Swing clamp apparatus with spring biased cam assembly
US7032897B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 25, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF15B15/063
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved shiftable clamp (12) adapted for connection to a fixture (10) is provided, wherein the clamp (12) is selectively operable to engage and hold a workpiece (14) to the fixture (10). The clamp (12) includes a tubular body (22) and a piston (24) telescopically received within the body (22). Movement of the piston (24) is guided and controlled by way of a cam assembly (26) including a cam track (64) formed in the piston (24) and an associated cam track follower ball (66) mounted on the body (22). A spring unit (74) is also provided on the body (22) and includes a spring (82, 96) serving to self-center and bias the ball (66) into the track (64). This insures that the ball (66) smoothly rotates during movement of piston (22) and reduces wear and premature clamp failure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.