A gripping device for holding, centering, and / or collet clamping of micromachanical or clock components, and associated mounting method

Abstract

To improve positioning and fastening of a micromechanical or horological component, or a tool.SOLUTION: A gripping device (100) comprises both a stationary jaw (3) comprising a reference surface for supporting an abutting component and a movable jaw for centering and / or clamping the component, and on the other hand, includes a vacuum generator (60) for providing vacuum in the clamping chamber. The invention further relates to a method for mounting a micromechanical or horological component in the clamping chamber of such a gripping device (100), the component is arranged on the reference surface, a first holding point is then brought about by vacuum, and a second holding point, which has torque greater than that of the first holding point, is then brought about by pivoting the movable jaw.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] The present invention further relates to a method for attaching such a micromechanical or watch component into a clamping chamber included in such a gripping device.

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of micromechanics and relates to the positioning and clamping of components during manufacturing steps, or the positioning and clamping of tools during manufacturing steps.

Background Art

[0004] The extremely precise positioning of micromechanical components, especially watch components, in manufacturing tools is always complex. Demanding such precise positioning requires sufficient clamping and accommodation so as not to induce inappropriate deformation. This problem is the same for the positioning and holding of microtools used in manufacturing operations that often require perfect angular indexing.

[0005] Existing clamping means include many variations of Jacobs chucks, the collets of which are elastic or articulated to hold components. In particular, in the watch industry, "Ottet" type collets are very commonly used in conventional clamping means. This type of clamp enables the clamping of components by opening and closing a plurality of collet segments. The collet segments typically undergo elastic deformation under the combined action of a screw-nut system, an elastic return means such as a spring, a pressing piece such as a ball supporting this elastic return means, and an inwardly or outwardly tapered cone cooperating with a conical or round sector included in the segment. These segments are usually intended to be machined internally so as to match as closely as possible the contour of the component to be clamped and can be machined at a predetermined position in the machine for maximum accuracy. The collet itself is attached to a pallet that is clamped / unclamped from a typical automatic clamping device that is typically fitted to the divider of a machining tool. The principle of cone clamping of such collets is described in Patent Document 1.

[0006] However, since these segments need to pivot to clamp the component, there is no reference bearing point in the space for ensuring the height and position of the component. In other words, when the component is clamped by this type of collet, it becomes difficult to guarantee precise axial and radial positions. For example, if the components do not have exactly the same dimensions, or if the friction between the various segments and the clamping cone changes, the relative position of the component with respect to the collet changes slightly. This problem is quite important for rework machining that requires local machining operations more than the previous operation.

[0007] When precision support points are required, it is common that this type of standard spring collet is no longer used. This is because the space available at the center of the clamp is taken up by mechanical components for transmitting the clamping force / clamping release force.

[0008] As a result, customized solutions for such situations are generally required. This solution is therefore less flexible, has larger overall dimensions, and is expensive.

[0009] Another problem relates to the ability to hold a machined component cut from a blank component, which remains the only piece held in the collet after a machining operation.

[0010] Again, considering the trend of miniaturization of micromechanical machining tools, there is a growing need to construct more compact clamping means. Such means can guarantee not only the required rigidity and accuracy but also all desired functions.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0011]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0012] The object of the present invention is to improve the positioning and clamping of micromechanical or watch components or tools by incorporating precise reference support points and vacuum holding points that complement or replace conventional mechanical clamping. For this purpose, the present invention relates to a gripping device according to claim 1 for holding, centering, and / or clamping micromechanical or watch components.

[0013] That is, the present invention can overcome the problem of providing a fixed reference support location in space by providing at least one fixed reference support location, specifically, by modifying a standard commercially available collet of a widely recognized popular model. Thereby, the cost efficiency of manufacturing the gripping device according to the present invention becomes extremely high. Furthermore, such a modification does not change the external dimensions of the collet.

[0014] The problem of holding a machined component cut out from a blank component held by a collet can be solved by using a gripper including vacuum holding means. However, although a standard collet does not have such a system, after cutting, it is necessary to hold such a machined component, it is necessary to increase the holding force exerted on this machined component, and furthermore, it is necessary to hold the component in a fixed position. This is because even after cutting, the collet can continue to clamp the remaining portion of the blank component. Regardless of whether the collet is tightly clamped, the machined component itself is no longer clamped.

[0015] The present invention also overcomes this problem and enables a vacuum to be applied to the component to be held. This is also based on a modified standard collet.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of attaching such a micromechanical or watch component inside a clamping chamber included in such a gripping device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] The objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be well understood by reading the following detailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The present invention relates to a gripping device 100 for holding, centering and / or collet clamping a micro-mechanical or watch component 200 in a clamping chamber defined by a collet 80 including at least one movable Joe 2.

[0020] Specifically, in a non-limiting version shown by the figures, the present invention relates to a gripper comprising a collet having a plurality of substantially concentric Joes distributed around a collet axis D. However, the principles of the present invention described below are also applicable to other manufacturing tools of the vice type or to special tools having movable Joes.

[0021] In the non-limiting alternative embodiments shown in the figures, the present invention can be achieved by modifying a commercially available collet 80 (of the "Ottet" type or similar) to add a precise reference bearing location and / or a vacuum holding location with a high degree of compactness.

[0022] The reference bearing location allows the component to be clamped for precise positioning.

[0023] Holding using a vacuum provides a number of options, specifically, · While a machined component is held by the vacuum against the pressing part of the collet, cutting it out from a blank component that is clamped in the collet, while the remainder of the blank component remains clamped in the collet, · Increasing the holding force of the component against the bearing location, · Holding the component after unclamping and placing it in the unclamped position, for example, while an operator or robot is waiting to place / remove the component. are obtained.

[0024] The illustrated example relates to using a standard collet as a clamping base. A standard collet 80 of the "Ottet" type or similar has been modified at low cost.

[0025] This modified collet is intended to be assembled onto a pallet 40 into which a standard interface 41 is fitted. This interface 41 is available from suppliers such as "Erowa", "Yerly", "TG-Colin", etc. to be interchangeable and to equip this clamping means to any type of machine. In an alternative embodiment, this device can also be directly attached to any shank nose.

[0026] The component can be tightened / untightened manually, for example, from the outside of the machine, using a screw, or automatically, and in a non-limiting manner, using a control rod into which the machine is fitted.

[0027] Device 100 includes cone 30. Cone 30 is an element that allows the collet to open and close respectively according to its inward / outward taper. This is shown in FIG. 13 (inward-tapering cone) and FIG. 14 (outward-tapering cone).

[0028] To modify the standard collet used, the present invention splits the role of the collet segment, which in this case consists of a plurality of movable jaws 2 and a plurality of stationary jaws 3, into two separate functions. Specifically, in a non-limiting manner, to balance, half of the segments can be shared for each function. Any other combination is also possible depending on the constraints specific to the manufacturing operation to be performed.

[0029] The first function remains the basic function of the gripper. That is, to tighten / untighten component 200 while ensuring centering.

[0030] The second function consists of eliminating the tightening / untightening movement and rigidly connecting and fixing the segments to provide a fixed reference bearing point. To eliminate this movement in a given desired segment, it is first necessary to remove / machine the cone that actuates these specific segments.

[0031] The movable jaws 2 allow component 200 to be tightened / untightened (first function), and the stationary jaws 3 rigidly connected to each other form a reference bearing location (second function).

[0032] On the one hand, the movable jaw 2 is driven by a tightening screw 90 arranged to push in the pushing means 50 (specifically, a ball or a pushing piece shuttle) through the pallet 40 in an inward or outward tapered control cone 30. On the other hand, it is actuated by the cooperation with a complementary development surface 23 (specifically, a conical surface included in the movable jaw 2 incorporated in the collet 80). The pushing means 50 is combined with an axially elastic return means 51 such as a spring, and this cone 30 includes a conical surface 32. Needless to say, the conical surface of the cone 30 may be replaced by other surfaces of the development shape.

[0033] That is, according to the present invention, this at least one movable jaw 2 or stationary jaw 3, or when the collet includes a plurality of jaws, at least some of the movable jaw 2 and / or stationary jaw 3 of the collet 80 includes a reference surface 20 arranged to support the component 200 that directly abuts from the front, and / or includes a reference surface 20 arranged to support the intermediate holding plates 400, 401, 402 that directly abut from the front. This component 200 abuts against the intermediate holding plates 400, 401, 402 from the front.

[0034] Furthermore, the gripping device 100 includes, on the one hand, a stationary jaw 3 including the reference surface 20, the stationary jaw 3 being arranged to support the abutting component 200, and both a movable jaw 2 arranged to center and / or tighten the component 200 and / or the intermediate holding plates 400, 401, 402. On the other hand, it includes at least one vacuum generator 60 arranged to bring a vacuum inside the tightening chamber through at least one channel 35 made in the movable jaw 2 and / or the stationary jaw 3.

[0035] Specifically, the gripping device 100 includes a movable jaw 2 arranged to center and / or clamp a component 200 in contact with the reference plane 20 and / or intermediate holding plates 400, 401, 402. The movable jaw 2 acts as a support for the component 200 in contact with the reference plane 20, and these movable jaws 2 include recesses 24. The recesses 24 are formed around these intermediate holding plates 400, 401, 402 to provide a gap. Due to this gap, these movable jaws 2 are allowed to elastically deform to clamp the component 200 and move towards the collet axis D.

[0036] Specifically, the gripping device 100 includes a stationary jaw 3 including a reference plane 20, the stationary jaw 3 arranged to support a component 200 in contact with the reference plane 20, and such a movable jaw 2 arranged to center and / or clamp a component 200 in contact with the reference plane 20 and / or intermediate holding plates 400, 401, 402, which acts as a support for the component 200 in contact with the reference plane 20. The gripping device 100 is arranged to hold the stationary jaw 3.

[0037] Specifically, the gripping device 100 includes a pallet 40 including gripping means 41 arranged to cooperate with a tool and / or handling device so as to be aligned along a collet axis D, and an actuating device arranged to control the opening and closing of the collet.

[0038] In one particular embodiment, the actuating device includes a ring that rotates around the collet axis D to control the closing of the collet by pushing in the movable jaw 2 included in the collet.

[0039] In another specific embodiment shown in the figure, the gripping device 100 includes an operating means 90 such as a screw, nut, or push or pull rod that acts on the pushing means 50 against an elastic support along or around the collet axis D through or around the pallet 40, and in particular includes a cone 30 that tapers inwardly or outwardly and includes a progression surface 32 that is a conical surface. The progression surface 32 is arranged to cooperate with a complementary surface 23 included in the movable jaw 2 and / or the stationary jaw 3 and constitutes a surface for actuating the collet 80.

[0040] More specifically, only the movable jaw 2 includes such a complementary surface 23, and the stationary jaw 3 does not have such a complementary surface 23 when included in the gripping device 100.

[0041] The vacuum generator 60 specifically includes a Venturi cartridge. The Venturi cartridge is positioned between an air blowing inlet circuit that blows air through at least one blowing track 471, 472, an air outlet circuit 460, and a suction zone 600. In the suction zone 600, a vacuum is created when air is blown through the inlet, and the vacuum is transmitted to the clamping chamber through the at least one channel 35.

[0042] Advantageously, the vacuum generator 60 includes a Venturi cartridge housed in a main orifice 450 and a plurality of auxiliary orifices 460, 470 that define an air circulation channel including at least one blowing channel 475 supplied by at least one blowing track 471, 472.

[0043] Specifically, the pallet 40 includes a vacuum generator 60, and the vacuum generator 60 includes a Venturi cartridge housed in a channel 45 having a main orifice 450, and a plurality of auxiliary orifices 460, 470 defining an air circulation channel including at least one blowing channel 475 supplied by at least one blowing track 471, 472. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the at least one track and these orifices are subject to restrictions by check valves 476 and / or plugs.

[0044] In other alternative embodiments, some of these orifices are left open.

[0045] In one particular embodiment, the movable jaw 2 and the stationary jaw 3 are alternated. Generally, the movable jaw 2 and the stationary jaw 3 are paired and separated by a slot 4.

[0046] Specifically, on one hand, the movable jaw 2, and on the other hand, the stationary jaw 3, are rotationally symmetric with respect to the collet axis D.

[0047] Specifically, there are an equal number of movable jaws 2 and stationary jaws 3.

[0048] According to an alternative embodiment, the vacuum circuit is preferably made to pass through at least one stationary jaw 3 or just one stationary jaw 3 in order to keep the manufacturing simple. The stationary jaw 3 easily guides the suction force to the holding plate. Since the movable jaw 2 pivots and deforms, a gap is required between itself and the holding plate. This gap makes it difficult to transmit the suction force. Therefore, the channel 35 is arranged to pass through the stationary jaw 3 of the spring collet 80. The figure shows a non-limiting embodiment in which one channel 35 is provided in one stationary jaw 3. This channel guides the suction force. This seems to be sufficient if the venturi is of the correct size. Needless to say, dispersing the suction force over a plurality of stationary jaws 3 can be facilitated, for example, by machining a circular groove in the base plate of the pallet 40 that can distribute the suction force to each stationary jaw 3.

[0049] If a venturi of type "VN-05-H" or "VN-05-L" of "FESTO (registered trademark)" is used in a housing with a diameter of 6 mm, a desired degree of vacuum can be achieved in the chamber with a blowing pressure of 4 to 6 bar in the blowing tracks 471 and 472.

[0050] The drawing shows a screw used as a manual means for tightening / loosening the collet. However, if a control rod passing through the center of the pallet is equipped on the machine, this control rod may replace the screw acting as an automatic tightening / loosening means if it is strong enough.

[0051] The present invention further relates to a method of attaching a micromechanical or watch component 200 to the clamping chamber of such a gripping device 100. According to this, the component 200 is indirectly via intermediate holding plates 400, 401, 402 indexed to at least one stationary jaw 3 by means of screws 38 and / or pins 39, or directly by being supported on the orifice of the vacuum network emerging on this reference surface 20 from the movable jaw 2 and / or the stationary jaw 3. Thereafter, a first holding location is provided by vacuum, and a second holding location having a torque greater than the first holding location is provided by pivoting the movable jaw 2.

[0052] Needless to say, positional indexing, specifically, indexing of the angular position of component 200, can be achieved by the simplest and least expensive pins. This pin may be present in stationary jaw 3 or in the retaining plate that holds stationary jaw 3. The figure shows the case where pin 39 is attached inside the retaining plate. The retaining plate is pinned to the spring collet. In an alternative embodiment, when working with a standardized blank having a reference such as a notch, it may be advantageous for the stationary jaw to have an orientation, i.e., a retaining plate having different vacuum depressions for each reference. The retaining plate can be changed without the need to add pins or machine drops into the depressions. With the illustrated solution, machined component 200 can be picked up even after it has been cut out once, for example, if the finished part needs to be reworked. This solution is more flexible and precise (because the pins and the vacuum pressing parts are machined in the same operation). If the workpiece has a rolled index surface or a dihedral angle, the pins in the retaining plate or the orientation counterform machined directly into the retaining plate can take over the indexing. It is understood that using various intermediate retaining plates adapted to the manufacture of each type of component is less expensive than the machining jaws, which may be irreversible.

[0053] To hold component 200 by vacuum using suction force, it is necessary to simply drill holes in the plate or one of its components 401, 402, or the pressing part / reference bearing location and join them to the suction zone 600.

[0054] Specifically, at least one vacuum generator 60 is provided in gripping device 100 to hold blank component 200 on movable jaw 2 and / or stationary jaw 3, cut a machined component from this blank, and hold this machined component by vacuum until it is recovered by an operator or a robotic manipulator.

[0055] That is, the present invention allows for the cost - effective manufacture of a gripping device that ensures both the accurate positioning and the accurate clamping of components. Specifically, this gripping device can be manufactured by modifying widely recognized and popular standard clamping means such as a collet of the "Ottet" type.

[0056] According to the present invention, the precision of machining, specifically re - machining, is improved because good positioning repeatability is allowed by the reference bearing points.

[0057] The present invention offers the possibility of performing various functions using a vacuum, that is, the possibility of completely cutting out a machined component, the possibility of improving the holding of said component, and the possibility of holding the component by a released collet.

[0058] The present invention is easily distinguishable by the fact that a stationary segment and a movable segment (where the actuating cone is absent and the stationary segment is rigidly connected by a holding plate) are distinguished, the reference bearing points are present on the stationary segment, and the vacuum passage is available at the reference bearing points through the spring collet.

[0059] The compactness of the present invention fully conforms to the trend of miniaturization of micromechanical machining means by its overall dimensions that precisely meet the dimensional requirements of today's micro - machines while incorporating additional functions.

Claims

1. A gripping device (100) for holding, centering, and / or clamping a micromechanical or watch component (200) in a clamping chamber formed with a collet including at least one movable jaw (2) and a stationary jaw (3), wherein the stationary jaw (3) is rigidly connected to a holding plate, wherein the stationary jaw (3) or, if the collet includes a plurality of stationary jaws, at least some of the stationary jaws (3) include a reference surface (20), wherein the reference surface (20) is configured to support a component (200) that abuts directly from the front, or is configured to support directly from the front an intermediate holding plate (400, 401, 402) against which the component (200) abuts from the front, the gripping device (100) including, on the one hand, the stationary jaw (3) including the reference surface (20), the stationary jaw (3) being configured to support the component (200) that abuts directly or indirectly against the reference surface (20), and the movable jaw (2) configured to center and / or clamp the component (200) and / or the intermediate holding plate (400, 401, 402), and, on the other hand, at least one vacuum generator (60) configured to introduce a vacuum into the clamping chamber via at least one channel (35) made in the movable jaw (2) and / or the stationary jaw (3).

2. The gripping device (100) includes the movable jaw (2) configured to center and / or clamp the component (200) and / or the intermediate holding plate (400, 401, 402), the intermediate holding plate (400, 401, 402) abutting against the reference surface (20) to support the component (200), wherein the movable jaw (2) includes a recess (24), the recess (24) being made around the intermediate holding plate (400, 401, 402) to provide a gap, the gap allowing the movable jaw (2) to elastically deform to clamp the component (200) and move towards the collet axis (D). The gripping device (100) according to claim 1.

3. The gripping device (100) includes the stationary jaw (3) including the reference plane (20), The stationary jaw (3) is configured to directly or indirectly support the component (200), The movable jaw (2) is arranged to center and / or clamp the component (200) and / or the intermediate holding plates (400, 401, 402), When the stationary jaw (3) indirectly supports the component (200), the intermediate holding plates (400, 401, 402) abut against the reference plane (20) to support the component (200), The gripping device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the gripping device (100) is configured to hold the stationary jaw (3).

4. The gripping device (100) includes a pallet (40) including gripping means (41) configured to engage with a tool and / or a handling device, and an actuating device configured to control the opening and closing of the collet The gripping device (100) according to claim 1, including the above so as to be aligned along the collet axis (D).

5. The gripping device (100) includes a pallet (40) including gripping means (41) configured to engage with a tool and / or a handling device, and the actuating device including the above so as to be aligned along the collet axis (D), The actuating device includes pushing means (50) on an elastic support (51) supported by the pallet (40), A tapered cone (30) includes a conical surface (32) in the proximal or distal direction along the collet axis (D), The conical surface (32) constitutes a surface for actuating the collet by engaging with a complementary surface (23) included in the movable jaw (2) and / or the stationary jaw (3) when the pushing means (50) pushes the cone (30) along the collet axis (D). The gripping device (100) according to claim 4.

6. The gripping device (100) according to claim 5, wherein only the movable jaw (2) includes the complementary surface (23), and the stationary jaw (3) does not have the complementary surface (23).

7. The gripping device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the at least one vacuum generator (60) is positioned between an air blowing inlet circuit that blows air through at least one blowing track (471, 472) and a suction zone (600) that creates a vacuum when air is blown through the inlet circuit and transmits it to the clamping chamber through the at least one channel (35), and includes a Venturi cartridge configured to provide a Venturi effect.

8. The gripping device (100) according to claim 7, wherein the vacuum generator (60) includes the Venturi cartridge housed in a main orifice (450) and a plurality of auxiliary orifices (460, 470) that define an air circulation channel including at least one blowing channel (475) supplied by the at least one blowing track (471, 472).

9. The gripping device (100) according to claim 8, wherein the pallet (40) includes the vacuum generator (60), the Venturi cartridge, the main orifice (450), the auxiliary orifices (460, 470), the blowing channel (475), the at least one blowing track (471, 472), and a check valve (476), and the air flowing through the at least one blowing track (471, 472) and the main orifice (450) and the auxiliary orifices (460, 470) is restricted by the check valve (476) or a plug.

10. The gripping device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the movable jaws (2) and the stationary jaws (3) are alternately arranged.

11. The gripping device (100) according to claim 10, wherein the movable jaws (2) are rotationally symmetric with respect to the collet axis (D) on one hand, and the stationary jaws (3) are rotationally symmetric with respect to the collet axis (D) on the other hand.

12. The gripping device (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the movable jaws (2) and the stationary jaws (3) are present in an equal number.

13. A method for attaching a micro-mechanical or watch component (200) in the clamping chamber of the gripping device (100) according to claim 1, The component (200) is arranged on the reference plane (20) indirectly via an intermediate holding plate (400, 401, 402) indexed by a screw (38) and / or a pin (39) in at least one stationary jaw (3), or directly by the support of the orifice of the vacuum network emerging from the movable jaw (2) and / or the stationary jaw (3) on the reference plane (20), whereupon a first holding force is provided by the vacuum, and then a second holding force having a torque greater than the first holding force is provided by pivoting the movable jaw (2), mounting method.

14. The method of attachment according to claim 13, wherein a component (200) which is a blank is held in the movable jaw (2) and the stationary jaw (3), a machined component is cut out from the blank, and the machined component is held by vacuum until it is retrieved by an operator or a robot manipulator.

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