U.S. patent number RE39,786 [Application Number 10/154,368] was granted by the patent office on 2007-08-21 for clamp with improved internal cam action.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Norgren Automotive, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jeffrey J. Dellach.
United States Patent |
RE39,786 |
Dellach |
August 21, 2007 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ( Reexamination Certificate
) ** |
Clamp with improved internal cam action
Abstract
A clamping apparatus, for use with an actuator, has a housing
with a guide track mounted on or formed in the housing. A roller or
cam operably engages with the guide track such that the cam can be
moved and positioned along the guide track by way of the actuator.
At least one pivoting arm is pivotally mounted on the housing
adjacent to and spaced from the guide track. Each pivoting arm has
an elongate slot adjacent to the shoulder. The elongate slot has
two arcuate surfaces positioned parallel to each other and has two
end surfaces joining the arcuate surfaces to define a closed loop
surface. The cam is positioned within the elongate slot of each
pivoting arm to pivot each pivoting arm between a clamped position
and a released position as the cam is moved along the guide track
and driven against the arcuate surfaces of each pivoting arm. The
clamping apparatus can include stop members for limiting the
movement of the cam and/or the range of motion for each pivoting
arm, a swivel mount and/or a mounting bracket enabling the clamping
apparatus to be positioned in any desired angular orientation, a
lost-motion link incorporated in the internal cam action of the
clamping apparatus, and/or side plates for preventing the
infiltration of foreign matter in the internal cam action.
Inventors: |
Dellach; Jeffrey J. (Macomb,
MI) |
Assignee: |
Norgren Automotive, Inc. (Mt.
Clemens, MI)
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Family
ID: |
21708267 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/154,368 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
09003927 |
Jan 7, 1998 |
06079896 |
Jun 27, 2000 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
403/322.3;
269/32; 403/31 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B25B
5/087 (20130101); B25B 5/163 (20130101); Y10T
403/593 (20150115); Y10T 403/22 (20150115) |
Current International
Class: |
F16B
2/18 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;403/322.3,31,322.1,321,24 ;269/32,34,27,77 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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3528337 |
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Feb 1987 |
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DE |
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0576946 |
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Jan 1994 |
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EP |
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1 456 703 |
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Nov 1976 |
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GB |
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2041263 |
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Sep 1980 |
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GB |
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1187981 |
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0000 |
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RU |
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Primary Examiner: Perveen; Rehana
Assistant Examiner: Patel; Anand B.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Basile; Young
Claims
What is claimed is:
.[.1. In a clamping apparatus operably engageable with a linear
reciprocal actuator moveable between an extended position and a
retracted position, said clamping apparatus comprising: a hollow
housing having a guide track defined on opposing inner surfaces; a
slide block operably engageable with said guide track capable of
being driven, moved, and positioned along said guide track by said
actuator between first and second end limits of movement
corresponding to said retracted and extended positions respectively
of said actuator; a cam connected to said slide block for movement
therewith; and at least one pivoting arm, each said pivoting arm
pivotally mounted for rotation about a pivot axis with respect to
said housing adjacent to said guide track, and each said pivoting
arm having an elongate slot adjacent to and spaced from said pivot
axis, said cam positioned within said elongate slot of each said
pivoting arm for converting linear reciprocal movement of said cam
into pivoting rotation of each said pivoting arm, such that each
said pivoting arm is in a clamped position when said slide block is
in said first end limit of movement and each said pivoting arm is
in a released position when said slide block is in said second end
limit of movement..].
.[.2. The clamping apparatus of claim 1, wherein said elongate slot
of each said pivoting arm is defined by two arcuate surfaces
extending parallel to one another with two end surfaces joining
said arcuate surfaces to one another to define a closed loop, said
arcuate surfaces defined by convex arcuate segments with respect to
said pivot axis..].
.[.3. The clamping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: at
least one pivot pin supported from said housing for connection
through each said pivoting arm, each said pivoting arm pivotal
about said pivot axis defining a range of arm motion; and a stop
projection supportable by said housing for obstructing said range
of arm motion in selective positions to defined selectable
positions between said clamped position and said released
position..].
4. .[.The.]. .Iadd.In a .Iaddend.clamping apparatus .[.of claim 1
further.]. .Iadd.operably engageable with a linear reciprocal
actuator moveable between an extended position and a retracted
position, said clamping apparatus .Iaddend.comprising: .Iadd.a
hollow housing having a guide track defined on opposing inner
surfaces; a slide block operably engageable with said guide track
capable of being driven, moved, and positioned along said guide
track by said actuator between first and second end limits of
movement corresponding to said retracted and extended positions
respectively of said actuator; a cam connected to said slide block
for movement therewith; and at least one pivoting arm, each said
pivoting arm pivotally mounted for rotation about a pivot axis with
respect to said housing adjacent to said guide track, and each said
pivoting arm having an elongate slot adjacent to and spaced from
said pivot axis, said cam positioned within said elongate slot of
each said pivoting arm for converting linear reciprocal movement of
said cam into pivoting rotation of each said pivoting arm, such
that each said pivoting arm is in a clamped position when said
slide block is in said first end limit of movement and each said
pivoting arm is in a released position when said slide block is in
said second end limit of movement; and.Iaddend. a swivel joint for
supporting said housing in any angular orientation with respect to
said actuator, said swivel joint having a plate, a collar mounted
on said plate, said housing having an aperture complementary in
shape to said collar such that said housing seats on said collar
with said aperture substantially surrounding said collar, means for
securing said housing on said collar of said swivel joint, said
collar permitting said housing to be seated and secured with
respect to said collar in any desired angular orientation with
respect to a longitudinal axis of said actuator.
5. The clamping apparatus of claim 4, further comprising: means for
supporting said swivel joint with respect to a support structure,
said supporting means mounted on said plate of said swivel
joint.
.[.6. The clamping apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: means
for abbreviating a permissible range of motion for said cam along
said guide track, wherein said guide track defines said permissible
range of motion for said slide block and cam, said abbreviating
means incorporated in said housing, each said pivoting arm pivoting
about said pivot axis and thereby defining a range of arm motion,
said range of arm motion partially limited by said abbreviating
means..].
7. .[.The.]. .Iadd.In a .Iaddend.clamping apparatus .[.of claim 1,
further.]. .Iadd.operably engageable with a linear reciprocal
actuator moveable between an extended position and a retracted
position, said clamping apparatus .Iaddend.comprising: .Iadd.a
hollow housing having a guide track defined on opposing inner
surfaces; a slide block operably engageable with said guide track
capable of being driven, moved, and positioned along said guide
track by said actuator between first and second end limits of
movement corresponding to said retracted and extended positions
respectively of said actuator; a cam connected to said slide block
for movement therewith; and at least one pivoting arm, each said
pivoting arm pivotally mounted for rotation about a pivot axis with
respect to said housing adjacent to said guide track, and each said
pivoting arm having an elongate slot adjacent to and spaced from
said pivot axis, said cam positioned within said elongate slot of
each said pivoting arm for converting linear reciprocal movement of
said cam into pivoting rotation of each said pivoting arm, such
that each said pivoting arm is in a clamped position when said
slide block is in said first end limit of movement and each said
pivoting arm is in a released position when said slide block is in
said second end limit of movement; and.Iaddend. means for encasing
said elongate slot of each said pivoting arm and said cam, said
encasing means attached to said housing and serving to protect said
elongate slot and said cam from contamination.
8. .[.The.]. .Iadd.In a .Iaddend.clamping apparatus .[.of claim 1,
further.]. .Iadd.operably engageable with a linear reciprocal
actuator moveable between an extended position and a retracted
position, said clamping apparatus .Iaddend.comprising: .Iadd.a
hollow housing having a guide track defined on opposing inner
surfaces; a slide block operably engageable with said guide track
capable of being driven, moved, and positioned along said guide
track by said actuator between first and second end limits of
movement corresponding to said retracted and extended positions
respectively of said actuator; a cam connected to said slide block
for movement therewith; and at least one pivoting arm, each said
pivoting arm pivotally mounted for rotation about a pivot axis with
respect to said housing adjacent to said guide track, and each said
pivoting arm having an elongate slot adjacent to and spaced from
said pivot axis, said cam positioned within said elongate slot of
each said pivoting arm for converting linear reciprocal movement of
said cam into pivoting rotation of each said pivoting arm, such
that each said pivoting arm is in a clamped position when said
slide block is in said first end limit of movement and each said
pivoting arm is in a released position when said slide block is in
said second end limit of movement;.Iaddend. each said pivoting arm
having an articulated portion hingedly connected to said pivoting
arm opposite said elongate slot; and a lost-motion link pivotally
attached to said housing and said articulated portion at spaced
locations from one another, said lost-motion link having a curved
slot for receiving said cam to move said articulated portion of
said pivoting arm between a clamped position and a released
position as said cam is simultaneously moved within said elongate
slot and said curved slot in response to movement of said slide
block along said guide track.
.[.9. The clamping apparatus of claim 1, wherein said clamped
position is defined by said cam positioned within said elongate
slot such that said cam is disposed at a maximum distance with
respect to said rotational axis..].
.[.10. A clamping apparatus for a linear reciprocal actuator
moveable between a retracted position and an extended position,
said clamping apparatus comprising: a hollow housing having a guide
track defined on opposing inner surfaces; a slide block operably
engageable with said guide track capable of being driven, moved,
and positioned along said guide track by said actuator between
first and second end limits of movement corresponding to said
retracted and extended positions respectively of said actuator; a
cam connected to said slide block for movement therewith; and at
least one pivoting arm, each said pivoting arm pivotally mounted
for rotation about a pivot axis with respect to said housing
adjacent to said guide track, and each said pivoting arm having an
arcuate slot adjacent to and spaced from said pivot axis, said cam
positioned within said arcuate slot of each said pivoting arm to
thereby pivot each said pivoting arm between a clamped position
when said slide block is in said first end limit of movement
corresponding to said retracted position and a released position
when said slide block is in said second end limit of movement
corresponding to said extended position as said slide block is
moved along said guide track and as said cam is simultaneously
moved within said arcuate slot of each said pivoting arm..].
.[.11. A clamping apparatus comprising: a hollow housing having a
guide track defined on opposed inner surfaces of said housing; an
actuator mountable on said housing and moveable between an extended
position and a retracted position; a cam moveable with respect to
said guide track and connected to said actuator such that said cam
is driven, moved, and positioned along said guide track by said
actuator; and at least one pivoting arm, each said pivoting arm
mounted for movement about a pivot axis with respect to said
housing, said pivot axis adjacent to and spaced from said guide
track, and each said pivoting arm having an elongate slot adjacent
to and spaced from said pivot axis, said cam positioned within said
elongate slot of each said pivoting arm to pivot each said pivoting
arm between a clamped position corresponding to said retracted
position of said actuator and a released position corresponding to
said extended position of said actuator as said cam is moved along
said guide track and simultaneously driven against said elongate
slot of each said pivoting arm..].
.[.12. The clamping apparatus of claim 11, wherein said elongate
slot of each said pivoting arm is defined by two arcuate surfaces
extending parallel to one another with two end surfaces joining
said arcuate surfaces to one another to define a closed loop
surface, said arcuate surfaces defined by convex arcuate segments
with respect to said pivot axis..].
.[.13. The clamping apparatus of claim 11, further comprising: at
least one pivot pin support from said housing for connection
through each said pivoting arm, each said pivoting arm pivotal
about said pivot axis defining a range of arm motion; and a stop
projection supportable by said housing for obstructing said range
of arm motion in selective positions to define selectable positions
between said clamped position and said released position..].
.[.14. The clamping apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:
means for abbreviating a permissible range of motion for said cam
along said guide track, wherein said guide track defines said
permissible range of motion for said cam, said abbreviating means
incorporated in said housing, each said pivoting arm pivoting about
said pivot axis and thereby defining a range of arm motion, said
range of arm motion partially limited by said abbreviating
means..].
15. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.clamping apparatus .[.of claim 11,
further.]. comprising: .Iadd.a hollow housing having a guide track
defined on opposed inner surfaces of said housing; an actuator
mountable on said housing and moveable between an extended position
and a retracted position; a cam moveable with respect to said guide
track and connected to said actuator such that said cam is driven,
moved, and positioned along said guide track by said actuator; and
at least one pivoting arm, each said pivoting arm mounted for
movement about a pivot axis with respect to said housing, said
pivot axis adjacent to and spaced from said guide track, and each
said pivoting arm having an elongate slot adjacent to and spaced
from said pivot axis, said cam positioned within said elongate slot
of each said pivoting arm to pivot each said pivoting arm between a
clamped position corresponding to said retracted position of said
actuator and a released position corresponding to said extended
position of said actuator as said cam is moved along said guide
track and simultaneously driven against said elongate slot of each
said pivoting arm; and.Iaddend. means for encasing said elongate
slot of each said pivoting arm and said cam, said encasing means
attached to said housing and serving to protect said elongate slot
and said cam from contamination.
16. The clamping apparatus of claim .[.11.]. .Iadd.15.Iaddend.,
further comprising: each said pivoting arm having an articulated
portion hingedly connected to said pivoting arm opposite said
elongate slot; and a lost-motion link pivotally attached to said
housing and said articulated portion at spaced locations from one
another, said lost-motion link having a curved slot for receiving
said cam to move said articulated portion of said pivoting arm
between a clamped position and a released position as said cam is
simultaneously moved within said elongate slot and said curved slot
in response to movement of said cam along said guide track.
.[.17. The clamping apparatus of claim 11, wherein said clamped
position is defined by said cam positioned within said elongate
slot such that said cam is disposed at a maximum distance with
respect to said rotational axis..].
18. .[.The.]. .Iadd.A .Iaddend.clamping apparatus .[.of claim 11
wherein said at least one pivoting arm comprises.].
.Iadd.comprising.Iaddend.: .Iadd.a hollow housing having a guide
track defined on opposed inner surfaces of said housing; an
actuator mountable on said housing and movable between an extended
position and a retracted position; a cam moveable with respect to
said guide track and connected to said actuator such that said cam
is driven, moved, and positioned along said guide track by said
actuator; and at least one pivoting arm, each said pivoting arm
mounted for movement about a pivot axis with respect to said
housing, said pivot axis adjacent to and spaced from said guide
track, and each said pivoting arm having an elongate slot adjacent
to and spaced from said pivot axis, said cam positioned within said
elongate slot of each said pivoting arm to pivot each said pivoting
arm between a clamped position corresponding to said retracted
position of said actuator and a released position corresponding to
said extended position of said actuator as said cam is moved along
said guide track and simultaneously driven against said elongate
slot of each said pivoting arm; and wherein said at least one
pivoting arm comprises .Iaddend.first and second pivoting arms
having first and second pivot axes respectively on opposite sides
of said guide track, each pivoting arm having said elongate slot
disposed between said pivot axis and said actuator, such that said
first and second pivoting arms are simultaneously moveable between
a clamped position corresponding to said retracted position of said
actuator and a released position corresponding to said extended
position of said actuator.
19. A clamping apparatus comprising: a hollow housing having a
guide track defined on opposed inner surfaces of said housing; an
actuator mountable on said housing; a cam moveable with respect to
said guide track and connected to said actuator such that said cam
is driven, moved, and positioned along said guide track by said
actuator; at least one pivoting arm, each said pivoting arm mounted
for movement about a pivot axis with respect to said housing, said
pivot axis adjacent to and spaced from said guide track, and each
said pivoting arm having an elongate slot adjacent to and spaced
from said pivot axis, said cam positioned within said elongate slot
of each said pivoting arm to pivot each said pivoting arm between a
clamped position and a released position as said cam is moved along
said guide track and simultaneously driven against said elongate
slot of each said pivoting arm; and a swivel joint for supporting
said housing in any angular orientation with respect to said
actuator, said swivel joint having a plate, a collar mounted on
said plate, said housing having an aperture complementary in shape
to said collar such that said housing seats on said collar with
said aperture substantially surrounding said collar, means for
securing said housing on said collar of said swivel joint, said
collar permitting said housing to be seated and secured with
respect to said collar in any desired angular orientation with
respect to a longitudinal axis of said actuator.
20. The clamping apparatus of claim 19, further comprising: means
for supporting said swivel joint with respect to a support
structure, said supporting means mounted on said plate of said
swivel joint.
.Iadd.21. A clamping apparatus comprising: a fluid linear
reciprocal actuator having a piston rod moveable between an
extended position and a retracted position along a path of travel;
a single cam operably associated with the piston rod for movement;
and at least one arm mounted for rotation about a pivot axis and
having an elongate slot, the single cam positionable within the
elongate slot of said at least one arm for converting linear
reciprocal movement of the piston rod into rotation of said at
least one arm, such that said at least one arm is in a clamped
position when the cam is in the retracted position and said at
least one arm is in a released position when the cam is in the
extended position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.22. The clamping apparatus of claim 21 wherein said at least
one arm further comprises: a first arm rotatable in a first plane;
and a second arm rotatable in a second plane, the first and second
planes substantially parallel to one another..Iaddend.
.Iadd.23. The clamping apparatus of claim 21 further comprising: a
member having at least one slot for operably receiving and guiding
the single cam along the path of travel..Iaddend.
.Iadd.24. The clamping apparatus of claim 23 wherein the member
further comprises: a central portion having the at least one slot
formed therein; and said at least one arm including first and
second arms pivotally connected to the central
portion..Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. The clamping apparatus of claim 23 wherein the member
further comprises: at least one side plate mounted adjacent said
central portion..Iaddend.
.Iadd.26. The clamping apparatus of claim 21 further comprising: a
cam support connectible to the actuator; and said at least one arm
including first and second arms with the cam support interposed
therebetween..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. The clamping apparatus of claim 21 wherein said elongate
slot of said at least one arm is defined by two arcuate surfaces
defined by convex arcuate segments with respect to said pivot
axis..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. The clamping apparatus of claim 27 wherein said elongate
slot of each said pivoting arm is defined by two end surfaces
joining said arcuate surfaces to one another to define a closed
loop surface..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. The clamping apparatus of claim 21 further comprising: a
body having a recess for receiving the at least one
arm..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The clamping apparatus of claim 29 wherein the body
further comprises: at least one cam aperture for receiving the
single cam..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. The clamping apparatus of claim 30 further comprising: at
least one side plate connectible to the body for at least partially
enclosing the at least one cam aperture..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. A clamping apparatus comprising: a fluid linear
reciprocal actuator having a piston rod moveable between an
extended position and a retracted position along a path of travel;
a single cam coupled to said piston rod and having two ends, the
cam extending perpendicular with respect to the path of travel; and
at least one arm mounted for rotation about a pivot axis and having
an arcuate slot defined by convex arcuate segments with respect to
said pivot axis, one end positionable in the arcuate slot of said
at least one arm for pivoting said at least one arm between a
clamped position, wherein said cam is in the retracted position,
and a released position, wherein said cam is in the extended
position..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. The clamping apparatus of claim 32 further comprising:
means for at least partially enclosing at least one end of the
single cam..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. The clamping apparatus of claim 33 wherein enclosing
means further comprises: a body associated with the actuator and
having at least one slot for receiving the single cam; and at least
one side plate associated with the body positionable adjacent the
at least one slot..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. The clamping apparatus of claim 32 further comprising: a
member having at least one slot for operably receiving and guiding
the single cam along the path of travel..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. The clamping apparatus of claim 35 wherein the member
further comprises: a central portion having the at least one slot
formed therein; and said at least one arm including first and
second arms pivotally connected to the central
portion..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. The clamping apparatus of claim 35 wherein the member
further comprises: at least one side plate having the at least one
slot with the at least one arm disposed between the at least one
side plate and the path of travel..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. The clamping apparatus of claim 32 further comprising: a
cam support connectible to the actuator; and said at least one arm
including first and second arms with the cam support interposed
therebetween..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. The clamping apparatus of claim 32 further comprising: a
body having a recess for receiving the at least one
arm..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. The clamping apparatus of claim 39 wherein the body
further comprises: at least one cam aperture for operably receiving
and guiding the single cam along the path of travel..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. The clamping apparatus of claim 40 further comprising: at
least one side plate connectible to the body for at least partially
enclosing the at least one cam aperture..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. The clamping apparatus of claim 39 further comprising:
the at least one pivoting arm pivotally mountable with respect to
the body..Iaddend.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a clamping apparatus used in
conjunction with a conventional actuator, the clamping apparatus
having an improved cam-action for pivoting and positioning one or
more clamp arms of the clamping apparatus.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Prior known power clamps or grippers typically include a pneumatic
or hydraulic differential pressure motor with a cylinder housing
fixedly mounted to a support structure. At the forward or rod end
of the cylinder housing, a clamp arm or gripper jaw mounting
structure is connected to the cylinder housing to support movement
of at least one clamp arm or gripper jaw connected to the piston
rod of the motor. The jaw or clamp arm is pivoted to an open
position in response to reciprocal movement of the piston rod in
one direction, and is driven to a closed work piece gripping
position in response to reciprocal movement of the piston rod in
the opposite direction. Typical configurations of known power
clamps can be seen in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,152,568 and 3,599,957. U.S.
Pat. No. 5,152,568 discloses a gripper jaw driven through a linkage
assembly, while U.S. Pat. No. 3,599,957 discloses a clamp arm
driven through cam rollers connected to a rod and moveable in
angular slots in the arm to pivot the arm.
It is also known to provide a mounting bracket rotatably mounted on
the support with a pair of pivotally mounted plates each having a
clamping arm and a cam track. The mounting bracket is known to
include an annular shoulder engaging the support, where a flange
draws the shoulder against the support to thereby selectively lock
the bracket and the piston and cylinder against rotation in any of
a plurality of rotational positions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a clamping apparatus having a
conventional fluid operated cylinder actuator. A mounting bracket
is positionable in any one of a variety of positions with respect
to a longitudinal axis of the actuator and clamp. According to the
present invention, the clamping apparatus includes an internal cam
action for the clamp arm. The fluid cylinder actuator drives the
roller or cam follower reciprocally between first and second
positions in order to move the clamp arm from the clamped position
to the released position. As the roller or cam follower
reciprocates, it drives the clamp arm by following an arcuate cam
surface or slot formed in each clamp arm. It is desirable in the
present invention to also provide the capability of a swivel
mounting of the clamp arm or gripper jaw to the cylinder housing to
allow the clamp to be positioned in any desired angular orientation
with respect to a longitudinal axis of the fluid cylinder actuator
by rotation with respect to a circular collar extending through a
mounting bracket. The clamp can be held in any desired angular
orientation with respect to the cylinder housing by tightening a
locking mechanism, such as set screws. The present invention can
also provide an adjustable stop to define the angular orientation
of the open clamp position. The stop member, such as a threaded
screw, can be positioned to engage an outer end of the cylinder rod
as the roller or cam follower is driven toward the released
position. By threading the adjustable stop further into a threaded
aperture, a maximum angle of opening for the clamp arm can be
limited to a position less than a full released angular
orientation, which generally corresponds to approximately
90.degree. from the clamped position. The internal cam action
according to the present invention provides a cam surface or slot
and cam follower in a completely enclosed housing to prevent the
infiltration of foreign matter into the cam mechanism. Rubber seals
can also be provided if desired extending along the periphery of
the housing to further obstruct the infiltration of foreign matter
through areas where the clamp arm extends through and rotates with
respect to the housing. By removing one side plate, the
corresponding clamp arm can be changed in the field without
disassembling the entire clamp. Different standard configurations
of clamp fingers or gripper jaws can be attached to the outer ends
of the clamp arm thereby permitting easy changing of the jaw style.
Sensors can also be provided for signaling the position of the cam
follower or roller to indicate the open position and/or the closed
clamp position.
The present invention relates to a clamping apparatus for use with
a conventional actuator, such as a fluid-operated cylinder. The
clamping apparatus has a support structure defining an internal
guide track on the support structure. A slide block is engageable
with the guide track such that the slide block can be moved and
positioned along the guide track by way of the actuator. At least
one pivoting arm is provided. Each pivoting arm is pivotally
mounted on the support structure adjacent to the guide track. Each
pivoting arm has an elongate slot adjacent to one longitudinal end.
The elongate slot has two arcuate surfaces positioned parallel to
each other and two end surfaces which join the arcuate surfaces and
thereby define the slot as a closed loop surface. The slide block
supports a cam or roller positioned within the elongate slot of
each pivoting arm to thereby pivot each pivoting arm between a
clamped position and a released position as the slide block and
roller combination is moved along the guide track and the roller or
cam is simultaneously driven against the arcuate surface and moved
in the elongate slot of each pivoting arm. The present invention
further can provide selectively positionable stop members or screws
for limiting the movement of the roller and/or the range of motion
for each pivoting arm, a swivel mount and/or a mounting bracket
which together enable the clamping apparatus to be positioned in
any desired angular orientation. A lost-motion link can be
incorporated into the internal cam action of the apparatus if
desired, and side plates for preventing the infiltration of foreign
matter in the internal cam action can also be provided.
Other objects, advantages and applications of the present invention
will become apparent to those skilled in the art when the following
description of the best mode contemplated for practicing the
invention is read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The description herein makes reference to the accompanying drawings
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a clamping apparatus in a clamped position
with internal cam-action clamp arms according to the present
invention;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the clamping apparatus in a released
position according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the clamping apparatus in a clamped
position according to the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an internal cam action clamp
according to the present invention with one side plate removed for
illustrative purposes;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a portion of the clamp housing with
both side plates and the internal cam mechanism removed for
purposes of illustration;
FIGS. 6-9 are schematic, side views of one clamp arm according to
the present invention illustrating the interaction of the internal
cam-action elements and incorporating optional motion-limiting stop
members mounted in various alternative positions;
FIG. 10 is a schematic, side view of the clamping apparatus having
a single clamp arm in a clamped position and a lost notion link
according to the present invention; and,
FIG. 11 is a schematic, side view of the clamping apparatus having
a single clamping arm in a released position with the lost-motion
link according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
A clamping apparatus 10 according to the present invention is
operably engageable with a linear reciprocal actuator 12 moveable
between an extended position illustrated in FIG. 2 and a retracted
position illustrated in FIG. 1. A hollow housing 14 has a guide
track 16 defined on opposing inner surfaces of the hollow housing
14. A slide block 18, best seen in FIG. 4 and FIG. 9, is operably
engageable with the guide track 80. The slide block 18 is capable
of being driven, moved, and positioned along the guide track 80 by
the actuator 12 between first and second end limits of movement
corresponding to the retracted and extended positions respectably
of the actuator 12. A cam 20 is connected to or carried by the
slide block 18 for movement along the guide track 16. The cam 20 is
operably connected to the actuator 12 for movement along the guide
track 80 in response to movement of the actuator between the
retracted and extended positions. At least one pivoting arm 22 is
pivotably mounted for rotation about a pivot axis with respect to
the housing 14. The pivot axis of each pivoting arm is disposed
adjacent to and spaced from the pivot axis. Each pivoting arm 22
has an elongate slot 24 disposed adjacent to and spaced from the
pivot axis. The cam 20 is positioned within the elongate slot 24 of
each pivoting arm 22 for converting linear reciprocal movement of
the cam 20 into pivoting rotation of each pivoting arm 22. Each
pivoting arm 22 is in a clamped position when the slide block 18 or
cam 20 is in the first end limit of movement as illustrated in FIG.
1, and each pivoting arm 22 is in a released position when the
slide block 18 or cam 20 is in the second end limit as illustrated
in FIG. 2.
The elongate slot 24 of each pivoting arm 22 is defined by two
arcuate surfaces 26 and 28 extending parallel to one another with
two end surfaces 30 and 32 joining the arcuate surfaces 26 and 28
to one another to define a closed loop surface. The arcuate
surfaces 26 and 28 define convex arcuate segments with respect to
the pivot axis of each pivoting arm 22. As best seen in FIGS. 4 and
6-9, each pivoting arm 22 is connected to the housing through a
pivot pin 34 defining the pivot axis. The elongate slot 24 extends
convex with respect to the pivot axis of the pivot pin 34 having a
first end surface 30 closest to the pivot pin 34 and a second end
surface 32 furthest from the pivot pin 34. When the pivoting arm 22
is in the clamped position, the actuator 12 is in the retracted
position, and the cam 20 is disposed adjacent to the second end
surface 32 for furthest from the pivot pin 34. In response to
movement of the actuator 12 from the retracted position to the
extended position, the cam 20 moves along the elongate slot 24 to a
position adjacent to the first end surface 30 closest to the pivot
pin 34 as best seen in FIG. 9. FIG. 9 illustrates the pivoting arm
22 in the fully open or released position.
Continuing to refer to FIGS. 6-9, at least one pivot pin 34 is
supported from the housing 14 or connection through each pivoting
arm 22. Each pivoting arm 22 is pivotal about the pivot axis to
define a potential range of arm motion from the clamped position
illustrated in FIG. 6 to the fully released position illustrated in
FIG. 9. An optional stop projection 86 can be supported from the
housing 14 for obstructing or abbreviating the range of arm motion
in selective positions to define selectable positions between the
clamped position of FIG. 6 and the released position of FIG. 9. By
way of illustration, a first stop projection 36a is illustrated in
FIG. 7 to restrict further arm motion toward the released position
beyond that illustrated. Further movement of the pivoting arm 22 is
restricted by engagement of the pivot arm 22 with the first stop
projection 36a to provide a released position of approximately
30.degree. open or rotated with respect to the clamped position.
Correspondingly, the cam 20 is stopped at a position spaced from
the first end surface 30 when using the optional first stop
projection 36a as illustrated in FIG. 7. If a greater range of arm
motion is required, the optional stop projection 36 can be
positioned as illustrated at 36b in FIG. 8. The position of stop
projection 36b permits further opening movement of each pivoting
arm 22 to a position of approximately 45.degree. with respect to
the clamped position. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the cam 20 is
permitted to move closer to the first end surface 30 than that
permitted in the configuration illustrated in FIG. 7, but is still
spaced from the first end surface 30 preventing the full arm motion
to the position illustrated in FIG. 9. It should be apparent from
this description that if a second pivoting arm 22 is provided, it
would appear as an inverted mirror image of that depicted in FIGS.
6 and 9 having a separate pivot pin, elongated slot and optional
stop projections. The cam 20 would be extended through both
elongate slots on a common axis as best seen in FIGS. 1-3.
Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the present invention can include a
swivel joint 38 for supporting the housing 14 in any angular
orientation with respect to the actuator 12. The swivel joint 38 is
connected to or carried by the actuator 12 or mounting bracket 40.
The swivel joint 38 includes a plate 42 or portion of the mounting
bracket 40 having a collar 44 extending outwardly from the plate
42. The housing 14 includes an aperture 46 complementary in shape
to the collar 44 allowing the housing 14 to seat on the collar 44
with the aperture 46 substantially surrounding the collar 44.
Fastener means 48 is provided for securing the housing 14 on the
collar 44 of the swivel joint 38. The fastener means 48 can include
one or more set screws 50 or any other suitable fastener. The
swivel joint 38 permits the housing to be seated and secured with
respect to the collar 44 in any desired angular orientation with
respect to a longitudinal axis of the linear reciprocal actuator
12. The mounting bracket 40 can include means 52 for supporting the
clamping apparatus 10 with respect to a support structure. The
supporting means 52 can be mounted on the plate 42 or form a
portion of the mounting bracket 40. By way of example and not
limitation, the supporting means 52 can include a ball or
semi-spherical collar 54 engageable with, carried by or connected
to the support structure (not shown). The outer periphery of the
ball or semi-spherical collar 54 is adjustably engaged between two
portions of a split ring 56 and 58 respectively. The two portions
of the split ring 56 and 58 are lockingly engageable with respect
to the spherical surface of the ball or semi-spherical collar 54
when driven toward engagement with one another by a suitable
fastener, such as bolt 60 engaging within threaded aperture 62.
As best seen in FIGS. 1-3, any suitable configuration of fingers 64
can be connected to the outer end of each pivoting arm 22 to
provide the desired gripper jaw or end treatment. The selected set
of complementary fingers 64 can be connected to the outer ends of
each pivoting arm 22 by any appropriate fasteners, such as by way
of example and not limitation, bolts 66 threadably engaged within
threaded apertures 68.
Referring now to FIG. 4, means 70 is provided for encasing the
elongate slot 24 of each pivoting arm 22 and cam 20. The encasing
means 70 can include a side plate or cover 72 for substantially
enclosing the pivoting arm 22 with respect to the housing 14. In
FIG. 4, the side plate or cover 72 is connected to the far side of
the housing 14 while the side plate or cover 72 on the near side of
the housing 14 has been removed to show the internal structure of
the pivoting arm 22, cam 20 and the outer portion of slide block
18. The side plate 72 can be reconnected to the housing 14 by any
suitable means, such as threaded fasteners connecting to the inner
portion of the housing 14 or through the end plate 74 into the side
plate 72. The encasing means 70 attaches to the housing 14 and
serves to protect the elongate slot and cam from contamination or
foreign matter that can be present in industrial production
environments.
Referring now to FIG. 5, the inner portion of the hollow housing 14
is depicted with the end plate, both side plates, both pivoting
arms, cam and slide block assembly being removed for clarity. The
internal portion of the housing 14 includes first and second
opposing surfaces 76 and 78 defining a longitudinally extending
slot 80 within the hollow housing 14. The longitudinally extending
slot 80 operably receives the inner portion of slide block 18 best
seen in FIG. 9. The cam 20 extends outwardly from the inner portion
of the slide block 18 to the outer portion of the slide block 18,
which is supported by slot 80 located in each side plate 72, after
passing through the elongate slot 24 of the pivoting arm 22 as best
seen in FIG. 4. The inner portion of the slide block 18 includes an
adapter 82, best seen in FIG. 9, for receiving the outer end of a
rod extending from the linear reciprocal actuator 12 seen in FIGS.
1-3. The inner portion of the slide block 18 also includes a
stop-engaging surface 84. An adjustable stop 86 is threadably
engaged through the aperture 88 formed in the inner portion of the
housing 14 best seen in FIGS. 5 and 9. The adjustable stop member
86 can be threadably adjusted with respect to the hollow interior
of the housing 14 for abbreviating a permissible range of motion
for the cam 20 along the guide track 80. The guide track 80 defines
the permissible range of motion for the slide block 18 and cam 20.
The abbreviating means 90, such as adjustable stop member 86, can
partially limit the range of arm motion by adjusting the stop
member 86 to further encroach on the end portion of the guide track
80 thereby preventing the slide block 18 from reaching the fully
extended position of the actuator 12.
Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, a clamping apparatus 10 according
to the present invention can also include a second arm portion 92
hingedly connected to the pivoting arm 22 with pivot pin 94. A
lost-motion link 96 is pivotally mounted with respect to the
housing 14 for rotational movement about pin 98. The lost-motion
link 96 also includes an elongate slot 100 for operably receiving a
portion of the cam 20 carried by the slide block 18. The second arm
portion 92 includes a linear slot 102. A second cam 104 is
connected to or carried by the lost-motion link 96 adjacent an end
opposite from the elongate slot 100. The second cam 104 operably
engages within the linear slot 102 of the second arm portion 92 for
moving the second arm portion 92 in response to movement of the cam
20 within the first elongate slot 24 of the pivoting arm 22 and the
second elongate slot 100 of the lost-motion link 96. The
lost-motion link 96 is rotatably attached to the housing 14. The
lost-motion link has a curved slot 100 for receiving the cam 20 to
move the pivoting second arm portion 92 of the pivoting arm 22
between the clamped position and the released position as the cam
20 is moved within the elongate slot 24 and the curved slot 100 in
response to movement of the slide block 18 along the guide track
80. The cam 20 is positioned within the first and second elongate
slots 24 and 100 for converting linear reciprocal movement of the
cam into pivoting rotation of the pivoting arm 22 and second arm
portion 92. The second arm portion 92 of the pivoting arm 22 is in
the clamped position, illustrated in FIG. 10, when the cam 20 and
slide block 18 are in the first end limit of movement or retracted
position of the linear reciprocal actuator. The second arm portion
92 of the pivoting arm 22 is in a released position, illustrated in
FIG. 11, when the slide block 18 and cam 20 are in the second end
limit of movement corresponding to the extended position of the
linear reciprocal actuator.
While the invention has been described in connection with what is
presently considered to be the most practical and preferred
embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be
limited to the disclosed embodiments but, on the contrary, is
intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements
included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, which
scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures as is
permitted under the law.
* * * * *