HOLDING APPARATUS FOR HOLDING IN A ROTATABLE MANNER A PIPE WHICH IS TO BE MACHINED

Abstract

A holding apparatus for holding a workpiece, which has a round and/or tubular cross section and is to be machined, in such a way that, in the held state, the workpiece can be rotated in relation to the holding apparatus, having at least two clamping arms, which are mounted in a pivotable manner on a base part and by means of which a clamping force can be exerted onto the workpiece, and having an adjustment mechanism for the clamping arms. Provision is made for the adjustment mechanism to have at least two drivers which are guided in a straight line, it being possible for the clamping arms to be pivoted or the clamping arms being pivoted toward one another by virtue of the movement of the drivers, wherein the drivers are arranged in a manner situated one behind the other as seen transversely in relation to the direction of movement of the drivers. In addition or as an alternative, provision is made for the adjustment mechanism to have a threaded spindle which can be manually operated and/or can be operated by an auxiliary force and which is in detachable threaded engagement with a threaded part, wherein the threaded part is, in the axial direction of the threaded spindle, held fixed in position in relation to the base part on a component of the holding apparatus, in particular on the base part. The invention further comprises an apparatus for machining a workpiece which has a round and/or tubular cross section, the apparatus containing a holding apparatus for the workpiece.

Claims

1. Holding apparatus (1) for holding a workpiece to be machined, the workpiece having a round and/or tubular cross-section, in such a manner that in the held state, the workpiece can be rotated relative to the holding apparatus (1), the apparatus having at least two clamping arms (3, 4) mounted so as to pivot on a base part (2), by means of which arms a clamping force can be exerted on the workpiece, and having an adjustment mechanism (20) for the clamping arms (3, 4), the mechanism having a threaded spindle (31) that can be manually activated and/or can be activated by means of an auxiliary force, which spindle is releasably in threaded engagement against a threaded part (32), wherein the threaded part (32) is held so as to be fixed in place with reference to the base part (2), on a component of the holding apparatus (1), particularly on the base part (2), in the axial direction of the threaded spindle (31).

2. Holding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the threaded spindle (31) and the threaded part (32) are releasably in threaded engagement with one another, in the radial direction with reference to the threaded spindle (31).

3. Holding apparatus (1) for holding a workpiece to be machined, the workpiece having a round and/or tubular cross-section, in such a manner that in the held state, the workpiece can be rotated relative to the holding apparatus (1), particularly according to claim 1, the apparatus having at least two clamping arms (3, 4) mounted so as to pivot on a base part (2), by means of which arms a clamping force can be exerted on the workpiece, and having an adjustment mechanism (20) for the clamping arms (3, 4), the mechanism having at least two drivers (21, 22) guided in straight manner, the movements of which drivers make it possible to pivot or do pivot the clamping arms (3, 4) toward one another, wherein the drivers (21, 22), viewed transverse to their movement direction (60), are disposed to lie one behind the other.

4. Holding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the drivers (21, 22) are mounted so as to move in the direction of the movement of the clamping arms (3, 4).

5. Holding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the drivers (21, 22) are disposed offset from one another, viewed transverse to their movement direction (60).

6. Holding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the drivers (21, 22) overlap, viewed in their movement direction (60).

7. Holding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the drivers (21, 22) are movement-coupled with one another by way of a reversal gear mechanism.

8. Holding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the drivers (21, 22) each have a gear-tooth system (28, 29) and that a rotating gear wheel (30) that meshes with the gear-tooth systems (28, 29) is provided in between, which gear wheel is held fixed in place with reference to the base part (2).

9. Holding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a threaded spindle (31) that can be manually activated and/or activated by means of an auxiliary force is provided, which spindle is releasably in threaded engagement with a threaded part (32), wherein the threaded part (32) is held on a component of the holding apparatus (1), particularly on the base part (2), fixed in place with reference to the base part (2), in the axial direction of the threaded spindle (31).

10. Holding apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the threaded spindle (31) is connected to act with one of the drivers (21, 22), particularly engages on one of the drivers (21, 22) and/or is mounted on it.

11. Holding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the threaded part (32) is displaceable in the radial direction with reference to the threaded spindle (31), particularly is displaceable in compulsorily guided manner, and can be brought out of threaded engagement by means of displacement in the radial direction.

12. Holding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein an activation element (35) that can be manually activated and/or activated by means of an auxiliary force is provided, by means of the activation of which the threaded part (32) can be brought out of engagement with the threaded spindle (31), counter to the force of a spring element (34).

13. Apparatus (100) for machining a workpiece having a round and/or tubular cross-section, having a holding apparatus (1) according to claim 1, for holding the workpiece to be machined.

Description

[0033] The figures show:

[0034] FIG. 1 a possible embodiment of a holding apparatus for rotatable holding of a workpiece to be machined, having a round and/or tubular cross-section, in a perspective representation from below,

[0035] FIG. 2 an enlarged detail from FIG. 1 in the region of an adjustment mechanism of the holding apparatus according to FIG. 1,

[0036] FIG. 3 a region of the adjustment mechanism of the holding apparatus according to FIG. 1, seen as a view from above,

[0037] FIG. 4 the holding apparatus according to FIG. 1 in the region of an activation device for the adjustment mechanism and a quick-adjustment unit,

[0038] FIG. 5 an enlarged detail of the activation device according to FIG. 4 in the region of the quick-adjustment unit, as a sectional representation,

[0039] FIG. 6a the activation device according to FIG. 4 in an open position of the quick-adjustment unit,

[0040] FIG. 6b the activation device according to FIG. 4 in a closed position of the quick-adjustment unit,

[0041] FIG. 7 an enlarged detail from FIG. 1 in the region of a transition from the adjustment mechanism to one of the clamping arms for holding the workpiece, in a perspective representation,

[0042] FIG. 8 a further possible embodiment of a holding apparatus for rotatable holding of a workpiece to be machined, having a round and/or tubular cross-section, in a detail view from below, onto a region of an adjustment mechanism,

[0043] FIG. 9 a top view of a hand-held circular saw having a holding apparatus according to FIG. 1, and

[0044] FIG. 10 a hand-held circular saw according to FIG. 9 in a sectional representation.

[0045] FIG. 1 showsin a schematic representationa possible embodiment of a holding apparatus 1 for holding a workpiece to be machined, having a round and/or tubular cross-section, in such a manner that in the held state, the workpiece can be rotated relative to the holding apparatus 1. In other words, the holding apparatus 1 can be attached to a round and/or tubular workpiece that is to be machined (not shown in FIG. 1), such as a pipe, for example, so as to rotate around it. Rotation proceeds in such a manner that the holding apparatus 1 remains stationary in the axial direction of the workpiece.

[0046] Preferably, the holding apparatus 1 has multiple roller bodies 7, 8, 9, and 10, which are mounted so as to rotate, for example. The roller bodies 7, 8, 9, and 10 act in supporting manner, so that the holding apparatus 1 can be rotated in a plane perpendicular to the center axis of the workpiece when they are pressed against the outer surface of the workpiece. The roller bodies 7, 8, 9, and 10 can be provided in the axial direction of the workpiece, at least in pairs.

[0047] The holding apparatus 1 comprises a base part 2 and at least two clamping arms 3, 4, which proceed from there. Preferably, the clamping arms 3, 4 are held on the base part 2 so that they can pivot in the direction toward one another, for example in that the pivot arms 3, 4 are articulated onto the base part 2 with one end. The base part 2 can be formed by a frame profile, housing or the like. Preferably, the base part 2 has a base plate 11, so that a machining unit for machining the workpiece can be disposed on top of or on the side of the plate.

[0048] The clamping arms 3 and 4 are configured in such a manner and disposed on the base part 2 in such a manner that at least a part of the outside circumference surface of the workpiece can be encompassed. Preferably, for this purpose the clamping arms 3 and 4 can be rotated about a related axis of rotation 5 and 6, respectively, in each instance, wherein the axes of rotation 5, 6 are disposed at a distance from one another, preferably run essentially parallel to one another, and preferably lie essentially parallel to the center axis of the workpiece.

[0049] The clamping arms 3 and 4 are designed for exerting a holding force, preferably a clamping force on the workpiece, wherein the rotatability of the workpiece relative to the holding apparatus 1 is maintained. For this purpose, at least one of the roller bodies 7, 8, 9, 10 is disposed on each of the clamping arms 3, 4, which body can be provided in the region of the free end of the clamping arms 3, 4, for example. Preferably, further roller bodies 7, 8, 9, 10 are disposed on the base part 2 in the region between the clamping arms 3, 4.

[0050] The holding apparatus 1 has an adjustment mechanism 20 for the clamping arms 3, 4. The adjustment mechanism 20 comprises two drivers 21 and 22, and the clamping arms 3 and 4 can be pivoted toward one another by the movement of the drivers. Preferably, the drivers 21 and 22 are movement-coupled with the related clamping arm 3 or 4 by way of an intermediate element 23 or 24, respectively, for this purpose, for example in that the respective driver 21 or 22 is articulated onto the related intermediate element 23 or 24, the respective intermediate element 23 or 24 in turn is articulated onto the related clamping arm 3 or 4, and preferably, the respective intermediate element 23 or 24 is disposed at an angle relative to the related driver 21 or 22. The intermediate elements 23 and 24 can be configured in the manner of an elongated or ridge-like connection part or a strut, in each instance, or can have such a part.

[0051] FIG. 2, in an enlarged detail, shows the region of the holding apparatus 1 having the adjustment mechanism 20. The adjustment mechanism 20 is configured in such a manner that in order to adjust the clamping arms 3 and 4, the drivers 21 and 22 perform an essentially straight-line adjustment movement (arrows 25 and 26), in each instance. Preferably, in this connection the drivers 21 and 22 move on a respective movement path, which paths lie essentially parallel to one another. Viewed in the direction transverse to the movement direction of the adjustment movement (arrows 25, 26) of the drivers 21 and 22, the drivers 21 and 22 are disposed to lie one behind the other and offset from one another, wherein the drivers 21 and 22 overlap over a section. This overlap section is used to provide a movement element 27 in between, by way of which element the drivers 21 and 22 are movement-coupled with one another. The movement element 27 is fixed in place on a component of the holding apparatus 1, with reference to the base part 2, so as to rotate about itself; in particular, it is mounted on the base part 2 so as to rotate.

[0052] The movement coupling of the drivers 21 and 22 can be implemented in such a manner that the drivers 21 and 22 each have gear-tooth systems 28, 29, and that a gear wheel 30 that meshes with the gear-tooth systems 28 and 29 is provided in between, which gear wheel forms the movement element 27. In this way, a reversal gear mechanism is formed, by means of which the drivers 21 and 22 can be moved in the direction toward one another and also in the direction away from one another, so that the clamping arms 3 and 4 can be moved both in the direction toward a workpiece to be machined and also in the direction away from the workpiece to be machined, without additional measures, by means of this reversal gear mechanism.

[0053] For this purpose, the drivers 21 and 22 can each be configured as a gear rack or can have a gear rack. Also, it can be provided that the drivers 21 and 22 have depressions, notches or passage openings, for example are configured as a hollow structure, so that the drivers 21 and 22 are relatively light, in terms of weight.

[0054] Preferably, the drivers 21 and 22 are guided in terms of their movement, particularly compulsorily guided. For this purpose, a guide 45 or 46 or one guide, in each instance, can be provided, as is evident from FIG. 3. There, the holding apparatus 1 is shown as a detail in the region of the adjustment mechanism 20, in a view from above onto the holding apparatus 1, wherein the base part 2 has been left out for the sake of simplicity.

[0055] The guide 45 for the driver 21 and the guide 46 for the driver 22 can be formed by a guide element 47, 48, in each instance, on which the driver 21 or 22 slides during the course of its adjustment movement, guided in a straight line in the movement direction 60. For example, the respective guide element 47, 48 can be configured as a rod, over which the related driver 21 or 22 is pushed. For this purpose, the related driver 21 or 22 can have a passage channel, a passage opening or the like, through which the rod projects, so that the driver 21 or 22 is guided so as to be displaceable by means of the related rod. Preferably, the respective guide element 47 or 48 is disposed on a component of the holding apparatus 1, fixed in place or fixed on the housing with reference to the base part 2, particularly attached to the base part 2.

[0056] A threaded spindle 31 is provided for adjusting the drivers 21 and 22, as is evident from FIG. 1, for example. The threaded spindle 31 can be configured for manual activation by way of an activation element 33, such as a rotary button, for example. Also, the threaded spindle 31 can be configured so that it can be activated by means of an auxiliary force.

[0057] Preferably, the threaded spindle 31 is movement-coupled with one of the drivers 21, 22. For this purpose, an intermediate element 49 can be provided, on which the threaded spindle 31 engages, particularly is mounted so as to rotate, wherein the intermediate element 49 is firmly connected with the driver 21 (FIG. 3). For example, the threaded spindle 31 is disposed between the drivers 21 and 22 in the longitudinal direction. The intermediate element 49 then serves to bridge the transverse offset of the threaded spindle 31 relative to the driver 21, with which the threaded spindle 31 is movement-coupled with regard to the adjustment movement.

[0058] FIG. 4, in a sectional representation, shows the holding apparatus 1 in the region of the threaded spindle 31. As is evident from this, the threaded spindle 31, with its thread, is in threaded engagement with a threaded part 32, which has a counter-thread. The threaded part 32 is fixed on a component of the holding apparatus 1, so as to be fixed in place with regard to the base part 2, in the axial direction of the threaded spindle 31, for example fixed on the base part 2 itself.

[0059] An advancing movement of the threaded spindle 31 in the axial direction and thereby an adjustment movement of the driver 21 coupled with it comes about by means of rotating the threaded spindle 31 relative to the threaded part 32. The adjustment movement initiated by the threaded spindle 31 is transferred to both clamping arms 3 and 4 by means of the movement coupling of the driver 21 with the driver 22, by way of the movement element 27, so that in this way, the clamping arms 3 and 4 can be brought into a closed position with regard to a workpiece to be machined, by means of the threaded spindle 31, or, by means of opposite activation of the threaded spindle 31, the clamping arms 3 and 4 can be brought into an open position with regard to the workpiece to be machined.

[0060] In order to accelerate opening and closing by means of the threaded spindle 31, the holding apparatus 1 has a quick-adjustment unit. The quick-adjustment unit is formed in that the threaded part 32 can be brought out of threaded engagement relative to the threaded spindle 31 by means of radial displacement. Preferably, the counter-thread of the threaded part 32 is merely configured over a circumference section for this purpose, in order to allow the radial displacement of the threaded part 32 relative to the threaded spindle 31. In that the threaded part 32 comes out of engagement with the threaded spindle 31, displacement of the threaded spindle 31 relative to the fixed-in-place threaded part 32 and thereby adjustment of the drivers 21, 22 can be carried out, without the threaded spindle 31 having to be rotated for this purpose.

[0061] FIG. 5, in a detail, shows the method of activation for bringing the threaded part 32 out of engagement with the threaded spindle 31. As is evident from this and, in particular, from FIG. 4, the threaded part 32 is held in threaded engagement with the threaded spindle 31 by means of the bias force of a spring element 34. In the case of radial displacement of the threaded part 32 relative to the threaded spindle 31, the threaded part 32 is brought out of threaded engagement counter to the force of the spring element 34, so that the threaded part 32 moves back into threaded engagement with the threaded spindle 31, by means of the reset force of the spring element 34, if, for example, the activation force for releasing the threaded part 32 has been cancelled out.

[0062] In order to displace the threaded part 32 in the radial direction and to bring it out of threaded engagement, an activation element 35 can be provided, which is a pressure element that can be manually activated, for example, so that the threaded part 32 is brought out of threaded engagement with the threaded spindle 31 by means of pressing the activation element 35. For this purpose, the threaded part 32 is firmly connected with the activation element 35, preferably by way of at least one or at least two connection elements 36 and 37, and guided in the axial displacement movement on a component provided in a fixed location relative to the base part 2.

[0063] For example, the guide can be formed by a section of the base part 2 itself, wherein the spring element 34 is situated between the activation element 35 and the section of the base part 2. In order to accelerate opening of the holding apparatus 1, it can furthermore be provided that the clamping arms 3 and 4 are automatically moved to their open position by means of the force of a further spring element 38 when the threaded part 32 is brought out of threaded engagement with the threaded spindle 31. The further spring element 38 can be configured as a torsion spring, which is disposed, for example, in the region of the respective axis of rotation 5 or 6 of the clamping arm 3 or 4, respectively.

[0064] FIGS. 6a and 6b show the holding apparatus 1 in the region of the threaded spindle 31 and of the quick-adjustment unit, as a sectional representation, in each instance, once in the open position A (FIG. 6a) and once in a closed position (FIG. 6b). The open position A is achieved by means of the quick-adjustment unit, in that a pressure force F is exerted on the activation element 35, and thereby the threaded part 32 comes out of engagement with the threaded spindle 31. Opening of the clamping arms 3 and 4 and thereby a movement of the drivers 21 and 22 away from one another automatically comes about by means of the force of the further spring elements 38 (FIG. 4).

[0065] The clamping arms 3 and 4 are moved in a direction toward one another and thereby the closed position B relative to a workpiece to be held is achieved, if, according to FIG. 6b, the threaded part 32 is present in threaded engagement with the threaded spindle 31, in other words the pressure force F has been taken away from the activation element 35. The threaded spindle 31 can then be rotated while in threaded engagement with the threaded part 32, and pushes the driver 21 and, by way of the movement element 27, also the driver 22 in the direction toward one another.

[0066] FIG. 7 shows a possible embodiment of at least one of the intermediate elements 23 and 24, by means of which elements the drivers 21 and 22 are movement-coupled with the related clamping arm 3 or 4, respectively, using the example of the intermediate element 24 for the clamping arm 4.

[0067] The intermediate element 24 has two length sections 41 and 42, between which at least one, preferably two setting devices 40 are provided, in order to be able to change the distance of the length sections 41 and 42 relative to one another. In this way, the length of the intermediate element 24 between the articulation point 43 relative to the driver 22 and the articulation point 44 relative to the clamping arm 4 can be changed. By means of the length change of the intermediate element 24, precise adjustment of the position of the drivers 21 and 22 relative to the position of the clamping arms 3 and 4 can be carried out. The setting device 40 can be formed by a screw, for example, which is screwed into a thread, for example nut disposed on one of the length sections 41 or 42, to a greater or lesser extent. One or more counter-nuts can also be provided there for locking.

[0068] FIG. 8 shows a further possible embodiment of a holding apparatus 1 for rotatable holding of a workpiece to be machined, having a round and/or tubular cross-section. There, the holding apparatus 1 is shown in a detail view from below of a region of the adjustment mechanism 20. Components of the holding apparatus 1 according to FIG. 8, which are identical to or functionally equivalent with components of the holding apparatus 1 according to the previous figures, are provided with the same reference symbols; in this respect, reference is made to the description of the holding apparatus 1.

[0069] The holding apparatus 1 according to FIG. 8 differs from the holding apparatus 1, among other things, in that counter-holders 50, 51 or thrust bearings for the drivers 21, 22 are provided, by means of which a movement of the drivers 21, 22 transverse to the movement direction 60 of the adjustment movement and thereby slip between the drivers 21, 22 and the gear wheel 30 are prevented. Viewed transverse to the movement direction 60 of the drivers 21, 22, the counter-holders 50, 51 are preferably disposed in the region of the gear wheel 30. For example, the driver 21 is situated between the counter-holder 50 and the gear wheel 30, and the driver 22 is situated between the counter-holder 51 and the gear wheel 30.

[0070] The counter-holders 50, 51 can be formed by a rotationally movable rolling part 55 or a torque-proof sliding part, which is mounted on a part 54 that is fixed on the housing, for example the bearing part for the rollers 9 and 10. Supplementally, further counter-holders 52, 53 or thrust bearings can be provided, which serve as a stop or restriction for the drivers 21, 22 on the side having the gear-tooth system 28 or 29. For example, the further counter-holders 52, 53 are formed by a common material projection 56 on a component fixed on the housing, particularly the base part. There, a contact surface that serves as a counter-holder or thrust bearing can provided, in each instance.

[0071] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a possible application of the holding apparatus 1 according to FIG. 1. There, the holding apparatus 1 is a constituent of an apparatus 100 for machining of workpieces having a round and/or tubular cross-section, such as pipes, for example. FIG. 9 shows the apparatus 100 in a view from above. FIG. 10 shows the apparatus 100 in a sectional representation. Alternatively to the holding apparatus 1, the apparatus 100 can also have the holding apparatus 1 according to FIG. 8.

[0072] The apparatus 100 has a machining unit 110, which can be covered by a housing 120, at least in part, toward the outside. Preferably, the machining unit 110 is mounted on the base part 2 or the base plate 11 of the holding apparatus 1 so as to pivot about an axis of rotation 130, in order to move the machining unit 110 to or away from the workpiece to be machined, which is held in the holding apparatus 1 for machining.

[0073] The machining unit 110 can be configured as a processing unit that is part of a machine. Pivoting of the machining unit 110 toward the workpiece or away from the workpiece can be performed manually. For example, the machining unit 110 is configured as a circular saw for cutting the workpiece to be machined to length.

[0074] The apparatus 100 preferably functions as follows: The holding apparatus 1, together with the machining unit 110, is fitted around the workpiece to be machined, at a desired machining point, and the holding apparatus 1 is attached in this position by means of the threaded spindle 31. The drivers 21 and 22 perform a setting movement by means of the rotation of the threaded spindle 31, thereby moving the clamping arms 3 and 4 toward the workpiece to be machined and bringing them into a clamping position relative to the workpiece.

[0075] When the holding apparatus 1 is attached to the workpiece, the machining unit 110 can be pivoted toward the workpiece about the axis of rotation 130, so that the machining unit 110 can begin or does begin with machining of the workpiece. Then, rotation of the holding apparatus 1, together with the machining unit 110, around the workpiece, in the direction of the rolling path established by the clamping arms 3 and 4 and the roller bodies 7, 8, 9, and 10 follows.

[0076] After machining of the workpiece, the machining unit 110 is pivoted away from the workpiece, and the workpiece is released from the holding apparatus 1. For this purpose, the quick-adjustment unit can be activated, for one thing, in that the activation element 35 is pressed and the threaded part 32 comes out of engagement with the threaded spindle 31, and thereby the clamping arms 3 and 4 are automatically moved into the open position A, by means of the spring force of the further spring elements 38. Alternatively, it is also possible that the threaded spindle 31 is rotated during threaded engagement of the threaded part 32, and thereby the clamping arms 3 and 4 are moved apart from one another by way of the drivers 21 and 22.

REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST

[0077] 1 holding apparatus [0078] 2 base part [0079] 3 clamping arm [0080] 4 clamping arm [0081] 5 axis of rotation [0082] 6 axis of rotation [0083] 7 roller body [0084] 8 roller body [0085] 9 roller body [0086] 10 roller body [0087] 11 base plate [0088] 20 adjustment mechanism [0089] 21 driver [0090] 22 driver [0091] 23 intermediate element [0092] 24 intermediate element [0093] 25 arrow [0094] 26 arrow [0095] 27 movement element [0096] 28 gear-tooth system [0097] 29 gear-tooth system [0098] 30 gear wheel [0099] 31 threaded spindle [0100] 32 threaded part [0101] 33 activation element [0102] 34 spring element [0103] 35 activation element [0104] 36 connection element [0105] 37 connection element [0106] 38 further spring element [0107] 40 setting device [0108] 41 length section [0109] 42 length section [0110] 43 articulation point [0111] 44 articulation point [0112] 45 guide [0113] 46 guide [0114] 47 guide element [0115] 48 guide element [0116] 49 intermediate element [0117] 50 counter-holder [0118] 51 counter-holder [0119] 52 further counter-holder [0120] 53 further counter-holder [0121] 54 part fixed in place on housing [0122] 55 rolling part [0123] 56 material projection [0124] 57 contact surface [0125] 60 movement direction [0126] 100 apparatus [0127] 110 machining unit [0128] 120 housing [0129] 130 axis of rotation [0130] A open position [0131] B closed position