Clamping system with adaptive span

Abstract

clamping system (1), comprising at least three wedge-shaped clamping elements (2) arranged in a common plane, called the arrangement plane, wherein each of the clamping elements (2) has a clamping side (3) and a contact side (4) and each of the clamping elements (2) is in contact on its clamping side (3) with the contact side (4) of exactly one other of the clamping elements (2), wherein for each clamping element (2), a first beam, which lies in a plane parallel to the arrangement plane and on which the clamping side (3) runs, and a second beam, which lies in the plane parallel to the arrangement plane and on which the contact side (4) runs, enclose a wedge angle, wherein the clamping elements (2) are arranged such that sections of all clamping sides (3) in which they are not in contact with a contact side (4) together form a continuous clamping surface, further comprising a rotatable rotation element (7) and a transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism is arranged to transmit a rotational movement of the rotation element (7) relative to the clamping elements (2) into movements of the clamping elements (2), where the vertices (8) of the wedge angles form the corner points of a convex polygon (9).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a clamping system with adaptive clamping width for clamping workpieces.

[0002] Cutting bar stock to length is an important process step and usually occurs at the beginning of almost every industrial processing operation. Bar stock with a rectangular cross-section can easily be clamped from two sides. Round cross-sections, on the other hand, are more difficult to clamp, especially with thin-walled hollow bodies. They require even force distribution across the circumference to avoid plastic deformation. Unlike rectangular cross-sections, round cross-sections cannot be clamped with positive clamping. Securement against twisting is achieved solely through a force-locking connection, i.e., a frictional connection.

[0003] Processing plants and companies rely on short throughput times. Rapid clamping of components is therefore advantageous, especially because the overall cutting process does not contribute any significant value.

[0004] When clamping components in such systems, two conditions must be met. First, the clamping force should be large enough to prevent movement of the workpiece during machining. Second, the clamping force should be small enough to prevent the component from plastically deforming during clamping. This can cause problems, especially with hollow materials such as pipes.

[0005] The state of the art typically uses shaped clamping jaws that replicate the cross-section to be clamped circumferentially, thus providing the largest possible clamping surface. However, such systems must be adapted to components of different sizes. Typically, the shaped clamping jaws are adjusted to the respective diameter of the component and exchanged within the fixture. This can be particularly disadvantageous in production operations and lead to undesirable delays. Such a device is described, for example, in EP 2 291 250 B1, US 4,498,662, and BE 898254.

[0006] Publication EP 3 720 246 A1 shows a tool gripper with slide elements that can be moved inward together in a plane to create a polygonal clamping surface for a tool or workpiece to be held. The slide elements are slid over one another like a shutter.

[0007] US 8,734,066 B2 relates to a pipe notcher with a hole saw having a rotating vise that aligns the centerline of a tubular workpiece, and a rotating alignment assembly that aligns the centerline of the hole saw with the centerline of the workpiece. The device described therein uses gripper plates arranged in a plane to grip a workpiece by radial displacement of the gripper plates. The gripper plates are driven by a rotatable rotary element.

[0008] DE 197 09 353 C1 describes a chuck as a gripping and / or holding device for objects to be handled, with at least two chuck bodies arranged coaxially to one another, rotatable relative to one another, forming a receiving channel for an object to be handled, and with clamping elements arranged within the receiving channel, which are designed as elastic or elastically mounted cords or bands, which, when the chuck bodies are rotated relative to one another, form a continuously variable diameter constriction of the receiving channel for clamping an object.

[0009] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a device which enables the clamping of workpieces of different sizes without exchanging clamping jaws.

[0010] The object is achieved by a clamping system according to claim 1. Advantageous developments of the invention are described by the dependent claims.

[0011] The invention is based on the idea of ​​clamping a workpiece from multiple directions using multiple movable clamping elements. The clamping system according to the invention comprises at least three wedge-shaped clamping elements arranged in a common plane. The common plane in which the clamping elements are arranged will hereinafter be referred to as the arrangement plane.

[0012] According to the invention, each of the clamping elements has a clamping side and a contact side. To clamp a workpiece, the clamping elements advantageously touch the workpiece to be machined with their clamping sides, allowing a force to be exerted on the component from multiple sides. The clamping and contact sides are advantageously the sides of the wedge-shaped clamping element that converge at an angle. The clamping side can be considered a side of the clamping element that can come into contact with the workpiece to be machined, at least in part.

[0013] The clamping elements can advantageously be designed such that the clamping and contact sides of each clamping element intersect at an angle at a tip of the wedge-shaped clamping element. This means that a first ray, which runs in a plane parallel to the arrangement plane and along the contact side, and a second ray, which runs in the same plane and along the clamping side, form an angle. This angle has a vertex located at the tip of the wedge-shaped clamping element. A ray is defined as a half-line that emanates from the vertex described above and runs at least partially along the contact side or the clamping side.

[0014] An axis that is perpendicular to the arrangement plane and has the same distance from all vertices of the clamping elements shall be called the central axis.

[0015] Embodiments are also possible in which this tip is rounded and / or blunted in at least one clamping element. In this case, too, an angle is formed by the two described rays, which has the described apex. The first ray also runs in a plane parallel to the arrangement plane and along the clamping side of the clamping element. The second ray runs in the same plane and along the contact side of the clamping element.

[0016] Regardless of whether the clamping elements have a tip or not, it can be advantageous if the sum of all angular dimensions of the angles formed by the rays is equal to 360°.

[0017] In advantageous embodiments, at least one, and advantageously all, of the clamping elements can form a circular segment in a projection onto the arrangement plane and / or in a section through a plane parallel to the arrangement plane. In this case, the clamping element(s) has a curved third side in addition to the contact and clamping side. The shape of the third side can be arbitrarily designed, as long as the range of motion of the clamping elements relative to one another is not restricted.

[0018] Designs are also possible in which the clamping element forms a circular segment with a rounded or blunt tip. In this case, the straight sides running along the radius of the circular segment form the contact and clamping sides.

[0019] The thickness of a clamping element, i.e., the extension of the clamping element in the direction perpendicular to the arrangement plane, can advantageously be uniform across the entire clamping element. However, embodiments are also advantageously possible in which at least one clamping element has recesses. This can, for example, serve to reduce the weight of the system. Such recesses can advantageously be arranged inside the surface of the clamping element, i.e., spaced apart from the clamping side and the contact side. Furthermore, embodiments are possible in which at least one clamping element is hollow and / or has cavities to reduce weight.

[0020] The clamping elements can be made of, or comprised of, aluminum, stainless steel, or steel. Advantageously, the clamping side and / or the contact side can have a coating to protect the material being clamped and / or to increase the static friction between the workpiece and the clamping side.

[0021] According to the invention, each of the clamping elements is in contact on its clamping side with the contact side of exactly one other of the clamping elements. The clamping elements can move relative to one another. Such a displacement of the clamping elements relative to one another can advantageously take place along straight lines that run parallel to the arrangement plane and that lie in the respective contact or clamping sides. The clamping elements can therefore move relative to one another in the arrangement plane. The clamping elements advantageously do not perform any rotational movements relative to one another about axes that are perpendicular to the arrangement plane. However, embodiments are also possible in which all of the clamping elements can be rotated together about an axis that is perpendicular to the arrangement plane.

[0022] According to the invention, the clamping elements are arranged in such a way that sections of all clamping sides where they are not in contact with a contact side together form a continuous clamping surface. The workpiece to be clamped can be touched by sections of the clamping surface. The clamping surface is advantageously continuous, i.e., has no interruptions or gaps. This prevents, for example, foreign objects from getting between the clamping elements. Particularly when used in machining production systems, foreign objects in the form of chips can occur that could potentially get into devices and then disrupt their function. The clamping surface forms a polygon in a sectional plane parallel to the arrangement plane, which is described in more detail below.

[0023] A clamping system according to the invention further comprises a rotatable rotation element and a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism is configured according to the invention to transmit a rotational movement of the rotation element relative to the clamping elements into movements of the clamping elements. Advantageously, the transmission takes place mechanically.

[0024] Transmission can mean that a first movement of a first element causes second movements of one or more second elements. Transmission can particularly mean here that by rotating the rotating element relative to the clamping elements and / or an optional base element by a certain angle of rotation, all vertices or tips of the clamping elements move away from a central point by certain distances in the radial direction. The central point can lie on the central axis, in particular where it intersects the arrangement plane. The lengths of the distances are advantageously related to the angle of rotation. The transmission ratio, i.e. the relationship between the length of the distance and the angle of rotation, does not necessarily have to be constant, but can change, for example, depending on the angle of rotation and / or the position of the clamping elements.

[0025] According to the invention, the vertices of the wedge angles or the tips of the clamping elements form the corners of a convex polygon. A convex polygon is defined as a polygon in which every connecting line between two points of the polygon lies entirely within the polygon. The clamping sides form, at least in sections, the sides of the resulting polygon. Workpieces can be clamped by the sides of the polygon or the clamping sides of the clamping elements.

[0026] Advantageously, the polygon can be a tangent polygon. This means that each side of the polygon forms a tangent to a common circle. This allows, for example, a pipe with a circular cross-section to be clamped by the clamping system.

[0027] It can also be advantageous if the center point of the polygon is stationary regardless of the size of the polygon formed. In this case, a stationary center point means that the position of the center point of the polygon does not change, even if the positions of the vertices that form the corners of the polygon change. The center point can, for example, be a point towards which all vertices of the wedge angles move. Advantageously, it is the geometric center of the convex polygon. Particularly when cutting bar stock, this type of design of the polygon can considerably simplify handling, as it defines a stationary axis of symmetry of the clamping system that is perpendicular to the arrangement plane. This axis of symmetry can, in particular, be the central axis.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the clamping system, the convex polygon is equiangular and / or equilateral. If the vertices form the corners of a convex, equiangular, and equilateral polygon, a component with a circular cross-section can be clamped evenly from several sides. Since each clamping element is in contact with the contact side of another clamping element on its clamping side, an equiangular polygon can be created if the wedge angles of each clamping element have the same angular dimension.

[0029] Advantageously, the clamping elements can be coupled to each other. This means that the displacement of one clamping element by a first distance causes the movement of each other clamping element by a specific distance. Optionally, the clamping elements can be coupled so that all these distances are of equal length. Regardless of this, it can be advantageous if all vertices of the wedge angles converge at a single point in at least one position of the transmission mechanism.

[0030] It can be particularly advantageous if the movements of the vertices are radial and synchronous with each other. In conjunction with embodiments in which the clamping sides form an equilateral and / or equiangular polygon, the polygon can thus remain equilateral and / or equiangular regardless of its size.

[0031] In an advantageous development of the clamping system, the rotating element can be rotatable about the central axis, which is perpendicular to the arrangement plane. In this case, it is advantageous if the rotating element extends in a plane parallel to the arrangement plane. This can enable a more compact design of the entire clamping system.

[0032] Optionally, all clamping sides and all contact sides can be flat surfaces, at least in sections. This enables secure clamping of workpieces. It can be advantageous if the clamping sides and contact sides run perpendicular to the assembly plane, at least in sections.

[0033] In an advantageous embodiment, the clamping system can have guide elements arranged at sections of the clamping sides and contact sides of the clamping elements. In this case, each clamping element can be in contact with the contact side of the corresponding other clamping element via a guide element on its clamping side. This embodiment enables the clamping elements to be moved relative to one another with little force. The guide elements can also reduce the likelihood of the clamping elements becoming jammed. Guide elements can be, for example, rails or interlocking grooves and tongues, which are arranged in sections on the clamping and contact sides of the clamping elements.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the transmission mechanism can be configured to move the clamping elements in a straight line. In particular, it can be advantageous if the transmission mechanism is configured to move the vertices of the wedge angles along straight lines that radiate from the central axis, which is perpendicular to the arrangement plane. It is advantageous if a straight line along which the vertex of a clamping element can be moved does not intersect this clamping element.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the vertices can move along straight lines that all run radially to the central axis and do not intersect the respective clamping element. Advantageously, the clamping elements do not rotate.

[0036] It can be particularly advantageous if each of the wedge angles has the same angular dimension. If the clamping system has n clamping elements, where n is an integer greater than or equal to three, the angular dimension of the wedge angles in this case can be equal to 360° / n. Advantageously, the angular dimension of each wedge angle is equal to 120° (for n = 3), 90° (for n = 4), 72° (for n = 5), 60° (for n = 6), 360 / 7° (for n = 7), 45° (for n = 8), 40° (for n = 9), 36° (for n = 10) or 360 / 11° (for n = 11). The number of contact points between the workpiece and the clamping system is advantageously equal to the number of clamping elements. In order to keep the compressive load on the workpiece low, it can therefore be advantageous to provide as many clamping elements as possible. The resulting polygon increasingly approaches a circle for a large number of clamping elements, which enables a more even application of forces and an almost form-fitting connection.

[0037] The clamping system advantageously comprises a base element. The base element can advantageously be arranged parallel to the base plane and / or be designed, for example, as a plate. The clamping elements are advantageously arranged movably on the base element. For the sake of simplicity, the following description is based on a system in which the base element is stationary. The rotation element can be rotatable relative to the base element about the central axis.

[0038] The rotation element advantageously has a first guide for each of the clamping elements. The base element advantageously has a second guide for each of the clamping elements. Furthermore, each of the clamping elements can have a first running element and a second running element, wherein the first running element is guided in a corresponding one of the first guides and the second running element is guided in a corresponding one of the second guides. A guide and a guide element can, for example, be a groove and a tongue guided therein. Embodiments are also possible in which a guide is a rail and a guide element is a carriage that can be guided on the rail.

[0039] Advantageously, the first guides extend longitudinally in a plane parallel to the arrangement plane and radially to the central axis. The guide elements can advantageously be guided along the longitudinal direction of the first guide.

[0040] Embodiments are also possible in which the first guide extends longitudinally in the radial and circumferential directions. It is further advantageous if the second guides extend longitudinally in the radial and circumferential directions relative to the central axis. This design of the guide elements ensures that a rotation of the rotating element relative to the base element or the clamping elements movably mounted thereon is translated into a movement of the clamping elements.

[0041] The second guide can, for example, be arranged such that it extends skew to the central axis in a plane parallel to the arrangement plane. The second guide can, for example, form a tangent to a circle that extends in a plane parallel to the arrangement plane and whose center lies on the central axis. The second guide can be spaced from the central axis in such a way that the apex of the clamping element, at which the associated second running element is arranged, is moved towards the central axis. It is possible for the shortest distance between the second guide and the central axis to be equal to the distance between the apex and the second running element of the clamping element in the direction perpendicular to the second guide.

[0042] Advantageously, the second guide and the second running elements can be arranged such that the vertices of the respective clamping elements move radially relative to the central axis. In this case, the clamping elements thus perform a straight movement. Compared to a curved movement, this can reduce the likelihood of the clamping elements jamming against each other.

[0043] In an optional embodiment, the first guides, the first running elements, the second guides and the second running elements of all clamping elements can be arranged in the same position relative to the clamping side and contact side of the corresponding clamping element in each position of the clamping elements during their movement.

[0044] In an advantageous development of the invention, the clamping system can comprise at least one motorized gear ring, at least one linear actuator, and / or at least one belt drive with a wraparound connection, with which the rotating element can be rotated. Advantageously, at least one of the actuators can be a pneumatic pressure cylinder or a linear actuator.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment in which the clamping system has a base element, the clamping system can have at least one actuator element, wherein the actuator element has a first end and a second end whose distance from one another can be changed under the action of force. Advantageously, the first end is arranged at a first attachment point at a distance from the axis of rotation, stationary and rotatable relative to the base element. The second end of the actuator element is advantageously arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation, stationary and rotatable on the rotation element. The first end and the second end are each rotatable about an axis. The axes advantageously run parallel to the axis of rotation and through the respective attachment point. In this arrangement, the actuator can cause the rotation element to rotate relative to the base element.

[0046] Optionally, the rotating element can be a circular disk mounted on rollers. Such rollers can rest on the circumference of the rotating element, thus determining its position in a direction perpendicular to the central axis.

[0047] Regardless, it is advantageous if the rotating element is recessed in at least one area intersected by a straight line perpendicular to the arrangement plane. Workpieces clamped by the clamping system typically extend perpendicular to the arrangement plane. The recess described above can, for example, ensure that such workpieces can protrude through the rotating element without being obstructed.

[0048] The invention and its advantageous developments will be illustrated below with reference to three figures.

[0049] It shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a clamping system in the closed state in plan view; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a clamping system in a first open state in plan view; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a clamping system in a second open state in plan view.

[0050] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 all show the same embodiment of a clamping system 1 in plan view. The clamping system 1 shown in the figures is suitable, for example, for clamping pipes of various diameters arranged perpendicular to the plane of the drawing with the clamping sides 3a - 3h of the clamping elements 2a - 2h.

[0051] The embodiment shown has a total of eight clamping elements 2a-2h, which are arranged in an arrangement plane. The arrangement plane is shown in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 parallel to the plane of the drawing. The clamping elements 2a-2h shown have the shape of circular segments, with the respective clamping sides 3a-3h and contact sides 4a-4h meeting at a tip or vertex 8a-8h. For the sake of clarity, not all clamping and contact sides or vertices are provided with reference symbols in the figures. The features described for individual clamping elements 2a to 2h can be found in all clamping elements 2a to 2h. Reference symbols with the same letters a to h refer to the same clamping element 2a to 2h. Vertex 8f, for example, is the vertex of clamping element 2f.

[0052] For each clamping element 2a-2h, a first beam lying in a plane parallel to the arrangement plane and running along the clamping side 3a-3h, and a second beam lying in the same plane and running along the contact side 4a-4h enclose a wedge angle.

[0053] Fig. Figure 1 shows the clamping system in a closed state. In this case, all vertices 8a-8h of the clamping elements 2a-2h meet at a point on a central axis 10, which is perpendicular to the arrangement plane. The angular dimensions of the wedge angles are the same for all of the clamping elements 2a-2h shown and add up to 360°. In the embodiment of the clamping system 1 shown, the clamping elements 2a-2h do not have any recesses. However, embodiments in which the clamping elements 2 have recesses are also possible. Such recesses can, for example, be bores through the clamping elements 2a-2h. Such bores can, for example, run parallel to the central axis 10. Each of the clamping elements 2a-2h is in contact on its clamping side 3a-3h with the contact side 4a-4h of another clamping element 2a-2h. In the figures shown, one clamping element 2a is hatched.The hatching serves to simplify visualization of the movement of this clamping element 2a. The other clamping elements 2b-2h move in a similar manner.

[0054] The figures also show a rotating element 7, which is rotatably mounted relative to a base element 11 and the clamping elements 2a-2h. The rotating element 7 is mounted on bearing rollers 18'-18'''. The bearing rollers 18'-18''' themselves are rotatably attached to the base element 11. The rotating element 7 can rotate about the central axis 10. The central axis 10 is perpendicular to the arrangement or drawing plane. The rotating element 7 has a recess in its center. The recess is arranged in a region of the rotating element 7 that is intersected by the central axis 10.

[0055] In the in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. The embodiments shown in Figure 3 also have two actuators 16' and 16''. The rotary element 7 can be rotated using the actuators 16' and 16''. For this purpose, each actuator 16' and 16'' is rotatably attached to the base element with a first side and rotatably attached to the rotary element 7 with a second side. In this embodiment, the corresponding axes of rotation are parallel and spaced from the central axis 10. If the actuators 16' and 16'' are extended or retracted, the rotary element 7 rotates about the central axis 10.

[0056] In the direction of extension of the central axis 10, the clamping elements 2a-2h are arranged in this embodiment between the base element 11 and the rotation element 7.

[0057] The figures also show a transmission mechanism. The transmission mechanism serves to transmit a rotation of the rotation element 7 relative to the clamping elements 2a-2h into a movement of the clamping elements 2a-2h. The transmission mechanism has a first guide 12a-12h and a first running element 14a-14h, as well as a second guide 13a-13h and a second running element 15a-15h for each clamping element 2a-2h. For the sake of clarity, only a first guide 12b and a first running element 13b, as well as a second guide 13f and a second running element 15f, are provided with a reference numeral in the figures. The other clamping elements 2a-2h also have first guides 12a-12h, second guides 13a-13h, first running elements 14a-14h, and second running elements 15a-15h, even if these are not provided with reference numerals. In the embodiment shown, the first running elements 14a-14h are designed as rollers.Each roller is rotatably mounted on a tensioning element 2a-2h and is guided along the longitudinal direction of the first guide 12a-12h. In this embodiment, the first guides 12a-12h are formed as recesses in the rotating element 7.

[0058] The longitudinal direction of the first guides 12a-12h has a radial component. Advantageously, the first guides 12a-12h extend at an angle of 45° to the radial direction and thus have both a radial and an azimuthal, i.e., circumferential, component. The first guides 12a-12h do not necessarily have to be straight along their longitudinal direction. For example, embodiments are also possible in which the first guide 12a-12h has sections that extend only in the azimuthal direction. This means that, for example, during continuous rotation of the rotary element, no opening or closing movement of the clamping elements can occur in certain sections.

[0059] In the embodiment shown, the second guides 13a-13h are designed as rails arranged on the base element 11. A second running element 15a-15h is arranged on each clamping element 2a-2h. In this embodiment, the second running elements 15a-15h are designed as carriages that can move along the rails of the second guide 13a-13h.

[0060] In this embodiment, the second guides 13a-13h are arranged such that they form a tangent to a circle whose center lies on the central axis 10. The radius of this circle corresponds to the distance between the vertex 8a-8h of the associated clamping element 2a-2h and the second running element of the clamping element 2a-2h in the direction perpendicular to the second guide 13a-13h. In this embodiment, the second guides 13a-13h are therefore spaced from the central axis 10 such that the corresponding vertices 8a-8h of the clamping elements 2a-8h can move along radial straight lines 17a-17h. These straight lines 17a-17h are aligned such that they do not intersect the corresponding clamping element 2.

[0061] The radial lines 17a-17h, along which the vertices move, are in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is shown as an example for two vertices 8a and 8f.

[0062] Since a first 14a-14h and a second running element 15a-15h are each arranged on a clamping element 2a-2h, and the two running elements 14a-14h, 15a-15h are each guided in a guide 12a-12h, 13a-13h, constraints arise for the position of the clamping elements 2a-2h. Advantageously, the position of the clamping elements 2a-2h depends solely on the angle of rotation of the rotating element 7 relative to the clamping elements 2a-2h. If the rotating element 7 is rotated relative to the clamping elements 2a-2h or the base element 11, forces are exerted on the clamping element 2a-2h via the first guide 12a-12h. As described above, the first guide 12a-12h has a radial directional component. However, the clamping elements 2a-2h are guided along the second guides 13a-13h. Each second guide 13a-13h has a radial and an azimuthal directional component with respect to the central axis 10, thereby causing the clamping elements 2a-2h andwhose vertices 8a-8h move along the straight lines 17a-17h described above.

[0063] The Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 differ only in the opening state of the clamping system shown. In Fig. 1, the clamping system 1 is completely closed and all vertices 8a-8h or tips meet on the central axis 10. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show the clamping system 1 in different open states. The vertices 8a-8h form Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 the vertices of a polygon 9. In the illustrated embodiment, the polygon 9 is an octagon. The number of vertices of the formed polygon 9 is advantageously equal to the number of clamping elements 2a-2h. In embodiments with three clamping elements 2, the vertices 8 of the clamping elements 2 form, for example, the vertices of a triangle. Fig. 2 and Fig.The polygon 9 shown in Figure 3 is an equilateral and equiangular tangent polygon. Each side of the polygon 9 thus forms a tangent to a circle whose center lies on the central axis 10. If the workpiece to be machined is, for example, a pipe with a round cross-section, the workpiece can be inserted into the clamping system 1 along the central axis 10 and clamped by the clamping elements 2a-2h. The transfer mechanism allows the polygon 9 to be enlarged, thus allowing pipes with larger diameters to be clamped. List of reference symbols: 1 clamping system 2a-2h clamping element 3a-3h tension side 4a-4h Contact page 7 Rotation element 8 vertex 9 polygon 10 Central axis 11 Basic element 12 a.m.-12 p.m. first tour 1 p.m.-1 p.m. second tour 14a-14h first running element 15a-15h second running element 16a,16b Actuator 17a-17h radial straight line 18a-18d bearing rollers

Claims

[1] Clamping system (1), comprising at least three wedge-shaped clamping elements (2) arranged in a common plane, called the arrangement plane, wherein each of the clamping elements (2) has a clamping side (3) and a contact side (4) and each of the clamping elements (2) is in contact on its clamping side (3) with the contact side (4) of exactly one other of the clamping elements (2), wherein for each clamping element (2), a first beam, which lies in a plane parallel to the arrangement plane and on which the clamping side (3) runs, and a second beam, which lies in the plane parallel to the arrangement plane and on which the contact side (4) runs, enclose a wedge angle, wherein the clamping elements (2) are arranged such that sections of all clamping sides (3) in which they are not in contact with a contact side (4) together form a continuous clamping surface, further comprising a rotatable rotation element (7) and a transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism is arranged to transmit a rotational movement of the rotation element (7) relative to the clamping elements (2) into movements of the clamping elements (2), where the vertices (8) of the wedge angles form the corner points of a convex polygon (9). [2] Clamping system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the convex polygon (9) is equiangular and / or equilateral. [3] Clamping system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation element (7) is rotatable about a central axis (10) which is perpendicular to the arrangement plane. [4] Clamping system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all clamping sides (3) and all contact sides (4) are at least partially flat surfaces and / or at least partially extend perpendicular to the arrangement plane. [5] Clamping system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising guide elements which are respectively arranged on sections of the clamping sides (3) and contact sides (4) of the clamping elements (2), wherein each clamping element (2) is in contact on its clamping side (3) with the contact side (4) of the corresponding other clamping element (2) via the guide elements. [6] Clamping system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transmission mechanism is arranged to move the clamping elements (2) in a straight line and / or to move the vertices (8) of the wedge angles along straight lines which emanate radially from a central axis (10) which is perpendicular to the arrangement plane. [7] Clamping system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the wedge angles has the same angular dimension. [8] Clamping system according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a base element (11) relative to which the rotation element (7) is rotatable about a central axis (10), wherein the central axis (10) is perpendicular to the arrangement plane, wherein the rotation element (7) has a first guide (12) for each of the clamping elements (2), and the base element (11) has a second guide (13) for each of the clamping elements (2), and each of the clamping elements (2) has a first running element (14) and a second running element (15), wherein the first running element (14) is guided in a corresponding one of the first guides (12) and the second running element (15) is guided in a corresponding one of the second guides (13), wherein the first guides (12) extend longitudinally in the radial direction to the central axis (10), and the second guides (13) extend longitudinally in the radial direction and circumferential direction to the central axis (10). [9] Clamping system according to the preceding claim, wherein the second guide (13) and the second running elements (15) are arranged such that when the rotary element (7) rotates relative to the base element (11), the vertices (8) of the respective clamping elements (8) move radially to the central axis (10). [10] Clamping system (1) according to one of the two preceding claims, wherein the first guides (12), the first running elements (14), the second guides (13) and the second running elements (15) of all clamping elements (2) are arranged in the same position relative to the clamping side (3) and contact side (4) of the corresponding clamping element (2) in each position of the clamping elements (2) during their movement. [11] Clamping system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one motorized gear ring, at least one actuator (16) and / or at least one belt drive with wrap-around connection, with which the rotation element (7) can be rotated. [12] Clamping system (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the actuators (16) is a pneumatic pressure cylinder, a linear actuator or a hydraulic cylinder. [13] Clamping system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation element (7) is recessed at least in a region which is intersected by a straight line which is perpendicular to the arrangement plane.

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