Indexing chuck

Abstract

The invention relates to an indexing chuck comprising a chuck body having an opening; a pivoting ring disposed in the opening, the pivoting ring having at least three clamping jaws that can be advanced radially, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chuck body; an advancing device which is disposed in the pivoting ring and by means of which the clamping jaws can be moved synchronously; and two pivot pins, supported in the chuck body and forming a pivot axis, wherein the advancing device comprises a synchronizing ring which is movable relative to the pivoting ring, a driving surface extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the chuck body where it contacts a clamping jaw, and a contact surface on the respective clamping jaw which interacts with the driving surface of the synchronizing ring such that the clamping jaws are moved radially.

Claims

1. An indexing chuck (1) comprising: a chuck body (2) in which an accommodating opening (3) with a ring-shaped design is worked into the chuck body (2) and runs centrally in relation to the longitudinal axis (4) of the chuck body; a pivoting ring (5) inserted in the accommodating opening (3) of the chuck body (2), the pivoting ring (5) comprising at least three clamping jaws (6) that can be advanced radially, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (4) of the chuck body (2), by means of which a rotationally symmetrical workpiece (7) to be machined is locked in the chuck body (2) centrally in relation to the longitudinal axis (4) of the chuck body; an advancing device (8) which can be inserted into the pivoting ring (5), and by means of which the at least three clamping jaws (6) can be moved synchronously; two pivot pins (11, 12) which are supported in the chuck body (2) and which form a pivot axis (13), the two pivot pins being in either a non-positive or positive active connection with the pivoting ring (5); and at least one driving means in a driving connection with at least one of the pivot pins; wherein the advancing device comprises a synchronising ring which is supported so as to be movable parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chuck body in the pivoting ring, the synchronising ring comprising a driving surface extending at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the chuck body in the region of the at least three clamping jaws, and wherein each of the at least three clamping jaws comprises a contact surface for engaging the driving surface of the synchronising ring such that the at least three clamping jaws are moved radially out of the pivoting ring when the synchronizing ring is moved parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chuck body such that the driving surface of the synchronizing ring contacts the contact surfaces of the at least three clamping jaws; characterised in that the clamping axes (6) of the at least three clamping jaws (6) are disposed in a first plane, and the pivot axis (13) formed by the pivot pins (11, 12) is disposed in a second plane, wherein the first plane is longitudinally offset from the second plane along the longitudinal axis of the chuck body.

2. The chuck in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the pivot pins (11, 12) are jointly pivoted through a 180 degree angle of rotation (), by at least one drive piston (14), wherein the at least one drive piston (14) is configured to be an axially movable piston (14) disposed in the chuck body (2), wherein one of the two pivot pins (11 or 12) is in a drivable active connection with the at least one drive piston (14) via an intermediate element (15, 22, 23), wherein each of the at least one drive pistons (14) separates two pressure chambers (16, 17) from one another and the at least one drive pistons (14) are moved back and forth by means of a pump (19) which pumps a medium alternately into the pressure chambers (16, 17).

3. The chuck in accordance with claim 2, characterised in that the intermediate element (15) is configured as two racks (22, 23) running parallel to one another with the shape of a fork or a U-section, wherein the racks (22, 23) each have their toothed profiles pointing towards one of the at least two pivot pins (11 or 12), and are in a driving connection with the latter.

4. The chuck in accordance with claim 2, characterised in that the at least one drive piston (14) is aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis (4) of the chuck body (2).

5. The chuck in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that two holding pins (31) are mounted in the chuck body (2) so as to be radially movable, wherein the fixation axis (31) formed by the holding pins (31) is at a distance from the pivot axis (13) and the clamping axes (6) formed by the at least three clamping jaws (6), at an angle of 115 in relation to the pivot axis (13).

6. The chuck in accordance with claim 5, characterised in that two pairs of openings (32) are worked into the pivoting ring (5), such that the two pairs of openings are aligned in the direction of the chuck body (2), and such that in the locking position, each of the holding pins (31) engage in one of the pairs of openings (32).

7. The chuck in accordance with claim 6, characterised in that the position of each of the holding pins (31) can be established using an electric and/or mechanical monitoring device, such that depending on the position of the holding pins (31), the movements of the driving means (14) are enabled or blocked.

8. The chuck in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the synchronising ring (33) is arranged in a hydraulic or pneumatic circuit (38) and that the synchronising ring (33) has a medium applied to it in alternating directions for axial movement.

9. The chuck in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that the chuck body (2) rotates about the longitudinal axis (4) in the operating condition, and that the rotational movements of the chuck body (2) are transferred to the pivoting ring (5).

10. The chuck in accordance with claim 1, characterised in that two contact surfaces (39) located opposite one another are worked onto the pivoting ring (5) and that the accommodating opening (3) of the chuck body (2) has two plane surfaces (40) that run flush with the contact surface (39) of the pivoting ring (5) in the assembled condition.

11. The chuck in accordance with claim 10, characterised in that the contact surface (39) of the pivoting ring (5) and the plane surface (40) of the accommodating opening (3) of the chuck (2) are aligned at right angles to the pivot axis (13) of the pivot pins (11, 12).

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The drawing shows a sample embodiment of an indexing chuck configured in accordance with the present invention, which is subsequently explained in detail. In the drawing.

(2) FIG. 1 shows an indexing chuck with a chuck body and a pivoting ring inserted within it, on which three clamping jaws are mounted in a manner which permits radial advance, as a top view,

(3) FIG. 2 shows the chuck according to FIG. 1 along the line II-II,

(4) FIG. 3 shows the chuck according to FIG. 1 as a perspective view,

(5) FIG. 4a shows the chuck according to FIG. 1 along the line IVa-IVa,

(6) FIG. 4b shows the chuck according to FIG. 1 along the line IVb-IVb,

(7) FIG. 5a shows the chuck according to FIG. 1 along the line Va-Va,

(8) FIG. 5b shows the chuck according to FIG. 1 long the line Vb-Vb and

(9) FIG. 6 shows the chuck according FIG. 1 along the line VI-VI.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

(10) FIGS. 1 and 2 show an indexing chuck 1 by means of which a rotationally symmetrical workpiece 7, for example a sleeve, is held on a machine tool (not illustrated) in order to work an internal thread into the sleeve 7. Sleeves 7 such as this are usually used as connecting and sealing elements for pipe sections used for creating a gas or oil pipeline. The sleeves seven have a self-sealing internal thread, which means that the production of this thread requires a high level of precision. Consequently, the sleeves 7 must be aligned centrally with the longitudinal axis 4 of the machine tool, and thus with the longitudinal axis 4 of the chuck 1.

(11) The chuck 1 consists of a chuck body 2 with an accommodating opening 3 worked centrally into the chuck body 2 in relation to its longitudinal axis. The accommodating opening 3 is largely adapted to the round external contour of the workpiece 7.

(12) Furthermore, the accommodating opening 3 of the chuck body 2 has a pivoting ring 5 inserted into it which is in a driving connection with the chuck body 2. For the purpose of machining the workpiece 7, the chuck body 2 is rotated about its longitudinal axis 4; the rotation of the chuck body 2 is transferred to the pivoting ring 5, with the effect that there are no relative movements between the chuck body 2 and the pivoting ring 5 during the machining process.

(13) For the purpose of locking the workpiece 7, the pivoting ring 5 has three clamping jaws 6 mounted in it which can be moved radially, and are advanced synchronously in the direction of the workpiece 7 by means of an advancing device 8. The three clamping jaws 6 consequently secure the workpiece 7 centrally in the pivoting ring 5.

(14) In the present sample embodiment, three clamping jaws are arranged on the pivoting ring 5 which are spaced apart from one another at an angle of 120. It is easily conceivable for more than three clamping jaws 6 to be attached to the pivoting ring 5, especially if the internal diameter of the accommodating opening 3 can be made larger.

(15) Furthermore, the pivoting ring 5 in the accommodating opening 3 is to be pivoted through 180 relative to the chuck body 2, because the workpiece 7 needs to be machined from both open ends. Initially, namely, one part of the internal thread is worked into the inner wall of the workpiece 7 from a first open end and then, after the workpiece 7 has been pivoted through 180 using the pivoting ring 5 in the chuck body 2, an internal thread is worked into the second open end of the workpiece 7.

(16) For the purpose of swiveling the pivoting ring 5, two pivot pins 11 and 12 are arranged in the chuck body 2 and project in the direction of the longitudinal axis 4 of the chuck body 2, forming a common pivot axis 13.

(17) It is of particular significance for the invention that the clamping axes 6 formed by the three clamping jaws 6 run at a distance from the pivot axis 13. The angular distance between the pivot axis 13 and one of the clamping axes 6 is 30. If, however, the pitch angle between the clamping axes 6 changes, because several clamping jaws are provided, this angular distance changes accordingly.

(18) FIGS. 2 and 3 as well as 5a, moreover, show that the advancing device 8 installed in the pivoting ring 5 makes the radial movement of the particular clamping jaws 6 possible. The advancing device 8 encompasses a synchronising ring 33 and a cover 34 of the synchronising ring 33 that seals a hydraulic or pneumatic circuit 38 with the help of a seal 35. A pump installed in the hydraulic or pneumatic circuit 38 (not illustrated) pumps the delivery medium evenly from one side of the advancing device 8 to the opposite side of the advancing device 8, with the effect that the synchronising ring 33 is moved back and forth in parallel to the longitudinal axis 4 of the chuck body 2.

(19) The three clamping jaws 6 are installed in the pivoting ring 5 in such a way that they are in a non-positive or positive active connection with the synchronising ring 33. FIGS. 5a and 5b in particular show that each synchronising ring 33 has a driving surface 36 worked onto it which runs at an angle and with which a contact surface 37 worked onto the particular clamping jaw 6 makes contact. As soon as the synchronising ring 33 is moved in the direction of the open end of the chuck body 2, the three clamping jaws 6 are pushed synchronously out of the pivoting ring 5 in the direction of the workpiece 7 and they consequently make a non-positive active contact with it, by means of which the workpiece 7 is centrally locked on the chuck body 2.

(20) FIGS. 4a and 4b show the swiveling principle of the pivoting ring 5. One of the two pivot pins 11 or 12 that are opposite to one another are in a non-positive active connection with a drive piston 14 in this case. The drive piston 14 drives the pivot pin 12 via an intermediate element 15 in the illustrated sample embodiment, as is explained below in more detail. The piston 14 and the intermediate element 15 can also be linked with the pivot pin 11 in a driving connection. It is also possible for both pivot pins 11 and 12 to be driven synchronously, i.e. at the same time, with the effect that in that case two pistons 14 and two intermediate elements 15 must be provided for each of the two pivot pins 11, 12. FIGS. 4a and 4b additionally show that the drive piston 14 separates two pressure chambers 16 and 17 worked into the chuck body 2 from one another. The two pressure chambers 16 and 17 are connected together via control lines 18. A pump 19 is provided in the control line 18 by means of which a medium, such as a hydraulic fluid or a gas, is pumped in alternating directions so that the drive piston 14 can be moved back and forth between the two pressure chambers 16, 17, and thus performs a linear movement.

(21) The drive piston 14 is in a driving connection with the pivot pin 12 via the intermediate element 15. An external splined profile 21 is worked onto the out jacket surface of the pivot pin 12.

(22) The intermediate element 15 consists of two racks 22 and 23 running parallel with one another, with their respective rack profiles facing one another; the two racks 22, 23 form a fork or a U-profile in this case. The splined profile 21 of the pivot pin 12 is arranged between the two racks 22, 23. The rack profiles of the racks 22, 23 engage in the external splines 21 of the pivot pin 12, with the effect that a permanent, positive or driving active connection exists between the pivot pin 12 and the intermediate element 15.

(23) In this case, the intermediate element 15 can also be configured in the form of a V-belt or chain drive, or also in the form of a threaded spindle.

(24) The two racks 22, 23 run parallel with the longitudinal axis 4, with the effect that their structural space extends in this direction in order to take up as little space as possible, thereby allowing the external circumference of the chuck body 2 to have small dimensions.

(25) As soon as the drive piston 14 is moved back and forth by the pump 19, consequently, the pivot pin 12 pivots in the corresponding direction of rotation. In this case, the length of the racks 22 is selected so that the pivot pin 12 undergoes a pivoting movement through 180 in a first direction of rotation. When the piston 14 and the racks 22 move back, the pivot pin 12 rotates in the opposite direction.

(26) When the pivot pin 12 is pivoted by the drive piston 14 through 180 in one direction of rotation and then back in the opposite direction, the opposite pivot pin 11 rotates as well. This is because it is connected to the pivot pin 12 via the pivoting ring 5.

(27) FIG. 6 shows that the pivoting ring 5 is supported on the chuck body 2 by means of two holding pins 31 that are arranged opposite one another and form a pair. The two holding pins 31 create a fixation axis 31 running at a distance from the pivot axis 13 and each of the clamping axes 6 formed by the clamping jaws 6. In the sample embodiment illustrated, the angular distance between the fixation axis 31 and the pivot axis 13 is 115. The holding pins 31 are mounted in the chuck body 2 so they can be moved radially, and can be advanced in the direction of the pivoting ring 5. Two openings 32 are worked into the outer jacket surface of the pivoting ring 5 in the area of the holding pins 31, the internal contour of which openings 32 is adapted to the external contour of the holding pins 31 with the effect that the holding pins 31 engage in the openings 32 running in alignment with them during the machining process of the workpiece 7, so that the position of the holding pin 31 can be ascertained using a monitoring device and, depending on its position, the movement of the piston 14 is enabled or blocked.

(28) As soon as the holding pins 31 engage in the corresponding opening 32, the pivoting ring 5 is additionally supported in the direction of rotation on the chuck body 2. Moreover, a plane surface 40 is worked onto the inner wall of the accommodating opening 3 of the chuck body 2. The outer jacket surface of the pivoting ring 5 has a contact surface 39 provided on it which, when the pivoting ring 5 is assembled, is aligned flush with the plane surface 40 of the accommodating opening 3. The contact surface 39 and the plane surface 40 run at right angles to the pivot axis 13, as a result of which the pivoting ring 5 can be pivoted parallel to the plane surface 40. The contact surface 39 of the pivoting ring 5 and the plane surface 40 of the accommodating opening 3 prevent pivoting of the pivoting ring 5 during the rotation of the chuck body 2, with the effect that the rotational forces of the chuck body 2 are transferred via the holding pins 31 as well as the openings 32 onto the contact surface 39.