Electric clamp
US6644638B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB25B5/122
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An electrically powered clamp has a housing, a motor attached to the housing, a ball screw driven by the motor via a belt, and a linkage driven at one end by the ball screw such that the linkage rotates an output shaft attached to the other end of the linkage. The motor and belt drive the ball screw between a fully extended position to rotate the shaft to a clamped position, and a fully retracted position to rotate the shaft to an unclamped position. A built-in computer monitors and controls the clamp. The clamp can also be controlled and monitored by a remote pendant. Indicator lights on the housing and remote pendant convey clamp status information. The clamp is programmable and can memorize the clamped and unclamped positions. The clamp uses velocity and position feedback to determine appropriate drive mode. Torque monitors and timers determine if the clamp becomes stuck.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.