Clamping device, clamping system, machine tool, method for clamping a workpiece, and method for machining a workpiece.

Abstract

It enables efficient, reliable, and automated clamping of workpieces. [Solution] The clamping device 100 is configured to clamp a workpiece 2000 and comprises a base body 1 and at least one clamping unit 2. The clamping unit comprises a positioning body 21 and a clamping body 22. The positioning body is mounted on the base body so as to be movable along the positioning direction, and the clamping device comprises a moving mechanism, which allows the positioning body to move relative to the base body 1 along the positioning direction. The clamping body is mounted on the positioning body, and the clamping unit comprises a pneumatically and / or hydraulically operated clamping actuator 23 for performing clamping movement of the clamping unit, which allows the clamping body to move relative to the positioning body along the clamping direction to clamp a workpiece.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping device, a clamping system, a machine tool, a method for clamping a workpiece, and a method for machining a workpiece.

Background Art

[0002] In the field of automatic production, numerically controlled machine tools used for partially or fully automated machining of workpieces are known.

[0003] In this case, the machine tool is usually mounted so as to be movable relative to each other, and can perform a relative movement between a machining tool necessary for machining a workpiece and the workpiece, and is controlled via controllable linear and / or rotational axes. It has a number of components that can be moved relative to each other. [[ID=--]]

[0004] In order to enable precise machining of a workpiece by a machine tool, the workpiece must usually be stationary and fixed in the working space of the machine tool. This is done via a clamping device in which the workpiece to be machined is clamped by one or more clamping bodies of the clamping device. This operation is also called the "setup operation".

[0005] The clamping device is usually adapted to a specific type of workpiece and is partially actuated manually by a machine operator or, for example, using a hydraulic actuator during the setup operation.

[0006] As a result, especially when handling workpieces of a wide variety of shapes, not only is the usability in the field of automatic production greatly limited, but hydraulic clamping involves relatively high energy consumption.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide improved possibilities for clamping a large number of different workpieces, and in particular to enable efficient, reliable, and automatic clamping of workpieces for subsequent workpiece machining. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve this objective, a clamping device according to claim 1, a clamping system according to claim 13, a machine tool according to claim 15, a method for clamping a workpiece according to claim 16, and a method for machining a workpiece according to claim 21 are provided.

[0009] Each dependent claim relates to a preferred embodiment that can be provided individually or in combination in this case.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a clamping device for use in a machine tool is provided, the clamping device is configured to clamp a workpiece, and for this purpose comprises a base and at least one clamping unit that is movable relative to the base. The clamping unit for the component comprises a positioning body and a clamping body, the clamping body being configured to contact the workpiece to be clamped. The positioning body of the clamping unit is mounted on the base so as to be movable along the positioning direction, and the clamping device comprises a moving mechanism for performing the positioning movement of the clamping unit, the moving mechanism thereby making the positioning body movable relative to the base along the positioning direction to position or pre-position the clamping unit for subsequent clamping of a workpiece. The clamping body is mounted on the positioning body so as to be movable along the clamping direction, and the clamping unit comprises a pneumatically and / or hydraulically operated clamping actuator for performing the clamping movement of the clamping unit, the clamping actuator thereby making the clamping body movable relative to the positioning body along the clamping direction to clamp a workpiece.

[0011] Thus, a clamping device is provided that enables clamping a workpiece in two stages. In the first stage, pre-positioning can be performed, during which the clamping unit is moved by a moving mechanism to "approximately" conform to the dimensions of the workpiece to be clamped. In the second stage, the workpiece is clamped by the actual clamping movement of the clamping actuator. Pre-positioning allows for optimal setting of the clamping movement, which in this case is brought about by the clamping actuator and depends on the dimensions of the workpiece.

[0012] The optimal point in this regard should be understood to be, for example, that the workpiece can be inserted into the clamping device without difficulty after pre-positioning, that is, that the play between the workpiece and the clamping device is not so small that the workpiece slightly interferes, and in addition, the movement path of the clamp body required for clamp movement is within the limits predetermined by the clamp actuator, and preferably is as small as possible in order to keep energy costs low when using hydraulics or pneumatics.

[0013] In this case, the described two-stage clamping allows for reliable and secure clamping for a large number of workpieces of different structures, because the actual clamping movement can remain essentially unchanged, and the adaptation of the clamping device to different workpieces is achieved by pre-positioning via the movement mechanism.

[0014] As a result, prerequisites for fully automated clamping of workpieces of different designs are also created. Thus, both the moving mechanism and the clamping actuator can be driven, for example, by the machine tool itself, to clamp the inserted workpiece.

[0015] The clamping device may include its own hydraulic or pneumatic assembly for supplying power to the clamping actuator, or it may have a hydraulic or pneumatic interface that can be connected to an external hydraulic or pneumatic system to supply hydraulic or pneumatic energy to the clamping actuator.

[0016] The clamp actuator is preferably designed to apply a clamping force of up to 10kN, more preferably 20kN, even more preferably 40kN, and even more preferably 100kN. This does not preclude higher clamping forces.

[0017] The moving mechanism is preferably a purely mechanical design without hydraulic or pneumatic actuators. As a result, sometimes large travel paths for positioning can be executed quickly, energy-efficiently, and, above all, without problems. Consequently, the setup time of the machine tool is reduced, leading to higher production speeds, especially in the field of mass production.

[0018] In this case, movement along the direction of the clamp or the positioning direction should be understood as meaning that each body can move in its respective direction and in the opposite direction.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning body is movable within a first range of motion extending from a first end position of the positioning body relative to the base to a second end position of the positioning body relative to the base. The clamp body is movable within a second range of motion extending from a first end position of the clamp body relative to the positioning body to a second end position of the clamp body relative to the positioning body. In this case, the length of the second range of motion is 50% or less of the length of the first range of motion, preferably 10% or less of the length of the first range of motion, more preferably 5% or less, and particularly preferably 1% or less.

[0020] The varying range of movement allows for longer positioning movements to be performed by the movement mechanism within a fixed clamping movement, thus enabling the clamping device to be used for workpieces of very different sizes, ensuring that the workpieces can be clamped uniformly and reliably.

[0021] The range of motion should be understood in this context as the set of all positions or relative positions that can be achieved by the movement of each body. Each end position should be understood in this context as the limit of the set, where the movement to which the end position is achieved can no longer be continued, and rather only a return movement oriented in the opposite direction to the said movement remains.

[0022] Preferably, the length of the first range of motion is 100 mm or less, more preferably 200 mm or less, more preferably 300 mm or less, and more preferably 500 mm or less. This does not exclude a larger range of motion.

[0023] Preferably, the length of the second travel range, which can also be seen as the possible clamping stroke of the clamping unit, is 1 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or less, even more preferably 5 mm or less, even more preferably 10 mm or less, and even more preferably 25 mm or less. This does not preclude a larger travel range.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning direction extends parallel to the direction of the clamp.

[0025] Simply put, in this case, the clamp body and positioning body of the clamp unit move in the same spatial direction in the direction of the clamp and the positioning direction, respectively.

[0026] However, the clamping device is not limited to this configuration. Therefore, the direction of the clamp and the positioning direction can also be at an angle to each other, particularly a right angle.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the moving mechanism comprises a spindle drive.

[0028] The spindle drive is relatively cost-effective for performing positioning movement, easy to implement, and represents a purely mechanical possibility.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the moving mechanism is a self-locking type of moving mechanism.

[0030] As a result, the moving mechanism itself can be used as a kind of locking device that prevents, for example, the clamping force generated during clamping by the clamp body from causing an undesirable movement of the positioning body relative to the base body.

[0031] However, in some situations, especially when the positioning direction and the clamping direction extend parallel to each other, it can happen here that the clamping force or the machining force generated during machining of the workpiece acts directly on the moving mechanism.

[0032] For this reason, in particular, the following embodiments having an additional clamping device are proposed, by means of which, for example, the moving mechanism can be released in the aforementioned cases.

[0033] Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the clamping device comprises a clamping device that can be switched between a clamped state and an unclamped state. In the clamped state, the positioning body is fixed to the base body by the clamping force applied by the clamping device, and in the unclamped state, the positioning body is not fixed to the base body by the clamping device.

[0034] Thus, in the clamped state, the position of the positioning body relative to the base body can be held at a certain position via the clamping device. As a result, the movement of the positioning body relative to the base body can be reliably prevented, thereby preventing the clamping state of the workpiece from being partially or completely released as a result of an undesirable movement of the positioning body.

[0035] As a result, the force acting on the positioning body can be transmitted via the clamp interface of a clamping device located between the positioning body and the base. In this case, the force can be generated not only by the clamping force on the clamping body but also by the machining forces during subsequent workpiece machining.

[0036] Preferably, the clamping device is switched to the clamped state after the positioning body has been moved but before the workpiece is clamped.

[0037] Preferably, the clamping device comprises at least two clamping interfaces between the positioning body and the base, through which a clamping force can be applied between the two bodies. Preferably, these clamping interfaces are spaced apart from each other at an angle, particularly perpendicular to the positioning direction.

[0038] As a result, a symmetrical structure can be implemented that provides more uniform loading of the clamping device components and reliably prevents wedge locking caused by small rotations of the positioning body relative to the base.

[0039] In the non-clamped state, the applied clamping force is preferably equal to zero, but this is not essential. However, it is advantageous if it is found to be at least substantially smaller than in the clamped state, i.e., 5%, 2%, or 1% or less of the clamping force in the clamped state.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment, the positioning body is movably mounted to the base via a linear guide comprising two guide elements that extend parallel to the positioning direction and are fixed to the base.

[0041] As a result, a symmetrical mounting for positioning movement is provided that prevents undesirable tilting or wedge fixation of the positioning body during positioning movement.

[0042] The guide elements, which are fixed to the substrate, can also be understood here as part of the substrate itself.

[0043] Preferably, the surface contour of the guide element is at least partially or completely convex over the entire first range of movement.

[0044] The convex structure allows for simple sliding of chips generated during workpiece machining.

[0045] Preferably, the surface profile of the guide element has an elliptical or arc-shaped partial cross-section in a cross-section perpendicular to the positioning direction. In particular, the surface profile in the cross-section is perfectly elliptical or circular.

[0046] Preferably, the guide element is designed as a guide rod, particularly as a solid guide rod.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the substrate has a collection area for chips that are placed between the guide elements of the linear guide.

[0048] As a result, chips generated from workpiece machining can fall directly into the collection area and thus be discharged from the machining area.

[0049] Preferably, the base body includes one or more outlet openings that allow the chips collected in the collection area to be discharged around the clamping device.

[0050] As a result, the collected chips, for example, those collected in the collection area of ​​the machine tool's workspace, can be discharged.

[0051] Preferably, the base has a bottom surface set at a certain angle to one or more outlet openings in the collection area, thereby improving the discharge of chips from the collection area of ​​the clamping device.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device is positioned on a linear guide and, in the clamped state, is configured to apply a clamping force to the clamp interface between the positioning body and at least one of the two guide elements. Preferably, in the clamped state, the clamping device is configured to apply a clamping force to the clamp interface between the positioning body and each of the two guide elements.

[0053] Thus, the linear guide and clamping device can be provided as a common assembly, which not only reduces the required installation space but also reduces the number of operating interfaces between the positioning body and the base.

[0054] For example, the clamping device is preferably designed as a clamping bush fixed to a positioning body, or as a pair of clamping bushes to which at least one guide element, or in each case one of two guide elements, is guided.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device includes an additional clamping body that is fixed immovably to a base, and the workpiece to be clamped can be clamped between the clamping body of the clamping unit and the additional clamping body by the clamping movement of the clamping unit.

[0056] Alternatively, the clamping device may also include a further movable clamping unit, which may be configured in substantially the same manner as the clamping unit already described above.

[0057] Preferably, the clamping surface of the clamping body of the clamping unit extends parallel to the clamping surface of the additional clamping body, and as a result, the clamping device basically has a vise-like configuration.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the clamping device includes an interface device adapted to a receiving device, particularly a receiving device of a machine tool, such that the clamping device can be releasably fixed to the receiving device via an interface device.

[0059] In this case, the receiving device should not be understood as part of the clamping device, but rather as an external device to which the interface device can be operably connected in order to fix the clamping device in a positionally fixed manner relative to the receiving device.

[0060] For example, the receiving device could be a pallet receiving device for a machine tool, although this is not an exhaustive list.

[0061] In the context of this invention, "releasable fastening" should be understood to mean fastening that can be released non-destructively.

[0062] In a preferred embodiment, the moving mechanism includes a drive interface that can transmit driving motion for the moving mechanism to the base in order to move the positioning body relative to the base.

[0063] As a result, the possibility arises of external operation or external drive of the moving mechanism.

[0064] However, alternatively, the clamping device may also include a drive unit coupled to the moving mechanism, for example, in the form of an electric motor. This allows for autonomous movement of the positioning body, but also increases the required installation space for the clamping device.

[0065] In this case, the drive interface is preferably provided on the clamping device, particularly on the outside of the base, thus ensuring easy access to the latter.

[0066] Preferably, the drive interface has a non-circular cross-section, for example, a polygonal cross-section, in order to improve force / torque transmission to the moving mechanism.

[0067] A second aspect of the present invention provides a clamping system for use in a machine tool. The clamping system comprises a clamping device according to the first aspect or one of its preferred embodiments, wherein the moving mechanism of the clamping device comprises at least one drive interface capable of transmitting drive motion for the moving mechanism to the latter in order to move a positioning body relative to a base. Furthermore, the clamping system comprises an adjustment tool having a first interface and a second interface. The first interface of the adjustment tool is designed to be received by a tool receiver on the work spindle of a machine tool and to be driven by the work spindle. Furthermore, the second interface of the adjustment tool and the drive interface of the moving mechanism are adapted to each other so as to be an actuated coupling that can be released by relative movement between the adjustment tool and the clamping device, and thus the movement of the work spindle can be transmitted through the adjustment tool to the drive interface of the moving mechanism in order to move a positioning body relative to a base.

[0068] Therefore, a clamping system that can be operated autonomously by a machine tool is provided, and positioning movement can be performed using an adjustment tool via the workpiece spindle of the machine tool.

[0069] Preferably, in order to operate the clamp actuator, the hydraulic interface and / or pneumatic interface of the clamping device can be connected to an external hydraulic system or external pneumatic system, particularly the hydraulic or pneumatic system of a machine tool, to supply hydraulic or pneumatic energy to the clamp actuator.

[0070] In a preferred embodiment, the adjustment tool includes a torque limiter positioned between the first interface and the second interface, and / or a preloaded compensating element that enables compensatory motion of the first interface relative to the second interface. The compensating element can be designed, for example, elastically or viscoelastically.

[0071] As a result, firstly, torque can be limited, and secondly, inaccurate initial movement of the adjustment tool relative to the drive interface can be compensated for, in order to prevent damage to the clamping device, especially the moving mechanism.

[0072] A third aspect of the present invention provides a machine tool for machining a workpiece, comprising at least one clamping device according to the first aspect or one of its preferred embodiments, or a clamping system according to the second aspect or one of its preferred embodiments.

[0073] As a result of using the clamping device or clamping system according to the present invention, reliable and secure clamping of a large number of workpieces of different designs can be performed during workpiece machining.

[0074] Preferably, the machine tool comprises a machining apparatus having a work spindle equipped with a tool holder that can receive a machining tool and can be driven by the work spindle, which is configured to machine a workpiece.

[0075] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a clamping device according to the first aspect or one of its preferred embodiments, and a method for clamping a workpiece, comprising: positioning a clamping unit of the provided clamping device; inserting a workpiece into the provided clamping device with the clamping unit positioned; and clamping the inserted workpiece. In this case, positioning the clamping unit involves moving the positioning body of the clamping unit relative to the base of the provided clamping device along the positioning direction by a moving mechanism of the provided clamping device according to the dimensions of the workpiece, and clamping the inserted workpiece involves moving the clamping body of the clamping unit relative to the positioning body along the clamping direction by a clamping actuator of the provided clamping device.

[0076] Thus, a clamping process that enables reliable and secure clamping of numerous workpieces of different designs is provided using the clamping device according to the present invention.

[0077] The advantages in this regard have already been mentioned in the context of the clamping device according to the present invention, and similarly apply to the method for clamping, and as a result, no further duplication is required at this point.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the method is a method for clamping a workpiece in a machine tool.

[0079] In a preferred embodiment, the moving mechanism of the provided clamping device comprises a drive interface capable of transmitting driving motion for the moving mechanism to the latter in order to move a positioning body relative to a base. In this case, the method further comprises providing an adjustment tool having a first interface and a second interface, wherein the first interface of the adjustment tool is designed to be received by a tool receiver of a work spindle of a machine tool and driven by the work spindle, and the second interface of the adjustment tool and the drive interface of the moving mechanism are adapted to each other so as to be an actuated coupling that can be released by relative movement between the adjustment tool and the clamping device, and thus the movement of the work spindle can be transmitted through the adjustment tool to the drive interface of the moving mechanism in order to move a positioning body relative to a base. Furthermore, positioning of the clamping unit comprises receiving the provided adjustment tool into a tool receiver of a work spindle of a machine tool and moving the work spindle and / or the provided clamping device in order to actuarially couple the received adjustment tool with the drive interface of the moving mechanism. Furthermore, in this case, the movement of the positioning body of the clamping unit relative to the base is performed by driving the moving mechanism by the work spindle via the actuarially coupled adjustment tool.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment, positioning of the clamping unit of the provided clamping device further includes detecting the distance of the moved positioning body from a reference point of the clamping device, determining the deviation between the detected distance and the dimensions of the workpiece, and, if the amount of the determined deviation is greater than a predetermined limit, a second movement of the positioning body relative to the base along the positioning direction by the moving mechanism, wherein the second method is performed in particular in accordance with the determined deviation, if the amount of the determined deviation is greater than a predetermined limit, a second movement of the positioning body relative to the base along the positioning direction by the moving mechanism.

[0081] Thus, a control step is provided to check whether the positioning body is correctly pre-positioned, or, if appropriate, whether the positioning body needs to be readjusted again so that the workpiece to be clamped can be properly inserted into the clamping device.

[0082] The predetermined limit values ​​are determined, for example, from the geometric dimensions of the clamping unit, and in particular, from the dimensions of the workpiece support of the clamping device in which the workpiece is placed during insertion.

[0083] Preferably, distance detection includes detecting a point on the clamp unit, particularly the positioning body, and detecting a reference point using a measuring probe.

[0084] The measuring probe is a machine tool measuring probe, preferably pre-received in the tool holder of the workpiece spindle.

[0085] In a preferred embodiment, the method further includes fixing the provided clamping device in the working space of a machine tool, particularly a releaseable fixing, by operably connecting the interface device of the provided clamping device to the receiving device of the machine tool.

[0086] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method for machining a workpiece. The method comprises clamping the workpiece according to a method for clamping according to a fourth aspect or one of its preferred embodiments, the method for clamping being a method for clamping a workpiece in a machine tool, and including at least fixing, in particular releaseable fixing, of a provided clamping device in the working space of the machine tool. Furthermore, the method for machining comprises machining the clamped workpiece with a machining tool held in a machining device of the machine tool.

[0087] In this way, machining becomes possible that can reliably and securely clamp a large number of workpieces of different designs, thus enabling more precise machining of the workpieces. In this manner, workpiece machining with high machining quality becomes possible.

[0088] Further embodiments and their advantages, as well as more specific exemplary embodiments of the above-described embodiments and embodiments, will be described below with reference to the drawings shown in the attached figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0089] [Figure 1A] Exemplary embodiments of a clamping system according to the present invention, having an exemplary embodiment of a clamping device and an exemplary embodiment of an adjustment tool according to the present invention, are shown in various figures. [Figure 1B] Exemplary embodiments of a clamping system according to the present invention, having an exemplary embodiment of a clamping device and an exemplary embodiment of an adjustment tool according to the present invention, are shown in various figures. [Figure 1C] Exemplary embodiments of a clamping system according to the present invention, having an exemplary embodiment of a clamping device and an exemplary embodiment of an adjustment tool according to the present invention, are shown in various figures. [Figure 2A] This shows an exemplary sequence of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention for clamping a workpiece using an exemplary embodiment of the clamping system according to the present invention. [Figure 2B]This shows an exemplary sequence of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention for clamping a workpiece using an exemplary embodiment of the clamping system according to the present invention. [Figure 2C] This shows an exemplary sequence of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention for clamping a workpiece using an exemplary embodiment of the clamping system according to the present invention. [Figure 2D] This shows an exemplary sequence of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention for clamping a workpiece using an exemplary embodiment of the clamping system according to the present invention. [Figure 2E] This shows an exemplary sequence of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention for clamping a workpiece using an exemplary embodiment of the clamping system according to the present invention. [Figure 2F] This shows an exemplary sequence of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the present invention for clamping a workpiece using an exemplary embodiment of the clamping system according to the present invention. [Figure 3] A schematic sequence of exemplary embodiments of the method according to the present invention for clamping a workpiece is shown. [Figure 4] A schematic sequence of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the present invention for machining a workpiece is shown. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0090] It is emphasized that the present invention is by no means limited to the exemplary embodiments and their exemplary features described below. The present invention further includes modifications of the exemplary embodiments mentioned, in particular those resulting from modifications and / or combinations of individual or multiple features of the exemplary embodiments described within the scope of protection of the independent claims.

[0091] Figures 1A to 1C show an exemplary embodiment of a clamping system 1000 according to the present invention, which includes an exemplary embodiment of a clamping device 100 according to the present invention and an exemplary embodiment of an adjustment tool 200 according to the present invention, in perspective view (Figure 1A), first side view (Figure 1B), and second side view (Figure 1C).

[0092] Figures 1A to 1C show different perspectives of the same exemplary embodiment and will be described together below.

[0093] The clamping system 1000 comprises a clamping device 100 for clamping the workpiece 2000 and an adjustment tool 200.

[0094] The clamping device 100 is configured to clamp a workpiece 2000 and comprises a base 1 and at least one clamping unit 2 that is movable relative to the base 1.

[0095] The clamping unit comprises a positioning body 21 and a clamping body 22 configured to contact the workpiece 2000 to be clamped, particularly via the clamping surface 22b of the clamping body.

[0096] The positioning body 21 of the clamp unit 2 is attached to the base 1 so as to be movable along the positioning direction XP.

[0097] The clamping device 100 further comprises a moving mechanism 4 for performing positioning movement of the clamping unit 2, the moving mechanism which allows the positioning body 21 to move relative to the base 1 along the positioning direction XP to position the clamping unit 2 for subsequent clamping of the workpiece 2000.

[0098] The clamp body 22 is attached to the positioning body 21 so as to be movable along the clamping direction XS.

[0099] The clamp unit 2 further comprises a pneumatically and / or hydraulically operated clamp actuator 23 for performing clamping movements of the clamp unit 2, and by this clamp actuator, the clamp body 22 is movable relative to the positioning body 21 along the clamping direction XS in order to clamp the workpiece 2000.

[0100] The clamping device 100 preferably includes an additional clamp body 3 fixed immovably to the base 1, as shown in Figures 1A to 1C, and the workpiece 2000 to be clamped can be clamped between the clamp body 22 of the clamping unit 2 and the additional clamp body 3 by the clamping movement of the clamping unit 2, and the clamping surface 22b of the clamping surface 22 of the clamping unit 2 preferably extends parallel to the clamping surface of the additional clamp body 3.

[0101] Preferably, the clamping direction and the positioning direction extend parallel to each other.

[0102] The clamping device 100 preferably includes an interface 24 for supplying hydraulic and / or pneumatic energy to the clamping actuator by an external hydraulic or pneumatic system.

[0103] The moving mechanism 4 preferably includes a spindle drive 41 which is attached to the base 1.

[0104] Preferably, the moving mechanism 4 includes a drive interface 42 that can transmit driving motion for the moving mechanism 4 to move the positioning body 21 relative to the base body 1, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. Preferably, the drive interface is provided on the outside of the base body 1 and has a cross section having a polygonal cross section in particular.

[0105] The positioning body 21 is preferably mounted via a linear guide, the latter of which is movably attached to the base 1. The latter comprises two guide elements 11 that extend parallel to the positioning direction XP and are fixed to the base 1, as shown in Figures 1A to 1C.

[0106] The guide element 11 is preferably designed as a solid guide rod having a circular surface contour in a cross section perpendicular to the positioning direction XP.

[0107] Preferably, the clamping device 100 includes a clamping device that can be switched between a clamped state and an unclamped state, wherein in the clamped state, the positioning body 21 is fixed to the base body 1 by the clamping force applied by the clamping device, and in the unclamped state, the positioning body 21 is not fixed to the base body 1 by the clamping device.

[0108] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the clamping device 25 is designed in the form of two clamping bushings 25 that, when clamped, apply a clamping force to the clamping interface between the positioning body 21 and at least one of the two guide elements 11.

[0109] Preferably, the base body 1 has a chip collection area 12 positioned between the guide elements 11 of the linear guide, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B.

[0110] Furthermore, the base body 1 preferably has one or more outlet openings 13 that can discharge the chips collected in the collection area 12 around the clamping device 100.

[0111] The clamping device 100 preferably includes an interface device 5 that is adapted to a receiving device (not shown here), particularly a receiving device of a machine tool, so that the clamping device 100 can be releasably fixed to the receiving device via the interface device 5, as shown in Figures 1B and 1C.

[0112] In this case, the interface device comprises two spaced-apart interface elements 51, each of which can be received into and fixed to the receiving interface of the receiving device.

[0113] The adjustment tool 200 can preferably be used to perform positional movement of the positioning body 21 by the moving mechanism 4.

[0114] The adjustment tool 200 includes a first interface 201 and a second interface 202, the first interface 201 of which is not shown in Figure 1A (see Figure 2A for details).

[0115] The first interface 201 of the adjustment tool 200 is preferably designed to be received by a tool holder on the work spindle of a machine tool and to be driven by the work spindle.

[0116] The second interface 202 of the adjustment tool 200 and the drive interface 42 of the moving mechanism 4 are adapted to each other so as to be an operational coupling that can be released by relative movement between the adjustment tool 200 and the clamping device 100.

[0117] In particular, this configuration is set up so that the movement of the work spindle is transmitted to the drive interface 42 of the moving mechanism 4 via the adjustment tool 200, and as a result the positioning body 21 moves relative to the base 1.

[0118] Figure 1A shows the state in which the adjustment tool 200 is not operably connected to the drive interface.

[0119] Thus, a clamping device 100 is provided that enables reliable and secure clamping of a large number of workpieces 2000 of different designs.

[0120] Therefore, clamping can be advantageously performed in two stages. In the first stage, pre-positioning can be performed, during which the clamping unit 2 is moved by the moving mechanism 4 to "approximately" conform to the dimensions of the workpiece 2000 to be clamped. In the second stage, clamping of the workpiece 2000 can be performed by the actual clamping movement by the clamping actuator 23.

[0121] Figures 2A to 2F show an exemplary time sequence of an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the present invention for clamping a workpiece 2000 using an exemplary embodiment of the clamping system 1000 according to the present invention.

[0122] Exemplary embodiments of the clamping system 1000 substantially correspond to the exemplary embodiments shown in Figures 1A to 1C, and therefore no further explanation is provided herein. However, it should be noted that the methods of clamping according to the present invention are not limited to the use of the clamping system according to the exemplary embodiments.

[0123] Figure 2A is a perspective view showing the state of the clamping device 100 before positioning the clamping unit 2.

[0124] In this case, the clamp unit 2 is positioned by moving the positioning body 21 relative to the base 1 along the positioning direction XP using the moving mechanism 4, and the moving mechanism 4 is driven via the drive motion of an adjustment tool 200 which is pre-operably connected to the drive interface 41 of the moving mechanism 4.

[0125] Figure 2B is a perspective view showing the clamp unit 2 after positioning, and as a result, the positioning movement of the clamp unit 2 can be seen in conjunction with Figure 2A.

[0126] Figure 2C is a perspective view showing the state of the clamping device 100 immediately after detecting the distance of the moved positioning body 21 from the reference point 31 of the clamping device 100.

[0127] For this purpose, a reference point 31 located on the additional clamp body 3 and a measuring point 21a on the positioning body 21 are detected by a measuring probe 3000 to detect the distance between the reference point 31 and the measuring point 21a, particularly with respect to the positioning direction XP.

[0128] This distance detection helps to check whether the positioning movement is performed as desired and whether the workpiece 2000 to be clamped can be correctly inserted into the clamping device.

[0129] For this purpose, the deviation between the detected distance and the dimensions of the workpiece is determined. If the amount of the determined deviation is greater than a predetermined limit value, the second movement of the positioning body 21 relative to the base 1 is performed by the movement mechanism 4 along the positioning direction, but this is not performed in the sequence shown according to Figures 2A to 2F.

[0130] Figure 2D is a perspective view showing the state of the clamping device 100 after the workpiece 2000 has been inserted into the clamping device 100.

[0131] Figure 2E is a detailed side view showing the state of the clamping device 100 as shown in Figure 2D.

[0132] In this case, the inserted workpiece 2000 is preferably located on the bearing surface 22a of the clamp body 22, and in particular, still does not have force transmission contact with the clamp surface 22b of the clamp body 22. Correspondingly, the distance between the clamp surface 22b and the workpiece 2000 is shown in Figure 2E.

[0133] Figure 2F is a side view detailing the state of the clamping device 100 after the inserted workpiece 2000 has been clamped.

[0134] In this case, clamping is performed by moving the clamp body 22 of the clamp unit 2 relative to the positioning body 21 along the clamping direction XS using the clamp actuator 23 of the provided clamping device 100, thereby clamping the workpiece to the clamping device 100.

[0135] The advantageous two-stage clamping of workpiece 2000 is particularly evident from the sequence shown in Figures 2A to 2F. Thus, in the first stage (see Figures 2A and 2B), pre-positioning is performed, during which the clamping unit 2 is moved by the moving mechanism 4 to "approximately" conform to the dimensions of the workpiece 2000 to be clamped.

[0136] In the second stage (see Figures 2E and 2F), the workpiece 2000 can be clamped by the actual clamping movement of the clamp body 22 by the clamp actuator 23.

[0137] Figure 3 schematically shows a sequence of exemplary embodiments of the method according to the present invention for clamping a workpiece.

[0138] In step S1, a clamping device is provided.

[0139] The clamping device provided in step S1 is configured to clamp a workpiece and for this purpose comprises a base and at least one clamping unit movable relative to the base. The clamping unit for the component comprises a positioning body and a clamping body, the clamping body being configured to contact the workpiece to be clamped. The positioning body of the clamping unit is mounted on the base so as to be movable along the positioning direction, and the clamping device comprises a moving mechanism for performing the positioning movement of the clamping unit, the moving mechanism thereby enabling the positioning body to move relative to the base along the positioning direction to position the clamping unit for subsequent clamping of the workpiece. The clamping body is mounted on the positioning body so as to be movable along the clamping direction, and the clamping unit comprises a pneumatically and / or hydraulically operated clamping actuator for performing the clamping movement of the clamping unit, the clamping actuator thereby enabling the clamping body to move relative to the positioning body along the clamping direction to clamp the workpiece.

[0140] In step S2, the clamping unit of the clamping device provided in step S1 is positioned in substep S2.1, in which the positioning body of the clamping unit relative to the base of the provided clamping device is moved along the positioning direction by the moving mechanism of the provided clamping device according to the dimensions of the workpiece.

[0141] In step S3, the workpiece is inserted into the provided clamping device with the clamping unit positioned in step S2.

[0142] In step S4, the workpiece inserted in step S3 is clamped in substep S4.1, in which substep S4.1 the movement of the clamping body of the clamping unit relative to the positioning body is performed along the clamping direction by the clamping actuator of the provided clamping device.

[0143] Figure 4 schematically shows a sequence of exemplary embodiments of the method according to the present invention for machining a workpiece using a machine tool.

[0144] In step S1, a clamping device is provided.

[0145] The clamping device provided in step S1 is configured to clamp a workpiece and for this purpose comprises a base and at least one clamping unit movable relative to the base. The clamping unit for the component comprises a positioning body and a clamping body, the clamping body being configured to contact the workpiece to be clamped. The positioning body of the clamping unit is mounted on the base so as to be movable along the positioning direction, and the clamping device comprises a moving mechanism for performing the positioning movement of the clamping unit, the moving mechanism thereby enabling the positioning body to move relative to the base along the positioning direction to position the clamping unit for subsequent clamping of the workpiece. The clamping body is mounted on the positioning body so as to be movable along the clamping direction, and the clamping unit comprises a pneumatically and / or hydraulically operated clamping actuator for performing the clamping movement of the clamping unit, the clamping actuator thereby enabling the clamping body to move relative to the positioning body along the clamping direction to clamp the workpiece.

[0146] In step S2, the clamping device provided in step S1 is fixed to the workspace of the machine tool, and in particular, fixed in a way that allows it to be released.

[0147] In step S3, the clamping unit of the clamping device fixed in step S2 is positioned in substep S3.1. In this substep S3.1, the positioning body of the clamping unit relative to the base of the clamping device is moved along the positioning direction by the moving mechanism of the clamping device according to the dimensions of the workpiece.

[0148] In step S4, the workpiece is inserted into the clamping device with the clamping unit positioned in step S3.

[0149] In step S5, the workpiece inserted in step S4 is clamped in substep S5.1, and in this substep S5.1, the movement of the clamping body of the clamping unit relative to the positioning body is performed along the clamping direction by the clamping actuator of the clamping device.

[0150] In step S6, the workpiece clamped in step S5 is machined by a machining tool held in the machining equipment of the machine tool.

[0151] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0152] It is again emphasized that the present invention is by no means limited to the exemplary embodiments and their exemplary features described above. The present invention further includes modifications of the exemplary embodiments mentioned, in particular those resulting from modifications and / or combinations of individual or multiple features of the exemplary embodiments described within the scope of protection of the independent claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0153] 1 Base 2 Clamp Units 3. Additional clamp body 4 Moving mechanism 5 Interface device 11 Guide Elements 12 Collection Area 13 Outlet opening 21 Positioning body 21a Measurement point 22 Clamp body 22a Bearing surface 22b Clamp surface 23 Clamp Actuator 24 Interface for supplying to the clamp actuator 25 Clamp Bushing 31 Reference point 41 Spindle Drive 42 Drive Interface 51 Interface Elements 100 clamping device 200 Adjustment Tools 201 First Interface 202 Second Interface 203 Torque Limiter 204 Compensation Factors 1000 Clamp System 2000 Work 3000 measuring probes XP positioning direction XS clamping direction

Claims

1. A clamping device (100) for use in a machine tool, wherein the clamping device (100) is configured to clamp a workpiece (2000), and for this purpose comprises a base (1) and at least one clamping unit (2) that is movable relative to the base (1) and has a positioning body (21) and a clamping body (22), The clamp body (22) is configured to contact the workpiece (2000) to be clamped. The positioning body (21) of the clamping unit (2) is mounted on the base (1) so as to be movable along the positioning direction, the clamping device (100) includes a moving mechanism (4) for performing the positioning movement of the clamping unit (2), and the positioning body (21) is movable relative to the base (1) along the positioning direction by the moving mechanism to position the clamping unit (2) for subsequent clamping of the workpiece (2000). The clamp body (22) is attached to the positioning body (21) so as to be movable along the direction of the clamp, and the clamp unit (2) has a pneumatically and / or hydraulically operated clamp actuator (23) for performing the clamping movement of the clamp unit (2), and the clamp body (22) is movable relative to the positioning body (21) along the direction of the clamp in order to clamp the workpiece (2000) by this clamp actuator. Clamping device (100).

2. The positioning body (21) is movable within a first range of motion that extends from the position of the first end of the positioning body (21) relative to the base body (1) to the position of the second end of the positioning body (21) relative to the base body (1). The clamp body (22) is movable within a second range of movement that extends from the first end position of the clamp body (22) relative to the positioning body (21) to the second end position of the clamp body (22) relative to the positioning body (21). The length of the second movement range is 50% or less of the length of the first movement range, preferably 10% or less of the length of the first movement range, and particularly preferably 5% or less. The clamping device (100) according to claim 1.

3. The positioning direction extends parallel to the direction of the clamp. A clamping device (100) according to either claim 1 or 2.

4. The aforementioned moving mechanism (4) has a spindle drive (41), A clamping device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned moving mechanism (4) is a self-locking moving mechanism (4). A clamping device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The clamping device (100) includes a clamping device (25) that can be switched between a clamped state and an unclamped state. In the clamped state, the positioning body (21) is fixed to the base body (1) by the clamping force applied by the clamping device (25). In the non-clamped state, the positioning body (21) is not fixed to the base (1) by the clamping device (25). A clamping device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The positioning body (21) is movably attached to the base (1) via a linear guide. The linear guide has two guide elements (11) that extend parallel to the positioning direction and are fixed to the base (1), and whose surface shape is particularly convex. A clamping device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The base body (1) has a chip collection area (12) positioned between the guide elements (11) of the linear guide, The base body (1) preferably has one or more outlet openings (13) that can discharge the chips collected in the collection area (12) to the area around the clamping device (100). The clamping device (100) according to claim 7.

9. The clamping device (25) is positioned on the linear guide, The clamping device (25) is configured to apply a clamping force to the clamping interface between the positioning body (21) and at least one of the two guide elements (11) in the clamped state. The clamping device (25) is preferably designed as a clamping bush (25) fixed to the positioning body (21). A clamping device (100) according to claim 6, and any one of claims 7 and 8.

10. The clamping device (100) includes an additional clamping body (3) which is fixed immovably to the base (1), The workpiece (2000) to be clamped can be clamped between the clamp body (22) of the clamp unit (2) and the additional clamp body (3) by the clamp movement of the clamp unit (2). The clamping surface (22b) of the clamp body (22) of the clamp unit (2) preferably extends parallel to the clamping surface of the additional clamp body (3). A clamping device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The clamping device (100) includes an interface device (5) adapted to a receiving device, particularly a receiving device of a machine tool, so that the clamping device (100) can be releasably fixed to the receiving device via the interface device (5). A clamping device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The moving mechanism (4) is provided with a drive interface (42) to which driving motion for the moving mechanism (4) can be transmitted to the moving mechanism (4), thereby allowing the positioning body (21) to move relative to the base (1). A clamping device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A clamping system (1000) for use in machine tools, The clamping device (100) according to claim 12, An adjustment tool (200) having a first interface (201) and a second interface (202), Equipped with, The first interface (201) of the adjustment tool (200) is designed to be received by the tool holder of the work spindle of the machine tool and to be drivable by the work spindle. The second interface (202) of the adjustment tool (200) and the drive interface (42) of the moving mechanism (4) are adapted to each other so as to be able to be released by relative movement between the adjustment tool (200) and the clamping device (100). As a result, the movement of the work spindle can be transmitted to the drive interface (42) of the moving mechanism (4) via the adjustment tool (200) in order to move the positioning body (21) relative to the base (1). Clamping system (1000).

14. The adjustment tool (200) is A torque limiter (203) is disposed between the first interface (201) and the second interface (202), and / or The system includes a compensation element (204) that is given a preload to enable the compensatory motion of the first interface (201) relative to the second interface (202), The clamping system (1000) according to claim 13.

15. A machine tool for machining a workpiece (2000), A clamping device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or a clamping system (1000) according to any one of claims 13 or 14, Machine tools.

16. A method for clamping a workpiece (2000), A step of providing a clamping device (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, Next, a step of positioning the clamp unit (2) of the provided clamping device (100), which includes moving the positioning body (21) of the clamp unit (2) relative to the base (1) of the provided clamping device (100) along the positioning direction by the moving mechanism (4) of the provided clamping device (100) according to the dimensions of the workpiece (2000), With the clamp unit (2) positioned, the step of inserting the workpiece (2000) into the provided clamping device (100), A step of clamping the inserted workpiece (2000), comprising moving the clamp body (22) of the clamp unit (2) relative to the positioning body (21) along the direction of the clamp by the clamp actuator (23) of the provided clamping device (100), Methods that include...

17. The above method is a method for clamping a workpiece (2000) in a machine tool. The method according to claim 16.

18. The moving mechanism (4) of the provided clamping device (100) includes a drive interface (42) that can transmit driving motion for the moving mechanism (4) to the base (1) in order to move the positioning body (21) relative to the base (1). The aforementioned method, A step of providing an adjustment tool (200) having a first interface (201) and a second interface (202), The first interface (201) of the adjustment tool (200) is designed to be received by the tool holder of the work spindle of the machine tool and driven by the work spindle, and the second interface (202) of the adjustment tool (200) and the drive interface (42) of the moving mechanism (4) are adapted to each other to form an operational coupling that can be released by relative movement between the adjustment tool (200) and the clamping device (100), thereby enabling the movement of the work spindle to be transmitted to the drive interface (42) of the moving mechanism (4) via the adjustment tool (200) in order to move the positioning body (21) relative to the base (1). The present invention further includes providing an adjustment tool (200) having a first interface (201) and a second interface (202), The positioning of the clamp unit (2) is as follows: The provided adjustment tool (200) is received into the tool holder of the workpiece spindle of the machine tool, To operably connect the accepted adjustment tool (200) to the drive interface (42) of the moving mechanism (4), the work spindle and / or the provided clamping device (100) are moved. It further includes, The movement of the positioning body (21) of the clamp unit (2) relative to the base (1) is performed by driving the movement mechanism (4) by the work spindle via the adjustment tool (200) which is operably connected. The method according to claim 17.

19. The positioning of the clamp unit (2) of the provided clamping device (100) is as follows: The distance of the moved positioning body (21) from the reference point (31) of the clamping device (100) is detected, The deviation between the detected distance and the dimensions of the workpiece (2000) is determined, If the amount of the determined deviation is greater than a predetermined limit value, a second movement of the positioning body (21) relative to the base (1) along the positioning direction by the moving mechanism (4) is performed according to the determined deviation, and the second movement is performed according to the determined deviation. Further including, The method according to any one of claims 16 to 18.

20. The method further includes fixing the provided clamping device (100) in the working space of the machine tool, particularly a releaseable fixing. If the latter refers to claim 17, the method according to either claim 17 or 18, or the method according to claim 19.

21. A method for machining a workpiece (2000) using a machine tool, Clamping the workpiece (2000) according to the method for clamping the workpiece (2000) described in claim 20, The clamped workpiece (2000) is machined by a machining tool held in the machining device of the machine tool, Methods that include...

Images