EP3815844B1 - Clamping jaw assembly - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a clamping jaw arrangement with two jaw elements, one jaw element being designed as a carrier jaw and one jaw element as an interchangeable jaw, which is or can be mounted interchangeably on the top of the carrier jaw, securing means which have a securing element which is movably arranged on one jaw element so that it can be moved between a securing position in which an end section of the securing element protrudes beyond one jaw element so that it comes or can be brought into engagement with a recess in the other jaw element in order to secure the jaw elements in a defined position relative to one another, and a release position in which the securing element is sunk into one jaw element in order to release the jaw elements from one another, and actuating means which are designed and suitable for moving the securing element into its release position.

Furthermore, the invention relates to an interchangeable jaw.

Clamping jaw arrangements are known in various designs and are used in different types of clamping devices to fix components. In automation technology, clamping jaws are used on gripper fingers of gripper arrangements to grip (clamp) components for transport. For machine tools, such as lathes and milling machines, chucks are primarily used, which are often designed as three-jaw chucks. These have a rigid chuck body, which has a central holder for a workpiece to be clamped, and three clamping jaws that are located in radial jaw guides of the chuck body and can be moved radially inwards or outwards together by operating an actuator. The clamping jaws can be designed as one piece. As a rule, however, clamping jaw arrangements are used which each have a base or carrier jaw which is held in the chuck body and a change or top jaw which protrudes from the chuck body and is connected to the carrier jaw.

A clamping jaw arrangement is from the DE 35 12 929 C2 known. The connection between the interchangeable jaw and the carrier jaw is made by the interchangeable jaw being placed on the carrier jaw from above. For this purpose, connecting webs and connecting grooves are formed on a rear, upwardly projecting extension of the carrier jaw and on the interchangeable jaw, which are inclined relative to a support surface of the carrier jaw on which the interchangeable jaw comes to rest and which engage with one another in a form-fitting manner when the interchangeable jaw is placed on the carrier jaw from above. Corresponding contact surfaces are provided on the front face of the extension of the carrier jaw and a rear face of the interchangeable jaw, which come into contact with one another when the interchangeable jaw is placed on the carrier jaw. Furthermore, securing means are provided to prevent the interchangeable jaw from being pulled off the carrier jaw. The securing means here comprise a securing element which is slidably held in a bore in the extension of the carrier jaw and is pressed by a compression spring into a recess formed in the rear contact surface of the interchangeable jaw.

A similar clamping jaw arrangement is known from EN 20 2013 105 480 U1 This also includes a support jaw, which defines a support surface on its upper side and has a support surface on its rear end area the support surface has an upwardly projecting extension, and an interchangeable jaw which is or can be mounted interchangeably on the carrier jaw. The clamping jaw arrangement is provided with a securing mechanism for securing the interchangeable jaw to the carrier jaw, which has a securing element which is mounted vertically displaceably in the carrier jaw and can engage with its upper end region in a corresponding recess formed in the interchangeable jaw. The arrangement further comprises a locking pin which is arranged displaceably in a transverse bore of the carrier jaw and which can be moved between a locking position, in which the locking pin prevents the locking element from being lowered, and a release position, in which the locking element can be lowered. Lowering the locking element causes it to disengage from the recess in the interchangeable jaw, thus releasing it.

From the DE 20 2013 105480 U1 A clamping jaw arrangement according to the preamble of claim 1 is known.

The known clamping jaw arrangements have certainly proven themselves in practice. However, it is sometimes seen as a disadvantage that changing the interchangeable jaw always requires manual operation or an additional control mechanism, such as a piston or servomotor, is required for operation. This makes automated changing of the interchangeable jaw more difficult and involves additional mechanical effort and increased space requirements in the work area of a machine tool.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an alternative clamping jaw arrangement which in particular enables the interchangeable jaw to be exchanged easily and in an automated manner. Furthermore, an interchangeable jaw and a method for exchanging an interchangeable jaw are to be created.

This object is achieved in a clamping jaw arrangement of the type mentioned above in that the actuating means are arranged in the interchangeable jaw.

The object underlying the invention is further achieved by an interchangeable jaw which is provided in particular for use in a clamping jaw arrangement according to the invention and can be mounted interchangeably on an upper side of a carrier jaw, wherein the interchangeable jaw has a recess on its underside which is provided for engagement for a carrier jaw-side securing element, or has securing means which comprise a securing element which is movably arranged on the interchangeable jaw and which can be brought into engagement with a corresponding recess of a carrier jaw in order to secure the interchangeable jaw in a defined position on a carrier jaw, wherein the securing element can be moved between a securing position in which it comes into engagement with the recess of the interchangeable jaw or with a recess arranged in a carrier jaw in order to secure the interchangeable jaw in a defined position on the carrier jaw, and a release position in which the securing element is sunk into the interchangeable jaw or into a carrier jaw in order to release the interchangeable jaw from the carrier jaw, and wherein in the interchangeable jaw further Actuating means are arranged which are designed and suitable for moving the securing element into its release position.

• Bereitstellen einer Spannbackenanordnung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung, wobei die Wechselbacke an der Oberseite der Trägerbacke montiert ist;
• Bereitstellen einer Greifeinrichtung, wobei die Greifeinrichtung geeignete Eingriffsmittel zum Zusammenwirken mit den Betätigungsmitteln der Spannbackenanordnung aufweist;
• Greifen der Wechselbacke, wobei die Eingriffsmittel derart mit den Betätigungsmitteln zusammenwirken, dass das Sicherungselement beim Greifen in seine Freigabestellung bewegt wird und somit die Wechselbacke freigegeben wird;
• Entnehmen der Wechselbacke von der Oberseite der Trägerbacke;
• Bereitstellen einer erfindungsgemäßen Austauschwechselbacke;
• Greifen der Austauschwechselbacke mit der Greifeinrichtung;
• Aufsetzen der Austauschwechselbacke auf die Oberseite der Trägerbacke;
• Lösen der Austauschwechselbacke von der Greifeinrichtung, wobei die Eingriffsmittel derart mit den Betätigungsmitteln zusammenwirken, dass sich das Sicherungselement in seine Sicherungsstellung bewegt, um die Austauschwechselbacke und die Trägerbacke in einer definierten Position zueinander zu sichern.

The object underlying the invention is further achieved by a method for exchanging a replaceable jaw of a clamping arrangement, which comprises the following steps:

• Providing a clamping jaw assembly according to the present invention, wherein the interchangeable jaw is mounted on top of the carrier jaw;
• Providing a gripping device, the gripping device having suitable engagement means for cooperating with the actuating means of the clamping jaw arrangement;
• Gripping the interchangeable jaw, wherein the engagement means interact with the actuating means in such a way that the securing element is moved into its release position during gripping and thus the interchangeable jaw is released;
• Removing the interchangeable jaw from the top of the carrier jaw;
• Providing an exchangeable jaw according to the invention;
• Gripping the replacement jaw with the gripping device;
• Place the replacement jaw on the top of the carrier jaw;
• Releasing the replacement jaw from the gripping device, wherein the engagement means interact with the actuating means in such a way that the securing element moves into its securing position in order to secure the replacement jaw and the carrier jaw in a defined position relative to one another.

The invention is therefore based on the fundamental idea of simultaneously gripping the interchangeable jaw in an automated manner the to operate the actuating means provided and thus move the securing element into its release position so that the interchangeable jaw can be removed from the carrier jaw. The gripping and releasing of the interchangeable jaw is thus carried out in one step, so that no manual or separately controlled release of the interchangeable jaw is required. The same applies when fitting the replacement interchangeable jaw, since when the engagement means of the gripping device are disengaged, the securing element automatically moves into its securing position.

The securing element can basically be arranged in both the interchangeable jaw and the carrier jaw. If it is arranged in the interchangeable jaw, it can be brought into engagement with a corresponding recess in a carrier jaw. In the opposite case, the interchangeable jaw has a corresponding recess on its underside, which is intended for engagement with a securing element on the carrier jaw side.

In a further embodiment of the clamping jaw arrangement according to the invention, the actuating means can have an actuating element which is inserted in a guide bore of the interchangeable jaw. The actuating element is preferably held displaceably between a passive end position and a release position in the guide bore and is coupled to the securing element in such a way that when the actuating element moves from the passive end position to the release position, the securing element is moved into its release position. An actuating element which can be displaced in a guide bore can be actuated in a simple manner, for example by a gripping device using a translatory movement.

The actuating element can be designed as an actuating pin. This means that the actuating element has an elongated, in particular has a cylindrical basic shape and is preferably provided with an at least substantially circular cross-section, so that it is slidably mounted with radial play in the guide bore and can be moved along this.

The guide bore is expediently designed to be open on one side of the interchangeable jaw. This ensures that the actuating element can be moved into its release position by an engagement means introduced from the outside, for example a gripping finger of a gripping device.

Furthermore, pre-tensioning means can be provided to pre-tension the actuating element in the direction of its passive end position. Specifically, the pre-tensioning means can comprise a spring, in particular a compression spring and preferably a helical compression spring. This prevents the securing element from being inadvertently brought into its release position and thus the interchangeable jaw from being inadvertently released from the carrier jaw.

Preferably, the actuating element is mounted in the guide bore of the interchangeable jaw in such a way that it does not protrude from the interchangeable jaw in any position. The actuating element is therefore always completely within the guide bore, which reduces the risk of damage and makes it more difficult for dirt and/or liquids to penetrate into the gap formed between the actuating element and the guide bore. It is therefore necessary to first insert an engagement means into the guide bore before it comes into contact with the actuating element and moves it. Unintentional contact and movement of an actuating element that protrudes outwards is reliably avoided.

In a manner known per se, limiting means can be provided in the interchangeable jaw to limit the displacement path of the actuating element. In a specific embodiment, the limiting means can comprise a pin arranged in a vertical bore of the interchangeable jaw, which engages in a groove formed in the actuating element and extending in its longitudinal direction, in order to limit the displacement path of the actuating element. Such a pin arranged in a vertical bore, which covers part of the cross section of the guide bore, can preferably be provided with a thread by means of which it is screwed into a corresponding counter thread in the vertical bore. The groove of the actuating element thus defines the displacement path of the actuating element in the guide bore.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the actuating element can comprise a centering recess in its outward-facing end face for introducing an engagement means, preferably a gripping finger of a gripping device, wherein the centering recess in particular has a circular cross-section and is preferably conical in at least one partial section. If an engagement means is introduced into the guide bore in order to move the actuating element from its passive end position to its release position, the engagement means is automatically centered. As a result, an engagement means, in particular a gripping finger or the gripping arms of a gripping device, can have a certain amount of play in movement, so that tilting when introduced into the guide bore is prevented and at the same time perfect centering and thus a clean transmission of force to the actuating element is ensured.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the securing element is movably arranged in a recess open towards the other jaw element. This design is based on the basic idea that the securing element can be arranged in both the carrier jaw and the interchangeable jaw. If it is arranged in the carrier jaw, a recess is arranged in the interchangeable jaw opposite the recess, with which the securing element engages or can be brought into its securing position. If, however, the securing element is arranged in the interchangeable jaw, the corresponding recess is located opposite the recess in the carrier jaw.

The securing element is preferably designed in the form of a securing pin which is slidably guided in a recess in the one jaw element, which recess is designed as a receiving bore, the receiving bore preferably extending perpendicularly to the top of the one jaw element. A design as a securing pin with an elongated basic shape and preferably a circular cross-section, which is slidably guided in a receiving bore, represents a particularly simple way of implementing the securing element. A vertical extension direction of the receiving bore in relation to the top of the jaw element also enables simple manufacture of the jaw element, since no oblique bores have to be made at an angle other than 90°.

In a preferred embodiment, the recess in one jaw element is designed as a blind hole. This means that there is no opening in the opposite end face of one jaw element through which dirt and/or liquids can penetrate into the recess. Furthermore, the design as a blind hole means that the securing element cannot be accidentally lost from the recess. Elastic tensioning means can expediently be provided in order to pre-tension the securing element in the direction of its securing position. Specifically, the tensioning means can comprise a compression spring, preferably a helical compression spring, which is supported between the securing element and a support surface formed in the recess, in particular the base of the recess. The pre-tensioning in the direction of the securing position always presses the securing element into its securing position. Unintentional remaining in the release position or moving into the release position is thus reliably avoided.

Preferably, the end section of the securing element that engages or can be engaged with the recess of the other jaw element and/or the recess of the other jaw element has inclined surfaces, in particular conical inclined surfaces, wherein the end section of the securing element that engages or can be engaged with the recess and the wall of the recess work together to position the two jaw elements in a defined manner relative to one another. This design ensures that even if the interchangeable jaw is pre-positioned inaccurately on the carrier jaw, the two jaw elements are aligned in a defined manner relative to one another when the end region of the securing element is brought into engagement with the recess of the other jaw element.

Preferably, the securing element has a particularly flat contact surface at its end facing the other jaw element. A front surface designed as a flat contact surface can rest against a corresponding counter surface, for example the bottom of the recess or another element.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is provided that one jaw element is the carrier jaw and the other jaw element is the interchangeable jaw Preferably, the securing element is arranged movably on the carrier jaw, whereas the interchangeable jaw is provided with a recess so that an end section of the securing element engages or can be brought into engagement with this recess. Such an assignment of the securing element to the carrier jaw is sensible, since the latter is used continuously over a longer period of time, whereas the interchangeable jaws are regularly replaced depending on the clamping task. For this reason, it is economically advantageous to provide the jaw element that is used less frequently, namely the carrier jaw, with the securing element.

In order to achieve a coupling between the actuating means and the securing element, the actuating means preferably also comprise a coupling element which is mounted in the interchangeable jaw so as to be displaceable transversely, in particular perpendicularly to the guide bore, and is operatively connected to the actuating element in such a way that a movement of the actuating element into the release position is converted into a movement of the coupling element. A coupling element which can be displaced transversely to the guide bore is thus provided in the interchangeable jaw, which serves in particular to convert a movement of the actuating element in the direction of the guide bore into a movement of another element transversely, in particular perpendicularly to the guide bore.

In a specific embodiment of this embodiment, the actuating element and/or the coupling element can have a conically converging end section in order to convert a movement of the actuating element into its release position into a movement of the coupling element. Because at least one of the two elements has a conically converging end section, a tappet mechanism is present, by means of which a translational movement of an element in one direction is converted into a translational movement of the other element in a direction transverse to, in particular perpendicular to, this direction. In addition to such a tappet mechanism, it would also be conceivable, for example, to achieve such a conversion of the direction of movement by means of a hydraulic coupling.

The coupling element is preferably bolt-shaped. This enables the coupling element to be easily manufactured as a turned part.

In a further embodiment of this embodiment, the coupling element is arranged so that it can move in the recess of the interchangeable jaw. The coupling element can thus be positioned directly above the securing element arranged in the carrier jaw, wherein the coupling element is displaceable in particular in the direction of the recess, in particular the recess designed as a receiving bore for the securing element. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the coupling element is displaceable coaxially or parallel to the securing element. If the coupling element is designed as a rotating part, the recess can easily be designed as a bore.

In a manner known per se, stop means can be provided in the interchangeable jaw to limit the displacement path of the coupling element. Specifically, the stop means can comprise a projection formed in the recess or a stop element inserted into the recess, which engages in a recess formed in the coupling element, in particular in an annular circumferential recess or in a longitudinal groove. Limiting the displacement path of the coupling element is also necessary because it is arranged in the downwardly open recess of the interchangeable jaw and would otherwise be blocked when removing the interchangeable jaw could fall out of the carrier jaw due to gravity.

In a further development of this embodiment, the coupling element can have a particularly flat pressure surface on its downward-facing end, which rests against the contact surface of the securing element when the interchangeable jaw is mounted, so that the coupling element presses the securing element into its release position when the actuating element is moved into its release position. This development is based on the idea that the coupling element exerts a downward pressure force directed towards the carrier jaw, by means of which the securing element is moved into the recess of the carrier jaw against the restoring force of the elastic clamping means until it is sunk into the carrier jaw. As soon as the securing element is sunk into the carrier jaw, the interchangeable jaw can be removed from the carrier jaw, since the securing element is no longer in engagement with the recess of the interchangeable jaw.

In a manner known per se, the carrier jaw can have an engagement contour on its upper side and the interchangeable jaw can have a counter-contour corresponding to this. The main task of the engagement contour and the counter-contour is to transfer the clamping forces that occur when a component is clamped. For this purpose, the engagement contour can define at least two stop surfaces for the contact with two corresponding counter-surfaces of the counter-contour. In particular, exactly two stop surfaces can be arranged in a V-shape relative to one another, with a stop surface forming a leg running horizontally in particular. By designing the engagement contour with defined stop surfaces in conjunction with the design that the end region of the securing element that is in engagement with or can be brought into engagement with the recess of the interchangeable jaw and/or the recess of the interchangeable jaw has inclined surfaces, the interchangeable jaw clamped against the engagement contour of the carrier jaw via the stop surfaces when the locking element is moved into its locking position. In particular, the interaction of the engagement contour of the carrier jaw with the counter contour of the interchangeable jaw prevents the interchangeable jaw from being released upwards when clamped. Furthermore, a play-free connection between the interchangeable jaw and the carrier jaw is achieved.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the interchangeable jaw can have at least two gripping recesses, which are preferably formed on the end face opposite the guide bore in order to enable a gripping device to engage for changing the jaw. A gripping device for changing the jaw can thus engage the interchangeable jaw from both lateral end faces. Two gripping recesses arranged next to one another prevent the interchangeable jaw from tipping over during transport with the gripping device, thus making automated placement on the carrier jaw difficult or even impossible. Furthermore, symmetrical force introduction during gripping can be achieved if the two gripping recesses formed on the end face opposite the guide bore are arranged symmetrically to the guide bore. Gripping into the gripping recesses can be carried out using suitable engagement means, preferably also using gripping fingers.

The securing element can be arranged in the interchangeable jaw as well as in the carrier jaw, as described in the clamping jaw arrangement according to the invention. If it is arranged in the interchangeable jaw, it can be brought into engagement with a corresponding recess in a carrier jaw. In the opposite case, the interchangeable jaw has a corresponding recess on its underside, which is intended for engagement with a securing element on the carrier jaw side.

In a further embodiment of the interchangeable jaw according to the invention, the actuating means comprise an actuating element, preferably designed as an actuating pin, which is arranged displaceably in a guide bore of the interchangeable jaw between a passive end position and a release position, wherein it is preferably displaceably mounted in the guide bore of the interchangeable jaw in such a way that it does not protrude from the interchangeable jaw in any position.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the interchangeable jaw has a recess on its underside which is provided for engagement with a securing element on the carrier jaw side, wherein the actuating means further comprise a coupling element which is mounted in the recess of the interchangeable jaw so as to be displaceable transversely, in particular perpendicular to the guide bore, and is operatively connected to the actuating element in such a way that a movement of the actuating element into the release position is converted into a movement of the coupling element.

In a further embodiment of this embodiment, the actuating element and/or the coupling element have a conically converging end section in order to convert a movement of the actuating element into the release position into a movement of the coupling element. The actuating element and the coupling element thus form a tappet mechanism which allows a translational movement of the actuating element in the direction of the guide bore to be converted into a translational movement of the coupling element transversely, preferably perpendicularly to the direction of the guide bore. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to choose other coupling mechanisms to convert the movements; for example, the actuating element and the coupling element could be hydraulically coupled to one another.

Preferably, the recess formed in the interchangeable jaw extends perpendicular to the underside of the interchangeable jaw, whereby a movement of the coupling element can be realized that is directed in the same direction as the securing element on the carrier jaw side and coaxial or parallel.

In order to move a securing element on the carrier jaw side from its securing position to its release position, the coupling element can have a particularly flat pressure surface at its downward-facing end, which rests against a corresponding contact surface of a securing element when the interchangeable jaw is mounted.

In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, the clamping jaw arrangement is designed such that the actuating means have an actuating element which is inserted into a guide bore of the interchangeable jaw. The engagement means of the gripping device preferably comprise at least one engagement finger which is introduced into the guide bore when gripping the interchangeable jaw in order to move the actuating element into its release position so that the securing element is moved into its release position in order to release the interchangeable jaw.

Preferably, the interchangeable jaw has at least two gripping recesses and the gripping device has at least two gripping fingers, which are brought into engagement with the corresponding gripping recesses of the interchangeable jaw during gripping. This ensures clean, defined gripping of the interchangeable jaw without the risk of the interchangeable jaw tipping over.

Figur 1

ein Spannfutter mit einer Spannbackenanordnung gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Figur 2

das Spannfutter aus Figur 1 in einer teilweisen Schnittansicht, wobei sich das Sicherungselement in seiner Sicherungsstellung befindet;

Figur 3

das Spannfutter aus Figur 1 in einer teilweisen Schnittansicht, wobei sich das Sicherungselement in seiner Freigabestellung befindet;

Figur 4

das Spannfutter aus Figur 1 in einer teilweisen Schnittansicht entlang der Schnittlinie A-A aus Figur 3;

Figur 5

das Spannfutter aus Figur 1 mit einer korrespondierenden Greifeinrichtung in perspektivischer Ansicht;

Figur 6

das Spannfutter und die Greifeinrichtung auf Figur 5 in einer teilweisen Schnittansicht, wobei sich das Sicherungselement in seiner Sicherungsstellung befindet;

Figur 7

das Spannfutter und die Greifeinrichtung aus Figur 5 in einer teilweisen Schnittansicht, wobei sich das Sicherungselement in seiner Freigabestellung befindet;

Figur 8

das Spannfutter und die Greifeinrichtung aus Figur 5 in einer horizontal geschnittenen Ansicht, wobei sich das Betätigungselement in seiner passiven Endposition befindet;

Figur 9

das Spannfutter und die Greifeinrichtung aus Figur 5 in einer horizontal geschnittenen Ansicht, wobei sich das Betätigungselement in seiner Freigabeposition befindet,

Figur 10

das Spannfutter und die Greifeinrichtung aus Figur 5 in einer vertikal geschnittenen Ansicht, wobei sich das Sicherungselement in seiner Sicherungsstellung befindet,

Figur 11

das Spannfutter und die Greifeinrichtung aus Figur 5 in einer vertikal geschnittenen Ansicht, wobei sich das Sicherungselement in seiner Freigabestellung befindet,

Figur 12

das Spannfutter und die Greifeinrichtung aus Figur 5 in einer vertikal geschnittenen Ansicht, wobei sich das Sicherungselement in seiner Freigabestellung befindet und die Wechselbacke von der Trägerbacke abgenommen wird.

With regard to further advantageous embodiments of the invention, reference is made to the subclaims and the following description of an embodiment with reference to the attached drawing. In the drawing:

Figure 1

a chuck with a clamping jaw arrangement according to the present invention in a perspective view;

Figure 2

the chuck from Figure 1 in a partial sectional view, with the locking element in its locking position;

Figure 3

the chuck from Figure 1 in a partial sectional view, with the locking element in its release position;

Figure 4

the chuck from Figure 1 in a partial sectional view along section line AA from Figure 3 ;

Figure 5

the chuck from Figure 1 with a corresponding gripping device in perspective view;

Figure 6

the chuck and the gripping device on Figure 5 in a partial sectional view, with the locking element in its locking position;

Figure 7

the chuck and the gripping device Figure 5 in a partial sectional view, with the locking element in its release position;

Figure 8

the chuck and the gripping device Figure 5 in a horizontal section view, with the actuating element in its passive end position;

Figure 9

the chuck and the gripping device Figure 5 in a horizontal section view, with the actuating element in its release position,

Figure 10

the chuck and the gripping device Figure 5 in a vertical section view, with the locking element in its locking position,

Figure 11

the chuck and the gripping device Figure 5 in a vertical section view, with the locking element in its release position,

Figure 12

the chuck and the gripping device Figure 5 in a vertical sectioned view, with the locking element in its release position and the interchangeable jaw being removed from the carrier jaw.

The Figures 1 to 4 show a chuck 1 which has a dimensionally stable chuck body 2, in the upper end face of which two opposing guide grooves 3 are formed for receiving clamping jaws. A clamping jaw arrangement 4 according to the present invention is arranged in each of the two guide grooves 3, wherein the clamping jaw arrangements 4 are mounted in the guide grooves 3 so that they can move towards and away from each other.

The clamping jaw arrangements 4 each have two jaw elements, whereby the lower jaw element engaging in the guide groove 3 is designed as a carrier jaw 5 and the upper jaw element as an interchangeable jaw 6. In the Figure 1 In the clamping jaw arrangement 4 shown on the left, only the carrier jaw 5 is shown.

The interchangeable jaw 5 is mounted in an interchangeable manner on the top of the carrier jaw 5. For this purpose, the carrier jaw 5 has an engagement contour 7a which is intended to engage in a corresponding counter contour 7b of the clamping jaw in order to transfer the clamping forces between the interchangeable jaw 6 and the carrier jaw 5 when a workpiece is clamped. The engagement contour 7a extends as a profile in a transverse direction X and defines two stop surfaces 8a, 8b arranged in a V-shape relative to one another, against which the interchangeable jaw 6 is clamped in the assembled state. A stop surface 8a forming the lower leg runs horizontally.

The clamping jaw arrangement 4 further comprises securing means for securing the jaw elements in a defined position relative to one another. In the present case, these have a securing element 9 which is movably arranged on the carrier jaw 5 and can be moved between a securing position and a release position. In the securing position, an end section 10 of the securing element 9 protrudes over the top of the carrier jaw 5 so that it comes or can be brought into engagement with a corresponding recess 11 of the interchangeable jaw 6. In the release position, the securing element 9 is sunk into the carrier jaw 5 in order to release the interchangeable jaw 6 from the carrier jaw 5.

Specifically, the securing element 9 is designed in the form of a securing pin which is guided displaceably with radial play in a recess 12 of the carrier jaw 5 designed as a receiving bore. The receiving bore extends vertically from an upper end face of the carrier jaw 5 into it and is designed as a blind hole.

Furthermore, elastic tensioning means in the form of a helical compression spring 13 are provided in the recess 12, which is supported between the securing element 9 and the bottom of the recess 12. The securing element 9 is prestressed in the direction of its securing position by the helical compression spring 13.

The end section 10 which engages or can be brought into engagement with the recess 11 of the interchangeable jaw 6 has, like the recess 11 of the interchangeable jaw 6, conical inclined surfaces 14, 15. Thus, the end section 10 of the securing element 9 pointing towards the interchangeable jaw 6 and the wall of the recess 11 in the interchangeable jaw 6 work together to align the interchangeable jaw 6 relative to the carrier jaw 5. Furthermore, the inclined surfaces 14, 15 can be used to clamp the interchangeable jaw 6 to the carrier jaw 5 via the stop surfaces 8a, 8b.

On its upper end face facing the interchangeable jaw 6, the securing element 9 has a flat, front-side contact surface 16 which lies flat against a corresponding flat pressure surface 17 of a coupling element 18 slidably mounted in the recess 11. The coupling element 18 is bolt-shaped and can be moved parallel to the securing element 9 when the interchangeable jaw 6 is mounted.

Stop means are provided in the interchangeable jaw 6 to limit the displacement path of the coupling element 18 and in particular to prevent it from falling out when the interchangeable jaw 6 is dismantled. Specifically, the stop means comprise a stop element 19 formed in the recess 11 of the interchangeable jaw 6, which is inserted into a recess in the coupling element 18 engages the groove 20. This prevents the coupling element 18 from accidentally falling out of the recess 11 when the interchangeable jaw 6 is removed.

On the top, the coupling element 18 has a conically converging end section 21, which rests against a likewise conically converging end section 22 of an actuating element 23, which is designed here as an actuating pin. The actuating element 23 is slidably mounted in the interchangeable jaw 6 in a guide bore 24 that is open to one side of the interchangeable jaw 6 and runs perpendicular to the direction of extension of the recess 11. The actuating element 23 can be moved between a passive end position, as in Figure 2 shown, and a release position as shown in Figure 3 shown, is displaceable in the guide bore 24, whereby it does not protrude laterally from the interchangeable jaw 6 in any position. The actuating element 23 is operatively connected to the coupling element 18 via the conically converging end sections 21, 22 that lie against one another in such a way that a movement of the actuating element 23 into its release position is converted into a downward movement of the coupling element 18.

Furthermore, preloading means are provided to preload the actuating element 23 in the direction of its passive end position. In the present case, these comprise a helical compression spring 25, which is supported between the actuating element 23 and a projection 26 formed in the guide bore 24.

In a similar design to the coupling element 18, limiting means are also provided for the actuating element 23 in the interchangeable jaw 6 in order to limit its displacement path. As in Figure 4 can be seen, the limiting means comprise a threaded provided pin 27, which is screwed into a vertical bore 28 of the interchangeable jaw 6. The pin 27 covers part of the cross-sectional area of the guide bore 24 and engages in a groove 29 formed in the actuating element 23 and extending in its longitudinal direction. The displacement path of the actuating element 23 is limited by the pin 27 resting on the ends of the groove 29.

In its outward-facing front surface, the actuating element 23 has a centering recess 30 for introducing an engagement means. The centering recess 30 has a circular cross-section and is conical in its outer end region.

In the Figures 5 to 9 In addition to the chuck 1 with the clamping jaw arrangement 4 according to the invention, a gripping device 31 is shown, by means of which the interchangeable jaw 6 can be exchanged. The gripping device 31 has a base body 32 arranged at the top, on which two opposing gripping arms 33 with a C-shaped basic shape are arranged so that they can be moved towards and away from each other. The gripping arms 33 have a C-shaped basic shape. The Figures 5 to 9 The gripping arm 33 arranged on the left side has a gripping finger 34 at its lower end, which protrudes from the gripping arm 33 in the shape of a pin and is adapted to the diameter of the guide bore 24 of the interchangeable jaw 6. On the opposite gripping arm 33, two further gripping fingers 34 are arranged next to one another in the lower end area facing inwards, which are intended to engage in two corresponding gripping recesses 35 of the interchangeable jaw 6. These are formed on the front side of the interchangeable jaw 6 opposite the guide bore 24.

In the Figures 5 , 6 , 8th and 10 the interchangeable jaw 6 is mounted on the carrier jaw 5. The locking element 9 is in its locking position, which means that the upper end section 10 engages in the recess 11 of the interchangeable jaw 6 and positions and secures it in a defined manner. The securing element 9 protrudes with its upper end section 10 over the top of the carrier jaw 5. At the same time, the actuating element 23 mounted in the horizontal guide bore 24 is in its passive end position. In Figure 10 It can be seen that the locking element 9 clamps the interchangeable jaw 6 against the carrier jaw 5 via the stop surfaces 8a, 8b through the interacting inclined surfaces 14, 15. Only the Figure 10 The section of the inclined surface 14 of the securing element 9 located on the right-hand side rests against the corresponding inclined surface 15 of the recess 11.

If the interchangeable jaw 6 is to be exchanged for a replacement jaw, the gripping arms 33 of the gripping device 31 are positioned in such a way that the gripping fingers 34 are positioned concentrically to the guide bore 24 or the gripping recesses 35. Then, as shown in the Figures 7 , 9 and 11 shown, the gripping arms 33 of the gripping device 31 are moved together so that the two Figure 7 The gripping finger 34 attached to the gripping arm 33 shown on the right engages in the gripping recesses 35 of the interchangeable jaw 6 and the gripping finger 34 arranged on the opposite gripping arm 33 engages in the guide bore 24. Due to the movement directed into the guide bore 24, the gripping finger 34 comes into contact with the actuating element 23 and presses it into its release position against the restoring force of the helical compression spring 25. The conically converging end regions 21, 22 of the actuating element 23 and the coupling element 18 lead to the translatory, in the Figure 7 to the right movement of the actuating element 23 is converted into a vertical, downward movement of the coupling element 18. Via the pressure surface 17, which is the upper contact surface 16 of the securing element 9, the securing element 9 is pressed downwards out of the recess 11 against the restoring force of the helical compression spring 13, so that it is disengaged from the interchangeable jaw 6. This state is in the Figure 9 and in the Figure 11 , wherein the contact surface 16 of the securing element 9 and the pressure surface 17 of the coupling element 18 are almost flush with the upper side of the carrier jaw 5.

In the Figures 7 and 9 In the state shown, the securing element 9 is disengaged from the recess 11 of the interchangeable jaw 6, so that the latter can be removed from the engagement contour 7 of the carrier jaw 5 by means of the gripping device 31.

The removal of the interchangeable jaw 6 from the carrier jaw 5 by means of the gripping device 31 is described in detail in Figure 12 The gripping device 31 engaged with the interchangeable jaw 6 has secured the interchangeable jaw 6 relative to the Figure 11 shown state, so that the counter contour 7b of the interchangeable jaw 6 no longer rests against the stop surfaces 8a, 8b of the carrier jaw 5. The coupling element 18 is dimensioned in such a way and in particular has a sufficiently large diameter, so that even after a horizontal movement of the interchangeable jaw 6 relative to the carrier jaw 5 - as in Figure 12 shown - the coupling element 18 rests on the securing element 9 and presses this downwards into its release position.

If a replacement jaw is to be mounted on the carrier jaw 5, it is gripped with the gripping device 31 and, as shown in the Figures 7 , 9 and 11 shown, placed on the carrier jaw 5. By moving the gripping arms 33 apart, the Figures 7 and 9 left-hand gripper fingers 34 disengaged from the guide bore 24, as this in the Figures 5 , 6 and 8th is shown. Due to the restoring force of the helical compression spring 25, the actuating element 23 moves to the left into its passive end position, which is accompanied by an upward movement of the coupling element 18 and the securing element 9 as a result of the restoring force generated by the helical compression spring 13. As a result, the upper end section 10 of the securing element 9 engages in the recess 11 of the interchangeable jaw 6.

This means that the interchangeable jaw 6 is clamped against the carrier jaw 5 by the interaction of the inclined surface 14 of the securing element 9 with the inclined surface 15 of the recess 11, since the stop surfaces 8a, 8b of the carrier jaw come into contact with corresponding counter surfaces of the interchangeable jaw 6. This ensures that the interchangeable jaw 6 is mounted on the carrier jaw 5 without play.

Because the actuating means, in this case in particular the actuating element 23 and the coupling element 18, are arranged in the interchangeable jaw 6, it is achieved that the securing element 9 is automatically moved into its release position directly when gripping by means of the gripping device 31, without a separate work step or a separate control mechanism being required for this purpose.

Reference symbol list

1

Chuck

2

Chuck body

3

Guide groove

4

Jaw arrangement

5

Carrier jaw

6

Interchangeable jaw

7a

Intervention contour

7b

Counter contour

8a, 8b

Stop surface

9

Securing element

10

End section

11

deepening

12

Recess

13

Helical compression spring

14

Inclined surface

15

Inclined surface

16

Contact surface

17

Printing area

18

Coupling element

19

Stop element

20

Groove

21

conical end section

22

conical end section

23

Actuator

24

Guide hole

25

Helical compression spring

26

head Start

27

Pen

28

Vertical drilling

29

Groove

30

Centering recess

31

Gripping device

32

Base body

33

Gripper arm

34

Gripping fingers

35

Gripping recess

X

Transverse direction

Claims (15)

1. Clamping jaw arrangement (4) with

   two jaw elements, wherein one jaw element is designed as a carrier jaw (5) and one jaw element is designed as an interchangeable jaw (6), which is mounted or can be mounted exchangeably on the upper side of the carrier jaw (5),

   securing means comprising a securing element (9) which is movably arranged on the one jaw element so that it can be moved between a securing position in which an end section (10) of the securing element (9) projects beyond the one jaw element, so that it comes or can be brought into engagement with a recess (11) of the other jaw element in order to secure the jaw elements in a defined position relative to one another, and a release position in which the securing element (9) is countersunk into the one jaw element in order to release the jaw elements from one another, and

   actuating means which are designed and suitable for moving the securing element (9) into its release position,

   characterized in that the actuating means are arranged in the interchangeable jaw (6).
2. Clamping jaw arrangement (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the actuating means have an actuating element (23) which is inserted in a guide bore (24) of the interchangeable jaw (6),
   wherein, in particular, the actuating element (23) is held displaceably between a passive end position and a release position in the guide bore (24) and is coupled to the securing element (9) in such a way that when the actuating element (23) is moved from the passive end position into the release position, the securing element (9) is moved into its release position.
3. clamping jaw arrangement (4) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the actuating element (23) is designed as an actuating pin, and/or

   that the guide bore (24) is open towards one side of the exchangeable jaw (6), and/or

   that biasing means are provided to bias the actuating element (23) towards its passive end position, wherein the biasing means comprise in particular a spring, preferably a compression spring and particularly preferably a helical compression spring (25), and/or

   in that the actuating element (23) is displaceably mounted in the guide bore (24) of the interchangeable jaw (6) in such a way that it does not project from the interchangeable jaw (6) in any position, and/or

   in that limiting means are provided in the interchangeable jaw (6) in order to limit the displacement of the actuating element (23), the limiting means comprising in particular a pin (27) which is arranged in a vertical bore (28) of the exchangeable jaw (6) and engages in a groove (29) formed in the actuating element (23) and extending in its longitudinal direction in order to limit the displacement of the actuating element (23), and/or

   in that the actuating element (23) comprises a centering recess (30) in its outwardly facing end face for inserting an engagement means, preferably a gripper finger (34) of a gripping device, wherein the centering recess (30) has in particular a circular cross-section, wherein the centering recess (30) is preferably conical at least in a partial section.
4. Clamping jaw arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing element (9) is arranged movably in a recess (12) open towards the other jaw element.
5. Clamping jaw arrangement (4) according to claim 4, characterized in that the securing element (9) is designed in the form of a securing pin which is displaceably guided in a recess (12) of the one jaw element designed as a receiving bore, the receiving bore preferably extending perpendicularly to the upper side of the one jaw element, and/or
   that the recess (12) in the one jaw element is formed as a blind hole, and/or that elastic tensioning means are provided in order to pretension the securing element (9) in the direction of its securing position (9), wherein, in particular, the tensioning means comprise a compression spring, preferably a helical compression spring (13), which is supported between the securing element (9) and a support surface formed in the recess (12), preferably the base of the recess (12).
6. Clamping jaw arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the end section (10) of the securing element (9) which engages or can be brought into engagement with the recess (11) of the other jaw element and/or the recess (11) of the other jaw element have inclined surfaces (14, 15), in particular conically shaped inclined surfaces (14, 15), wherein the end section (10) of the securing element which engages or can be brought into engagement with the recess (11) and the wall of the recess (11) interact in order to position the two jaw elements in a defined manner relative to one another.
7. clamping jaw arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the securing element (9) has a particularly flat contact surface (16) at its end facing the other jaw element.
8. Clamping jaw arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one jaw element forms the carrier jaw (5) and the other jaw element forms the interchangeable jaw (6).
9. Clamping jaw arrangement (4) according to claim 8 and one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that the actuating means further comprise a coupling element (18) which is mounted transversely, in particular perpendicularly to the guide bore (24), displaceably in the interchangeable jaw (6) and is operatively connected to the actuating element (23) in such a way that a movement of the actuating element (23) into its release position is converted into a movement of the coupling element (18), wherein the actuating element (23) and/or the coupling element (18) have in particular a conically converging end section (21, 22) in order to convert a movement of the actuating element (23) into its release position into a movement of the coupling element (18), and/or the coupling element (18) is preferably bolt-shaped.
10. Clamping jaw arrangement (4) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and claim 9, characterized in that the coupling element (18) is arranged displaceably in the recess (11) of the interchangeable jaw (6), wherein, in particular, stop means are provided in the interchangeable jaw (6) in order to limit the displacement movement of the coupling element (18), wherein, preferably, the stop means comprise a projection formed in the recess (11) or a stop element (19) inserted into the recess (11), which engages in a recess formed in the coupling element (18), in particular in an annularly circumferential recess, or in a longitudinal groove (20).
11. clamping jaw arrangement (4) according to claim 7 and one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the coupling element (18) has at its downwardly pointing end a particularly flat pressure surface (17) which, when the interchangeable jaw (6) is mounted, bears against the contact surface (16) of the securing element (9), so that the coupling element (18) presses the securing element (9) into its release position when the actuating element (23) is moved into its release position.
12. Clamping jaw arrangement (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier jaw (5) has an engagement contour (7a) on its upper side and the interchangeable jaw (6) has a counter-contour (7b) corresponding thereto, and/or in that the engagement contour (7a) defines at least two stop surfaces (8a, 8b) for bearing against two corresponding counter-surfaces of the counter-contour (7b), wherein, in particular, exactly two stop surfaces (8a, 8b) are arranged in a V-shape relative to one another and a stop surface (8a) forming a leg preferably extends horizontally, and/or in that the interchangeable jaw (6) has at least 2 gripping recesses (35) which are preferably formed on the end face opposite the guide bore (24) in order to enable engagement of a gripping device for changing jaws.
13. Interchangeable jaw (6) for use in a jaw assembly (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 12,

    wherein the interchangeable jaw (6) can be exchangeably mounted on an upper side of a carrier jaw (5),

    whereby the interchangeable jaw (6)

    has a recess (11) on its underside, which is provided for the engagement of a securing element (9) on the carrier jaw side, or

    securing means comprising a securing element which is movably arranged on the interchangeable jaw (6) and which can be brought into engagement with a corresponding recess of a carrier jaw (5) in order to secure the interchangeable jaw (6) in a defined position on a carrier jaw,

    wherein the securing element (9) is or can be moved between a securing position in which it engages with the recess (11) of the interchangeable jaw (6) or with a recess arranged in a carrier jaw (5), in order to secure the interchangeable jaw (6) in a defined position on the carrier jaw (5), and a release position in which the securing element (9) is lowered into the interchangeable jaw (6) or into a carrier jaw (5) in order to release the interchangeable jaw (6) from the carrier jaw (5),

    and wherein actuating means are also arranged in the interchangeable jaw (6), which are designed and suitable for moving the securing element (9) into its release position.
14. Interchangeable jaw (6) according to claim 13, characterized in that the actuating means comprise an actuating element (23) which is preferably designed as an actuating pin and is arranged in a guide bore (24) of the interchangeable jaw (6) so as to be displaceable between a passive end position and a release position, it preferably being mounted so as to be displaceable in the guide bore (24) of the interchangeable jaw (6) in such a way that it does not project from the interchangeable jaw (6) in any position.
15. Change jaw (6) according to claim 14, characterized in that the interchangeable jaw (6) has a recess (11) on its underside which is provided for engagement for a securing element (9), and in that the actuating means further comprise a coupling element (18) which is mounted transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the guide bore (24) so as to be displaceable in the recess (11) of the interchangeable jaw (6) and is operatively connected to the actuating element (23) in such a way that a movement in particular perpendicular to the guide bore (24), is displaceably mounted in the recess (11) of the interchangeable jaw (6) and is operatively connected to the actuating element (23) in such a way that a movement of the actuating element (23) into the release position is converted into a movement of the coupling element (18), wherein, in particular, the actuating element (23) and/or the coupling element (18) have a conically converging end section (21, 22) in order to convert a movement of the actuating element (23) into the release position into a movement of the coupling element (18), and/or the coupling element (18) has, at its downwardly pointing end, a pressure surface (17), in particular a flat pressure surface, which bears against a corresponding bearing surface (16) of a securing element (9) when the interchangeable jaw (6) is mounted.

Images