Multifunctional clamping device

Abstract

The present invention includes a clamping device (1) for connecting clamping parts (K), wherein, by movement of a single tensioning element (4), both at least one clamping section (3) can be rotated relative to a connecting joint (2), or two clamping sections (3) can be rotated relative to one another, and, by clamping at least one clamping jaw (5), the clamping parts (K) can be clamped in the at least one clamping section (3). Thus, by moving a single tensioning element (4), both clamping and fixing and releasing rotation of the at least one clamping section (3) is possible. This clamping device (1) is easy to handle, highly variable, and also takes into account the regulations of hygienic design, since no gaps, cavities or threads are exposed here in which dirt could accumulate.

Claims

1. A clamping device for connecting and clamping clamping parts, comprising: a connecting joint, at least one clamping section with respective transmission element, and a tensioning element, wherein the tensioning element is arranged on the connecting joint and is in a tensioned state in a first end position, and is in a relaxed state in a second end position, wherein, in the clamped state, the at least one transmission element presses against a respective clamping part, whereby the clamping part is clamped between a respective clamping section and a transmission element and is thus fixed, and in the relaxed state a clamping part is movable in a clamping section, wherein the at least one clamping section is rotatable relative to the connecting joint in the relaxed state and is fixed to the connecting joint in the tensioned state, wherein a clamping element is provided in the connecting joint, wherein the clamping element has an inclined surface on at least one side, each of which abuts an inclined surface of at least one transmission element, so that a translational movement of the clamping element causes a translational movement of the at least one transmission element, wherein the translational movement of the clamping element has a different direction than the translational movement of the at least one transmission element.

2. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein in the clamped state the at least one transmission element is displaced in the direction of an end of the clamping section facing away from the connecting joint, so that a clamping part presses against the end of the clamping section facing away from the connecting joint, as a result of which clamping parts clamped in the clamping section can be fixed, and in the relaxed state the at least one transmission element is displaced in the direction of the connecting joint, whereby a clamping part is movable in the clamping section.

3. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein the direction of the translational movement of the clamping element is perpendicular to the direction of the translational movement of the at least one transmission element.

4. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning element is a screw and is connected inside the connecting joint to the clamping element by a thread, and the clamping element is movable along the thread by turning the screw.

5. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein a bushing is provided on the connecting joint on at least one side, which bushing has a projection arranged in an annular shape, and wherein the at least one clamping section has a projection which engages with the projection of the bushing, so that the at least one clamping section is rotatable around the connecting joint in the relaxed state.

6. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein, in the relaxed state, a projection of the at least one clamping section is positioned with clearance respectively between the connecting joint and a projection of at least one bushing and is thus rotatable relative to the connecting joint, and, in the clamped state, the projection of the at least one clamping section is pressed against the projection of the at least one bushing, so that the at least one clamping section is fixed to the projection of the at least one bushing by a frictional connection and cannot be rotated relative to the connecting joint.

7. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein a respective clamping jaw is mounted on the at least one transmission element, each adapted to abut at least partially against a peripheral surface of a clamping part.

8. The clamping device according to claim 4, wherein a first sealing element is provided under a head of the screw.

9. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein a first sealing element is provided between the at least one clamping section and the connecting joint, and/or second sealing elements are provided at openings of the at least one clamping section, which are adapted to adapt to a outer surface of the clamping parts.

10. The clamping device according to claim 1, adapted to clamp tubular, polygonal or elliptical clamping parts.

11. The clamping device according to claim 4, wherein a bushing is positively connected to the connecting joint, preferably with a thread or barb.

12. The clamping device according to claim 1, wherein two clamping sections with respective clamping jaws are provided on the connecting joint, and in the relaxed state; wherein projections of the clamping sections are positioned with clearance respectively between the connecting joint and projections of bushings and are rotatable relative to one another, and, in the clamped state, the projections of the clamping sections are pressed against the projections of the bushings, so that the clamping sections are fixed to the projections of the bushings by a respective frictional connection and cannot be rotated relative to one another.

13. A system comprising the clamping device according to claim 1 and at least one clamping part which is tubular or has a polygonal or elliptical cross-section.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the following, preferred embodiments are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(2) FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the clamping device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, two clamping sections are arranged on a connecting joint.

(3) FIG. 2 is a sectional view (longitudinally cut) of a clamping device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein here a clamping part is provided in the left clamping section and the clamping device is in the clamped state.

(4) FIG. 3 also shows a sectional view (longitudinally cut) of a clamping device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein a clamping part is provided in the left clamping section and the clamping device is in the relaxed state.

(5) FIG. 4 shows a sectional view (transversely cut) of the clamping device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

(6) FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention in sectional view (longitudinal section). This is adapted to clamp an angular clamping part.

(7) FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. Here, one clamping section is arranged on a connecting joint.

(8) FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention in isometric view. Here, four clamping sections are arranged on a connecting joint.

(9) FIG. 8 shows an attachment and fixation of a camera according to an embodiment of the prior art.

(10) FIG. 9 shows the mounting and fixing of a camera with a clamping device according to the present invention.

(11) FIG. 10 shows the attachment of a monitor to a rod, an application of the clamping device according to the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

(12) FIG. 1 shows the clamping device 1 in an isometric view. Here, it becomes clear that one clamping section 3 is provided on a connecting joint 2 on each side. The clamping sections 3 each contain an opening 3c for inserting and clamping a clamping part K (not shown here). A first sealing element 9 is provided between the connecting joint and the clamping sections in each case. A second sealing element 11 is further provided at the upper and lower ends of this opening in each case. Furthermore, a tensioning element 4 is provided, here in the form of a screw, which is connected to the connecting joint. A sealing disc 10 is arranged under the head of the screw to prevent foreign matter (e.g. liquid or dust) from penetrating into the interior of the connecting joint 2. The clamping device 1 is provided here in a very compact manner, which results in space-saving use.

(13) FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the clamping device 1, here a sectional view in the longitudinal direction. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the clamping device is in the clamped state, that is, in which a clamping part K is clamped. Again, the structure of the connecting joint 2 can be seen, and it can be seen that a clamping section 3 is provided here on the left and right sides of the connecting joint 2, respectively. This clamping section 3 has an annular projection 3b in each case. The outer end of the clamping sections is the end 3a facing away from the connecting joint 2. The clamping sections 3 each contain an opening 3c for inserting and clamping a clamping part K.

(14) It can also be seen that the tensioning element 4 is arranged on a sealing disc 10, which is connected to the clamping element 6 in the connecting joint 2 by a thread G1. Thus, the clamping element 6 can be moved by rotating the tensioning element. Here, the clamping element 6 is trapezoidal in shape and has a certain amount of clearance within the connecting joint 2, so it can be moved up or down by rotating the tensioning element 4. The clamping element 6 has an inclined surface on both sides, each of which is in contact with and rests against another inclined surface of a respective transmission element 7. By moving the tensioning element 6 upwards or downwards, the two transmission elements 7 are each moved in the left-right direction here. A bushing 8 is provided on each of the side surfaces of the connecting joint, which is connected to the connecting joint by a thread. These bushings 8 each have a projection 8a. This projection 8a of the bushing 8 engages with the projection 3b of the respective clamping section 3.

(15) A first sealing element 9 is provided between each of the clamping sections 3 and the connecting joint 2, which prevents foreign matter (e.g. liquid or dust) from entering the surfaces between the connecting joint 2 and the clamping sections 3.

(16) The clamping jaws 5 can each be fitted in a corresponding recess in the clamping sections 3.

(17) A second sealing element 11 is seated on the clamping sections 3 on each side of the opening 3c, which prevents foreign matter (e.g. liquid or dust) from entering the gap between clamping section 3 and clamping part K (not shown here).

(18) The two transmission elements 7 are pressed outwards by the clamping element 6, which is why the clamping jaws 5 are also pressed outwards towards the end 3a of the clamping sections 3 facing away from the connecting joint 2. In the left clamping section 3, a clamping part K in the form of a tube is shown in this view. Here, it become clear that this clamping part K is pressed toward the end 3a of the left clamping section 3 facing away from the connecting joint 2. As a result, the left-hand clamping section 3 has also been displaced outwards, which is why the projection 3b of the left-hand clamping section 3 has been pressed outwards and thus now rests against the projection 8a of the bushings 8 in a frictional connection. Thus, there is no gap between the projection 3b of the left clamping section 3 and the projection 8a of the left bushing 8.

(19) With regard to the right-hand clamping section 3, the same configuration can be seen, except that it is rotated by 90° and thus no cross-section is visible here. However, the second sealing elements 11 also can be seen here, which are provided at the openings of the clamping section 3.

(20) FIG. 3 shows basically the same longitudinal section, but in the relaxed state. Compared to FIG. 2, the clamping element 6 is clearly shifted downward here. This reduces the pressure on the connecting elements 7 and clamping jaws 5 so that they can move inward toward the connecting joint 2.

(21) In the relaxed state, the clamping sections 3 are held on the connecting joint 2, so they cannot be removed or fall out, but at the same time a small gap S is provided between the projection 3b of the clamping section and the projection 8a of the bushing. The projection 3b of the clamping sections thus has a small amount of clearance between the connecting joint 2 as well as the respective projections 8a of the bushings 8. This allows the clamping sections 3 to be rotated relative to the connecting joint 2 as well as against each other in the relaxed state.

(22) FIG. 4 also shows a sectional view of the clamping device 1, but here in cross-section through the center of the connecting joint. The arrangement of the tensioning element 4 in the connecting joint 2 can be seen here. The thread G1 between tensioning element 4 and tensioning element 6 can also be seen.

(23) Thus, the clamping element 6 is connected to the tensioning element 4 via the thread G1. It can also be seen here that the clamping element 6 can still be moved upwards by moving the tensioning element 4. It is also apparent that the clamping element 6 rests against the transmission element 7 shown here at the front.

(24) FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention in the clamped state (in longitudinal section). Here, instead of a round clamping part K, a square clamping part K is clamped in the clamping device 1. This embodiment corresponds essentially to FIG. 2, except that here the clamping part K is clamped directly by the transmission element 7—a separate clamping jaw, as shown in FIG. 2, is therefore not necessary here.

(25) FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. Here, the clamping device 1 comprises only a clamping section 3 with corresponding second sealing elements 11. At the other end of the connecting joint 2, a flange (not shown here) with a sealing disc 12 is attached, with which the clamping device can be attached to a plane, for example. Also a tensioning element 4 is present, in the present embodiment also in the form of a screw, by means of which both the tensioning and the rotatability of the one clamping section 3 can be controlled.

(26) FIG. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention, namely a clamping device 1 with four clamping sections 3 with corresponding second sealing elements 11 is shown here. Here, four clamping sections 3 are arranged on a connecting joint. Furthermore, a tensioning element 4 in the form of a screw is arranged on the connecting joint 2, by means of which both the tensioning and the rotatability of all four clamping sections 3 can be controlled.

(27) FIG. 8 shows a system for mounting a camera C according to the prior art. Here, two clamping parts K, K are respectively connected to each other at an angle of 90°. A camera C is also parallel to a clamping part K. The clamping device 1′ according to the prior art is in each case capable of either connecting two clamping parts K in parallel or connecting them at a right angle of 90°. The particular clamping device 1″ according to the prior art is adapted to arrange the camera C at an angle of 180°, i.e. parallel to a clamping part K.

(28) FIG. 9 shows a form of application of the clamping device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein various clamping parts K, in the present case rods, are clamped by a clamping device 1 here. A clamping device 1 can also be used for connecting a rod, i.e. a clamping part K, and a camera C. It can be clearly seen here that angles between two clamping parts K can be set very variably by rotating the clamping sections 3 here, so that every possible position of the camera C is possible.

(29) FIG. 10 shows a further application form of the clamping device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Here, a display and operating unit M is connected to a clamping part K by means of the clamping device 1. Instead of a screw, an alternative tensioning element 4′ is provided here, in this case a lever. This can also be used to select an open and closed position on the clamping device 1. In the open position, movement of the clamping parts K in the clamping device is possible and, furthermore, the angle between the two clamping parts K can be variably adjusted. In the closed position, neither the angles nor the position of the clamping parts can be changed.

(30) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown above.

(31) For example, it would be possible to design the tensioning element 4 as a hydraulic device so that the movement of the clamping element 6 is controlled depending on an oil pressure within the connecting joint 2.

(32) Furthermore, it would also be possible to provide a gearwheel combination with a corresponding actuating mechanism as tensioning element 4 instead of a screw.

(33) The clamping element 6 could also be designed as a truncated pyramid. However, this would have disadvantages during assembly. It would also be possible, for example, to install a plastically deformable part instead of the clamping element 6, which would press the transmission elements 7 outward by squeezing. An eccentric would also be possible as a clamping element.

(34) The present invention includes a clamping device 1 for connecting clamping parts K, wherein, by movement of a single tensioning element 4, both at least one clamping section 3 can be rotated relative to a connecting joint 2, or two clamping sections 3 can be rotated relative to one another, and, by clamping at least one clamping jaw 5, the clamping parts K can be clamped in the at least one clamping section 3. Thus, by moving a single tensioning element 4, both clamping and fixing and releasing rotation of the at least one clamping section is possible. This clamping device 1 is easy to handle, highly variable, and also takes into account the regulations of hygienic design, since no gaps, cavities or threads are exposed here in which dirt could accumulate.