EP4335590A1 - Intermediate element for arranging between a tensioning device and a base and tensioning tower comprising an intermediate element - Google Patents

Abstract

In order to create an intermediate element for arranging between a clamping device for clamping a workpiece and a surface to which the intermediate element can be releasably secured, which can be combined with a clamping device to form a stable and easy-to-handle clamping tower, it is proposed that the intermediate element has a receptacle for at least partially receiving a positioning area of the clamping device and a locking device for locking the clamping device on the intermediate element.

Description

The present invention relates to an intermediate element for arranging between a clamping device for clamping a workpiece and a surface on which the intermediate element can be releasably secured.

Such an intermediate element serves to form a clamping tower together with the clamping device, by means of which workpieces can be clamped whose height is greater than the maximum height of workpieces which can be clamped with the clamping device without the intermediate element.

The present invention is based on the object of creating an intermediate element of the type mentioned above, which can be combined with a clamping device to form a stable and easy-to-handle clamping tower.

This object is achieved according to the invention in an intermediate element with the features of the preamble of claim 1 in that the intermediate element comprises a receptacle for at least partially accommodating a positioning area of the clamping device and a locking device for locking the clamping device on the intermediate element.

The inclusion of the intermediate element makes it possible to position the clamping device precisely relative to the intermediate element.

The locking device makes it possible to securely and releasably attach the tensioning device to the intermediate element and then to secure the clamping device and the intermediate element (and possibly others Intermediate elements) to handle the clamping tower as a unit and to align it in a simple manner relative to the clamping point of the workpiece and to fix it releasably to the surface in a reliable and safe manner.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the receptacle of the intermediate element comprises at least one guide channel into which the positioning region of the clamping device can be at least partially inserted.

It is preferably provided that the at least one guide channel comprises a curved boundary wall.

Preferably, the at least one guide channel comprises a curved boundary wall.

The boundary wall can in particular be designed to be convexly curved.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the at least one guide channel comprises a further curved boundary wall, which at least in sections runs essentially parallel to the first curved boundary wall.

In order to be able to easily form a clamping tower which, in addition to the clamping device, comprises at least two intermediate elements, it is advantageous if the intermediate element comprises a positioning area which is designed and arranged in such a way that it is at least partially in the receptacle of an identically designed intermediate element further intermediate element can be received if such a further intermediate element is arranged between the intermediate element and the substrate.

This makes it possible to stack any number of intermediate elements on top of each other to form a clamping tower.

It is particularly favorable if the positioning area of the intermediate element is designed to be essentially identical to the positioning area of the clamping device.

In order to be able to attach the clamping tower to the substrate in the simplest possible manner, it is advantageous if the receptacle of the intermediate element comprises a passage opening through which an actuating tool can be passed in order to bring the actuating tool into engagement with a fastening means for attaching the intermediate element to the substrate bring.

The locking device preferably comprises a movable locking element which can be brought into engagement with the tensioning device.

Such a locking element can, for example, comprise a locking lever which is pivotally held on a housing of the intermediate element.

It is particularly advantageous if the locking device comprises a biasing element which biases the locking element into a locking position in which the tensioning device is locked to the intermediate element.

Such a prestressing element is preferably designed to be elastic.

For example, the biasing element can be designed as a spring.

It is preferably provided that the biasing element is designed as a spiral spring and/or as a compression spring.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the locking element can be moved by exerting a compressive force from a locking position in which the locking element causes the clamping device to be locked on the intermediate element into an unlocking position in which the locking of the clamping device on the intermediate element is released is.

The pressure force can be exerted by an operator manually or using an operating tool.

It is particularly favorable if the connection between the clamping device and the intermediate element can be released without tools, in particular without using a screwing tool.

The intermediate element according to the invention is particularly suitable for use as a component of a clamping tower, the clamping tower comprising a clamping device for clamping a workpiece and at least one intermediate element according to the invention, which can be arranged between the clamping device and a base, the clamping device being lockable on the intermediate element, and wherein the clamping device comprises a positioning area which is at least partially accommodated in the receptacle of the intermediate element when the clamping device is locked to the intermediate element.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the positioning area of the clamping device borders a recess in the clamping device, through which a fastening means can extend when the clamping device is attached directly to the substrate without using an intermediate element.

In this way, the clamping tower can also be used in a modified configuration in which the intermediate element of the clamping tower is not used, but rather the clamping device is arranged directly on the base in order to clamp a workpiece of lower height.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the clamping device comprises a movable clamping arm, which is designed and arranged in such a way that an actuating tool can be guided past the clamping arm or through a passage opening of the clamping arm and through a passage opening in the receptacle of the intermediate element in order to move the actuating tool in To engage with a fastener for fastening the intermediate element to the surface.

The fastening tool can be designed, for example, as an Allen key, in particular as an Allen key.

It is particularly advantageous if the clamping tower comprises at least two intermediate elements according to the invention, preferably identical to one another, and/or comprises at least one fastening means for fastening the intermediate element or the clamping device to a substrate.

Such a fastening means can in particular comprise a T-slot nut and/or a fastening screw.

The base can be designed, for example, as a machine table of a machine tool.

The substrate can be provided with one or more T-slots.

Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the graphic representation of an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung einer Kombination eines Spannturms, welcher eine Spannvorrichtung zum Einspannen eines Werkstücks und ein Zwischenelement umfasst, und eines Untergrunds in Form eines Maschinentisches, welcher T-Nuten aufweist, wobei das Zwischenelement zwischen der Spannvorrichtung und dem Untergrund angeordnet ist, wobei die Spannvorrichtung an dem Zwischenelement verriegelt ist, wobei die Spannvorrichtung einen Positionierbereich umfasst, welcher zumindest teilweise in einer Aufnahme des Zwischenelements aufgenommen ist, wobei das Zwischenelement mittels einer Schraube und eines T-Nutensteins an einer T-Nut des Maschinentisches befestigt ist und wobei ein Betätigungswerkzeug, vorzugsweise in Form eines Innensechskantschlüssels, sich an einer seitlichen Begrenzungswand eines Spannarms der Spannvorrichtung vorbei und durch eine Durchtrittsöffnung der Aufnahme des Zwischenelements hindurch bis zu einer Befestigungsschraube eines Befestigungsmittels erstreckt, um in Eingriff mit der Befestigungsschraube zu kommen und diese anzuziehen oder zu lösen;

Fig. 2

eine Seitenansicht des Spannturms, des Maschinentisches und des Betätigungswerkzeugs aus Fig. 1;

Fig. 3

eine Draufsicht auf den Spannturm, den Maschinentisch und das Betätigungswerkzeug aus den Fig. 1 und 2 von oben;

Fig. 4

eine Ansicht des Spannturms, des Maschinentisches und des Betätigungswerkzeugs aus den Fig. 1 bis 3 von vorne;

Fig. 5

eine Ansicht des Spannturms, des Maschinentisches und des Betätigungswerkzeugs aus den Fig. 1 bis 4 von hinten;

Fig. 6

einen vertikalen Schnitt durch den Spannturm und den Maschinentisch längs einer vertikalen Längsmittelebene der Spannvorrichtung und des Zwischenelements;

Fig. 7

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Spannturms, welcher die Spannvorrichtung und das Zwischenelement umfasst, mit der Blickrichtung auf eine Vorderseite der Spannvorrichtung und eine Vorderseite des Zwischenelements;

Fig. 8

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Spannturms aus Fig. 7, mit der Blickrichtung auf eine Rückseite der Spannvorrichtung und eine Rückseite des Zwischenelements;

Fig. 9

eine Seitenansicht des Spannturms aus den Fig. 7 und 8, mit der Blickrichtung auf die rechte Seite der Spannvorrichtung und die rechte Seite des Zwischenelements;

Fig. 10

eine Seitenansicht des Spannturms aus den Fig. 7 bis 9, mit der Blickrichtung auf die linke Seite der Spannvorrichtung und die linke Seite des Zwischenelements;

Fig. 11

eine Vorderansicht des Spannturms aus den Fig. 7 bis 10;

Fig. 12

eine Ansicht des Spannturms aus den Fig. 7 bis 11 von hinten;

Fig. 13

einen Schnitt durch den Spannturm aus den Fig. 7 bis 12, längs einer vertikalen Mittelebene der Spannvorrichtung und des Zwischenelements, in einem Verriegelungszustand einer Verriegelungsvorrichtung, mittels welcher die Spannvorrichtung und das Zwischenelement miteinander verriegelt sind;

Fig. 14

einen der Fig. 13 entsprechenden Schnitt durch den Spannturm in einem Entriegelungszustand, in welchem die Spannvorrichtung und das Zwischenelement nicht miteinander verriegelt sind;

Fig. 15

einen Schnitt durch den Spannturm aus den Fig. 7 bis 14 längs einer Ebene, welche parallel zu der Schnittebene der Fig. 13 und 14 verläuft, aber senkrecht zu dieser Schnittebene gegenüber der Schnittebene der Fig. 13 und 14 so versetzt ist, dass die Schnittebene der Fig. 15 durch einen Führungskanal der Aufnahme des Zwischenelements verläuft, in einem Verriegelungszustand der Verriegelungsvorrichtung, in welchem die Spannvorrichtung und das Zwischenelement miteinander verriegelt sind;

Fig. 16

einen der Fig. 15 entsprechenden Schnitt durch die Spannvorrichtung und das Zwischenelement des Spannturms aus den Fig. 7 bis 15, längs derselben Schnittebene wie in Fig. 15, in einem Entriegelungszustand, in welchem die Spannvorrichtung und das Zwischenelement nicht miteinander verriegelt sind, aber ein Positionierbereich der Spannvorrichtung in Führungskanäle der Aufnahme des Zwischenelements eingreift;

Fig. 17

eine perspektivische Darstellung der Spannvorrichtung und des Zwischenelements des Spannturms aus den Fig. 7 bis 15, in dem auch in Fig. 16 dargestellten Entriegelungszustand, in welchem der Positionierbereich der Spannvorrichtung in die Führungskanäle des Zwischenelements eingreift;

Fig. 18

eine der Fig. 17 entsprechende perspektivische Darstellung der Spannvorrichtung und des Zwischenelements des Spannturms aus den Fig. 7 bis 15 in einem Entriegelungszustand, in welchem die Spannvorrichtung und das Zwischenelement vollständig voneinander gelöst sind und der Positionierbereich der Spannvorrichtung nicht in die Führungskanäle des Zwischenelements eingreift;

Fig. 19

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Zwischenelements aus den Fig. 1 bis 18, mit der Blickrichtung auf eine Vorderseite des Zwischenelements;

Fig. 20

eine perspektivische Darstellung des Zwischenelements aus Fig. 19, mit der Blickrichtung auf eine Rückseite des Zwischenelements;

Fig. 21

eine Seitenansicht des Zwischenelements aus den Fig. 19 und 20, mit der Blickrichtung auf die linke Seite des Zwischenelements;

Fig. 22

eine Vorderansicht des Zwischenelements aus den Fig. 19 bis 21;

Fig. 23

eine Ansicht des Zwischenelements aus den Fig. 19 bis 22 von hinten;

Fig. 24

eine Draufsicht von oben auf das Zwischenelement aus den Fig. 19 bis 23;

Fig. 25

eine Ansicht des Zwischenelements aus den Fig. 19 bis 24 von unten; und

Fig. 26

einen vertikalen Schnitt durch das Zwischenelement aus den Fig. 19 bis 25, längs der Linie 26 - 26 in Fig. 24.

Shown in the drawings:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a combination of a clamping tower, which includes a clamping device for clamping a workpiece and an intermediate element, and a base in the form of a machine table, which has T-slots, the intermediate element being arranged between the clamping device and the base, the clamping device being on the intermediate element is locked, the clamping device comprising a positioning area which is at least partially accommodated in a receptacle of the intermediate element, the intermediate element being fastened to a T-slot of the machine table by means of a screw and a T-slot nut and wherein an actuating tool, preferably in Shape of an Allen key, extending past a lateral boundary wall of a clamping arm of the clamping device and through a passage opening in the receptacle of the intermediate element to a fastening screw of a fastener in order to come into engagement with the fastening screw and to tighten or loosen it;

Fig. 2

a side view of the clamping tower, the machine table and the operating tool Fig. 1 ;

Fig. 3

a top view of the clamping tower, the machine table and the operating tool from the Fig. 1 and 2 from above;

Fig. 4

a view of the clamping tower, the machine table and the operating tool from the Fig. 1 to 3 from the front;

Fig. 5

a view of the clamping tower, the machine table and the operating tool from the Fig. 1 to 4 from behind;

Fig. 6

a vertical section through the clamping tower and the machine table along a vertical longitudinal center plane of the clamping device and the intermediate element;

Fig. 7

a perspective view of the clamping tower, which includes the clamping device and the intermediate element, looking towards a front side of the clamping device and a front side of the intermediate element;

Fig. 8

a perspective view of the tensioning tower Fig. 7 , looking towards a back of the clamping device and a back of the intermediate element;

Fig. 9

a side view of the tensioning tower from the Fig. 7 and 8th , facing the right side of the clamping device and the right side of the intermediate element;

Fig. 10

a side view of the tensioning tower from the Fig. 7 to 9 , facing the left side of the clamping device and the left side of the intermediate element;

Fig. 11

a front view of the tensioning tower from the Fig. 7 to 10 ;

Fig. 12

a view of the tensioning tower from the Fig. 7 to 11 from behind;

Fig. 13

a section through the tensioning tower from the Fig. 7 to 12 , along a vertical center plane of the clamping device and the intermediate element, in a locking state of a locking device, by means of which the clamping device and the intermediate element are locked together;

Fig. 14

one of the Fig. 13 corresponding section through the clamping tower in an unlocking state in which the clamping device and the intermediate element are not locked together;

Fig. 15

a section through the tensioning tower from the Fig. 7 to 14 along a plane which is parallel to the cutting plane of the Fig. 13 and 14 runs, but perpendicular to this cutting plane compared to the cutting plane of the Fig. 13 and 14 is offset so that the cutting plane of the Fig. 15 extends through a guide channel of the receptacle of the intermediate element, in a locking state of the locking device, in which the clamping device and the intermediate element are locked together;

Fig. 16

one of the Fig. 15 corresponding section through the clamping device and the intermediate element of the clamping tower from the Fig. 7 to 15 , along the same cutting plane as in Fig. 15 , in an unlocking state in which the tensioning device and the intermediate element are not locked together, but a positioning region of the tensioning device engages in guide channels of the receptacle of the intermediate element;

Fig. 17

a perspective view of the clamping device and the intermediate element of the clamping tower from the Fig. 7 to 15 , in which also in Fig. 16 illustrated unlocking state, in which the positioning area of the clamping device engages in the guide channels of the intermediate element;

Fig. 18

one of the Fig. 17 corresponding perspective view of the clamping device and the intermediate element of the clamping tower from the Fig. 7 to 15 in an unlocking state in which the clamping device and the intermediate element are completely released from one another and the positioning area of the clamping device does not engage in the guide channels of the intermediate element;

Fig. 19

a perspective view of the intermediate element from the Fig. 1 to 18 , looking towards a front side of the intermediate element;

Fig. 20

a perspective view of the intermediate element Fig. 19 , looking towards a back side of the intermediate element;

Fig. 21

a side view of the intermediate element from the Fig. 19 and 20 , facing the left side of the intermediate element;

Fig. 22

a front view of the intermediate element from the Fig. 19 to 21 ;

Fig. 23

a view of the intermediate element from the Fig. 19 to 22 from behind;

Fig. 24

a top view of the intermediate element from the Fig. 19 to 23 ;

Fig. 25

a view of the intermediate element from the Fig. 19 to 24 from underneath; and

Fig. 26

a vertical section through the intermediate element Fig. 19 to 25 , along the line 26 - 26 in Fig. 24 .

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are designated with the same reference numerals in all figures.

In the Fig. 1 to 15 is a combination, designated as a whole by 100, of a clamping tower 102, which includes a clamping device 104 for clamping a workpiece (not shown) and an intermediate element 106, and a base 108 in the form of a machine table 110, which includes T-slots 112 which extend longitudinally an x-direction 114 of the machine table 110 and are spaced apart along a y-direction 116 aligned perpendicular to the x-direction 114.

The intermediate element 106 is arranged between the clamping device 104 and the substrate 108.

The tensioning device 104 is by means of a locking device 118, which will be described in more detail later (see in particular Fig. 6 ) locked to the intermediate element 106.

The intermediate element 106 is releasably attached to the substrate 108, in the area of one of the T-slots 112, by means of a fastening means 119.

The fastening means 119 preferably comprises a fastening screw 120 and a T-slot nut 122.

An actuating tool 124, preferably in the form of an Allen key 126, extends on a lateral boundary wall 128 (see Fig. 6 ) of a clamping arm 130 of the clamping device 104 and through a passage opening 132 of a receptacle 134 of the intermediate element 106 to the fastening screw 120 in order to come into engagement with the fastening screw 120 and to tighten or loosen it.

The structure and function of the clamping device 104 of the clamping tower 102 are described below with reference to Fig. 7 to 13 described.

The clamping device 104 is used to clamp the workpiece (not shown) on a clamping surface 136, which can be identical to an upper side of the substrate 108, but also opposite the upper side 138 of the substrate 108 in a perpendicular to the x-direction 114 and perpendicular to the y-direction 116 aligned z-direction 140 can be offset up and down and / or inclined relative to the top 138 of the substrate 108.

The clamping device 104 comprises a housing 142, which is designed, for example, in two parts and can include a first housing part 144a and a second housing part 144b.

The first housing part 144a and the second housing part 144b preferably lie against one another in a contact plane 146, which is aligned parallel to a longitudinal direction 146 of the clamping device 104 and perpendicular to a transverse direction 150 of the clamping device 104.

The longitudinal direction 148 and/or the transverse direction 150 of the clamping device 104 are preferably aligned parallel to a support surface 152 of the housing 142.

A height direction 154 of the clamping device 104 is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction 148 and perpendicular to the transverse direction 150 and thus also perpendicular to the support surface 152 of the housing 142 of the clamping device 104.

The two housing parts 144a and 144b are secured to one another - preferably releasably - by means of one or more, for example three, fastening elements 156.

The fastening elements 156 can, for example, each be designed as a screw, which passes through a passage opening in one housing part, for example in the second housing part 144b, and with its thread (not shown) into a complementary internal thread on the other housing part, for example on the first Housing part 144a is screwed in.

As best seen in the perspective view in Fig. 18 As can be seen, the housing 142 of the clamping device 104 is provided on its front edge 158 with a - for example essentially U-shaped - positioning area 160, which is used to position the clamping device 104 on the intermediate element 106 of the clamping tower 102 or - in an alternative use of the Clamping device 104 without the intermediate element 106 - for receiving a fastening means 119 for attaching the clamping device 104 directly to the substrate 108.

Such a fastening means 119, like the fastening means 119 for fastening the intermediate element 106 to the substrate 108, can include, for example, a fastening screw 120 and a T-nut 122, in which case the fastening screw 120 with its external thread fits into a complementary internal thread of the T-nut 122 is screwed in.

As best seen in the sectional view of Fig. 13 As can be seen, the clamping device 104 further comprises the clamping arm 130, which is held on the housing 142 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 162.

The pivot axis 162 of the clamping arm 130 is aligned parallel to the transverse direction 150 of the clamping device 104.

The clamping arm 130 comprises a clamping section 164, which extends through an outlet opening 166 bordered by the housing parts 144a and 144b on the front of the housing 142 into an outer space 166 of the housing 142.

At a free end region 170 of the clamping arm 130 facing away from the pivot axis 162, a pressure piece 172 is arranged, which serves to transmit a clamping force from the clamping device 104 to the workpiece to be clamped.

The pressure piece 172 is preferably pivotally articulated on the tension arm 130 about a pressure piece pivot axis 174 relative to the free end region 170 of the clamping arm 130.

The pressure piece 172 can be formed in one piece.

Alternatively, it can also be provided that the pressure piece 172 comprises a pressure piece base body, which is connected to the clamping arm 130, and a pressure piece insert that is detachably connected to the pressure piece base body.

Due to the detachable connection between the pressure piece insert and the pressure piece base body, it is then possible to replace the pressure piece insert with a differently designed additional pressure piece insert.

The pressure piece 172 has a clamping surface 176, which rests on the workpiece when the clamping device 104 is used to clamp a workpiece.

The clamping surface 176 can, for example, be essentially flat.

In order to be able to pivot the clamping arm 130 of the clamping device 104 about the pivot axis 162 into a desired working position in which the clamping surface 176 of the pressure piece 172 rests on the workpiece to be clamped, the clamping device 104 comprises a movement device, designated as a whole by 178, which has a clamping screw 180 includes, which is rotatably mounted about a longitudinal axis 182 of the clamping screw 180 (see Fig. 13 ).

The clamping screw 180 has a thread 184 which is in the in Fig. 13 shown working state is in engagement with a ring gear segment 186, which is formed on an engagement portion 188 of the clamping arm 130.

The engagement section 188 of the clamping arm 130 is arranged on the side of the pivot axis 162 of the clamping arm 130 facing away from the free end region 170 of the clamping arm 130.

The clamping screw 180 further comprises a bearing end part 190, by means of which the clamping screw 180 is pivotally mounted relative to the housing 142.

The bearing end part 190 is releasably secured to an end region 194 of a shaft 196 of the clamping screw 180 by means of a fastening screw 192.

The thread 184 of the clamping screw 180 is formed on the shaft 196 of the clamping screw 180.

An annular stop 198 is arranged between the thread 184 and the bearing end part 190, which prevents the tension screw 180 from moving downward along its longitudinal axis 182 when it is not in engagement with the engagement portion 188 of the tension arm 130.

The bearing end part 190 comprises a bearing section 200, which has an outer contour that is partially spherical.

The partially spherical bearing section 200 of the clamping screw 180 is arranged in a partially complementary bearing receptacle 202 of the housing 142 of the clamping device 104, so that the clamping screw 180 is positioned along the partially spherical contact surface between the bearing section 200 of the bearing end part 190 on the one hand and the bearing receptacle 202 on the other hand is pivotable.

In the working state of the clamping device 104, the longitudinal axis 182 of the clamping screw 180 is preferably aligned essentially perpendicular to the support surface 152 of the housing 142 of the clamping device 104 and thus essentially parallel to the height direction 154 of the clamping device 104.

At the end of the clamping screw 180 facing away from the bearing end part 190, an actuating end part 204 is formed, on which an operator can attack by hand or using a tool in order to rotate the clamping screw 180 about its longitudinal axis 182 and thereby move the clamping arm 130 into a desired working position move.

The actuating end part 204 can in particular be designed as a clamping screw head.

The actuating end part 204 preferably has a polygonal cross section - taken perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 182 of the clamping screw 180 - for example a hexagonal cross section.

A guide section 206 of the clamping screw 180 lying between the actuating end part 204 and the thread 184 of the clamping screw 180 passes through a guide opening 208 in a guide element 210 of the clamping device 104.

The guide element 210 is slidably guided on the housing 142 of the clamping device 104 so that it can be moved from the in Fig. 13 illustrated engagement position, in which the clamping screw 180 is in engagement with the clamping arm 130, into a release position in which the clamping screw 180 is out of engagement with the clamping arm 130, and can be moved from the release position back into the engaged position.

The tensioning device 104 may further comprise a pretensioning device (not shown) which pushes the guide element 210 into the in Fig. 13 shown engagement position biased.

The guide element 210 and the pretensioning device form components of a decoupling device of the tensioning device 104, by means of which the thread 184 of the tensioning screw 180 can be brought out of engagement with the engagement section 188 of the tensioning arm 130.

This decoupling device further comprises a latching device, by means of which the guide element 210 can be latched relative to the housing 142 in the engaged position and/or in the release position.

The latching device can comprise one or more latching parts, which are between a latching position, in which the latching parts lock the guide element 210 in the engaged position or in the release position, and an unlocking position, in which the latching parts allow a movement of the guide element 210 from the engaged position into the released position, respectively release from the release position into the engaged position, are movable.

The movement of the latching part or latching parts from the latching position to the unlocking position or from the unlocking position to the latching position preferably takes place along the transverse direction 150 of the clamping device 104.

Each latching part is provided on at least one end facing away from the housing 142 with an actuating element 212, which an operator can act on in order to move the respective latching part into the unlocking position.

In particular, it can be provided that an operator attacks one of the actuating elements 212 or both actuating elements 212 simultaneously in order to move the latching part or the latching parts into the unlocking position against the elastic restoring force of a spring element of the latching device.

Each of the actuation elements 212 can be designed as an actuation button.

In order to carry out a quick adjustment of the clamping arm 130 over a large pivot angle about the pivot axis 162 of 60° or more using the decoupling device described above, the procedure is as follows:
Starting from the in Fig. 13 illustrated working position of the clamping device, in which the engagement section 188 of the clamping arm 130 is in engagement with the thread 184 of the clamping screw 180 and the clamping arm 130 is, for example, near its upper end position, the guide element 210 is in the engaged position and the at least one latching part of the latching device is in the locking position, the locking part or parts of the locking device are in the Unlocking position transferred by an operator engaging on at least one of the actuating elements 212 and moving the same along the transverse direction 150 of the clamping device 104.

In the unlocking position, the at least one locking part causes the guide element 210 to move from the in Fig. 13 shown engagement position in the release position, the guide element 210 - in the viewing direction of the Fig. 13 seen - is moved to the right parallel to the longitudinal direction 148 of the clamping device 104.

The movement of the guide element 210 from the in Fig. 13 The engagement position shown in the release position (not shown) takes place in that the operator acting on at least one of the actuating element 212 moves the actuating element 212 and thus the at least one latching part in the longitudinal direction 148 of the clamping device 104 from the front of the housing 142, on which the clamping arm 130 emerging from the housing 142, moves backwards, towards the back of the housing 142.

When the guide element 210 has reached the release position and the operator no longer acts on the actuating elements 212 of the latching parts, the at least one latching part is moved back into the latching position by a spring element of the latching device, in which the at least one latching element locks the guide element 210 in the release position .

In this state of the tensioning device 104, the engagement portion 188 of the tensioning arm 130 is disengaged from the thread 184 of the tensioning screw 180, so that the tensioning arm 130 is independent of a rotation of the tensioning screw 180 relative to the housing 142 of the tensioning device 104 from a first working position, for example close the upper end position of the clamping arm 130, can be pivoted into any second working position, for example near a lower end position of the clamping arm 130.

This quick adjustment of the clamping arm 130 saves a lot of setting time that would otherwise have to be used to move the clamping arm 130 from the first working position to the second working position simply by turning the clamping screw 180 about its longitudinal axis 182.

When the clamping arm 130 has been moved into the desired second working position, the guide element 210 is moved from the release position back into the engaged position by an operator moving the at least one latching part out of the latching position by means of at least one of the actuating elements 212 against the elastic restoring force of the spring element of the latching device , in which the guide element 210 is locked in its release position, moves into the unlocking position, in which the at least one locking part releases a movement of the guide element 210 from the release position into the engaged position.

Subsequently, the guide element 210, which has been released from the locking position in the release position, is moved from the release position into the engaged position (that is, along the longitudinal direction 148 of the tensioning device 104 away from the back of the housing 142) by the biasing device of the decoupling device of the tensioning device 104, in particular a biasing spring the front of the housing 142, at which the clamping arm 130 emerges from the housing 142), so that the thread 184 of the clamping screw 180 is again in engagement with the engagement section 188 of the clamping arm 130.

As soon as the guide element 210 has reached the engaged position, the at least one latching part of the latching device is moved along the transverse direction 150 of the clamping device 104 from the unlocking position into the latching position, so that the guide element 210 is locked in the engaged position and secured against moving back into the release position.

How further? Fig. 13 As can be seen, the clamping device 104 comprises an upper chip protection element 214 and/or a lower chip protection element 216, these chip protection elements 214, 216 each at least partially covering a gap between two opposing inner walls 218a, 218b of the housing 142 of the clamping device 104, so that a Interior 220 of the housing 142, in which the engagement section 188 of the clamping arm 130 and the thread 184 of the clamping screw 180 are arranged, is protected by the chip protection elements 214, 216 against the ingress of chips and / or other contaminants from the outer space 168 of the housing 142.

The upper chip protection element 214 is fixed to a ceiling wall 222 of the housing 142 and extends to an upper peripheral surface 224 of the clamping arm 130 or at least to the vicinity of this upper peripheral surface 224.

An edge section of the upper chip protection element 214 facing the clamping arm 130 preferably rests on the upper peripheral surface 224 of the clamping arm 130 or is spaced from the upper peripheral surface 224 of the clamping arm 130 by less than 2 mm, in particular by less than 1 mm.

The lower chip protection element 216 is fixed to a bottom wall 226 of the housing 142 and extends to a lower peripheral surface 228 of the clamping arm 130 or at least to the vicinity of the lower peripheral surface 228.

Preferably, an edge section of the lower chip protection element 216 facing the clamping arm 130 rests on the lower peripheral surface 228 of the clamping arm 130 or is spaced from the lower peripheral surface 228 of the clamping arm 130 by less than 2 mm, in particular by less than 1 mm.

Each of the chip protection elements 214, 216 can be essentially plate-shaped and/or essentially sheet-shaped.

How best to look Fig. 3 As can be seen, the free end region 170 of the clamping arm 130 has a longitudinal center plane 230 which runs through the longitudinal axis 182 of the clamping screw 180, preferably regardless of whether the clamping screw 180 is in the engaged position or in the release position and preferably independently depending on which working position the clamping arm 130 is in.

In order to achieve that the actuating tool 124 can extend from the area above the clamping arm 130 laterally past the clamping arm 130 through the passage opening 132 in the receptacle 134 of the intermediate element 106 into the positioning area 160 'of a housing 232 of the intermediate element 106 the clamping arm 130 is provided with an offset 234, which is designed and arranged on the clamping arm 130 in such a way that a side wall 236 of the clamping arm 130 facing the positioning area 160 of the clamping device 104 is in the offset area 238 of the clamping arm 130 by the distance Δ along the transverse direction 150 of the Clamping device 104 is offset relative to the same side wall 236 in the free end region 170 of the clamping arm 130, namely from a lateral edge 240 of the positioning region 160 away to an inner wall 218b of the housing 142 facing away from this lateral edge 240 of the positioning region 160.

The side wall 236 of the clamping arm 130 in the free end region 170 of the clamping arm 130 on the one hand and the lateral edge 240 of the positioning area 160 on the other hand lie almost in the same plane, which runs perpendicular to the transverse direction 150 of the clamping device 104, and the offset Δ generated by the offset 234 is almost equal to the width of the recess 242 bordered by the positioning region 160, that is to say its extent in the transverse direction 150 of the clamping device 104, so that the bent region 238 of the clamping arm 130 is the one bordered by the positioning region 160 Recess 242 - seen in the plan view from above along the height direction 154 of the clamping device 104 - only overlaps to a small extent or not at all.

It is therefore possible for the actuating tool 124 to extend laterally past the bent region 238 of the clamping arm 130 to the passage opening 132 of the receptacle 134 of the intermediate element 106, which is arranged centrally on the positioning region 160 of the tensioning device 104, and through this passage opening 132 to that of the positioning area 160 'bordered recess 242' of the intermediate element 106 extends.

The actuating tool 124, which is preferably designed as an Allen key 126, preferably comprises a long straight tool section 244, a short straight tool section 246 and a curved tool section 248 connecting the short straight tool section 246 and the long straight tool section 244 to one another.

Like from the Fig. 1 , 3 , 4 and 6 can be seen, the long straight tool section 244 can extend laterally past the clamping arm 130 from the bent area 238 of the clamping arm 130 through the passage opening 132 of the receptacle 134 of the intermediate element 106 to the recess 242 'of the positioning area 160' of the intermediate element 106 arranged fastening means 119, in particular up to the fastening screw 120 of the fastening means 119, extend when the clamping arm 130 is in its upper end position.

The angle that the longitudinal axis of the long, rectilinear tool section 244 of the actuating tool 124 includes with the height direction 154 of the clamping device 104 when the actuating tool 124 is positioned laterally on the bent area 238 from above the clamping arm 130 of the clamping arm 130 and extends through the passage opening 132 of the receptacle 134 of the intermediate element 106 to a fastening means 119 arranged on the recess 242 'of the positioning region 160' of the intermediate element 106, is preferably less than 10 °, in particular less than 5 °.

In order to fasten the clamping tower 102 formed from the clamping device 104 and the intermediate element 106 to the base 108 by means of the fastening means 119, the T-slot nut 122 is inserted into a selected T-slot 112 of the machine table 110. The clamping tower 102 is arranged on the base 108 in such a way that the recess 242 'of the intermediate element 106 is located above the T-slot nut 122 in the height direction 154 of the clamping device 104, and the fastening screw 120 is inserted into the recess 242' in such a way that it Thread comes into engagement with the internal thread of the T-nut 122.

The actuating tool 124 is then brought into engagement with the head of the fastening screw 120 in such a way that the long, straight tool section 244 extends from the fastening screw 120 through the passage opening 132 of the receptacle 134 of the intermediate element 106 and laterally on the bent region 238 of the clamping arm 130 of the clamping device 104 extends past into the area above the clamping arm 130, as shown in the Fig. 1 to 6 is shown.

An operator then engages the short, rectilinear tool section 246 of the actuating tool 124 in order to rotate the long, rectilinear tool section 244 about its longitudinal axis and thereby screw the fastening screw 120, which is in engagement with the actuating tool 124, into the internal thread of the T-slot nut 122 until the T-slot nut 122 and the housing 232 of the intermediate element 106 are clamped against the base 108, in particular the machine table 110, so that the clamping tower 102 is releasably secured to the base 108.

That in the Fig. 19 to 26 Separately shown intermediate element 106 serves, if necessary, to increase the distance between the base 108 and the clamping device 104 in order to clamp larger workpieces using the clamping tower 102, which could not be clamped using the clamping device 104 attached directly to the base 108.

The intermediate element 106 comprises the housing 232, which has a bottom wall 250, a top wall 252, two side walls 254a, 254b connecting the bottom wall 250 and the top wall 252 with each other, and a rear wall connecting the bottom wall 250 and the top wall 252 as well as the two side walls 254a, 254b 256 includes.

In order to be able to position the clamping device 104 reliably on the intermediate element 106 in such a way that an underside 258 of the clamping device 104 rests essentially congruently and essentially flatly on an upper side 260 of the intermediate element 106, the intermediate element 106 is provided with the receptacle 134 on its upper side 260 , which at least partially accommodates the positioning area 160 of the clamping device 104 when the clamping device 104 is arranged on the intermediate element 106.

The receptacle 134 includes a base area 262, which extends upwards from the top 260 of the intermediate element 106 along the height direction 154, and an undercut area 264 adjoining the base area 262 in the height direction 154, which extends in the transverse direction 150, preferably on both sides , protrudes beyond the base area 262 of the receptacle 134.

Each of the parts of the undercut area 264 projecting beyond the base area 262 in the transverse direction 150 each forms an undercut projection 266.

Each of the undercut projections 266 has a convexly curved first boundary wall 268 on its underside facing the top 260 of the intermediate element 106.

An end region 272 of the boundary wall 268 facing a front side 270 of the intermediate element 106 is aligned essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction 148 and the transverse direction 150 and essentially perpendicular to the height direction 154.

Along the height direction 154 under each first boundary wall 268 of an undercut projection 266, the top 260 of the intermediate element 106 is designed as a curved second boundary wall 274, which has a concave curvature.

An end region 276 of the second boundary wall 274 facing the front side 270 of the intermediate element 106 is preferably aligned essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction 148 and the transverse direction 150 and essentially perpendicular to the height direction 154.

A first boundary wall 268, a second boundary wall 274 and a side wall 278 of the base region 262 of the receptacle 134, which is preferably aligned essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction 148 and/or parallel to the height direction 154, each form the boundaries of a guide channel 280 of the receptacle 134, in which in each case a section of the positioning area 160 of the clamping device 104 can be at least partially inserted in order to position the clamping device 104 on the intermediate element 106.

For this purpose, the clamping device 104 is brought from the back of the receptacle 134 of the intermediate element 106, which is remote from the front side 270 of the intermediate element 106, to the top side 260 of the intermediate element 106, as in Fig. 18 shown.

The underside 258 of the clamping device 104 is preferably inclined at an acute angle α relative to the upper side 260 of the intermediate element 106.

The angle of inclination α is preferably at least 10° and/or preferably at most 20°.

Under this inclination, the clamping device 104 is brought up to the receptacle 134 of the intermediate element 106 until the positioning area 160 of the clamping device 104 enters the guide channels 280 of the intermediate element 106, as shown in FIG Fig. 16 and 17 is shown.

Due to the convex curvature of the first boundary walls 268 of the guide channels 280, the guide channels 280 expand towards the back of the receptacle 134, so that an insertion funnel is created, which facilitates the insertion of the positioning area 160 of the clamping device 104 into the guide channels 280 of the intermediate element 106.

When the tensioning device 104 moves further towards the front side 270 of the intermediate element 106, the top side 282 of the positioning area 160 of the tensioning device 104 slides off the first boundary walls 268 of the guide channels 280, whereby the underside 258 of the tensioning device 104 automatically moves onto the top side 260 of the intermediate element 106 too moved, while reducing the angle of inclination α, until the underside 258 of the clamping device 104 lies essentially flat against the upper side 260 of the intermediate element 106, as shown in FIGS Fig. 10 , 13 and 15 is shown.

In this end position of the clamping device 104 on the intermediate element 106, the front edge 158 of the positioning area 160 of the clamping device 104 is preferably essentially flush with the front side 270 of the intermediate element 106 and with the front side of the receptacle 134 of the intermediate element 106.

The first boundary walls 268 and the second boundary walls 274 of the guide channels 280 of the intermediate element 106 are spaced so far apart along the height direction 154 that the positioning area 160 of the clamping device 104 has essentially no play or only a slight play along the height direction 154 on the intermediate element 106 is held.

The dimensions of the recess 242 of the clamping device 104, which is bordered by the positioning region 160 of the clamping device 104, along the longitudinal direction 148 and along the transverse direction 150 essentially correspond to the dimensions of the base region 262 of the receptacle 134 of the intermediate element 106 along the longitudinal direction 148 or longitudinally the transverse direction 150, so that the receptacle 134 forms a stop for the movement of the tensioning device 104 along the longitudinal direction 148 towards the front 270 of the intermediate element 106 and the tensioning device 104 through the receptacle 134 against movement relative to the intermediate element 106 along the transverse direction 150 is secured.

In order to prevent rotation of the housing 142 of the clamping device 104 relative to the housing 232 of the intermediate element 106 during the fastening process by which the clamping device 104 is releasably attached to the intermediate element 106 and / or during the operation of the clamping tower 102 for clamping a workpiece, an anti-rotation device 284 is provided on the top 260 of the intermediate element 106, which, for example, is a projection with a non-rotationally symmetrical Cross-section, for example with a substantially rectangular cross-section, can be formed (see in particular the Fig. 19 to 21 as well as 25 and 26).

The anti-rotation device 284 of the intermediate element 106 can be brought into engagement with a complementary anti-rotation recess on the underside 258 of the clamping device 104 when the clamping device 104 is placed on the top 260 of the intermediate element 106, so that through the engagement between the anti-rotation device 284 on the housing 232 of the Intermediate element 106 and the anti-rotation recess arranged on the underside 258 of the clamping device 104 prevents rotation of the housing 142 of the clamping device 104 relative to the housing 232 of the intermediate element 106.

In principle, it can also be provided that an anti-rotation device designed as a projection is arranged on the underside 258 of the clamping device 104 and a complementary anti-rotation recess is provided on the top side 260 of the intermediate element 106.

In order to be able to guide the actuating tool 124 for releasably fastening the clamping tower 102 to the substrate 108 through the receptacle 134 of the intermediate element 106, the receptacle 134 is provided with the passage opening 132, which is preferably formed essentially centrally on the receptacle 134 and, for example, in Can be essentially cylindrical.

In order to prevent the tensioning device 104 from unintentionally detaching from the intermediate element 106, the locking device 118 is provided, by means of which the tensioning device 104 can be locked to the intermediate element 106.

How best from the Fig. 20 and 26 As can be seen, the locking device 118 comprises a locking element 288, which is arranged in a recess 290 on the rear wall 256 of the housing 232 of the intermediate element 106 and is held on lateral boundary walls of the recess 290 so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis 292 relative to the housing 232 of the intermediate element 106 .

In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the locking element 288 is designed as a two-armed locking lever 294, which comprises a first lever arm 296 arranged below the pivot axis 292 and a second lever arm 298 arranged above the pivot axis 292.

In one in the Fig. 13 and 26 In the locking position shown, a rear side 300 of the locking lever 294 facing away from the housing 232 of the intermediate element 106 is aligned essentially parallel to the height direction 154.

In an in Fig. 14 In the unlocking position shown, the locking lever 294 is aligned so that its back 300 is inclined relative to the height direction 154.

In order to bias the locking element 288 into its locking position, the locking device 118 comprises an elastic biasing element 302, which is supported on the one hand on the housing 232 of the intermediate element 106 and on the other hand on the first lever arm 296 of the locking element 288.

It is preferably provided that a first end region 304 of the prestressing element 302 engages in a blind bore 306 on the rear wall 256 of the housing 232 and a second end region 308 of the prestressing element 302 engages in a recess 310 on a front side 312 of the locking element 288 facing the housing 232 of the intermediate element 106 intervenes.

The biasing element 302 is preferably designed to be elastic.

In particular, it can be provided that the biasing element 302 is designed as a spring, particularly preferably as a spiral spring and/or as a compression spring.

The second lever arm 298 of the locking element 288 has a locking lug 314.

The locking lug can be wedge-shaped, for example.

How best to look Fig. 13 As can be seen, the locking lug 314 of the locking element 288 engages in a locking recess 316, which is provided on a rear wall 318 of the housing 142 of the clamping device 104 facing away from the positioning area 160 of the clamping device 104 when the clamping device 104 is positioned in its working position on the intermediate element 106 is.

The locking lug 314 of the locking element 288 engages behind an area of the bottom wall 226 of the clamping device 104, so that the housing 142 of the clamping device 104 is secured against moving away from the top 260 of the intermediate element 106 along the height direction 154 by positive locking and is thus locked to the intermediate element 106 .

The locking of the tensioning device 104 on the intermediate element 106 can be released by an operator pressing with a finger or a tool against the first lever arm 296 of the locking element 288, so that the first lever arm 296 against the restoring force of the biasing element 302 into the recess 290 on the Rear wall 256 of the housing 232 of the intermediate element 106 is pivoted in.

As a result, the locking lug 314 on the second lever arm 298 of the locking element 288 disengages from the locking recess 316 on the housing 142 of the clamping device 104.

Subsequently, the tensioning device 104 can be raised at its back so that the underside 258 of the tensioning device forms an acute angle α with the top 260 of the intermediate element 106, and then the tensioning device 104 can be moved along the longitudinal direction 148 relative to the intermediate element 106, that the positioning area 160 of the clamping device 104 comes out of engagement with the guide channels 280 of the receptacle 134 of the intermediate element 106.

Thus, the tensioning device 104 is released from the intermediate element 106 and can be moved away from the intermediate element 106.

In this way, the connection between the clamping device 104 and the intermediate element 106 of the clamping tower 102 can be released without tools, in particular without using a screwing tool.

To clamp particularly tall workpieces, it may be necessary to supplement the clamping tower 102 with one or more additional intermediate elements 106.

To make this possible, the intermediate element 106 is provided at the front edge of its bottom wall 250 with the positioning area 160 ', which is designed and arranged in such a way that it can be at least partially accommodated in the receptacle 134 of a further intermediate element which is identical to the first intermediate element 106, if such a further intermediate element is arranged between the intermediate element and the substrate.

The positioning area 160 'of the intermediate element 106 is preferably designed and arranged on the bottom wall 250 of the intermediate element 106 in exactly the same way as the positioning area 160 of the clamping device 104 on the bottom wall 226 of the housing 142 of the clamping device 104.

In order to secure the intermediate element 106 against rotation relative to the further intermediate element 106, the intermediate element 106 is further provided in the rear area of the bottom wall 250 of the housing 232 with an anti-rotation recess 320, which is designed to be complementary to the anti-rotation device 284 on the top 260 of the intermediate element 106 and is arranged vertically along the height direction 154 under the anti-rotation device 284, so that the anti-rotation device 284 of the further intermediate element 106 can engage in the anti-rotation recess 320 of the first intermediate element 106 when the first intermediate element 106 is placed on the second intermediate element 106.

And finally, the intermediate element 106 has a locking recess 316 in the lower region of the rear wall 256 of the housing 232, into which the locking lug 314 of the further intermediate element 106 can engage in order to lock the first intermediate element 106 to the second intermediate element 106 when the first intermediate element 106 is placed on the second intermediate element 106.

The locking recess 316 on the rear wall 256 of the housing 232 of the intermediate element 106 is preferably designed in exactly the same way as the locking recess 316 on the rear wall 318 of the housing 142 of the clamping device 104.

Claims (15)

Intermediate element for arranging between a clamping device (104) for clamping a workpiece and a base (108), to which the intermediate element (106) can be releasably secured,
characterized,
in that the intermediate element (106) comprises a receptacle (134) for at least partially receiving a positioning area (160) of the clamping device (104) and a locking device (118) for locking the clamping device (104) on the intermediate element (106). Intermediate element according to claim 1, characterized in that the receptacle (134) of the intermediate element (106) comprises at least one guide channel (280) into which the positioning region (160) of the clamping device (104) can be at least partially inserted. Intermediate element according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one guide channel (280) comprises a curved boundary wall (268). Intermediate element according to claim 3, characterized in that the at least one guide channel (280) comprises a further curved boundary wall (274) which, at least in sections, runs essentially parallel to the first curved boundary wall (268). Intermediate element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the intermediate element (106) comprises a positioning region (160') which is designed and arranged so that it can be at least partially accommodated in the receptacle (134) of a further intermediate element (106) which is identical to the intermediate element (106) when such a further intermediate element (106) is arranged between the intermediate element (106) and the substrate (108). Intermediate element according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receptacle (134) of the intermediate element (106) comprises a passage opening (132) through which an actuating tool (124) can be passed in order to bring the actuating tool (124) into engagement with a To bring fastening means (119) for fastening the intermediate element (106) to the surface (108). Intermediate element according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the locking device (118) comprises a movable locking element (288) which can be brought into engagement with the tensioning device (104). Intermediate element according to claim 7, characterized in that the locking element (288) comprises a locking lever (294) pivotally held on a housing (232) of the intermediate element (106). Intermediate element according to one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that the locking device (118) comprises a biasing element (302) which biases the locking element (288) into a locking position. Intermediate element according to one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the locking element (288) by exerting a compressive force from a locking position in which the locking element (288) locks the tensioning device (104). on the intermediate element (106), can be moved into an unlocking position in which the locking of the tensioning device (104) on the intermediate element (106) is released. Intermediate element according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the connection between the clamping device (104) and the intermediate element (106) can be released without tools. tension tower, comprising a clamping device (104) for clamping a workpiece and at least one intermediate element (106) according to one of claims 1 to 11, which can be arranged between the clamping device (104) and a base (108), the clamping device (104) being on the intermediate element (106) can be locked, and wherein the clamping device (104) comprises a positioning region (160) which is at least partially accommodated in the receptacle (134) of the intermediate element (106) when the clamping device (104) is locked to the intermediate element (106). Clamping tower according to claim 12, characterized in that the positioning area (160) of the clamping device borders a recess (242) in the clamping device (104), through which a fastening element (156) can extend when the clamping device (104) is used without using an intermediate element (106) is attached directly to the surface (108). Clamping tower according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized in that the clamping device (104) comprises a movable clamping arm (130), which is designed and arranged such that an actuating tool (124) past the clamping arm (130) or through a passage opening (132) of the clamping arm (130) and through a passage opening (132) of the receptacle (134) of the Intermediate element (106) can be passed through in order to bring the actuating tool (124) into engagement with a fastening means (119) for fastening the intermediate element (106) to the surface (108). Clamping tower according to one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the clamping tower (102) comprises at least two intermediate elements (106) according to one of claims 1 to 11 and/or
comprises at least one fastening means (119) for fastening the intermediate element (106) or the clamping device (104) to a surface (108).

Images