Clamping system, and changing system comprising the same

A clamping system (1), comprising:

• a first clamping mechanism (2), which has a first mechanism axis (2a) and, about the first mechanism axis (2a), a first contact face (2b);
• a second clamping mechanism (3), which has a second mechanism axis (3a) and, about the second mechanism axis (3a), a second contact face (3b);
• the first and the second clamping mechanism (2, 3) being able to be coupled in a direction of a coupling axis (A) such that the first and the second contact face (2b, 3b) rest on one another while being impinged with a coupling force;
• the first clamping mechanism (2) comprises a first element (4), a second element (5) and at least three clamping spheres (6), the first and the second element (4, 5) being able to be twisted relative to one another about the first mechanism axis (2a), and the at least three clamping spheres (6) being mounted at positions of the second element (5), so as to be fixed relative to the second element (5) in a circumferential direction and in a radial direction, and so as to be able to roll along a circular line extending about the first mechanism axis (2a);
• the second clamping mechanism (3) has at least three groove guides (9) in a groove element (8), the at least three groove guides (9) are disposed at identical angular spacings to the clamping spheres (6) along a circular line extending about the second mechanism axis (3a), and each of the groove guides (9) extends, in a respective access region (9a) thereof for introducing a respective one of the clamping spheres (6), parallel to the second mechanism axis (3a), and each of the guide grooves (9) extends, in a respective clamping portion (9b) thereof, partially about the second mechanism axis (3a), the clamping portions (9b) each being formed by a respective helical groove course having a respective tangential component about the second mechanism axis (3a), and the clamping portions (9b) each having a respective component parallel to the second mechanism axis (3a);
• wherein each of the clamping spheres (6) has a respective first region (6a) protruding from the second element (5) and being radially spaced apart from the first mechanism axis such that, when coupling the first clamping mechanism (2) to the second clamping mechanism (3), the first regions (6a) of the clamping spheres (6), in an introduction position of the second element (5), are adapted to be guided through the access regions (9a) into the clamping portions (9b) and subsequently, by twisting the second element (5) relative to the first element (4) about the coupling axis (A), are adapted to be moved in the clamping portions (9b) to a clamping position which enables the first and the second contact face (2b, 3b) to be pressed against one another by way of the coupling force.