WO1996027476A2 - Systeme modulaire universel de montage de fixation et systeme de serrage a manchon - Google Patents

Systeme modulaire universel de montage de fixation et systeme de serrage a manchon Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1996027476A2
WO1996027476A2 PCT/US1996/002618 US9602618W WO9627476A2 WO 1996027476 A2 WO1996027476 A2 WO 1996027476A2 US 9602618 W US9602618 W US 9602618W WO 9627476 A2 WO9627476 A2 WO 9627476A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
clamping
clamp
fixmring
workpiece
sleeve
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1996/002618
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO1996027476A3 (fr
Inventor
Asher Bruchman
Original Assignee
Techcom Technical Computerized Fixturing Ltd.
Friedman, Mark, M.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US08/396,040 external-priority patent/US5551710A/en
Priority claimed from US08/396,036 external-priority patent/US5918868A/en
Application filed by Techcom Technical Computerized Fixturing Ltd., Friedman, Mark, M. filed Critical Techcom Technical Computerized Fixturing Ltd.
Publication of WO1996027476A2 publication Critical patent/WO1996027476A2/fr
Publication of WO1996027476A3 publication Critical patent/WO1996027476A3/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B23—MACHINE TOOLS; METAL-WORKING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B23B—TURNING; BORING
    • B23B31/00—Chucks; Expansion mandrels; Adaptations thereof for remote control
    • B23B31/40—Expansion mandrels
    • B23B31/4006—Gripping the work or tool by a split sleeve
    • B23B31/4033—Gripping the work or tool by a split sleeve using mechanical transmission through the spindle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to fixturing systems for clamping a workpiece during machining in general.
  • fixturing devices for use in universal modular fixturing systems for clamping a variety of workpieces during grinding, milling, boring or other machining procedures.
  • Conventional fixturing requires the design and production of a fixture specific to any given workpiece and is therefore time consuming and expensive.
  • the combined labor of design and production for a typical fixture may take a technician as much as a hundred hours.
  • the expenses of such work may be feasible for large scale manufacture, but are often prohibitive for smaller scale applications.
  • modular fixturing systems In an attempt to reduce production time and costs a number of modular fixturing systems have been developed. These modular fixturing systems generally have a flat base plate with a variety of attachable supporting elements and clamping elements. By building up different combinations of the elements it is possible to produce fixtures to support a range of different workpieces.
  • Modular fixturing systems are generally of one of two types or a combination thereof.
  • One type uses a base plate drilled with a matrix of accurately positioned holes. This enables precise and repeatable positioning of supporting and clamping elements.
  • Systems of this type are commercially available from ERON and CARR LANE.
  • the other type of modular fixturing system is the slotted grid system in which the supporting and clamping elements slide into T-shaped slots and are tightened by means of bolts to grip the recessed surfaces of the slots.
  • Systems of this type are commercially available from H ALDER and KUIKKA.
  • Use of the modular systems currently available is limited to a relatively small proportion of workpieces.
  • One reason for the limited application of such systems is that fixture design is restricted by the fixed pitch between the holes or slots and many workpieces may need supporting or clamping at intermediate positions.
  • the design is limited by the position of the holes.
  • the holes commonly form a matrix with a pitch of 30mm. alternating between threaded bores and locating bores. The effective pitch between similar bores is therefore 60mm.
  • Expandable-sleeve-type mandrels have an expandable sleeve axially aligned with a clamping taper so that axial movement of the sleeve relative to the clamping taper expands the sleeve to clamp the internal diameter of the workpiece.
  • Insert-type mandrels have a rigid body with a number of radially moveable inserts which are pushed outward by axial movement of a central clamping taper or a cylindrical piston with inclined slots. These two types of mandrel are in most cases interchangeable. When reference is made below to expandable-sleeve-type mandrels it is to be understood as referring also to insert-type mandrels.
  • Collet chucks work similarly to expandable-sleeve-type mandrels, with a compressible sleeve (known as a collet) axially aligned within an internally tapered clamping taper.
  • Collet chucks are generally analogous in their structure and function to expanding mandrels.
  • expanding mandrels is potentially an important clamping technique since it provides access to the entire outer surface of a workpiece, allowing efficient use of modern machining methods.
  • expanding mandrels are currently only used in a small proportion of grinding, turning and inspection applications, and are not used for static fixturing at all.
  • the diameter of the sleeve must be chosen to fit the diameter of the internal surface to be clamped.
  • a typical conventional expanding mandrel only expands radially by a fraction of a millimeter, and even insert-type mandrels which are somewhat more expandable have a range of expansion of about one millimeter radially.
  • to be able to clamp workpieces with a range of diameters from 60mm. up to 110mm. typically requires between 80 and 100 different diameters of sleeve.
  • the length of the sleeve must also be chosen to fit the internal surface to be clamped. When used with a short workpiece, the sleeve should not be more than 50% longer than the surface to be clamped. For longer workpieces, the sleeve should clamp along a large proportion of the available internal surface so as to support the workpiece securely.
  • the length of the mandrel must be chosen so that the sleeve is positioned at the required distance from the mandrel mounting. This is important to ensure access for machining tools to the surface to be machined.
  • the type of mounting used also varies between applications.
  • a workpiece with a through-hole may be mounted between centers.
  • a mandrel with a morse-taper may be mounted directly in a machine spindle.
  • a mandrel with a flange mounting is required for increased stability, or for high torque applications.
  • Mandrels which use several methods of tightening are available. The simplest use manual (percussion) tightening. For clamping a workpiece with a through-hole, a mandrel tightened by a clamping screw or nut may be used. Other mandrels have an internally threaded clamping ring, and for power-assisted clamping and automated systems a draw bolt design is required.
  • each expanding mandrel is specific to a very small number of applications. A workshop will therefore commonly need to purchase a large number of mandrels to cover a range of applications, or will have to order a new one for each workpiece to be clamped.
  • Each expanding mandrel is made up of complicated high precision components made from hardened steel and requiring precise internal and external dimensions, high concentricity and slotting of the sleeve to allow expansion. Since each expanding mandrel is therefore time-consuming to produce and costly to buy, the use of expanding mandrels is often abandoned in favor of cheaper alternatives.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide fixturing devices usable with various fixturing components as universal modular fixturing systems which have at least one possibility of continuous adjustability, offer novel clamping possibilities and perform a wider variety of functions with relatively fewer parts.
  • the present invention also provides a universal modular sleeve-clamp systems which can clamp many different workpieces.
  • a fixturing device for use with clamping means to clamp a workpiece, the fixturing device having a front face, a back face, a slot traversing from the back face to the front face for receiving a part of the clamping means, the front face having a groove for aligning the clamping means relative to the fixturing device.
  • a modular fixturing system for clamping a workpiece during machining, the workpiece having a threaded recess
  • the modular fixturing system comprising: (a) the above mentioned fixturing device; (b) a locating element displaceable along die groove, the locating element having a bore; and (c) a clamping bolt receivable within the bore, the clamping bolt having a head accessible through the slot, and a threaded tip for engaging the threaded recess for clamping the workpiece to the fixturing device.
  • the front face includes a plurality of pairs of threaded recesses for receiving bolts for clamping the locating element to the fixturing device.
  • the front face includes a plurality of bores for receiving positiomng pins for positioning the locating element relative to the fixturing device.
  • the locating element includes means for retaining the clamping bolt within the bore when not in use. According to a further feature of the present invention, the locating element includes a pair of slots for receiving bolts for clamping the locating element to the fixturing device.
  • a clamping bush for clamping the locating element to the fixturing device.
  • the fixturing device has a shaft intersecting with the slot, the shaft receiving a displaceable clamp support for supporting a clamp.
  • the fixturing device has a plurality of transverse bores traversing the fixturing device and intersecting the slot, the transverse bores receiving a pin for pivotal mounting of a clamping means.
  • a fixturing device for use with clamping means to clamp a workpiece, the fixturing device having a front face, a back face, a slot traversing from the back face to the front face, and a shaft intersecting with the slot, the shaft receiving a displaceable clamp support for supporting a clamp.
  • a modular fixturing system for supporting a clamp for clamping a workpiece
  • the modular fixturing system comprising: (a) the above mentioned fixturing device; (b) a clamp support for supporting the clamp, the clamp support displaceable along the shaft; and (c) securing means for securing the clamp support relative to the fixturing device.
  • the fixturing device has a plurality of transverse bores traversing the fixturing device and intersecting the slot and the shaft, the transverse bores receiving a pin for pivotal mounting of a clamping means.
  • the fixturing device has a plurality of threaded recesses for attaching a fixturing component. According to a further feature of the present invention, the fixturing device has a plurality of accurately positioned bores for locating a fixturing component.
  • a modular fixturing system for clamping a workpiece during machining, the modular fixturing system comprising: (a) a fixturing device having a plurality of transverse bores; (b) a first pin locatable in one of the transverse bores; (c) first clamping means assuming an inoperative position and an operative position for clamping the workpiece, the first clamping means pivotally mountable on the first pin; and (d) actuating means for effecting an angular displacement of the first clamping means about the first pin so as to dispose the first clamping means from the inoperative position to the operative position.
  • the first clamping means has a plurality of pivot positions for receiving the first pin.
  • the first clamping means includes a closing jaw, the angular displacement producing a linear displacement of the closing jaw along the fixturing device.
  • a second pin locatable in one of the transverse bores there is also provided: (a) a second pin locatable in one of the transverse bores; and (b) a second clamping means pivotally mounted on the second pin, wherein the actuating means effects an angular displacement of the second clamping means opposing the angular displacement of the first clamping means.
  • the first clamping means has a threaded bore
  • the actuating means includes a bolt adjustably receivable within the threaded bore.
  • a fixturing device for use with clamping means to clamp a workpiece, the fixturing device having a front face, a back face, a slot traversing from the back face to the front face, and a plurality of transverse bores traversing the fixturing device and intersecting the slot, the transverse bores receiving a pin for pivotal mounting of a clamping means within the slot.
  • the front face has a plurality of threaded recesses for attaching a fixturing component.
  • the front face has a plurality of accurately positioned bores for locating a fixturing component.
  • a universal sleeve-clamp for using interchangeable jaw pieces to clamp a workpiece, the universal-sleeve clamp comprising: (a) a sleeve having a plurality of radially moveable elements; (b) locating features for locating the interchangeable jaw pieces on the radially moveable elements; (c) attachment features for attaching the interchangeable jaw pieces to the radially moveable elements; and, (d) a clamping taper coaxial with the sleeve, the clamping taper being moveable relative to the sleeve so as to bear against the radially moveable elements thereby forcing the radially moveable elements, and hence the interchangeable jaw pieces, to move radially to clamp the workpiece.
  • the clamping taper is externally tapered
  • the clamping taper is internally tapered, the radially moveable elements being forced inward so that the interchangeable jaw pieces clamp an external surface of the workpiece.
  • the locating features include at least one projecting ridge attached to or integrally formed with the radially moveable elements, the at least one projecting ridge substantially encircling the sleeve.
  • each of the radially moveable elements has a threaded recess, the attachment feamres including a bolt cooperating with each the threaded recess.
  • positioning features for positioning a locator plate for aligning the workpiece.
  • the positioning features include an intermediate plate securable in a plurality of positions along the universal sleeve-clamp.
  • a universal sleeve-clamp for clamping a workpiece
  • the universal sleeve-clamp comprising: (a) a sleeve having a plurality of radially moveable elements; (b) a plurality of jaw pieces for attaching to the radially moveable elements; (c) an actuator for actuating radial movement of the radially moveable elements, and hence of the plurality of jaw pieces so that the plurality of jaw pieces clamp the workpiece.
  • the plurality of jaw pieces are made from an easily machinable material.
  • the universal sleeve- clamp is used for clamping a workpiece of which a first part has a surface with a first diameter and a second part has a surface with a second diameter.
  • each of the plurality of jaw pieces has a first portion with a first thickness for clamping the first diameter and a second portion with a second thickness for clamping the second diameter.
  • each of the plurality of jaw pieces has a shoulder for locating against a stepped surface of the workpiece.
  • each of the plurality of jaw pieces has an elongated surface to prevent clamping deformation of the workpiece.
  • the sleeve has a first axis, and wherein each of the plurality of jaw pieces, when attached to the radially moveable element, has a clamping surface lying substantially on a virtual cylinder, the virtual cylinder having a second axis, the second axis being parallel to and displaced from the first axis so that the universal sleeve-clamp clamps the workpiece eccentrically.
  • a universal sleeve-clamp system for clamping a workpiece
  • the universal fixturing system comprising: (a) a sleeve-clamp having a central axis; (b) a locator cooperating with a part of the workpiece so as to define the rotational position of the workpiece about the central axis relative to the locator; and (c) an alignment mechanism for aligning the locator in a known rotational position about the central axis relative to the sleeve-clamp.
  • the alignment mechanism includes an intermediate plate securable in a plurality of positions along the universal expanding mandrel.
  • FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fixturing device for use as part of a universal modular fixturing system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. IB is a side view of the fixturing device of Figure 1A;
  • FIG. 1C is a front view of the fixturing device of Figure 1A;
  • FIG. ID is a top partial cross-section of the fixturing device of Figure 1 A;
  • FIG. 2 is a partial perspective view of three fixturing devices, illustrating alternative designs of shaft, the fixturing devices being constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an implementation of the back- clamping technique, using a locating element, the implementation being constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 4A is a cross-section through a first locating element, for use in the implementation of Figure 3;
  • FIG. 4B is a cross-section through a second locating element, for use in the implementation of Figure 3;
  • FIG. 4C is a front view of the locating element of Figure 4 A;
  • FIG. 4D is a front view of the locating element of Figure 4B;
  • FIG. 4E is a cross-section through an alternative locating element, for use in the implementation of Figure 3;
  • FIG. 5 A is a cross-sectional side view of a fixture illustrating the use of the locating elements of Figures 4 A and 4B;
  • FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional top view along the line X-X of Figure 5 A;
  • FIG. 6 A is a cross-section through a round adaptor plate, for use with an expanding mandrel, the round adaptor plate being constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention;
  • FIG. 6B is a front view of the round adaptor plate of Figure 6A
  • FIG. 7 A is a cross-sectional side view of a fixture illustrating the use of the round adaptor plate of Figure 6A;
  • FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional top view along the line Y-Y of Figure 7A;
  • FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of an implementation of the relocatable clamping technique, using a relocatable clamp support, the implementation being constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention;
  • FIG. 9 A is a cross-section through a first relocatable clamp support, for use in the implementation of Figure 8;
  • FIG. 9B is a cross-section through an alternative relocatable clamp support, for use in the implementation of Figure 8;
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of a fixture illustrating the use of the relocatable clamp support of Figure 9A;
  • FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of an implementation of the lever-arm clamping technique, using a lever arm, the implementation being constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 12A is a side view in partial cross-section of two lever arms for use in the implementation of Figure 11 ;
  • FIG. 12B is a side view of a pin and retaining grommet for use in the implementation of Figure 11 ;
  • FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of a first fixture illustrating the use of a lever arm of Figure 12 A;
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional side view of a second fixture illustrating the use of a lever arm of Figure 12 A;
  • FIG. 15 is a top view of the elements of a clamping mechanism for use in the implementation of Figure 11 ;
  • FIG. 16 is a cut-away perspective view illustrating the operation of the clamping mechanism of Figure 15;
  • FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of a fixture illustrating the use of the clamping mechanism of Figure 15;
  • FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of a first embodiment of a universal expanding mandrel, having interchangeable jaw pieces, the universal expanding mandrel being constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 19A is a perspective view of an elongated jaw piece to be used with the universal expanding mandrel of Figure 18 for clamping a thin-walled workpiece;
  • FIG. 19B is a perspective view of a jaw piece to be used with the universal expanding mandrel of Figure 18 for clamping a workpiece with a stepped internal surface;
  • FIG. 19C is a perspective view of a jaw piece to be used with the universal expanding mandrel of Figure 18 for clamping and locating against an internal plane of a workpiece;
  • FIG. 19D is a perspective view of a set of interchangeable jaws to be used with the universal expanding mandrel of Figure 18 for clamping a workpiece eccentrically relative to the mandrel;
  • FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of a second embodiment of a universal expanding mandrel, based on an insert-type mandrel design, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 21 is an exploded perspective view of a universal collet chuck, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention
  • FIG. 22 A is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the prior art use of a mandrel with a stop for clamping a workpiece
  • FIG. 22B is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the use of a shaped locator plate, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, for additionally supporting a workpiece clamped by an expanding mandrel;
  • FIG. 23 A is an exploded perspective view of a universal expanding mandrel, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, in which a locator plate and a locator are used to align a workpiece;
  • FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the universal expanding mandrel of Figure 23 A in use
  • FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view through the universal collet chuck of Figure 21 , used with a locator plate, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, for aligning and clamping a workpiece;
  • FIG. 25 A is an exploded perspective view of a universal expanding mandrel, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, having a moveable intermediate plate; and FIG. 25B is a perspective view of the universal expanding mandrel of
  • the present invention is of fixturing devices usable with various fixturing components as universal modular fixturing systems.
  • the fixturing devices of the present invention include universal expanding mandrels and collet chucks.
  • FIG. 1A, IB, 1C and ID show a preferred embodiment of a fixturing device, generally designated 10, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • clamping plate 12 integrally formed with a support column 14 and a base 16.
  • Clamping plate 12 has a front face 18 and support column 14 has a back face
  • fixturing device 10 typically has 150mm. and 500mm.
  • Support column 14 is typically 50 - 120mm. wide and 40 - 100mm. from front face 18 to back face 20.
  • fixturing device 10 For convenience, certain features of fixturing device 10 will be described with reference to rectangular axes, x, y and z, arbitrarily chosen such that the x- axis is perpendicular to the long dimension of front face 18, the y-axis is parallel to the long dimension of front face 18, and the z-axis is perpendicular to front face 18.
  • a slot 26 traverses fixturing device 10 from front face 18 to back face 20, parallel to the z-axis.
  • Slot 26 is elongated parallel to the y-axis, extending along the greater part of front face 18.
  • Slot 26 has a plane of symmetry 28 through the center of slot 26, parallel to the y- and z-axes.
  • slot 26 is central to front face 18.
  • the dimension of slot 26 parallel to the x-axis, hereinbelow described as its width, is typically in the range of 15 - 35mm.
  • Support column 14 has a shaft 30 extending parallel to the y-axis. Shaft 30 intersects slot 26, together defining a continuous void.
  • Shaft 30 also has a central plane of symmetry parallel to the y- and z-axes, this plane coinciding with plane of symmetry 28.
  • the width of shaft 30 parallel to the x-axis is greater than the width of slot 26, so that a slidable element received by shaft 30 is retained therein.
  • shaft 30 is cylindrical, this shape being the easiest and cheapest to produce.
  • Figure 2 shows examples of some alternative designs, in which fixturing device 10 has a hexagonal shaft 32, a rectangular shaft 34, and an open T-slot 36.
  • a plurality of transverse bores 38 traverse support column 14 from face 22 to face 24, intersecting slot 26 and shaft 30.
  • Transverse bores 38 are parallel to the x-axis.
  • Transverse bores 38 are spaced along support column 14 parallel to the y-axis, typically at a pitch of 25 - 40mm.
  • Front face 18 has a locating groove 40 extending parallel to the y-axis.
  • the preferred form of locating groove 40 is a shallow rectangular channel slightly wider than slot 26, centered on and symmetrical about plane of symmetry 28. Locating groove 40 enables precise positioning of certain clamping components, as will be described below. The same function can be achieved without locating groove 40 if the entirety of slot 26 is machined to a very high precision, but this is difficult and highly costly to achieve. Instead it is preferable to leave slot 26 at relatively low precision and to provide a separate shallow precision slot which is much cheaper and easier to produce.
  • Alternative designs for locating groove 40 include one or more narrow grooves of rectangular or V-shaped cross-section along the front face of support column 14, parallel to slot 26.
  • Front face 18 also has two types of holes arranged in four columns parallel to the y-axis.
  • the inner columns of holes are realized as pairs of threaded recesses 42 and the outer columns are realized as pairs of accurately positioned locating bores 44.
  • Locating bores 44 are provided with hardened, precision sleeve elements 46, as is known in the art.
  • the whole of fixturing device 10 may be hardened, thereby providing locating bores 44 and other feamres of fixturing device 10 with a high degree of precision and durability.
  • the pitch of threaded recesses 42 and locating bores 44 is typically between 15mm. and 25mm. Additional rows of holes of various types may be provided. In particular, additional threaded recesses of small diameter, staggered between threaded recesses
  • Figure ID shows clearly a preferred design of base 16 in which it extends outward from the back and both sides of support column 14, thereby providing maximum rigidity and stability to fixturing device 10 without obstructing access to front face 18.
  • Many other designs are also effective, including for example an inverted T-shaped structure with base 16 extending from the sides of support column 14 and an L-shaped strucmre with base 16 extending from the back of support column 14.
  • a design wherein base 16 extends from the front of support column 14 also falls within the scope of the current invention, although it is generally less desirable.
  • Base 16 has a plurality of bolting holes 48. It also has two mounting holes 50 and reinforcing fins 52. Base 16 is designed to be fixable to a machining table or to a platter of either of the conventional modular fixturing systems. Bolting holes 48 are preferably at a separation matching that of conventional modular systems using a matrix of accurately positioned holes. For fastening to a platter of a slotted grid type system a conventional adapter plate is used. Alternatively, base 16 may be adapted for any other conventional method of attachment. For example, base 16 may be clamped to a surface with conventional G-clamps or the like, or adapted for direct attachment to a platter of a slotted grid type system.
  • Fixmring device 10 is usable with various fixmring components as a modular fixmring system.
  • This modular fixmring system enables the construction of universal fixtures, each of which provides a particular clamping technique and is adjustable for workpieces of a wide range of sizes.
  • Fixmring device 10 can be employed to clamp a workpiece according to three techniques.
  • the first clamping technique herein below referred to as back- clamping
  • the second clamping technique herein below referred to as relocatable clamping
  • the third technique herein below referred to as lever-arm clamping, will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 17.
  • Figure 3 shows an implementation of this technique, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • some of the feamres of fixmring device 10, now designated 60 which are not essential to this technique have been omitted.
  • the major feamres of fixmring device 60 include support column 14 (here including clamping plate 12), base 16, front face 18, back face 20, slot 26, and locating groove 40.
  • threaded recesses 42 and locating bores 44 are also used.
  • a locating element 62 is fixed to front face 18 in a manner described below.
  • Locating element 62 has a barrel 64 which receives a clamping bolt 66.
  • Clamping bolt 66 has a threaded tip 68 for engaging a threaded recess 70 in a workpiece 72.
  • workpiece 72 is closed tightly against the front of locating element 62, so that workpiece 72 is clamped in a required position.
  • the workpiece must be mounted in a very specific position and orientation relative to fixmring device 60 and thereby also relative to the machining system as a whole. This is the function of locating element 62 which provide a precise position for the stem of clamping bolt 66 relative to the feamres of front face 18.
  • FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D show a preferred design for a pair of locating elements 62, here designated 76 and 78.
  • locating elements 76 and 78 each have a clamping surface 80, 82, against which the workpiece is held, and a protrusion 84 to cooperate with locating groove 40.
  • Clamping bolt 66 is retained within barrel 64 by a retaining element 86 cooperating with a recessed cincture 88 of clamping bolt 66. Retaining element 86 is engaged in a lateral hole 90 in barrel 64.
  • Locating element 76 is distinguished from locating element 78 in that clamping surface 80 of locating element 76 has precision holes 92 for locating pins as well as countersunk bolting holes 94. Locating element 78 has two countersunk bolting slots 96 in its elongated clamping surface 82, as is seen in Figure 4D.
  • FIGS 5A and 5B illustrate an implementation of the back-clamping technique, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention, in which fixmring device 60 is used with locating elements 76, 78 to clamp a workpiece 98. Threaded recesses 100 in workpiece 98 are gripped by clamping bolts 66 which are tightened through slot 26 from the back of support column 14.
  • Protrusion 84 cooperates slidingly with locating groove 40, defining the lateral position of locating elements 76, 78 relative to clamping plate 12.
  • Locating element 76 is positioned using two locating pins 102 which maintain alignment between precision holes 92 and two of locating bores 44, defining the position of locating element 76 along clamping plate 12. Locating element 76 is secured by two bolts 104 thereby fixing it against clamping plate 12.
  • Locating element 78 is secured to clamping plate 12 by a further two bolts (not shown) at a distance from locating element 76 corresponding to the separation between threaded recesses 100.
  • the length of bolting slots 96 preferably corresponds to the separation between rows of threaded recesses 42 so that, in any given position, bolting slots 96 will each overlap at least one threaded recess 42. This enables locating element 78 to be secured wherever required in a continuous range of positions along clamping plate 12, thereby allowing clamping of workpieces 98 with threaded recesses 100 separated differently.
  • FIG. 4E there is shown an alternative design for a locating element 62, generally designated 108, which may replace locating elements 76, 78. Locating element 108 is similar to locating element 76, and equivalent feamres are labelled similarly. Clamping bolt 66 of locating element 108 is elongated to extend beyond the back of slot 26 where head 74 cooperates
  • Locking element 110 is preferably wide and thin so that locating element 108 may be removed from fixmring device 60 by rotating it through 90 degrees and drawing it through slot 26.
  • Locating element 108 may be used with an embodiment of the invention in which fixmring device 60 does not have threaded recesses 42 or locating bores 44, with a loss of vertical precision.
  • one locating element 108 may be provided with precision holes (not shown) for use with a fixmring device having
  • locating elements 76, 78 or 108 it is advantageous to use locating elements 76, 78 or 108 to mount clamping elements of certain types.
  • Figures 6 A and 6B show an adaptor plate, generally designated 112, which is used in place of locating element 62 with expanding mandrels or the like.
  • Adaptor plate 112 has a barrel 114 which houses a hollow, internally threaded, slidable cylinder 116.
  • Barrel 114 has a retainer slot 118 along part of its length.
  • a retaining element 120 engaged in a lateral hole 122 of slidable cylinder 116, is moveable within retainer slot 118.
  • Slidable cylinder 116 is thus retained within barrel 114 and prevented from rotating.
  • Slidable cylinder 116 is urged by a spring
  • Adaptor plate 112 also provides a protrusion 126 to cooperate with locating groove 40, and a clamping surface 128 against which the workpiece is held.
  • Figure 6B shows clamping surface 128, which has precision holes 130 for locating pins as well as countersunk bolting holes 132.
  • Clamping surface 128 additionally provides a number of threaded recesses 134 and locating bores 135.
  • These feamres enable adaptor plate 112 to be used with a range of different accessories. In particular, they are suited to novel designs of universal sleeve- clamps as described in the co-pending patent application entitled Universal Modular Sleeve-Clamp Systems, filed on the same day as this application.
  • Figures 7 A and 7B show an application in which adaptor plate 112 is used with an expanding mandrel 136 to clamp the internal diameter of a workpiece 138.
  • Expanding mandrel 136 includes a draw-bolt 140 and a sleeve 142.
  • a tightening bolt 144 is engaged in slidable cylinder 116, and cooperates with a tightening block 146 at the back of slot 26.
  • Adaptor plate 112 is fixed in position by two locating pins 102 and two bolts 104 (visible in Figure 7B).
  • adaptor plate 112 is first positioned precisely on clamping plate 12 as was described for locating element 76. Expanding mandrel 136 is then attached using threaded recesses 134 to clamping surface 128, with draw-bolt 140 engaged in the front of slidable cylinder 116. When tightening bolt 144 is engaged and tightened, slidable cylinder 116 together with draw-bolt 140 is drawn against spring 124, thereby expanding sleeve 142 to clamp workpiece 138.
  • FIG. 8 shows an implementation of this technique, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • the major feamres of fixmring device 150 include support column 14 (here including clamping plate 12), base 16, front face 18, back face 20, slot 26, and shaft 30.
  • a workpiece 152 is held by a clamp 154 which is mounted on a relocatable clamp support 156.
  • Relocatable clamp support 156 is displaceable along shaft 30 and may be secured in the required position by a locking element 158 which tightens against back face 20.
  • Figures 9 A and 9B show a two preferred designs for relocatable clamp support 156, here designated 160 and 162.
  • Figure 9A shows relocatable clamp support 160 which has a socket 164 for the 0 mounting of a clamping element, and a securing bore 166 parallel to the length of socket 164.
  • Relocatable clamp support 160 has a circular cross-section to match the cylindrical design of shaft 30. If the alternative designs of Figure 2 are employed, relocatable clamp support 160 is shaped accordingly. 5 Socket 164, in this case, is a threaded bore, to which an unlimited variety of clamping elements may be fastened using a bolt. Any other conventional design of socket for receiving a range of attachments may be substituted. Securing bore
  • 166 in this case, is also a threaded bore the use of which will be described below.
  • FIG 10 illustrates an application in which fixmring device 150 is used 0 with two relocatable clamp supports 160 to clamp a workpiece 168.
  • Relocatable clamp supports 160 are each secured by locking element 158 which includes a bolt
  • Clamps 174 are attached by and, in this example, also operated by additional bolts 176. Clamps 174 have mounting blocks
  • Relocatable clamp supports 160 can be inverted or, in the case that socket
  • socket 164 and securing bore 166 are interchangeable, their uses can be reversed without inversion. This enables socket 164 to be positioned over substantially the entire length of shaft 30.
  • FIG 9B shows an alternative relocatable clamp support 162, in which 0 socket 180 for the mounting of a clamping element is pe ⁇ endicular to securing bore 182.
  • Relocatable clamp support 162 is used with a fixmring device 150 having additional transverse bores 38, and is secured by a pin (described below with reference to Figure 12B) located within transverse bores 38 and securing bore 182.
  • This alternative design is particularly suited to high-stress applications, although relocatable clamp support 162 can only be used at the specific positions of transverse bores 38.
  • Figure 11 shows an implementation of this technique, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • some of the feamres of fixturing device 10, now designated 190, which are not essential to this technique have been omitted.
  • the major feamres of fixmring device 190 include support column 14 (here including clamping plate 12), base 16 and transverse bores 38.
  • a lever arm 192 is mounted on a pin 194 which may be located in any of transverse bores 38.
  • Lever arm 192 is rotated from an inoperative position to an operative position for clamping a workpiece 196 by an actuator represented by arrow 198.
  • workpiece 196 is clamped against machining table 200.
  • fixmring device 190 has slot 26 and lever arm 192 is mounted on pin 194 within slot 26. It is a preferred feature of this clamping technique that the clamping action of lever arm 192 is effective over a range of positions similar to the pitch of transverse bores 38, such that lever arm 192 can provide a clamping action at a substantially continuous range of positions along clamping plate 12.
  • Figure 12A shows two preferred designs for lever arm 192, here designated 204 and 206, to be mounted within slot 26 of fixmring device 190.
  • Lever arm 204 has a pivot slot 208, a clamping part 5 210 and an adjustment part 212.
  • Clamping part 210 is provided with a clamp- mount 214 for receiving different clamping jaws.
  • Adjustment part 212 has a threaded hole 216 to receive an adjuster bolt, and a socket 218 for attaching a return spring.
  • Lever arm 206 has two pivot holes 220, a clamp-mount 222 and a loop 224 0 for attaching a return spring.
  • An adjuster bolt 226 is located in a threaded hole 228 through a rotatable cylinder 230.
  • Figure 12B shows pin 194 and a retaining grommet 232.
  • Pin 194 has recessed collars 234 for receiving retaining grommets 232 which retain pin 194 within transverse bore 38.
  • Figure 13 shows an application in which lever arm 206 is used with various clamping jaws and spacers to clamp a workpiece 236.
  • Lever arm 206 is mounted on pin 194 which is located in one of transverse bores 38 in fixmring device 190.
  • Pin 194 is held in position by retaining grommets 232.
  • Adjuster bolt 226, in this case, cooperates with an adjustable support 238, and a return spring 240 urges 0 lever arm 206 to its inoperative position.
  • Adjustable support 238 is located in one of mounting holes 50 in base 16.
  • V-block 242 and two adjustable spacers 244 are used to support workpiece 236, and a jaw 246 is bolted to clamp-mount 222.
  • These accessories are of conventional designs, adapted where necessary to the feamres 5 of clamping plate 12, to be attached, for example, to threaded recesses 42. Other such accessories may be substituted as required for different applications.
  • locating and supporting components are selected and positioned on clamping plate 12 as appropriate for a given workpiece, and a jaw is chosen.
  • Pin 194 locates lever arm 206 in transverse bore 38 closest to the required position, and adjuster bolt 226 is turned rotating lever arm 206 from its inoperative position to an operative position in which jaw 246 clamps workpiece 236.
  • pivot hole 220 varies the distance of jaw 246 from clamping plate 12. Additionally, pivot hole 220 closer to clamp-mount 222 provides higher clamping force, while the further one allows a wider range of adjustment.
  • Adjustable support 238 is located in one of holes 50 corresponding to the choice of pivot hole 220, and is adjusted to provide a cooperating surface 248 for adjuster bolt 226 when pivot arm 206 is in the required position.
  • Rotatable cylinder 230 maintains adjuster bolt 226 substantially perpendicular to cooperating surface 248, thus minimizing wear on adjuster bolt 226.
  • Figure 14 shows a further application in which two lever arms 204 are used opposingly to clamp two workpieces 250.
  • an adjuster bolt 252 engaged in one lever arm 204 cooperates with a support bolt 254 which abuts the second lever arm 204.
  • a long return spring 260 is mounted on screw elements 262 in sockets 218.
  • Pivot slots 208 in lever arms 204 allow lever arms 204 to be withdrawn for easy positioning and removal of different shapes of workpieces. The position of each lever arm 204 is maintained during clamping by the pressure of pin 194 against the side of pivot slot 208.
  • FIG. 15 shows the components of a further clamping mechanism for use with fixmring device 190, having locating groove 40.
  • a toggle lever 264 has a toggle head 270, a pivot hole 272, a threaded hole 274 to receive an adjuster bolt, and a socket 276 for attaching a return spring.
  • Closing jaw 266 has a socket 278 for receiving toggle head 270, and holes 280 for receiving clamping jaws. It also has shoulders 282 to cooperate with closing jaw holder 268, and projections 284.
  • Closing jaw holder 268 has bolt holes 286 for fixing to clamping plate 12, and a central slot 288 within which closing jaw 266 slides.
  • FIG 16 illustrates the operation of this mechanism.
  • Closing jaw holder 268 is fixed to clamping plate 12, thereby defining a channel within which closing jaw 266 is slidable.
  • Toggle head 270 is engaged in socket 278 so that rotation of toggle lever 264 opens and closes closing jaw 266.
  • the movement of closing jaw 266 is precisely linear, shoulders 282 cooperating with the inner surface of closing jaw holder 268, and projections 284 cooperating with locating groove 40.
  • FIG. 17 shows an application of this mechanism in which a workpiece 290 is clamped by closing jaw 266 against an angle base plate 292.
  • adjustable support 238 (of Figure 13) is replaced by an alternative abuttal surface, including a stop plate 294 and a support bolt 296. Stop plate 294 is mounted on a further two pins 194, enabling it to be repositioned when toggle lever 264 is mounted in a different transverse bore 38.
  • Adjustable support 238 and stop plate 294 are generally interchangeable. Other mechanisms may also be used to actuate the various lever arms. Other examples include hydraulic and pneumatic jacks, which may be manually or automatically controlled.
  • fixmring components meaning clamping, locating and supporting elements of both novel and conventional designs, may be combined to construct adjustable fixtures with increased accessibility for a very large variety of workpieces.
  • fixmring components meaning clamping, locating and supporting elements of both novel and conventional designs, may be combined to construct adjustable fixtures with increased accessibility for a very large variety of workpieces.
  • fixmring device 10 for static fixmring in a manner similar to that illustrated above with reference to Figures 7 A and 7B. They may also be used in other contexts.
  • novel feamres of the sleeve-clamps of the present invention may be sub ⁇ divided into four groups, each group providing solutions to certain problems of the prior art described above.
  • the first group of novel feamres relates to the use of interchangeable jaw pieces, allowing one size of sleeve-clamp to be used for clamping workpieces with many different sizes and shapes of internal surfaces. These feamres will be described below with reference to Figures 18 to 21.
  • the second group of novel feamres relates to the use of various designs of locator plate to provide additional support for a workpiece. These feamres will be described below with reference to Figures 22 A and 22B.
  • the third group of novel feamres relates to the use of a locator plate to provide precise angular alignment of a workpiece. These feamres will be described below with reference to Figures 23 A and 23B.
  • the last group of novel feamres relates to the use of an extended mandrel with a moveable intermediate plate enabling one mandrel to be used for clamping workpieces of different lengths. These feamres will be described below with reference to Figures 25 A and 25B.
  • Figure 18 shows the parts of a universal expanding mandrel, generally designated 310, constructed and operative according to the principles of the present invention.
  • universal expanding mandrel 310 has a sleeve 312 with a number of radially moveable segments 314. Radially moveable segments 314 are provided with feamres for locating and attaching a number of jaw pieces 316. To actuate universal expanding mandrel 310, a clamping taper 318 is made to bear against radially moveable segments 314, forcing them outward and thereby moving jaw pieces 316 to clamp an internal surface 320 of a workpiece 322. It should be noted that sleeve 312 is substantially symmetrical about a central axis of rotation.
  • sleeve 312 has a substantially cylindrical clamping portion 324 attached through a flexible portion 326 to a flange 328.
  • a bore extends axially through sleeve 312 ending in a conical internal surface 330.
  • a number of radial slots 332 extend through clamping portion 324 into flexible portion 326, thereby dividing clamping portion 324 into the leaf-like sections constimting radially moveable segments 314 mentioned above.
  • Each radially moveable segment 314 has projecting ridges 334 for locating one of jaw pieces 316. Projecting ridges 334 together substantially encircle clamping portion 324. Alternatively, a single projecting ridge, isolated projections or any type of projections or grooves may be provided for locating jaw pieces 316. A threaded recess 336 in each radially moveable segment 314 receives a bolt 338 for attaching one of jaw pieces 316. Alternatively, jaw pieces 316 may wedged, clipped, held by adhesive or otherwise attached to radially moveable segments 314. Clamping portion 324 terminates in a cylindrical calibration projection 340.
  • Jaw pieces 316 are easily produced by common methods "in-house", specifically for each new design of workpiece. Accordingly, jaw pieces 316 are made from soft, easily-workable materials such as aluminum, brass or soft steel. Other metals or other machinable materials may also be used, for example, hard plastics such as Acolon. Structurally, jaw pieces 316 are produced by a sequence of simple machining processes (turning, drilling and cutting), available in any standard workshop. Jaw pieces 316, which are cut from a single annular blank, together have a cylindrical outer surface 342 of equal diameter to internal surface 320 of workpiece 322.
  • the inner surface 344 of jaw pieces 316 is generally cylindrical to fit against the surfaces of radially moveable segments 314, and has slots 346 formed to receive projecting ridges 334 for locating jaw pieces 316. Recessed bolt holes 348 are provided for bolts 338.
  • Clamping taper 318 is integrally formed with a draw bolt 350 which passes through the axial bore of sleeve 312 so that clamping taper 318 abuts conical internal surface 330.
  • Draw bolt 350 has a threaded end 352 which extends beyond flange 328 to engage a draw-bar or its equivalent for actuating the clamping action.
  • sleeve 312 is shown attached to an adapter 354 for mounting in the conventional morse taper type machine spindle. Alternatively, it may be attached to other adapters with knurled-ring or other clamping mechanisms, designed for mounting in a machine spindle or for static clamping.
  • Flange 328 may also be used alone for flange-type mounting. Additional feamres of flange 328 are relevant to the second and third groups of novel feamres, as will be described below.
  • flange 328 is equivalent to flange 444, described below with reference to Figure 23 A.
  • universal expanding mandrel 310 is assembled with draw bolt 350 within sleeve 312 and jaw pieces 316 attached to radially moveable segments 314 by bolts 338.
  • jaw pieces 316 are made with outer surface 342 slightly larger than required, and universal expanding mandrel 310 is then calibrated. This is done by actuating the clamping action so that radially moveable segments 314 move outward from a non-clamping position to a clamping position. Jaw pieces 316 are then ground, in position ready for use, to the precise diameter and shape of internal surface 320.
  • a non-stretchable calibration ring (not shown) is placed around calibration projection 340.
  • draw bolt 350 is released so that radially moveable segments 314 return to their non-clamping position, and the calibration ring is removed. Universal expanding mandrel 310 is then ready for use.
  • universal expanding mandrel 310 may be used with jaw pieces 316 of different thicknesses, as described above, to clamp workpieces with a wide variety of bore sizes.
  • one sleeve 310 may be used to clamp bore sizes over a range from 60mm. to 110mm. diameter. More than eighty conventional mandrels would generally be required to span the same range of sizes.
  • Figure 19A shows a jaw piece, generally labelled 356, for clamping an internal surface of a thin-walled workpiece without causing clamping deformation.
  • Jaw piece 356 has an elongated surface 358 which spreads the force of the clamping action of the mandrel over a large area.
  • Figure 19B shows a jaw piece, generally labelled 360, for clamping an internal surface of a workpiece of which a first part of the internal surface has a first diameter and a second part of the internal surface has a second diameter.
  • Jaw piece 360 has a portion 362 with a first thickness for clamping the first diameter and a portion 364 with a second thickness for clamping the second diameter.
  • Figure 19C shows a jaw piece, generally labelled 366, for locating and clamping a workpiece which has a step in its internal surface.
  • Jaw piece 366 has a shoulder 367 for locating against the step.
  • Figure 19D shows a set of jaws, generally labelled 368, for clamping the internal surface of a workpiece eccentrically with respect to the axis of sleeve 312.
  • Set of jaws 368 when positioned on sleeve 312, has an internal surface 370 attached to radially moveable segments 314, and an external clamping surface 372 which lies substantially on a virtual cylinder.
  • This virtual cylinder has a central axis parallel to and displaced from the axis of sleeve 312 so that universal expanding mandrel 310 clamps the workpiece eccentrically.
  • a sleeve without a flange may be used in combination with a basis having a clamping taper.
  • a sleeve with two clamping portions may be used.
  • the universal expanding mandrel is actuated by opposing motion of two clamping tapers, one attached to a draw bolt, and a second formed on a basis.
  • Universal expanding mandrel 374 is an insert-type mandrel, similar in structure and equivalent in function to universal expanding mandrel 310. Equivalent elements are designated similarly.
  • Universal expanding mandrel 374 has a rigid body 376 with a number of radially moveable inserts 378. Each insert 378 is provided with feamres for positioning and attaching interchangeable jaw pieces equivalent to the feamres of radially moveable segments 314 described above. Inserts 378 are pushed outward by axial movement of a cylindrical piston 380 with inclined slots 382. Alternatively, a clamping taper may be used.
  • radially moveable inserts 378 need not move precisely radially. The exact nature of the movement depends on the specific design of rigid body 376. However, it is the radial component of the movement which is effective to clamp workpiece 322.
  • a universal collet chuck generally designated 384, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • the structure and function of universal collet chuck 384 is similar to that of universal expanding mandrel 310 described above, excepting that the latter expands whereas the former contracts to clamp a workpiece.
  • collet chuck 384 has a sleeve 386 with a number of radially moveable segments 388.
  • Sleeve 386 is axially aligned within an internally tapered clamping taper 390.
  • the back surface of clamping taper 390 is preferably provided with feamres equivalent to flanges 328 and 444 described below.
  • Radially moveable 5 segments 388 have internal feamres analogous to the external feamres of radially moveable segments 314 for receiving jaw pieces 392.
  • Jaw pieces 392 are attached by externally tightened bolts 394.
  • a draw bolt 396 is provided for drawing sleeve 386 against clamping taper 390.
  • draw bolt 396 is actuated, drawing sleeve 386 against clamping taper
  • jaw pieces 316 any of the feamres of jaw pieces 316 described above with reference to Figures 19 A, 19B, 19C and 19D are also applicable to jaw pieces 392.
  • Figure 22 A illustrates the use of a workpiece stop, according to the prior art.
  • An expanding mandrel 400 which has an expandable sleeve 402 and a flange 404, is shown clamping a workpiece 406 with a stepped internal surface 408.
  • a stop 410 attached to flange 404, ensures that expandable sleeve 402 enters
  • Locator plate 414 is of generally annular form, with an internal diameter 416 fitting closely around expanding mandrel 412. Locator plate 414 is attached to expanding mandrel 412 by bolts (not shown). Locator plate 414 has an external surface shaped to fit the internal surface of a given workpiece, in this case a cylindrical part 417 with a first diameter, a cylindrical part 418 with a second diameter, and a front edge 420.
  • Front edge 420 acts as a stop, defining the precise position of workpiece 406 along expanding mandrel 412. Cylindrical parts 417 and 418 match stepped internal surface 408 to provide additional support for workpiece 406, preventing lateral movement pe ⁇ endicular to the axis of expanding mandrel 412. Workpiece 406 is thereby maintained in exact alignment with expanding mandrel 412 throughout the machining process. Locator plate 414 need not be symmetrical, but may be shaped in any appropriate manner to compliment the shape of a given workpiece.
  • the principle of this type of locator plate may also be applied to collet chucks.
  • the attachment of a locator plate to a collet chuck will be described below.
  • the third group of novel feamres concern the use of a locator attached to a locator plate, enabling a workpiece to be clamped in a precisely known translational and angular position. This enables expanding mandrels and collet chucks to be used effectively for static fixmring applications.
  • expanding mandrels do not obstruct the external surfaces of a workpiece, their use allows multiple machining operations to be performed on five sides of a workpiece without changing its clamping position, thereby realizing the full potential of modern numerical control machining centers.
  • the third group of novel feamres will be described in the context of an otherwise conventional expanding mandrel, they may advantageously be combined with the novel designs of expanding mandrels and collet chucks described above.
  • Expanding mandrel 430 includes a basis 432 which has a clamping taper 434 for receiving an expandable sleeve 436, and an axial bore 438 for receiving a draw bolt 440.
  • Basis 432 also has a cylindrical portion 442 and a flange 444. In addition to a number of recessed bolt holes 446 for mounting expanding mandrel
  • flange 444 also has a number of threaded recesses 448 for attaching a locator plate 450, and an alignment hole 452.
  • Locator plate 450 has a main precision bore 454 for locating on cylindrical portion 442. For precise angular alignment of locator plate 450 with flange 444, locator plate 450 is provided with an alignment hole 456. An pin 458 is used to
  • Locator plate 450 is attached to flange 444 by a number of bolts 460 positioned in recessed bolt holes 462.
  • Locator plate 450 acts as a workpiece stop, and also receives a V-block
  • V-block locator 464 for aligning workpiece 431 relative to the axis of expanding mandrel 430.
  • V-block locator 464 is positioned on locator plate 450 by pins 466 in precision bores 468, and is attached by bolts 470 engaged in threaded bores 472.
  • V-block locator 464 may be replaced by whatever design of locator is suited to a given workpiece, as is known in the art of static modular fixmring.
  • Figure 23B shows expanding mandrel 430 assembled and in use to clamp workpiece 431. Since the angular alignment of workpiece 431 relative to locator plate 450 is defined by V-block locator 464, and pin 458 maintains the alignment of locator plate 450 with basis 432 and thereby with the mounting, the angular position of workpiece 431 clamped by this method is precisely known. Similarly,
  • the translational position of workpiece 431 is precisely defined by the axial position of expanding mandrel 430 and the combined thicknesses of flange 444 and locator plate 450. At the same time, minimal obstruction is caused to the external surfaces of workpiece 431. Expanding mandrel 430 thus provides a near-ideal method of clamping for static fixmring. As mentioned above, the second and third groups of novel feamres may be used in combination with the collet chucks of the present invention.
  • clamping taper 390 ( Figure 21) is provided with at least one precision alignment hole 474 and a plurality of threaded recesses 476, equivalent to alignment hole 452 and threaded recesses 448 of flange 444.
  • Figure 24 illustrates the use of collet chuck 384 with a locator plate 478 and locator 480 to align and clamp a workpiece 482.
  • locator plate 478 combines the feamres of both the second and third groups of novel feamres, providing additional support to workpiece 482 and positioning locator 480 to align workpiece 482.
  • Universal expanding mandrel 490 constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.
  • Universal expanding mandrel 490 includes an extension basis 492 which has an elongated portion 494 for receiving an intermediate plate 496.
  • a plurality of precision positioning holes 498 are spaced along elongated portion 494.
  • elongated portion 494 has a length of between 40mm. and 120mm.
  • the pitch of precision positioning holes 498 is typically less than about 30mm. and preferably about 20mm.
  • Extension basis 492 also has a clamping taper 500 for receiving a sleeve 502, a flange 504 for mounting universal expanding mandrel 490 and an axial bore 506 for receiving a draw bolt 508 and a draw bolt extension 510.
  • Intermediate plate 496 is similar to basis 432 described above, having a cylindrical portion 512, and a flange 514 which has a precision alignment hole 516 and a number of threaded recesses 518. This enables intermediate plate 496 to receive locator plate 450 as described above with reference to Figure 23 A. Intermediate plate 496 can also receive the other novel designs of locator plate described above, as well as conventional workpiece stops.
  • Intermediate plate 496 also has a large axial bore 520 shaped to fit against and be slidable along the length of elongated portion 494.
  • a part-threaded hole 522 extending radially through intermediate plate 496, receives a part-threaded positioning rod 524.
  • Positioning rod 524 may be engaged in any one of positioning holes 498, so that intermediate plate 496 is securable in a plurality of positions along extension basis 492.
  • Sleeve 502 with its jaw pieces 526 and bolts 528 are similar in structure and function to sleeve 312, jaw pieces 316 and bolts 338 ( Figure 18). Since sleeve 502 is mounted on clamping taper 500, flange 328 is not required.
  • FIG 25B shows universal expanding mandrel 490 assembled and ready for use.
  • the universal namre of universal expanding mandrel 490 may now clearly be appreciated.
  • Intermediate plate 496 can be secured at the required position along extension basis 492 to provide the correct clamping depth for a given workpiece.
  • Intermediate plate 496 may support locator plate 450 for static mounting, or other locator plates or conventional stops.
  • Sleeve 502 may be used with different sizes and shapes of jaw pieces 526 to clamp workpieces with internal surfaces of a wide range of diameters and varied feamres, as described with reference to Figures 1 and 2 above.
  • Flange 504 enables universal expanding mandrel 490 to be mounted in a machine spindle with the conventional flange fitting, or to other standard mountings using simple adapters.
  • adapters may be used to mount universal expanding mandrel 490 on conventional modular fixmring systems based on a matrix of precisely positioned holes or on a slotted grid, or to mount it on fixmring device 10 as described with reference to Figures 1-17 above.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Gripping Jigs, Holding Jigs, And Positioning Jigs (AREA)
  • Jigs For Machine Tools (AREA)

Abstract

Ce système (10) de montage de fixation, utilisable avec divers éléments de fixation comme système modulaire universel, comporte une fente (25) et un axe (30), lesquels se coupent et possèdent un plan de symétrie commun, le dispositif (10) de montage de fixation présentant divers orifices (38) transversaux coupant la fente (26) et l'axe (30). Le dispositif (10) de montage de fixation est utilisé avec une ou plusieurs des trois techniques de serrage suivantes: serrage arrière, serrage déplaçable, serrage à bras de levier. Est également décrit un dispositif de serrage (310) à manchon permettant d'utiliser des mors (316) interchangeables pour serrer une pièce. Le dispositif de serrage (310) à manchon comporte un manchon (312) muni de plusieurs éléments (314) mobiles radialement. Des accessoires sont prévus pour disposer et fixer les mors (316) aux éléments (314) mobiles radialement, de façon que, lorsqu'un cône (318) de serrage est appuyé sur les éléments (314) mobiles radialement, ceux-ci (314) ainsi que les mors (316) interchangeables soient déplacés radialement de manière à serrer la pièce.
PCT/US1996/002618 1995-02-28 1996-02-27 Systeme modulaire universel de montage de fixation et systeme de serrage a manchon WO1996027476A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US08/396,040 US5551710A (en) 1995-02-28 1995-02-28 Universal modular sleeve-clamp systems
US08/396,036 1995-02-28
US08/396,036 US5918868A (en) 1995-02-28 1995-02-28 Universal modular fixturing systems
US08/396,040 1995-02-28

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WO1996027476A2 true WO1996027476A2 (fr) 1996-09-12
WO1996027476A3 WO1996027476A3 (fr) 1996-10-31

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CN110842608A (zh) * 2019-12-19 2020-02-28 深圳市强瑞精密装备有限公司 摄像头外圈分中夹紧装置
CN114193320A (zh) * 2021-11-24 2022-03-18 富准精密模具(嘉善)有限公司 旋转装夹机构
CN116673706A (zh) * 2023-08-03 2023-09-01 东方电气集团东方汽轮机有限公司 一种薄壁长套筒零件的制造方法

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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CN105057723A (zh) * 2015-07-31 2015-11-18 梧州奥卡光学仪器有限公司 压圈内圆的车削方法
CN110842608A (zh) * 2019-12-19 2020-02-28 深圳市强瑞精密装备有限公司 摄像头外圈分中夹紧装置
CN114193320A (zh) * 2021-11-24 2022-03-18 富准精密模具(嘉善)有限公司 旋转装夹机构
CN116673706A (zh) * 2023-08-03 2023-09-01 东方电气集团东方汽轮机有限公司 一种薄壁长套筒零件的制造方法
CN116673706B (zh) * 2023-08-03 2023-10-13 东方电气集团东方汽轮机有限公司 一种薄壁长套筒零件的制造方法

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