WO2017178435A1

WO2017178435A1 - Clamping device and method for clamping a workpiece

Info

Publication number: WO2017178435A1
Application number: PCT/EP2017/058564
Authority: WO
Inventors: Volker Göbel; Werner Filippi
Original assignee: Andreas Maier Gmbh & Co. Kg
Priority date: 2016-04-11
Filing date: 2017-04-10
Publication date: 2017-10-19
Also published as: JP7137476B2; EP3442750A1; JP2019510651A; DE102016116752A9; DE102016116752A1; EP3442750B1

Abstract

In order to provide a clamping device (100) for clamping a workpiece (102), comprising a clamping element (108) that can be transferred during a clamping motion from a release position to a clamping position, the clamping motion including a pivoting motion and a linear motion, which allows a great variability regarding the control of the pivoting motion and of the linear motion of the clamping element (108), the clamping device (100) according to the invention comprises a linear motion piston (134) for driving the linear motion and a pivoting motion piston (126) for driving the pivoting motion.

Description

Clamping device and method for clamping a workpiece

The present invention relates to a clamping device for clamping a workpiece, which comprises a clamping element, which can be transferred in a clamping movement from a release position into a clamping position, wherein the clamping movement comprises a pivoting movement and a linear movement.

Such clamping devices are known. In particular, such clamping devices are known in which a pressurizable with an actuating piston for driving the clamping movement of the clamping element is provided, wherein the piston cooperates with a guide track, that the clamping element performs a pivoting movement and a linear movement.

The present invention has for its object to provide a clamping device of the type mentioned, which allows a large variability in the control of the pivoting movement and the linear movement of the clamping element.

This object is achieved in a clamping device having the features of the preamble of claim 1 according to the invention in that the clamping device comprises a linear movement piston for driving the linear movement and a pivoting movement piston for driving the pivoting movement.

The present invention is based on the concept of providing two different pistons for the drive of the linear movement and for the drive of the pivoting movement and thus be able to influence and control these two movements separately. Under a piston is to be understood in this description and in the appended claims each guided movable element, regardless of its geometric shape; such a piston can thus be designed in particular substantially hollow cylindrical.

The linear movement piston is preferably acted upon by an actuating fluid, in particular on a clamping side of the linear motion piston with a clamping actuating fluid and / or on a release side of the linear motion piston with a release actuating fluid.

The pivoting movement piston is also preferably acted upon with an actuating fluid, in particular on a clamping side of the pivoting piston with a clamping actuating fluid and / or on a release side of the pivoting piston with a release actuating fluid.

The clamping actuating fluid may be a liquid, in particular a hydraulic oil, or a gas, in particular compressed air.

The release actuating fluid may also be a liquid, for example a hydraulic oil, or a gas, in particular compressed air.

In a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the tensioning device comprises a tensioning fluid sequence control, which causes the linear movement of the tensioning element to begin in the tensioning position only after the pivotal movement of the tensioning element has started from the release position.

In particular, it can be provided that the clamping device comprises a clamping fluid sequence control, which causes the linear movement of the clamping element in the clamping position only begins after the pivotal movement of the clamping element is completed from the release position. The clamping device may comprise a clamping fluid path for a clamping actuating fluid to the clamping side of the linear movement piston, which is released only when the pivotal movement of the clamping element from the release position is completed.

In particular, it may be provided that the clamping fluid path to the clamping side of the linear movement piston has a portion which through the

Swivel movement piston passes through.

It is preferably provided that the clamping element can be transferred in a release movement of the clamping position in the release position, wherein the release movement comprises a linear movement and a pivoting movement.

In this case, the clamping device preferably comprises a release fluid follow-up control, which causes the pivoting movement of the clamping element in the release position only begins after the linear movement of the clamping element has started from the clamping position.

In particular, it can be provided that the tensioning device comprises a release fluid sequential control, which causes the pivotal movement of the tensioning element in the release position only begins after the linear movement of the tensioning element has been completed from the clamping position.

In a preferred embodiment of the tensioning device, it is provided that the tensioning device comprises a release fluid path for a release actuating fluid to the release side of the pivoting movement piston, which is released only when the linear movement of the tensioning element has been completed from the tensioned position.

In particular, it may be provided that the release fluid path has a section which extends through the linear movement piston. The linear motion piston may include a stop for the pivoting piston against which the pivoting piston in the cocking position is urged by a cocking actuating fluid.

The pivoting movement piston may have a fluid channel, which is in fluid communication with the linear movement of the clamping element during the linear movement of the clamping element and / or during the linear movement of the clamping element from the clamping position with a fluid channel of the linear movement piston.

It can be provided that the fluid channel of the pivoting movement piston is not in fluid communication with the fluid channel of the linear movement piston during the pivotal movement of the clamping element from the release position and / or during the pivoting movement of the clamping element in the release position.

The linear movement piston may have a seal which bears sealingly against a sealing surface in the clamping position and is released from the clamping position by the linear movement of the clamping element, so that a release fluid path for a release actuating fluid to the release side of the

Swivel movement piston is released.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the clamping device comprises a sleeve in which the linear movement piston is displaceably guided and which has a seal which sealingly abuts in the clamping position on a sealing surface of the linear movement piston, wherein the linear movement piston has a release fluid channel, the moves out of the clamping position on the seal of the sleeve during the linear movement of the clamping element, so that a release fluid path to the release side of the pivoting piston is released through the release fluid passage therethrough. The pivotal movement of the clamping element is preferably carried out about a pivot axis which is aligned substantially parallel to a clamping surface on which the workpiece to be clamped is clamped by means of the clamping element.

In a particular embodiment of the clamping device is provided that the clamping element about a parallel to the direction of movement of the linear movement axis of rotation is rotatable and the clamping device comprises a fixing device by means of which the angular position of the clamping element with respect to the axis of rotation, preferably releasably, can be fixed.

Such a fixing device may in particular comprise a clamping device, for example in the form of a clamping flange or a clamping ring.

The fixing device, in particular the clamping device, preferably fixes a cover of the tensioning device, in which the linear movement piston and / or the pivoting movement piston of the tensioning device are displaceably guided.

The cover of the clamping device is preferably non-rotatably connected via an anti-rotation with the linear motion piston and / or with the pivoting piston, so that the clamping element is also rotated about the axis of rotation during rotation of the lid about the axis of rotation.

In order to prevent the pivoting movement piston from moving relative to the linear movement piston before the pivoting movement is to begin, it is expedient for the tensioning device to comprise a locking device, by means of which the pivoting movement piston can be locked, preferably by positive locking, on the linear movement piston. In a preferred embodiment of the invention it is provided that the locking device comprises at least one locking body which can be brought into engagement with a locking recess in order to lock the pivoting movement piston on the linear movement piston.

The locking recess may in particular be arranged on the pivoting movement piston.

The linear movement piston can have a locking body receptacle from which the locking body partially extends into the locking recess in order to lock the pivoting movement piston in a locking position on the linear movement piston.

The locking body may comprise one or more rolling elements.

The one or more rolling elements may be formed in particular as a ball.

In a particular embodiment of the invention it is provided that the locking body comprises two or more rolling elements, in particular two or more balls.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the locking device comprises an evasive recess into which the locking body can at least partially escape in order to release the locking of the pivoting movement piston on the linear movement piston.

Such an evasive recess may be arranged on a sleeve, in which the linear movement piston is displaceably guided. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that an evasive recess, into which the locking body can at least partially escape, in order to release the locking of the pivoting movement piston on the linear movement piston, on a receiving block, on a machine table or on another device which the clamping device - preferably without the interposition of a housing

directly - is used, is arranged.

The present invention further relates to a method for clamping a workpiece by means of a clamping device, comprising:

Transferring a tensioning element in a tensioning movement from a release position into a tensioning position; wherein the clamping movement comprises a pivoting movement and a linear movement and

wherein the linear movement of the clamping element in the clamping position only begins after the pivotal movement of the clamping element has begun from the release position.

In this way, the object is achieved to provide a method for clamping a workpiece by means of a clamping device, which allows a large variability in terms of the control and execution of the pivoting movement and the linear movement of the clamping element.

This inventive method is preferably carried out by means of the clamping device according to the invention.

The linear movement of the clamping element is preferably driven by means of a Linearbeweg ungskolbens.

The pivoting movement of the clamping element is preferably driven by means of a pivoting movement piston. In this case, the linear movement piston and the pivoting movement piston are mutually different elements of the tensioning device, which are preferably displaceable relative to one another, in particular displaceably guided relative to one another.

The tensioning device according to the invention makes it possible to cooperate the linear movement piston and the pivoting piston in a switching sequence, in which an actuating fluid with a time offset on the linear movement piston and the pivoting piston moves to produce a pivotal movement of the clamping element and a linear movement of the clamping element.

This functional principle makes it possible to precisely clamp workpieces to be clamped with large manufacturing tolerances without relative movement on the workpiece.

The clamping device according to the invention may be formed in cartridge technology, whereby the clamping device can be used directly in the cavity of a device, in particular plugged or screwed.

Alternatively, the clamping device according to the invention may also be provided with a housing which is mountable to a receiving block or other device.

The initiation of a linear movement of the clamping element can be effected, in particular, by moving a fluid channel arranged on the pivoting movement piston past a seal arranged on the linear movement piston. A pivoting movement of the clamping element can be initiated in particular by moving a seal arranged on the linear movement piston out of a cavity into which the clamping device is inserted.

Alternatively or additionally, a pivoting movement of the clamping element can also be initiated by a fluid channel provided on the linear movement piston being moved past a seal which is arranged on a sleeve surrounding the linear movement piston.

Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of exemplary embodiments.

In the drawings show:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a clamping device which is mounted on a receiving block, wherein the clamping device is in a clamping position in which a workpiece between a clamping element of the clamping device and a clamping surface is clamped;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the clamping device and the clamped

Workpiece of Figure 1 from above.

Fig. 3 is a front view of the clamping device and the receiving block of FIGS. 1 and 2, but without the workpiece, with the viewing direction in the direction of the arrow 3 in Fig. 2;

4 shows a side view of the clamping device, the receiving block and the clamped workpiece from FIGS. 1 and 2, with the viewing direction in the direction of the arrow 4 in Fig. 2; 5 shows a section through the clamping device, the receiving block and the workpiece from FIGS. 1 to 4, taken along the line 5-5 in Fig. 2;

Fig. 6 is a side view corresponding to Figure 4 of the clamping device, the receiving block and the workpiece in an intermediate position in which the clamping element has been moved in a release direction linearly away from the workpiece.

7 shows a section corresponding to FIG. 5 through the clamping device, the receiving block and the workpiece in the intermediate position;

Fig. 8 is a of FIG. 4 corresponding side view of the clamping device, the receiving block and the workpiece in a release position in which the clamping element has been pivoted by an angle ß about a pivot axis from the intermediate position away;

9 shows a section corresponding to FIG. 5 through the tensioning device, the receiving block and the workpiece in the release position; FIG.

10 shows a section corresponding to FIG. 5 through a second embodiment of a clamping device, a receiving block and a workpiece, wherein the clamping device is in the clamping position in which the clamping element of the clamping device clamps the workpiece on a clamping surface, wherein the clamping device in this Embodiment comprises a sleeve in which a linear movement piston of the clamping device is displaceably guided and which is inserted into a recess of the receiving block; one of the FIG. 10 corresponding section through the clamping device, the receiving block and the workpiece in the second embodiment, wherein the clamping device is in the

Intermediate position is in which the clamping element has been moved in the release direction linearly away from the workpiece; one of the FIG. 10 corresponding section through the clamping device, the receiving block and the workpiece in the second embodiment, wherein the clamping device is in the release position in which the clamping element has been pivoted about the pivot axis from the intermediate position away; a perspective view of a third embodiment of the clamping device and the receiving block; a plan view of the clamping device, the receiving block and a clamped by means of the clamping device against a clamping surface workpiece in the third embodiment, wherein the clamping device is in a clamping position in which the clamping element of the clamping device clamps the workpiece to a clamping surface, wherein the clamping element to a rotatable parallel to the clamping direction extending axis of rotation and releasably fixed by means of a fixing device in a desired angular position with respect to the axis of rotation, wherein a longitudinal center plane of the clamping element is rotated by an angle of 0 ° relative to a reference plane; a side view of the clamping device, the receiving block and the workpiece of Figure 14, with the viewing direction in the direction of arrow 15 in Fig. 14. FIG. 16 is a plan view corresponding to FIG. 14 of the clamping device, the receiving block and the workpiece from FIGS. 14 and 15, wherein the clamping element of the clamping device has been rotated by an angle α (in the viewing direction of Fig. 16 in the counterclockwise direction) about the axis of rotation, so that the longitudinal center plane of the clamping element now the angle α (for example, about 22 °) with includes the reference plane; a side view of the clamping device, the receiving block and the workpiece of FIG. 16, with the viewing direction in the direction of the arrow 17 in Fig. 16; a section corresponding to FIG. 10 through a fourth embodiment of a clamping device, a receiving block and a workpiece, wherein the clamping device is in the clamping position in which the clamping element of the clamping device clamps the workpiece to a clamping surface, wherein the clamping device in this embodiment, a locking device comprising, by means of which the pivoting piston on the linear movement piston can be locked; one of the FIG. 18 corresponding section through the clamping device, the receiving block and the workpiece in the fourth embodiment, wherein the clamping device is in the

Intermediate position is in which the clamping element has been moved in the release direction linearly away from the workpiece; one of the FIG. 18 corresponding section through the clamping device, the receiving block and the workpiece in the fourth embodiment, wherein the clamping device is in the release position, in which the clamping element has been pivoted about the pivot axis from the intermediate position, and wherein the locking device is in a release position in which it does not lock the pivoting piston on the linear movement piston.

Identical or functionally equivalent elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in all figures.

A clamping device 100 shown in FIGS. 1 to 9 serves for clamping a workpiece 102 on a clamping surface 104.

The clamping surface 104 may be disposed on a receiving block 106 on which the clamping device 100 is mounted; Alternatively, the clamping surface 104 may be provided on a different element from the receiving block 106.

For loading the workpiece 102 with a clamping force, the clamping device 100 comprises a clamping element 108, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises a clamping lever 110 and a passage opening 112 in the clamping lever 110 passing through pressure piece 114, for example in the form of a pressure screw 116, which in a clamping position the clamping device 100 abuts against the workpiece 102 to be clamped.

The pressure piece 114 may be secured by a nut 118 on the clamping lever 100.

As will be explained in more detail below, the clamping element 108 is along a clamping direction 120 linearly on the workpiece 102 to be clamped and along a clamping direction 120 opposite release direction 122 linearly movable away from the workpiece 102 to be clamped.

Furthermore, the clamping element 108 is pivotally connected to a pivoting movement piston 126 about a pivot axis 124 extending transversely, preferably perpendicularly, to the clamping direction 120 and the release direction 122. The pivoting piston 126 may include a piston rod 128 extending along the tensioning direction 122 and a hinge eye 130 secured to an upper end of the piston rod 128.

Here and below, the statements "top" and "bottom" refer to the clamping direction 122; while the clamping direction 122 may coincide with the vertical, but it may also be inclined relative to the vertical by any angle.

The joint eye 130 is penetrated by a bolt 132 whose longitudinal central axis coincides with the pivot axis 124.

As best of Fig. 1, the bolt 132 also passes through two bearing legs 133 of the clamping element 108.

The pivoting movement piston 126 is displaceably guided along the clamping direction 122 in a linear movement piston 134.

The linear movement piston 134 may have a lower part 136 in the form of a

Cylinder 138 and an inserted into the lower part 136 upper part 140 in the form of a bush 142 with a condyle 144 arranged thereon.

The bush 142 may have an external thread, which is screwed into a complementary internal thread of the cylinder 138.

The condyle 144 of the linear motion piston 134 is hingedly connected to the tension member 108 via one or two pull tabs 146.

For this purpose, each pull tab 146 is penetrated by a first pin 148, which extends parallel to the pivot axis 124 through a passage opening in the condyle 144, and by a second pin 150, which extends parallel to the pivot axis 124 through a passage opening in the clamping element 108 therethrough.

The linear movement piston 134 is displaceably guided along the clamping direction 122 in a recess 152, which is formed in the receiving block 106.

The recess 152 is stepped and includes a lower cavity 154 into which a clamping actuating fluid channel 156 opens leading to a clamping actuating fluid port 158 and an upper cavity 160 having a larger diameter than the lower cavity 154 and in which a release actuating fluid channel 162 opens, which leads to a release actuating fluid port 164.

An upper end portion 166 of the cylinder 138 extends beyond the upper cavity 160 into an interior 168 of a lid 170 of the chuck 100 which forms an upper clamping actuating fluid chamber 172 from which a clamping actuating fluid is applied to the clamping side of the linear - Acting piston 134 can act to move the same in the clamping direction 120 down.

The interior 168 of the cover 170 can be vented via a venting channel 174 provided in the cover 170, the venting channel 174 being closed by means of a venting screw 176 during operation of the tensioning device 100.

As best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be seen, it is lid 170 by means of several, for example four, fixing screws 178 releasably secured to the receiving block 106.

The upper part 140 of the linear movement piston 134 is displaceably guided in the cover 170 along the clamping direction 120. In the cover 170, a deflection nozzle 180 is further arranged, which is connected in operation of the tensioning device 100 to a compressed air source (not shown).

This deflection nozzle 180 is in fluid communication with an outlet channel 182 provided in the upper part 140 of the linear movement piston 134 when the linear movement piston 134 is in its upper end position, which in FIGS. 7 and 9, which correspond to an intermediate position of the tensioning device 100 or a release position of the tensioning device 100.

When there is fluid communication between diverter jet 180 and exhaust passage 182, pressurized air may exit the vicinity of tensioner 100 through exhaust passage 182, resulting in a pressure drop in the compressed air line upstream of diverter jet 180 detectable by a pressure sensor (not shown) is and indicates the reaching of the upper end position of the linear motion piston 134.

When this pressure drop is detected, the clamping element 108 is released from the workpiece 102 to be clamped, so that the workpiece 102 can be removed from its clamping position on the clamping surface 104.

Furthermore, the linear movement piston 134 has one or more fluid channels 184, which pass through the linear movement piston 134 from the inside to the outside thereof and open into the upper clamping Betätigungsfluid- chamber 172.

The pivoting movement piston 126 is provided with a fluid channel 186, which opens on the one hand into the lower cavity 154 and on the other hand is in fluid communication with the fluid channel 184 of the linear motion piston 134 when the pivoting piston 126 is in an upper end position, which in Figs. 5 and 7, which correspond to the clamping position or the intermediate position of the clamping device 100. In this upper end position, an annular collar 188 of the pivoting movement piston 126 bears against an inwardly projecting stop 190 of the linear movement piston 134, which delimits the displacement path of the pivoting movement piston 126 upwards.

The portion of the lower cavity 154 lying underneath the annular collar 188 of the pivoting movement piston 126 forms a lower clamping actuating fluid chamber 192, from which the clamping side of the pivoting movement piston 126 can be acted upon by clamping actuating fluid from the clamping actuating fluid channel 156.

The portion of the recess 152 in the receiving block 106 located above the annular collar 188 of the pivoting piston 126, which lies within the linear movement piston 134, forms an inner release actuating fluid chamber 194, from which the release actuating fluid acts on the release side of the pivoting piston 126 can act.

In this inner release actuating fluid chamber 194, an inner end of a fluid channel 196 opens in the linear movement piston 134, the other end of which opens on the outside of the linear movement piston 134.

As can be seen from FIGS. 5, 7 and 9, an annular seal 198 is arranged on the outer side of the linear motion piston 134 above the mouth of the fluid channel 196, which sealingly bears against a sealing surface 200 in the form of the peripheral wall of the lower cavity 154. as long as the linear movement piston 134 is below its upper end position, as shown in Fig. 5, which shows the clamping position of the clamping device 100. When this seal 198 is moved upwardly out of the lower cavity 154 so that it does not abut the sealing surface 200 any more, a release fluid path is released which extends from the upper cavity 160 along the outside of the linear motion piston 134 to the fluid channel 196 and from there into the inner release actuation fluid chamber 194.

The portion of the upper cavity 160, which is in fluid communication with the release actuating fluid channel 162 and underlying a linear collar 202 on the linear motion piston 134, forms an outer release actuating fluid chamber 204 from which the release actuating fluid is released Beetigungsfluid channel 162 can act on the release side of the linear motion piston 134.

The clamping device 100 described above for clamping a workpiece 102 on the clamping surface 104 functions as follows:

Before the clamping operation, the clamping device 100 is in the release position shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, in which a longitudinal axis 206 of the clamping element 108 at an angle ß (preferably more than 40 °, for example, about 50 °) relative to the clamping surface 104 inclined is (see in particular Fig. 8).

As can be seen from the sectional view of FIG. 9, the linear movement piston 134 is in its upper end position, in which the linear movement piston 134 rests on the cover 170, in particular on the upper boundary wall of the inner space 168 of the cover 170.

The pivoting piston 126 is in its lower end position relative to the linear movement piston 134th

The clamped workpiece 102 is placed on the clamping surface 104, where it is to be clamped by means of the clamping element 108 of the clamping device 100. By means of a (not shown) control device of the clamping device 100, a valve in a leading to the clamping actuating fluid port 158 clamping actuating fluid supply line is opened, whereby pressurized clamping actuating fluid, in particular a hydraulic oil, in the lower clamping Betätigungsfluid- Chamber 192 arrives.

The tension actuating fluid in the lower tensioning actuating fluid chamber 192 acts on the tension side of the pivoting piston 126 so as to be moved upwardly relative to the linear motion piston 134 in the release direction 122, causing pivotal movement of the tensioning element 108 about the pivot axis 124 (FIGS. in the direction of view of Fig. 8 and 9 seen in the clockwise direction) drives.

During this pivoting movement, the clamping fluid path through the fluid channel 186 into the upper clamping actuating fluid chamber 172 is initially still closed, for which reason the linear movement piston 134 remains in its upper end position.

The upward movement of the pivoting piston 126 continues until the annular collar 188 of the pivoting piston 126 abuts against the stop 190 of the linear movement piston 134.

Then, the intermediate position of the clamping device 100 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is reached, in which the longitudinal axis 206 of the clamping element 108 and in particular a pressure surface 210 on the workpiece 102 facing the end of the pressure member 114 are aligned substantially parallel to the clamping surface 104.

In this intermediate position, the pressure piece 114 of the clamping element 108 is still spaced from the workpiece 102. Further, in this intermediate position, an orifice 212 of the fluid channel 186, which may be formed, for example, as an annular groove on the outside of the pivoting piston 126, has passed through an annular seal 208 on the inside of the linear motion piston 134 and is in fluid communication with the fluid channel 184 passes through the linear movement piston 134 toward the upper clamping actuating fluid chamber 172, so that now the clamping fluid path for the clamping actuating fluid is released to the clamping side of the linear motion piston 134.

After completed pivoting movement of the clamping element 108, therefore, the linear movement piston 134 moves from its upper end position along the clamping direction 120 down, whereby the clamping element 108 is also moved in the clamping direction 120 to the workpiece 102 to be clamped until the pressure piece 114 in the in Figs , 4 and 5 illustrated clamping position (preferably flat) on one of the clamping surface 104 opposite outer surface of the workpiece 102 is applied, so that the workpiece 102 is acted upon by a directed against the clamping surface 104 clamping force.

Thus, the pivotal movement and a linear movement comprehensive clamping movement of the clamping element 108 is completed by the release position in the clamping position.

The tensioning device 100 thus comprises a tensioning fluid sequence control, which in particular includes the fluid channels 186 and 184 and the seal 208 and which causes the linear movement of the tensioning element 108 to begin in the tensioning position only after the pivoting movement of the tensioning element 108 has begun, and preferably only when the pivotal movement of the clamping element 108 is completed.

For releasing the workpiece 102 clamped on the clamping surface 104 by means of the clamping device 100, the procedure is as follows: By means of the control device, a valve is opened in a release actuating fluid supply line (not shown) leading to the release actuating fluid connection 164, so that a release actuating fluid, for example a hydraulic oil, is released by the release actuating fluid. Channel 162 passes into the outer release actuating fluid chamber 204 and acts on the release side of the linear motion piston 134, whereby the linear movement piston 134 in the release direction 122 from its in Fig. 5 shown lower end position is moved upward.

In this way, the clamping element 108 is released with the pressure piece 114 of the clamped workpiece 102 and along the release direction 122 moves linearly away from the workpiece 102.

This linear movement of the clamping element 108 from the clamping position is completed when the linear movement piston 134 reaches its upper end position, in which it abuts against the upper boundary wall of the inner space 168 of the lid 170, so that the in Figs. 6 and 7 shown

Intermediate position of the clamping device 100 is reached.

During this linear movement of the biasing member 108, the release fluid path from the release external actuating fluid chamber 204 to the release internal actuating fluid chamber 194 is interrupted by the seal 198 so that no release actuating fluid reaches the release side of the pivoting piston 126, why the pivoting piston 126 remains relative to the linear movement piston 134 in its upper end position.

In the in Figs. 6 and 7, the seal 198 has moved out of the lower cavity 154 and is no longer on the sealing surface 200, which is formed by the peripheral wall of the lower cavity 154, so that now the release fluid path from the outer release Actuation fluid chamber 204 is released through the fluid channel 196 to the inner release actuating fluid chamber 194 and the release actuating fluid can act on the release side of the pivoting piston 126. As a result, the pivoting movement piston 126 is displaced downward relative to the linear movement piston 134, that is to say in the tensioning direction 120, whereby the clamping element 108 pivotally connected to the pivoting movement piston 126 from the intermediate position, in which the longitudinal axis 206 of the tensioning element 108 is substantially parallel to the Clamping surface 104 is aligned, in the in Figs. 8 and 9, in which the longitudinal axis 206 of the clamping element 108 is inclined at an angle β with respect to the clamping surface 104.

This pivoting movement of the clamping element 108 is completed when a lower end of the pivoting piston 126 abuts a bottom 214 of the lower cavity 154.

Thus, the release operation of the clamping device 100 is completed, and the workpiece 102 can be removed from its clamping position on the clamping surface 104.

The tensioning device 100 thus comprises a release fluid sequential control which comprises, in particular, the seal 198 and the fluid channel 196 and causes the pivotal movement of the tensioning element 108 into the release position to commence only after the linear movement of the tensioning element 108 has started from the tensioned position, and preferably only when the linear movement of the clamping element 108 is completed from the clamping position.

A second embodiment of the tensioning device 100 and of the receiving block 106 shown in FIGS. 10 to 12 differs from the first embodiment described above in that in the second embodiment the linear motion piston 134 is not linearly displaceably guided in the recess 152 of the receiving block 106, but the clamping device 100 additionally comprises a sleeve 216, in which of the linear movement piston 134 is displaceably guided along the clamping direction 120 and which has on its inner side a seal 218 which bears sealingly against a sealing surface 220 on the circumference of the linear movement piston 134.

Above the seal 218, one or more fluid passages 222 are provided in the sleeve 216, which pass through the same from the outside to the inside thereof and in fluid communication with the release actuating fluid channel 162 on the outside.

On the inside of the sleeve 216, each fluid channel 222 opens into the outer release actuating fluid chamber 204, from which the release actuating fluid can act on the release side of the linear movement piston 134.

In the tensioning position of the tensioning device 100 shown in Fig. 10, the release fluid path from the outer release actuating fluid chamber 204 through the fluid channel 196 to the inner release actuating fluid chamber 194 from which the release actuating fluid acts on the release side of the pivoting piston 126, interrupted by the seal 218.

When the tensioner 100 has been transferred to the intermediate position shown in FIG. 11 by lifting the linear motion piston 134, the fluid passage 196 has passed the seal 218 and is now in fluid communication with the release release actuating fluid chamber 204, such that the release fluid pathway is released from the outer release actuating fluid chamber 204 through the fluid channel 196 into the inner release actuating fluid chamber 194.

Thereafter, the release actuating fluid acts on the release side of the swinging movement piston 126, so that the swinging movement piston 126 is moved downward in the tensioning direction 120, whereby the pivoting movement of the tensioning element 108 is reduced from that shown in FIG. 11 illustrated intermediate position in the in Fig. 12 shown release position is driven. This embodiment of the tensioning device 100 thus comprises a release fluid sequential control, which in particular comprises the seal 218 and the fluid channel 196 and causes the pivotal movement of the tensioning element 108 in the release position only begins after the linear movement of the tensioning element 108 from the clamping position has started, and preferably only when the linear movement of the clamping member 108 is completed from the clamping position.

The control of the clamping movement of the clamping element 108 from the in Fig. 12 illustrated release position on the in Fig. 11 intermediate position shown in FIG. 10 is controlled by means of the fluid channel 186 and the seal 208 as described above in connection with the first embodiment.

The sleeve 216 of the second embodiment may be provided with an external thread 224 which engages in the mounted state of the clamping device 100 in a complementary internal thread 226 on the peripheral wall of the recess 152 in the receiving block 106.

The second embodiment of the tensioning device 100 has the advantage that the dynamic seals, which move during the transfer of the tensioning device from the release position into the tensioning position or from the tensioning position into the release position relative to the sealing surface on which they rest sealingly, in particular the Seal 218, abut in each case a sealing surface, for example on the sealing surface 220, which is formed on a component of the clamping device 100, namely on the linear movement piston 134, which has a high surface quality, so that these seals are only slightly stressed during a clamping cycle ,

The seals 228, via which the outside of the sleeve 216 sealingly abuts against the peripheral wall of the recess 152 in the receiving block 106, however, are static seals, which during a clamping cycle do not move relative to the sealing surface on which they respectively abut, so that the circumferential walls of the recess 152 serving as a sealing surface need not have a high surface quality.

In contrast, in the case of FIGS. 1 to 9, the dynamic seals on the outside of the linear motion piston 134, in particular the seal 198, on in each case a sealing surface, for example the sealing surface 200, which is formed on a peripheral wall of the recess 152 in the receiving block 106 , so that these sealing surfaces must have a high surface quality in order to ensure a reliable seal even after a high number of clamping cycles.

Incidentally, the in Figs. 10 to 12 illustrated second embodiment of the clamping device 100 in terms of structure, function and method of manufacture with the in Figs. 1 to 9 illustrated first embodiment, the above description of which reference is made.

A third embodiment of the tensioning device 100 shown in FIGS. 13 to 17 differs from the second embodiment described above in that the cover 170 of the tensioning device 100 is not fastened directly to the receiving block 106 by means of fastening screws, but instead the cover 170 is parallel to one another to the clamping direction 120 extending axis of rotation 232 is rotatably disposed and the angular position of the lid 170 relative to the axis of rotation 232 by means of a fixing device 230 is detachably fixable.

The fixing device 230 may in particular be formed as a clamping device and preferably comprises a clamping flange or clamping ring 234 which engages over the lid 170 and against the receiving block 106th presses when the clamping ring 234 is releasably secured to the receiving block 106 by means of one or more, for example four, mounting screws 236.

The cover 170 is non-rotatably connected to the linear movement piston 134 displaceably guided therein, and the linear movement piston 134 is non-rotatably connected to the pivoting movement piston 126 displaceably guided therein, such that rotation of the cover 170 about the rotation axis 232 causes a corresponding rotation of the clamping element 108 about the rotation Rotation axis 232 result.

The axis of rotation 232 can in particular with the longitudinal central axis of the

Swinging piston 126 coincide.

In the Figs. 14 and 15, the clamping device 100 is shown in a reference position, in which the longitudinal axis 206 of the clamping element 108 is aligned parallel to a longitudinal center plane 238 of the receiving block 106 and thus with the same forms an angle α of 0 °.

In order to change the clamping element 108, preferably continuously, in its angular position relative to the receiving block 106, the fastening screws 236 of the clamping ring 234 are released so far that the lid 170 can be rotated relative to the clamping ring 234 about the rotation axis 232.

After rotation of the lid 170, the linear movement piston 134 and the pivoting piston 126 with the clamping element 108 by a non-zero angle α (for example, in the viewing direction of FIG. 16, for example counterclockwise), the angular position of these elements with respect to the rotation axis 232 by tightening the mounting screws 236 fixed. Incidentally, the in Figs. 13 to 17 illustrated third embodiment of the clamping device 100 in terms of structure, function and manufacturing method with the in Figs. 10 to 12 illustrated second embodiment, the above description of which reference is made.

The use of a rotatable about an axis of rotation 232 and by means of a fixing device 230 in a desired angular position with respect to the rotation axis 232, in particular continuously, fixable lid 170 is also in the in Figs. 1 to 9 illustrated first embodiment of the clamping device 100 possible.

A fourth embodiment of the tensioning device 100 and the receiving block 106 illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 20 differs from the second embodiment described above and illustrated in FIGS. 10 to 12 in that in the fourth embodiment the tensioning device 100 comprises a locking device 240, by means of which the

Swivel movement piston 126 can be locked to the linear motion piston 134, so that a relative movement between the pivoting piston 126 and the linear motion piston 134 is particularly reliably prevented, as long as the clamping element 108 is not to perform the desired pivoting movement.

As can be seen, for example, from FIG. 18, a special embodiment of such a locking device 240 comprises a locking body 242, which is at least partially received in a locking body receptacle 244.

The locking body receptacle 244 is preferably arranged on the linear movement piston 134, in particular on the lower part 136 thereof.

The Arretierkörperaufnahme 244 may be formed for example as a radial bore, which passes through the linear movement piston 134 from the inside to the outside thereof. A longitudinal axis of Arretierkörperaufnahme 244 is preferably aligned substantially perpendicular to the clamping direction 120 and preferably substantially perpendicular to the release direction 122 of the tensioning device 100.

The locking body 242 is arranged in the Arretierkörperaufnahme 244 so that it is movable in a longitudinal direction of the Arretierkörperaufnahme 244 relative to the linear movement piston 134.

The locking body 242 may include one or more rolling elements 246, for example in the form of balls 248.

In a preferred embodiment of the locking device 240, it is provided that the locking body 242 is formed by two or more balls 248, which preferably have substantially the same diameter and preferably contact each other.

In order to be able to bring the locking body 242 into engagement with the pivoting movement piston 126, a locking recess 250 is provided on the pivoting movement piston 126 which is opposite the locking body seat 244 on the linear movement piston 134 when the tensioning device 100 is in the position shown in FIG. 18 is shown clamping position and the pivoting piston 126 relative to the linear movement piston 134 assumes its highest position.

In this locking position, the locking body 242 projects from the arresting body receptacle 244 into the arresting recess 250, so that the pivoting movement piston 126 is prevented from being moved relative to the linear movement piston 134 by positive engagement. On the outer side of the linear movement piston 134, the Arretierkörperaufnahme 244 is closed by the inside of the sleeve 216, so that the locking body 242, which is formed by the two balls 248, can not escape in the radial direction of the pivoting piston 126 to the outside.

In order to be able to release the pivoting movement piston 126 from the lock on the linear motion piston 134, an evasive recess 252 is provided on the sleeve 216 into which the locking body 242 can deflect radially outward, when the locking body receptacle 244 together with the linear motion piston 134 and the pivoting movement piston 126 locked thereon has moved so far upwards during the linear movement of the clamping element 108 from the clamping position into the intermediate position shown in FIG. 19 that it lies opposite the bypassing recess 252.

In the intermediate position of the tensioning element 108, the locking body 242, which is formed in particular from the two balls 248, is freely movable in the radial direction of the pivoting movement piston 126.

During the subsequent downward movement of the pivoting movement piston 126 relative to the linear movement piston 134, the locking body 242 is displaced from the locking recess 250, preferably by a chamfer 254 at the upper edge of the locking recess 250, thereby partially being pressed into the deflection recess 252.

The locking device 240 may comprise a plurality of locking bodies 242, which are at least partially received in an associated Arretierkörperaufnahme 244, wherein the locking body 242 and the Arretierkörperaufnahmen 244 are preferably distributed substantially equidistant around the circumference of the pivoting piston 126. The locking recess 250 may be formed in particular as an annular groove on the outside of the pivoting piston 126.

In the tensioning position of the tensioning device 100 shown in Fig. 18, the release fluid path from the release external actuating fluid chamber 204 through the fluid channel 196 to the internal release actuating fluid chamber 194, from which the release actuating fluid to the release side of the pivoting piston 126 can act.

In this clamping position, the locking device 240 is in the locking position, in which the locking body 242 engages in the Arretierausnehmung 250 on the pivoting piston 126 and thus prevents movement of the pivoting piston 126 relative to the linear movement piston 134.

When the tensioner 100 is moved by lifting the linear motion piston 134 into the position shown in FIG. 19, fluid passage 196 is in fluid communication with outer release actuation fluid chamber 204, such that the release fluid path from outer release actuation fluid chamber 204 through fluid passage 196 into the inner release actuation fluid chamber 194 is released.

In this intermediate position of the tensioning device 100, the locking body 242 of the locking device 240 is freely movable in the radial direction of the pivoting movement piston 126.

Thereafter, the release actuating fluid acts on the release side of the swinging movement piston 126, so that the swinging movement piston 126 is moved downward in the tightening direction 120, whereby the pivotal movement of the tensioning element 108 from the intermediate position shown in FIG. 19 to that in FIG. 20 shown release position is driven. The locking body 242 is displaced in the downward movement of the pivoting piston 126 by the bevel 254 radially outwardly into the Arretierkörperaufnahme 244 opposite Arretierausnehmung 250, so that the locking body 242 is no longer in engagement with the Arretierausnehmung 250 and the relative movement of the pivoting piston 126 relative to the Linearbewegungskoiben 134 no longer blocked.

This embodiment of the tensioning device 100 thus also comprises a release fluid sequential control, which in particular comprises the seal 218 and the fluid channel 196 and causes the pivoting movement of the tensioning element 108 to begin in the release position only after the linear movement of the tensioning element 108 has begun from the tensioning position has, and preferably only when the linear movement of the clamping element 108 is completed from the clamping position.

A relative movement of the pivoting piston 126 relative to the Linearbewegungskoiben 134 and thus a start of the pivoting movement of the clamping element 108 is excluded in this embodiment by the locking device 240 which locks the pivoting piston 126 on the Linearbewegungskoiben 134 as long as the linear movement of the clamping member 108 from the clamping position in the Intermediate position not yet completed.

The control of the clamping movement of the clamping element 108 from the in Fig. 20 shown release position on the in Fig. 19 intermediate position shown in FIG. 18 clamping position is controlled by means of the fluid channel 186 and the seal 208, as described above in connection with the first embodiment. Incidentally, the in Figs. 18 to 20 illustrated fourth embodiment of the clamping device 100 in terms of structure, function and method of manufacture with the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, to the above description, reference is made.

A locking device 240, by means of which the pivoting movement piston 126 can be locked to the linear movement piston 134, the manner described above in connection with the fourth embodiment can basically also in the in Figs. 1-9 illustrated first embodiment, which does not include a sleeve 216 in which the linear movement piston 134 is slidably guided along the clamping direction 120.

In this case, an evasive recess 252, which allows the locking body 242 to move out of the arresting recess 250, instead of on the sleeve 216 on the receiving block 106 or on another device, for example on a machine table into which the clamping device 100 can be inserted, is arranged ,

The four embodiments of the clamping device 100 described above are implemented in a so-called cartridge technology, so that the clamping device 100 without inserting a housing directly into a recess 152 of a receiving block 106 or other device, such as a machine table, used, in particular plugged or screwed is.

Alternatively, however, it can also be provided in each of these embodiments that the lower parts of the clamping device, in particular the linear movement piston 134, the pivoting piston 126 and possibly also the sleeve 216 are arranged in a housing of the clamping device, which preferably with the lid 170, in particular detachable, connected. Such a housing can then be inserted into a recess 152 of a receiving block 106 or another device or placed on a support surface and fixed to the support surface.

Claims

claims

1. clamping device for clamping a workpiece (102), comprising a clamping element (108) which can be transferred in a clamping movement from a release position into a clamping position,

wherein the tensioning movement comprises a pivoting movement and a linear movement, that the tensioning device (100) comprises a linear movement piston (134) for driving the linear movement and a pivoting movement piston (126) for driving the pivoting movement.

2. Clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the clamping device (100) comprises a clamping fluid sequence control, which causes the linear movement of the clamping element (108) in the clamping position only begins after the pivoting movement of the clamping element (108) the release order has started.

3. Clamping device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the clamping device (100) comprises a clamping fluid sequence control, which causes the linear movement of the clamping element (108) in the clamping position only begins after the pivoting movement of the clamping element (108) is completed from the release position.

4. Clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clamping device (100) comprises a clamping fluid path for a clamping actuating fluid to the clamping side of the linear motion piston (134), which is released only when the pivotal movement of the clamping element (108 ) is completed from the release position.

5. Clamping device according to claim 4, characterized in that the clamping fluid path to the clamping side of the linear movement piston (134) has a portion which passes through the pivoting movement piston (126) therethrough.

6. Clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the clamping element (108) can be transferred in a release movement of the clamping position in the release position,

wherein the release movement comprises a linear movement and a pivoting movement and

wherein the tensioning device (100) comprises a release fluid sequencer which causes the pivoting movement of the tensioning element (108) into the release position to commence only after linear movement of the tensioning element (108) from the tensioned position has commenced.

7. Clamping device according to claim 6, characterized in that the clamping device (100) comprises a release fluid sequence control, which causes the pivotal movement of the clamping element (108) in the release position only begins after the linear movement of the clamping element (108) the clamping position is completed.

8. Clamping device according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the clamping device (100) comprises a release fluid path for a release actuating fluid to the release side of the pivoting piston (126), which is released only when the linear movement of the clamping element (108 ) is completed from the clamping position.

9. Clamping device according to claim 8, characterized in that the release fluid path has a portion which passes through the Linearbewe- movement piston (134) therethrough.

Clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the linear movement piston (134) has a stop (190) for the pivoting piston (126), against which the pivoting piston (126) is pressed in the clamping position by a clamping actuating fluid.

11. Clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the pivoting movement piston (126) has a fluid channel (186) which during the linear movement of the clamping element (108) in the clamping position and / or during the linear movement of the clamping element (108). from the clamping position with a fluid channel (184) of the linear movement piston (134) is in fluid communication.

12. Clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the linear movement piston (134) has a seal (198) in the clamping position on a sealing surface (200) sealingly abuts and by the linear movement of the clamping element (108) the release position of the sealing surface (200) releases, so that a release fluid path for a release actuating fluid to the release side of the pivoting piston (126) is released.

13. Clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the clamping device (100) comprises a sleeve (216) in which the linear movement piston (134) is displaceably guided and which has a seal (218), in the clamping position a sealing surface (220) of the linear movement piston (134) sealingly abuts, wherein the linear movement piston (134) has a release fluid channel (196), during the linear movement of the clamping element (108) from the clamping position on the seal (218) of the sleeve (216) is moved past such that a release fluid path to the release side of the pivoting piston (126) is released through the release fluid passage (196).

14. Clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the clamping element (108) about a parallel to the direction of movement of the linear movement axis of rotation (232) is rotatable and the clamping device (100) comprises a fixing device (230), by means of which Angular position of the clamping element (108) with respect to the axis of rotation (232) is fixable.

15. Clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the clamping device (100) comprises a locking device (240), by means of which the pivoting movement piston (126) on the linear movement piston (134) can be locked comprises.

16. A clamping device according to claim 15, characterized in that the locking device (240) comprises at least one locking body (242) which is engageable with a locking recess (250) to lock the pivoting piston (126) on the linear movement piston (134) ,

17. Clamping device according to claim 16, characterized in that the locking device (240) at least one Ausweichausnehmung (252), in which the locking body (242) can escape to release the locking of the pivoting piston (126) on the linear movement piston (134) ,

18. Method for clamping a workpiece (102) by means of a

Clamping device (100), in particular by means of a clamping device according to one of claims 1 to 17, comprising the following:

Transferring a clamping element (108) in a clamping movement from a release position into a clamping position; wherein the clamping movement comprises a pivoting movement and a linear movement and wherein the linear movement of the clamping element (108) in the clamping position only begins after the pivotal movement of the clamping element (108) has begun from the release position.