Patents Assigned to Erowa AG
  • Patent number: 11065731
    Abstract: A clamping device includes a clamping chuck and a clamping element, which can be clamped thereto. The clamping chuck has a receiving opening for the clamping element and clamping members for clamping the clamping element in the receiving opening. The clamping element is elongated, while the clamping chuck is provided with an elongated receiving opening for the clamping element. A resiliently flexible centering element, which aligns the clamping element in response to the insertion into the receiving opening at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the receiving opening, is arranged on the clamping chuck in the insertion area of the receiving opening. Such a clamping device is suitable in clamping systems by means of which large to very large workpiece carriers can be clamped in the work area of a machine tool in a repeatably accurate manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: EROWA AG
    Inventor: Hans Hediger
  • Patent number: 10493575
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping chuck for clamping pallets furnished with a clamping spigot. The clamping chuck has a locating opening for the clamping spigot and a clamping device for clamping the clamping spigot in the locating opening. A plurality of sensors are arranged on the clamping chuck, by means of which the clamping force actions on the clamping spigot may be determined as well as other values. The clamping chuck is equipped with a transmitter for wireless transmission of parameters detected by means of the one or more sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Hans Hediger
  • Patent number: 9937595
    Abstract: The coupling device (1) comprises a clamping fixture (2) fixable to a manipulator and an adapter (40) securely clampable thereto. Both the clamping fixture (2) and the adapter (40) are configured substantially rectangular. The clamping fixture (2) comprises a locking mechanism (5) consisting of two laterally shiftable locking elements (6, 7) and an actuating member (8) disposed inbetween. For fixedly securing the adapter (40) to the clamping fixture (2) the locking elements (6, 7) are urged by means of the actuating member into the side widenings (45, 46) of the locking opening (44). In addition, the clamping fixture (2) is provided with a slotted recess (4) and the adapter (40) with an elongated base (41), the latter being insertable into the slotted recess (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Hans Hediger
  • Patent number: 9863751
    Abstract: The measuring machine (1) for measuring workpieces (23, 23a) features a machine table (2) and a mechanical device comprising a measuring slide movable in a first linear axis and a cross slide movable in a second linear axis, and a quill shaft (7) arranged on the cross slide and movable in a third linear axis. Arranged on the quill shaft (7) is, in addition to a sensor (9) for measuring the workpiece, also a gripper (11) by means of which a workpiece (23a) can be retrieved from a magazine (22) and transferred to the clamping device (20), or retrieved from the clamping device (20) and transferred to the magazine (22). Due to this configuration the existing mechanical device of the measuring machine (1) can be made use of to mechanically transfer and also retrieve a workpiece (23, 23a) being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: EROWA AG
    Inventor: Hans Hediger
  • Patent number: 9738048
    Abstract: The assembly comprises a coupling for direct or indirect coupling the core rod (15) to the lower punch (12) of a powder press. The coupling is configured as a magnetic coupling and comprising two coupling elements (20, 30), the first (20) of which is actively connected to the core rod (15) and the second (30) of which is actively connected to the lower punch (12). The magnetic coupling comprises several permanent magnets (24a, 24b, 33a, 33b) arranged at each coupling element. These permanent magnets (24a, 24b, 33a, 33b) are arranged and adapted to each other such that when coupling the two coupling elements (20, 30) the first coupling element (20) is automatically rotated by the effect of the field lines of the magnets (24a, 24b, 33a, 33b) into a predetermined angular position relative to the second coupling element (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: EROWA AG
    Inventor: Hans Hediger
  • Patent number: 9592579
    Abstract: The invention relates to a clamping fixture comprising a chuck (1) and for locking thereto a workpiece pallet (2). The chuck (1) comprises first centering members in the form of centering spigots (5) whilst said workpiece pallet (2) is provided with a main body (20) and secured thereto a centering disk (23). The centering disk (23) is provided with second centering members in the form of centering openings (24). The centering spigots (5) of the workpiece pallet (2) are adapted to the centering openings (24) of the workpiece pallet (2) that the latter is alignable in the X-direction and Y-direction on clamping to the chuck (1). Provided topping the chuck (1) is a sealing member assembly (7). Disposed between the centering disk (23) and the main body (20) of the workpiece pallet (2) is a sealing disk (21) which overhangs the centering disk (23) radially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Hans Hediger
  • Patent number: 9302359
    Abstract: A clamping fixture comprises a clamping base member (1) and a workpiece pallet (2) for fixedly clamping thereto. The clamping base member (1) features a number of clamping spigots (43) corresponding in number to that of the clamping devices (5) for fixedly clamping in place in each clamping device (5). Arranged on the clamping base member (1) are first centering members (4) which cooperate with the further centering members (38) arranged on the workpiece pallet (2) such that the workpiece pallet (2) is aligned in place when fixedly clamping to the clamping base member in the X-direction and Y-direction. Each clamping device (5) features a clamping socket (6), the top side of which forms the Z-mount for the workpiece pallet (2). The Z-mount of the clamping base member (1) is formed by a plurality of face portions (11) topping each clamping socket (6), and wherein each face portion (11) is provided with at least one outflow port (12) for a cleaning medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Hans Hediger
  • Patent number: 9026251
    Abstract: Proposed is a monitoring device for monitoring and/or sensing predefined positions of a robotic device (5) having at least two axes of motion. The monitoring device comprises at least two sensors (15, 16), the first (15) of which is defined to sense a horizontal position and/or rotative position of the main support (9) and the second sensor (16) a defined horizontal position of the robotic arm (11). The monitoring device comprises furthermore sensor active faces (17a, 18a, 18b) arranged selectively for the first sensor (15) arranged in the horizontal motion zone and/or swiveling zone of the robotic device (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Hans Hediger
  • Publication number: 20150054211
    Abstract: A clamping fixture comprises a clamping base member (1) and a workpiece pallet (2) for fixedly clamping thereto. The clamping base member (1) features a number of clamping spigots (43) corresponding in number to that of the clamping devices (5) for fixedly clamping in place in each clamping device (5). Arranged on the clamping base member (1) are first centering members (4) which cooperate with the further centering members (38) arranged on the workpiece pallet (2) such that the workpiece pallet (2) is aligned in place when fixedly clamping to the clamping base member in the X-direction and Y-direction. Each clamping device (5) features a clamping socket (6), the top side of which forms the Z-mount for the workpiece pallet (2). The Z-mount of the clamping base member (1) is formed by a plurality of face portions (11) topping each clamping socket (6), and wherein each face portion (11) is provided with at least one outflow port (12) for a cleaning medium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Hans Hediger
  • Publication number: 20130297071
    Abstract: Proposed is a monitoring device for monitoring and/or sensing predefined positions of a robotic device (5) having at least two axes of motion. The monitoring device comprises at least two sensors (15, 16), the first (15) of which is defined to sense a horizontal position and/or rotative position of the main support (9) and the second sensor (16) a defined horizontal position of the robotic arm (11). The monitoring device comprises furthermore sensor active faces (17a, 18a, 18b) arranged selectively for the first sensor (15) arranged in the horizontal motion zone and/or swivelling zone of the robotic device (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Hans Hediger
  • Patent number: 8413973
    Abstract: The clamping fixture comprises a chuck (1) and fixedly securable thereto releasably a clamping pallet (6). The chuck (1) is provided with four centering pins (3) arranged at the chuck (1) cooperating with centering openings (9) arranged at the clamping pallet (6) such that the clamping pallet (6) when chucked in the chuck (1) is oriented in the X and Y direction. Each centering pin (3) features two conically tapered side faces (3a, 3b) whilst each centering opening (9) is defined by two side walls (9a, 9b) oriented parallel to each other. When chucking the clamping pallet (6) at the chuck (1) the conically tapered side faces (3a, 3b) of each centering pin (3) come into line contact with the sidewalls of the centering opening (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Bruno Sandmeier
  • Patent number: 8376340
    Abstract: The clamping fixture (1) consists of a workpiece pallet (2) and an actuator (27). The workpiece pallet (2) comprises at least two clamping jaws (4,5) for clamping in place a workpiece, while the actuator (27) is provided for opening and closing the clamping jaws (4,5). By means of the actuator (27) the clamping jaws (4,5) are material-elastically excursionable to the extent that a workpiece, after release of the actuator (27), can be locked in place by the material-elastic restoring force of the clamping jaws (4,5). Preferably the workpiece pallet (2) comprises a main body (3) provided with a slot (6) defined on both sides by the clamping jaws (4,5). The clamping jaws (4,5) are material-elastic excursionable by means of the actuator (27) transversely to the slot (6). The clamping jaws (4,5) are provided with fitted jaws (13, 14) which in relation to each clamping jaw (4,5) can be shifted transversely to the slot (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Bruno Sandmeier
  • Patent number: 8262072
    Abstract: A work piece carrier is provided with two reference systems for accurately positioning it with regard to a chuck member. The work piece carrier comprises a central aperture with the two opposite ends of the aperture surrounded by one of the reference systems. The two reference systems are independent from each other and allow the work piece carrier to be attached to the chuck member in two different positions. Assigned to each reference system is a protrusion surrounding the central aperture and extending substantially in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the work piece carrier. The particular protrusion is provided with a shoulder serving as a clamping surface, adapted to be engaged by clamping elements provided in the chuck member. Preferably, also the centering elements for defining the position of the work piece carrier with regard to the chuck member are located on the particular protrusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Bruno Sandmeier
  • Patent number: 8256773
    Abstract: A clamping fixture features a chuck provided with a locking mechanism for releasably locating a workpiece pallet. The locking mechanism comprises a plurality of clamping members which in the locked position are engineered to engage a clamping spigot connected to the workpiece pallet. Each clamping member, or alternatively an actuating member assigned to a clamping member, is provided with a feedthru bore which on correct locking and/or release of the corresponding clamping members is closed off at one end. The feedthru bores are connectable by a common connecting conduit to a compressed air source. In addition, at least one sensor is provided for sensing air flow in the connecting conduit by means of which it can detected whether the clamping members are correctly released or locked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Bruno Sandmeier
  • Patent number: 8240971
    Abstract: A handling manipulator assembly comprises a vertical extending main support (2) arranged on a rotary plate (3). Arranged on the main support (2) is a vertically travelling vertical carriage (9) to which a horizontal extension arm (12) is secured. Mounted on the horizontal extension arm (12) is an articulated arm (14) provided at the end with a manipulator gripper (18). Such a handling manipulator assembly (1) is suitable to advantage to feed/remove tools or workpieces to/from a machine tool provided with a front portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Bruno Sandmeier
  • Patent number: 8152151
    Abstract: A clamping fixture comprises a chuck (1) and a workpiece pallet (22) releasably located thereon. The chuck (1) is provided with a clamping mechanism for locating the workpiece pallet (22). The clamping mechanism comprises a plurality of clamping members configured as plungers (10). The workpiece pallet (22) comprises a clamping surface (28a) running essentially along its shell surface (26) for surface contacting the plungers (10) by its front part (12) provided with a compression surface (13) during clamping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Bruno Sandmeier
  • Patent number: 8062462
    Abstract: A system and a method for joining non-transparent parts (1, 2) by means of an electromagnetic radiation curable adhesive comprises at least one at least partly transparent element (3) inserted between the parts (1, 2) to be joined together such that electromagnetic radiation beamed into the element (3) initiates curing of a film of adhesive applied to the element (3) and/or to a non-transparent part (1, 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Bruno Sandmeier
  • Publication number: 20100019428
    Abstract: The clamping fixture comprises a chuck (1) and fixedly securable thereto releasably a clamping pallet (6). The chuck (1) is provided with four centering pins (3) arranged at the chuck (1) cooperating with centering openings (9) arranged at the clamping pallet (6) such that the clamping pallet (6) when chucked in the chuck (1) is oriented in the X and Y direction. Each centering pin (3) features two conically tapered side faces (3a, 3b) whilst each centering opening (9) is defined by two side walls (9a, 9b) oriented parallel to each other. When chucking the clamping pallet (6) at the chuck (1) the conically tapered side faces (3a, 3b) of each centering pin (3) come into line contact with the sidewalls of the centering opening (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Applicant: EROWA AG
    Inventor: Bruno Sandmeier
  • Patent number: 7648132
    Abstract: The clamping apparatus comprising a chuck member and a pallet member releasably fixed to the chuck member. The chuck member comprises clamping means for clamping the pallet member to the chuck member. The chuck member has first centering means and the pallet member has second centering means cooperating with the first centering means to define the relative position between the chuck member and the pallet. The chuck member and/or the pallet member are/is provided with at least one damping element consisting at least partially of a compressed composite of metal chips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Assignee: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Hans Hediger
  • Publication number: 20090236787
    Abstract: The clamping fixture (1) consists of a workpiece pallet (2) and an actuator (27). The workpiece pallet (2) comprises at least two clamping jaws (4,5) for clamping in place a workpiece, whilst the actuator (27) is provided for opening and closing the clamping jaws (4,5). By means of the actuator (27) the clamping jaws (4,5) are material-elastically excursionable to the extent that a workpiece, after release of the actuator (27), can be locked in place by the material-elastic restoring force of the clamping jaws (4,5). Preferably the workpiece pallet (2) comprises a main body (3) provided with a slot (6) defined on both sides by the clamping jaws (4,5). The clamping jaws (4,5) are material-elastic excursionable by means of the actuator (27) transversely to the slot (6). The clamping jaws (4,5) are provided with fitted jaws (13, 14) which in relation to each clamping jaw (4,5) can be shifted transversely to the slot (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: Erowa AG
    Inventor: Bruno Sandmeier