) each. Clamping device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that preferably at least one toothed plate (50) is pivotably mounted transversely to the working direction. Clamping device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the lower part (20) has at least one support pin (21) on which the first tooth plate (50) is supported. Clamping device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the upper part (30) has at least one support pin (32) on which the second toothed plate (50) is supported. Clamping device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the second toothed plate (50) is arranged pivoted by 180° around the longitudinal axis of the clamping device (10) relative to the first toothed plate (50). Clamping device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the second tooth plate (50) is arranged offset relative to the first tooth plate (50) in the main plane of the clamping device (10), so that the teeth (56) of the second tooth plate (50) engage in spaces between the teeth (56) of the first tooth plate (50). Clamping device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a locking block (38) is received in the upper part (30) and is spring-loaded by the compression spring (39). Clamping device (10) according to claim 11, characterized in that the locking block (38) has several locking bolts (42) offset in height, each of which engages successively in a locking groove (27) in an associated locking plate (26). Clamping device (10) according to claim 12, characterized in that the locking bolts (42) are spring-loaded (43) and are radially and linearly fixed by a locking bolt (45). Clamping device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the clamping device (10) is held in the open position by spring force in the basic position. Clamping device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a booster lever (60) is coupled via a transmission lever (22) to at least one detent plate (26) and exerts an additional clamping force on the object (18) when actuated. Clamping device (10) according to claim 15, characterized in that the transmission lever (22) is pivotably mounted about a lever axis (24) and has a booster cam (66) into which a base cam (62) and a booster cam (64) of the booster lever (60) engage. Clamping device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the clamping device (10) has a release bolt (40) with which the locking block (38) can be moved against the spring force (39) in order to release the locking bolts (42) from the toothing of the at least one locking plate (26). Clamping device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 17, characterized in that the clamping force on the object (18) is automatically increased exponentially proportionally to the applied tensile force, regardless of the closed position of the clamping device (10).

Images