DE202023104054U1 - Clamping system and processing unit - Google Patents

Abstract

Clamping system (10), comprising:
- a base plate (20) for attachment to a processing unit;
- a clamping device (90), which is arranged on the base plate (20),
- a cavity (30),
-- wherein the cavity (30) is surrounded at least in sections by the clamping means (90);
- a clamping unit (40), which is arranged in the cavity (30), for attachment to a workpiece (200);
-- wherein the tensioning system (10) has a relaxed state and a tensioned state;
-- wherein in the relaxed state the clamping unit (40) is movably mounted in the cavity (30), and in which in the clamped state the clamping means (90) facing the cavity (30) causes a clamping tension, such that the clamping unit (40) by means of of the clamping means (90) surrounding it at least in sections is determined.

Description

The present invention relates to a clamping system and a processing unit which includes the clamping system.

In conventional clamping systems for fixing a workpiece that is to be processed with a processing unit, the workpiece is clamped between one or more pairs of clamping jaws. The clamping jaws usually have clamping surfaces that are parallel to one another or arranged in accordance with the workpiece geometry and which touch the workpiece. If the workpiece is distorted to a small extent and therefore does not have exactly parallel side surfaces throughout or does not conform to the clamping geometry in order to fix the workpiece in the clamping system, the workpiece can be deformed using the clamping jaws and thereby, despite the distortion, essentially parallel side surfaces during processing by the processing unit. The parallel alignment of the side surfaces of the workpiece despite the distortion caused by manufacturing, for example, is accompanied by a corresponding internal stress in the workpiece. If the clamping jaws are removed from the workpiece after machining the workpiece, the workpiece jumps into a random distorted shape due to the residual stress applied against the distortion of the workpiece in order to relieve the residual stress, whereby the random distorted shape can correspond to the original distortion of the workpiece, or due to The internal stresses that change during machining may differ. In particular, the workpiece can snap or spring back into a shape that can hardly be predetermined, which impairs the further use of the workpiece, especially in the case of elongated workpieces, which have a significantly greater extent in one spatial direction than in the other two spatial directions.

In the prior art, for example, it is known to reduce the internal stress of a workpiece, which has, for example, steel, after production or after machining by means of stress-relieving annealing in order to prevent possible distortion or to counteract possible distortion.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a clamping system which enables the machining of a workpiece while improving the further use of the workpiece and, in particular, impairing it only slightly or not at all.

The task is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

• - eine Grundplatte zur Befestigung an einer Bearbeitungseinheit;
• - ein Spannmittel, welches an der Grundplatte angeordnet ist,
• - einen Hohlraum,
  • -- wobei der Hohlraum zumindest abschnittsweise von dem Spannmittel umgeben ist;
• - eine Spanneinheit, welche in dem Hohlraum angeordnet ist, zur Befestigung an einem Werkstück, welches insbesondere mittels der Bearbeitungseinheit zu bearbeiten ist;
  • -- wobei das Spannsystem einen entspannten Zustand und einen gespannten Zustand aufweist, und insbesondere jeweils einnehmen kann;
  • -- wobei im entspannten Zustand die Spanneinheit beweglich in dem Hohlraum gelagert ist, und wobei im gespannten Zustand das Spannmittel dem Hohlraum zugewandt, also insbesondere hin zum Hohlraum und hin zum darin angeordneten Spannmittel, eine Klemmspannung bewirkt oder ausübt, derart, dass die Spanneinheit mittels des sie zumindest abschnittsweise umgebenden Spannmittels festgestellt ist.

One aspect of the invention relates to a clamping system comprising:

• - a base plate for attachment to a processing unit;
• - a clamping device which is arranged on the base plate,
• - a cavity,
  • -- wherein the cavity is at least partially surrounded by the clamping means;
• - a clamping unit, which is arranged in the cavity, for attachment to a workpiece, which is to be processed in particular by means of the processing unit;
  • -- wherein the tensioning system has a relaxed state and a tensioned state, and in particular can assume each;
  • -- wherein in the relaxed state the clamping unit is movably mounted in the cavity, and in which in the clamped state the clamping means faces the cavity, i.e. in particular towards the cavity and towards the clamping means arranged therein, causing or exerting a clamping tension, such that the clamping unit by means of of the clamping means surrounding it at least in sections is determined.

The clamping unit is in particular fixed or fixed in its mobility by means of the clamping tension caused by the clamping means, so that the workpiece is firmly stored or cannot be deflected. In other words, the clamping tension caused by the clamping means provides a necessary holding force for machining the workpiece using the machining unit. The machining of the workpiece can in particular include machining, such as milling, drilling, or similar machining, but is not limited to this. Furthermore, the processing can in particular also include separating or joining processing, such as separating or joining welding, gluing, cutting, and/or sawing.

In that the clamping system has a relaxed state and a clamped state and in particular can assume each, whereby the clamping unit is either movable or fixed, the workpiece attached to the clamping unit can advantageously be clamped without changing its (for example production-related) distortion, so that in turn a snapping back of the workpiece into a random, hardly predeterminable shape can be advantageously prevented after processing. This in turn can advantageously improve the further usability of the workpiece.

In particular, in a substantially relaxed state of the clamping system, the workpiece can initially be movably attached to the clamping system by means of the clamping unit, the clamping unit being deflected relative to a zero position in the cavity, in accordance with, for example, manufacturing-related distortion of the workpiece. The clamping system can then be brought or transferred into the clamped state, so that the clamping means causes or exerts a clamping voltage on the clamping unit, the clamping unit being fixed or fixed in its position deflected relative to the zero position in the cavity. This advantageously essentially prevents the clamping system from applying an internal tension to the workpiece that counteracts the distortion of the workpiece, and a barely definable snapping back occurring after the clamping system has transitioned into the relaxed state in order to remove the workpiece from the processing unit. The present clamping system thus advantageously enables machining of the workpiece to be possible while the further use of the workpiece is ensured and, in particular, is only slightly or not at all impaired.

The cavity can be arranged, for example, on the base plate, or arranged or formed on a section of a housing. The housing can in particular house the clamping means at least in sections.

The clamping means of the clamping system can, for example, have or be one or more pressure chambers which surround the cavity at least in sections, in particular at least in sections laterally, that is to say in particular in a substantially horizontal plane. Furthermore, the clamping means of the clamping system can, for example, comprise or be one or more clamping jaws, which surround the cavity at least in sections, in particular at least in sections laterally, that is to say in a substantially horizontal plane. The one or more clamping jaws can in particular surround the cavity at least in sections, lying opposite one another or opposite a counterholder or stop.

The pressure chamber or pressure chambers can be printed or pressurized in the clamped state of the clamping system by means of a medium, in particular by means of a fluid, such as oil or another liquid or a gas, and thereby a clamping tension facing the cavity for locking the clamping unit cause. For example, a wall delimiting the pressure chamber and facing the cavity can be at least partially deformed towards the cavity, in particular deformed in a resilient manner, preferably deformed in an elastically resilient manner. In the relaxed state of the clamping system, the pressure chamber or pressure chambers have a comparatively lower internal pressure compared to the tensioned state.

In the clamped state of the clamping system, the one or more clamping jaws can be moved or deflected towards the cavity by means of a medium, in particular by means of a fluid, such as an oil, or mechanically, for example by means of a worm drive, in order to thereby create a clamping tension facing the cavity for locking the To effect clamping unit. The movement or deflection of the clamping jaws is preferably reversible. In the relaxed state of the clamping system, the clamping jaw or jaws are in particular further apart from the cavity or from the clamping unit arranged therein compared to the clamped state.

In the following, various terms are used repeatedly, the understanding of which is intended to be made easier by the following definitions.

Longitudinal direction: The longitudinal direction represents an exemplary direction of the clamping system, which in particular lies essentially in a horizontal plane, for example essentially parallel to a processing table of a processing unit, such as a portal milling machine or a similar processing unit.

Width direction: The width direction, like the longitudinal direction, represents an exemplary direction of the clamping system, which in particular lies essentially in a horizontal plane, i.e., for example, essentially parallel to a processing table of a processing unit, such as a portal milling machine or a similar processing unit, the width direction is essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Height direction: The height direction represents a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and substantially perpendicular to the width direction. The height direction can therefore in particular essentially correspond to a vertical on a horizontal plane, that is, for example, essentially orthogonal to a processing table of a processing unit, such as a portal milling machine or a similar processing unit. In this case it is vertical Direction the speech means in particular the height direction.

If a direction or an angle is represented here with the addition “substantially” or “approximately” or “approximately,” this addition is intended to mean in particular a deviation from the direction or angle in question in the range from approximately 0° to approximately 10 ° meant or to be understood.

If a spatial measure, a spatial ratio, a physical measure, a physical ratio or another relationship is reproduced in the present case with the addition “essentially” or “approximately” or “approximately,” this addition is in particular a deviation from the one in question Measure or the relevant ratio in the range from about 0% to about 5% is meant or understood.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping unit in the relaxed state can be mounted in the cavity so that it can be deflected in one of two mutually perpendicular directions in a horizontal plane, and/or can be mounted in the cavity so that it can be deflected in a vertical direction.

Furthermore, in the relaxed state, the clamping unit can be mounted in the cavity so that it can be deflected in a horizontal plane in only one of two mutually perpendicular directions, and/or can be mounted in the cavity so that it can be deflected in a vertical direction.

Due to the deflectability of the clamping unit, to which the workpiece can be attached, in the relaxed state, the clamping system can advantageously yield to a deformation or distortion of the workpiece, so that the clamping unit is deflected relative to a zero position in the relevant directions in which the clamping unit can be deflected is. This in turn makes it possible for the workpiece to be fastened to the clamping system without it being braced against its deformation or distortion.

In the tensioned state, the tensioning unit can be mounted so that it cannot be deflected in the respective directions, i.e. it can be fixed in particular with respect to the respective directions in which the tensioning unit can be deflected in the relaxed state. The clamping unit can in particular be configured to essentially maintain or completely maintain the deflection from the relaxed state in the clamped state of the clamping system. This advantageously makes it possible to reduce or prevent clamping of the workpiece against its deformation or distortion, so that after processing, i.e. after the transition of the clamping system back to the relaxed state, there is little or no springing back or snapping of the workpiece into a random state predeterminable form occurs.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping unit can be mounted in the cavity so that it can pivot about at least two axes in the relaxed state.

Due to the pivotability of the clamping unit, to which the workpiece can be attached, in the relaxed state, the clamping system can advantageously yield to a deformation or distortion of the workpiece, so that the clamping unit pivots relative to a zero position in the relevant directions in which the clamping unit is pivotable or tilted. This further advantageously enables the workpiece to be fastened to the clamping system without it being braced against its deformation or distortion.

In the tensioned state, the tensioning unit can be mounted non-pivotably about the respective axes, i.e. it can be fixed in particular with respect to the respective axes about which the tensioning unit can be pivoted in the relaxed state. The clamping unit can in particular be configured to essentially maintain or completely maintain the pivoting or tilting from the relaxed state in the clamped state of the clamping system. This advantageously makes it possible to reduce or prevent clamping of the workpiece against its deformation or distortion, so that after processing, i.e. after the transition of the clamping system back to the relaxed state, there is little or no springing back or snapping of the workpiece into a random state predeterminable form occurs.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping unit can be arranged on at least two substantially opposite sides adjacent to the clamping means.

For example, one or more wall(s) delimiting at least one pressure chamber, or two clamping jaws, can be arranged on two essentially opposite sides, adjacent to the clamping means.

This advantageously enables the clamping unit to be secure for machining by slightly actuating the clamping device from the relaxed state to the clamped state due to the clamping tension on two opposite sides to be determined or fixed by means of the processing unit.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping means can comprise at least one pressure chamber, and the clamping unit can have a distance from the pressure chamber of less than approximately 0.2 mm, in particular less than approximately 0.1 mm, preferably less than, on at least two essentially opposite sides about 0.08 mm, particularly preferably less than about 0.05 mm.

This advantageously enables the wall(s) delimiting at least one pressure chamber towards the cavity or towards the tensioning unit by printing or applying pressure to the at least one pressure chamber, which transfers the clamping system from the relaxed state to the tensioned state to deform, in particular to deform in a resilient manner, so that by the clamping tension the clamping unit is or is securely fixed or fixed on two opposite sides for processing by means of the processing unit.

The wall(s) delimiting the pressure chamber can in particular have a wall thickness in the range from approximately 0.4 mm to approximately 4, preferably from approximately 0.5 mm to 3 mm. The wall(s) delimiting the pressure chamber can have a substantially constant wall thickness, in particular on two opposite sides relative to the clamping unit, in particular on the areas adjacent to the clamping unit.

This advantageously makes it possible to transfer the clamping tension evenly to the clamping unit in order to allow a deflection of the clamping unit and/or a pivoting or tilting of the clamping unit relative to a zero position in the cavity, which the clamping unit assumes in the relaxed state due to a deformation or distortion of the workpiece, maintained so that the workpiece, due to the fixation or fixation on the clamping system, does not experience any tension that counteracts the deformation or distortion of the workpiece, which can further cause the workpiece to spring back or snap back.

It is understood that the clamping unit can have a different distance from the pressure chamber on at least two substantially opposite sides than described above as an example, as long as sufficient clamping tension is caused to secure the clamping unit on two mutually opposite sides for processing by means of the processing unit to determine or fix.

It is further understood that the wall thicknesses of the walls delimiting the pressure chamber can deviate from those described above by way of example, as long as sufficient clamping tension is effected in order to securely fix or fix the clamping unit for processing by means of the processing unit.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping means can have essentially planar walls facing each other facing the clamping unit,
wherein the opposing walls may be substantially parallel to each other.

For example, the clamping means facing the clamping unit can have at least two, at least four, or exactly two, essentially planar walls that are opposite one another, in particular have essentially planar walls that are opposite one another in pairs. The walls can, in particular, be essentially parallel to one another or, in pairs, essentially parallel to one another.

In the clamped state of the clamping system, the clamping means is in particular configured to fix the clamping unit by means of the essentially planar walls lying opposite one another, i.e. to apply the clamping tension to the clamping unit by means of the walls lying opposite one another.

As a result, the clamping unit in the clamped state can advantageously be fixed uniformly by means of the clamping device, in particular without a tension that is opposite to the deformation or distortion of the workpiece being applied to the workpiece.

Furthermore, in particular, the clamping unit can have substantially planar side surfaces facing the clamping means, in particular facing the opposite walls of the clamping means, for example at least two, at least four, or exactly two, essentially planar side surfaces lying opposite one another. The side surfaces can, in particular, be essentially parallel to one another or, in pairs, essentially parallel to one another.

This advantageously improves uniform fixing of the clamping unit by the clamping means, in particular without compromising any deformation or distortion of the workpiece Gen-directed tension is applied to the clamping unit, and thereby to the workpiece.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping means can comprise at least one pressure chamber, wherein the at least one pressure chamber has substantially planar walls facing one another facing the clamping unit,
wherein the opposing walls may be substantially parallel to each other.

For example, the at least one pressure chamber facing the clamping unit can have at least two, at least four, or exactly two, essentially planar walls that are opposite one another, in particular have essentially planar walls that are opposite one another in pairs. The walls can, in particular, be essentially parallel to one another or, in pairs, essentially parallel to one another. Furthermore, the walls serve in particular to limit the pressure chamber at least in sections.

The at least one pressure chamber has, in particular, a higher pressure in the tensioned state of the tensioning system than in the relaxed state of the tensioning system.

In exemplary embodiments, the clamping means can comprise at least two pressure chambers, which are opposite one another with respect to the cavity or the clamping unit arranged therein, for example opposite one another in the width direction and/or in the longitudinal direction.

Through the at least one pressure chamber, in particular by applying pressure by means of a fluid, a uniform fixing of the clamping unit by the clamping means can be further advantageously improved, in particular without a tension on the clamping unit that is opposite to the deformation or distortion of the workpiece, and thereby is applied to the workpiece.

The fluid for printing the at least one pressure chamber can preferably be oil, as is common in hydraulic applications. In addition, the at least one pressure chamber can also be printed using another fluid, such as a gas or another liquid.

The at least one pressure chamber can in particular be configured to be pressurized with a pressure of approximately 20 to approximately 300 bar, in particular approximately 50 to approximately 270 bar, preferably approximately 150 bar to approximately 250 bar, in order to provide a clamping voltage, in particular by means of at least one to provide a wall delimiting a pressure chamber at least in sections.

Test results showed that pressure or pressurization of the pressure chamber, which is at least partially delimited by a wall made of steel, in particular in the range between approximately 70 bar and approximately 100 bar, is already sufficient to provide a clamping tension for a workpiece to be machined. The wall facing the clamping unit or the cavity can deform in particular elastically, in particular elastically deforming towards the clamping unit or towards the cavity in order to clamp the clamping unit arranged therein. Depending on the material used to limit the pressure chamber, other pressures can also be used.

It is understood that the pressure chamber can be configured to be pressurized to a different pressure than that described above as an example, as long as sufficient clamping tension is caused to securely fix or fix the clamping unit for processing by means of the processing unit.

In order to facilitate the deformation in a targeted manner, the pressure chamber facing the clamping unit can at least partially have a comparatively thinner wall to limit the pressure chamber than in other spatial directions. The wall facing the clamping unit and delimiting the pressure chamber at least in sections can, for example, have a wall thickness in the range of approximately 0.4 mm to approximately 4 mm, in particular in the range of approximately 0.5 mm to approximately 3 mm. Test results have shown that such a wall, in particular made of steel, is already suitable for providing sufficient clamping tension for machining a workpiece when subjected to pressure in the range between approximately 70 bar and approximately 100 bar.

In further exemplary embodiments, the clamping means can comprise a substantially annular pressure chamber. The essentially annular pressure chamber can in particular have opposing, essentially straight or planar walls, for example at least two opposing, essentially straight or planar walls. The essentially annular pressure chamber is therefore not limited to a strictly continuously curved pressure chamber. The ones essentially opposite each other The planar or straight walls can in particular be essentially parallel to one another. The walls delimit the pressure chamber and can in particular delimit the pressure chamber from the cavity.

The essentially annular pressure chamber can, in particular since the medium used to apply pressure can be evenly distributed in an annular manner, further advantageously improve uniform fixing of the clamping unit by the clamping means, in particular without a tension that is opposite to the deformation or distortion of the workpiece is applied to the clamping unit and thereby to the workpiece.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping means can comprise two pressure chambers which are essentially opposite one another with respect to the cavity.

In exemplary embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping means can comprise at least two pressure chambers, which essentially lie opposite one another in pairs with respect to the cavity.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping means can comprise two pressure chambers, wherein the two pressure chambers are coupled to one another by means of a pressure compensation section, in particular are fluidly coupled to one another, or in other words are in fluid communication with one another.

Similar to a substantially annular pressure chamber, the fluid pressurizing the at least two pressure chambers can advantageously be passively distributed through the pressure compensation section. As a result, uniform fixing of the clamping unit by the clamping means can advantageously be improved, in particular without a tension that is opposite to the deformation or distortion of the workpiece being applied to the clamping unit, and thereby to the workpiece. The pressure compensation section may, for example, comprise a manifold section, such as a T-piece or a branching channel, which connects the pressure chambers to one another, and, for example, connects the pressure chambers to a media or fluid inlet.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping means can comprise at least one pair of clamping jaws which are movable relative to one another.

In other words, the clamping means can comprise at least one pair of clamping jaws, with at least one clamping jaw of the pair of clamping jaws being movable relative to the other clamping jaw of the pair of clamping jaws.

The clamping jaws and the clamping unit can have, in particular, essentially parallel surfaces facing each other, with the opposing surfaces of the clamping jaws facing the clamping unit preferably also being essentially parallel to one another.

This can advantageously ensure a uniform fixing of the clamping unit by the clamping means, in particular without a tension that is opposite to the deformation or distortion of the workpiece being applied to the clamping unit, and thereby to the workpiece.

In preferred embodiments of the tensioning system, the tensioning unit can be mounted by means of one or more elastic elements, in particular by means of at least two elastic elements spaced apart from one another, preferably by means of two or four springs.

In exemplary embodiments, the one or more elastic elements may include or consist of one or more springs, in particular one or more spiral springs, include or consist of one or more rubber elastomer bodies or pads, include or consist of one or more foam rubber elements, or a combination include or consist of it.

By supporting the clamping unit by means of one or more elastic elements, the workpiece can advantageously be arranged movably on the clamping system in the relaxed state, whereby the clamping unit can follow a distortion or deformation of the workpiece within the cavity.

The one or more elastic elements for supporting the clamping unit can therefore essentially be selected based on the workpiece weight.

In preferred embodiments, the one or more elastic elements for supporting the clamping unit can be arranged on the clamping unit in an exchangeable manner, in particular can be arranged on the clamping unit in a reversibly exchangeable manner.

Through the one or more elastic elements for supporting the clamping unit, the clamping system makes it possible for the clamping system to be suitable for storing a large number of different workpieces, and for workpieces that are deformed or warped differently from one another to be fixed to a processing unit by means of the clamping system, without additional stresses being placed on them Apply workpieces that can cause a hard-to-define deformation of the workpiece after the clamping tension has been released. This in turn can advantageously improve the shape accuracy of workpieces throughout a processing step.

It is true that components that may have been deformed or warped due to manufacturing still have the pre-existing deformation or distortion, even after processing. However, by maintaining the deformation or distortion of a workpiece throughout a processing step, the workpiece can continue to be used safely in accordance with the intended and, if necessary, qualified manufacturing process. Jumping back or snapping of the workpiece after machining, which is difficult to control and difficult to predetermine, and which prevents it from being used as intended, can advantageously be prevented.

The one or more elastic elements can store the clamping unit in particular in the cavity or support it in the cavity, for example supporting it relative to the base plate. Alternatively or additionally, the clamping unit can be suspended in the cavity by means of the one or more elastic elements. In this way, movable mounting of the clamping unit, and thus of the workpiece on the clamping system, can advantageously be ensured in the relaxed state.

Preferably, the one or more elastic elements are in particular not arranged in an area in which the clamping means contacts the clamping unit in the clamped state in order to apply the clamping tension. This can advantageously ensure that the deflected or pivoted position of the clamping unit is maintained during the transition from the relaxed state to the tensioned state.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping unit in the relaxed state can be configured to provide the workpiece with a degree of freedom in the longitudinal direction, to provide a degree of freedom in the vertical direction, to provide a degree of freedom with pivotability along the longitudinal direction, to provide a degree of freedom with pivotability about the longitudinal direction, and optionally a Degree of freedom of pivoting to provide vertical direction.

The degree of freedom in the longitudinal direction can, for example, be in the range from approximately -8 mm to approximately +8 mm, in particular in the range from approximately -4 mm to approximately +4 mm. The degree of freedom in the vertical direction or in the height direction can, for example, be in the range from approximately -8 mm to approximately +8 mm, in particular in the range from approximately -4 mm to approximately +4 mm. The degree of freedom of pivoting along the longitudinal direction can, for example, be in the range from approximately -8° to approximately +8°, in particular in the range from approximately -4° to approximately +4°. The degree of freedom of pivoting about the longitudinal direction can, for example, be in the range from approximately -8° to approximately +8°, in particular in the range from approximately -4° to approximately +4°. The optional degree of freedom of pivoting about the height direction can, for example, be in the range from approximately -25° to approximately +25°, in particular in the range from approximately -10° to approximately +10°.

In particular, the clamping unit can be configured in the relaxed state to provide the workpiece exclusively with a degree of freedom in the longitudinal direction, to provide a degree of freedom in the vertical direction, to provide a degree of freedom with pivotability along the longitudinal direction, to provide a degree of freedom with pivotability about the longitudinal direction, and optionally a degree of freedom with pivotability to provide vertical direction.

As a result, the workpiece can advantageously be fastened to the clamping system in the relaxed state so that it can move along the respective degrees of freedom, whereby the clamping unit can follow a deformation or distortion of the workpiece without applying a tension to the workpiece that is opposite to the deformation or distortion of the workpiece. This state can then preferably be determined or fixed in the clamped state, so that the workpiece can be processed by the processing unit without being subject to additional internal tension caused by the clamping system.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping unit can comprise a clamping unit, a cylinder unit and a connecting unit, the clamping unit being arranged facing the clamping means, the clamping unit having a recess in which the cylinder unit is arranged at least in sections, and the connecting unit being attached to the cylinder unit is arranged and configured to be attached to the workpiece.

Due to the nested structure of the clamping system, wherein the clamping unit is provided facing the clamping means, the cylinder unit is arranged at least in sections in the clamping unit, and wherein the connecting unit is arranged on the cylinder unit or is also arranged at least in sections in the cylinder unit, can be achieved by respective relative movements The workpiece is provided with separate degrees of freedom for movement between the individual elements of this nested structure. In particular, depending on the specific embodiment of the individual elements of the nested structure, additional degrees of freedom or fewer degrees of freedom can be provided for the workpiece.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping unit can have an open cross section, with a plane of the cross section being spanned by a direction in which the clamping unit is directly adjacent to the clamping means and a substantially vertical direction.

Due to the essentially open cross section, the clamping means is advantageously configured to be elastically deformable, so that the clamping means has in particular an undeformed state in the relaxed state, and in particular has an elastically deformed state in the tensioned state. In the elastically deformed state, the clamping unit is preferably configured to clamp the cylinder unit arranged at least in sections in the clamping unit, and thereby indirectly fix the workpiece or fix it in the degrees of freedom that the cylinder unit provides relative to the clamping unit.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping unit can have at least one gap, the gap having a smaller size when the clamping system is in the clamped state.

The clamping unit can in particular have a downwardly directed gap in cross section, which separates the clamping unit at least in sections. The clamping unit can in particular have two clamping halves, which are connected to one another at a base section and which are separated from one another in the area of the gap. The two clamping halves are configured to be movable in particular relative to one another by means of the gap that separates them at least in sections. In the clamped state, the two clamping halves can in particular be moved towards one another in the area of the gap, in particular in order to clamp the cylinder unit arranged at least in sections in the clamping unit, and thereby indirectly fix the workpiece or fix it in the degrees of freedom that the cylinder unit provides relative to the clamping unit .

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the clamping unit can have a degree of freedom in the longitudinal direction, have a degree of freedom in the vertical direction, and have a degree of freedom of pivotability along the longitudinal direction.

The degree of freedom in the longitudinal direction can, for example, be in the range from approximately -8 mm to +8 mm, in particular in the range from approximately -4 mm to approximately +4 mm. The degree of freedom in the vertical direction or in the height direction can, for example, be in the range from approximately -8 mm to approximately +8 mm, in particular in the range from approximately -4 mm to approximately +4 mm. The degree of freedom of pivoting along the longitudinal direction can, for example, be in the range from approximately -8° to approximately +8°, in particular in the range from approximately -4° to approximately +4°.

The clamping unit can in particular be movable in the respective degrees of freedom by means of one or more elastic elements. To ensure pivotability along the longitudinal direction, i.e. pivotability about the width direction essentially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, at least two elastic elements spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction can be provided on the clamping unit, which store or support the clamping unit in particular relative to the base plate.

Furthermore, to ensure the degree of freedom in the longitudinal direction, i.e. for translational deflection in the longitudinal direction, the clamping unit can have a greater distance from the clamping means in the longitudinal direction than in the width direction. In principle, there can also be a degree of freedom for the clamping unit in the width direction due to the at least slight distance from the clamping means. In preferred embodiments, however, this is so small, for example in the range of less than approximately 0.2 mm, in particular in the range of less than approximately 0.1 mm, that it is negligible and should not be considered in the sense of a degree of freedom, as described above Longitudinal direction, in the vertical direction and for pivoting along the longitudinal direction.

The degree of freedom of the clamping unit in the longitudinal direction, and accordingly in particular the degree of freedom of the clamping unit in the longitudinal direction influenced thereby, can in particular be in the range from approximately -6 mm to approximately +6 mm, preferably in the range from approximately -4 mm to approximately +4 mm.

The degree of freedom of the clamping unit in the vertical direction, and accordingly in particular the degree of freedom of the clamping unit in the vertical direction influenced thereby, can in particular be in the range from approximately -8 mm to approximately +8 mm, preferably in the range from approximately -6 mm to approximately +6 mm be, particularly preferably in the range from -4 mm to +4 mm.

The degree of freedom of the clamping unit with regard to the pivotability along the longitudinal direction, and accordingly in particular the thereby influenced degree of freedom of the clamping unit with regard to the pivotability along the longitudinal direction, can in particular be in the range of approximately -8° to approximately +8°, preferably in the range of approximately -4° to about +4°.

As a result, the clamping unit is advantageously mounted movably by means of the clamping unit and can store the workpiece in the relaxed state without applying a tension to the workpiece against its deformation or against its distortion. During the transition to the clamped state, the clamping means is preferably configured to fix or virtually freeze the deflection of the clamping unit from the relaxed state, so that the workpiece is fixed or fixed in the clamped state by the clamping system without the workpiece being subjected to a tension against it any manufacturing-related deformation, or contrary to its possible manufacturing-related distortion, is applied.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the cylinder unit can have a degree of freedom of pivoting about the longitudinal direction.

For this purpose, the cylinder unit can in particular be essentially cylindrical and provide the degree of freedom of pivoting through the cylinder axis, which can in particular be arranged essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction.

The cylinder unit can in particular have, at least in sections, a substantially circular or annular cross section, and the recess of the clamping unit, in which the cylinder unit is arranged at least in sections, can at least in sections have a cross section corresponding to the cylinder unit, that is to say a substantially circular cross section. The recess can in particular be formed by two opposing, essentially semicircular grooves in two clamping halves of the clamping unit. The inner radius of the recess with a substantially circular cross section can in particular essentially correspond to the outer radius of the substantially circular cross section of the cylinder unit. Furthermore, the diameter of the essentially circular cross section of the recess of the clamping unit can be slightly larger than the diameter of the essentially circular cross section of the cylinder unit in order to ensure smooth mobility of the cylinder unit relative to the clamping unit.

The degree of freedom of the cylinder unit with regard to the pivotability about the longitudinal direction, and accordingly in particular the thereby influenced degree of freedom of the clamping unit with regard to the pivotability about the longitudinal direction, can in particular be in the range of approximately -8° to approximately +8°, preferably in the range of approximately -4° to about +4°.

In alternative embodiments, the clamping unit can comprise a spherical unit instead of the cylinder unit, which is essentially spherical, and accordingly provide rotational degrees of freedom, which in particular are a combination of a degree of freedom of pivotability about the longitudinal direction, a degree of freedom of pivotability about the width direction and a degree of freedom of pivotability can correspond to the vertical direction.

In preferred embodiments of the clamping system, the connecting unit can have a degree of freedom of pivoting about the vertical direction.

The degree of freedom of pivoting about the vertical direction or height direction can, for example, be in the range of approximately -25° to approximately +25°, in particular in the range of approximately -10° to approximately +10°.

For this purpose, the cylinder unit or the ball unit can, for example, have a recess extending essentially in the vertical direction, in which the connecting unit is arranged to be rotatable or rotatable at least in sections. The connecting unit can, for example, be arranged on the cylinder unit or the ball unit in a form-fitting, friction-locking or other way.

For example, the connection unit can be screwed to the cylinder unit or to the ball unit.

The cylinder unit is preferably configured to clamp the connecting unit in the tensioned state, in particular in such a way that the degree of freedom of pivoting about the vertical direction is blocked in the tensioned state.

In particular, the clamping unit, cylinder unit and connecting unit can be configured so that in the clamped state, the clamping tension exerted or caused by the clamping means causes the clamping unit to be clamped at least partially via the cylinder unit, so that in particular the degree of freedom of pivoting about the vertical direction is blocked.

In order to facilitate the targeted transmission of at least part of the clamping voltage via the cylinder unit, the cylinder unit can in particular be hollow at least in sections, so that the clamping voltage is specifically transmitted to the connecting unit through the non-hollow sections of the cylinder unit. For example, a deformation of a cylinder wall of the cylinder unit can advantageously be easily effected in order to clamp the connecting unit. Furthermore, the clamping tension can be advantageously transferred in a simple manner step by step from the clamping means to the clamping unit, from the clamping unit to the cylinder unit, and from the cylinder unit to the connecting unit in order to fix or fix the workpiece in the clamped state on the clamping system.

• - ein erstes Festlager zur Festlegung eines Werkstücks daran;
• - ein Spannsystem gemäß des Aspekts betreffend das Spannsystem zur schwimmenden Lagerung des Werkstücks daran im entspannten Zustand und zur Festlegung des Werkstücks daran im gespannten Zustand.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a clamping arrangement comprising:

• - a first fixed bearing for fixing a workpiece thereon;
• - a clamping system according to the aspect relating to the clamping system for floatingly supporting the workpiece thereon in the relaxed state and for fixing the workpiece thereon in the clamped state.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a processing unit, in particular a milling machine, a drilling machine, a portal processing machine or a joining or separating processing machine, with at least one clamping system according to the aspect relating to the clamping system, for fastening a workpiece to the processing unit.

Preferred, exemplary and alternative embodiments of the processing unit and their effects relate equally to the clamping system according to the aspect relating to the clamping system, and vice versa. In particular, the present machining unit advantageously enables the workpiece to be machined, which in particular is to be machined by cutting, joining or separating, to be initially fastened to the clamping system in the relaxed state without additional internal stress being applied to the workpiece by the clamping system.

In the relaxed state, the clamping unit of the clamping system assumes, in particular, a position or position deflected relative to a zero position of the clamping unit in the cavity, in accordance with, for example, production-related deformation or in accordance with, for example, production-related distortion of the workpiece. During the transition from the relaxed state to the clamped state, the deflected position or position of the clamping unit is fixed or fixed, or in other words frozen, in particular without changing the deflected position or position of the clamping unit, in that the clamping means clamps the clamping unit with a clamping tension. As a result, the workpiece, which can be attached to the clamping unit, is fixed or fixed for processing by the processing unit, i.e. by a tool of the processing unit, without an additional tension counteracting deformation or distortion of the workpiece being introduced onto the workpiece by the clamping system becomes.

After processing, the clamping system can be transferred from the clamped state to the relaxed state, for example by retracting clamping jaws and/or by reducing a pressure in the at least one pressure chamber. The fact that no tension that counteracts the deformation or distortion of the workpiece has been applied to the workpiece by means of the clamping system means that the workpiece can be prevented from springing back or snapping into a random, hardly predeterminable shape. This advantageously increases the shape accuracy of the workpiece and ensures that the workpiece can be used as intended with increased safety.

In preferred embodiments of the processing unit, the clamping system can be used in the relaxed state in order to float a workpiece.

With others, the clamping system of the processing unit can be used in the relaxed state, in particular, to mount a workpiece in a movable or deflectable manner, in particular in such a way that the clamping unit follows a movement or deflection of the workpiece or a deformed or distorted contour of the workpiece.

In preferred embodiments of the processing unit, the clamping system can fix a workpiece in the clamped state.

In other words, the clamping system of the processing unit can be used in the clamped state in particular to store a workpiece without degrees of freedom, i.e. to store it firmly, in such a way that that the workpiece can be machined in particular by cutting, joining or separating.

• - das Spannsystem im entspannten Zustand verwendet sein, um das Werkstück schwimmend zu lagern;
• - das Spannsystem im gespannten Zustand verwendet sein, um das Werkstück festzulegen;
• - das Werkstück bearbeitbar sein;
• - das Spannsystem im entspannten Zustand verwendet sein, um das Werkstück erneut, insbesondere vorübergehend, schwimmend zu lagern;
• - das Spannsystem im gespannten Zustand verwendet sein, um das Werkstück erneut festzulegen; und
• - das Werkstück weiter bearbeitbar sein.

In preferred embodiments of the processing unit, in this order:

• - the clamping system must be used in the relaxed state in order to store the workpiece floating;
• - the clamping system must be used in the clamped state to fix the workpiece;
• - the workpiece can be machined;
• - the clamping system can be used in the relaxed state in order to store the workpiece again, especially temporarily, in a floating manner;
• - the clamping system must be used in the clamped state to fix the workpiece again; and
• - the workpiece can be further processed.

In particular, after the workpiece has been fixed again in the clamped state of the clamping system, the same workpiece can be further processed.

In that the workpiece can be machined and can be further machined after renewed floating storage and renewed fixation by the machining unit, the workpiece can be brought into a position or position that deviates from the initially defined state by reducing internal stresses in the workpiece due to machining to process it further. As a result, possible residual stresses in the workpiece can be advantageously reduced, so that the shape accuracy of the workpiece is advantageously improved throughout the processing by the processing unit, and the risk of the workpiece jumping back or snapping in a relaxed state following processing is advantageously reduced or prevented.

• - einen Bearbeitungstisch; und
• - ein Werkzeug zur Bearbeitung des Werkstücks, insbesondere zur spanenden bzw. abtragenden Bearbeitung oder zur fügenden oder trennenden Bearbeitung des Werkstücks, wobei das Werkzeug und der Bearbeitungstisch relativ zueinander bewegbar sind; und wobei
• - das Spannsystem das Werkstück an dem Bearbeitungstisch befestigt.

In preferred embodiments of the processing unit, the processing unit can comprise:

• - a processing table; and
• - a tool for machining the workpiece, in particular for machining or removing machining or for joining or separating machining of the workpiece, the tool and the machining table being movable relative to one another; and where
• - The clamping system attaches the workpiece to the processing table.

In connection with the present clamping system, the following use and method can in particular be used.

Use of the clamping system according to the aspect relating to the clamping system for fastening a workpiece to a processing unit, such as a milling machine, a drilling machine, a gantry processing machine, or a joining or separating processing machine.

Use of the clamping system according to the aspect relating to the clamping system in the relaxed state to float a workpiece.

Use of the clamping system according to the aspect relating to the clamping system to fix or fix a workpiece, i.e. in particular to fix or fix it for machining by means of a machining unit.

• - Verwenden des Spannsystems im entspannten Zustand, um das Werkstück schwimmend zu lagern;
• - Verwenden des Spannsystems im gespannten Zustand, um das Werkstück festzulegen;
• - bearbeitbares Bereitstellen des Werkstücks;
• - Verwenden des Spannsystems im entspannten Zustand, um das Werkstück erneut, insbesondere vorübergehend, schwimmend zu lagern;
• - Verwenden des Spannsystems im gespannten Zustand, um das Werkstück erneut festzulegen; und
• - bearbeitbares Bereitstellen des Werkstücks, also des selben Werkstücks.

Use of the clamping system according to the aspect relating to the clamping system, comprising in this order:

• - Using the clamping system in the relaxed state to float the workpiece;
• - Using the clamping system in the clamped state to fix the workpiece;
• - preparing the workpiece for processing;
• - Using the clamping system in the relaxed state to store the workpiece again, especially temporarily, in a floating position;
• - Using the clamping system in the clamped state to re-fix the workpiece; and
• - Processable provision of the workpiece, i.e. the same workpiece.

• - Bereitstellen eines Werkstücks;
• - Bereitstellen eines Spannsystems gemäß des Aspekts betreffend das Spannsystem;
• - Befestigen des Werkstücks am Spannsystem im entspannten Zustand des Spannsystems;
• - Überführen des Spannsystems vom entspannten Zustand in den gespannten Zustand; und
• - zumindest teilweises Bearbeiten des Werkstücks, insbesondere spanendes bzw. abtragendes, fügendes oder trennendes Bearbeiten des Werkstücks.

A method for machining a workpiece, in particular for machining or removing, joining or separating a workpiece, can preferably be used, the method comprising the steps, in particular in this order:

• - Providing a workpiece;
• - Providing a clamping system according to the aspect relating to the clamping system;
• - Attaching the workpiece to the clamping system in the relaxed state of the clamping system;
• - Transferring the tensioning system from the relaxed state to the tensioned state; and
• - at least partial machining of the workpiece, in particular machining or removing, joining or separating machining of the workpiece.

• - Überführen des Spannsystems vom gespannten in den entspannten Zustand;
• - Überführen des Spannsystems vom entspannten Zustand in den gespannten Zustand;
• - weiteres Bearbeiten, des Werkstücks, insbesondere spanendes bzw. abtragendes, fügendes oder trennendes Bearbeiten des Werkstücks.

Optionally, the method for machining a workpiece, in particular after at least partial machining of the workpiece, can further comprise the steps, in particular in this order:

• - Transferring the tensioning system from the tensioned to the relaxed state;
• - Transferring the tensioning system from the relaxed state to the tensioned state;
• - further processing of the workpiece, in particular machining or removing, joining or separating processing of the workpiece.

The use described above as well as the method described above and their effects relate equally to the aspect relating to the clamping system as well as the aspect relating to the processing unit and its effects, and vice versa.

Embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. It is understood that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments and that individual features of the embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

• 1 ein Spannsystem gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in perspektivischer Ansicht;
• 2 ein Spannsystem gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in Schnittansicht;
• 3 ein Spannsystem gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in Explosionsdarstellung;
• 4 ein Spannsystem gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in Schnittansicht;
• 5a ein Spannsystem gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in Frontansicht;
• 5b ein Spannsystem gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in Seitenansicht;
• 5c ein Spannsystem gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in Draufsicht;
• 6 eine Spannanordnung gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 7 Grundplatten eines Spannsystems gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung;
• 8a eine Spanneinheit eines Spannsystems gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in Frontansicht;
• 8b eine Spanneinheit eines Spannsystems gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in perspektivischer Ansicht;
• 9a eine Spanneinheit eines Spannsystems gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in perspektivischer Ansicht;
• 9b eine Verbindungseinheit und eine Zylindereinheit gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in perspektivischer Ansicht;
• 10 ein Spannsystem gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in Frontansicht;
• 11 ein Spannsystem gemäß einer Ausführungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung in Frontansicht.

It shows:

• 1 a tensioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view;
• 2 a clamping system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a sectional view;
• 3 a tensioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view;
• 4 a clamping system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a sectional view;
• 5a a tensioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention in front view;
• 5b a tensioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention in side view;
• 5c a clamping system according to an embodiment of the present invention in plan view;
• 6 a clamping arrangement according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 7 Base plates of a clamping system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
• 8a a tensioning unit of a tensioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a front view;
• 8b a clamping unit of a clamping system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view;
• 9a a clamping unit of a clamping system according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view;
• 9b a connection unit and a cylinder unit according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view;
• 10 a tensioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention in front view;
• 11 a tensioning system according to an embodiment of the present invention in front view.

1 shows a clamping system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view.

As in 1 shown, the clamping system 10 can in particular have a base plate 20 and a housing 80 arranged essentially in the height direction H on the base plate 20. The base plate 20 essentially serves to connect to a processing unit, in particular to a processing table 130 of a processing unit, as exemplified in 6 shown.

How further in 1 shown, the clamping system 10 has at least one clamping unit 40, wherein the clamping unit 40 can in particular in turn have at least one clamping unit 50, a cylinder unit 60 and / or a connecting unit 70, in particular the clamping unit 50 and the cylinder unit 60 in 1 are partially covered by the housing 80. The connection unit 70 is used in particular to connect a workpiece 200 to the clamping system 10, with an exemplary workpiece 200 in 6 is shown.

1 shows an exemplary embodiment, wherein a media inlet is arranged at a front end in the longitudinal direction L, for example a clamping device 90, which in 1 is covered by the housing 80, to be pressurized by means of a medium, such as oil.

2 shows a clamping system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a sectional view, the illustration in 2 in particular a cut of the in 1 embodiment shown. The section runs essentially parallel to the height direction H and width direction B, as in the 1 and 2 shown.

As in 2 shown, the base plate 20 has one or more connecting means 22 for connecting the housing 80 to the base plate 20, and in particular for tightly connecting the housing 80 to the base plate 20. The housing 80 has connection points corresponding to the one or more connection means 22.

In particular, at least one pressure chamber 91, 92 is designed, provided or arranged as a clamping means 90 in the housing 80, for example a first pressure chamber 91 and a second pressure chamber 92. The first pressure chamber 91 and the second pressure chamber 92 are essentially opposite one another, in particular in the width direction B arranged or designed, relative to the cavity 30 or to the clamping unit 40 arranged in sections therein.

As in 2 shown, the at least one pressure chamber 91, 92 can be limited in the height direction H downwards essentially by the base plate 20, in the height direction H upwards and in the width direction B facing away from the cavity 30 essentially by the housing 80, and in the width direction B facing the cavity 30, be limited essentially by a wall 82 of the housing 80.

The housing 80 can have sealing grooves, in particular on a side facing the base plate 20, for receiving a seal 84, such as an O-ring, which are arranged or formed in particular peripherally around at least one pressure chamber 91, 92.

As in 2 shown, the clamping system 10 in particular has a cavity 30 in which the clamping unit 40 is arranged at least in sections. The cavity 30 can be provided by the housing 80, in particular formed by a substantially central recess or opening in the housing. The cavity 30 is at least partially surrounded by the at least one pressure chamber 91, 92, in particular immediately adjacent on both sides in the width direction B by the at least one pressure chamber 91, 92.

How further in 2 shown, the clamping unit 40 is arranged to be movable in particular by means of at least one elastic element 54, in particular arranged to be resiliently movable in the height direction H or in the vertical direction. In exemplary embodiments, at least one further elastic element 54 is spaced apart in the longitudinal direction L from the in 2 illustrated elastic element 54 is arranged on the clamping unit 40, so that the clamping unit 40 is resiliently tiltable in particular along the longitudinal direction L, or in other words is arranged resiliently tiltable about the width direction B.

Furthermore, the clamping unit 40 is arranged to be resiliently movable, in particular in the longitudinal direction L, by the at least one elastic element 54.

Depending on whether the cavity 30 is formed in the housing 80, or is formed or provided directly in the height direction H above adjacent to the base plate 20, the clamping unit 40 is supported by means of the at least one elastic element 54 relative to a lower section of the housing 80 in the height direction H or stored relative to the base plate 20.

As in 2 shown, the clamping unit 40 can directly adjoin the clamping device 80, in particular in the width direction B, alternatively or additionally, in particular in the longitudinal direction L, which is in 2 is exemplified by the at least one pressure chamber 91, 92. As a result, the clamping unit 40 can in particular adjoin the walls 82 which delimit the at least one pressure chamber 91, 92 towards the cavity 30. The immediate adjoining means in particular a spacing in the range of less than about 0.2 mm, preferably of less than about 0.1 mm, more preferably of less than about 0.08 mm, particularly preferably in the range of less than 0.05 mm exhibit.

As a result, by applying pressure to the at least one pressure chamber 91, 92 as an exemplary clamping means 80, a particularly resilient deformation of the wall 82 towards the cavity 30 and correspondingly towards the clamping unit 40 can be brought about, which clamps the clamping unit 40 in the cavity 30 with a clamping tension, and thereby determined. As a result, the workpiece is also advantageously fixed, i.e. fixed or firmly clamped, so that it can be safely processed using a processing unit.

As in 2 shown, the clamping unit 40 is in particular formed in several parts and, for example, nested. The clamping unit 40 has in particular a clamping unit 50, a cylinder unit 60 and a connecting unit 70, which are each manufactured separately from one another. The clamping unit 50 is the clamping device 80 or, as in 2 shown, in particular arranged facing the at least one pressure chamber 91, 92.

The clamping unit 50 has a cross section as shown in 2 shown, in particular an at least partially circular recess 55, in which the cylinder unit 60 is arranged at least partially. The cylinder unit 60 has a cross section as shown in 2 shown, a circular contour corresponding to the recess 55, so that the cylinder unit 60, in a relaxed state of the clamping system 10, is arranged in the clamping unit 50 so as to be pivotable about the longitudinal direction L. The at least partially circular contour of the cylinder unit 60 can slide on the at least partially circular recess 55 of the clamping unit 50.

The pivotability of the cylinder unit 60 is blocked in the clamped state in particular by the clamping means 80 or the at least one pressure chamber 91, 92 causing a clamping tension on the clamping unit in the direction of the cavity 30, and the clamping unit in turn clamps the cylinder unit 60 due to the clamping voltage. For this purpose, the cylinder unit 60 can be manufactured in particular to fit the recess 55 of the clamping unit 50, for example in such a way that the outer diameter of the cylinder unit 60 is less than approximately 0.2 mm, preferably less than approximately 0.1 mm, more preferably less than approximately 0.08 mm, particularly preferably less than 0.05 mm, is smaller than the inner diameter of the at least partially circular recess 55 of the clamping unit 50.

How further in 2 shown, the clamping unit 50 can have a gap 52 at its lower end in the height direction H, and in particular adjacent to or adjacent to the recess 55.

The gap 52 can continuously separate the clamping unit 50 in the longitudinal direction L at the lower end of the clamping unit 50. As a result, the clamping unit can in particular have two clamping halves 58, 59, which are arranged or designed opposite one another in the width direction B, and which are connected to one another at an upper end of the clamping unit 50 in the height direction. The two clamping halves 58, 59 can in particular be made in one piece with one another.

In particular, through the gap 52, the two clamping halves 58, 59 at the lower end of the clamping unit 50 in the height direction H can be deflected in a resilient manner, in particular relative to one another. If a clamping voltage is applied to the clamping unit 50 in the width direction B, the gap 52 can advantageously decrease in the width direction B and clamp the cylinder unit 60 in the recess 55 and thereby fix or fix it.

The connecting unit 70 is arranged on a recess 65 of the cylinder unit 60 and is in particular attached thereto. The arrangement or attachment of the connecting unit 70 to the recess 65 can in particular provide a degree of freedom for pivoting about the height direction H, i.e. about the vertical direction, in the relaxed state of the clamping system 10. In the tensioned state, the degree of freedom of pivoting about the height direction H is particularly blocked.

As in 2 shown, the connection unit 70 can have one or more fastening means 72 in order to fasten a workpiece 200 thereto directly or indirectly, for example by means of a vacuum connection unit.

In the 2 Fastening means 72 shown are shown by way of example as holes, for example in order to fasten a workpiece 200 using one or more screws. The fastening means 72 can also be other fastening means known to those skilled in the art.

3 shows a clamping system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in an exploded view, the illustration in 3 in particular an exploded view of the in the 1 and 2 illustrated embodiment.

As in 3 shown, the base plate 20 has a seal 84 on its side facing the housing 80, in particular for each pressure chamber 91, 92, in order to securely seal the clamping system 10, particularly in the tensioned state, with the pressure chambers 91, 92 being pressurized.

How further in 3 clarified, the walls 82, which delimit the pressure chambers 91, 92 from the cavity 30 or from the clamping unit 50 arranged therein, are thin, in particular thinner than the walls of the pressure chambers 91 facing away from the cavity 30 or the clamping unit 50 in the width direction B , 92.

The clamping unit 50, as in 3 shown, in particular has a gap 52, so that the clamping unit 50 in a cross section along the Height direction H and the width direction B have a downwardly open cross section.

The clamping unit 50 can have an upwardly directed notch on an upper section in the height direction H along the recess 55, which allows the left and right clamping halves 58, 59 of the clamping unit 50 to move towards one another in order to reduce the gap 552, and thereby in turn Clamping the cylinder unit 60 and optionally the connecting unit 70 is further facilitated.

Although in 3 Only a single exemplary elastic element 54 is shown for supporting and at the same time movable and resilient mounting of the clamping unit 50, it is understood that several elastic elements 54 can be arranged on the clamping unit 50 in order to hold the clamping unit 50 relative to the housing 80 and/or relative to be stored movably and resiliently relative to the base plate 20.

The cylinder unit 60, as in 3 shown, in particular has a recess 65 in order to arrange the connection unit 70 thereon. In the relaxed state, the connecting unit 70 can be fastened rigidly, i.e. without degrees of freedom, to the cylinder unit 60, or in particular can be fastened to the cylinder unit 60 so that it can pivot about the height direction H or about an axis of the recess 65.

The connecting unit 70 has, in particular, a through opening 75 in the middle in the width direction B in order to connect the connecting unit 70 to the cylinder unit 60 through the through opening 75 by means of a corresponding fastening.

As in 3 shown by way of example, and without being limited to this, the fastening for fastening or connecting the connecting unit 70 to the cylinder unit 60 can comprise a hollow cylinder 73 which, for example, has a projection 74 on its side or end facing the cylinder unit 60.

The cylinder unit 60 can in particular be designed to accommodate the hollow cylinder 73 in a form-fitting manner, in particular to accommodate it in a form-fitting manner on the projection 74. Additionally or alternatively, the cylinder unit 60 can be designed to accommodate the hollow cylinder 73 on a ring 76 in a form-fitting manner.

The ring 76 can, but is not limited to, be designed as a sealing ring or locking ring, for example.

The connecting unit 70 can in particular be designed to accommodate the hollow cylinder 73 in a form-fitting manner in the through opening 75.

For example, the connecting unit 70 can be designed to receive the hollow cylinder 73 on the ring 76 in a form-fitting manner, and/or to receive the hollow cylinder 73 in a form-fitting manner by means of a screw which can be screwed into the hollow cylinder 73.

Thus, the connecting unit 70 can be advantageously connected in a form-fitting manner to the cylinder unit 60 by means of the exemplary hollow cylinder 73, in particular a rotational degree of freedom of the connecting unit 70, as exemplified in FIGS 9a and 9b clarified, is adjustable, in particular can be set indefinitely or to a limited extent within predetermined limits.

As in 3 clarified, in particular a pressure compensation section 93 is arranged or shaped in the housing 80 in order to connect the pressure chambers 91, 92 so that the pressure chambers 91, 92 are in fluid communication with one another. For example, a connection can be arranged at the front end in the longitudinal direction L in order to pressurize the pressure chambers 91, 92 by means of a medium and thereby bring the clamping system 10 into a tensioned state.

4 shows a clamping system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a sectional view, the illustration in 4 in particular a cut of the in 1 illustrated embodiment. The section runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction L and width direction B, as in the 1 and 4 shown. In the 4 The embodiment shown can therefore correspond in particular to the respective embodiments, as in the 1 , 2 , 3 and 4 shown.

As in 4 shown, the clamping unit 50 is shaped adjacent to the walls 82 in the width direction B and arranged in the cavity 30. In contrast, the clamping unit 50 is spaced apart from the surrounding wall of the housing 80 in the longitudinal direction L. As a result, the clamping unit 50 can advantageously provide degrees of freedom of lateral movement in the longitudinal direction L and in the height direction H, as well as provide a degree of freedom of pivoting along the longitudinal direction L.

In order to enable efficient clamping by the clamping means 90 or by the pressure chambers 91, 92 shown, the clamping unit 50 is in particular towards the clamping means 90 shaped and arranged adjacently. Are the pressure chambers 91, 92 different from the illustration in 4 , for example arranged opposite one another in the longitudinal direction L, the clamping unit 50 can be shaped and arranged adjacent to the walls 82, which delimit the pressure chambers 91, 92 to the cavity 30, in particular in the longitudinal direction L.

5a shows a tensioning system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a front view. 5b shows a tensioning system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in side view. 5c shows a clamping system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in plan view.

The 5a , 5b and 5c show the at least optionally provided degrees of freedom based on the double arrows, which the clamping system 10 provides in the relaxed state.

As in 5a shown represents the clamping system 10, which corresponds to the clamping system 10, as in 1 until 4 shown and/or as in the 10 and 11 shown, can correspond, a degree of freedom in the height direction H and a degree of freedom of pivoting about the longitudinal direction L.

As in 5b shown represents the clamping system 10, which corresponds to the clamping system 10, as in 1 until 4 shown and/or as in the 10 and 11 shown, can correspond, a degree of freedom in the longitudinal direction L and a degree of freedom of pivoting along the longitudinal direction L or around the width direction B.

5c shows an optional degree of freedom of pivoting about the height direction H, which the clamping system 10, which is the clamping system 10, as in 1 until 4 shown and/or in the 10 and 11 shown, can correspond, can provide. This degree of freedom can be configured in particular by attaching the connecting unit 70 to the cylinder unit 60, as further indicated by the 9a and 9b clarified.

6 shows a clamping arrangement 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The clamping arrangement 100 includes in particular a fixed bearing 110, which firmly supports a workpiece 200, which is in particular an elongated workpiece 200, on a processing table 130 of a processing unit.

The clamping arrangement 100 additionally comprises in particular at least one clamping system 10, which in particular is a clamping system 10, as in the 1 until 5c , as well as the 10 and 11 shown can correspond. Optionally, the clamping arrangement 100 can additionally comprise a floating bearing 120, which supports the workpiece 200 in particular in a movable manner relative to the processing table 130 of the processing unit.

The clamping system 10 is attached and in particular fixed to the processing table 130 of the processing unit directly or indirectly by means of the base plate 20. The workpiece 200 is, as in 6 shown as an example, attached indirectly to the connecting unit 70 of the clamping unit 40 by means of a fastening device 78.

The fastening device 78, as in 6 shown by way of example represents a vacuum fastening device 78, but may also be another fastening device 78.

In the relaxed state of the clamping system 10, the workpiece 200 is movably mounted on the processing unit via the clamping system 10. Due to the movable storage or floating storage of the workpiece 200, the clamping unit 40 can deflect and pivot relative to a zero position in the cavity 30, and thereby follow a production-related deformation or a production-related distortion of the workpiece 200, for example, starting from the fixed bearing 110. As a result, the workpiece 200 can advantageously be stored floating in the relaxed state by means of the clamping system 10, without applying additional internal stress to the workpiece 200.

If the clamping system 10 is transferred to the clamped state, the clamping unit 50 is advantageously fixed by the clamping means 90 with a clamping tension in the position deflected or pivoted relative to the zero position in the cavity 30, which is essentially or completely the position relative to the zero position in the cavity 30 deflected or pivoted position of the clamping unit 40 from the relaxed state. As a result, the workpiece 200 can be firmly stored on the processing unit by means of the clamping system 10 without applying additional internal tension to the workpiece 200.

If the workpiece 200 is now processed, after processing, since no additional internal stresses have been applied to the workpiece 200 by the clamping system 10, the workpiece 200 can spring back or snap into a random and hardly predeterminable shape after the bearing has been released by the clamping system 10 and the fixed bearing 110 can be prevented. This further advantageously improves the shape accuracy of the workpiece 200.

In exemplary methods that make use of the clamping system 10 and/or the clamping arrangement 100, the clamping system 10 can be transferred to a relaxed state after partial machining of the workpiece 200 in order to avoid a reduction in residual stresses caused by the machining of the workpiece 200 Workpiece 200 to give way. The deflection of the clamping unit 40 can change accordingly due to a reduced deformation or due to a reduced distortion caused by the reduction of the internal stresses in the workpiece 200. In this way, internal stresses in the workpiece 200 can advantageously be gradually reduced and the shape accuracy of the workpiece 200, as well as the associated further usability of the workpiece 200, can be further improved.

7 shows various base plates 20 for a clamping system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As in 7 shown, the base plates 20 can provide at least part of a pressure chamber 91, 92, which, for example, with a pressure chamber 91, 92, as in the 1 until 4 shown, can be coupled, in particular can be coupled in a fluidly communicating manner.

In the 7 Base plate 20 shown on the left has, for example, two pressure chambers 91, 92, which can optionally be fluidly connected by a pressure compensation section 93.

In the 7 Base plate 20 shown on the right has, for example, a substantially annular pressure chamber 91, which can optionally be coupled to a single annular pressure chamber 91 in the housing, or can be coupled to several pressure chambers 91, 92 in the housing. The annular pressure chamber 91 shown in the base plate 20 can therefore advantageously act integrally as a pressure compensation section 93, which ensures pressure compensation around the cavity 30.

8a shows a clamping unit 40 of a clamping system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a front view. 8b shows a clamping unit 40 of a clamping system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view. The ones in the 8a and 8b shown clamping unit 40 can in particular the one in the 1 until 5c correspond to the clamping unit 40 shown.

Like through the 8a and 8b clarified, the clamping unit 50 of the clamping unit 40 in particular has, at least in sections, a substantially circular recess 55, in which the cylinder unit 60, in the relaxed state of the clamping system 10, can rotate about the longitudinal direction L. In the clamped state, i.e. when a clamping tension is applied to the clamping halves 58, 59 laterally in the width direction B towards the cylinder unit 60, this rotation of the cylinder unit 60 about the longitudinal direction L is blocked, in particular blocked by friction.

As in 8b clarified, the clamping unit 50 has an opening 56 at its upper end in the height direction H. By dimensioning the opening 56, for example, a maximum pivotability of the cylinder unit 60 about the longitudinal direction L can be adjusted by the edge of the opening 56 providing a stop for the connecting unit 70 attached to the cylinder unit 60. This can advantageously facilitate processing by means of a processing unit, since the presence of the workpiece 200 within predefined limit bearings can be ensured.

9a shows a clamping unit 40 of a clamping system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view, in particular in a position of the connecting unit 70 pivoted about the height direction H relative to the cylinder unit 60. The in 9a shown clamping unit 40 can in particular the one in the 1 until 5c , 8a and 8b correspond to the clamping unit 40 shown.

9b shows a connection unit 70 and a cylinder unit 60 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a perspective view, in particular in a state connected to one another. In the 9b Connection unit 70 and cylinder unit 60 shown can in particular be those in the 1 until 5c , 8a , 8b and 9a Clamping units 40 shown correspond.

The through the 9a and 9b clarified, the clamping unit 40 can in particular comprise a hollow cylinder 73, by means of which the connecting unit 70 is connected to the cylinder unit 60, in particular is connected in a form-fitting manner. The connection unit 70 can be connected to the cylinder unit 60 in such a way that a relative mobility of the connection unit 70 relative to the cylinder unit 60 in the height direction H is blocked.

At the same time, a degree of freedom of pivoting about the height direction H can be adjusted by means of the hollow cylinder 73, and in particular the positive connection of the connecting unit 70 with the cylinder unit 60. The degree of freedom can include a limited pivotability of the connecting unit 70 about the height direction H, or an unrestricted pivotability speed of the connection unit 70 around the height direction H. A limited pivotability of the connecting unit 70 can be configured, for example, by a corresponding jamming due to the clamping tension, and/or by stops on the hollow cylinder 73 and complementary stops on the connecting unit 70 and/or on the cylinder unit 60.

10 and 11 each show a clamping system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention in a front view.

The 10 and 11 in particular show a clamping system 10, which is one of the ones in the 1 until 4 shown clamping means 90 has alternative clamping means 90. Namely, they show 10 and 11 in particular a clamping device 90, which instead of at least one pressure chamber 91, 92 has two opposing clamping jaws 95, 96, which are movable relative to one another, in particular in the width direction B.

If at least one of the clamping jaws 95, 96 is moved towards the clamping unit 50, the clamping unit 50 can advantageously be clamped evenly by the clamping jaws 95, 96 in order to transfer the clamping system 10 from the relaxed to the clamped state.

In exemplary embodiments, the clamping unit 50 and the clamping jaws 95, 96 can have essentially parallel sides facing each other, so that when the clamping unit 50 is clamped by the clamping jaws 95, 96, the clamping unit 50 is in a position that is possibly deflected or pivoted relative to a zero position from the relaxed state of the clamping system 10 is maintained, and the application of additional internal stresses by the clamping system 10 can be avoided. This can happen in particular analogous to the mechanisms relating to the clamping unit 40 and the workpiece 200, as in the following 1 until 8b carried out so that reference is made to the corresponding explanations.

As also through the clamping systems 10 in the 10 and 11 shown, the clamping system 10 can in particular have a base plate 20, which can be fastened to a processing unit, and in particular to a processing table 130 of a processing unit, by means of a centering clamp.

Reference symbol list

10

Clamping system

20

base plate

22

tethering means

30

cavity

40

Clamping unit

50

Clamping unit

52

gap

54

elastic element

55

recess

56

opening

58, 59

clamping halves

60

Cylinder unit

65

recess

70

Connection unit

72

Fasteners

73

Hollow cylinder

74

head Start

75

Passage opening

76

ring

78

Fastening device

80

Housing

82

wall

84

poetry

90

clamping devices

91

first pressure chamber

92

second pressure chamber

93

Pressure equalization section

95

first clamping jaw

96

second clamping jaw

100

Clamping arrangement

110

fixed camp

120

Floating bearing

130

Processing table

200

workpiece

b

Width direction

H

Altitude direction

L

Longitudinal direction

Claims (23)

Clamping system (10), comprising: - a base plate (20) for attachment to a processing unit; - a clamping device (90), which is arranged on the base plate (20), - a cavity (30), -- the cavity (30) being surrounded at least in sections by the clamping means (90); - a clamping unit (40), which is arranged in the cavity (30), for attachment to a workpiece (200); -- wherein the tensioning system (10) has a relaxed state and a tensioned state; -- wherein in the relaxed state the clamping unit (40) is movably mounted in the cavity (30), and in which in the clamped state the clamping means (90) facing the cavity (30) causes a clamping tension, such that the clamping unit (40) by means of of the clamping means (90) surrounding it at least in sections is determined. Clamping system (10). Claim 1 , wherein the clamping unit (40) in the relaxed state is mounted in the cavity (30) so that it can be deflected in one of two mutually perpendicular directions (B; L) in a horizontal plane, and / or can be deflected in the cavity (30) in the vertical direction (H). 30) is stored. Clamping system (10). Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the clamping unit (40) is mounted in the cavity (30) so that it can pivot about at least two axes (B; L) in the relaxed state. Clamping system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping unit (40) is arranged on at least two substantially opposite sides adjacent to the clamping means (90). Clamping system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping means (90) comprises at least one pressure chamber (91; 92), and the clamping unit (40) has a distance from the pressure chamber (91; 92) on at least two substantially opposite sides less than about 0.2 mm, in particular less than about 0.1 mm, preferably less than about 0.08 mm, particularly preferably less than about 0.05 mm. Clamping system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping means (90) comprises at least one pressure chamber (91; 92), and wherein the at least one pressure chamber (91; 92) of the clamping unit (40) has opposite, substantially planar walls ( 82), wherein the mutually facing walls (82) are substantially parallel to one another. Clamping system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping means (90) comprises two pressure chambers (91; 92) which are substantially opposite one another with respect to the cavity (30). Clamping system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping means (90) comprises two pressure chambers (91; 92), and wherein the two pressure chambers (91; 92) are coupled to one another by means of a pressure compensation section (93). Clamping system (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , wherein the clamping means (90) comprises at least one pair of clamping jaws (95; 96) which are movable relative to one another. Clamping system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping unit (40) is mounted by means of one or more elastic elements (54), in particular by means of at least two spaced-apart elastic elements (54), preferably by means of two or four springs . Clamping system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping unit (40) is configured in the relaxed state to provide the workpiece (200) with a degree of freedom in the longitudinal direction (L), to provide a degree of freedom in the vertical direction (H), and a degree of freedom of pivotability to provide along the longitudinal direction (L), to provide a degree of freedom of pivotability about the longitudinal direction (L), and optionally to provide a degree of freedom of pivotability about the vertical direction (H). Clamping system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the clamping unit (40) comprises a clamping unit (50), a cylinder unit (60) and a connecting unit (70), the clamping unit (50) being arranged facing the clamping means (90), wherein the clamping unit (50) has a recess (55) in which the cylinder unit (60) is arranged at least in sections, and wherein the connecting unit (70) is arranged on the cylinder unit (60) and configured to be attached to the workpiece (200). become. Clamping system (10). Claim 12 , wherein the clamping unit (50) has an open cross section, a plane of the cross section being spanned by a direction in which the clamping unit (50) directly adjoins the clamping means (90), and a substantially vertical direction (H). Clamping system (10). Claim 12 or 13 , wherein the clamping unit (50) has at least one gap (52), the gap (52) having a smaller size in the tensioned state of the tensioning system (10). Clamping system (10) one of the Claims 12 until 14 , wherein the clamping unit (50) has a degree of freedom in the longitudinal direction (L), has a degree of freedom in the vertical direction (H), and has a degree of freedom of pivoting along the longitudinal direction (L). Clamping system (10) according to one of the Claims 12 until 15 , wherein the cylinder unit (60) has a degree of freedom of pivoting about the longitudinal direction (L). Clamping system (10) according to one of the Claims 12 until 16 , wherein the connection unit (70) has a degree of freedom of pivoting about the vertical direction (H). Clamping arrangement (100), comprising: - a first fixed bearing (110) for fixing a workpiece (200) thereon; - a clamping system (10) according to one of the Claims 1 until 15 for floating storage of the workpiece (200) on it in the relaxed state and for fixing the workpiece (200) on it in the tensioned state. Processing unit, in particular milling machine, drilling machine, portal processing machine, with at least one clamping system (10) according to one of Claims 1 until 17 , for attaching a workpiece (200) to the processing unit. processing unit Claim 19 in the relaxed state, the clamping system (10) being used in the relaxed state to float a workpiece (200). processing unit Claim 19 or 20 , whereby the clamping system (10) can fix a workpiece (200) in the clamped state. Processing unit according to one of the Claims 19 until 21 , in this order: - the clamping system (10) is used in the relaxed state to store the workpiece (200) in a floating manner; - the clamping system (10) is used in the clamped state to fix the workpiece (200); - the workpiece (200) can be processed; - the clamping system (10) is used in the relaxed state in order to store the workpiece (200) again in a floating manner; - the clamping system (10) is used in the clamped state to fix the workpiece (200) again; and - the workpiece (200) can be further processed. Processing unit according to one of the Claims 19 until 22 , the processing unit comprising: - a processing table (130); and - a tool for machining the workpiece (200), the tool and the machining table (130) being movable relative to one another; and wherein - the clamping system (10) fastens the workpiece (200) to the processing table (130).

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