[0001] The subject invention is a self-centering vise designed for clamping workpieces with
large dimensions and high cutting forces, for workpieces exposed to deformations,
clamping logs, clamping workpieces with trapezoidal and rectangular cross-sections,
of existing symmetry surface.
[0002] There are known self-centering vises, where power transmission is obtained by a turnbuckle,
which rotary movement causes clamping/unclamping of the workpiece in a direction parallel
to the axis of the turnbuckle. The control of clamping/unclamping is actuated with
one square or hexagonal wrench at one of two ends of the turnbuckle. The advantage
of this solution is a rigid design and ability to maintain high precision clamping.
The disadvantage of this solution is a construction with a joint body for both jaws,
which significantly reduces the clamping range of the vise, and its increase requires
to create of a new design of substantial component parts (including body, and thus
the largest part of the vise).
[0003] There are known modular vises, where clamping of the workpiece takes place at each
pair of modules, equipped with a movable jaw, sliding T-handle screw or with additional
knob/wrench. The rotary movement of the screw causes a linear traverse of the jaw
along the guide, parallel to the screw axis. The modules in this solution are completely
independent. The only possibility of their connection is a rigid link between their
positions relative to each other. The advantage of this solution is the ability to
obtain a substantial clamping range. The necessary condition to maintain the shape
of the workpiece is a prior preparation of its shape. Otherwise, it may cause deformation
of the long workpiece. The modular vises of this type can work in multi-units, however
they are limited by the need of implementation of the joint base, and the principle
of operation unable to link them to work simultaneously.
[0004] There are known modular vises, where clamping of the workpiece is divided into two
phases - setting movement, obtained by moving the jaw manually along the guide body,
and clamping movement, caused by the axial movement of the screw, which at the time
of clamping is set in axis parallel to the direction of the jaw movement. According
to this principle of operation it is not possible to link the clamping movements of
the individual modules. There is also no possibility of self-centering or compensating
clamping. The advantage of this solution is relatively high clamping repeatability
and low time-consumption because of rapid idle stroke.
[0005] The matter of invention is a self-centering modular vise, where power transmission
takes place via square wrench and additional self-centering compensating module. Drive
of the jaw movement is perpendicular to the movement direction of jaw clamping/unclamping.
A minimum of two independent modules are driven via centrally applied torque. The
swiveling jaw inserts allow for vertical adjustment of the clamping surface to the
clamped workpiece.
[0006] The advantage of the solution according to invention is a compact design that allows
clamping in prisms without receiving degrees of freedom (compensation), while maintaining
the position of the symmetry surface. Further advantages are: high clamping force
obtained via gear drive ratio unit, self-locking drive unit that allows for wrench
and self-centering module removal without force loss, possibility of simple extension
of the system and increase of the clamping range and interchangeable jaws inserts
that allow to adapt to specific shapes, including shaft-type components (without support)
in prism inserts.
[0007] The subject of invention is shown in figure.
[0008] The components of a self-centering vise consist of: clamping jaw module 1, gear drive
ratio unit 2, solid jaw 3, square wrench 4, swiveling jaw insert 5, interchangeable
jaw insert 6, tension bar 7, drawbar 8, locking slot 9 and self-centering compensating
module 10.
[0009] Torque from the square wrench on the linear gear, is transmitted to the toothed gear
that cooperates with toothed bar, so-called gear rack. The rotary movement of the
pinion is converted into sliding movement transmitted via gear rack carried out in
leading channels, beyond self-centering compensating module, where via made hooks
the force is transmitted linearly to tension bars, connected on the toothed side with
pinions in the left and right clamping jaws. The jaws are an integral multi-unit parts
of the gear drive ratio, that convert rotary movement of the pinion to linear movement
of the solid jaws, directed towards the opposite jaw. The movement takes place until
the maximum clamping force is obtained. The swinging insert ensures proper jaw alignment
to the shape of the workpiece side walls. When using locking slot, the workpiece is
clamped once it is set in driving axis on the symmetry surface of the clamped workpiece.
When locking slot is removed the clamping takes place with compensation movement of
the jaw, which as a first grips the workpiece. After clamping of the workpiece in
clamping jaws the wrench movement in the direction opposite to clamping direction
within a few degrees releases compensating self-centering module, that can be postponed.
The force is maintained by self-locking drive multi-units. The wrench movement in
a range of above-mentioned several degrees in direction opposite to clamping direction
causes unclamping of the workpiece, and then outward moving of the jaws.
1. Self-centering vice is characterized by three main modules i.e. left and right clamping jaw and self-centering compensating
module, where power transmission takes place via square wrench and additional self-centering
compensating module.
2. Self-centering vice according to claim 1 is characterized by drive of the jaw movement which is perpendicular to the movement direction of jaw
clamping / unclamping.
3. Self-centering vice according to claim 2 is characterized by minimum of two independent modules which are driven via centrally applied torque.
4. Self-centering vice according to claim 3 is characterized by swiveling jaw inserts, which allow vertical adjustment of the clamping surface to
the clamped workpiece.
