A clamping device for holding, centering and / or clamping micromechanical or watch components

Abstract

One aspect of the invention relates to a clamping device (100) for holding, centering and / or clamping a micromechanical or watch component (200) in a chamber delimited by a collet comprising at least one movable jaw (2) and at least one fixed jaw (3), wherein some of the movable jaws (2) and / or fixed jaws (3) comprise a reference surface (20) for supporting a component (200) abutting thereon from the front, the clamping device (100) comprising both a fixed jaw (3) comprising the reference surface (20) for supporting the component (200) abutting thereon and a movable jaw (2) for centering and / or clamping the component (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device for holding, centering and / or clamping micromechanical components or watch components in a clamping chamber defined by a collet, the collet including at least one movable jaw.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for securing the micromechanical component or watch component in a clamping chamber contained in such a clamping device.

[0003] This invention relates to the field of micromechanics, specifically the positioning and clamping of components or tools during manufacturing processes. Background Technology

[0004] The extremely precise positioning of micro-mechanical components, especially watchmaking parts, in manufacturing tools is always complex. This requirement for precise positioning must be coordinated with adequate clamping without causing undue deformation. The problem is similar when positioning and holding micro-tools used in manufacturing operations, which typically require perfect angular division.

[0005] Existing clamping devices include many variations of the Jacobs chuck, whose chucks are elastic or hinged to hold components. In particular, the "Ottet" type chuck is very common in traditional clamping devices in the watchmaking industry. This type of clamp can clamp components by opening or closing chuck head sections, which are typically elastically deformable in the axial direction by a combination of the following: a screw-nut system, an elastic return mechanism such as a spring, a pusher such as a ball or the like abutting against the elastic return mechanism, and a cone formed internally or externally with a conical or rounded profile that mates with a section contained within the chuck. These sections are typically internally machined to best match the profile of the component to be clamped and can be machined in place in the machine for maximum accuracy. The chuck itself is mounted on a bracket that can be clamped to / released from an automatic clamping device, which is typically mounted on a divider of the machining tool. The conical clamping principle of this chuck is described in European patent document EP1602426B1.

[0006] However, because the components must pivot to clamp them, there are no fixed reference points in space to ensure the height and position of the components. In other words, it is difficult to guarantee the precise axial and radial position of components when clamping them with this type of chuck. For example, if the components do not have exactly the same dimensions, or if the friction between the individual components and the clamping cone changes, the relative position of the components to the chuck will vary slightly. This problem is even more pronounced for rework operations that require more localized machining compared to the previous operation.

[0007] When precise support points are required, this type of standard spring collet is no longer typically used because the available space in the center of the clamp is reserved for mechanical components that transmit clamping / releasing forces.

[0008] As a result, these situations often require more customized solutions, which are less flexible, have a larger overall size, and are more expensive.

[0009] Another issue concerns the ability to retain the machined part that has been cut from the blank part after the machining operation, which is the only part that has been held in the chuck.

[0010] It should be pointed out again that, given the trend towards miniaturization of micromachining tools, increasingly compact clamping devices must be built that can guarantee all desired functions as well as the necessary rigidity and precision. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of this invention is to improve the positioning and clamping of micromechanical components, watch components, or tools in a clamping device by incorporating precise reference support points therein. To this end, the invention relates to a clamping device, as described below, for holding, centering, and / or clamping micromechanical components or watch components. This clamping device is used to hold, center, and clamp a micromechanical component in a clamping chamber defined by a chuck, the chuck including at least one movable jaw that is radially movable relative to the longitudinal axis of the chuck. The clamping device is characterized in that the at least one movable or fixed jaw includes a reference surface, or, when the chuck includes multiple jaws, at least some of the movable and / or fixed jaws include a reference surface, the reference surface being arranged to support the component directly abutting it in the axial direction, or to support an intermediate retaining plate directly abutting it in the axial direction, wherein the component abuts the intermediate retaining plate in the axial direction; and the clamping device is arranged to clamp using a reference support point and includes the fixed jaw and the movable jaw, wherein the fixed jaw includes the reference surface and is arranged to support the component abutting it, and the movable jaw is arranged to center and clamp the component and / or the intermediate retaining plate.

[0012] Therefore, by providing at least one fixed reference support point, and particularly by modifying a standard commercially available chuck of a recognized and widely used model, the present invention overcomes the problem of providing a fixed reference support point in space, making the manufacture of the clamping device according to the invention highly cost-effective. Furthermore, this modification does not alter the external dimensions of the chuck.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for securing such a micromechanical component or watch component inside a clamping chamber included in such a clamping device. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0015] - Figure 1 A perspective view of a clamping device according to the invention is shown schematically. This clamping device is based on a commercially available spring collet and includes a plurality of jaws separated by slots. Some of these jaws are internally machined so that they can no longer move when the spring collet is activated, and thus become fixed jaws opposite to the movable jaws. In this non-limiting alternative embodiment, they are arranged alternately with the movable jaws. The spring collet belongs to the type that clamps substantially concentrically about the collet axis.

[0016] - Figure 2 Schematic illustration Figure 1 Side view of the clamping device in the middle;

[0017] - Figure 3 Schematic illustration Figure 1 Top view of the clamping device in the middle;

[0018] - Figure 4 Schematic illustration Figure 1 The clamping device in the middle along Figure 2 The cross-sectional view is shown in plane AA; the components are arranged in layers along the chuck axis starting from the lower end of the clamping device. The pallet includes a standardized operating interface (in the form of a recess in this example); an operating member (not shown) such as a screw or rod for pushing or pulling passes through a cavity therein; the pallet carries a pushing member, in this example a ball resting on a spring (not shown), which is actuated by the operating member to push a cone, in this example a cone that tapers internally (i.e., gradually tapers), which mates with conical sections included in the movable jaws. These movable jaws include a gap around a retaining plate that holds a fixed jaw (not shown in this cross-sectional view), the retaining plate carrying the component to be positioned and clamped; this gap allows the movable jaws to be manipulated by pivoting to clamp the component; thus it can be understood that when the clamping screw is operated, the movable jaw is actuated by its actuating cone;

[0019] - Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The characteristics of the gap are indicated by ;

[0020] - Figure 6 Schematic illustration Figure 1 The clamping device in the middle along Figure 2The cross-sectional view of the cutting plane BB shows the alternation of fixed and movable jaws, with only the conical section of the movable jaw visible in the central part, while the fixed jaw has no actuating cone;

[0021] - Figure 7 and Figure 3 Similarly, this is shown after the grippers have been pivoted. Figure 1 The clamping device in the middle;

[0022] - Figure 8 and Figure 4 Similarly shown Figure 1 The clamping device in the middle along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the cutting plane EE in the diagram; and only the retaining jaws and the rigid connection between these retaining jaws and the retaining plate that is threaded to support the component are shown.

[0023] - Figure 9 and Figure 2 Similarly, this is shown after the grippers have been pivoted. Figure 1 The clamping device in the middle;

[0024] - Figure 10 and Figure 8 Similarly shown Figure 1 The clamping device in the middle along Figure 9 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the cutting plane CC, and only shows the retaining jaws and the precise positioning achieved by these retaining jaws through pin engagement with the retaining plate that carries the component;

[0025] - Figure 11 An exploded side view schematically illustrates the basic components of a spring collet, which can be used to manufacture according to... Figures 1 to 10 One of the clamping devices, wherein the cone forms a taper internally;

[0026] - Figure 12 An exploded side view of the basic components of a spring collet is schematically shown. This spring collet can be used to manufacture a clamping device according to another embodiment, wherein the cone forms a taper on the outside. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention relates to a clamping device 100 for holding, centering and / or clamping a micromechanical component or watch component 200 in a clamping chamber defined by a chuck, the chuck including at least one movable jaw 2.

[0028] More specifically, in the non-limiting embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention relates to a clamp with a chuck having substantially concentric jaws distributed about the chuck axis D; however, the principles of the invention described below are also applicable to other manufacturing tools of the vise type, or to specific tools having movable jaws.

[0029] In a non-limiting alternative embodiment shown in the figure, the invention is achieved by modifying a commercially available chuck 80 ("Ottet" type or similar type) to add a precise reference support point.

[0030] The reference support point allows the component to be clamped to be precisely positioned.

[0031] The example shown involves using a standard collet as the clamping base, where a standard collet 80 of type "Ottet" or similar type has been modified at low cost.

[0032] This modified chuck is designed to be assembled onto a bracket 40 equipped with a standard interface 41, which can be obtained from suppliers such as Erowa, Yerly, and TG-Colin, so that it is interchangeable and can equip any type of machine with this clamping device. In an alternative embodiment, the device can also be directly attached to any shank nose.

[0033] The component can be manually clamped / released from outside the machine using screws or rings, or automatically clamped / released, for example but not limited to, using a control lever provided with the machine.

[0034] The clamping device 100 includes a cone 30, which is an element that allows the chuck to close or open accordingly based on its inward / outward taper, such as... Figure 11 (A cone with a taper inside) and 12 (a cone with a taper outside) are shown.

[0035] To modify the standard chuck used, the present invention divides the function of each chuck head segment (in this example, including the movable jaw 2 and the fixed jaw 3) into two different functions. In particular, and in a non-limiting manner, for the purpose of balance, half of the segments may share one function; any other combination is possible depending on the specific constraints of the manufacturing operation to be performed.

[0036] The primary function is to maintain the basic function of the fixture, namely to clamp / release component 200 while ensuring that component 200 is centered.

[0037] The second function includes eliminating clamping / unclamping movement and rigidly connecting and securing these sections with the aid of a common plate to provide a fixed reference support point. To eliminate this movement on certain desired sections, the cones used to actuate these specific sections must first be eliminated / machined.

[0038] The movable gripper 2 allows the component 200 to be clamped / released (first function), and the fixed gripper 3, which is rigidly connected to each other, forms a reference support point (second function).

[0039] The movable gripper 2 is actuated by the engagement of a control cone 30, which tapers internally or externally on one side, and a complementary gradient surface 23 on the other. The control cone 30 is driven by a clamping screw 90 passing through a bracket 40 and arranged to push an actuating device 50, which is in particular a ball bearing or a reciprocating element combined with an axially elastic return device 51 such as a spring. The cone 30 includes a conical surface 32, and the gradient surface 23 is in particular the conical surface of the movable gripper 2 integrated into the chuck 80. It goes without saying that the conical surfaces of the cone 30 and the gripper can be replaced by other surfaces with a progressive profile.

[0040] Therefore, according to the present invention, at least one movable jaw 2 or fixed jaw 3, or when the chuck includes multiple jaws, at least some of the movable jaws 2 and / or fixed jaws 3 include a reference surface 20 arranged to support a component 200 directly abutting thereon from the front (i.e., from the front), or to support an intermediate retaining plate 400 directly abutting thereon from the front, the component 200 abutting thereon from the front. The clamping device 100 is configured to clamp using a reference support point and includes a fixed jaw 3 and a movable jaw 2. The fixed jaw 3 includes the reference surface 20 and is arranged to support the component 200 abutting thereon. The movable jaw 2 is arranged to center and / or clamp the component 200 or the intermediate retaining plate 400.

[0041] Therefore, the clamping device 100 includes movable jaws 2 arranged to center and / or clamp the component 200 and / or the intermediate retaining plate 400, the intermediate retaining plate 400 abutting against the reference surface 20 and serving as a support for the component 200 abutting thereon, and the movable jaws 2 including recesses 24 formed around the intermediate retaining plate 400 to provide a gap that allows the movable jaws 2 to elastically deform and move toward the chuck axis D in order to clamp the component 200.

[0042] More specifically, the clamping device 100 includes a fixed jaw 3 and a movable jaw 2, wherein the fixed jaw 3 includes a reference surface 20 and is arranged to support a component 200 abutting thereon, and the movable jaw 2 is arranged to center and / or clamp the component 200 and / or an intermediate retaining plate 400 abutting the reference surface 20 and serving as a support for the component 200 abutting thereon, and is arranged to retain the fixed jaw 3.

[0043] More specifically, the clamping device 100 includes a bracket 40 aligned along the chuck axis D and an actuation device, wherein the bracket 40 includes a clamping member (i.e., a gripping member) 41 arranged to cooperate with a tool and / or actuation device, and the actuation device is arranged to control the opening or closing of the chuck.

[0044] In one particular embodiment, the actuation device includes an annular element that rotates about the chuck axis D to control the closure of the chuck by actuating a movable jaw 2 contained within the chuck.

[0045] In another specific embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, the clamping device 100 includes an actuating device 90, such as a screw, nut, push rod, or pull rod, passing through or surrounding the bracket 40 along the chuck axis D for actuating a pusher 50 on the resilient support, and a cone 30 formed internally or externally, the cone 30 including a tapered surface 32, particularly a conical surface, arranged to engage with complementary surfaces 23 included in the movable jaw 2 and / or the fixed jaw 3, and forming a surface for actuating the chuck 80.

[0046] More specifically, the movable gripper 2 includes such a complementary surface 23, while the fixed gripper 3 does not include such a complementary surface 23.

[0047] More specifically, both the movable gripper 2 and the fixed gripper 3 are rotationally symmetrical with respect to the chuck axis D.

[0048] More specifically, the number of movable grippers 2 and fixed grippers 3 are equal.

[0049] The accompanying diagram shows a screw used as a manual clamping / releasing device for the chuck. However, if the machine is equipped with a control lever passing through the center of the bracket, then if the force of the control lever is sufficient, the control lever can replace the screw as an automatic clamping / releasing device.

[0050] It goes without saying that the indexing of component 200, particularly the angular indexing, can be achieved in any way, the simplest and least costly being with pins; these pins can be located on the fixed jaws 3 or on the retaining plate that holds the fixed jaws 3. The accompanying drawings show the pin 39 fixed inside the retaining plate, as if the latter itself were pinned into the spring collet. In an alternative embodiment, for example, if we use a standardized blank with a reference portion such as a notch, orientation in the fixed jaws may be advantageous; thus, retaining plates with different indentations for each reference portion can be replaced without adding pins or machining positioning grooves in the indentations. If the workpiece has milled indexing surfaces or dihedral angles, pins in the retaining plate or orientation counter-forms machined directly in the retaining plate can serve as indexing positions. It should be understood that using various intermediate retaining plates suitable for the manufacture of each type of component is less costly than machining jaws, which are sometimes irreversible.

[0051] In short, the present invention allows for the cost-effective manufacture of clamping devices that ensure both proper positioning and proper clamping of components; in particular, it can be produced by modifying known and widely used standard clamping devices, such as “Ottet” type chucks or similar chucks.

[0052] This invention improves machining accuracy, especially for rework, because the reference support point allows for better position repeatability.

[0053] Due to the distinction between the fixed and movable sections (there is no actuating cone and the fixed section is rigidly connected by means of a retaining plate), the present invention can easily identify the presence of a reference support point on the fixed section.

[0054] The compactness of this invention fully conforms to the trend of miniaturization of micromachining devices, and its overall size precisely meets the size requirements of today's micromachines, while also incorporating additional functions.

Claims

1. A clamping device (100) for holding, centering, and clamping a micromechanical component (200) in a clamping chamber defined by a chuck, the chuck including at least one movable jaw (2) radially movable relative to a longitudinal axis of the chuck, the clamping device characterized in that the at least one movable jaw (2) or fixed jaw (3) includes a reference surface (20), or, when the chuck includes a plurality of jaws, at least some of the movable jaws (2) and / or fixed jaws (3) include a reference surface (20), the reference surface (20) being arranged to support axially directly abutting against it. The component (200) is supported on the intermediate retaining plate (400) directly abutting it in the axial direction, wherein the component (200) abuts the intermediate retaining plate (400) in the axial direction; and the clamping device (100) is arranged to clamp using a reference support point and includes the fixed jaw (3) and the movable jaw (2), wherein the fixed jaw (3) includes the reference surface (20) and is arranged to support the component (200) abutting it, and the movable jaw (2) is arranged to center and clamp the component (200) and / or the intermediate retaining plate (400).

2. The clamping device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping device (100) includes a movable jaw (2) arranged to center and clamp the component (200) and / or the intermediate retaining plate (400), wherein the intermediate retaining plate (400) abuts against the reference surface (20) and serves as a support for the component (200) abutting thereon; In addition, the movable jaw (2) includes a recess (24) formed around the intermediate retaining plate (400) to provide a gap that allows the movable jaw (2) to deform and move toward the chuck axis (D) to clamp the component (200).

3. The clamping device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping device (100) includes a fixed jaw (3) having the reference surface (20) and arranged to support the component (200) abutting thereon, and a movable jaw (2) arranged to center and clamp the component (200) and / or the intermediate retaining plate (400), wherein the intermediate retaining plate (400) abuts the reference surface (20) and serves as a support for the component (200) abutting thereon, and is arranged to retain the fixed jaw (3).

4. The clamping device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The clamping device (100) includes a bracket (40) aligned along the chuck axis (D) and an actuation device, the bracket (40) including a clamping component (41) arranged to cooperate with a tool and / or actuation device, and the actuation device arranged to control the opening or closing of the chuck.

5. The clamping device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The clamping device (100) includes a bracket (40) aligned along the chuck axis (D) and the actuation device. The bracket (40) includes a clamping member (41) arranged to cooperate with a tool and / or actuation device. The actuation device includes an annular member rotatable about the chuck axis (D) to control the closure of the chuck by actuating the movable jaw (2) contained in the chuck.

6. The clamping device (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The clamping device (100) includes a bracket (40) aligned along the chuck axis (D) and the actuation device. The bracket (40) includes a clamping member (41) arranged to cooperate with a tool and / or actuation device. The actuation device includes a pusher (50) located on a resilient support and a cone (30) forming a taper internally or externally. The cone (30) includes a conical surface (32) arranged to cooperate with a complementary surface (23) contained in the movable jaw (2) and / or the fixed jaw (3) and constitutes a surface for actuating the chuck.

7. The clamping device (100) according to claim 6, characterized in that, Only the movable gripper (2) includes the complementary surface (23), while the fixed gripper (3) does not include the complementary surface (23).

8. The clamping device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The movable gripper (2) and the fixed gripper (3) are alternate.

9. The clamping device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The movable jaw (2) and the fixed jaw (3) are rotationally symmetrical about the chuck axis (D).

10. The clamping device (100) according to claim 8, characterized in that, The number of movable grippers (2) and fixed grippers (3) is the same.

11. The clamping device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The micromechanical component is a watch component.

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