초록 ▼

A clamp for clamping extendible supports in flexible tooling system includes three overlapping tapered collets surrounding the extendible support, with a set of ball bearings positioned between each of the collets. The middle collet is tapered in a direction opposite to that of the inner and outer c

A clamp for clamping extendible supports in flexible tooling system includes three overlapping tapered collets surrounding the extendible support, with a set of ball bearings positioned between each of the collets. The middle collet is tapered in a direction opposite to that of the inner and outer collets, so that when the middle collet is pressed by springs into a gap between the inner and outer collet, the inner collet is forced against the extendible support, thereby clamping it. The ball bearings and the three collet assembly prevent the clamp from binding with thermal expansion so that the clamp releases when the force pressing the middle collet into the space between the inner and outer collet is removed. The springs maintain a sustained clamping force so the clamp does not release upon thermal expansion of it components.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. In an adjustable work piece support fixture suitable for use at elevated temperatures and including multiple extensible members that extend variable distances above a plane to support a work piece of irregular shape, a clamping apparatus for fixing the extension of an e

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. In an adjustable work piece support fixture suitable for use at elevated temperatures and including multiple extensible members that extend variable distances above a plane to support a work piece of irregular shape, a clamping apparatus for fixing the extension of an extensible member comprising:a clamp housing through which the extensible member extends;a middle collet surrounding the extensible member and positioned within the housing;an inner collet positioned between the middle collet and the extensible member;an outer collet positioned between the middle collet and the housing;an inner bearing member positioned between the middle collet and the inner collet;a outer bearing member positioned between the middle collet and the outer collet; anda biasing element for releasably biasing the middle collet against the inner and outer bearing members, thereby causing the outer collet to frictionally engage the clamp housing and the inner collet to frictionally engage the extensible member to releasably fix the extension of the extensible member with respect to the clamp housing,the biasing element providing a sustained biasing force and the inner bearing member and outer bearing member preventing binding of the middle collet as temperature changes of the adjustable work piece support causes dimensional changes of the clamp, the clamp thereby securely fixing the extension of the extensible member, yet allowing the extension to change when the bias against the middle collet is removed.