A clamping device and a method for handling a workpiece or a unit comprising a workpiece and a workpiece holder. An automatic workpiece exchange is enabled by using a tool spindle. For this a spindle adapter is present that can be releasably connected with the workpiece holder. By means of the spindle adapter, the unit comprising the workpiece and the workpiece holder can be transported. The clamping device can be switched between a release condition and a clamping condition by means of a movement of an operating element. This movement can be carried out by means of the tool spindle, in that the tool spindle engages the operating element directly or indirectly by means of the spindle adapter or an operating tool.

A machining apparatus (1) for machining a workpiece (3), comprising a first machining tool (4) for machining a workpiece (3) to be machined by means of the machining apparatus (1) and at least one second machining tool (5) for machining the or a second workpiece (3) to be machined by means of the machining apparatus (1), as well as a mounting apparatus (6) for mounting the first machining tool (4) and the at least one second machining tool (5), wherein the mounting apparatus (6) comprises a main body (7), wherein the first machining tool (4) is arranged or formed on a first main-body portion (7a) and the at least one second machining tool (5) is arranged or formed on a second main-body portion (7b) that is different from the first main-body portion (7a).

A robotic tool changer system through magnetic coupling force and all-round mechanical locking includes a first coupling unit, a plurality of second coupling units, and a plurality of tool changer grippers. The first coupling unit is fixed to a robot arm. The first coupling unit includes a first locking unit and a first magnetic unit. Each second coupling unit is detachably connected to one of the tool changer grippers and includes a second locking unit and a second magnetic unit. When the first coupling unit is moved to approach one of the second coupling units at a predetermined distance, the first coupling unit and the second coupling unit are coupled to each other by a magnetic coupling force, then the first coupling unit and the second coupling unit are fixed to each other through all-round mechanical locking of the first locking unit and the second locking unit.

A clamping system having first and second clamping mechanisms with respective contact faces, that are couplable such that the contact faces press together with a coupling force. The first clamping mechanism has first and second elements and at least three clamping spheres, the first and second elements being twistable relative to one another, and the clamping spheres being mounted on fixed positions of the second element to be rollable along a circular line. The second clamping mechanism has groove guides assigned to the clamping spheres which have helical groove courses in clamping portions. When coupling the clamping mechanisms, by twisting the second element relative to the first, first regions of the clamping spheres are moved to a clamping position which presses the contact faces together via coupling force. When coupling, the clamping spheres in the clamping portions roll over large distances, leading to low wear and activation with reduced force.