Patent ID: 6527266
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: B23Q

Abstract:
A clamping apparatus with datum function which aligns a movable member (M) with a reference member (R) and fixes a surface (T) to be supported of the movable member (M) to a support surface (S) of the reference member (R), the clamping apparatus comprising:a socket bore (11) formed in the movable member (M), the socket bore (11) being provided with an opened end formed by opening the surface (T) to be supported and having a positioning hole (12) and an engaging hole (13) formed in order from the opened end; an annular plug portion (21) having a cylindrical hole (21a) and projecting from the reference member (R) so as to be inserted into the socket bore (11); a shuttle member (23) having a tapered surface (28), which is arranged between the plug portion (21) and the positioning hole (12) and diametrically expands and contracts, the shuttle member (23) being supported by one of the plug portion (21) and the positioning hole (12) so as to be axially movable within a predetermined range and making a tapering engagement with the other, the tapered surface (28) for the tapering engagement being-formed so as to narrow toward the engaging hole (13); a resilient member (24) urging the shuttle member (23) in a direction for tightening the tapering engagement; a pull rod (31) having a first end, a second end and an output portion (36), the pull rod (31) being axially movably inserted into the cylindrical hole (21a) of the plug portion (21); an engaging member (34) arranged in an outer peripheral space of the pull rod (31) and being movable between a radially outward engaging position (X) and a radially inward disengaging position (Y); a driving means (D) provided in the reference member (R) and connected to the pull rod (31); and the driving means (D) driving the pull rod (31) for clamping in a direction toward the first end, thereby enabling the output portion (36) of the pull rod (31) to switch over the engaging member (34) to the engaging position (X) for engaging it with the engaging hole (13) to move the movable member (M) toward the reference member (R), the driving means (D) driving the pull rod (31) for unclamping in a direction toward the second end, thereby allowing the engaging member (34) to switch over to the disengaging position (C).