Swing clamp apparatus with spring biased cam assembly

摘要

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.