TWI899239B - Clamps and clamp units - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a clamp and a clamp unit that help improve the stability of the position of a scoring wheel relative to the clamp. The clamp includes a support portion 200 that supports a pin D10 for supporting the scoring wheel. The support portion 200 includes a lower support portion 400 that supports the lower portion D30 of the pin D10 to restrict downward movement of the pin D10, and an upper support portion 300 that supports the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 to restrict downward movement of the pin D10 when the pin D10 is separated from the lower support portion 400.

Description

Clamps and clamp units

The present invention relates to a clamp and a clamp unit.

A scribing device is used to scribble workpieces such as brittle material substrates. The scribing device scans the workpiece with a scribing wheel to form scribing lines on the workpiece. Patent Document 1 discloses an example of a known scribing device. [Prior Art Document] [Patent Document]

[Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-234748. [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

If the position of the scoring wheel relative to the clamp during scoring is unstable, there is a concern that the quality of the workpiece being scored may be reduced.

The object of the present invention is to provide a clamp and a clamp unit that improve the stability of the position of a scoring wheel relative to the clamp. [Technical Means for Solving the Problem]

The clamp of the present invention includes a support portion for supporting a pin for supporting a scoring wheel. The support portion includes a lower support portion that supports the pin to restrict downward movement of the pin, and an upper support portion that supports the pin to restrict downward movement of the pin when the pin is separated from the lower support portion.

With the clamp, when the scoring wheel is in contact with the workpiece and a load is applied from above to the scoring wheel and the pin, the pin is supported by the upper support portion. While the pin is supported by the upper support portion, the position of the pin relative to the clamp is less likely to change, thereby improving the stability of the scoring wheel's posture relative to the clamp.

In one example of the clamp, the upper support portion includes an upper support surface that clamps the pin when the pin and the lower support portion are separated.

According to the above-mentioned clamp, the pin is properly supported by the upper supporting portion.

In one example of the aforementioned clamp, the aforementioned upper supporting surface includes an inclined surface.

According to the above-mentioned clamp, the pin is properly supported by the upper supporting portion.

In one example of the aforementioned clamp, the inclination angle of the aforementioned upper support surface is within a range of greater than 20° and less than 80°.

According to the above-mentioned clamp, the pin is properly supported by the upper supporting portion.

In one example of the aforementioned clamp, a contact angle between the upper portion of the aforementioned pin and the aforementioned upper support portion is within a range of greater than 100° and less than 180°.

According to the above-mentioned clamp, the pin is properly supported by the upper supporting portion.

In one example of the aforementioned clamp, the aforementioned contact angle is within a range of greater than 120° and less than 150°.

According to the above-mentioned clamp, the pin is properly supported by the upper supporting portion.

In one embodiment of the clamp, the support portion further includes a clearance portion disposed above the pin. When the pin is supported by the upper support portion, the clearance portion is configured to form a space between the upper portion of the pin and a portion above and in contact with the upper support portion.

According to the above-mentioned clamp, the portion of the upper portion of the pin that is above the portion that contacts the upper support portion is less likely to contact the clamp.

In one example of the clamp, a distance between the pin supported by the upper supporting portion and the evacuation portion is wider than a distance between the pin supported by the upper supporting portion and the lower supporting portion.

According to the above-mentioned clamp, the portion of the upper portion of the pin that is above the portion that contacts the upper support portion is less likely to contact the clamp.

The clamp unit of the present invention comprises a clamp, a scoring wheel, and a pin. The clamp includes a support portion that supports the pin for supporting the scoring wheel. The support portion includes a lower support portion that supports the pin to restrict downward movement of the pin, and an upper support portion that supports the pin to restrict downward movement of the pin when the pin is separated from the lower support portion.

According to the clamping unit described above, when the scoring wheel is in contact with the workpiece and a load is applied from above to the scoring wheel and the pin, the pin is supported by the upper support portion. While the pin is supported by the upper support portion, the position of the pin relative to the clamp is less likely to change, thereby improving the stability of the scoring wheel's posture relative to the clamp. [Effects of the Invention]

The clamp and clamp unit of the present invention improve the stability of the posture of the scoring wheel relative to the clamp.

(First Embodiment) The scribing head A10 shown in Figures 1 and 2 is used for scribing a workpiece. The workpiece is, for example, a substrate. The substrate is, for example, a brittle material substrate. Examples of brittle material substrates include glass substrates, ceramic substrates, silicon substrates, compound semiconductor substrates, sapphire substrates, and quartz substrates. Examples of ceramic substrates include low-temperature firing ceramics and high-temperature firing ceramics.

The scoring head A10 is built into a scoring processing device for scoring a workpiece. In one example, the scoring processing device includes a scanning device and a scoring head A10. The scoring head A10 is mounted on the scanning device. The scanning device is constructed in a manner that can arbitrarily change the position of the scoring head A10 relative to the workpiece. In one example, the scanning device includes at least one of a first scanning portion and a second scanning portion. The first scanning portion is used to change the position of the scoring head A10 in a direction parallel to the processed surface of the workpiece. The second scanning portion is used to change the position of the scoring head A10 in a direction perpendicular to the processed surface of the workpiece.

The engraving head A10 includes a base A11, a connecting structure A20, a clamp joint holder A12, and a clamp assembly A30. The base A11 is mounted on the scanning device. The following is an example of the relationship between the base A11 and the scanning device. In the first example, the base A11 is mounted on the first scanning part of the scanning device. In the second example, the base A11 is mounted on the second scanning part of the scanning device. The clamp joint holder A12 is mounted on the base A11 via the connecting structure A20. The following is an example of the structure of the connecting structure A20. In the first example, the connection structure A20 connects the clamp joint holder A12 to the base A11 in a manner such that the clamp joint holder A12 can move to a predetermined direction relative to the base A11. The predetermined direction includes, for example, at least one of a direction perpendicular to the workpiece surface and a direction parallel to the workpiece surface. In the second example, the connection structure A20 connects the clamp joint holder A12 to the base A11 in a manner such that the clamp joint holder A12 cannot move relative to the base A11.

Figures 1 and 2 show a connection structure A20 of a first example. The connection structure A20 includes a rail A21 and a slider A22. The rail A21 is mounted on one side of the base A11 and the clamp joint holder A12. The slider A22 is mounted on the other side of the base 11 and the clamp joint holder A12. In the example shown in the figure, the rail A21 is mounted on the base A11. The slider A22 is mounted on the clamp joint holder A12. The connection structure A20 allows relative movement of the base 11 and the clamp joint holder A12 in a direction perpendicular to the workpiece surface, for example.

The clamp joint holder A12 is constructed in a manner that can select a state of holding the clamp assembly A30 and a state of not holding the clamp assembly A30. The clamp assembly A30 includes a clamp joint B10 and a clamp unit 10. The clamp joint B10 supports the clamp unit 10 and is constructed in a manner that can be loaded and unloaded relative to the clamp joint holder A12. The clamp unit 10 includes a clamp 100, a scoring wheel C10, and a pin D10. The clamp 100 is coupled to the clamp joint B10. The pin D10 is supported by the clamp 100. The scoring wheel C10 is supported by a pin D10 so as to be rotatable relative to the clamp 100. The clamp unit 10 is coupled to the clamp joint holder A12 via the clamp joint B10.

The scoring head A10 is further provided with a load adjustment portion A40. The load adjustment portion A40 is used to adjust the force with which the scoring wheel C10 is pressed against the workpiece. The load adjustment portion A40 includes an actuator A41 and a bracket A42. The bracket A42 is mounted on the base A11. The actuator A41 is mounted on the bracket A42. The actuator A41 presses, for example, the clamp joint holder A12, the rail A21 mounted on the clamp joint holder A12, or the slide A22 mounted on the clamp joint holder A12 toward the workpiece. Examples of actuators A41 include power cylinders, solenoids, electric motors, servomotors, and linear actuators. Examples of power cylinders include oil hydraulic cylinders, pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders, and electric cylinders.

As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the scoring wheel C10 includes an inner circumference C20 and a blade C30. Basic structures of the scoring wheel C10 include, for example, a first structure and a second structure. In the first structure, the entire scoring wheel C10, including the inner circumference C20 and the blade C30, is formed from a single high-hardness material. In the second structure, the scoring wheel C10 includes an inner circumference C20 formed from a high-hardness material and a blade C30 formed from a different high-hardness material from the inner circumference C20. Examples of high-hardness materials include superhard alloys, polycrystalline diamonds, and single-crystal diamonds. Polycrystalline diamonds include, for example, poly-crystalline diamond (PCD) or nano-polycrystalline diamond (NPD).

Inner circumference C20 is disposed around center axis LW of graded wheel C10. Hereinafter, the direction along center axis LW will be referred to as the axial direction of graded wheel C10. Center plane C11, the center plane of graded wheel C10, is defined as passing through the center of graded wheel C10 in the axial direction and perpendicular to center axis LW. Graded wheel C10 may be symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to center plane C11. In the example shown in FIG3 , graded wheel C10 is symmetrical with respect to center plane C11.

In the side view of the scoring wheel C10 shown in Figure 3, the inner circumference C20 is annular in shape. The blade C30 is located on the outer side of the scoring wheel C10 in the radial direction relative to the inner circumference C20. The blade C30 constitutes the blade of the scoring wheel C10. In the side view of the scoring wheel C10, the blade C30 is annular in shape. The thickness of the blade C30 decreases as it moves outward in the radial direction of the scoring wheel C10. A ridge C31 corresponding to the circumference of the scoring wheel C10 is formed at the front end of the blade C30.

The inner circumference C20 includes a side surface C21, an inner circumference C22, a through hole C23, and a chamfer C24. The side surface C21 is parallel to the center plane C11. A boundary portion C40 is formed between the outer periphery of the side surface C21 and the blade portion C30. The boundary portion C40 is an edge formed between the side surface C21 and the outer surface of the blade portion C30, or a portion equivalent thereto. The inner circumference C22 defines the through hole C23. The through hole C23 penetrates the inner circumference C20 in the axial direction of the scoring wheel C10. The through hole C23 is circular. The chamfer C24 is formed around the through hole C23.

Figure 5 shows an example of a clamp 100. The description of the clamp 100 uses, for example, a rectangular (Cartesian) coordinate system. The X-axis is parallel to the width of the clamp 100. The Y-axis is parallel to the front-back direction of the clamp 100. The Z-axis is parallel to the top-bottom direction of the clamp 100. The X-axis and the Y-axis define a first reference plane. The X-axis and the Z-axis define a second reference plane. The Y-axis and the Z-axis define a third reference plane.

The clamp 100 includes a main body 110 and a support 200. The main body 110 is connected to the clamp joint holder A12 via the clamp joint B10. The support 200 supports the scoring wheel C10 so that the scoring wheel C10 rotates relative to the clamp 100.

The support portion 200 includes a first support portion 200A and a second support portion 200B. The first support portion 200A is located on one side of the width of the clamp 100, away from the central axis LH of the clamp 100. The second support portion 200B is located on the other side of the width of the clamp 100, away from the central axis LH of the clamp 100.

The first support portion 200A and the second support portion 200B are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the clamp 100. A wheel arrangement space 101 is formed between the first support portion 200A and the second support portion 200B. The wheel arrangement space 101 is formed so that the scoring wheel C10 can be arranged.

Pin D10 is, for example, cylindrical in shape. Pin D10 includes a first end D11, a second end D12, and a middle portion D13. First end D11 and second end D12 are supported by support portion 200. Middle portion D13 is disposed between first end D11 and second end D12 along the central axis of pin D10. Middle portion D13 supports the scoring wheel C10. The fit between pin D10 and scoring wheel C10 is, for example, a clearance fit. The outer circumferential surface D14 of pin D10 contacts the support portion 200 and the scoring wheel C10.

The support portion 200 is located below the main body 110 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100. The following illustrates the relationship between the main body 110 and the support portion 200. In the first example, the main body 110 and the support portion 200 are formed as a single body. In the second example, the main body 110 and the support portion 200 are formed separately and joined together.

The surface 210 of the support portion 200 includes, for example, an inner surface 211, an outer surface 212, and a bottom surface 213. The inner surface 211 is oriented toward the center side of the width direction of the clamp 100. The inner surface 211 is parallel to the third reference plane or inclined relative to the third reference plane. The outer surface 212 is oriented toward the outside of the width direction of the clamp 100. The bottom surface 213 is oriented downward in the vertical direction of the clamp 100. The inner surface 211, the outer surface 212, and the bottom surface 213 are provided on the first support portion 200A and the second support portion 200B. The wheel arrangement space 101 is formed between the inner side surface 211 of the first support portion 200A and the inner side surface 211 of the second support portion 200B. A clearance is formed between the inner side surface 211 of the support portion 200 and the side surface C21 of the scoring wheel C10.

The support portion 200 includes a pin arrangement space 201 and an arrangement surface F10. The pin arrangement space 201 is formed to accommodate the pin D10. The pin arrangement space 201 is coaxial with the first support portion 200A and the second support portion 200B. The pin arrangement space 201 of the first support portion 200A is formed to accommodate the first end D11 of the pin D10. The pin arrangement space 201 of the second support portion 200B is formed to accommodate the second end D12 of the pin D10. The arrangement surface F10 is provided around the pin arrangement space 201. The arrangement surface F10 defines the pin arrangement space 201.

The pin arrangement space 201 opens on the inner surface 211 of the support portion 200. The pin arrangement space 201 of at least one of the first support portion 200A and the second support portion 200B opens on the outer surface 212. The pin D10 is inserted into the pin arrangement space 201 through the opening of the pin arrangement space 201 provided on the outer surface 212.

Pin arrangement space 201 is either parallel to or inclined relative to the first reference plane. Pin arrangement space 201 is either parallel to or inclined relative to the second reference plane. The following examples illustrate the relationship between pin arrangement space 201 and inner surface 211. In the first example, the central axis of pin arrangement space 201 is perpendicular to inner surface 211. In the second example, the central axis of pin arrangement space 201 is inclined relative to inner surface 211.

The support portion 200 includes a retaining portion 220. The retaining portion 220 is configured to prevent the pin D10 disposed in the pin arrangement space 201 from moving outside the support portion 200 through the opening of the pin arrangement space 201. The retaining portion 220 is provided on at least one of the first support portion 200A or the second support portion 200B.

The following illustrates the structure of the retaining portion 220. In a first example, the retaining portion 220 is disposed outside the support portion 200. In a second example, the retaining portion 220 is disposed in the pin arrangement space 201. The following illustrates the relationship between the retaining portion 220 and the first support portion 200A and the second support portion 200B. In the first example, the retaining portion 220 is configured to be attachable and detachable relative to the support portion 200. In the second example, the retaining portion 220 is secured to the support portion 200 by a securing means. The securing means includes, for example, at least one of caulking, adhesive bonding, and welding.

Figures 6 and 7 show side views of the support portion 200. A first reference line L1 and a second reference line L2 are defined on the third reference plane. The first reference line L1 is the projection of the center axis LH of the clamp 100 onto the third reference plane. The second reference line L2 is parallel to the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100 and passes through the center axis LP of the pin D10.

The pin D10 includes an upper portion D20 and a lower portion D30. The upper portion D20 is located above the second reference line L2 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100. The lower portion D30 is located below the second reference line L2 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100.

The upper portion D20 of the pin D10 includes an upper front portion D20F and an upper rear portion D20R. The upper front portion D20F is located forward of the first reference line L1 in the front-rear direction of the clamp 100. The upper rear portion D20R is located rearward of the first reference line L1 in the front-rear direction of the clamp 100.

The lower portion D30 of the pin D10 includes a lower front portion D30F and a lower rear portion D30R. The lower front portion D30F is located forward of the first reference line L1 in the front-rear direction of the clamp 100. The lower rear portion D30R is located rearward of the first reference line L1 in the front-rear direction of the clamp 100.

The support portion 200 includes an upper support portion 300 and a lower support portion 400. The upper support portion 300 and the lower support portion 400 are arranged in the vertical direction of the clamp 100. The upper support portion 300 is located above the lower support portion 400 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100. The upper support portion 300 is configured to support the upper portion D20 of the pin D10. The lower support portion 400 is configured to support the lower portion D30 of the pin D10. The upper support portion 300 and the lower support portion 400 are provided on at least one of the first support portion 200A and the second support portion 200B. In the first example, the upper supporting portion 300 and the lower supporting portion 400 are provided on one of the first supporting portion 200A and the second supporting portion 200B. In the second example, the upper supporting portion 300 and the lower supporting portion 400 are provided on both the first supporting portion 200A and the second supporting portion 200B.

The upper support portion 300 supports the upper portion D20 of the pin D10, restricting downward movement of the pin D10 when the pin D10 is separated from the lower support portion 400. The upper support portion 300 includes an upper support surface F20. The upper support surface F20 is included in the configuration surface F10. The upper support surface F20 is located above the configuration surface F10. The upper support surface F20 contacts the outer circumferential surface D14 of the upper portion D20 of the pin D10. The portion of the outer circumferential surface D14 of the upper portion D20 that contacts the upper support surface F20 is referred to as the upper contact portion D20T.

The upper support surface F20 is configured, for example, to encompass the upper portion D20 of the clamping pin D10. The upper support surface F20 includes an upper front support surface F20F and an upper rear support surface F20R. The upper front support surface F20F is located in front of the center axis LH of the clamp 100 in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100. The upper front support surface F20F is, for example, an inclined surface or a curved surface. The upper rear support surface F20R is located behind the center axis LH of the clamp 100 in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100. The upper rear support surface F20R is, for example, an inclined surface or a curved surface. The upper front support surface F20F contacts the upper contact portion D20T of the upper front portion D20F of the pin D10. The upper rear support surface F20R contacts the upper contact portion D20T of the upper rear portion D20R of the pin D10. The upper front support surface F20F and the upper rear support surface F20R enclose the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100.

The lower support portion 400 supports the lower portion D30 of the pin D10, restricting downward movement of the pin D10 when the pin D10 is separated from the upper support portion 300. The lower support portion 400 includes a lower support surface F30. The lower support surface F30 is included in the configuration surface F10. The lower support surface F30 is located below the configuration surface F10. The lower support surface F30 contacts the outer circumferential surface D14 of the lower portion D30 of the pin D10. The portion of the outer circumferential surface D14 of the lower portion D30 that contacts the lower support surface F30 is referred to as the lower contact portion D30T.

The lower support surface F30 is configured, for example, to encompass the lower portion D30 of the clamping pin D10. The lower support surface F30 includes a lower front support surface F30F and a lower rear support surface F30R. The lower front support surface F30F is located in front of the center axis LH of the clamp 100 in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100. The lower front support surface F30F is, for example, an inclined surface or a curved surface. The lower rear support surface F30R is located behind the center axis LH of the clamp 100 in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100. The lower rear support surface F30R is, for example, an inclined surface or a curved surface. The lower front support surface F30F contacts the lower contact portion D30T of the lower front portion D30F of the pin D10. The lower rear support surface F30R contacts the lower contact portion D30T of the lower rear portion D30R of the pin D10. The lower front support surface F30F and the lower rear support surface F30R encompass the lower portion D30 of the pin D10 in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100.

The support portion 200 includes a evacuation portion 230 corresponding to the upper support portion 300. The evacuation portion 230 is provided above the pin D10 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100. The evacuation portion 230 is provided above the upper support portion 300 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100. The evacuation portion 230 is configured to form a space between the evacuation portion 230 and a portion of the pin D10 that is above the upper contact portion D20T when the pin D10 is supported by the upper support portion 300. The evacuation portion 230 includes an opposing surface F40. The opposing surface F40 is included in the configuration surface F10. The opposing surface F40 is, for example, a flat surface or a curved surface. The evacuation portion 230 is configured to form a space between the portion of the pin D10 above the upper contact portion D20T and the facing surface F40 when the pin D10 is supported by the upper supporting portion 300.

The state in which the pin D10 is supported by the support portion 200 (hereinafter referred to as the "pin support state") includes, for example, a first pin support state and a second pin support state. The first pin support state is when the pin D10 is supported by the upper support portion 300. The second pin support state is when the pin D10 is supported by the lower support portion 400.

Figure 6 shows an example of the first pin-supporting state. In this first pin-supporting state, the upper support surface F20 contacts the upper portion D20 of pin D10. The upper front support surface F20F contacts the upper contact portion D20T of the upper front portion D20F of pin D10. The upper rear support surface F20R contacts the upper contact portion D20T of the upper rear portion D20R of pin D10. Frictional force is generated between the upper contact portion D20T of pin D10 and the upper support portion 300. The upper portion D20 of pin D10 is supported by the upper support portion 300. A gap GB is formed between the lower portion D30 of pin D10 and the lower support portion 400.

In the first pin-supported state, the pin D10 is restricted from moving relative to the clamp 100. The pin D10 is restricted from moving upward or downward relative to the clamp 100 in the vertical direction. The pin D10 is also restricted from moving forward or backward relative to the clamp 100 in the front-rear direction. When a load is applied to the pin D10, the pin D10 is unlikely to move relative to the clamp 100.

The following examples illustrate the distance between the support portion 200 and the pin D10 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100 in the first pin-supporting state. In the first example, the distance between the evacuation portion 230 and the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 is wider than the distance between the lower support portion 400 and the lower portion D30 of the pin D10. In the second example, the distance between the evacuation portion 230 and the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 is narrower than the distance between the lower support portion 400 and the lower portion D30 of the pin D10. In the third example, the distance between the evacuation portion 230 and the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 is equal to the distance between the lower support portion 400 and the lower portion D30 of the pin D10.

The vertical distance between the evacuation portion 230 and the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 in the clamp 100 is, for example, the distance between the portion of the pin D10 above the upper contact portion D20T and the opposing surface F40. The vertical distance between the lower support portion 400 and the lower portion D30 of the pin D10 in the clamp 100 is, for example, the distance between the portion of the pin D10 below the lower contact portion D30T and the lower support surface F30.

During scribing, the scribing wheel C10 moves relative to the workpiece while being pressed against it, and a load is applied to the scribing wheel C10. The load applied to the upper portion of the clamp 100 in the vertical direction is transmitted to the pin D10 via the scribing wheel C10. When the load is transmitted to the pin D10 in the first pin-supported state, the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 is pressed against the upper support surface F20. The friction generated between the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 and the upper support surface F20 increases. The upper portion D20 of the pin D10 is strongly supported by the upper support portion 300.

Figure 7 shows an example of the second pin-supporting state. In this second pin-supporting state, the lower support surface F30 contacts the lower portion D30 of pin D10. The lower front support surface F30F contacts the lower front portion D30F. The lower rear support surface F30R contacts the lower rear portion D30R. Frictional force is generated between the lower contact portion D30T of pin D10 and the lower support portion 400. The lower portion D30 of pin D10 is supported by the lower support portion 400. A gap GA is formed between the upper portion D20 of pin D10 and the upper support portion 300.

In the second pin-supported state, the pin D10 is restricted from moving relative to the clamp 100. The pin D10 is restricted from moving downward relative to the clamp 100 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100. The pin D10 is restricted from moving forward or backward relative to the clamp 100 in the front-rear direction of the clamp 100.

In the first pin-supported state and the second pin-supported state, the movement state of the pin D10 changes. The change in movement state can be exemplified by the first movement state and the second movement state.

In the first movement state, the pin D10 moves downward or upward relative to the clamp 100 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100. When the first movement state occurs in the first pin-supported state, the pin D10 moves downward relative to the clamp 100. The pin-supported state transitions from the first pin-supported state to the second pin-supported state. When the first movement state occurs in the second pin-supported state, the pin D10 moves upward relative to the clamp 100. The pin-supported state transitions from the second pin-supported state to the first pin-supported state. As the pin supporting state transitions between the first pin supporting state and the second pin supporting state, the position of the upper contact portion D20T or the lower contact portion D30T in the pin D10 changes.

In the second movement state, pin D10 rotates while being supported by support portion 200. When the second movement state occurs in the first pin-supported state following the first movement state, pin D10 rotates. When the second movement state occurs in the second pin-supported state, pin D10 rotates while lower portion D30 of pin D10 is supported by lower support portion 400. As pin D10 rotates, the position of upper contact portion D20T or lower contact portion D30T in pin D10 changes.

The clamp unit 10 shown in FIG5 is assembled, for example, in the following manner. The scoring wheel C10 is positioned within the wheel arrangement space 101 of the support portion 200. The pin D10 is inserted into the pin arrangement space 201 of the support portion 200 and the through-hole C23 of the scoring wheel C10. The retaining portion 220 is provided on the support portion 200.

When the clamp unit 10 is assembled, the pin support state is, for example, the second pin support state. When the clamp unit 10 is used for scribing, the pin support state is set to the first pin support state before the scribing wheel C10 starts to move relative to the workpiece.

In one example, the pin supporting state is set to the first pin supporting state in the following manner, for example. In the second pin supporting state, the scoring wheel C10 of the clamp unit 10 is pressed against a predetermined object. The predetermined object is a workpiece or an object different from the workpiece. When the scoring wheel C10 is pressed against the predetermined object, a load applied to the upper part in the vertical direction of the clamp 100 is applied to the scoring wheel C10 and the pin D10. The pin D10 moves upward in the vertical direction of the clamp 100 relative to the clamp 100, and the upper part D20 of the pin D10 is pressed against the upper supporting surface F20. The pin-supported state is transferred from the second pin-supported state to the first pin-supported state.

When the predetermined target object is an object different from the workpiece, after the pin support state is set to the first pin support state, the position of the engraving head A10 is set for engraving processing.

(Second Embodiment) The second embodiment of the clamp 100 is constructed based on the first embodiment. Figure 8 shows an example of the clamp 100.

The lower support portion 400 includes a groove portion 410. The groove portion 410 is provided between the front portion of the lower support portion 400 and the rear portion of the lower support portion 400 in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100. The groove portion 410 opens into the inner side surface 211, the outer side surface 212, and the bottom surface 213 of the support portion 200, respectively. The groove portion 410 includes a groove portion front surface 411 and a groove portion rear surface 412. The groove portion front surface 411 is located in front of the center axis LH of the clamp 100 in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100. The groove portion rear surface 412 is located rearward of the center axis LH of the clamp 100 in the front-to-back direction. The groove portion front surface 411 and the groove portion rear surface 412 define the space of the groove portion 410. In one embodiment, the distance between the groove portion front surface 411 and the groove portion rear surface 412 in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100 is constant.

The upper support surface F20 is a flat surface. The upper support surface F20 is an inclined surface. When viewed from the side of the clamp 100, the upper support surface F20 is inclined relative to the vertical direction and the front-back direction of the clamp 100. The upper front support surface F20F is inclined such that the upper portion of the upper front support surface F20F is located further rearward than the lower portion of the upper front support surface F20F in the front-back direction of the clamp 100. The upper rear support surface F20R is inclined such that the upper portion of the upper rear support surface F20R is located further forward than the lower portion of the upper rear support surface F20R in the front-back direction of the clamp 100. In one example, the upper front support surface F20F and the upper rear support surface F20R are symmetrical with respect to a second reference plane including the central axis LH of the clamp 100 .

The lower support surface F30 is a curved surface. On the third reference plane, the curved surface is a portion of a circle of curvature defined by the third reference plane. The center of the circle of curvature is the intersection of the first reference line L1 and the third reference line L3. The third reference line L3 is parallel to the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100. The third reference line L3 passes through the boundary between the upper support surface F20 and the lower support surface F30.

The lower front support surface F30F is located between the groove front surface 411 of the groove portion 410 and the upper front support surface F20F. The lower rear support surface F30R is located between the groove rear surface 412 of the groove portion 410 and the upper rear support surface F20R. The following illustrates the relationship between the radius of curvature of the lower support surface F30 and the radius of the pin D10. In a first example, the radius of curvature of the lower support surface F30 is equal to the radius of the pin D10. In a second example, the radius of curvature of the lower support surface F30 is longer than the radius of the pin D10.

The facing surface F40 of the evacuation portion 230 is a plane parallel to the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100. The facing surface F40 is located between the upper front support surface F20F and the upper rear support surface F20R in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100. The facing surface F40 and the upper support surface F20 are connected via a curved surface.

The vertical distance between the evacuation portion 230 and the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 is greater than the vertical distance between the lower support portion 400 and the lower portion D30 of the pin D10. The vertical distance between the evacuation portion 230 and the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 is, for example, the distance between the opposing surface F40 on the first reference line L1 and the outer peripheral surface D14 of the upper portion D20 of the pin D10. The vertical distance between the lower support portion 400 and the lower portion D30 of the pin D10 is, for example, the distance between the lower edge of the lower support surface F30 and the outer peripheral surface D14 of the lower portion D30 of the pin D10.

The following describes the inclination angle of the upper support surface F20 (hereinafter referred to as the "upper inclination angle PA"). A first straight line M1 and a second straight line M2 are defined on the third reference plane. The first straight line M1 is parallel to the upper front support surface F20F. The second straight line M2 is parallel to the upper rear support surface F20R. The upper inclination angle PA is the angle formed by the first straight line M1 and the second straight line M2. The intersection of the first straight line M1 and the second straight line M2 is located above the third reference line L3 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100. The upper inclination angle PA is, for example, greater than 0°.

The upper tilt angle PA includes the tilt angle of the upper front support surface F20F (hereinafter referred to as the "upper front tilt angle PAF") and the tilt angle of the upper rear support surface F20R (hereinafter referred to as the "upper rear tilt angle PAR"). The upper tilt angle PA is the sum of the upper front tilt angle PAF and the upper rear tilt angle PAR. The upper front tilt angle PAF is the angle formed by the first baseline L1 and the first straight line M1. The upper rear tilt angle PAR is the angle formed by the first baseline L1 and the second straight line M2. The intersection of the first baseline L1, the first straight line M1, and the second straight line M2 is located above the third baseline L3 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100.

When the upper front support surface F20F is parallel to the second reference plane, the upper front tilt angle PAF is 0°. The larger the upper front tilt angle PAF, the larger the upper tilt angle PA. When the upper rear support surface F20R is parallel to the second reference plane, the upper rear tilt angle PAR is 0°. The larger the upper rear tilt angle PAR, the larger the upper tilt angle PA.

The following examples illustrate the relationship between the upper front tilt angle PAF and the upper rear tilt angle PAR. In a first example, the upper front tilt angle PAF is equal to the upper rear tilt angle PAR. In a second example, the upper front tilt angle PAF is greater than the upper rear tilt angle PAR. In a third example, the upper front tilt angle PAF is less than the upper rear tilt angle PAR.

The following describes the contact angle between the upper portion D20 of pin D10 and the upper support portion 300 (hereinafter referred to as "upper contact angle QA"). A third straight line M3 and a fourth straight line M4 are defined on the third reference plane. The third straight line M3 passes through the central axis LP of pin D10 and the upper contact portion D20T of the upper front portion D20F. The fourth straight line M4 passes through the central axis LP of pin D10 and the upper contact portion D20T of the upper rear portion D20R. The upper contact angle QA is the angle formed by the third straight line M3 and the fourth straight line M4. For example, the upper contact angle QA is less than 180°.

The upper contact angle QA includes the upper contact angle corresponding to the upper front support surface F20F (hereinafter referred to as the "upper front contact angle QAF") and the upper contact angle corresponding to the upper rear support surface F20R (hereinafter referred to as the "upper rear contact angle QAR"). The upper contact angle QA is the sum of the upper front contact angle QAF and the upper rear contact angle QAR. The upper front contact angle QAF is the angle formed by the first straight line M1 and the third straight line M3. The upper rear contact angle QAR is the angle formed by the first straight line M1 and the fourth straight line M4.

When the upper contact portion D20T of the upper front portion D20F on the outer circumferential surface D14 of the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 is located on the third reference line L3, the upper front contact angle QAF is 90°. The closer the upper contact portion D20T of the upper front portion D20F on the outer circumferential surface D14 of the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 is to the first reference line L1, the smaller the upper front contact angle QAF becomes.

When the upper contact portion D20T of the upper rear portion D20R on the outer circumferential surface D14 of the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 is located on the third reference line L3, the upper rear contact angle QAR is 90°. The closer the upper contact portion D20T of the upper rear portion D20R on the outer circumferential surface D14 of the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 is to the first reference line L1, the smaller the upper rear contact angle QAR becomes.

Figure 9 shows an example of the first pin-supporting state. The portion of the upper support surface F20 near the boundary with the lower support surface F30 contacts the upper portion D20 of the pin D10. The portion of the upper support surface F20, farther from the boundary with the lower support surface F30 and located above the clamp 100 in the vertical direction, does not contact the pin D10.

Figure 10 shows an example of the second pin supporting state. Approximately the entire lower supporting surface F30 is in contact with the lower portion D30 of the pin D10.

(Third Embodiment) The third embodiment of the clamp 100 is constructed based on the second embodiment. Figure 8 shows an example of the clamp 100.

The following are examples of upper tilt angles PA. The upper tilt angle PA is selected from a range above the first upper tilt angle. The first upper tilt angle is selected from, for example, 20°, 30°, and 40°. The upper tilt angle PA is selected from a range below the second upper tilt angle. The second upper tilt angle is selected from, for example, 50°, 60°, 70°, and 80°. The second upper tilt angle is greater than the first upper tilt angle. In one example, the upper tilt angle PA is selected from a range below the first upper tilt angle and the second upper tilt angle. The upper tilt angle PA is selected from, for example, a range above 20° and below 80°. The upper tilt angle PA is, for example, 30°.

The following are examples of the upper front tilt angle PAF. The upper front tilt angle PAF is selected from a range above the first upper front tilt angle. The first upper front tilt angle is selected from, for example, 10°, 15°, and 20°. The upper front tilt angle PAF is selected from a range below the second upper front tilt angle. The second upper front tilt angle is selected from, for example, 25°, 30°, 35°, and 40°. The second upper front tilt angle is greater than the first upper front tilt angle. In one example, the upper front tilt angle PAF is selected from a range below the first upper front tilt angle and the second upper front tilt angle. The upper front tilt angle PAF is selected from, for example, a range above 10° and below 40°. The upper front tilt angle PAF is, for example, 15°.

The following are examples of upper rear tilt angles PAR. Upper rear tilt angle PAR is selected from a range greater than a first upper rear tilt angle. The first upper rear tilt angle is selected from, for example, 10°, 15°, and 20°. Upper rear tilt angle PAR is selected from a range less than a second upper rear tilt angle. The second upper rear tilt angle is selected from, for example, 25°, 30°, 35°, and 40°. The second upper rear tilt angle is greater than the first upper rear tilt angle. In one example, upper rear tilt angle PAR is selected from a range less than the first upper rear tilt angle and less than the second upper rear tilt angle. Upper rear tilt angle PAR is selected from, for example, a range greater than 10° and less than 40°. The upper rear tilt angle PAR is, for example, 15°.

(Fourth Embodiment) The fourth embodiment of the clamp 100 is constructed based on the second or third embodiment. Figure 8 shows an example of the clamp 100.

The following are examples of upper contact angles QA. Upper contact angle QA is selected from a range above the first upper contact angle. The first upper contact angle is selected from, for example, 100°, 110°, and 120°. Upper contact angle QA is selected from a range below the second upper contact angle. The second upper contact angle is selected from, for example, 140°, 150°, 160°, and 170°. The second upper contact angle is greater than the first upper contact angle. In one example, upper contact angle QA is selected from a range below the first upper contact angle and the second upper contact angle. Upper contact angle QA is selected from, for example, a range above 100° and below 180°. Upper contact angle QA is, for example, 150°.

The following are examples of the upper front contact angle QAF. The upper front contact angle QAF is selected from a range above the first upper front contact angle. The first upper front contact angle is selected from, for example, 50°, 55°, and 60°. The upper front contact angle QAF is selected from a range below the second upper front contact angle. The second upper front contact angle is selected from, for example, 70°, 75°, and 80°. The second upper front contact angle is greater than the first upper front contact angle. In one example, the upper front contact angle QAF is selected from a range below the first upper front contact angle and the second upper front contact angle. The upper front contact angle QAF is selected from, for example, a range above 50° and below 80°. The upper front contact angle QAF is, for example, 75°.

The following are examples of the upper rear contact angle QAR. The upper rear contact angle QAR is selected from a range above the first upper rear contact angle. The first upper rear contact angle is selected from, for example, 50°, 55°, and 60°. The upper rear contact angle QAR is selected from a range below the second upper rear contact angle. The second upper rear contact angle is selected from, for example, 70°, 75°, and 80°. The second upper rear contact angle is greater than the first upper rear contact angle. In one example, the upper rear contact angle QAR is selected from a range below the first upper rear contact angle and the second upper rear contact angle. The upper rear contact angle QAR is selected from, for example, a range above 50° and below 80°. The upper rear contact angle QAR is, for example, 75°.

(Fifth Embodiment) The fifth embodiment of the clamp 100 is constructed based on at least one of the second through fourth embodiments. Figures 11 and 12 illustrate an example of the clamp 100.

Figure 11 shows the side view of the first support portion 200A. One of the upper front support surface F20F and the upper rear support surface F20R of the first support portion 200A is an inclined or curved surface. In the example shown in the figure, one of the upper front support surface F20F and the upper rear support surface F20R is an inclined surface. The other of the upper front support surface F20F and the upper rear support surface F20R of the first support portion 200A is a plane parallel to the second reference plane.

Figure 12 shows the side view of the second support portion 200B. One of the upper front support surface F20F and the upper rear support surface F20R of the second support portion 200B is an inclined or curved surface. In the example shown in the figure, one of the upper front support surface F20F and the upper rear support surface F20R is an inclined surface. The other of the upper front support surface F20F and the upper rear support surface F20R of the second support portion 200B is a flat surface parallel to the second reference plane.

The inclined surface of the first support portion 200A and the inclined surface of the second support portion 200B are located at positions opposite to each other in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100. In the first example, the upper front support surface F20F of the first support portion 200A is an inclined surface. The upper rear support surface F20R of the second support portion 200B is a flat surface. In the second example, the upper front support surface F20F of the first support portion 200A is a flat surface. The upper rear support surface F20R of the second support portion 200B is an inclined surface.

(Sixth Embodiment) The clamp 100 of the sixth embodiment is constructed based on at least one of the second through fifth embodiments. Figure 13 shows an example of the clamp 100.

The lower support portion 400 does not include the groove portion 410. Instead, the lower support portion 400 includes a middle portion 420 in place of the groove portion 410. The middle portion 420 connects the front portion and the rear portion of the lower support portion 400 in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100.

(Seventh Embodiment) The seventh embodiment of the clamp 100 is constructed based on the sixth embodiment. Figure 14 shows an example of the clamp 100.

The lower support surface F30 is configured, for example, to encompass the lower portion D30 of the clamping pin D10. The lower front support surface F30F is a flat surface. The lower rear support surface F30R is a flat surface. The lower front support surface F30F contacts the lower contact portion D30T of the lower front portion D30F of the pin D10. The lower rear support surface F30R contacts the lower contact portion D30T of the lower rear portion D30R of the pin D10. The lower front support surface F30F and the lower rear support surface F30R encompass the lower portion D30 of the pin D10 in the front-to-rear direction of the clamp 100.

The upper supporting surface F20 and the lower supporting surface F30 are connected to each other via a curved surface, for example. In one example, the upper supporting surface F20 and the lower supporting surface F30 are symmetrical with respect to a first reference plane including the third reference line L3.

The support portion 200 includes a evacuation portion 230 corresponding to the lower support portion 400. The evacuation portion 230 is provided below the pin D10 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100. The evacuation portion 230 is provided below the lower support portion 400 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100. The evacuation portion 230 is configured to form a space between the evacuation portion 230 and the portion of the pin D10 below the lower contact portion D30T when the pin D10 is supported by the lower support portion 400. The evacuation portion 230 includes an opposing surface F40. The opposing surface F40 is included in the configuration surface F10. The opposing surface F40 is, for example, a flat surface or a curved surface. The evacuation portion 230 is configured to form a space between a portion of the pin D10 below the lower contact portion D30T and the facing surface F40 when the pin D10 is supported by the lower supporting portion 400 .

The following describes the tilt angle of the lower support surface F30 (hereinafter referred to as the "lower tilt angle PB"). A fifth straight line M5 and a sixth straight line M6 are defined on the third reference plane. The fifth straight line M5 is parallel to the lower front support surface F30F. The sixth straight line M6 is parallel to the lower rear support surface F30R. The lower tilt angle PB is the angle formed by the fifth straight line M5 and the sixth straight line M6. The intersection of the fifth straight line M5 and the sixth straight line M6 is located below the third reference line L3 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100. The lower tilt angle PB is, for example, greater than 0°.

The lower tilt angle PB includes the tilt angle of the lower front support surface F30F (hereinafter referred to as the "lower front tilt angle PBF") and the tilt angle of the lower rear support surface F30R (hereinafter referred to as the "lower rear tilt angle PBR"). The lower tilt angle PB is the sum of the lower front tilt angle PBF and the lower rear tilt angle PBR. The lower front tilt angle PBF is the angle formed by the first baseline L1 and the fifth straight line M5. The lower rear tilt angle PBR is the angle formed by the first baseline L1 and the sixth straight line M6. The intersection of the first baseline L1, the fifth straight line M5, and the sixth straight line M6 is located below the third baseline L3 in the vertical direction of the clamp 100.

When the lower front support surface F30F is parallel to the second reference plane, the lower front tilt angle PBF is 0°. The larger the lower front tilt angle PBF, the larger the lower tilt angle PB. When the lower rear support surface F30R is parallel to the second reference plane, the lower rear tilt angle PBR is 0°. The larger the lower rear tilt angle PBR, the larger the lower tilt angle PB.

The following examples illustrate the relationship between the lower front tilt angle PBF and the lower rear tilt angle PBR. In a first example, the lower front tilt angle PBF is equal to the lower rear tilt angle PBR. In a second example, the lower front tilt angle PBF is greater than the lower rear tilt angle PBR. In a third example, the lower front tilt angle PBF is less than the lower rear tilt angle PBR.

The supporting state of the lower supporting portion 400 for the pin D10 varies depending on the lower tilt angle PB. The lower portion D30 of the pin D10 is supported by the lower supporting surface F30 or the opposite surface F40.

(Eighth Embodiment) The clamp 100 of the eighth embodiment is constructed based on the sixth embodiment. Figure 15 shows an example of the clamp 100.

The lower front support surface F30F and the lower rear support surface F30R are planes parallel to the second reference plane. The lower front tilt angle PBF is 0°. The lower rear tilt angle PBR is 0°. In the second pin-supported state, the opposing surface F40 contacts the lower portion D30 of the pin D10.

(Ninth Embodiment) The clamp 100 of the ninth embodiment is constructed based on the sixth embodiment. Figure 16 shows an example of the clamp 100.

The upper front support surface F20F and the lower front support surface F30F form an inclined surface. The upper rear support surface F20R and the lower rear support surface F30R form an inclined surface. In the second pin-supported state, the opposing surface F40 contacts the lower portion D30 of the pin D10.

(Tenth Embodiment) The tenth embodiment of the clamp 100 is constructed based on the seventh embodiment. Figure 17 shows an example of the clamp 100.

The upper tilt angle PA is different from the lower tilt angle PB. The upper tilt angle PA is smaller than the lower tilt angle PB.

(Eleventh Embodiment) The clamp 100 of the eleventh embodiment is constructed based on the second embodiment. Figure 18 shows an example of the clamp 100.

An ellipse N is defined on the third datum plane. The major axis of ellipse N is the first datum line L1. The minor axis of ellipse N is the third datum line L3. The center of ellipse N is the intersection of the first datum line L1 and the third datum line L3. On the third datum plane, a configuration plane F10 is defined by ellipse N. Configuration plane F10 is a portion of ellipse N.

(Twelfth Embodiment) The clamp 100 of the twelfth embodiment is constructed based on the eleventh embodiment. Figure 19 shows an example of the clamp 100.

The lower support portion 400 does not include the groove portion 410. Instead, the lower support portion 400 includes a middle portion 420 in place of the groove portion 410. The middle portion 420 connects the front portion and the rear portion of the lower support portion 400 in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100.

(Thirteenth Embodiment) The clamp 100 of the thirteenth embodiment is constructed based on the second embodiment. Figure 20 shows an example of the clamp 100.

The upper support surface F20 is a curved surface. On the third reference plane, the curved surface is a portion of the curvature circle defined by the third reference plane. The center of the curvature circle corresponding to the upper front support surface F20F is located forward of the upper front support surface F20F in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100. The center of the curvature circle corresponding to the upper rear support surface F20R is located forward of the upper rear support surface F20R in the front-to-back direction of the clamp 100.

(Fourteenth Embodiment) The clamp unit 10 of the fourteenth embodiment is constructed based on at least one of the first through thirteenth embodiments. Figures 21 through 23 illustrate an example of the clamp unit 10.

The structures of the clamp 100 and the clamp connector B10 can be exemplified by the first and second embodiments. In the first embodiment, the clamp 100 and the clamp connector B10 are integrally formed so as to be inseparable. FIG21 shows an example of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the clamp 100 and the clamp connector B10 are separately formed so as to be detachable. FIG22 shows a first example of the second embodiment. FIG23 shows a second example of the second embodiment.

In the first embodiment shown in FIG. 21 , the clamp connector B10 includes a base B11. The base B11 is mounted on the clamp connector holder A12. The base B11 includes a bearing B20 and a shaft B12. The bearing B20 supports the shaft B12. The center axis LJ of the shaft B12 defines the center axis LJ of the clamp connector B10. The shaft B12 is disposed on the main body 110 of the clamp 100. The following is an example of the relationship between the shaft B12 and the main body 110. In the first example, the shaft B12 and the main body 110 are formed as a single object. In the second example, the shaft B12 and the main body 110, which are formed separately, are combined.

The following illustrates the structure of bearing portion B20. In the first example, bearing portion B20 includes one or more radial bearings B30. In the second example, bearing portion B20, in addition to the structure of the first example, further includes a housing B21, a stopper B40, and at least one of a spacer. Figure 21 shows the second example of bearing portion B20 including two radial bearings B30, housing B21, and stopper B40. The inner ring B31 of radial bearing B30 is fixed to shaft B12. Housing B21 accommodates radial bearing B30. The outer ring B32 of radial bearing B30 is fixed to housing B21. Shaft B12, inner ring B31, and clamp 100 rotate relative to outer ring B32 and housing B21 about the center axis LJ of shaft B12. In the example where bearing portion B20 includes a spacer, a spacer is provided between radial bearing B30 on one side and radial bearing B30 on the other side. The spacer is fixed to shaft B12.

The stopper B40 includes, for example, a first stopper B41 and a second stopper B42. The first stopper B41 is disposed at the front end of the shaft B12. The first stopper B41 includes a first limiting surface B41A for limiting the movement of the radial bearing B30. The second stopper B42 is disposed at the bottom of the shaft B12. The second stopper B42 includes a second limiting surface B42A for limiting the movement of the radial bearing B30.

The following illustrates the structure of the first stopper B41. The first stopper B41 includes a threaded fastener that engages the female thread of the shaft B12. The threaded fastener includes, for example, a screw or a bolt. The head of the threaded fastener forms a first limiting surface B41A. The end face of the inner ring B31 of the radial bearing B30 on one side contacts the first limiting surface B41A. The following illustrates the structure of the second stopper B42. The second stopper B42 includes a flange disposed around the shaft B12. The end face of the flange forms a second limiting surface B42A. The end surface of the inner ring B31 of the radial bearing B30 on the other side contacts the second limiting surface B42A.

In the first example of the second aspect shown in FIG. 22 , the clamp connector B10 includes a base B11 and a clamp mounting portion B50. The clamp mounting portion B50 includes a base B60. The base B60 includes, for example, a first plate B61 and a second plate B62. The first plate B61 is used to determine the position of the clamp 100 in the direction along the center axis LJ of the axis B12. The second plate B62 is used to determine the position of the clamp 100 in the direction orthogonal to the center axis LJ of the axis B12. The axis B12 is provided on the base B60. The following is an example of the relationship between the axis B12 and the base B60. In the first example, the axis B12 and the base B60 are formed as a single object. In the second example, the shaft B12 and the base B60 are formed separately. The shaft B12 and the base B60 can be inseparable or separable. The shaft B12 is provided on the first plate B61, for example.

In the second example of the second aspect shown in FIG. 23 , the clamp connector B10 includes a base B11 and a clamp mounting portion B50. The clamp mounting portion B50 includes a sleeve B70. The sleeve B70 includes, for example, a configuration space B71. The configuration space B71 is formed in such a manner that the main body 110 of the clamp 100 can be configured. The shaft B12 is provided on the sleeve B70. The following is an example of the relationship between the shaft B12 and the sleeve B70. In the first example, the shaft B12 and the sleeve B70 are formed as a single object. In the second example, the shaft B12 and the sleeve B70 formed separately are combined. The shaft B12 and the sleeve B70 may be inseparable or separable.

The bearing portion B20 included in the second embodiment of the clamp 100 and the clamp connector B10 shown in Figures 22 and 23 is constructed in the same manner as, for example, the bearing portion B20 included in the first embodiment of the clamp 100 and the clamp connector B10. The shaft B12, the inner ring B31, the clamp mounting portion B50, and the clamp 100 rotate about the central axis LJ of the shaft B12 relative to the outer ring B32 and the housing B21.

In one example, when viewed from the side of the clamp assembly A30, the center axis LW of the scoring wheel C10 and the point of contact between the scoring wheel C10 and the workpiece surface are located on the center axis LH of the clamp assembly 100. The following illustrates the relationship between the center axis LJ of the shaft B12 and the center axis LW of the scoring wheel C10. In the first example, a trail is provided between the center axis LJ of the shaft B12 and the center axis LW of the scoring wheel C10. In the second example, no trail is provided between the center axis LJ of the shaft B12 and the center axis LW of the scoring wheel C10.

The tail is the distance between the intersection of the center axis LJ of shaft B12 and the workpiece, and the contact point between the scoring wheel C10 and the workpiece. In the side view of the clamp assembly A30 shown in Figures 21 to 23, the center axis LJ of shaft B12 and the center axis LH of the clamp 100 are parallel. The distance between the center axis LJ of shaft B12 and the center axis LH of the clamp 100 is equivalent to the tail. When the tail is set, if the center axis LW of the scoring wheel C10 is located further back than the center axis LJ of shaft B12 in the scanning direction, the linearity of the scoring wheel C10 will be improved.

When the clamp assembly A30 includes the clamp 100 of the second embodiment and the clamp connector B10, the clamp assembly A30 further includes a connection structure A31. The connection structure A31 is used to connect the clamp connector B10 and the clamp 100. The connection structure A31 includes at least one of a mechanical connection portion A31A that connects the clamp connector B10 and the clamp 100 by a mechanical connection method, and a magnetic connection portion A31B that connects the clamp connector B10 and the clamp 100 by a magnetic connection method.

In the example shown in Figure 22, the connection structure A31 includes a mechanical coupling portion A31A. The following illustrates the structure of the mechanical coupling portion A31A. In the first example, the mechanical coupling portion A31A connects the clamp mounting portion B50 and the main body 110 of the clamp 100 via a threaded fastener. The threaded fastener includes a screw or bolt. In the second example, the mechanical coupling portion A31A connects the clamp mounting portion B50 and the main body 110 of the clamp 100 via a mating portion. The interlocking portion includes a first interlocking portion provided on one side of the clamp mounting portion B50 and the main body portion 110 of the clamp 100, and a second interlocking portion provided on the other side of the clamp mounting portion B50 and the main body portion 110 of the clamp 100. Figure 21 shows a mechanical coupling portion A31A of the first example. The mechanical coupling portion A31A includes an internal threaded portion provided on the clamp mounting portion B50, a through hole provided on the main body portion 110 of the clamp 100, and an attached threaded fastener. The attached threaded fastener is inserted into the through hole of the main body portion 110 of the clamp 100 and engages with the internal threaded portion of the clamp mounting portion B50. The body 110 of the clamp 100 is fixed to the clamp mounting portion B50 via threaded fasteners.

In the example shown in FIG23 , the connection structure A31 includes a magnetic coupling portion A31B. The following is an example of the structure of the magnetic coupling portion A31B. In the first example, the magnetic coupling portion A31B includes a permanent magnet provided on the sleeve B70 and a magnetic body provided on the main body 110 of the clamp 100. In the second example, the magnetic coupling portion A31B includes a magnetic body provided on the sleeve B70 and a permanent magnet provided on the main body 110 of the clamp 100. In the third example, the magnetic coupling portion A31B includes a permanent magnet provided on the sleeve B70 and a permanent magnet provided on the main body 110 of the clamp 100. The clamp 100 is retained on the sleeve B70 by the magnetic force between the permanent magnet and the magnetic body, or the magnetic force between the permanent magnets.

In the case where the connection structure A31 includes a magnetic coupling portion A31B, in one example, the clamp mounting portion B50 further includes a clamp limiting portion B80. The clamp limiting portion B80 contacts the clamp 100 in such a manner that the position of the clamp 100 relative to the sleeve B70 is stabilized. The clamp limiting portion B80 includes, for example, a pin B81. The pin B81 is disposed in the configuration space B71. The pin B81 is supported by the sleeve B70. The clamp 100 further includes an inclined portion 120 and a flat portion 130. In a side view of the clamp 100, the inclined portion 120 includes an inclined surface inclined relative to the center axis LH of the clamp 100. The inclined surface of the inclined portion 120 includes a first end 121 and a second end 122 in a direction along the central axis LH of the clamp 100. The first end 121 is farther from the slidable wheel C10 than the second end 122. The inclined surface of the inclined portion 120 is inclined so that the first end 121 is closer to the central axis LH of the clamp 100 than the second end 122. The flat portion 130 is located above the inclined portion 120. The flat portion 130 includes a surface parallel to the central axis LH of the clamp 100.

While the clamp 100 is held in the sleeve B70 by the magnetic coupling A31B, the tilted portion 120 contacts the pin B81. This contact between the tilted portion 120 and the pin B81 determines the position of the clamp 100 relative to the sleeve B70 along the center axis LH of the clamp 100. When viewed from the side of the clamp assembly A30, a force perpendicular to the center axis LJ of the axis B12 acts on the clamp 100. This force presses a portion of the outer circumference of the body 110 against the inner circumference of the sleeve B70.

(Effect 1) In one example of the clamp 100, the clamp 100 includes a support portion 200 that supports a pin D10 for supporting a scoring wheel C10. The support portion 200 includes an upper support portion 300 and a lower support portion 400. The upper support portion 300 supports the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 to prevent downward movement of the pin D10 when the pin D10 is separated from the lower support portion 400. The lower support portion 400 supports the lower portion D30 of the pin D10 to prevent downward movement of the pin D10.

When the scoring wheel C10 is in contact with the workpiece and a load is applied from above to the scoring wheel C10 and pin D10, pin D10 is supported by the upper support portion 300. While pin D10 is supported by the upper support portion 300, its position relative to the clamp 100 is less likely to change, thereby improving the stability of the scoring wheel C10's posture relative to the clamp 100.

In one example of the clamp 100 , the upper support portion 300 includes an upper support surface F20 that clamps the pin D10 when the pin D10 is separated from the lower support portion 400 .

The pin D10 is properly supported by the upper support portion 300 .

In one embodiment of the clamp 100 , the upper support surface F20 includes an inclined surface.

The pin D10 is properly supported by the upper support portion 300 .

In one example of the clamp 100 , the tilt angle of the upper support surface F20 is within a range of greater than 20° and less than 80°.

The pin D10 is properly supported by the upper support portion 300 .

In one example of the clamp 100 , the upper contact angle QA between the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 and the upper support portion 300 is within a range of greater than 100° and less than 180°.

The pin D10 is properly supported by the upper support portion 300 .

In one example of the clamp 100 , the upper contact angle QA is within a range of greater than 120° and less than 150°.

The pin D10 is properly supported by the upper support portion 300 .

In one embodiment of the clamp 100, the support portion 200 further includes a clearance portion 230 disposed above the pin D10. When the pin D10 is supported by the upper support portion 300, the clearance portion 230 is configured to create a space between the portion of the upper portion D20 of the pin D10 that is in contact with the upper support portion 300 and the portion above the upper contact portion D20T.

The portion above the upper contact portion D20T of the pin D10 is less likely to come into contact with the clamp 100.

In one example of the clamp 100 , the distance between the pin D10 supported by the upper supporting portion 300 and the evacuation portion 230 is wider than the distance between the pin D10 supported by the upper supporting portion 300 and the lower supporting portion 400 .

The portion above the upper contact portion D20T of the pin D10 is less likely to come into contact with the clamp 100.

In one example of the clamp unit 10, the clamp unit 10 includes a clamp 100, a scoring wheel C10, and a pin D10.

When the pin D10 is supported by the upper support portion 300 , the position of the pin D10 relative to the clamp 100 is not easily changed, thereby improving the stability of the posture of the scoring wheel C10 relative to the clamp 100 .

(Effect 2) In one embodiment of the clamp 100, the upper support portion 300 is configured to restrict the forward or rearward movement of the pin D10 relative to the clamp 100 in the front-rear direction of the clamp 100 in the first pin support state.

In the front-back direction of the clamp 100, the position of the pin D10 relative to the clamp 100 is not easily changed, thereby improving the stability of the position of the scoring wheel C10.

In one example of the clamp 100 , the lower support portion 400 is configured to restrict the pin D10 from moving forward or backward relative to the clamp 100 in the front-rear direction of the clamp 100 in the second pin supporting state.

In the front-back direction of the clamp 100, the position of the pin D10 relative to the clamp 100 is not easily changed, thereby improving the stability of the position of the scoring wheel C10.

In one example of the clamp 100, the pin-supported state is set to the first pin-supported state before the scoring wheel C10 starts to move relative to the workpiece.

Immediately after the scoring wheel C10 starts to move relative to the workpiece, the position stability of the scoring wheel C10 is improved.

In one example of the clamp 100, the scoring wheel C10 is pressed against an object different from the workpiece, and the pin-supported state is set to the first pin-supported state.

When the scoring wheel C10 is pressed against the workpiece for scoring, the position of the pin D10 relative to the clamp 100 is less likely to change due to the pressing, thereby improving the accuracy of the initial position setting of the scoring wheel C10 relative to the workpiece.

The following is a comparison between the clamp 100 and a clamp having a structure different from that of the clamp 100 (hereinafter referred to as "another clamp"). The other clamp does not include the upper support portion 300 of the clamp 100.

When performing scribing using a fixture unit that includes another fixture, the pin moves more than the predetermined number of times in the vertical direction relative to the fixture between the scribing wheel and the workpiece, and the predetermined number of times is greater than 0. The scribing wheel's vertical position relative to the fixture is unstable.

When performing scribing using the clamp unit 10 including the clamp 100, the number of times the pin D10 moves vertically relative to the clamp 100 is less than a predetermined number of times until the scribing wheel C10 reaches a predetermined distance relative to the workpiece. This number includes zero. Compared to other clamps, the scribing wheel C10 has greater stability in its vertical position relative to the clamp 100.

Furthermore, the description of the embodiments above is not intended to limit the possible embodiments of the clamps and clamp units of the present invention. The clamps and clamp units of the present invention may have embodiments different from those illustrated in the embodiments. Examples include replacing, modifying, or omitting portions of the structures of the embodiments, or adding new structures to the embodiments.

10: Clamp Unit 100: Clamp 101: Wheel Space 110: Main Body 120: Inclined Section 121: First End 122: Second End 130: Flat Section 200: Support Section 200A: First Support Section 200B: Second Support Section 201: Pin Space 210: Surface 211: Inner Surface 212: Outer Surface 213: Bottom Surface 220: Stopper 230: Removal Section 300: Upper Support Section 400: Lower Support Section 410: Groove Section 411: Front of Groove Section 412: Rear of Groove Section 420: Intermediate section A10: Scribing head A11: Base A12: Clamp joint holder A20: Connection structure A21: Track A22: Slide A30: Clamp assembly A31: Connection structure A31A: Mechanical coupling A31B: Magnetic coupling A40: Load adjustment A41: Actuator A42: Bracket B10: Clamp joint B11: Base B12: Shaft B20: Bearing B21: Housing B30: Radial bearing B31: Inner ring B32: Outer ring B40: Stopper B41: First stopper B41A: First limiting surface B42: Second stopper B42A: Second limiting surface B50: Clamp mounting area B60: Base B61: First plate B62: Second plate B70: Sleeve B71: Spacer B80: Clamp limiting area B81: Pin C10: Score wheel C11: Center surface C20: Inner periphery C21: Side surface C22: Inner periphery C23: Through hole C24: Chamfer C30: Blade C31: Edge C40: Boundary D10: Pin D11: First end D12: Second end D13: Middle section D14: Outer periphery D20: Upper section D20F: Upper front section D20R: Upper rear section D20T: Upper contact section D30: Lower section D30F: Lower front D30R: Lower rear D30T: Lower contact F10: Mounting surface F20: Upper support surface F20F: Upper front support surface F20R: Upper rear support surface F30: Lower support surface F30F: Lower front support surface F30R: Lower rear support surface F40: Opposite surface GA: Gap GB: Gap L1: First baseline L2: Second baseline L3: Third baseline LH: Center axis LJ: Center axis LP: Center axis LW: Center axis M1: First straight line M2: Second straight line M3: Third straight line M4: Fourth straight line M5: Fifth straight line M6: Sixth straight line N: Ellipse PA: Upper tilt angle PAF: Upper front tilt angle PAR: Upper rear tilt angle PB: Lower tilt angle PBF: Lower front tilt angle PBR: Lower rear tilt angle QA: Upper contact angle QAF: Upper front contact angle QAR: Upper rear contact angle

[Figure 1] is a side view of the scoring head. [Figure 2] is a front view of the scoring head. [Figure 3] is a side view of the scoring wheel. [Figure 4] is a cross-sectional view of the scoring wheel. [Figure 5] is a diagram showing the clamp viewed from the front. [Figure 6] is a diagram showing the relationship between the support portion and the pin (1). [Figure 7] is a diagram showing the relationship between the support portion and the pin (2). [Figure 8] is a side view showing the support portion (1). [Figure 9] is a diagram showing the relationship between the support portion and the pin (3). [Figure 10] is a diagram showing the relationship between the support portion and the pin (4). [Figure 11] is a side view of the support section (2). [Figure 12] is a side view of the support section (3). [Figure 13] is a side view of the support section (4). [Figure 14] is a side view of the support section (5). [Figure 15] is a side view of the support section (6). [Figure 16] is a side view of the support section (7). [Figure 17] is a side view of the support section (8). [Figure 18] is a side view of the support section (9). [Figure 19] is a side view of the support section (10). [Figure 20] is a side view of the support section (11). [Figure 21] shows a side view of the clamp assembly (1). [Figure 22] shows a side view of the clamp assembly (2). [Figure 23] shows a side view of the clamp assembly (3).

200: Support 201: Pin Space 230: Removal 300: Upper Support 400: Lower Support 410: Groove 411: Groove Front 412: Groove Rear D10: Pin D20: Upper D20F: Upper Front D20R: Upper Rear D20T: Upper Contact D30: Lower D30F: Lower Front D30R: Lower Rear F10: Mounting Surface F20: Upper Support F20F: Upper Front Support F20R: Upper Rear Support F30: Lower Support F30F: Lower Front Support F30R: Lower rear support surface F40: Opposite surface L1: First reference line L2: Second reference line L3: Third reference line LP: Center axis M1: First straight line M2: Second straight line M3: Third straight line M4: Fourth straight line PA: Upper tilt angle PAF: Upper front tilt angle PAR: Upper rear tilt angle QA: Upper contact angle QAF: Upper front contact angle QAR: Upper rear contact angle

Claims (7)

A clamp comprising: a support portion for supporting a pin for supporting a scoring wheel; wherein the support portion comprises: a lower support portion for supporting the lower portion of the pin to restrict downward movement of the pin; an upper support portion for supporting the upper portion of the pin to restrict downward movement of the pin when the pin is separated from the lower support portion; and a evacuation portion disposed above the pin; the evacuation portion being configured to form a space between the upper portion of the pin that is in contact with the upper support portion and a portion above the upper portion when the pin is supported by the upper support portion; The distance between the pin supported by the upper supporting portion and the evacuation portion is wider than the distance between the pin supported by the upper supporting portion and the lower supporting portion. The clamp as recited in claim 1, wherein the upper support portion includes an upper support surface, and the upper support surface clamps the pin when the pin and the lower support portion are separated. The clamp as recited in claim 2, wherein the upper support surface includes an inclined surface. In the clamp as recited in claim 3, the inclination angle of the upper support surface is within a range of greater than 20° and less than 80°. In the clamp as recited in any one of claims 1 to 4, a contact angle between the upper portion of the pin and the upper support portion is within a range of greater than 100° and less than 180°. As described in claim 5, the contact angle between the upper portion of the pin and the upper support portion is within the range of greater than 120° and less than 150°. A clamp unit comprising: a clamp; a scoring wheel; and a pin; the clamp including a support portion for supporting the pin for supporting the scoring wheel; the support portion including: a lower support portion for supporting the lower portion of the pin to restrict downward movement of the pin; an upper support portion for supporting the upper portion of the pin to restrict downward movement of the pin when the pin is separated from the lower support portion; and a detachment portion disposed above the pin; The evacuation portion is configured to form a space between the upper portion of the pin and a portion above and in contact with the upper support portion when the pin is supported by the upper support portion. The distance between the evacuation portion and the pin supported by the upper support portion is wider than the distance between the pin supported by the upper support portion and the lower support portion.