Internal clamping device

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping device (12, 12 ') of the type of an inner clamping device for securing a workpiece. The clamping device (12, 12 ') has a housing (20) which extends in the axial direction (2) and which has a clamping cone (22) which extends in the axial direction. The clamping device (12, 12 ') also has a segmented clamping sleeve (50) which has a plurality of clamping sections (60) which can be moved relative to one another in the radial direction (4) and which have clamping surfaces (62) on the outer sides thereof for bearing against the workpiece. The clamping sections (60) have an inclined sliding surface (64) on the inner side thereof for bearing against the outer surface of the clamping cone, such that the clamping sections (60) can be radially displaced relative to each other by a common axial displacement relative to the clamping cone (22). The outer surface (24) of the clamping cone (22) has a non-circular shape in cross section and the sliding surface (64) of the clamping section (60) is shaped corresponding to the non-circular shape, and wherein the clamping device (12) further has a coupling element (40) or a coupling element (40 ') which can be removed and placed from the outside relative to the housing (20), the proximal end of the segmented clamping sleeve (50) is held on the clamping cone (22) by means of the coupling element.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a clamping device of the type of an inner clamping device for clamping workpieces, in particular for the purpose of machining these workpieces by rotation. BACKGROUND

[0002] By means of such inner clamping devices, in particular workpieces having a central recess are clamped, so that these workpieces can be clamped at their inner periphery by means of clamping faces of outwardly acting clamping segments.

[0003] Such clamping devices have a housing which extends in axial direction, which housing has a clamping cone which extends in axial direction. As a rule, this clamping cone has a circular cross section. In accordance with the provision, a segmented clamping sleeve is pushed onto the clamping cone, the outer side of which forms the clamping faces for abutment at the inner periphery of the workpiece. Such segmented clamping sleeves of clamping devices according to the invention have a plurality of clamping segments which are movably connected to one another, in particular by means of elastically deformable connecting sections between the clamping segments.

[0004] The workpiece is pushed onto the outer side of the segmented clamping sleeve. Subsequently, the segmented clamping sleeve is axially displaced in its entirety relative to the clamping cone in order to be expanded by means of the conical shape of the clamping cone and thus to press the clamping faces of the segmented clamping sleeve against the inner periphery of the workpiece. The workpiece is thereby clamped.

[0005] Such clamping devices are usually installed at a rotary spindle and have a housing on the spindle side, the distal end of which is formed by the clamping cone. SUMMARY

[0006] It is the task of the invention to provide an improved clamping device of the type described at the outset.

[0007] In order to solve this task, according to the invention a clamping device is proposed which, in accordance with such clamping devices, has a housing which extends in axial direction, which housing has a clamping cone of the type mentioned at the outset which defines the axial direction and extends in axial direction. The clamping cone has a circumferential outer face which tapers towards the distal end. In order to act in conjunction therewith, the clamping device has a segmented clamping sleeve which has a plurality of clamping segments which are movable in radial direction relative to one another and which have clamping faces at their outer side for abutment at the workpiece.

[0008] In order to act in conjunction with the clamping cone, the clamping segments have a beveled sliding face at their inner side for abutment at the outer face of the clamping cone, so that the clamping segments are radially displaceable relative to one another by a common axial displacement relative to the clamping cone.

[0009] According to the present invention, the outer surface of the clamping cone has a non-circular shape in cross-section, and the sliding surface of the clamping segment is formed correspondingly to this non-circular shape. Particularly preferably, the clamping cone has a polygonal outer shape. A hexagonal shape is preferred. The corresponding shape of the clamping segments means that these clamping segments have a shape on their inner sides, by which they can be surface-mounted against the clamping cone, wherein, in the case of a polygonal, and especially hexagonal, cross-sectional shape of the clamping cone, each clamping segment has two sliding surfaces on its inner side that are angled relative to each other. In a clamping cone with a hexagonal cross-section, in the case of three clamping segments, this means that the sliding surfaces of the clamping segments are respectively angled at 120° relative to each other.

[0010] The non-circular shape offers advantages in torque transmission from the clamping cone to the segmented clamping sleeve. Torsion of the segmented clamping sleeve relative to the clamping cone is impossible.

[0011] The outer side of the clamping cone and the inner side of the clamping section can be formed, in particular, by at least segmented planar sections, such that the corresponding planar sections abut against each other without regard to the axial movement of the segmented clamping sleeve relative to the clamping cone.

[0012] Accompanying the non-circular shape of the clamping cone is that the method of connecting the segmented clamping sleeve to the housing via a bayonet connection, as known in the prior art, is no longer applicable. If the segmented clamping sleeve is pushed onto the clamping cone, it is no longer possible to twist the segmented clamping sleeve relative to the clamping cone, which is fixed in position relative to the housing.

[0013] To ensure that the segmented clamping sleeve can still be secured, and especially clamped, despite these limitations, a connecting element movable relative to the housing, or a connecting element that can be removed and placed on as a whole, is provided. This connecting element holds the proximal end of the segmented clamping sleeve at the clamping cone. The end of the clamping cone pointing towards the housing or spindle is considered the proximal end of the clamping cone. The distal end of the clamping cone is the opposite free end.

[0014] Preferably, the clamping device is configured for mounting at the rotating spindle and has screw holes in the housing for mounting at the rotating spindle, through which fastening screws can be screwed into the end side of the rotating spindle. The clamping cone is configured as part of a rigid and preferably one-piece housing that includes both the screw holes and the clamping cone.

[0015] In addition to locking the segmented clamping sleeve to the housing to prevent axial pull-down, the connecting element preferably also functions to apply an axial force acting in the proximal direction to the segmented clamping sleeve. This force is coupled into the segmented clamping sleeve at its proximal end, and by means of this force, the segmented clamping sleeve can be further pulled up onto the clamping cone, thereby causing circumferential expansion of the segmented clamping sleeve and thus radial displacement of the clamping section outward, thereby establishing the clamping state of the workpiece. By installing the connecting element at the proximal end of the segmented clamping sleeve, the connecting element can pull the segmented clamping sleeve up onto the cone and expand it thereby by means of tensile stress.

[0016] In an inventive variant with a removable connecting element, the connecting element is positioned at the proximal end after the segmented clamping sleeve is pushed onto the clamping cone.

[0017] Here, the connecting element can be constructed in particular as a multi-piece or multi-element connecting element that is completely disassembled for the purpose of being placed laterally onto a segmented clamping sleeve, for example, disassembled into two completely separable elements that can be interconnected.

[0018] Preferably, the connecting element is constructed as a self-deformable connecting element having at least two rigid sub-elements movably mounted to each other, particularly by means of at least one elastically deformable connecting element, wherein the two sub-elements together form a connecting ring that breaks at one location. This connecting ring can be deformed, particularly flipped open, by means of the connecting element acting as a hinge, so that the flipped-open connecting ring can be placed laterally on the outside of the proximal end of the segmented clamping sleeve. There, the connecting ring can then be fitted into a configuration that circumferentially surrounds the segmented clamping sleeve.

[0019] In the installed state, the removable connecting element connects the segmented clamping sleeve to an axially movable control mechanism that extends outward through an opening in the housing of the clamping device. The removable connecting element has a cross-sectional shape that allows the segmented clamping sleeve to be connected to the control mechanism in a way that transmits tensile force. In particular, the removable connecting element can have a C-shaped profile. The tensile force transmitted via the connecting element allows the segmented clamping sleeve to be further pulled up onto the clamping cone, thereby increasing the circumference of the clamping surface and thus clamping the workpiece.

[0020] Preferably, a protective sleeve is additionally provided, which surrounds the removable connecting element in the assembled state and thereby prevents the connecting element from accidentally separating from the control mechanism or the segmented clamping sleeve. After the connecting element is installed, the protective sleeve is pushed up axially and preferably secured to the end side of the housing of the clamping device.

[0021] Another inventive variant is considered advantageous in contrast: in this second variant, the connecting element is configured as a self-rigid connecting element. In this case, the connecting element has a rigid and generally annular structure that, during assembly, can be pushed onto the clamping cone from its distal end before the segmented clamping sleeve is installed, and subsequently, by means of this structure, the segmented clamping sleeve is locked at the clamping cone. The annular structure or connecting ring is understood to mean that the self-rigid body has a central through-hole by means of which the body can be pushed onto the clamping cone.

[0022] In particular, the connecting element or connecting ring can be rotatably supported relative to the housing of the clamping device. Therefore, the connecting element can rotate relative to the clamping cone in the assembled state. This rotatability of the connecting element is used to establish a lock on the segmented clamping sleeve. This rotational movement causes the connecting element to twist relative to the segmented clamping sleeve about the central axis of the clamping cone.

[0023] This can be used for axially locking segmented clamping sleeves, wherein corresponding locking profiles are provided at the connecting element and at the segmented clamping sleeve for this purpose. In particular, these locking profiles can be configured to function in a bayonet-like manner. For this purpose, the locking profiles are so coordinated with each other by means of their combined shape that, in the first rotational position, the release position, the locking profile of the segmented clamping sleeve can be pushed into the connecting element, and in the second rotational position, the locking profile of the segmented clamping sleeve and the connecting element prevents the segmented clamping sleeve from being pulled off the clamping cone.

[0024] Thus, for the purpose of connecting the segmented clamping sleeve, with the connecting element in the released position, the segmented clamping sleeve is pushed onto the clamping cone and inserted into the through hole of the connecting element. Subsequently, the connecting element is rotated, for example, by 15°, thereby establishing a locking position in which the segmented clamping sleeve can no longer be pulled off the clamping cone.

[0025] Preferably, the release position and the locking position are spaced a maximum of 20° and more preferably a maximum of 15° apart. This allows switching between the release and locking positions using a relatively small rotational movement of the connecting element. This is particularly helpful so as not to excessively weaken the connection between the clamping cone and the surrounding housing through the opening for force transmission between the control mechanism and the connecting element in the housing.

[0026] Preferably, the locking profiles at the segmented clamping sleeve and at the connecting element are designed such that the locking profile of the segmented clamping sleeve is constructed in the form of an outwardly pointing flange. Preferably, this flange is formed by a flange section integrally molded with at least some of the clamping sections. Correspondingly, the locking profile at the connecting element is constructed in the form of an inwardly pointing flange. In the locked position, when the segmented clamping sleeve is pulled toward the distal end of the clamping cone, the segmented clamping sleeve collides with the flange of the connecting element due to its flange. By moving the connecting element in the proximal direction, a force is introduced into the segmented clamping sleeve via the locking profile, which causes the segmented clamping sleeve to expand further onto the clamping cone.

[0027] The flanges at the connecting elements and at the segmented clamping sleeves are typically not continuous circumferentially, but rather formed from multiple individual flange segments. In the case of segmented clamping sleeves, it is preferable to have a flange segment at least at each clamping segment. The flange at the connecting element can be formed as a circumferential flange. However, a design with multiple flange segments is also possible.

[0028] Particularly preferably, the locking profile at the connecting element and / or at the segmented clamping sleeve is not uniform in circumference, so that in the released position, the segmented clamping sleeve can only be pushed through the connecting element in a defined rotational orientation. Provided that the connecting element in its locked position always maintains the same relative position with respect to the housing of the clamping device with respect to rotation, it is thus ensured that the same surface segment on the inner side of the segmented clamping sleeve also always abuts against the same surface segment of the clamping cone. This is beneficial for the manufacturing accuracy achievable using the clamping device.

[0029] In particular, this can be achieved by having the locking profile of the segmented clamping sleeve disposed at the clamping segments, wherein at least one clamping segment has a locking profile different from that of at least another clamping segment. Particularly preferably, the segmented clamping sleeve has at least three clamping segments, wherein at least two clamping segments are structurally identical, and at least one clamping segment has a different shape in the region of the locking profile.

[0030] In order to enable the segmented clamping sleeve to be pulled further up onto the clamping cone by means of a connecting element and thereby clamp the workpiece, the connecting element is configured to establish a direct or indirect connection with a control mechanism located in the housing and at least axially movable.

[0031] For this purpose, the housing is preferably configured such that it has at least one perforation through which the connecting element itself, or a force-transmitting element that can be connected to the connecting element in the axial direction, extends into the housing for connection with a control mechanism, such that axial movement of the control mechanism relative to the housing causes axial movement of the connecting element relative to the housing. Preferably, one or more one-piece molded elongated force-transmitting elements are provided at the connecting element, extending into the housing through the perforation and reaching the control mechanism.

[0032] In particular, this can be used to fix the connecting element to the axial position of the control mechanism, so that the segmented clamping sleeve connected by the connecting element can move axially relative to the clamping cone by means of the axial displacement of the control mechanism, and thereby clamp the workpiece at the segmented clamping sleeve and release it therefrom.

[0033] Alternatively or additionally, the connecting element can be rotatably connected to the control mechanism about the central axis, thereby allowing the connecting element to be twisted relative to the clamping cone and the segmented clamping sleeve via rotational displacement of the control mechanism, and thus bringing it to the locked and released positions depending on the direction of rotation.

[0034] To connect the control mechanism within the housing to the connecting element on the outside, the housing preferably has multiple perforations through which the connecting element connects to the control mechanism arranged within the housing of the clamping device. Preferably, the multiple perforations are evenly distributed around the perimeter. Particularly preferably, the number of perforations is an integer multiple of the number of sides of the polygonal clamping cone, or the number of sides of the polygonal clamping cone is an integer multiple of the number of perforations. In particular, the number of perforations can also be the same as the number of sides of the clamping cone. Especially, the number of perforations is at least three, and particularly preferably exactly six.

[0035] Through multiple perforations, force or torque can be uniformly applied to the connecting element by a control mechanism. A bridging portion is retained between the perforations to securely connect the clamping cone, preferably in one piece, to the housing section surrounding the perforations, thereby ensuring the rigidity of the clamping cone.

[0036] Preferably, the perforation is an elongated hole, particularly in the form of an arched elongated hole. Therefore, the perforation has a greater extension in the circumferential direction than in the radial direction. With proper design of the connection section between the connecting element and the control mechanism, the design of the perforation as an elongated hole allows the connecting element to be permanently connected to the control mechanism during the twisting of the connecting element between the released and locked positions for the purpose of connecting to the segmented clamping sleeve.

[0037] As already described, the following structural configuration is possible, in which the torsion of the connecting elements is caused by a drive element (such as, in particular, a rotatable control mechanism) located in the housing.

[0038] However, a particularly preferred design configuration is such that the torsion of the connecting element about the central axis occurs on the outer side. For this purpose, preferably, an external element is provided that is connected to the connecting element in a torsional shape about the central axis, and this external element is accessible from the outside. In particular, the external element can be constructed as an outer ring surrounding the connecting element, particularly designed as a connecting ring. To establish a form fit for rotational action, a torque pin or torque recess is preferably provided at the external element, and a torque recess or torque pin is provided at the connecting element. The torque pin at one component engages in the torque recess at the other component, causing a rotational form fit. However, preferably, the torque pin and torque recess are coordinated such that axial relative movement between the external element and the connecting element remains possible. When the connecting element is displaced axially relative to the housing and clamping cone for the purpose of clamping and loosening the workpiece, the external element remains in a fixed position.

[0039] The external element can be configured to cause the connecting element to a released position and a locked position by means of rotational movement. However, the external element is particularly used for rotational locking of the connecting element in the locked position. Particularly preferably, the external element is configured to be mounted on the housing so as to thereby ensure the rotational position of the connecting element in the locked position. For the purpose of securing the external element to the housing, it can be configured, in particular, that the external element has at least one hole adapted to the housing through which the external element can be screwed onto the housing.

[0040] The clamping device according to the invention has a housing, the distal end of which is formed by a clamping cone. Preferably, a traction mechanism is provided within the housing to introduce the clamping force required into the segmented clamping sleeve via a control mechanism and a multiplier element.

[0041] Preferably, the clamping device has a protective baffle to prevent dirt and chips from entering the area of ​​the locking profile. This is suitable to prevent dirt or, in particular, chips from reaching between the mating surfaces of the locking profile and thus causing asymmetrical force transmission from the connecting element to the segmented clamping sleeve.

[0042] Preferably, the segmented clamping sleeve has a protective baffle that protects the connecting elements and / or the locking profile of the segmented clamping sleeve in its assembled state. Preferably, the protective baffle is designed as an annular protective baffle, which is arranged offset relative to the locking profile of the segmented clamping sleeve toward the distal end in a manner that surrounds the clamping section.

[0043] Preferably, the protective baffle is made of an elastic material similar to rubber. Particularly preferably, the protective baffle and the elastic connecting element disposed between the clamping sections are designed as a single piece. Thus, the segmented clamping sleeve designed in this way has a continuous elastic portion that simultaneously forms both the protective baffle and the connecting element between the clamping sections.

[0044] Preferably, the connecting element has an end-side, and especially a planar, contact surface, and after the segmented clamping sleeve is installed, the protective baffle of the segmented clamping sleeve is circumferentially attached to the contact surface. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Other advantages and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention, which are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The clamping device according to the invention is shown in an overall view, wherein, in Figure 2 The clamping device is shown in cross-section.

[0047] Figure 3 The clamping device is shown in disassembled form.

[0048] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The connecting elements of the clamping device and the segmented clamping sleeve are shown in a single view.

[0049] Figure 6 and Figure 7 A clamping device according to the invention is shown in another design. Detailed Implementation

[0050] Figure 1 and Figure 2 In overall view or Figure 2 The clamping device 12 according to the invention is shown in cross-section in the case of the present invention.

[0051] The clamping device 12 is specifically configured to be installed at the distal end of the rotating spindle 100, the distal end of which is located at... Figure 1 As shown in the figure. Thus, the workpiece clamped by means of the clamping device 12 can be placed in a rotational motion so that it can be machined, for example.

[0052] The clamping device 12 has a housing 20, which is mounted on the rotating spindle 100 for this purpose. Screw holes 28 for fastening the housing 20 to the rotating spindle 100 are provided in the housing 20. A clamping cone 22 is provided at the distal end of the housing 20, pointing to the right in the figure, which defines the central axis 2 of the clamping device, wherein the central axis 2 coincides with the rotation axis 2 of the rotating spindle 100. A segmented clamping sleeve 50 is pulled onto the clamping cone 22, the segmented clamping sleeve itself having three metal clamping sections 60. These clamping sections 60 are interconnected via connecting elements 58 made of rubber or the like.

[0053] The clamping section 60 has a clamping surface 62 on its outer side. By means of the conical shape of the clamping cone 22 and the corresponding sliding surface 64 on the inner side of the clamping section 60, the radial expansion of the segmented clamping sleeve 50, as indicated by arrow 4, can be achieved by further pulling the segmented clamping sleeve onto the cone along the clamping direction 2A.

[0054] For the purpose of pulling the segmented clamping sleeve 50 onto the clamping cone 22, and therefore for the purpose of introducing force to clamp the workpiece, a connecting element 40 is provided. This connecting element 40 has an annular structure and a connecting element 48 that extends through a perforation 26 in the housing 20 into the interior space of the housing 20, where it connects to the control mechanism 80. If the control mechanism 80 is displaced within the housing 20 in the clamping direction 2A or the slack direction 2B, the annular connecting element 40 is also displaced.

[0055] Sections 43 and 53, which will be described below, are provided at the segmented clamping sleeve 50 and the connecting element 40. These sections ensure that the axial movement of the connecting element 40 in the clamping direction 2A also causes the axial movement of the segmented clamping sleeve 50, thereby allowing the segmented clamping sleeve to be further pulled up onto the clamping cone 22.

[0056] The connecting element 40 can rotate about the central axis 2 to a limited extent together with the control mechanism 80. An external element 30 is provided on the outside of the connecting element, which is connected to the connecting element 40 via a torque coupling part in the form of a torque pin 32 and a torque recess 44, and the significance of the external element will be explained below.

[0057] refer to Figure 3 Therefore, the aforementioned perforations 26 are provided in the end side of the housing 20 to surround the clamping cone 22. In the case of the current embodiment, a total of four perforations are involved. Depending on the required rigidity, other numbers of perforations may also be suitable.

[0058] According to Figure 3As can also be seen, the external shape of the clamping cone 22 is not rotationally symmetrical, but rather polygonal. Therefore, the outer surface 24 is formed primarily by a number of planar or largely planar individual faces 24A, currently formed by six individual faces 24A.

[0059] According to Figure 5 As can be seen, a corresponding structure is constructed inside the segmented clamping sleeve 50. The sliding surfaces 64 on the inner sides of the three clamping sections 60 are arranged such that two sliding surfaces 64 are provided at each of the clamping sections 60, the two sliding surfaces are at an angle of 120° to each other, and the two sliding surfaces are thus oriented in relation to the adjacent single surface 24A.

[0060] The polygonal shape of the clamping cone 22 and the sliding surface 64 as a whole makes it impossible to twist the segmented clamping sleeve 50 pushed onto the clamping cone 22. However, it is advantageous that the sliding surface 64 and the individual surfaces 24A of the clamping cone 22 are in constant surface contact during operation.

[0061] The purpose of the described rotatability of the connecting element 40 about the central axis 2 is to allow the segmented clamping sleeve 50 to be installed at the connecting element 40 and, therefore indirectly, at the control mechanism 80 and at the pulling mechanism of the rotating spindle 100, despite the polygonal shape of the clamping cone 22. Since the segmented clamping sleeve 50 is no longer rotatable after being pushed onto the clamping cone 22, the connection is established by the aforementioned rotatability of the connecting element 40.

[0062] A locking profile 53 is provided for connection and axial force transmission between the connecting element 40 and the segmented clamping sleeve 50. According to... Figure 4 What is visible is the locking profile on one side of the connecting element. As can be seen here, the locking profile 53 forms an inwardly pointing flange with a plurality of radially projecting protrusions, currently in a wave shape.

[0063] According to Figure 5 As can be seen, a corresponding wave shape is also provided at the segmented clamping sleeve 50, that is, three outwardly pointing locking contour sections 63A, 63B, and 63C are provided at the clamping section 60. According to... Figure 5 As can also be seen, the design is not the same at all clamping sections 60. The clamping section 60 with the locking profile section 63A has a continuous radially projecting protrusion that is wider than the other protrusions.

[0064] In order to assemble the segmented clamping sleeve 50, the connecting element 40 is first brought to the axial end position in the relaxation direction 2B by means of the control mechanism 80. Then, the connecting element 40 is twisted to the release position. This can be done in particular by means of the external element 30, which is not fixed to the housing 20 at this point, for which the external element is rotated about the central axis, and the connecting element 40 is twisted together with it due to its connection with the connecting element 40 via the torque pin 32 and the torque recess 44.

[0065] In the release position that can be achieved in this way, the segmented clamping sleeve 50 can be pushed up, and the locking profiles 53,43 allow them to pass over each other by the appropriate orientation of the respective protrusions.

[0066] Once the segmented clamping sleeve has been pushed far enough onto the clamping cone, the connecting element 40 is preferably twisted by about 15° by means of the external element 30, so that the protrusions at the locking profiles 43, 53 overlap, and thus direct axial separation of the segmented clamping sleeve 50 from the clamping cone 22 is no longer possible. This state is locked by tightening the external element 30 onto the housing 20.

[0067] The clamping device is now ready to operate.

[0068] By axially shifting the control mechanism 80 and thereby indirectly shifting the connecting element 40 and the segmented clamping sleeve 50, the segmented clamping sleeve can be further pulled up onto the clamping cone 22, thereby causing the segmented clamping sleeve to expand radially, and resulting in a clamping state at the workpiece that is externally attached to the segmented clamping sleeve 50.

[0069] If the workpiece needs to be replaced, the control mechanism 80 is moved along the relaxation direction 2B via the pulling mechanism 90, wherein the connecting element 40 moves together. Therefore, the connecting element 40 allows the segmented clamping sleeve 50 to now also shift relative to the clamping cone 22 along the relaxation direction 2B, and thus radially retract under the action of the tangentially tensioned connecting element 58 until then. Thus, the clamping state at the workpiece is released, and the workpiece can be removed and replaced by another workpiece to be processed.

[0070] During the tool change, there is no risk of the segmented clamping sleeve 50 becoming detached from the connecting element 40, because the rotatability of the connecting element 40 relative to the clamping cone 22 and the segmented clamping sleeve is prevented by the external element 30.

[0071] If the segmented clamping sleeve 50 itself needs to be replaced, the connecting element 40 is moved in the slack direction 2B, as is done when changing the workpiece. Then, the outer element 30 is released, allowing it to be twisted relative to the housing 20. By rotating the outer element 30 and thereby also rotating the connecting element 40, the connecting element is twisted back to the release position, in which the segmented clamping sleeve 50 can then be removed without impact from the locking profiles 53, 54.

[0072] Figure 6 and Figure 7 An alternative design of the clamping device according to the invention is shown. Consistent with the clamping device 12 described above, the clamping device 12' is also provided with a clamping cone 22 at the housing 20, the clamping cone tapering towards its distal end and having a polygonal external shape having six individual faces 24A angled to each other. The clamping cone 22 is used to receive a segmented clamping sleeve 50, which has a [missing information - likely a feature or design] on its inner side... Figure 5 The sliding surface 64 is consistently inclined.

[0073] However, in Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the design scheme, the segmented clamping sleeve 50 is connected to the control mechanism for axial displacement. Figures 1 to 5 The design schemes are different and loose. The control mechanism 80 has eight pull arms 84 extending through perforations 26' in the housing 20, and these pull arms have outwardly pointing lugs 85 on the outside of the housing 20.

[0074] The segmented clamping sleeve 50 has three clamping sections 60, each with an outwardly pointing connecting flange 55 at its end facing the housing 20.

[0075] In order to mount the segmented clamping sleeve 50 at the pull arm 84 of the control mechanism 80, and to couple the pulling force into the segmented clamping sleeve 50 via the control mechanism 80 to allow the workpiece to be clamped, a multi-element connecting element 40' is provided. The connecting element 40' consists of two metal half-shells 41', which are connected by means of an elastic connecting element 42', so that they can be opened when the connecting element 42' elastically deforms.

[0076] This allows the unfolded connecting element 40' to be guided from the side to the pull arm 84 and its lug 85, and to the connecting flange 55, after the segmented clamping sleeve 50 is pushed onto the clamping cone 22, and then closed again. Figure 7 The initial shape.

[0077] Presented Figure 6The state shown indicates that the connecting element 40' achieves a tensile form-fit connection by means of its C-shaped profile. Therefore, by causing the control mechanism 80 to... Figure 6 The leftward shift also shifts the connecting element 40' and the segmented clamping sleeve 50 to the left, and causes the segmented clamping sleeve 50 to expand for the purpose of clamping the workpiece.

[0078] To prevent the connecting element 40' from accidentally opening and thus losing its form-fit connection between the control mechanism 80 and the segmented clamping sleeve 50, a protective sleeve 30' is provided. After the connecting element 40' is installed, the protective sleeve is pushed from the distal end onto the segmented clamping sleeve 50 and the connecting element 40', and is fastened to the housing 20 by means of screws.

[0079] The second structural form is technically simpler and therefore potentially more economically advantageous. However, in this design, the clamping cone 22 is relatively long, resulting in a lower stiffness. Figures 1 to 5 The design scheme. Therefore, Figures 1 to 5 The design scheme is generally considered advantageous.

Claims

1. A clamping device (12, 12') of the type of internal clamping device for fixing a workpiece, especially for the purpose of rotating the workpiece, having the following characteristics: a. The clamping device (12, 12') has a housing (20) extending in the axial direction (2), and b. The housing (20) has a clamping cone (22) extending in an axial direction, the clamping cone having a surrounding outer surface (24) that tapers toward a distal end, and c. The clamping device (12, 12') has a segmented clamping sleeve (50) having a plurality of clamping segments (60) movable relative to each other in the radial direction (4), and d. The clamping section (60) has a clamping surface (62) on its outer side for abutting against the workpiece, and e. The clamping section (60) has an oblique sliding surface (64) on its inner side for abutting against the outer side of the clamping cone, so that the clamping sections (60) can be radially displaced relative to each other by common axial displacement relative to the clamping cone (22). It has the following additional features: f. The outer surface (24) of the clamping cone (22) has a non-circular shape in cross-section, and the sliding surface (64) of the clamping section (60) is formed correspondingly to the non-circular shape, and g. The clamping device (12, 12') has a connecting element (40) movable relative to the housing (20) or a removable and externally attachable connecting element (40'), wherein the proximal end of the segmented clamping sleeve (50) is held at the clamping cone (22) by means of the connecting element (40, 40').

2. The clamping device (12, 12') according to claim 1, has the following additional features: a. The cross-section of the clamping cone (22) has a polygonal external shape, especially a hexagonal external shape. Preferably, it has the following additional features: b. The clamping section (60) of the segmented clamping sleeve (50) has two sliding surfaces (64) that are at an angle to each other, especially two sliding surfaces (64) that are at an angle of 120° to each other.

3. The clamping device (12) according to claim 1 or 2, has the following additional features: a. The connecting element (40) is constructed as a self-rigid connecting element (40).

4. The clamping device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims has the following additional features: a. The connecting element (40) is designed to be rotatable about the central axis of the clamping cone (22).

5. The clamping device (12) according to claim 4, having the following additional features: a. The connecting element (40) and the segmented clamping sleeve (50) have corresponding locking profiles (43, 53), and b. The locking profiles (43, 53) are coordinated such that, in the first rotational position and the release position, the locking profile (53) of the segmented clamping sleeve (50) can be pushed into the connecting element (40), and in the second rotational position and the locking position, the segmented clamping sleeve (50) and the locking profiles (43, 53) of the connecting element (40) prevent the segmented clamping sleeve (50) from being pulled off the clamping cone (22). Preferably, it has the following additional features: c. The release position and the locking position are spaced at a maximum of 20°, preferably a maximum of 15° apart.

6. The clamping device (12) according to claim 5, having the following additional features: a. The locking profile (53) of the segmented clamping sleeve (50) is constructed in the form of outwardly pointing flanges at at least some locations in the clamping section (60), and b. The locking profile (43) of the connecting element (40) is constructed in the form of an inwardly pointing flange.

7. The clamping device according to claim 5 or 6, further comprising the following additional features: a. The locking profiles (43, 53) at the connecting element (40) and / or at the segmented clamping sleeve (50) are not uniform in circumference, so that in the release position, the segmented clamping sleeve (50) can only be pushed through the connecting element (40) in a defined rotational orientation.

8. The clamping device according to claim 7, further comprising the following additional features: a. The locking profile (53) of the segmented clamping sleeve (50) is provided at the clamping section (60), wherein, At least one clamping segment has a locking profile (63A) that is different from the locking profile segments (63B, 63C) of at least another clamping segment (60).

9. The clamping device (12) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, having the following additional features: a. To prevent and control the torsion of the connecting element (40), an external element (30) is provided that is connected to the connecting element in a manner that matches its torsion shape. Preferably, it has at least one of the following additional features: b. The external element (30) is constructed in the form of an outer ring (30) surrounding the connecting element (40), and / or c. The external element (30) is configured for mounting on the housing (20), and in particular has at least one hole adapted to the housing.

10. The clamping device (12) according to claim 9, having the following additional features: a. Regarding the axial direction, the external element (30) and the connecting element (40) are movable relative to each other. Preferably, it has the following additional features: b. In order to establish the shape fit, a torque pin (32) or torque recess is provided at the external element (30), which engages with the torque recess (44) or torque pin of the connecting element (40).

11. The clamping device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims has the following additional features: a. The housing (20) has at least one perforation (26), through which the connecting element (40) is connected to a control mechanism (80) arranged in the housing (20) of the clamping device (12), such that movement of the control mechanism (80) relative to the housing (20) causes movement of the connecting element (40) relative to the housing (20). Preferably, it has at least one of the following additional features: b. The connecting element (40) is axially fixedly connected to the control mechanism (80), such that, via axial displacement of the control mechanism (80), the segmented clamping sleeve (50) connected by the connecting element (40) can move axially relative to the clamping cone, thereby clamping and releasing the workpiece at and / or from the segmented clamping sleeve (50). c. The connecting element (40) is rotatably connected to the control mechanism (80) about a central axis, such that the connecting element (40) can be twisted relative to the segmented clamping sleeve (50) by rotational displacement of the control mechanism (80), and thus can be brought to the locked position and the released position, and / or d. The housing (20) has a plurality of perforations (26) through which the connecting element (40) passes and connects to a control mechanism (80) arranged in the housing (20) of the clamping device (12), wherein preferably, at least three perforations (26) are provided, and particularly preferably exactly six perforations (26), wherein preferably, at least one perforation (26) is constructed in the form of an elongated hole, particularly in the form of an arc-shaped elongated hole.

12. The clamping device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims has the following additional features: a. The clamping device (12) has a traction mechanism (90) arranged in the housing (20) of the clamping device (12), by means of which the segmented clamping sleeve (50) can be displaced on the clamping cone (22) in a proximal direction, thereby causing an expansion of the clamping surface (62) of the segmented clamping sleeve (50).

13. The clamping device (12) according to any one of claims 5 to 12 has the following additional features: a. The segmented clamping sleeve (50) has a protective baffle (56) that, in the assembled state of the segmented clamping sleeve (50), protects the connecting element (40) and / or the locking profiles (43, 53) of the segmented clamping sleeve (50). In particular, it has at least one of the following additional features: b. The protective baffle (56) is an annular protective baffle (56) and is preferably made of a rubber-like material, wherein, The protective baffle (56) is preferably designed as a single piece with the connecting element (58) disposed between the clamping section (60), and / or c. The connecting element (40) has an end-side contact surface (46), and in the assembled state of the segmented clamping sleeve (50), the protective baffle (56) is circumferentially abutted against the contact surface (46).

14. The clamping device (12') according to claim 1 or 2, having the following additional features: a. The connecting element (40') is constructed as a self-deformable connecting element (40'). Especially with additional features: b. The connecting element (40') has at least two rigid, preferably metallic, sub-elements (41'), which are movably mounted on each other, particularly by means of an elastically deformable connecting element (42'), wherein, The two sub-elements (41') together form a connecting loop (40) that is broken at one location, and / or c. The connecting element (40') is constructed with a C-shaped profile cross section at least segment by segment for connecting the control mechanism (80) to the segmented clamping sleeve (50) in a shape-fitting manner.

15. The clamping device (12) according to any one of the preceding claims, having at least one of the following additional features: a. The clamping device (12) is configured to be mounted on the rotating spindle (100) and has a screw hole (28) in the housing through which a fastening screw can be screwed into the end side of the rotating spindle, and b. A rigid, preferably one-piece housing (20) comprising both the screw hole (28) and the clamping cone (22).

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