RETROFIT GROUP WITH CLAMPING SYSTEM

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a workpiece clamping system for retrofitting, comprising a support plate and a workpiece clamping plate, which are releasably connected to one another by means of at least one clamping system.

[0002] From DE 10 2018 009 226 A1 a clamping system consisting of a clamping device and a combination bolt for fixing a workpiece on a machine table is known.

[0003] EP 2 246 608 A1 discloses a retrofittable workpiece clamping system with a workpiece main plate and a base plate, which are connected to each other by means of two clamping systems. A hydraulic line in the workpiece main plate leads from an external hydraulic source to the positioning mechanisms of the clamping systems arranged in the workpiece main plate and to a return stroke chamber of a coupling lower part. A completely separate air or oil line, fed from additional external sources, directs air or oil through a coupling into the base plate and to the workpiece clamping units.

[0004] EP 1 050 363 A1 discloses a clamping system integrated into a machine tool with hydraulically separated couplings arranged parallel to the clamping system for media transmission. While the clamping system is actuated by hydraulic oil, the couplings transmit oil, drilling emulsion, compressed air, special thread grease for the workpieces, and the workpiece clamping.

[0005] The present invention is based on the problem of developing a retrofittable workpiece clamping system.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of the main claim. For this purpose, at least one energy supply channel is arranged in the workpiece clamping plate, which connects a connection surface of the workpiece clamping plate to at least one first media coupling part. In the support plate, at least one media channel connects a second media coupling part, which can be coupled to the first media coupling part, to at least one clamping device of the clamping system.

[0007] With this workpiece clamping system, a zero-point clamping system can be retrofitted to conventional machines, either temporarily or permanently. The clamping system secures the position of the workpiece clamping plate relative to the base plate, which is fixed to the machine table. The media supply to the clamping device of the clamping system, which is located in the base plate, is routed through the media coupling and the base plate. The media transmitted via the media coupling is transferred from an external source to the workpiece clamping system at the connection surface. The energy is routed to the media coupling through the workpiece clamping plate.

[0008] Further details of the invention emerge from the subclaims and the following description of schematically illustrated embodiments. Figure 1: Perspective view of a clamping system; Figure 2: Section through the pressureless closed clamping system; Figure 3: Section through the closed clamping system with pressure-loaded ring piston head; Figure 4: as Figure 3 , but with the cleaning piston extended; Figure 5: Section through the clamping system with pressure-loaded ring piston front and with partially immersed combination bolt; Figure 6: as Figure 5 , but with the combination bolt fully immersed but unlocked; Figure 7: as Figure 6 , but with the combination bolt locked by means of the spring tension force of the annular piston; Figure 8: Clamping ring from diagonally above; Figure 9: Clamping ring from diagonally below; Figure 10: Top view of the clamping ring; Figure 11: Perspective view of a closure cap from diagonally below with the cleaning piston extended; Figure 12: as Figure 11 , but obliquely from the side; Figure 13: perspective view of the clamping system from below; Figure 14: Industrial robot with workpiece clamping system and machine table; Figure 15: Side view of the workpiece clamping system and the machine table; Figure 16: Workpiece clamping system; Figure 17: Isometric bottom view of the Figure 16 ; Figure 18: Cross section of the Figure 16 through the tensioning systems; Figure 19: Cross section of the Figure 16 through a media coupling; Figure 20: Locking device of the adapter coupling; Figure 21: First energy guide part; Figure 22: Second energy guide part; Figure 23: Adapter coupling being closed; Figure 24: Closed adapter coupling; Figure 25: Isometric sectional view of the bolt part of the media coupling; Figure 26: Isometric view of the bolt part from above; Figure 27: Slider of the receiving part of the media coupling; Figure 28: Clamping system and media coupling without engagement; Figure 29: Clamping system and media coupling at the start of coupling; Figure 30: Clamping system and media coupling in contact; Figure 31: Cleaning the system; Figure 32: Media coupling for clamping the clamping system; Figure 33: Clamping system and media coupling coupled.

[0009] The Figure 14shows a machine table (202), for example, of a machine tool with a workpiece clamping system (210) and with an industrial robot (208). Figure 15 shows a side view of the machine table (202) with the workpiece clamping system (210) arranged thereon. The machine table (202) is, for example, a conventional T-slot table for securing workpieces by means of clamping devices held in the T-slots (203). In the illustrated embodiment, the machine table (202) has no media supply.

[0010] The workpiece clamping system (210) comprises a support plate (211) and a workpiece clamping plate (231). The support plate (211) is shown in the illustrations of Figures 14 and 15attached to the machine table (202). For example, it is secured thereto using the clamping devices mentioned. The workpiece clamping plate (231) is held in the support plate (211) by means of, for example, several clamping systems (1). Workpieces (360) are clamped on the workpiece clamping plate (231). For example, these workpieces (360) are secured to the workpiece clamping plate (231) using negative pressure. Other workpiece fixation methods are also conceivable.

[0011] In Figure 14, the industrial robot (208) is positioned next to the machine table (202). It is connected to the workpiece clamping system (210) via an adapter coupling (290). Energy is transferred from the industrial robot (208) to the workpiece clamping plate (231) via the adapter coupling (290). This energy can be electrical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic. Data and signals can also be transferred between the industrial robot (208) and the workpiece clamping system (210) via the adapter coupling (290).

[0012] The Figures 16 and 17show a top view and a bottom view of the workpiece clamping system (210) with the adapter coupling (290) connected thereto. The workpiece clamping plate (231) shown as an example is an at least approximately rectangular plate with a plurality of suction openings (232) for holding the workpieces. The adapter coupling (290) is fixed to an end face (233) of the workpiece clamping plate (231) oriented in the transverse direction (206). This end face (233) is referred to below as the connection surface (233). For transporting the workpiece clamping plate (231), the workpiece clamping plate (231) has, for example, two opposing engagement recesses (234). In these illustrations, these are embossed on the end faces (235) oriented in the longitudinal direction (205). In the exemplary embodiment, the workpiece clamping plate (231) has a length of 1000 millimeters and a width of 550 millimeters. The corners of the workpiece clamping plate (231) are bevelled, for example.The thickness of the workpiece clamping plate (231) is e.g. 50 millimeters.

[0013] When the workpiece clamping system (210) is installed, the underside (212) of the support plate (211) rests on the machine table (202) directly or by means of an adapter. In the workpiece clamping system (210), the support plate (211) lies centrally below the workpiece clamping plate (231). In the illustrated embodiment, the support plate (211) has a length of 640 millimeters and a width of 390 millimeters. Its thickness is, for example, 48 millimeters. In the support plate (211), six clamping devices (10) are visible from the underside (212). These are arranged, for example, in two parallel rows of three clamping devices (10) each, oriented in the longitudinal direction (205).

[0014] For example, several channel outlets (214) open onto the end face (213) of the support plate (211) oriented in the transverse direction (206). Those channel outlets (214) that are not required for the current operation of the workpiece clamping system (210) can be closed.

[0015] The Figure 1 shows a clamping system (1) consisting of a clamping device (10) and a combination bolt (130). The clamping device (10) is integrated, for example, in a machine table to hold a workpiece. As a rule, at least one combination bolt (130) - via which the workpiece can be adapted to the machine table - is fastened to the workpiece to be clamped. The housing (11) of the clamping device (10) contains a mechanism that positions the combination bolt (130) in the clamping device (10) with repeatable accuracy. This mechanism comprises a wedge gear (63, 111), the drive part of which is an annular piston (40).

[0016] The Figure 2The housing (11) shown essentially consists of a flange-like housing base (12) and a housing cover (31) located in the underside of the housing base (12). Both parts are made of, for example, rust-, acid-, and heat-resistant steel X90CrMoV18.

[0017] The one-piece, e.g. 44 mm high, housing base body (12) consists of a flange plate (13) and a cylinder (27) formed onto it. The flange plate (13) here has a diameter of 112 mm with a wall thickness of 10 mm. The cylinder (27) has an outer diameter of 86 mm with a maximum wall thickness of 6 mm. The flange plate (13) and the cylinder (27) have a common center line (9). In the transition area between the cylinder (27) and the base of the flange plate (13) there is a chamfer (42) in the transition area between the cylinder (27) and the base of the flange plate (13) to increase the dimensional rigidity of the housing base body (12) which is e.g. 5.5 mm wide and has a cone angle of 120 degrees.

[0018] The flange plate (13) has, in its outer area which projects beyond the cylinder (27), eight countersunk holes distributed equidistantly around the circumference for receiving fastening screws (15), by means of which the clamping device (10) can be rigidly attached to the machine table. The countersunk holes are closed dust-tight with plastic caps. Between every two countersunk holes, two finely machined positioning slots (14), each 17 mm long, are machined from the outside into the flange plate (13). They have a depth of 5.8 mm. The single positioning slot (14) is used to block the degree of freedom of rotation about the center line (9) when only one combination bolt (130) is used.

[0019] After Figure 2the flange plate (13) has a channel system (24) on the left-hand side, via which any dynamic pressure existing between the flange plate (13) and the workpiece resting on it can be fed to a measuring device via a support control connection (25) to check that the workpiece is supported correctly. For this case, the flange plate (13) has an axial annular groove (29) on its upper side, which in the exemplary embodiment has an inner diameter of, for example, 48 mm and an outer diameter of, for example, 74 mm and a depth of 0.3 mm. If the workpiece resting on the flange plate (13) completely covers the axial annular groove (29), the dynamic pressure present in the latter can be used for monitoring purposes. The area of the axial annular groove (29) is at least 25% of the workpiece-bearing upper side of the flange plate (13).

[0020] The flange plate (13), on whose upper side the respective workpiece rests, has a central receiving recess (20) in the center, which is encased by a support tube (16) molded onto the flange plate (13). The inwardly projecting support tube (16) has a finely machined end face with a length of 9.5 mm. The wall of the support tube (16) facing away from the receiving recess (20) is a finely machined cylindrical surface for internal guidance of the annular piston (40).

[0021] The receiving recess (20) has a truncated cone-shaped centering clamping surface (21) in its upper area, with a cone angle of, for example, 30 degrees. The height of the centering clamping surface (21) measures, for example, 5.6 mm. In the lower area, the receiving recess (20) has a recessed shoulder (23) with a diameter that is, for example, 1 mm wider.

[0022] The finely machined outer inner wall of the cylinder (27) has a circumferential venting groove (28) in the central area.

[0023] The housing cover (31) sits centered and sealed within the housing base (12) via the inner wall of the cylinder (27). It has a stop tube (32) at its center, which projects into the housing base (12) and surrounds a blind-hole-like closure cap recess (33). The latter has a diameter of 28 mm and a depth of 19.3 mm. The center lines of the stop tube (32) and the closure cap recess (33) lie on the center line (9). The stop tube (32) has at least one finely machined end face.

[0024] The outer wall of the stop tube (32) has a finely machined cylindrical outer wall, 11.5 mm high, also for internal guidance of the annular piston (40). The cover wall adjoining the stop tube (32) has a wall thickness of, for example, 10.5 mm. In this area, the housing cover (31) has twelve blind holes (34) arranged in a circle around the center line (9) for supporting and guiding helical compression springs (69). The blind holes (34) have a diameter of 10.6 mm and a depth of 7.3 mm.

[0025] When the clamping device (10) is mounted, the distance between the end faces of the support tube (16) and the stop tube (32) is, for example, 6 mm. A clamping ring (100) is arranged between these end faces.

[0026] The clamping ring (100), cf. Figures 8 and 9, is a ring assembled from three clamping elements (101) and three spring elements (121), the cross-section of which is constant over the entire clamping ring (100). The segment-like clamping elements (101) are made of steel X90CrMoV18. The spring elements here are elastomer bodies (121) made of a rubber or a rubber substitute material. The clamping elements (101) individually cover 85 angular degrees in the clamping ring (100), while the elastomer bodies (121) cover 35 angular degrees. In the undeformed state, the clamping ring (100) has an inner diameter of 23 mm and an outer diameter of 35 mm. Its width, which can be measured in the axial direction, is 0.015 mm smaller than the distance measured between the end faces of the support tube (16) and the stop tube (32). The inner diameter of the clamping ring (100) can be elastically expanded to e.g. 27 mm if necessary, see Figure 5.

[0027] According to Figure 5The clamping ring (100) has a heptagonal cross-section (102). Its width and height are at least almost identical. The cross-section (102) is limited at the top by a flat clamping surface (105), at the bottom by a flat support surface (106), at the inside by a cylindrical inner surface (109), and at the outside by a truncated cone-shaped clamping ring wedge surface (111), see also Figures 8 and 9 . The clamping ring wedge surface (111) has a cone angle of 12 degrees.

[0028] Between the inner surface (109) and the support surface (106) is a truncated cone-shaped enveloping clamping surface (108) with a taper angle of 120 degrees. Between the upper clamping surface (105) and the inner surface (109), a push-on wedge surface (107) is arranged as a chamfer. Its taper angle is 90 degrees. In the outer area, the support surface (106) transitions into the clamping ring wedge surface (111) via the clamping ring return stroke surface (112). The latter has a wedge angle of 105 degrees.

[0029] Neglecting the edge roundings, the enveloping clamping surface (108) has a chamfer length of, for example, 2.2 mm, the push-on wedge surface (107) of, for example, 2.8 mm, and the clamping ring return stroke surface (112) of, for example, 2.5 mm. The effective width of the clamping ring wedge surface (111), taking into account the edge roundings and chamfers, has an effective width of 2.9 mm.

[0030] As the Figures 8 and 9As shown, an elastomer body (121) is positioned between two clamping elements (101) in a form-fitting manner. For this purpose, the individual clamping element (101) has a flat end face (cf. Figure 10 , a rear grip recess (115) into which a front clamping pin (122) of the adjacent elastomer body (121) engages.

[0031] The rear grip recess (115) is partially a bore (116). It has a diameter of 3 mm and is located e.g. 2.3 mm from the nearest end face of the clamping element (101). Its center line is parallel to the center line (9). The center lines of the bores (116) are 3 mm from the inner surface (109). An opening e.g. 2 mm wide is provided between the bore (116) and the end face to form two rear grips (117). The respective clamping pin (122) of the elastomer body (121) has a geometric shape complementary to the rear grip recess (115). The diameter of the individual clamping pin (122) is slightly larger than that of the bore (116) in order to securely hold the six parts of the clamping ring (100) together after assembly.

[0032] The annular piston (40) is located inside the clamping device (10) and can be moved by, for example, 5.5 mm. The annular piston has an outer diameter of 70 mm and a piston width of 21.5 mm. The annular piston (40) has a central piston bore (51) with a minimum inner diameter of 33 mm. The front side of the annular piston (41) is tapped on the outside to match the base of the flange plate (13). Twelve spring guide bores (46) are located in the flat annular piston base (45) and are arranged opposite the blind bores (34) in the housing cover (31). The outer wall (47) of the annular piston (40) has two sealing ring grooves for receiving sealing rings.

[0033] The piston bore (51) is divided into three sections. The front, upper section is the upper sealing zone (52), in which a sealing ring (54) is arranged in a sealing ring groove (53). The sealing ring (54) rests against the outer wall of the support tube (16). The rear, lower section is the lower sealing zone (55), in which a sealing ring (57) is also located in a sealing ring groove (56). The lower sealing ring (57) contacts the outer wall of the stop tube (32) of the housing cover (31). All sealing rings are, for example, quad rings.

[0034] In the central area of the piston bore (51), located between the two sealing zones (52, 55), there is an annular groove (61) consisting of a working section (62) and a penetration section (65). The working section (62) has a truncated cone-shaped annular groove wedge surface (63) against which the clamping ring (100) is supported in the radial direction when the combination bolt (130) is tightened. The annular groove wedge surface (63) has a cone angle of 12 degrees. It extends in the annular groove (61) over a length of, for example, 4 mm.

[0035] After Figure 4The immersion section (65) adjoins its upper end. The latter has a cylindrical groove base whose groove depth is, for example, 3.5 mm. The lower truncated cone-shaped flank of the immersion section forms a return stroke surface (66) whose cone angle measures 105 degrees. The immersion section (65) completely accommodates the clamping ring (100) when the closure cap (70) passes the clamping ring (100) - as it expands - on its way into the closure cap recess (33) in the housing cover (31). The transition between the annular groove wedge surface (63) and the return stroke surface (66) is rounded.

[0036] Of course, the outer wall (47) of the annular piston (40) can have an oval, elliptical, polygonal, or multi-cornered contour. The same applies to the contour of the inner wall (48).

[0037] The closure cap (70) is a substantially rotationally symmetrical, piston-like component which closes the receiving recess (20) when the clamping device (10) is not in use, cf. Figures 1 to 4 It is also made of stainless steel X90CrMoV18. Its front face is recessed by 0.3 mm, leaving a 0.9 mm wide edge. The closure cap (70) has a cylindrical outer wall with a corrugated collar (71) at the bottom, which, in the closed position, rests against the rear grip shoulder (23) of the receiving recess (20). It is centrally penetrated by a stepped bore (72), which tapers in several steps toward the front face.

[0038] After Figure 4the lower section of the stepped bore (72) is a cylindrical section (73) which has a diameter of 15 mm. In the wall of the cylindrical section (73) there is an annular groove for a retaining ring and at least two overflow notches (74). Adjacent to the cylindrical section (73) is an air distribution section (75), from which eight purge holes (76) extend to the radial outer wall of the closure cap (70). The purge holes (76) are all located in one plane. They end tangentially in the air distribution section (75), with their center lines tangent to a circle which is central to the center line (9) and has a diameter of e.g. 10.4 mm. This arrangement of the purge holes (76) creates a helically winding purge flow in the centering gap (22) which widens towards the top during purge. The air distribution area (75) is followed by a guide hole (77) with a diameter of 6 mm.

[0039] A spring guide ring groove (81) is machined into the lower half of the closure cap (70) between the outer wall of the closure cap (70) and the stepped bore (72). A closing spring (82) in the form of a helical compression spring, for example, with five coils, is located in the groove. This spring is supported on the bottom of the closure cap recess (33) of the housing cover (31).

[0040] The lower face of the closure cap (70) features a 1.4 x 45° chamfer (78) according to DIN 406-11. The guide clearance of the closure cap (70) in the receiving recess (20) is less than 0.1 mm.

[0041] In the stepped bore (72) sits, axially secured by a retaining ring, cf. Figure 11, a cleaning piston (85). Its piston, which is mounted in the cylinder area (73), is guided with its piston rod (86) in a sealed manner in the guide bore (77). The piston rod (86) has a through-bore (87), which is closed in the piston area, e.g., by means of a threaded pin. In the free end face of the piston rod (86) there is an axially blowing nozzle bore (89). For example, 1 mm below the free end face there are eight further, but radially blowing nozzle bores (89), cf. also Figure 12 . In the air distribution area (75), the piston rod (86) has at least one radial bore (88) through which the through bores (87) are supplied with compressed air.

[0042] In the Figures 1 to 4The combination bolt (130) is shown above the clamping device (10) and has not yet been countersunk into the receiving recess (20). It is also made of stainless steel X90CrMoV18 and, like the clamping elements (101), is hardened to 56 + 3 HRC. The combination bolt (130) has the task of clamping the workpiece to the clamping device (10) and at the same time precisely centering it therein. It is a turned part, e.g. 30 mm long, which has a central through-hole (139) with an M10 thread. The through-hole (139) has a 3 mm deep countersink on the workpiece side with a diameter of e.g. 10.5 mm. At its opposite end, it has a 90° countersink.

[0043] At the workpiece end, the combination bolt (130) is equipped with a cylindrical section (131) with a diameter of 18 mm and a height of 5 mm. It ends in a flat axial contact surface (132). The part of the combination bolt (130) which is Figures 6 and7 is completely immersed in the receiving recess (20), essentially consists of three areas. The front area is the clamping area (133) and the rear area is the centering area (137). The waist area (136) is located between these two areas. The clamping area (133), which has a diameter of e.g. 26.8 mm in a cylindrical section that is e.g. 1.5 mm wide, serves, among other things, as a rear grip when clamping the workpiece, which comes into contact with the clamping ring (100). For this purpose, it has a truncated cone-shaped inner clamping surface (134), with which it rests over a large area against the envelope clamping surface (108) of the clamping ring (100) when clamped. The effective flank length of the inner clamping surface (134), taking into account the fillets and rounded areas, is at least 2.4 mm.

[0044] Between the cylindrical section and the front end of the clamping area (133) is a clamping ring return stroke chamfer (135), whose cone angle is 90 degrees. This facilitates the passage of the expanded clamping ring (100) when the combination bolt (130) is inserted into the receiving recess (20).

[0045] The centering area (137) of the combination bolt (130) has a finely machined outer clamping surface (138) facing the inner clamping surface (134), which is used for centering on the centering clamping surface (21) of the receiving recess (20) - according to the Figures 6 and 7 - a large contact area. The effective flank length, taking into account the fillets and roundings, is at least 5.4 mm. The maximum diameter of the outer clamping surface (138) measures 29.8 mm, for example.

[0046] The waist area (136) has a diameter of, for example, 22 mm. In this area, there are two opposing flattened areas, see. Figure 1in order to have two attack surfaces for an open-end wrench with a key width of 20.

[0047] After Figure 2 the clamping device (10) is in its depressurised, unactuated initial state. The closure cap (70) is in its closed position. At the same time, the annular piston (40) rests against the bottom of the cylinder (27) due to the action of the helical compression springs (69). The clamping ring (100) contacts the annular groove wedge surface (63) of the annular piston (40). The clamping ring (100) projects approximately halfway into the receiving recess (20). The closure cap (70) lies with its spreading bevel (78) in front of the push-on wedge surface (107) at a distance of approximately 0.1 mm, which positively prevents the closure cap (70) from opening. The cleaning piston (85) is in its retracted position in the closure cap (70).

[0048] According to Figure 3the desired pneumatic pressure is present at the rear piston crown (45) of the annular piston (40). At the same time, compressed air enters the receiving recess (20) via the transverse bore (35). There it acts on the cleaning piston (85) in the closure cap (70), whereby the latter is pressed upwards in the stepped bore (72). The compressed air flows via the overflow notches (74) via the air distribution area (75) into the blow-out bores (76) and via the through-bore (87) of the piston rod (86) into the extended nozzle bores (89) to blow out the front side of the closure cap (70). The clamping ring (100) and the annular piston (40) seal the gap between the support tube (16) and the stop tube (32).

[0049] After Figure 4Compressed air is applied to the annular piston front side (41) to allow the annular piston (40) to rest on the housing cover (31) while tensioning the helical compression springs (69), whereby the immersion section (65) reaches the height of the clamping ring (100). Furthermore, the compressed air supply to the receiving recess (20) is interrupted. The cleaning piston (85) retracts into the closure cap (70) - assisted by its closing spring (91). The receiving recess (20) is prepared for the immersion of the combination bolt (130).

[0050] According to Figure 5The combination bolt (130) is already largely immersed in the receiving recess (20) as the closure cap (70) is pushed forward against the action of the closing spring (82). The clamping area (133) of the combination bolt (130) presses the clamping ring (100) into the insertion section (65) of the annular piston (40) – while stretching the elastomer body (121) of the clamping ring (100). The stretching of the elastomer body (121) also caused the closure cap (70) to expand shortly before.

[0051] After Figure 6the combination bolt (130) has come into full contact with the centering clamping surface (21) of the flange plate (13) with its outer clamping surface (138). The axial contact surface (132) of the combination bolt (130) now lies in the plane in which the contact points of the upper side of the flange plate (13) facing the workpiece are located. The clamping ring (100) has contracted into its initial position, with it having largely left the immersion section (65) of the annular piston (40) and its enveloping clamping surface (108) being in contact with the inner clamping surface (134) of the piston pin (130). The closure cap (70) is at a short distance, e.g. 0.1 mm, from the bottom of the closure cap recess (33) in the housing cover (31).

[0052] According to Figure 7After the cylinder chamber located in front of the annular piston front side (41) has been vented, the annular piston (40) is pushed upwards due to the effect of the helical compression springs (69) - only with compressed air assistance if necessary - whereby the annular groove wedge surface (63) moves behind the clamping ring (100) in order to press the clamping elements (101) of the combination bolt (130) against the inner clamping surface (134) of the clamping area (133) of the combination bolt (130) for final fixing in the clamping device (10). A tensile force acting on the combination bolt (130) is introduced via the clamping area (133) into the clamping ring (100) and from there is transferred via the flat clamping surface (105) into the end face of the stop tube (32) and thus into the housing (11).

[0053] If the clamping ring (100) has not yet fully engaged the inner clamping surface (134) of the clamping area (133) of the combination bolt (130), see Figure 6, the parts (101, 121) still projecting into the immersion section (65) are pushed against the combination bolt (130) by means of the truncated cone-shaped return stroke surface (66) by contact with the clamping ring return stroke surface (112) of the clamping ring (100).

[0054] The measurement deviation from clamping operation to clamping operation is less than 5 µm. The pull-in force is in the range of 18 kN.

[0055] The release of the combination pin (130) essentially occurs in the reverse order. The annular piston (40) is pressed against the housing cover (31) with compressed air, which displaces the clamping ring (100) into the plunger section (65) of the annular piston (40) when the piston pin (130) is pulled out. The truncated cone-shaped clamping surface (108) of the combination pin (130) facilitates this process.

[0056] The Figure 13shows the back of the clamping device (10). With this clamping system (1), the compressed air can be fed into the clamping device (10) in two different housing areas. The usual housing area is the underside of the housing cover (31), where, for example, four connections for compressed air hoses are provided. On the underside, in the area numbered "1", there is an unlocking compressed air connection (37). The compressed air is fed through this connection in the housing (11) in front of the annular piston front side (41). In the area numbered "3" there is a sealing air connection (39). Via this connection, the compressed air passes, for example, radially through the annular piston (40) into the immersion section (65), from where it flows along the clamping ring (100) between the support tube (16) and the stop tube (32) into the receiving recess (20).Next to the number "2" is a clamping compressed air connection (36), through which the annular piston base (45) can be pressurized with compressed air to support the clamping movement of the annular piston (40). The blow-out connection (38) is only used if the clamping device (10) is not equipped with a closure cap (70). Compressed air is then blown from the base of the closure cap recess (33) toward the receiving recess (20) to expel any dirt particles located there.

[0057] For hose-free compressed air connection, five connections (17, 18, 19, 26, 25) are provided on the back of the flange or flange plate (13). These connections are supplied from holes located in the clamping device support (10). The connections are the unlocking compressed air connection (17), the blow-out connection (18), the sealing air connection (19), the clamping compressed air connection (26), and a support control connection (25). See Figure 2 .

[0058] In this clamping system (1), the clamping elements (101) arranged in the clamping device (10) contact the combination bolt (130) with their clamping surfaces (105, 108) across their entire surface. This results in relatively low surface pressures even at high pull-in forces. The large contact surfaces guarantee high dimensional rigidity of the entire system, allowing the clamping device (10) to easily support even large load moments via the combination bolt (130).

[0059] The clamping elements (101), which are parts of a clamping ring (100) assembled via elastomer bodies (121), together with an annular piston (40) form a wedge mechanism in which the axial stroke of the annular piston (40) generates radial clamping forces acting on the clamping ring (100). The segment-like clamping elements (101) are elastically coupled in the circumferential direction via the elastomer bodies (121) of the clamping ring (100). In the exemplary embodiment, the annular piston (40) is moved into the clamping position of the clamping device (10) by spring force and held there. If necessary, the clamping process is assisted by compressed air. Compressed air is used to relieve the tensioned clamping ring (100) and to retract the annular piston (40) - for releasing the combination bolt (130). In addition, the interior of the clamping device (10) is placed under sealing air to prevent the penetration of chips, coolant or lubricant during workpiece machining.If necessary, hydraulic oil can also be used to move the annular piston (40).

[0060] In the Figure 18 A cross-section of the workpiece clamping system (210) through the clamping devices (10) is shown. The workpiece clamping plate (231) and the support plate (211) are connected to each other by means of the clamping systems (1). The combination bolts (130) are arranged on the underside of the workpiece clamping plate (231) and protrude downwards from it. The clamping devices (10) are located in the support plate (211). The end caps (70) face upwards.

[0061] On the left side of this illustration, the adapter coupling (290) is arranged on the workpiece clamping plate (231). The adapter coupling (290) has at least one locking device (291) and at least one first energy transfer coupling part (312) on the robot side. The energy transfer coupling part (312) is located above the locking device (291). It has an energy supply connection (311) on the robot side.

[0062] On the side of the workpiece clamping system (210), the adapter coupling (290) has at least a second energy transfer coupling part (331) and a docking block (351) with at least one locking bolt (352), cf. Figure 23 . The second energy transfer coupling part (331) is arranged above the docking block (351).

[0063] The docking coupling (292) constructed from the locking device (291) and the locking bolt (352) is, for example, constructed in a similar way to that used in connection with the Figures 1 - 13 described clamping system (1). In the illustrated embodiment, the docking coupling (292) is shown without a closure cap.

[0064] In the Figure 20a sectional view of the locking device (291) is shown. It has a locking piston (294) loaded by compression springs (293) against which a locking ring (295) rests. The locking piston (294) can be loaded, for example, pneumatically against the compression springs (293), so that the locking piston (294) is moved to the left in this illustration relative to the locking housing (296). This moves a locking notch (297) of the locking piston (294) into the area of the locking ring (295). The locking ring (295), whose structure corresponds to the structure of the clamping ring (100), expands into the locking notch (297) while relieving the elastomer body (298). The locking device (291) is released to accommodate the locking bolt (352) or to remove the locking bolt (352). In the exemplary embodiment, the adapter coupling (290) has two docking couplings (292), each comprising a locking device (291) and a locking bolt (352).

[0065] The energy transmission coupling (330) comprising the first energy transmission part (312) and the second energy transmission part (331) is shown in the Figure 18 shown in the coupled state. The Figure 21 shows the first energy transfer part (312) and the Figure 22 the second energy transmission part (331), for example, a pneumatic energy transmission coupling (330). In the exemplary embodiment, the device has two energy transmission couplings (330).

[0066] The robot-side energy guide part (313) has a cable housing (314), on the top of which the energy supply connection (311) is arranged. The cable housing (314) has a stepped recess (315) in which a central bolt (316) is fastened. This central bolt (316) is, for example, a countersunk screw whose head (317) has an imaginary cone angle of 30 degrees. A spring energy accumulator (318), referred to below as the locking spring (318), is supported in the stepped recess (315) and loads a locking slide (319) that engages around the central bolt (316). In this exemplary embodiment, the locking spring (318) is designed as a compression spring (318). The locking slide (319) has an axial sealing ring (322) on its free end face (321). Furthermore, a radial sealing element can be arranged on the outer surface of the closure slide (319).The locking slide (319) has a tapered recess (323) whose pitch corresponds to the cone angle of the central bolt (316). Figure 21 In the unloaded state shown, the front side (321) of the locking slide (319) is flush with the central bolt (316). Figures 18 and 24 The visible gap-shaped closure channel (324) between the two components is closed.

[0067] The second energy transfer coupling part (331) has a spring-loaded locking tappet (332) with a cylinder head (333). This locking tappet (332) is slidably guided in a valve housing (334). The spring energy accumulator (335), which loads the cylinder head (333), is designed as a compression spring (335) and is supported on the valve housing (334). This compression spring (335) has, for example, a higher spring constant than the locking spring (318) of the first energy transfer coupling part (312). When the energy transfer coupling (330) is uncoupled, the cylinder head (333) sits in a sealing ring (336) of the valve housing (334). The end face (337) of the locking tappet (332) is, for example, flush with the end face (338) of the valve housing (334). The valve housing (334) is thus closed.

[0068] In the Figures 23 and 24the coupling of the adapter coupling (290) is shown. As the two coupling parts approach each other, the locking bolts (352) of the docking coupling (292) first engage in the locking recesses (299) of the locking devices (291). This centers the two coupling partners mutually. As they approach each other further, the locking bolt (352) passes the locking ring (295). The central bolt (316) of the energy transfer coupling (330) strikes the locking tappet (332). At the same time, the valve housing (334) strikes the locking slide (319). As they approach each other further, the central bolt (316) moves the locking tappet (332) against the load of the compression spring (335). The locking slide (319) is moved against the load of the robot-side locking spring (318). First, the robot-side closure channel (324) is opened so that air flows out.The clamping plate-side line channel (339) is still closed by the locking plunger (332) and the sealing ring (336). This allows the coupling area to be cleaned.

[0069] After blowing, the locking plunger (332) is pushed out of the area of the sealing ring (336) upon further approach. The line channel (339) is released. As soon as the valve housing (334) has pressed against the locking slide (319), the energy transfer coupling (330) is sealed against the environment (201). At the same time, the docking coupling (292) is locked. For example, the compressed air provided by the industrial robot (208) flows through the energy supply connection (311), the energy transfer coupling (330), and through channels (341, 353) in the second energy supply coupling part (331) and in the docking block (352) into the workpiece clamping plate (231).

[0070] The Figure 19shows a cross-section of the workpiece clamping system (210). The section plane of this illustration is parallel to the section plane of the illustration of the Figure 18 For example, the cutting plane in the direction of the vertical center transverse plane of the workpiece clamping system (210) is offset by half a pitch of the clamping units (1) to the cutting plane of the Figure 18 .

[0071] An energy supply channel (236) is embossed into the workpiece clamping plate (231). This runs, for example, parallel to the underside (237) of the workpiece clamping plate (231) and ends in a vertically aligned connecting channel (238). Here, the energy supply channel (236) opens into a media coupling (250). In this illustration, this media coupling (250) connects the workpiece clamping plate (231) to the support plate (211), so that the medium supplied in the workpiece clamping plate (231) is guided into a media channel (215) in the support plate (211). The media channel (215) is part of a channel system (216) embossed in the support plate (211). This channel system (216) consists of several horizontal channels (217) and vertical channels (218) that connect the media coupling (250) to the clamping devices (10).

[0072] In the exemplary embodiment, the workpiece clamping system (210) has two media couplings (250). These media couplings (250) are arranged, for example, in the vertical center longitudinal plane of the workpiece clamping system (210) symmetrically to its vertical center transverse plane. They are, for example, identical to one another. The channel systems (216) of both media couplings (250) can be guided separately from one another. The individual channels can be arranged next to one another or one above the other. The channels can cross one another. However, it is also conceivable for individual channels to intersect one another. The channel systems (216) of both media couplings can be brought together. For example, the same energies, data and signals can be transmitted via the individual media coupling (250) as via the individual energy transfer coupling (330).For example, when supplying a liquid or gaseous medium, the support plate (211) is arranged downstream of the workpiece clamping plate (231) in the flow direction.

[0073] The individual media coupling (250) has a first media coupling part (251) arranged on the workpiece clamping plate (231) and a second media coupling part (271) arranged on the support plate (211). The first media coupling part (251) is designed as a bolt part (251) in the exemplary embodiment. The bolt part (251), see the Figures 25 and 26, has a fixed part (252) and a valve slide (253) which is spring-loaded and movable relative to it. The fixed part (252) has an insert cover (255) with a central opening (256) on its upper side (254). This opening (256) connects the energy supply channel (236) with the cable space (257) of the bolt part (251) when assembled. The fixed part (252) is screwed to the workpiece clamping plate (231) by means of a fastening collar (258). The fixed part (252) projects from the fastening collar (258) with a tubular, central pin (259). On the front side of the pin (259) it has a central bore (261) and, for example, four radial channels (262). Stop webs (263) are located between the radial channels (262). The stop surfaces (264) of the stop webs (263) are arranged, for example, normal to the height direction (207) of the media coupling (250).The inner wall of the pin (259) is formed in the area adjacent to the free end face with a hollow truncated cone. The cone angle open toward the conduit chamber (257) is, for example, 60 degrees.

[0074] The valve slide (253) has a spring retainer (265) and is designed in its upper area to complement the hollow truncated cone-shaped area of the pin (259). Between the valve slide (253) and the pin (259) is shown in the illustrations of the Figures 19 and 25 An air duct (266) is shown. A spring energy accumulator (267) in the form of a compression spring (267) is located on the spring receptacle (265). This spring is supported on the insert cover (255). The compression spring (267) loads the valve slide (253) toward the end face of the pin (259), so that when the compression spring (267) is released, the air duct (266) is closed.

[0075] Leakage monitoring can be provided in the bolt part (251) and / or in the workpiece clamping plate (231). This includes, for example, a pressure switch that triggers an alarm when the pressure falls below a certain threshold.

[0076] The second media coupling part (271), see the Figures 27 and 28, in the exemplary embodiment is a receiving part (271). The receiving part (271) has a receiving housing (272) fastened in the support plate (211), in which a cup slide (273) is spring-loaded and can be displaced in the vertical direction (207). In the assembled state, the receiving housing (272) projects into a cup-shaped recess (219) in the support plate (211). It is fastened to the upper side (221) of the support plate (211) by means of a support collar (274). The receiving housing (272) has an open bottom so that the housing interior (275) opens into the media channel (215). In the recess (219), the receiving housing (272) is sealed by means of an external sealing ring (276). The stepped inner wall (277) of the receiving housing (272) has an inner sealing ring (278) in the tapered area.

[0077] The pot slide (273) is available as a single item in the Figure 27shown. It has a two-stage pot structure, with the diameter of the lower section being larger than the diameter of the upper section. The upper section has radially oriented openings (279). On its upper side (281), the pot slide (273) has a central star bolt (282). This star bolt (282) is surrounded by a thrust surface (283). The pot slide (273) is supported on a receiving spring (284). In this embodiment, the receiving spring (284) is a spring energy store (284) in the form of a compression spring. The spring constant of this receiving spring (284) is, for example, higher than the spring constant of the compression spring (267) of the bolt part (251) upstream in the direction of flow. At its lower end, the pot slide (273) has radially oriented recesses (285). When the receiving part (271) is mounted, these recesses (285) are located, for example, in front of the media channels (215).

[0078] The Figures 28 - 33show the coupling of the workpiece clamping plate (231) to the support plate (211). In the illustration of the Figure 28 The workpiece clamping plate (231) and the support plate (211) are decoupled from each other. The combination bolt (130) and the bolt part (251) protrude downwards. In the illustration, the Figure 28 The combination bolt (130) extends one-third of the length of the bolt part (251) further out of the workpiece clamping plate (231) than the bolt part (251). The receiving part (271) and the clamping device (10) are relieved of load, see. Figure 2 The pot slide (273) is in its highest position. It closes the receiving housing (272).

[0079] In the presentation of the Figure 29 The combination bolt (130) contacts the closure cap (70). The bolt part (251) of the media coupling (250) remains spaced apart from the receiving part (271).

[0080] The Figure 30shows the support plate (211) and the workpiece clamping plate (231) as they approach each other more closely. The valve slide (253) of the media coupling (250) contacts the star bolt (282) of the receiving part (271). In the clamping system (1), the combination bolt (130) has moved the cover plate (70) further downward. The clamping system (1) centers the position of the workpiece clamping plate (231) relative to the support plate (211).

[0081] In the presentation of the Figure 31the valve slide (253) continues to rest on the cup slide (273), which, for example, remains unchanged in the receiving housing (272) by means of its compression spring (284). The housing interior (275) is thus still sealed off from the environment (1). When the workpiece clamping plate (231) is lowered further relative to the support plate (211), the pin (259) with the stop surfaces (264) comes to rest on the pushing surface (283) of the cup slide (273). The valve slide (253) is thus displaced relative to the fixed part (252), so that the air duct (266) is opened. The compressed air, which is conveyed, for example, via the robot arm (209), is guided through the energy supply ducts (236) into the line chamber (257) of the bolt part (251). This compressed air flows through the air duct (266) and through the radial ducts (262) into the environment (1). This cleans the area of the media coupling of contaminants such as chips, dust, moisture, etc.In the clamping device (10), the combination bolt (130) has moved the closure cover so far that it rests against the clamping ring (100).

[0082] The Figure 32 shows the workpiece clamping system (210) with the subassemblies closer together. The bolt part (251) has penetrated further into the receiving part (271), displacing the cup slide (273). The inner sealing ring (278) now seals the pin (259) against the receiving housing (272). The compressed air conveyed through the workpiece clamping plate (231) is now conveyed through the receiving part (271) into the media channels (215). In the clamping devices (10), this compressed air is used to lower the annular piston (40), for example, so that the clamping ring (100) can expand.

[0083] In the Figure 33the workpiece clamping system (210) is shown with the clamping system (1) locked and the media coupling (250) closed. The combination bolt (130) engages behind the clamping ring (100). The bolt part (251) is immersed in the receiving part (271). The compressed air transmitted via the media coupling (250) can now be used, for example, for workpiece- or machining-specific applications. It is also conceivable to open the adapter coupling (290). For example, the industrial robot (208) is separated from the workpiece clamping system (210). This interrupts the compressed air supply. The workpiece clamping system (210) is mechanically locked so that it cannot come loose. Even if the compression springs (69, 82, 91, 267, 284) of the media coupling (250) or the clamping system (1) become fatigued, the functionality of the workpiece clamping system (210) is not impaired.

[0084] In order to change the workpiece clamping plate (231) with the workpieces (360) fixed thereon, the industrial robot (208), for example, is connected to the connection surface (233) by means of the adapter coupling (290), as described above. The clamping devices (10) can be pressurized to release the clamping systems (1) by means of the compressed air passed through the workpiece clamping plate (231), the media couplings (250), and the support plate (211). The workpiece clamping plate (231) can now be lifted, for example, by means of the industrial robot (208), which is connected to the workpiece clamping plate (231) via the adapter coupling (290). Subsequently, a new workpiece clamping plate (231), provided with the workpieces (360) to be machined, can be inserted into the support plate (211). List of reference symbols:

[0085] 1Clamping system 9Center line 10Clamping device, assembly 11Housing 12Housing base body, housing part 13Flange plate, flange 14Positioning slots 15Fastening screws 16Support tube 17Release compressed air connection on (13) 18Blow-out connection on (13) 19Protective air connection on (13) 20Receptacle recess 21Centering clamping surface, truncated cone-shaped 22Centering gap 23Rear grip shoulder 24Channel system 25Support control connection on (13) 26Clamping compressed air connection on (13), optional 27Cylinder 28Venting groove 29Axial ring groove 31Housing cover, housing part 32Stop tube 33Closing cap recess 34Blind holes 35Cross hole 36Clamping compressed air connection at (31), optional 37Release compressed air connection at (31) 38Blow-out connection at (31) 39Protective air connection at (31) 40Annular piston 41Annular piston front, top 42Piston chamfer, chamfer 45Annular piston crown, piston crown 46Spring guide bores 47Outer wall 48Inner wall 51Piston bore, central 52Sealing zone, top, part of the piston inner seal 53Sealing ring groove, top, part of the piston inner seal 54Sealing ring, top, part of the piston inner seal 55Sealing zone, bottom, part of the piston inner seal 56Sealing ring groove, bottom, part of the piston inner seal 57Sealing ring, bottom, part of the piston inner seal 61Annular groove, working annular groove 62Working section 63Annular groove wedge surface, truncated cone-shaped, wedge gear part 65Inlet section 66Return stroke surface, truncated cone-shaped 69Coil compression springs, return springs, spring elements 70Closing cap 71Shaft collar 72Stepped bore 73Cylinder area 74Overflow notches 75Air distribution area 76Blow-off bores 77Guide bore 78Spreading chamfer 81Spring guide ring groove 82Closing spring, helical compression spring 85Cleaning piston 86Piston rod 87Through hole 88Radial hole 89Nozzle hole 91Closing spring, helical compression spring 100Clamping ring 101Clamping elements, segmented 102Single cross-section 105Clamping surface, top, flat 106Support surface, bottom, flat 107Sliding wedge surface, top, inside 108Enveloping clamping surface, bottom, inside 109Inner surface, cylindrical 111Clamping ring wedge surface, wedge gear part 112Clamping ring return stroke surface 115Rear grip recess 116Bore 117Rear grips 121Spring elements, elastomer body, segmented 122Clamping pin 130Combination bolt, assembly 131Fitting cylinder section 132Axial contact surface, contact surface 133Clamping area 134Inner clamping surface, clamping surface 135Clamping ring return stroke chamfer 136Waist area 137Centering area 138Outer clamping surface, clamping surface 139Through hole 201Environment 202Machine table 203T-slots 205Longitudinal direction 206Transverse direction 207Height direction 208Industrial robot 209Robot arm 210Workpiece clamping system 211Support plate 212Underside of (211) 213End face of (211) 214Channel outlets 215Media channel 216Channel system 217Horizontal channels 218Vertical channels 219Cup-shaped recess in (211) 221Top of (211) 231Workpiece clamping plate 232Suction openings 233End face, connection surface 234Engagement recesses 235End face, oriented in the longitudinal direction 236Energy supply channel 237Underside of (231) 238Connection channel 250Media coupling 251First media coupling part, bolt part 252Fixed part 253Valve slide 254Top 255Insert cover 256Breakthrough 257Cable space 258Fastening collar 259Pin 261Bore in (259) 262Radial channels 263Stop webs 264Stop surfaces 265Spring holder 266Air duct 267Compression spring; spring energy storage 271Second media coupling part, receiving part 272Receiving housing 273Push-in valve 274Support collar 275Housing interior 276Outer sealing ring 277Inner wall of (272) 278Inner sealing ring 279Perforations in (273) 281Top of (273) 282Star bolt of (273) 283Thrust surface of (273) 284Receiving spring, compression spring, spring energy storage 285Recesses in (273) 290Adapter coupling 291Locking device 292Docking coupling 293Compression springs 294Locking piston 295Locking ring 296Locking housing 297Locking notch 298Elastomer body 299Locking recess 311Energy supply connection 312First energy transfer coupling part 313Energy guide part 314Cable housing 315Stepped recess 316Central bolt 317Head of (316) 318Spring energy storage, locking spring, compression spring 319Locking slide 321End face of (319) 322Axial seal 323Conical recess 324Gap, sealing channel 330Energy transfer coupling 331Second energy transfer coupling part 332Locking tappet 333Cylinder head 334Valve housing 335Compression spring, spring energy accumulator 336Sealing ring 337End face of (332) 338End face of (334) 339Line duct 341 channels 351Docking block 352Locking bolt 353Channels 360 workpieces

Claims

1. A workpiece mounting system (210) for retrofitting, having a support plate (211) and a workpiece mounting plate (231), which are connected detachably to one another by means of at least one clamping system (1), characterised - in that at least one energy supply channel (236) is arranged in the workpiece mounting plate (231), said energy supply channel connecting a connection face (233) of the workpiece mounting plate (231) to at least one first media coupling part (251), and - in that at least one media channel (215) in the support plate (211) connects a second coupling part (271), which can be coupled to the first media coupling part (251), to at least one clamping device (10) of the clamping system (1).

2. The workpiece mounting system (210) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the first media coupling part (251) is designed as a bolt part (251).

3. The workpiece mounting system (210) according to Claim 2, characterised in that the bolt part (251) has a pin (259) with radial channels (262) on the end face.

4. The workpiece mounting system (210) according to Claim 2, characterised in that a combination bolt (130) of the clamping system (1) is longer in the height direction (207) than the bolt part (251).

5. The workpiece mounting system (210) according to Claim 1, characterised in that the second media coupling part (271) has a cylindrical pot-shaped receptacle housing (272), which fits around a pot-type slide (273), which is loaded by means of a receptacle spring (284).

6. The workpiece mounting system (210) according to Claim 1, characterised in that compressed air can be transferred from the workpiece mounting plate (231) to the clamping device (10) by means of a media coupling (250) having a first media coupling part (251) and a second media coupling part (271).

7. The workpiece mounting system (210) according to Claim 6, characterised in that the first media coupling part (251) has a spring energy store (267) with a lower spring constant than a spring energy store (284) of the second media coupling part (271).

8. The workpiece mounting system (210) according to Claim 1, characterised in that an adapter coupling (290) can be connected to the connection face (233).

9. The workpiece mounting device (210) according to Claim 8, characterised in that the adapter coupling (290) has at least one energy transmission coupling (330) and at least one docking coupling (292).