clamping device

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping device comprising a zero-point clamping system (1), which can be actuated by a work medium, a machine vice (2), which can be coupled to the zero-point clamping system (1), and a clamping and positioning device (3) for transporting and positioning the machine vice (2) on the zero-point clamping system (1), the zero-point clamping system (1) comprising at least one coupling element (26) and the clamping and positioning device (3) comprising a docking device (27) with at least one docking element (28) which can be coupled to the coupling element (26) for supplying the work medium to the zero-point clamping system (1). In order to be able to realize an easy coupling process, the at least one coupling element (26) on the zero-point clamping system (1) is offset parallel to a receiving opening (19) for a clamping element (18) located on the machine vice (2) and the at least one docking element (28) is positioned such that it is coupled to the coupling element (26) by a retraction movement of the clamping element (18) located on the machine vice (2) into the receiving opening (19).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a clamping device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Such a clamping device is known from DE 10 2018 128 883 A1. It has a zero-point clamping system, a machine vice, which can be coupled to the zero-point clamping system via a pallet, and a clamping and positioning device designed as a pallet holder for transporting and positioning a pallet equipped with the machine vice on the zero-point clamping system. In order to be able to supply the zero-point clamping system with a working medium via the pallet holder, a docking unit is integrated in the plate holder, which can be docked to the clamping system for the pallet. The zero-point clamping system comprises a plurality of zero-point clamping devices integrated in the plate, each of which has a receiving opening for receiving a clamping pin, which protrudes from the underside of the pallet. A plurality of coupling elements arranged side by side are provided on the side walls of the plate for coupling with corresponding coupling elements in the docking unit arranged on the pallet holder. Via the coupling elements, the working medium can be supplied to the zero-point clamping system to actuate the zero-point clamping devices. The coupling elements are arranged on the side walls of the pallet such that their longitudinal axes are aligned at right angles to the longitudinal axes of the receiving openings of the clamping pins. The pallet with the machine vice arranged thereon can be placed on the plate of the zero-point clamping system by the pallet holder. In order to couple the docking unit arranged on the pallet holder to the coupling elements arranged on the zero-point clamping system, the docking unit must first be lowered with respect to the plate holder in order to vertically align the coupling elements in the docking unit with respect to the coupling elements in the zero-point clamping system. After this vertical alignment, the docking unit must then be extended horizontally in a next step in order to lock the docking unit to the plate of the zero-point clamping system and to connect the coupling elements to the coupling elements. For this purpose, corresponding linear guides and separate drives are required. SUMMARY

[0003] The problem of the invention is to design a clamping device of the initially mentioned type, which enables the coupling of a docking unit to supply a zero-point clamping system with a working medium without separate drives on the docking unit.

[0004] The problem is solved by a clamping device having the following features: the clamping device comprises a zero-point clamping system, a machine vice, and a clamping and positioning device, the zero-point clamping system being actuatable by a working medium, the machine vice being couplable to the zero-point clamping system, the clamping and positioning device serving to transport and position the machine vice on the zero-point clamping system, wherein the zero-point clamping system comprises at least one coupling element, and the clamping and positioning device comprises a docking device, the docking device having at least one docking element, the docking element being couplable to the coupling element for supplying the working medium to the zero-point clamping system, the at least one coupling element on the zero-point clamping system being offset parallel to a receiving opening for a clamping element located on the machine vice, and the at least one docking element being arranged such that it is coupled to the coupling element by a retraction movement of the at least one docking element into the receiving opening by the clamping element located on the machine vice.

[0005] The zero-point clamping system in the clamping device according to the invention has at least one coupling element, and the clamping and positioning device has a docking device, the docking device having at least one docking element, the at least one docking element being couplable to the coupling element for supplying the working medium to the zero-point clamping system. The at least one coupling element on the zero-point clamping system is offset parallel to a receiving opening for a clamping element arranged on the machine vice, and the at least one docking element is arranged such that it is coupled to the coupling element by a retraction movement of the at least one docking element into the receiving position by the clamping element arranged on the machine vice. A key advantage of the clamping device according to the invention is that the coupling of the coupling element provided for supplying the working medium also only takes place by the coupling of the machine vice to the zero-point clamping system initiated by the clamping and positioning device, without additional drives and complex coupling movements being required.

[0006] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the coupling element and the docking element that can be coupled together are designed as fluid transfer elements for transferring compressed air or hydraulic fluid as working medium. The coupling element expediently comprises a through-hole, the longitudinal axis of which extends parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receiving opening for the clamping element. In the through-hole of the coupling element, a latching element can be arranged, which is acted upon by a compression spring into a closed position. The coupling element and the docking element that can be coupled together can be designed as fluid transfer elements and / or as electrical connectors for transferring electrical energy or electrical signals. The electrical connectors can also be designed as connection elements for contactless transfer.

[0007] The at least one docking element can comprise a pressure ram which is axially displaceable into a receiving opening of the docking unit and which is provided with a through-hole. The pressure ram is arranged such that, when the clamping and positioning device assumes the docking position for docking the machine vice onto the zero-point clamping system, the through-hole of the pressure ram is aligned with the through-hole of the corresponding coupling element. The pressure ram can be pressed outwardly by a compression spring and expediently has a central pressure member on its outer end facing the coupling element for opening a latching element arranged in the connecting member and a channel for conveying compressed air from the docking element to the coupling element. The latching element can be a latching pin which is guided for movement within the coupling element and which is forced into a closed position by a compression spring.

[0008] To facilitate decoupling, the pressure ram expediently has a first pressure surface on which a working medium can act to move the pressure ram into a retracted position. This enables the clamping and positioning device to be moved at an angle of 90° away from the central axis of the zero-point clamping system for decoupling. In a further advantageous manner, the pressure ram can be designed as a differential pressure ram which, in addition to the first pressure surface on which a working medium can act to move the pressure ram into a retracted position, comprises a second pressure surface on which a working medium can act to force the pressure ram into an extended position. This enables the pressure ram to be pressed against the coupling element by the working medium and also to be retracted. A plurality of on-off valves are expediently arranged in the docking unit for controlling the supply of compressed air. A self-locking valve can be arranged in the zero-point clamping system which has a spring-biased closing mechanism to hold the zero-point clamping system in an open position.

[0009] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a plurality of rows of first coupling elements arranged side by side are arranged on the zero-point clamping system and a plurality of docking elements arranged side by side are arranged on the clamping and positioning device for coupling with the respective coupling elements of each row. This allows machine vices of different lengths to also be supplied with working medium without the need for complex adjustment mechanisms. The coupling elements can be arranged in a grid in which prescribed partitions and spacings are adapted for different machine vices. The grid can be adapted to specific dimensions and requirements.

[0010] In another advantageous embodiment, the clamping and positioning device can have an integrated drive in addition to the coupling device for moving the clamping device between the clamping position and the release position, the coupling device for releasably connecting to the clamping device and for fixing the clamping device during transport. Thus, such a clamping and positioning device not only can transport the clamping device back and forth between different positions, for example between a storage position and a machining position within a machine tool, but also can actuate the clamping device in the different positions for moving between the clamping position and the release position. The clamping and positioning device thus makes it possible for a conventional clamping device not only to be used for holding a workpiece during machining, but also to be used as a clamping device for transporting and handling the workpiece. This leads to a simplified loading process and shorter set-up and downtime. Conversion and reorganization operations can also be carried out outside the machine room. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0011] Further details and advantages of the present application will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0012] Figure 1 a clamping device with a zero-point clamping system, a machine vice and a clamping and positioning device is shown in perspective view;

[0013] Figure 2 a clamping device as depicted in Figure 1 is shown in side view;

[0014] Figure 3 a clamping device as depicted in Figure 1 is shown in enlarged perspective view;

[0015] Figure 4 a detailed view of a clamping device as depicted in Figure 1 is shown;

[0016] Figure 5 a top view of a zero-point clamping system of a clamping device as depicted in Figure 1 is shown;

[0017] Figure 6 a sectional view along the line A-A of Figure 5 is shown;

[0018] Figure 7 a sectional view along the line B-B of Figure 5 is shown;

[0019] Figure 8 a circuit diagram for controlling a zero-point clamping system is shown, and

[0020] Figure 9 a clamping device with a sensor mechanism for monitoring the switching state of a zero-point clamping system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Figure 1 A clamping device designed for clamping workpieces for machining is shown, which comprises a zero-point clamping system 1, a machine vice 2, which can be coupled to the zero-point clamping system 1, and a clamping and positioning device 3, which can be detachably connected with the machine vice 2 for transporting and positioning the machine vice 2 on the zero-point clamping system 1. The clamping and positioning device 3 can be coupled to the machine vice 2 for transportation between different positions. In the shown embodiment example, the clamping and positioning device 3, which can be coupled to the machine vice 2, is mounted on a support arm 4, which is movable on a plurality of axes of a robot designed as a articulated-arm robot. However, the clamping and positioning device 3 can also be arranged on a gantry robot or a different designed transportation or positioning system for moving the machine vice 2 in different directions. In the shown embodiment, the zero-point clamping system 1 is designed as a separate component, which can be fastened to a clamping table or a clamping carriage 5, which is here vertically aligned. However, the zero-point clamping system 1 can also be integrated in a clamping table or a workpiece table of a machine tool.

[0022] The machine vice 2 (shown in more detail in Figures 2 to 4 ) is designed as a centering vice with two jaws 6, 7, which are adjustable relative to each other. However, it can also have one fixed and one movable jaw or be designed as or as a multiple clamping device with more than two jaws. In the shown embodiment example, the machine vice 2 comprises a base element 8, on which the two jaws 6, 7 are guided for movement on slides 9 and 10, which are shown in Figure 4 , and are oppositely adjustable by means of an adjustment mechanism, wherein an adjustment element 11 is designed here as an adjustment spindle.

[0023] As can be seen from Figure 4 , the adjustment element 11, which is in the form of an adjustment spindle, has a coupling profile 12, for example in the form of an external hexagon, on its free end for coupling to a corresponding coupling piece 13 of a rotary drive 14 integrated in the clamping and positioning device 3. The clamping and positioning device 3 also comprises a coupling unit 15 on its front side for positive coupling with the base element 8 of the machine vice 2. Via the coupling unit 15, the machine vice 2 can be clamped and transported by the clamping and positioning device 3 to the desired position. The coupling unit 15 is designed such that it not only clamps the machine vice 2, but also firmly holds the machine vice 2 during transportation and thus also safely transports the machine vice 2 to the zero-point clamping system 1, for example in any position. An RFID write / read head 16 and various sensors are also arranged on the front side of the clamping and positioning device 3 to monitor locking, to detect distances and to check the presence of the machine vice 2.

[0024] Because the rotary actuator 14 is integrated into the clamping and positioning device 3, the adjusting element 11, designed to adjust the spindle, can be rotated for mutual adjustment of the two jaws 6, 7. Therefore, the machine vise 2 can not only be transported via the clamping and positioning device 3, but also clamped and released. Thus, the machine vise 2 can be used not only for clamping machined parts, but also for clamping workpieces before machining for transport. Instead of the coupling profile 12 designed as an external hexagon, other coupling solutions can be used, such as splined shafts, jaw attachments, four-edge connectors, or shafts with trunnion attachments. The rotary actuator 14 is designed such that during the coupling of the clamping and positioning device 3 with the machine vise 2, the rotary actuator 14 is coupled to the adjusting element 11, designed to adjust the spindle. A possible design of the clamping and positioning device for transporting and operating the machine vise 2 is disclosed in DE 102018106210 A1. The disclosure is explicitly referenced regarding the design and operating mode of the clamping and positioning device.

[0025] A zero-point clamping element 18, extending at a right angle from the lower side 17 of the base element 8 of the machine vise 2, is provided for lockably engaging with the vise. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The zero-point clamping system 1 shown has a receiving opening 19. The machine vise 2 can be centered and positioned precisely on the machine tool's worktable and clamped by a suitable clamping device, via a zero-point clamping element 18 designed here as a clamping bolt, in a centered and accurate manner. For this purpose, the machine vise 2 is moved by a clamping and positioning device 3 such that the zero-point clamping element 18 (designed here as a single clamping bolt) moves along the longitudinal axis 20 of the receiving opening 19 in the zero-point clamping system 1 and engages in the receiving opening 19 in the zero-point clamping system 1 for subsequent clamping. In the illustrated embodiment, only one zero-point clamping element 18, designed as a clamping bolt, is arranged on the machine vise 2. However, multiple zero-point clamping elements, serving as centering and clamping elements, can also be arranged on the machine vise 2 for engagement in the corresponding receiving openings of the zero-point clamping system.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, the zero-point clamping system 1, designed as a separate zero-point clamping module, includes a can-shaped housing 22 disposed on a substrate 21. Within the can-shaped housing 22, a receiving opening 19 for the zero-point clamping element 18 is arranged, and as shown... Figure 6The clamping device 23 shown is used to clamp the machine vise 2 via the zero-point clamping element 18 (designed as a clamping bolt). The housing 22 has a plurality of flat contact surfaces 24 arranged around the central receiving opening 19 on its upper side for supporting the machine vise 2. A block-shaped connecting unit 25 is also provided on the zero-point clamping system 1, which has a plurality of first coupling elements 26 arranged parallel to the receiving opening 19.

[0027] A docking device 27, coupling to the connecting unit 25, is arranged on the clamping and positioning device 3. This docking device 27 has multiple docking elements 28 coupling to the coupling element 26 for supplying a working medium to the zero-point clamping system 1. The coupling element 26 and the corresponding docking element 28 on the zero-point clamping system 1 form an interface through which energy can be supplied to the zero-point clamping system 1, even without special arrangement in the worktable. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping device 23 is pneumatically actuated such that the zero-point clamping system 1 is supplied with compressed air as the working medium. The compressed air supplied to the zero-point clamping system 1 via the clamping and positioning device 3 can be used not only to actuate the clamping device 23, but also as blowing air to remove debris or any other contaminants. However, in the case of a hydraulic or electric clamping system, hydraulic fluid or current can also be supplied to the zero-point clamping system via the clamping and positioning device as the working medium, provided the coupling element is designed accordingly.

[0028] The clamping device 23 can be configured such that it is closed by spring bias and can be opened by compressed air. However, the compressed air supplied to the zero-point clamping system 1 can not only open the clamping device 23, but can also be used to enhance the clamping force generated by spring bias. Furthermore, the compressed air can be used to achieve blowing or cleaning functions. Control functions implemented by sensors and dynamic pressure queries can also be implemented using compressed air.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, multiple rows of coupling elements 26 arranged side-by-side are provided on the connection unit 25 of the zero-point clamping system 1. The docking device 27 of the clamping and positioning device 3 also has multiple docking elements 28 arranged side-by-side for coupling with the corresponding coupling elements 26 in each row. In this way, machine vises 2 of different lengths can also be connected. The coupling elements 26 arranged in the connection unit 25 are connected to the clamping device 23 via pipes 29 and lines 30. The docking elements 28 arranged in the docking device 27 are supplied with compressed air via appropriate connections. In the illustrated embodiment, four rows spaced apart from each other are provided on the zero-point clamping system 1, each row having three coupling elements 26 arranged side-by-side, and three docking elements 28 arranged side-by-side on the docking device 27 of the clamping and positioning device 3 are provided for coupling with the coupling elements 26 in each row. Other grids or partitions are also possible as needed.

[0030] For example, specifically from Figure 7 As can be seen, the coupling element 26 arranged in the connecting unit 25 of the zero-point clamping system 1 has a sleeve-shaped connecting part 31 and a locking element 34. The sleeve-shaped connecting part 31 is screwed into the connecting unit 25 through a through hole 32, and the locking element 34 is arranged to move in the through hole 32 and is biased in the closing direction by a compression spring 33. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking element 34 is designed as a locking pin. The coupling element 26 is based on... Figure 6 It is arranged such that the longitudinal axis 35 of the through hole 32 in the connecting member 31 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 20 of the receiving opening 19 for the zero-point clamping element 18.

[0031] exist Figure 7 As can also be seen, the docking element 28 arranged in the docking device 27 includes a pressure plunger 37 that is axially displaceable in the receiving hole 36. The pressure plunger 37 has a through hole 38 and is pressed outward by a spring 39. The pressure plunger 37 of the docking element 28 is arranged such that when the clamping and positioning device 3 is in the docking position for docking the machine vise 2 to the zero-point clamping system 1, the through hole 38 of the pressure plunger 37 aligns with the corresponding through hole 32 of the coupling element 26. The coupling element 26 and the docking element 28 are thus coupled to each other for supplying compressed air to the zero-point clamping system 1 when the zero-point clamping element 18, which is designed as a clamping pin on the machine vise 2, retracts into the receiving opening 19 of the zero-point clamping system 1. No separate driver is required to couple the compressed air source.

[0032] At its outer end facing the coupling element 26, the pressure plunger 37 has a central pressure member 40 for opening the pin-shaped locking element 34 and a nozzle-shaped channel 41 for conveying compressed air from a through-hole 38 in the pressure plunger 37 to a through-hole 32 in the connecting member 31. A seal 42 is arranged on the outer end of the pressure plunger 37 for sealingly connecting the pressure plunger 37 to the connecting member 31 of the coupling element 26.

[0033] Figure 8 A circuit diagram is shown for pneumatic control of the zero-point clamping system 1 via the docking device 27. This circuit diagram shows the clamping device 23, designated M2, a schematic depiction of a blowing device 43 for discharging debris or other contaminants, a self-locking valve 44, and three coupling elements 26, designated X1 to X3, on the zero-point clamping system 1. Three docking elements 28, designated M1, M3, and M4, and four switching valves 45, designated S1 to S4, are shown on the docking device 27. A pressure connection 46, designated P1, is also provided on the docking device 27 for supplying compressed air to the docking device 27.

[0034] The clamping device 23 can be actuated to the release position via the first coupling element 26, labeled X1. In the clamped position, the clamping force of the spring 47 acting on the clamping device 23 can be increased via the second coupling element 26, labeled X2. The blowing device 43 for blowing out debris or other contaminants can be supplied via the third coupling element 26, labeled X3. When the docking device 27 is coupled to the zero-point clamping system 1, the clamping device 23 can be moved to the release position via the first switching valve 45, labeled S1. On the other hand, the clamping force of the spring 47 acting on the clamping device 23 in the clamped position can be increased via the second switching valve 45, labeled S2. A self-locking valve 44 upstream of the clamping device 23 ensures that the clamping device 23 remains open during unloading and closes only when actively controlling back pressure. The third switching valve 45, labeled S3, can be used to control the blowing device 43. The fourth switching valve 45, designated S4, can be used to retract the pressure plunger 37 of the docking element 28 in order to facilitate the decoupling of the clamping and positioning device 3.

[0035] Using the aforementioned clamping device, the machine vise 2 can be transported from the supply station via the clamping and positioning device 3 to the zero-point clamping system 1, which is fastened to the clamping bracket 5, such as... Figure 1 As shown in the diagram. The clamping device 23 arranged in the zero-point clamping system 1 is designed to be clamped by spring force and released by controlled use of compressed air, or its clamping force is increased. A self-locking valve 44, integrated into the zero-point clamping system 1, then keeps the clamping device 23 open until the active counter-pressure is regulated by compressed air. Only compressed air needs to be introduced into the zero-point clamping system 1 when the machine vise 2, conveyed by the clamping and positioning device 3, and its pin-shaped zero-point clamping element 18 retract into the corresponding receiving opening 19 of the zero-point clamping system 1. The pin-shaped zero-point clamping element 18 defines the precise position of the machine vise 2. The clamping and releasing states of the clamping device 23 can be detected by a suitable sensor mechanism to avoid damage. When the clamping device 23 is closed, this prevents the machine vise 2 from being coupled to or removed from the zero-point clamping system 1 by the clamping and positioning device 3.

[0036] The switching status of the zero-point clamping system 1 can be monitored, for example, via... Figure 9The sensor mechanism shown is used for execution. The sensor mechanism has a push rod 48 with a switch actuator 49 and a sensor 50. The push rod 48 with the switch actuator 49 is connected to the clamping device 23 in the zero-point clamping system, and the sensor 50 is arranged on the docking device 27. The switch actuator 49 can be arranged with different vise spacing dimensions, so that the switch actuator 49 can be used to monitor all possible vises. The push rod 48 is connected to the clamping device 23 integrated in the zero-point clamping system 1 via a hinged coupling provided with a transmission rod 51 and a connector 52. The movement of the clamping device 23 can therefore be amplified. The sensor 50 can conveniently be a laser sensor. However, monitoring can also occur via an ultrasonic or radar sensor or other inductive, capacitive, or similar sensors. The sensor signal can also be transmitted from the zero-point clamping system 1 to the docking device 27, for example, via Bluetooth or a similar wireless method, for the purpose of controlling compressed air.

[0037] During the loading of zero-point clamping system 1 using machine vise 2 Figure 7 The pressure plunger 37 shown is pressed downward by the spring 39. Once the pin-shaped zero-point clamping element 18 is correctly introduced into the receiving opening 19 and the machine vise 2 is positioned on the flat contact surface 24, the pressure plunger 37 contacts the connecting part 31 of the coupling element 26 arranged on the zero-point clamping system 1. The supply of compressed air to the zero-point clamping system 1 can then be controlled by the switching valve 45 and the clamping device 23 actuated for clamping.

[0038] After the machine vise 2 is clamped onto the zero-point clamping system 1, the clamping and positioning device 3 can be decoupled from the machine vise 2. In this case, compressed air can still be advantageously utilized to also retract the pressure plunger 37 and thus create free space for the lateral separation movement of the clamping and positioning device 3. For this purpose, Figure 7 The pressure plunger 37 shown may have a first pressure surface 53, on which compressed air is applied by opening the switching valve S4 to move the pressure plunger 37 to the retracted position. In the illustrated embodiment, the pressure plunger 37 is designed as a differential pressure plunger, which, in addition to the annular first pressure surface 53, has a second pressure surface 54 smaller than the first pressure surface 53, on which compressed air is applied. Therefore, the pressure plunger 37 can not only be retracted by compressed air but can also be forced against the coupling element 26.

[0039] To remove the machine vise 2 from the zero-point clamping system 1, the clamping and positioning device 3 and the docking device 27 are positioned at the corresponding coupling element 26 of the zero-point clamping system 1. The fourth switching valve 45 (denoted as S4) is closed, allowing the pressure plunger 37 of the docking element 28 to extend and contact the coupling element 26 of the zero-point clamping system 1. The clamping device 23 can then be controlled to open by the corresponding actuation of the first switching valve 45 (denoted as S1). The opening of the clamping device 23 is detected by a corresponding sensor mechanism. The opening pressure within the zero-point clamping system 1 is maintained by a self-locking valve 44 until the self-locking valve 44, designed as a return valve, opens and the clamping device 23 can be closed.

[0040] List of reference numerals

[0041] 1 Zero-point clamping system

[0042] 2 Machine vises

[0043] 3. Clamping and positioning device

[0044] 4 support arms

[0045] 5 clamping brackets

[0046] 6 grippers

[0047] 7 grippers

[0048] 8 base components

[0049] 9 slides

[0050] 10 slides

[0051] 11 Adjustment elements

[0052] 12 Coupler Profiles

[0053] 13 Couplers

[0054] 14 Rotary Drives

[0055] 15 coupling units

[0056] 16 RFID Write / Read Heads

[0057] 17 lower side

[0058] 18 Zero-point clamping elements

[0059] 19 Reception opening

[0060] 20 Longitudinal axis

[0061] 21 substrate

[0062] 22 shell

[0063] 23 Clamping device

[0064] 24 flat contact surfaces

[0065] 25 connection units

[0066] 26 coupling elements

[0067] 27 docking device

[0068] 28 mating components

[0069] 29 pipes

[0070] 30 pipelines

[0071] 31 Connecting components

[0072] 32 through holes

[0073] 33 compression spring

[0074] 34 Locking Elements

[0075] 35 Longitudinal axis

[0076] 36 receiving holes

[0077] 37 pressure plunger

[0078] 38 through holes

[0079] 39 springs

[0080] 40 pressure components

[0081] 41 channels

[0082] 42 seals

[0083] 43 Blowing device

[0084] 44 self-locking valve

[0085] 45 Switching Valve

[0086] 46 Pressure Connection

[0087] 47 springs

[0088] 48 putter

[0089] 49 Switch Actuator

[0090] 50 sensors

[0091] 51 Passing Rod

[0092] 52 connector

[0093] 53 First pressure surface

[0094] 54 Second pressure surface

Claims

1. A clamping device comprising a zero-point clamping system (1), a machine vise (2), and a clamping and positioning device (3), wherein the zero-point clamping system (1) is actuated by a working medium, the machine vise (2) is coupled to the zero-point clamping system (1), and the clamping and positioning device (3) is used to transport and position the machine vise (2) on the zero-point clamping system (1), wherein, The zero-point clamping system (1) includes at least one coupling element (26), and the clamping and positioning device (3) includes a docking device (27) having at least one docking element (28) capable of being coupled to the coupling element (26) for supplying the working medium to the zero-point clamping system (1). The at least one coupling element (26) on the zero-point clamping system (1) is offset parallel to a receiving opening (19) for a clamping element (18) located on the machine vise (2), and the at least one docking element (28) is arranged such that the at least one docking element (28) is coupled to the coupling element (26) by a retraction movement of the clamping element (18) located on the machine vise (2) into the receiving opening (19).

2. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one coupling element (26) has a through hole (32) whose longitudinal axis (35) extends parallel to the longitudinal axis (20) of the receiving opening (19) for clamping element (18).

3. The clamping device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The at least one docking element (28) includes a pressure plunger (37) which is axially displaceable in the receiving opening (36) of the docking device (27) and is provided with a through hole (38).

4. The clamping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure plunger (37) is arranged such that when the clamping and positioning device (3) is positioned to engage the machine vise (2) with the zero-point clamping system (1), the through hole (38) of the pressure plunger (37) is aligned with the through hole (32) of the corresponding coupling element (26).

5. The clamping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure plunger (37) is pressed outward by the compression spring (33).

6. The clamping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure plunger (37) includes a central pressure component (40) and a channel (41) on its outer end facing the coupling element (26). The central pressure component (40) is used to open the locking element (34) arranged in the connecting component, and the channel (41) is used to transfer compressed air from the docking element (28) to the coupling element (26).

7. The clamping device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The locking element (34) is a locking pin that is guided to move within the coupling element (26) and forced into a closed position by a compression spring (33).

8. The clamping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure plunger (37) includes a first pressure surface (53), on which the working medium can act to move the pressure plunger (37) into a retracted position.

9. The clamping device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The pressure plunger (37) is designed as a differential pressure plunger, which includes a second pressure surface (54) in addition to the first pressure surface (53). The working medium can act on the first pressure surface (53) to move the pressure plunger (37) to a retracted position, and the second pressure surface (54) can be acted on by the working medium to force the pressure plunger (37) into an extended position.

10. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple switching valves (45) are arranged in the docking device (27) for controlling the supply of compressed air.

11. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A self-locking valve (44) is arranged in the zero-point clamping system (1) for holding the zero-point clamping system (1) in the open position without actuation in the closed position.

12. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple rows of coupling elements (26) arranged side by side are arranged on the zero-point clamping system (1), and multiple docking elements (28) arranged side by side are arranged on the clamping and positioning device (3) for coupling to the corresponding coupling element (26) in each row.

13. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping and positioning device (3) includes a rotary drive (14) for moving the clamping device (23) between a clamping position and a release position.

14. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Sensor mechanisms (49, 50) are assigned to the zero-point clamping system (1) for monitoring the on / off state of the zero-point clamping system (1).

15. The clamping device according to claim 14, characterized in that, The sensor mechanism (49, 50) has a sensor (50) and a push rod (48) with a switch actuator (49), the push rod (48) being connected to the clamping device (23) in the zero-point clamping system (1), and the sensor (50) being arranged on the docking device (27).

16. The clamping device according to claim 15, characterized in that, The push rod (48) is connected to the clamping device (23) in the zero-point clamping system (1) via a hinged coupling provided with a transmission rod (51) and a connector (52).

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