EP0935688B1 - Clamping device and production process - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clamping device (3) comprising two or more grip jaws (4), both extending to a pincer portion (6) and being linked to each other in the transition area (5) by a crosspiece (7). For a low cost manufacturing, the invention suggests that the clamping device (3) or its external half-profile (3') be made of one single plastic piece with a plurality a hollow profiles (P). The preferred extrusion process enables a plastic monofilament with such hollow profiles (P) to be obtained and the pincers to be severed to the desired width. Thus, clips and clamps of varying widths can be manufactured at a low cost using a simple forming tool.

Description

The invention relates to a clamping device with two Jaws, each of which merge into a handle section and connected to each other in the transition area by a crossbar are. This clamping device can be a clamp act with the jaws in the non-actuated state preferably abut against each other under a pretension the handle sections are spread apart, or by one Clamp with the jaws in the non-actuated state are open or spaced. The invention further relates to a method for producing such clamping devices.

The present invention is based on the object Specify clamping devices of the type under consideration, which with can be produced at low cost.

This object is achieved by the features of Claims 1 and 10 solved. Advantageous configurations the invention are characterized in the dependent claims.

According to the present invention, the clamping device is or whose half profiles are made in one piece from plastic, for example PVC, POM, PC or PP made, with the handle sections as Hollow chamber profiles are formed. This will Material consumption significantly reduced, despite being thinner Wall thicknesses a high stiffness of the handle sections and / or Clamping jaws can be achieved. It is further proposed accordingly that the jaws are designed as hollow chambers.

If the jaws of the clamping device in their unactuated Condition fit together and the handle sections spaced apart, preferably at an angle spread apart, it is the Clamping device around a clamp, the clamping jaws thereby against spring force that the handle sections towards each other. Here are the Connection areas of the bilateral jaws with their on it adjoining handle sections, which are preferably symmetrical to the Longitudinal axis of the clamping device are formed with such a shaped and dimensioned crossbar connected to each other that the elasticity of the open jaws placed in the closed state when the handle sections be released.

But it can also be provided that the handle portions of a spring device are forced apart, for what for example a metal clasp or a plastic clasp in the tensioned state arranged between the handle portions can be. But it can also be advantageously provided that the Spring device through at the ends of the handle sections molded, inward bent extensions formed be at an angle to each other and preferably with their free ends abut each other. But you can also be connected at the ends.

The inwardly bent extensions preferably close an angle of 60 to 90 ° between them and are at Opening the jaws pressed against each other so that they eventually along their straight ends rest, with this elastic deformation a considerable restoring force arises which the jaws at Release the handle sections firmly pressed against each other.

The jaws of the clamping device according to the invention can but also open when not in use, preferred be spread apart so that they along with the also spreading apart handle sections form about an X-shape, where the leg length of the jaws is preferred is smaller than that of the handle sections. At this Design forms the clamping device a clamp whose Jaws by pushing the handle sections apart are pressed together, for example, in this state to seal a tube or bag.

It is further provided that the handle sections with a Spreader are connected, the handle sections are not only pushes apart to close the jaws, but prefers the closed state of the jaws upright can get. It is particularly advantageous to propose that the spreader two over weakened sections or Film hinges webs connected to the ends of the handles has at least one further weakened Section or film hinge are connected to each other, wherein the two webs in a mutually aligned arrangement Have total length that is slightly larger than the distance of the free Ends of the handles in the closed state.

In this embodiment of the invention, the film hinges such a large restoring force that the webs in the inward pressed over-center position such a spreading force on the Handle sections exert that the jaws under tension stay closed. The film hinges therefore do not allow a completely free mobility of the webs against each other and towards the handle sections, but take them after theirs Shift beyond dead center to a fixed position, by pushing the handle sections apart. This Position can also by stops on the handle sections and the webs must be defined.

It is also proposed that a handle in Connection area of the two webs is arranged, the on both sides via a film hinge or one weakened section is connected to the ends of the webs. This grip protrudes outwards and can be used as a hollow body be trained.

The spreading device thus consists of the sequence film hinge-bar-film hinge-grip piece-film hinge-bar-film hinge and facilitates the opening of the clamp by the webs on the Handle beyond the dead center position in the Release position are pulled. It is understood that the Clamp is not necessarily equipped with such a handle must be, rather the dead center position of the webs can also be released in that the handle sections laterally are compressed when the dimensions of the Handle sections and bars are selected accordingly.

According to the invention it is also proposed that Clamping devices or their half profiles in the plastic extrusion process to manufacture. Although it is also possible the clamp individually or in several pieces connected Manufacturing by injection molding is the plastic extrusion process particularly advantageous because in this way a plastic strand of any length with the (half) profile of the Clamping device can be extruded, from which the Clamping devices after cooling in the desired one Widths cut off or broken off at predetermined breaking points and if necessary, be connected to each other. So that can Clamping devices according to the invention are particularly inexpensive not be produced as for the different widths a separate tool is required.

In addition, this procedure offers the option of using the Extrude to create a bias in the profile with the the jaws lie against each other. This bias can be in a calibration zone, e.g. generated in a water bath in the e.g. already partially hardened handle sections spread or pressed towards each other between rollers.

The invention accordingly provides universal clamps and Universal staples in different widths with one and the same tool can be produced, if that is special preferred extrusion process is used. Various The clamps can be pretensioned in one calibration process the extrusion, so that the brackets both to hold thin objects (like a sheet of paper) as also relatively thick objects (such as a stack of paper) can serve. In addition, at the holding or clamping points a softer material to be co-extruded to make the Increase slip resistance. In addition, the clamp according to the invention can thus be operated comfortably with one hand.

Fig. 1A bis 1C

eine erste Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Klammer in einer perspektivischen Ansicht sowie einer Stirnansicht im geschlossenen und im geöffneten Zustand;

Fig. 2A bis 2C

eine zweite Ausführungsform einer Klammer in einer perspektivischen Ansicht sowie einer Stirnansicht im geschlossenen und im geöffneten Zustand;

Fig. 3A bis 3C

eine dritte Ausführungsform einer Klammer in einer perspektivischen Ansicht sowie einer Stirnansicht im geschlossenen und im geöffneten Zustand;

Fig. 4A bis 4C

eine erfindungsgemäße Klemme in einer perspektivischen Ansicht und einer Stirnansicht im geöffneten und geschlossenen Zustand;

Fig. 5

eine Klammer, deren Hälften spiegelbildlich im Kunststoff-Extrusionsverfahren hergestellt sind und anschließend zu einem einstückigen Bauteil durch Verschweißen verbunden werden;

Fig. 6

eine abgewandelte Ausführungsform, wobei eine Federvorrichtung mitangeformt ist bzw. eingesetzt wird;

Fig. 7A und 7B

eine weiter abgewandelte Ausführungsform der Klammer, wobei in der linken Hälfte das bevorzugt angewendete Co-Extrusionsverfahren verdeutlicht ist, während in der linken Hälfte eine Einschnappverbindung des Übergangsbereiches gezeigt ist; und

Fig. 8

eine weiter abgewandelte Ausführungsform der Klemmeinrichtung, wobei jeweils ein identisches, extrudiertes Grundteil zu einer Mehrfachklammer verbunden ist.

Some embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Show:

1A to 1C

a first embodiment of a clip according to the invention in a perspective view and an end view in the closed and in the open state;

2A to 2C

a second embodiment of a clip in a perspective view and an end view in the closed and in the open state;

3A to 3C

a third embodiment of a clip in a perspective view and an end view in the closed and in the open state;

4A to 4C

a clamp according to the invention in a perspective view and an end view in the open and closed state;

Fig. 5

a clip, the halves of which are produced in mirror image in the plastic extrusion process and then connected to form a one-piece component by welding;

Fig. 6

a modified embodiment, wherein a spring device is molded or used;

7A and 7B

a further modified embodiment of the clip, the preferred co-extrusion process being illustrated in the left half, while a snap connection of the transition region is shown in the left half; and

Fig. 8

a further modified embodiment of the clamping device, wherein an identical, extruded base part is connected to a multiple clamp.

1A shows a first extruded as a strand Bracket profile. Lines 1 in the figure indicate that for example, a variety of parentheses in the by the Distance of lines 1 given width from the strand cut off or broken off at embossed predetermined breaking points can be, but the bracket also the entire shown width can have. In this case the hole is 2 provided with which the clip, for example on a hook can be hung :.

The first, designated overall by reference number 3 Embodiment of a clip according to the invention contains two Clamping jaws 4, which are hollow body profiles with a small wall thickness are formed and about the shape of a flat segment of a circle to have. The jaws 4 go to their top in the figure End section in a transition area 5 in one Handle section 6, which also as a hollow profile thin wall thickness is formed. In the transition area 5 are the two jaws 4 with their molded handle sections 6 connected to each other by a crossbar 7.

The bracket 3 is symmetrical about its longitudinal central axis 8 trained, which also applies to the other embodiments applies. However, the invention is not limited to this, but the jaws 4 can be different, for example Have profiles on the inside or outside. Depending on The inside of the jaws can be used Tooth profiles, smooth profiles, round or serrated, for example Cutouts as well as special additional cutouts for certain Have mounts.

FIG. 1B shows the non-actuated state of the clamp 3, in which the two jaws 4 with a through the elasticity of Transverse webs 7 caused prestress abut each other. The Clamping jaws 4 are opened in that the handle sections 6, which in the initial state diverge at an acute angle, towards each other. As a result, the crosspiece 7 elastically deformed, the corresponding restoring force evokes.

During a calibration process, pressure on the Inside of the handle sections 6, for example Roller pressure is applied to create a bias with which the jaws 4 in the shown in Figure 1B, the non-actuated state of the clamp 3 abut each other.

The bracket according to FIGS. 2A to 2C differs mainly by the first embodiment in that the State of Figure 2B prevailing closing force of the clip a spring clip 9 is raised, which the handle portions 10th apart. The spring clip 9 suitably exists Made of metal, but it can also be a plastic clip act. Of course, other types of leaf springs or a coil spring can be used.

The grip sections 10 have the jaws 4 adjacent area a hollow chamber profile P and hook-shaped internally bent ends 11, which the mounting of the Serve spring clip 9.

Figure 2C shows the compressed state of the two Handle sections 10, which opens the jaws 4 and the Spring clip 9 compresses so that it is a large one Restoring force developed.

The third shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C Embodiment of the clip according to the invention are Handle sections 10 in one piece with a spring device connected by the inwardly bent extensions 12 of the Handle sections 10 are formed. The free ends of the Extensions 12 abut each other (reference number 13) what can be accomplished in that the extensions 12th initially continuously, i.e. interconnected extruded and cut open in a later step.

However, it is within the scope of the invention that the extensions 12 can stay connected. By appropriate choice of Wall thickness of the extensions 12 and the transition area 14 can the desired restoring force of this spring device to adjust. In the illustrated embodiment, the Extensions 12 form an angle of approximately 60 ° with one another, without the invention being limited to this.

Figures 4A to 4C show a clamp, in contrast to the brackets described above, designated 15 here Clamping jaws in the non-actuated state of the clamp according to FIG. 4B open, i.e. are spread apart. The terminal 16 leaves handle and close with one hand using a handle 17 from the starting position shown in Figure 4B with spread the handle sections 10 is pressed inwards, the Handle sections 18 with clamping jaws 15 lying against one another additionally be bent outwards before the ends molded webs 19 into that shown in Figure 4C Snap into the dead center position. This will make the closed one State of the jaws 15 reliably maintained.

The webs 19 are via film hinges 20 with the upper ends the handle sections 18 connected, these film hinges namely the pivoting of the webs 19 from that in Figure 4B shown position in the locking position of Figure 4C allow, however due to their remaining wall thickness and so stiffness no further swiveling inwards allow, otherwise the jaws 18 open would. That means the film hinges through areas reduced wall thickness are formed, but still one have such stiffness that the state of Figure 4C is upright preserved.

This could also be accomplished by the fact that in the FIG. 4A shows the angular position of the webs 19 for example, with their inner surface on corresponding Inner surfaces of the handle sections 18 impinge, creating a further pivoting is excluded. Even the handle 17, which has a hollow profile, is hinged on both sides connected to the webs 19, so that here too the required Movement is guaranteed.

The closed state of the clamp according to FIG. 4C can thereby be lifted that the handle 17 in the figure upwards is pulled, or there may be lateral pressure on the Handle sections 18 are exercised, whereby the webs 19 under temporary additional spreading of the handle sections 18 be shifted upwards.

In all embodiments of the invention Clamping device, the jaws 4 and 15 are designed so that they are in contact with each other with a short clamping surface 22 devices. The invention is of course not limited to this, rather, the inner and outer surfaces of the jaws have all appropriate contours. In particular, here is the Embodiment referred to Fig. 7A, on which the clamping surface 22 by co-extrusion with a softer plastic 23 will be produced. As a result, the holding force of the Clamping device 3 significantly increased. To improve the Grip of the clamping device, can also in the upper, outer A softer surface 23 'is co-extruded in the region of the grip sections 18 be, also in the connection area 5 for training the cross bar 7 or the spring device 9 or 12.

5 and 6 is a particularly preferred embodiment of the extruded plastic clamping device 3 shown. Here first the two along the center line 8 symmetrical half profiles 3 'of the clamping device 3 in Extrusion process with hollow chamber profiles P, which in Direction of extrusion (see also FIG. 4A) and then, as shown on the right half, connected to each other by welding in the transition area 5, preferably in the immediate continuation of the extrusion process by so-called wedge welding, the two half-profile strands 3 ' be pressed together. This is also essential Execution of the hollow chamber profiles P with transverse to Actuating direction extending webs 18 ', as a result of this very thin wall thicknesses of the boundary walls and accordingly reduced material consumption a particularly high rigidity the grip sections or the jaws is achieved. In addition can by welding the two half profiles 3 ' Clamping device a defined bias can be achieved.

6 shows a modified embodiment, at one spring device 12, similar to that in FIG. 3, is also molded. The spring device 12 can by there are two individual spring legs or one continuous thigh arch. However, it can also increase the biasing force a separate bow spring 9, as in Fig. 2C, be used.

7B shows a further embodiment of the clamping device shown, since the two are in one piece in the transition area joined half profiles 3 'of the clamping device 3 also identical and can be joined together by a snap connection 30 are. The walls running in the direction of extrusion in the transition area 5 on the one hand in the inner part of the Snap connection 30 compressed, while the identical, encompassing part is forced apart. This will create a considerable bias applied to the clamping device 3. In particular, it should be noted that both of the one-piece clamping device 3 assembled half profiles 3 ', which in turn are preferably produced in the extrusion process, are mirror images of each other and thus a rigid, in Cross-section diamond-shaped joint or with cylindrical Cross-section form a ball joint.

8 shows a variation of the clamping device 3, again using the to reduce material consumption Hollow chamber profiles P equipped 3 clamping device Multiple terminal put together and thus expanded as desired can be. This allows multiple bags or stacks of paper be clamped together. Of course you can do more be provided as three such jaws, wherein in the here right illustration with three jaws, for example the middle jaw can also be arranged "overhead", so that this also results in clamping not only in the lower one here Area can be carried out, but also in each case upper area. As a result, the handle section is at the same time also used as a clamping jaw. Through this double benefit there are further possible uses, for example by clipping the top area to a clothesline while in the two lower clamping areas two socks or Similar items of laundry in pairs, but separately can be pinched.

Finally, it should be noted that for the manufacture of the half-profiles made of plastic Clamping device 3, the halves shown in FIGS. 5 to 8 also by gluing, especially in a continuous process can be connected to each other, even if the wedge welding immediately following extrusion is preferred. With all this manufacturing process is thus minimal Material expenditure achieved a clamping device 3, which despite thin walls, high rigidity and clamping force guaranteed. The respective preload can be simple be varied for the different purposes, for example, by the amount of connection force in the Transitional area 5 or by the inclination of the connection point 5 'in the transition area 5, as shown in Fig. 5 in the second Position is shown from the left.

Claims (13)

1. Clamping device with two or more grip jaws, which merge into a pincer portion each and are joined together in the transition area by a crosspiece, wherein the clamping device (3) or its half-profiles (3') are integrally formed from plastic and the pincer portions (6, 10, 18) take the form of hollow chamber profiles (P),
   characterized in that,
   in the inoperative state, the grip jaws (4) lie adjacent to each other in a biased condition generated after the extrusion and that the pincer portions (6, 10) are spaced apart.
2. Clamping device as claimed in Claim 1, characterized in that the grip jaws (4, 15) also take the form of hollow chamber profiles (P).
3. Clamping device as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2,
   characterized in that in the hollow chamber profiles (P) of the pincer portions (6, 10, 18) and/or of the grip jaws (4, 15) at least one web (18') running transversely to their direction of actuation, are formed integrally with the boundary walls of the hollow chamber profiles (P).
4. Clamping device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that a spring device (9, 12) forces the pincer portions (10) apart in addition to the biasing force.
5. Clamping device as claimed in Claim 4, characterized in that the spring device (12) is formed by moulding extensions (12) to the ends of the pincer portions (10) wherein the extensions (12) are bent around and inwards and which, with their ends, lie at an angle adjacent to each other.
6. Clamping device as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pincer portions (18) are connected with a spreader device (20, 19, 21) which has, via attenuated portions (20), webs (19) connected with the ends of the pincer portions (18) and connected with each other via at least one additional attenuated portion (21), the two webs (19) having an overall length which is somewhat greater than the distance between the free ends of the pincer elements (18) when the grip jaws (15) are lying adjacent to each other.
7. Clamping device as claimed in Claim 6, characterized in that a pincer element (17) is connected at both sides with the ends of the webs (19) via attenuated portions.
8. Clamping device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 7,
   characterized in that the clamping devices (3) or their half-profiles (3') are made by a plastic extrusion process, especially with co-extruded gripping, clamping and/or connecting points (23, 23').
9. Process for manufacturing clamping devices, wherein a length of plastic is extruded with hollow chamber profiles (P) to form a multiplicity of clamping devices (3) and the clamping devices (3) are severed from the extruded length in the desired widths, characterized in that, after extrusion, a biasing force is generated in a calibration zone, which biasing force causes the grip jaws (4, 15) of the clamping devices (3) to lie adjacent to each other.
10. Process as claimed in Claim 9, characterized in that the biasing force is generated by spreading apart the pincer portions (6, 10) of the clamping devices (3).
11. Process as claimed in Claim 9, characterized in that the biasing force is generated by pressing the half-profiles (3') of the clamping devices (3) towards each other, especially with welding in the transition area (5).
12. Process as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 11, characterized in that predetermined breaking points are stamped into the length of extruded plastic.
13. Process as claimed in any of Claims 9 to 12, characterized in that latching profiles, which fit into each other, are extruded to form a snap connection (30) between the half-profiles (3') in the transition area (5).

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