Grip device for holding, centering and / or clamping micromechanical or watch components and associated fastening method

Abstract

To provide a gripper device for maintaining, centering, and / or clamping a micromechanical or horological component.SOLUTION: At least a portion of a movable jaws (2) includes a reference surface (20) for frontal bearing of a component (200), and a gripper device (100) includes a vacuum generator (60) for creating vacuum in a clamping chamber. The invention also relates to a method for fastening a micromechanical or horological component (200) in the clamping chamber of such the gripper device (100). According to this, the component (200) is disposed on the reference surface (20), then first maintaining by vacuum is carried out, then second maintaining having torque greater than that of the first maintaining by pivoting of the movable jaws (2).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gripper device for holding, centering and / or clamping a micromechanical or horological component in a clamping chamber defined by a clamp including at least one movable jaw.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for fastening such a micromechanical or horological component in a clamping chamber contained in such a gripper device.

[0003] The invention relates to the field of micromechanics and to the positioning and clamping of components during a manufacturing step or the positioning and clamping of tools during a manufacturing step. [Background technology]

[0004] Extremely precise positioning of micromechanical components, especially watch components, in manufacturing equipment is always complicated. This precise positioning must be balanced with sufficient clamping so as not to induce excessive deformation. The problem is similar for positioning and maintaining microtools used in manufacturing operations, where perfect angular indexing is often required.

[0005] Among the existing fastening means, various variants of chucks with clamps are known. These clamps are elastic or articulated to hold the component. In particular, among the conventional fastening means, in the field of watches, fastenings of the "Ottet" clamp type are used very often. This type of fastening allows to fasten the component by opening and closing elastically deformable clamping segments, generally under the combined action according to the axial direction of a nut-bolt system contained in said segments, of a spring-like elastic return means, of a push-in piece such as a ball or similar bearing on said elastic return means, and of an opening or closing cone cooperating with a sector having a conical or rounded shape. These segments are given so that they are mostly machined on the inside to best fit the contour of the component to be fastened and can be machined in place on the machine for maximum precision. The clamp itself is mounted on a plate that can be fastened / unclamped in an automatic fastening device, which is generally provided on the table of the processing machine. The principle of cone fastening of such clamps is described in the patent DE 10 200 04 13 53 199.

[0006] However, since these segments must pivot to clamp the component, there is no reference support fixed in space to ensure the height and position of the component. In other words, when a component is clamped with this type of clamp, it becomes difficult to guarantee its position precisely, both axially and radially. For example, even if the components do not have exactly the same dimensions, or even if the friction between the various segments and the clamping cone changes, the relative position of the component with respect to the clamp is slightly modified. This problem is of considerable importance for corrective machining, which requires machining operations in a more localized manner than the preceding operations.

[0007] When precise support is required, it is generally no longer possible to use standard elastic clamps of this type, since the space available in the centre of the clamping is taken up by the mechanical components which transmit the clamping / unclamping forces.

[0008] As a result, customized solutions are generally required in these cases, which in turn result in less flexibility, bulk and higher costs.

[0009] Another problem is maintaining the machined component, which is cut from the original component, solely remaining in the clamp after the machining operation.

[0010] It is again noted that the trend towards miniaturisation of machines for micromechanical machining nowadays necessitates the construction of even more compact fastening means which guarantee all the desired functionality, the necessary rigidity and precision. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] European Patent No. 1602426(B1) Summary of the Invention

[0012] The present invention aims to improve the positioning and clamping of micromechanical or horological components or tools in a gripping device by incorporating in said gripping device a vacuum hold-down, complementing or replacing conventional mechanical clamping. To this end, the invention relates to a gripping device for holding, centering and / or clamping micromechanical or horological components according to claim 1.

[0013] The present invention thus solves this problem by modifying a standard clamp of a popular and widely accepted model available on the market, which makes the manufacturing of the gripping device extremely economical, and furthermore, such modification does not modify the external bulk of the clamp.

[0014] The problem of maintaining a machined component cut out from an original component maintained in a clamp can be solved by such a gripper including a vacuum maintaining means. However, while standard clamps do not have such a system, it becomes necessary to maintain such a machined component after cutting out, to increase the force that holds this machined component and to keep it in place. In fact, after cutting out, the clamp can continue to clamp the remaining part of the original component, so that the machined component itself is no longer clamped, whether the clamp is tightened or not.

[0015] The present invention also solves this problem and allows for the application of a vacuum to the component being maintained, again based on a modified standard clamp.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for fastening such a micromechanical or horological component in a clamping chamber contained in such a gripper device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0018] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a grasper device according to the invention, manufactured on the basis of a commercially available elastic clamp comprising several jaws separated by slots, the latter being of the type with substantially concentric clamping about a clamping axis, only this clamp comprising a movable jaw. [Diagram 2]2 shows a schematic side view of the grasper device of FIG. 1; [Diagram 3] 2 shows a schematic top view of the grasper device of FIG. 1; [Figure 4] The gripper device of Fig. 1 is shown diagrammatically in a cross-section along the section plane AA defined by Fig. 2. In the plate, the channel as the air passage and part of the chamber containing the venturi acting as the vacuum generator are visible. The upper end of the movable jaw is arranged to bear and clamp the component to be positioned and clamped. [Diagram 5] The gripper device of Fig. 1 is shown diagrammatically in a cross-sectional view according to the section plane BB defined by Fig. 2. The multiple movable jaws, all including actuation cones, are all visible. Also visible are the channels of the vacuum circuit that support the component by vacuum at the front ends of these movable jaws. [Figure 6] The grasper device of FIG. 1 after the jaws have pivoted is shown similarly to FIG. [Figure 7] The gripper device of Figure 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view according to the cutting plane EE defined by Figure 6, similar to Figure 4, showing the movable jaw and the channel of the vacuum circuit communicating with the suction zone provided by the venturi visible at the bottom of the drawing. [Figure 8] The grasper device of FIG. 1 is shown similarly to FIG. 2 after the jaws have been pivoted. [Figure 9] The grasper device of FIG. 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view according to cutting plane CC defined by FIG. 8, similar to FIG. 7, showing the venturi in its channel. [Figure 10] The gripper device of FIG. 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view according to the cutting plane DD defined by FIG. 8, showing the venturi in its channel, as well as adjacent channels for blowing and exhausting. [Figure 11] The grasper device of FIG. 1 is shown in a cross-sectional view according to the cutting plane FF defined by FIG. 10, showing the blowing channel with two blowing tracks and part of the suction duct in one of the movable jaws. [Figure 12]FIG. 12 shows, in a schematic exploded side view, the basic components of a resilient clamp that can be used to manufacture a gripper device according to one of FIGS. 1 to 11, together with a closing cone. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic exploded side view, the basic components of a resilient clamp that can be used to manufacture a grasper device according to another embodiment, together with an open cone. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The invention relates to a gripper device 100 for holding, centering and / or clamping a micromechanical or watch component 200 in a clamping chamber defined by a clamp comprising at least one movable jaw 2 .

[0020] More specifically, in the non-limiting version shown in the figures, the invention relates to a gripping tool with a clamp having a number of substantially concentric jaws distributed around a clamping axis D. However, the principles of the invention explained below are also applicable to other manufacturing machines of the vice type, or to special machines with movable jaws.

[0021] In a non-limiting alternative example shown in the figures, the invention is achieved by modifying a commercially available clamp (of the "Ottet" type or similar) to add vacuum maintenance with a high degree of compactness.

[0022] Vacuum maintenance gives you several options, see below for more information. - cutting out a machined component from the clamped original component by holding the machined component against a pressing part of the clamp via a vacuum while the remainder of the original component remains clamped in the clamp; Increasing the force that holds the component against the support; and To hold a component in place after it has been unclamped and placed in the unclamped position, for example while waiting for an operator or robot to load / unload the component; is acceptable.

[0023] The illustrated example relates to the use of a standard clamp as the clamping base. An "Ottet" clamp or a similar type of standard clamp is economically modified.

[0024] This modified clamp is provided to be assembled on a plate 40 provided with a standard interface 41 proposed by suppliers such as "Erowa", "Yerly", "TG-Colin" etc. so as to be interchangeable with this fastening means and to be applied to any type of machine with this fastening means. In an alternative embodiment, this device may also be fitted directly onto any shaft nose.

[0025] Clamping / unclamping of the components can be done manually, for example, using a screw from outside the machine, or automatically, and in a non-limiting embodiment, using a control rod provided on the machine.

[0026] The gripper device 100 includes a cone 30. The cone 30 is an element that allows the closing and opening of the clamp according to its closing / opening configurations, respectively, as visible in Figure 12 (closing cone) and Figure 13 (opening cone).

[0027] The actuation of the movable jaw 2 is performed on the one hand by the cooperation of a closing or opening control cone 30, which is actuated via a clamping screw 90 passing through the plate 40 and arranged to press a pressing means 50, in particular a ball or a shuttle pressing piece, and on the other hand by a complementary transitional surface 23, in particular a conical surface included by the movable jaw 2 incorporated in the clamp. The pressing means 50 is combined with an axially elastic return means 51, such as a spring, this cone comprising a conical surface 32. Naturally, the conical surface of the cone 30 and the conical surfaces of the jaws may be replaced by other surfaces having a transitional shape.

[0028] That is, according to the invention, at least one of the movable jaws 2, or a portion of the jaws 2 if the clamp includes multiple jaws, includes a reference surface 20 arranged for direct front bearing of the component 200.

[0029] And, the gripper device 100 includes at least one vacuum generator 60, which is arranged to apply a vacuum in the clamping chamber via at least one channel 25 made in the at least one movable jaw 2.

[0030] In detail, the gripping tool device 100 comprises a plate 40 including gripping means 41 arranged to cooperate with an instrument and / or manipulator so as to be aligned according to the clamping axis D, and an actuator device arranged to control the opening and closing of the clamp.

[0031] In one particular embodiment, this actuator device comprises a rotating ring about a clamp axis D that controls the closure of the clamp by pressing against a movable jaw 2 that the clamp comprises.

[0032] In another particular embodiment shown in the figures, the gripper device 100 comprises an actuating means 90, such as a screw, nut or push-pull rod, which actuates a pressing means 50 on the elastic support according to or around a clamping axis D passing through this plate 40, and a closing or opening cone 30 comprising a transitional surface 32, in particular a conical surface, arranged to cooperate with a complementary surface 23 contained in the movable jaw 2 and forming a surface for actuating the clamp.

[0033] In particular, the gripper device 100 comprises at least one vacuum generator 60 arranged to create a vacuum in the clamping chamber via at least one channel 25 made in at least one movable jaw 2. This at least one vacuum generator 60 comprises in particular a Venturi cartridge positioned between an air inlet circuit for blowing air via at least one blowing track 471, 472, an air outlet circuit 460 and a suction zone 600 in which a vacuum is created during the blowing of air at the inlet, which is communicated to the clamping chamber by this at least one channel 25.

[0034] Advantageously, the gripper device 100 includes a vacuum generator 60. The vacuum generator 60 includes a venturi cartridge housed in one primary orifice 450 and a number of secondary orifices 460, 470 that define air circulation channels including at least one blowing channel 475 fed by at least one blowing track 471, 472.

[0035] In particular, it is the plate 40 that includes the vacuum generator 60, which includes a venturi cartridge housed in a channel 45 having one primary orifice 450 and a number of secondary orifices 460, 470 that define an air circulation channel including at least one blowing channel 475 fed by at least one blowing track 471, 472. In a non-limiting specific embodiment, the at least one track and the orifices are restricted by a check valve 476 and / or bushings.

[0036] In another alternative, some of these orifices are left open.

[0037] In one particular embodiment illustrated in the figures, the grasper device 100 simply comprises a number of movable jaws 2 .

[0038] Using a FESTO® VN-05-H or VN-05-L type venturi in a housing with a diameter of 6 mm, a blowing pressure of 4 to 6 bar in the blowing tracks 471 and 472 can achieve the desired vacuum in the chamber.

[0039] Regarding the fastening means of the clamp, the figures present a screw as a manual fastening / unfastening means, however, if the machine is equipped with a control rod passing through the center of the plate, this control rod may replace the screw as an automatic fastening / unfastening means if it is strong enough.

[0040] The invention also relates to a method for fastening a micromechanical or watch component 200 in the clamping chamber of such a gripping device 100, according to which the component 200 is placed on a reference surface 20, where it bears directly on the orifice of the network below the vacuum opening from the movable jaw 2, after which a first maintenance by vacuum is performed, followed by a second maintenance with a torque greater than that of the first maintenance by pivoting the movable jaw 2.

[0041] Of course, the indexing of the position of the component 200, and in particular the indexing of the angular position, can be done by any means. The simplest and the least expensive are pins. In one alternative, when working with standardized blanks with references such as notches, it can be advantageous to have one orientation in the jaws. The solution shown allows the machined component 200 to be modified, for example once cut out, if the finished part needs to be modified.

[0042] In particular, the gripper device 100 is provided with at least one vacuum generator 60, a blank component 200 is held in the movable jaw 2 and a machined component is cut from the blank, held by the vacuum, before being retrieved by an operator or robotic manipulator.

[0043] The invention thus allows the economical creation of gripping devices that ensure good clamping of the components, in particular by modification of accepted and widespread standard clamping means such as "Ottet" clamps or similar types of clamps.

[0044] According to the invention, improved precision is obtained for machining, and in particular for machining corrections, since the reference support allows for better positioning repeatability.

[0045] The present invention offers the possibility of utilizing vacuum for various functions: the possibility of completely cutting out the machined component, the possibility of improving the retention of the component, the possibility of retaining the component with an unclamped clamp.

[0046] The compactness of the present invention perfectly matches the trend towards miniaturization of machining tools in micromechanics, with a bulk that just meets the dimensional requirements of current micromachines while integrating complementary functions.

Claims

1. A gripping device (100) for holding, centering and / or clamping a micromechanical or horological component (200) in a clamping chamber defined by a clamp, comprising: The clamp includes at least one movable jaw (2) that is radially movable relative to a longitudinal axis of the clamp, Features: A gripping device (100), wherein an upper end of the at least one movable jaw (2), or, if the clamp comprises a plurality of movable jaws (2), an upper end of at least a portion of the plurality of movable jaws (2), comprises a reference surface (20) arranged for direct axial support of the component (200), and wherein the gripping device (100) comprises at least one vacuum generator (60) arranged to generate a vacuum in the clamping chamber via at least one channel (25) made in the at least one movable jaw (2).

2. said gripping tool device (100) comprises a plate (40) including gripping means (41) arranged to cooperate with an instrument and / or manipulator so as to be aligned according to a clamping axis (D), an actuation tool device including a pressing means (50) on a resilient support, and a cone (30) including a conical surface (32) arranged to cooperate with a complementary surface (23) included in said plurality of movable jaws (2) forming a surface for actuating said clamp, 2. The gripper device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressing means (50) presses axially against the cone (30) so that the conical surface (32) cooperates with the complementary surface (23).

3. 3. The gripper device (100) according to claim 2, characterized in that the gripper device (100) comprises at least one vacuum generator (60) arranged to provide a vacuum to the clamping chamber through at least one channel (25) made in the plurality of movable jaws (2), the at least one vacuum generator (60) comprising a Venturi cartridge positioned between an inlet circuit for blowing air through at least one blowing track (471, 472) and a suction zone (600) in which a vacuum is provided that is transmitted to the clamping chamber by the at least one channel (25) during the blowing of air in the inlet circuit.

4. The gripping device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that the gripping device (100) comprises a vacuum generator (60) comprising a venturi cartridge housed in one main orifice (450) and a number of auxiliary orifices (460, 470) defining air circulation channels including at least one blowing channel (475) supplied by the at least one blowing track (471, 472).

5. The gripper device (100) of claim 4, characterized in that the plate (40) comprises the vacuum generator (60), the venturi cartridge, the main orifice (450), the auxiliary orifice (460, 470), the blowing channel (475), the at least one blowing track (471, 472), and a check valve (476), and the at least one blowing track (471, 472) as well as the main orifice (450) and the auxiliary orifice (460, 470) are restricted by the check valve (476).

6. 2. A method for fastening a micromechanical or watch component (200) in a clamping chamber of a gripping device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the component (200) is placed on the reference surface (20) and supported directly on the reference surface (20) by a vacuum provided through the at least one channel (25) of the plurality of movable jaws (2), after which a first maintenance is performed by vacuum, followed by a second maintenance having a torque greater than the torque of the first maintenance by pivoting the plurality of movable jaws (2).

7. 7. The fastening method of claim 6, wherein a blank component (200) is maintained in the plurality of movable jaws (2) and a machined component is cut from the blank, maintained by a vacuum, prior to retrieval by an operator or a robotic manipulator.

Images