Chuck body, machine center, and method for gripping a work object to be processed

A chuck body includes a base, a fixed gripper finger, a cylinder mount, a slide, and a movable gripper finger. The base includes a planar member. The fixed gripper finger is fixedly provided on the planar member at a position spaced from a longitudinal end of the planar member. The cylinder mount is mounted on the planar member, and includes a cylinder and a linear actuator operably engaging the cylinder to linearly move the cylinder in a longitudinal direction of the planar member toward and away from the fixed gripper finger. The slide is secured to a distal end of the cylinder and is integrally movable with the cylinder. The movable gripper finger is secured to the slide and positioned to cooperate with the fixed gripper finger to grip an associated work object when moved toward the fixed gripper finger by the linear actuator.

BACKGROUND

Chuck bodies may be provided in machine centers, such as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, to grip work objects as the objects are processed and/or measured. Chuck bodies may be formed of a relatively large number of parts, and typically include several moving parts, such as springs and cams. Due to the relatively large number of parts and several moving parts, maintenance of the chuck bodies may be cumbersome and time consuming. Specifically, a significant rebuild time may be required during maintenance of the chuck bodies. Furthermore, the frequency of needed maintenance increases as the number of parts, especially the number of moving parts, increases. Accordingly, chuck bodies having a relatively large number of parts and several moving parts may require frequent maintenance.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect, a chuck body includes a base, at least one fixed gripper finger, a cylinder mount, a slide, and at least one movable gripper finger. The base includes a planar member. The at least one fixed gripper finger is fixedly provided on the planar member at a position spaced from a longitudinal end of the planar member. The cylinder mount is mounted on the planar member, and includes a cylinder and a linear actuator operably engaging the cylinder to linearly move the cylinder in a longitudinal direction of the planar member toward and away from the at least one fixed gripper finger. The slide is secured to a distal end of the cylinder and is integrally movable with the cylinder. The at least one movable gripper finger is secured to the slide and positioned to cooperate with the at least one fixed gripper finger to grip an associated work object when the cylinder and slide are moved toward the at least one fixed gripper finger by the linear actuator.

According to another aspect, a machine center includes a machine center body, a chuck body mounted on the machine center body and configured to grip an associated work object, a work object communicator including a gripper for gripping the associated work object and a mover for moving the associated work object from a first position to a second position at which the chuck body can grip the associated work object; and a tool movably secured to the machine center body and configured to process the associated work object gripped by the chuck body. The chuck body includes a base, at least one fixed gripper finger, a cylinder mount, a slide, and at least one movable gripper finger. The base includes a planar member. The at least one fixed gripper finger is fixedly provided on the planar member at a position spaced from a longitudinal end of the planar member. The cylinder mount is mounted on the planar member, and includes a cylinder and a linear actuator operably engaging the cylinder to linearly move the cylinder in a longitudinal direction of the planar member toward and away from the at least one fixed gripper finger. The slide is secured to a distal end of the cylinder and is integrally movable with the cylinder. The at least one movable gripper finger is secured to the slide and positioned to cooperate with the at least one fixed gripper finger to grip an associated work object when the cylinder and slide are moved toward the at least one fixed gripper finger by the linear actuator.

According to another aspect, a method for gripping a work object to be processed includes providing a chuck body. The chuck body includes a base, at least one fixed gripper finger, a cylinder mount, a slide, and at least one movable gripper finger. The base includes a planar member. The at least one fixed gripper finger is fixedly provided on the planar member at a position spaced from a longitudinal end of the planar member. The cylinder mount is mounted on the planar member, and includes a cylinder and a linear actuator operably engaging the cylinder to linearly move the cylinder in a longitudinal direction of the planar member toward and away from the at least one fixed gripper finger. The slide is secured to a distal end of the cylinder and is integrally movable with the cylinder. The at least one movable gripper finger is secured to the slide and positioned to cooperate with the at least one fixed gripper finger to grip an associated work object when the cylinder and slide are moved toward the at least one fixed gripper finger by the linear actuator. The method also includes placing the work object with a portion of the work object disposed between the at least one fixed gripper finger and the at least one movable gripper finger when the at least one fixed gripper finger and the at least one movable gripper finger are in an open position. The cylinder is then actuated using the linear actuator to move the slide and the at least one movable gripper finger toward the at least one fixed gripper finger such that the at least one fixed gripper finger and the at least one movable gripper finger press against said portion of the work object and thereby grip the work object.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The description and drawings herein are merely illustrative and various modifications and changes can be made in the structures disclosed without departing from what is defined in the appended claims. All references to direction and position, unless otherwise indicated, refer to the orientation of the structures and components illustrated in the drawings and should not be construed as limiting the claims appended hereto. Like numbers refer to like parts throughout the several views.

FIGS. 1-5illustrate a chuck body100which is used to grip an associated work object101(seeFIG. 4). The chuck body100includes a base102, a fixed gripper finger mount104, a fixed gripper finger106, a cylinder mount108, a slide assembly110, first and second movable gripper fingers112,114, and a work object support bracket116. The fixed gripper finger mount104, the fixed gripper finger106, the cylinder mount108, the slide assembly110, the movable gripper fingers112,114, and the work object support bracket116are all provided on the base102.

The base102includes a planar member118and a leg member120provided at a longitudinal end122of the planar member118. The planar member118is an elongated plate-like member with an upper surface on which the fixed gripper finger mount104, the fixed gripper finger106, the cylinder mounts108, the slide assembly110, the movable gripper fingers112,114, and the work object support bracket116are provided. The leg member120is a plate-like member having a planar leg surface124facing the planar member118. The leg member120may be integrally formed with or joined to the planar member118at the longitudinal end122. The leg member120projects in an upward vertical direction from the longitudinal end122of the planar member118such that the planar member118and the leg member120define a substantially L-shaped structure.

As described herein, a longitudinal direction (or a longitudinal direction of the planar member118) references a direction extending from the leg member120across a length of the upper surface of the planar member118to an opposite longitudinal end of the planar member118(i.e., left-and-right inFIGS. 2 and 3), a lateral direction (or a lateral direction of the planar member118) extends in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (or the longitudinal direction of the planar member118) across a width of the upper surface of the planar member118(i.e., up-and-down inFIGS. 2 and 3), and a vertical direction extends upward and downward from the upper surface of the planar member118(i.e., is perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction).

Furthermore, the fixed gripper finger mount104, the fixed gripper finger106, the cylinder mounts108, the slide assembly110, the first and second movable gripper fingers112,114, and the work object support bracket116are (directly or indirectly) secured to the base102via mechanical fasteners. In this regard, the planar member118and the leg member120may have a plurality of holes defined therethrough which engage mechanical fasteners (not shown) connecting the fixed gripper finger mount104, the fixed gripper finger106, the cylinder mounts108, the slide assembly110, the first and second movable gripper fingers112,114, and the work object support bracket116to the base102. It is to be appreciated that some or all of the aforelisted members of the chuck body100may be integrally formed with the base102, or may be secured thereto via a mechanism other than mechanical fasteners (e.g., adhesive, welding, etc.). In this regard, the base102may be formed with mechanisms cooperating with those different mechanisms for securement.

The fixed gripper finger mount104includes a first mount leg126, a second mount leg128, and a mount connection portion130. The mount connection portion130is provided at a lower end (in the vertical direction) of the first mount leg126and projects outwardly therefrom in the lateral direction of the planar member118. The second mount leg128is provided at an upper end (in the vertical direction) of the first mount leg126, and projects from the first mount leg126in the longitudinal direction of the planar member118toward the leg member120of the base102. The fixed gripper finger mount104may be integrally formed as a unitary piece, or at least one of the second mount leg128and the mount connection portion130may be joined to the first mount leg126.

The fixed gripper finger mount104is mounted on the planar member118by securing or joining the mount connection portion130to the planar member118. The first mount leg126projects upwardly in the vertical direction from the planar member118, such that the second mount leg128is spaced from the upper surface of the planar member118. The second mount leg128extends in the longitudinal direction of the planar member118from the first mount leg126toward the leg member120of the base102, such that a portion of the second mount leg128overhangs from (i.e., does not overlay) the first mount leg126. A fixed gripper finger connection member132is provided on an upper surface of the second mount leg128. The fixed gripper finger connection member132is configured to have the fixed gripper finger secured thereto, such that the fixed gripper finger106is secured to the fixed gripper finger mount104via the fixed gripper finger connection member132.

The fixed gripper finger106is secured to and projects in the upward vertical direction from the fixed gripper finger mount104. The fixed gripper finger106includes a fixed finger member134and a fixed attachment member136. The fixed finger member134projects substantially perpendicularly from the fixed attachment member136in the vicinity of a first end of the fixed attachment member136, such that the fixed finger member134projects upwardly in the vertical direction when the fixed gripper finger106is secured to the fixed gripper finger mount104. The fixed finger member134may be a substantially rod-like member, and may have a substantially cylindrical form. The fixed attachment member136may have a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in side-section or plan views. The fixed gripper finger106may be integrally formed as a unitary piece, or the fixed finger member134and the fixed attachment member136may be joined to one another.

The fixed attachment member136is formed to be secured to the fixed gripper finger connection member132provided on the upper surface of the second mount leg128. Particularly, the fixed attachment member136is secured to the fixed gripper finger connection member132and the second mount leg128with a second end of the fixed attachment member136, which is opposite to the first end of the fixed attachment member136, facing the leg member120. When secured, the fixed finger member134projects upwardly in the vertical direction from the upper surface of the second mount leg128from a position in the vicinity of the first end of the fixed attachment member136, with a portion of the fixed attachment member136disposed between the fixed finger member134and the leg member120.

It is to be appreciated that by providing the fixed attachment member136as a relatively elongated member, as is shown inFIGS. 1-5, the strength of connection of the fixed gripper finger106to the fixed gripper finger mount104may be improved. It is also to be appreciated that the fixed gripper finger mount104is fixedly secured to the planar member118of the base102, and the fixed gripper finger106is fixedly secured to the fixed gripper finger mount104. Therefore, both the fixed gripper mount104and the fixed gripper finger106are provided in a fixed position on the planar member102of the base100.

The cylinder mount108may be provided as a single-piece assembly which actuates gripping of the work object101by the chuck body100. The cylinder mount108may be mounted on the base102so as to be secured to both the planar member118and the leg member120. In this regard, the cylinder mount108includes a cylinder138, a linear actuator140, a casing142, and cylinder mount connection members144.

The cylinder138may be a rod-like member which projects from the casing140. The term “cylinder”, as used herein and in the claims to reference the cylinder138, is not intended to indicate that the cylinder138has a cylindrical shape. In fact, the cylinder138need not have a cylindrical shape. The cylinder138may be formed of a material sufficiently strong to exert the necessary forces to actuate gripping and releasing of the work object101by the chuck body100.

The linear actuator140operably engages the cylinder138to linearly move the cylinder138in the longitudinal direction of the planar member118toward and away from the fixed gripper finger106and the fixed gripper finger mount104. The linear actuator140may take the form of any actuator capable of effecting the necessary linear movement of the cylinder138as is required to hold and release the work object101, as is described in further detail herein-below.

The casing142houses the linear actuator140and at least part of the cylinder138. In this regard, the casing includes a first surface146and a second surface148opposite to the first surface146, with the first and second surfaces146,148defining longitudinal ends of the casing142. The casing142also includes four surfaces connecting the first and second surfaces146,148to form an enclosure in which the linear actuator140and at least part of the cylinder138are housed. It is to be appreciated that the first surface146, the second surface148, and the four surfaces connecting the first and second surfaces146,148may not be planar surfaces, and may not entirely enclose the area in which the linear actuator140is housed. Furthermore, the linear actuator140and cylinder138may be provided without the casing140.

The casing142is secured to the base102via a lower surface150of the casing142(one of the four surfaces connecting the first and second surfaces146,148), and the first surface146of the casing142. More particularly, the lower surface150of the casing142is secured to the upper surface of the planar member118via the cylinder mount connection members144such that the lower surface150of the casing142is spaced from the upper surface of the planar member118. The lower surface150of the casing142may be substantially parallel with the upper surface of the planar member118. Additionally, the first surface146of the casing142is secured to the leg member120such that the first surface146of the casing142may be substantially flush against the planar leg surface124of the leg member120. In this regard, the first surface146of the casing142may directly abut the planar leg surface124of the leg member120. As an alternative to the illustrated chuck body100, the lower surface150of the casing142may directly abut and/or be flush against the upper surface of the planar member118.

As noted above, the cylinder138is at least partially housed within the casing142, with at least part of the cylinder138selectively projecting from the second surface148of the casing142. The linear actuator140operably engages the cylinder138so as to linearly move the cylinder138in the longitudinal direction of the planar member118toward and away from the fixed gripper finger106and the fixed gripper finger mount104. In this regard, as the cylinder138is linearly moved by the linear actuator140, an amount of projection of the cylinder138from the second surface148of the casing142changes.

With further respect to the mounting and securement of the cylinder mount108to the base102, the cylinder mount connection members144may be used to secure the lower surface150of the casing142to the planar member118. The cylinder mount connection members144may be both mechanical linkages and conduits for electrically communicating the linear actuator140with a controller or computer processing unit. Alternatively, the cylinder mount connection members144may be only mechanical linkages or conduits for electrically communicating the linear actuator140with the controller or computer processing unit. As conduits, the cylinder mount connection members144may either directly communicate the controller or computer processing unit to the linear actuator140, or may allow wires or other circuitry to pass through the connection members144to connect to the linear actuator140. Accordingly, the linear actuator140, and therefore the movement of the cylinder138and the gripping and releasing of the work object101by the chuck body100, may be controlled by the controller or computer processing unit.

The slide assembly110includes a slide152and a slide guide154. The slide152includes a connecting member156, a first slide leg158, a second slide leg160, and a lower slide member162. The slide guide154includes a rail164and a slider166.

With reference to the slide152, the connecting member156extends in the lateral direction of the planar member118and is secured to a distal end of the cylinder138. The first slide leg158extends in the longitudinal direction toward the fixed gripper finger106and the fixed gripper finger mount104from a first lateral end of the connecting member156. The second slide leg160extends in the longitudinal direction toward the fixed gripper finger106and the fixed gripper finger mount104from a second lateral end of the connecting member156which is opposite to the first lateral end of the connecting member156. Accordingly, the second side leg160is spaced from the first slide leg158in the lateral direction. The lower slide member162is provided at a lower surface of the connecting member156, the first slide leg158, and the second slide leg160. The lower slide member162may be a planar member having a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from a plan view.

With reference to the slide guide154, the rail164is fixedly secured to the upper surface of the planar member118. The rail164may have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape and is generally elongated in the longitudinal direction of the planar member118. As illustrated, the rail164has a pair of longitudinally oriented indents defined in lateral surfaces thereof. The slider166includes a pair of legs which moveably engage the rail164by each fitting into the pair of longitudinally oriented indents, such that the slider166is capable of moving in the longitudinal direction relative to the rail164, and therefore also relative to the planar member118. The pair of legs of the slider166may include movement facilitating mechanisms, such as ball bearings, etc. It is to be appreciated that the rail164and slider166may take any form which allows for the slider166to move along the rail164, such as, e.g., a cylindrical rail with an annular slider.

The slider164is fixedly secured to the lower slide member162of the slide152, such that the slide152and the slider164are integrally movable along the rail156. For example, an upper surface of the slider164is illustrated as being fixedly secured to a lower surface of the lower slide member162. In this regard, the cylinder138is secured at the distal end thereof to the connecting member156. Therefore, linear movement of the cylinder138by the actuator140causes integral linear movement of the slide110and the slider166along the rail164and relative to the planar member118. As an alternative to the illustrated slide152and slider164, the slider may be integrated in the slide152(e.g., provided by the lower slide member162). Additionally, the slide guide154may be eliminated.

First and second movable gripper finger connection members168,170are respectively provided on upper surfaces of the first slide leg158and the second slide leg160. The first and second movable gripper finger connection members168,170are respectively configured to secure the first and second movable gripper fingers112,114to the first and second slide legs158,160.

Generally, the first and second movable gripper fingers112,114are fixedly secured to the slide110and positioned to cooperate with the fixed gripper finger106to grip the work object101when the cylinder138and slide110are moved toward the fixed gripper finger106by the linear actuator140. In this regard, the first movable gripper finger112is secured to and projects in the upward vertical direction from the first slide leg158, and the second movable gripper finger114is secured to and projects from the second slide leg162. The first movable gripper finger112, the second movable gripper finger114, and the fixed gripper finger106may be substantially identical. In this regard, the first movable gripper finger112, the second movable gripper finger114, and the fixed gripper finger106may have identical dimensions, such as height and length dimensions.

The first movable gripper finger112includes a first movable finger member172and a first movable attachment member174. The first movable finger member172projects substantially perpendicularly from the first movable attachment member174in the vicinity of a first end of the first movable attachment member174, such that the first movable finger member172projects upwardly in the vertical direction when the first movable gripper finger112is secured to the first slide leg158. The first movable finger member172may be a substantially rod-like member, and may have a substantially cylindrical form. The first movable attachment member174may have a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in side-section or plan views. The first movable gripper finger112may be integrally formed as a unitary piece, or the first movable finger member172may be joined to the first movable attachment member174.

The first movable attachment member174is formed to be secured to the first movable gripper finger connection member168provided on the upper surface of the first slide leg158. Particularly, the first movable attachment member174is secured to the first movable gripper finger connection member168and the first slide leg158with a second end of the first movable attachment member174, which is opposite to the first end of the first movable attachment member174, facing the leg member120. When secured, the first movable finger member172projects upwardly in the vertical direction from the upper surface of the first slide leg158from a position in the vicinity of the first end of the first movable attachment member174, with a portion of the first movable attachment member174disposed between the first movable finger member172and the leg member120.

It is to be appreciated that by providing the first movable attachment member174as a relatively elongated member, as shown inFIGS. 1-5, the strength of connection of the first movable gripper finger112to the first slide leg158may be improved. It is also to be appreciated that the first movable gripper finger112is fixedly secured to the slide152, and is therefore integrally movable with the slide152relative to the base102.

The second movable gripper finger114includes a second movable finger member176and a second movable attachment member178. The second movable finger member176projects substantially perpendicularly from the second movable attachment member178in the vicinity of a first end of the second movable attachment member178, such that the second movable finger member176projects upwardly in the vertical direction when the second movable gripper finger114is secured to the second slide leg160. The second movable finger member176may be a substantially rod-like member, and may have a substantially cylindrical form. The second movable attachment member178may have a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in side-section or plan views. The second movable gripper finger114may be integrally formed as a unitary piece, or the second movable finger member176may be joined to the second movable attachment member178.

The second movable attachment member178is formed to be secured to the second movable gripper finger connection member170provided on the upper surface of the second slide leg160. Particularly, the second movable attachment member178is secured to the second movable gripper finger connection member170and the second slide leg160with a second end of the second movable attachment member178, which is opposite to the first end of the second movable attachment member178, facing the leg member120. When secured, the second movable finger member176projects upwardly in the vertical direction from the upper surface of the second slide leg160from a position in the vicinity of the first end of the second movable attachment member178, with a portion of the second movable attachment member178disposed between the second movable finger member176and the leg member120.

It is to be appreciated that by providing the second movable attachment member176as a relatively elongated member, as shown inFIGS. 1-5, the strength of connection of the second movable gripper finger114to the second slide leg160may be improved. It is also to be appreciated that the second movable gripper finger114is fixedly secured to the slide152, and is therefore integrally movable with the slide152relative to the base102.

The first and second movable gripper fingers112,114and the slide110(including the first and second slide legs158,160) may be configured and disposed such that a portion of the second mount leg128which projects from the first mount leg126toward the leg member120is received between the first and second movable finger members172,176. Particularly, the portion of the second mount leg128which projects from the first mount leg126toward the leg member120is disposed between the first movable finger member172and the second movable finger member176in the longitudinal direction of the planar member118when the cylinder138is linearly moved by a certain amount by the linear actuator140toward the fixed gripper finger106and the fixed gripper finger mount104. This configuration allows for added flexibility in a movement range for the fixed gripper finger106and the first and second movable gripper fingers112,114. Particularly, the fixed gripper finger106and the first and second movable gripper fingers112,114may be moved closer to one another.

The work object support bracket116includes an upper support arm180and a lower support member182. The upper support arm172is secured to an upper portion of the second surface148of the casing142, and includes a pair of arms which are spaced from one another and project upwardly from the cylinder mount108when the upper support arm180is secured to the casing142. The pair of arms of the upper support arm180is configured to receive and support a portion of the work object101. In this regard, the exemplary work object101described herein includes a linear, rod-like member, and the upper support arm180is formed to receive this portion of the work object101between the pair of arms. The lower support member182is secured to a lower portion of the second surface148of the cylinder mount casing142. The lower support member182has a U-shaped opening defined therein, through which the cylinder138may pass. An upper end of the lower support member182is illustrated as being spaced from a lower end of the upper support arm180; however, the upper end of the lower support arm182may contact and/or be secured to the lower end of the upper support arm180.

With general reference to the chuck body100, where any two or more pieces are described as being joined or secured to one another, the joining or securement may be via any known mechanism suitable for the herein-described application. For example, the joining or securement may be via mechanical fasteners, welding, adhesive, etc. The chuck body100illustrated inFIGS. 1-5presents a configuration where members are joined to one another using mechanical fasteners, though the mechanical fasteners are not illustrated. Furthermore, certain pieces of the chuck body100which are described above as being joined or secured to one another may alternatively be integrally formed as a unitary piece. Where this is the case, other pieces of the chuck body100may be eliminated. For example, if the fixed gripper finger mount104and the fixed gripper finger106are integrally formed as a unitary piece, the fixed gripper finger connection member132and the fixed attachment member136may be eliminated.

Further, the chuck body100may be formed of any materials suitable for the herein-described application. For example, some or all pieces of the chuck body100may be formed of metal, steel, or a high-strength polymer. Different pieces of the chuck body100may be formed of different materials.

Now that the structure of the chuck body100is described above, description will be made of the use of a chuck body. In this regard,FIG. 2illustrates the chuck body100in an open position, andFIG. 3illustrates the chuck body100in a closed position. When in the open position, the chuck body100releases the work object101and/or is ready to receive the work object101. When in the closed position, the chuck body100is gripping or holding the work object101.

In the open position (FIG. 2), the cylinder138is retracted into the casing142to a maximal degree. Accordingly, the slide152, the first movable gripper finger112, and the second movable gripper finger114are also pulled to a maximal degree away from the fixed gripper finger106and fixed gripper finger mount104. When in the open position, the work object101may be placed such that a portion of the work object101is disposed between the first and second movable gripper fingers112,114and the fixed gripper finger106. Once the work object101is so positioned, the linear actuator140actuates the cylinder138to move in the longitudinal direction away from the leg member120and toward the fixed gripper finger104and the fixed gripper finger mount106.

As the cylinder138is linearly moved away from the leg member120by the linear actuator140, the slide152, the first movable gripper finger112, and the second movable gripper finger114are integrally moved with the cylinder138. Accordingly, the first movable gripper finger112and the second movable gripper finger114are made to approach the fixed gripper finger106. Specifically, the slide152and slider166move along the rail164relative to the planar member118. The closed position of the chuck body (FIG. 3) may be a position at which the cylinder138is linearly moved to project from the casing142by a maximum possible amount. In the closed position, the portion of the second mount leg128which projects from the first mount leg126is at least partially received between the first movable gripper finger112and the second movable gripper finger114in the longitudinal direction of the planar member118. To accommodate this reception, the space between the first slide leg158and the second slide leg160is greater than a width of the second mount leg128in the lateral direction.

FIG. 4shows the chuck body100in the closed position with the work object101held by the fixed gripper finger106and the first and second movable gripper fingers112,114. In this regard, when the work object101is placed between the fixed gripper finger106and the first and second movable gripper fingers112,114, and the first and second movable gripper fingers112,114are moved in the linear direction toward the fixed gripper finger106by the linear actuator140, the cylinder138, and the slide assembly110, the first and second movable gripper fingers112,114press the work object101into the fixed gripper finger106so as to clamp and grip the work object101. The clamping/gripping force exerted on the work object101may be determined by the force with which the cylinder138is linearly moved by the linear actuator140. In this regard, as the cylinder mount108is secured to the leg member120, additional stability and strength is provided while the linear actuator140pushes the cylinder138and slide152toward the fixed gripper finger104and the fixed gripper finger mount106. The additional stability may provide additional power.

With continuing reference toFIG. 4, the work object101is received in and held by the chuck body100. In this position, a portion of the work object101extends from the position of the first movable gripper finger112, the second movable gripper finger114, and the fixed gripper finger106toward the leg member120. This portion of the work object101has a rod-like shape and is received in and held by the work object support bracket upper support arm180.

By the above-described configuration, the chuck body100is formed of fewer total parts, and operates using fewer moving parts. Consequently, the maintenance, disassembly, and re-assembly of the chuck body100may be simplified. Moreover, the frequency with which the chuck body100requires maintenance may be reduced.

With reference toFIG. 6, it is noted that the chuck body100may be utilized with a machine center184. The machine center184may be any known type of machine center, such as a CNC machine for processing and/or measurement of the work object101. The machine center184shown inFIG. 6is a generic machine center which may be equipped for any processing application. In this regard, the machine center184includes a machine center base186on which the chuck body100is mounted, a work object transfer mechanism188, and a processing portion190.

The chuck body100is used to grip the work object101transferred to (and from) the base by the work object transfer mechanism188, while the processing portion190processes the work object101. The chuck body100may be mounted on the machine center base186via mechanical linkages. Specifically, a lower surface of the planar member118of the base102may be secured to the machine center base186. Alternatively, the chuck body100may be mounted on the machine center base186via any other type of connection mechanism. For example, the base102may be integrally formed with the machine center base186, adhered to the machine center base186, or welded to the machine center base186. However, the use of mechanical linkages may simplify a maintenance operation of the chuck body100by allowing the chuck body100, including the base102, to be removed from the machine center base186.

The work object transfer mechanism188includes a movement mechanism192and a gripper194. The gripper194is configured to grip the work object101, and the movement mechanism192is configured to move the gripper194and the work object101to and from the chuck body100. The movement mechanism192is illustrated as being an arm rotatably mounted to an actuator (which may be provided by the machine center base186). The gripper194is illustrated as being a member with a pair of fingers movable to grip the work object101. The fingers of the gripper194may be biased to close around the work object101, with the biasing force being sufficiently weak as to release when the gripper194is moved away from the chuck body100with the work object101gripped by the chuck body100. However, the work object transfer mechanism188is merely exemplary, and may take any other form suitable for a given application with the herein-described chuck body100.

The processing portion190includes a work tool192and a work tool moving mechanism194. The work tool192may take the form of any processing apparatus used in a machine center. For example, the work tool192may measure, grind, weld, polish, etc. The work tool moving mechanism194includes an arm196movably secured to the machine center base186so as to be movable to a position of the work object101held by the chuck body100to perform the desired processing. The arm196is also movable to remove the work tool192from the vicinity of the chuck body100when the work object101is being loaded into the chuck body100or removed from the chuck body100.

Modification may be made to the herein-described chuck body100while remaining within the scope of the instant disclosure. While not considered to be an exhaustive listing of the modifications, a few examples will be given. First, any reference to pieces projecting in a perpendicular direction need not project in the perpendicular direction. Second, while the chuck body100is described as having a single fixed gripper finger106and a single fixed gripper finger mount104, more than one fixed gripper finger mount104and/or fixed gripper finger106may be utilized. Similarly, while the chuck body100is described as having two movable gripper fingers112,114, the chuck body100may utilize fewer or greater than two movable gripper fingers. Third, as noted above, the materials from which the pieces of the chuck body100are formed, and the mechanisms used to join or secure different pieces, may be varied as desired based on the application in which the chuck body100is used.

Similarly, the precise configuration of certain pieces and/or the positional relationship of certain pieces relative to other pieces may be varied or changed. Specifically, the configurations and positional relationship may be changed to hold a work object having a shape different from that shown inFIG. 4. As an example, any or all of the fixed gripper finger106, the first movable gripper finger112, and the second movable gripper finger114may be differently configured such that a position of the respective finger members is changed relative to the fixed gripper finger mount104and/or the slide152. As another example, any or all of the fixed gripper finger106, the first movable gripper finger112, and the second movable gripper finger114may be secured to the respective fixed gripper finger mount104, first slide leg158, and second slide leg160in a reverse direction, i.e., with the respective second end of the attachment member thereof facing the leg member120.

It is to be appreciated that the work object101is simply provided as an exemplary work object to be gripped or held by the chuck body100. The chuck body100is not limited to gripping the work object101illustrated and explicitly described herein.