Rotating and positioning tool for axially symmetrical workpieces, especially steering tie rods in motor vehicles

US4623191A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Wegmann & Co. GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Harald Blume · Vellmar, DE
• Bodo Wagner · Kassel, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 19, 1984
• Grant date: Nov 18, 1986
• Expiry date: Nov 19, 2004

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T279/19
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Rotating and positioning tool for axially symmetrical workpieces, especially for steering tie rods in motor vehicles. A housing with a recess for the introduction of a workpiece accommodates a clamping mechanism with a crown gear that is positioned and driven at its circumference. An empty space inside the crown gear communicates with the outside through an access slot. The space is demarcated by a contour. Three tension rollers are accommodated inside the empty space in such a way that they can be displaced radially inwardly against the force of springs. The rollers roll along the contour. The distance of the contour from its axis of rotation continuously varies through alternating maxima and minima. As the crown gear rotates, the tension rollers are forced in from a starting position where the distance is maximal and securely clamp the workpiece, which is located at the axis of rotation. The workpiece W can be rotated around any desired angle by continuing to rotate the crown gear along with the tension rollers. The clamping action is released by rotating the crown gear in the opposite direction.