CN108953976B

CN108953976B - Modular construction device consisting of polygonal tubes

Info

Publication number: CN108953976B
Application number: CN201810257497.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: A·廷克斯; T·海巴赫
Original assignee: Olaf und Andre Tunkers GbR
Current assignee: Olaf und Andre Tunkers GbR
Priority date: 2017-05-17
Filing date: 2018-03-27
Publication date: 2022-01-04
Anticipated expiration: 2038-03-27
Also published as: CN108953976A; DE102017004697B3

Abstract

The invention relates to a modularly constructed frame-like device having tubes of polygonal configuration on their outer sides in cross section, which tubes have holes arranged at a distance from one another on their circumferential surfaces and in the direction of a longitudinal axis in the form of a mesh and coaxially arranged in pairs opposite one another, wherein at least two tubes are functionally connected to one another in one piece by a strip-like coupling element, the longitudinal axes of the tubes running parallel to one another and being polygonal on their outer surfaces.

Description

Modular construction device consisting of polygonal tubes

Technical Field

The invention relates to a modularly constructed device consisting of tubes which are polygonal in cross section on the outside.

Background

DE202004018482.6 has already disclosed a support for use in the manufacture of vehicle bodies in the automotive industry for the arrangement of knee lever tensioning means, suction means, centering mandrels, sensors, welding means, snap-in means, riveting means or the like, which is suitable for arrangement on or in a robot arm, wherein the support comprises two or more tubes which are cylindrical on their outer surface and which are arranged in different planes or at different angles to one another and on which, if required, different means, for example knee lever tensioning means, are arranged in a force-fitting manner by means of form-fitting collars which are arranged in different planes and/or angular positions to one another, wherein at least one, preferably all, collars are provided at least one on the associated tube or on another part, In particular, a marking which interacts with the reference ring and indicates an undesired rotation of the associated pipe relative to the clamping band.

DE20017129U1 shows a modular clamp system for use in the manufacture of vehicle bodies in the automotive industry, which has at least one grid tube of cylindrical design on its outer surface, to which one or more, in particular two-part, clips, which are arranged on the respective grid tube in a force-fitting manner, are assigned in each case, said clips serving to position and hold the respective component. The grid tube is provided with a plurality or multiplicity of centering and positioning holes arranged in the grid with respect to its cylindrical circumference, of which selectable one can be coaxially covered with cooperating centering and positioning holes arranged in one or more of the clips.

DE102013006723a1 shows tubular hollow profile carriers for preferably modularly configurable support devices for supporting tools, workpieces or the like, in particular for automated handling of workpieces, which have a substantially circular or n-elbow-shaped outer contour in cross section, where n should be greater than 4, and which have through-openings arranged on their circumferential surface, wherein two through-openings are arranged opposite one another in pairs. At least two longitudinal grooves are used to support the connecting elements on the hollow profile carrier. Longitudinal grooves are formed inwardly in the tube on both sides of the side of each profile and extend in the longitudinal direction of the tube. The objects to be fastened are inserted into the longitudinal grooves by means of claws which are of a substantially trapezoidal configuration in a cross section guided orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the relevant profile tube. The longitudinal grooves are molded relatively deep into the material of the tube material outside the profile sides and can significantly attenuate the cross section of the profile tube, so that the profile tube must be designed accordingly with thick walls.

If the clamp is attached to the pipe, there is the risk that the pipe is deformed by the force-fitting connection, so that the profile pipe must be designed accordingly.

Different types of process lines and automatic production lines impose high demands on the apparatus, in particular on the so-called gripper systems, which are constructed from profile tubes of this type and on which different objects, such as curved bar tensioning means, suction means, centering spindles, sensors, welding means, snap-in means or the like, are arranged, with regard to the required positioning accuracy, the forces which are to be expected in a process-dependent manner, in particular the forces which are caused by the maximum robot acceleration.

DE102009020602a1 discloses a method for connecting hollow profiles to a component, in which the hollow profiles are first drilled and support sleeves are positioned between the holes, wherein the support sleeves are fastened between the holes in a form-fitting manner. A circumferential collar is formed on the bore for the positive-locking fastening of the support sleeve. In order to form the circumferential collar, the edge region of the hollow profile wall arranged around the bore is pressed onto the support sleeve. The hollow rivet-like fastening sleeve is inserted through the opening into the support sleeve up to a partial region and is formed with a flange between the hollow profile and the support sleeve, wherein the outer wall of the fastening sleeve rests against the inner wall of the support sleeve. The advantage is achieved by the construction that no costly welding processes are required for fastening the support sleeve. The bolt transmits force to the support sleeve when tightened. In the known method, the different material thicknesses and the ductility of the hollow profile and of the support sleeve should also no longer be critical.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the invention is to provide a device which is constructed in a modular manner and which can be used with particular advantage in the manufacture of bodies in the automotive industry, but can also be used in conjunction with manipulators, mobile units, stationary storage racks, carriages, component holders and multi-axis robots, wherein objects to be arranged on profile tubes, such as knee lever tensioning means, welding means or the like, should be arranged in a positionally precise and self-orienting manner in the profile path of the device, wherein a plurality of profile tubes which are functionally arranged in one piece with their longitudinal axes extending parallel to one another are provided for reinforcing the frame-like device.

This object is achieved by a modularly constructed frame-like device having tubes which are polygonal in cross section on their outer sides and which have holes arranged at a distance from one another and coaxially opposite one another in pairs on their circumferential surfaces and in the form of a mesh in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and the sides of the respective polygonal tube being provided with a one-piece guide groove extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the polygonal tube, in which guide groove a component to be fastened, for example a clamp or the like having a centering and guide part, is engaged in a form-fitting manner, and the respective component being provided with one or more threaded holes, wherein the respective hole is provided, on its end section facing the polygonal side, with a cylindrical recess which is designed as a fitting hole, from the opposite side of the polygonal tube being inserted into the pair of coaxially opposite holes and through the interior space of the respective polygonal tube and into a counter bore which is designed as a fitting hole The supporting sleeves are inserted into the recesses, the supporting sleeves rest with integrally formed enlarged heads or rings on opposite polygonal sides or on opposite sides of the spacers, and the supporting sleeves are penetrated by bolts which are always supported with enlarged heads or with spacers in between on the end sides of the respective supporting sleeves, wherein the bolts are screwed into screw threads which are connected to the counterbores and center and fasten the respective object to the respective polygonal pipe with a precise fit, wherein, in order to functionally connect two adjacent profile pipes which are arranged parallel to one another with their longitudinal axes in one piece, at least one strip-shaped coupling element which is delimited on opposite sides by pairs of parallel sides is arranged in a matching manner between the one-piece guide grooves of the profile pipes to be connected to one another, wherein the strip-like coupling elements extend over a substantial length section of the profile tubes to be connected to one another and at least two diametrically opposite sides are provided with through-openings which are matched to the mesh of the polygonal tubes to be connected to one another and which are provided on one side with a hole section of increased diameter and the hole sections connected to the hole section of increased diameter are provided with threaded sections, wherein a plurality of support sleeves are provided in the longitudinal distance of the profile tubes and pass through the inner space of the profile tube in such a way as to pass through the profile tube in question and are supported with their end sides centrally in the hole section of increased diameter of the through-openings of the strip-like coupling elements and rest on the profile tube in question on its outer side with an enlarged collar or with a spacer, and the associated support sleeve is penetrated by a screw, which is arranged in the threaded section of the passage opening of the strip-shaped coupling element, wherein the further opposite profile tube is assigned the same passage opening of the coupling element and the same support sleeve, wherein the passage openings of the coupling element are arranged offset by 90 degrees with respect to the passage opening of the coupling element, wherein the passage openings of the coupling element offset by 90 degrees likewise match the mesh of the polygonal tubes to be connected to one another, wherein the longitudinal axes of the passage openings of the coupling element offset by 90 degrees are correspondingly arranged between the longitudinal axes of the passage openings of the coupling element, and/or wherein: the through-openings of each profile tube in the respective adjacent rows are arranged offset to one another, such that the longitudinal axis of the through-openings of one row is arranged approximately in the middle of the connecting line of each two adjacent through-openings of an adjacent row.

In the present invention, a plurality of profile tubes can be detachably connected to one another in a functionally integral manner by means of simple components, i.e. by means of at least one strip-shaped coupling element, so that a very rigid frame-like device can be produced. The strip-like coupling elements can be of prismatic design and be made of the same material as the profile tube itself, or of a different material, for example steel when the profile tube is made of aluminum or another lightweight material or of a carbon fiber material.

In the present invention, profile tubes are used which are polygonal in cross section, in particular have an outer octagonal shape, preferably made of a light metal alloy, in particular an aluminum alloy. The octagonal profile with the staggered mesh pattern has guide grooves in the region of each polygonal side, which extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the polygonal tube and in which the body of the object to be fastened to the polygonal tube, for example a clamp band, engages with a precise fit by means of centering projections. Depending on the assembly conditions present, the main body can therefore be inserted into the guide groove by a movement directed orthogonally to the relevant polygonal side face but also pushed in from the end side. The body to be fastened is thereby centered and oriented on the respective polygonal tube, for example on the octagonal tube, with an exact fit. The support sleeves pass through bores arranged coaxially with respect to one another in the polygonal tube and project with their end sections into corresponding cylindrical recesses of the body to be fastened (for example, the base body of the clamp), and the support sleeves are passed axially through by fastening bolts which are screwed with a thread arranged on their end region into the object to be fastened in question, for example, the base body of the clamp. The clamping forces generated in this case are mainly absorbed by the support sleeve. Furthermore, rapid and very precise fastening results therefrom. In this way, the modular system can be used without difficulty for constructing large and space-consuming frame-like devices, which are also referred to in the technical sector as "gripper systems". The device thus constructed can also be used for high-speed robots constructed as industrial robots, since by modular construction a rigid basic frame with energy-absorbing cantilevers and generally standard component applications can be manufactured. Thereby, the number of parts to be prepared at the warehouse for repair and/or for building frame-like devices of different configurations can be standardized and the number of different components kept small.

Advantageously, various configurations of the frame-like device are realized according to the invention, wherein a plurality of such frames can be coupled to one another if required. Furthermore, the possibility is created that the profile tubes are functionally connected to one another in one piece with their longitudinal axis at any point if production conditions, in particular stresses, which occur, for example, when connecting such a device to a multi-axis robot, may be required.

Preferably the strip-shaped coupling elements extend over the entire length of the respective profile tubes to be connected to one another, and further preferably the strip-shaped coupling elements are made of an aluminum alloy, in particular of a carbon fiber material.

In an advantageous embodiment, the webs and the centering projections are arranged orthogonally to the respective polygonal side and are surrounded by a common enveloping circle, the center of which coincides with the longitudinal axis of the respective profile tube.

Advantageously, in a device, the through-openings of the relevant profile tubes of adjacent rows are arranged offset from one another, such that each opening of one adjacent row is preferably arranged centrally between two openings of the other adjacent row.

The polygonal tube is made of a light metal alloy. The inertial forces are thereby kept small, which is advantageous in particular when such a device is arranged on a robot arm.

Advantageously, said polygonal tubes are made of carbon fibre material.

Preferably, the through-holes through the strip-shaped coupling elements in planes offset by 90 degrees have different diameters. In this way, through-holes, for example of larger diameter, can be provided in one of the planes, through which through-holes bolts are guided, which have a thread on their ends, for example through polygonal tubes and through-holes provided in the mesh, and on the outer end regions are provided with threads and are used for fastening a device, for example by means of elbows, with which other polygonal tubes or devices, for example toggle tensioning devices or the like, can be fixed. The end of the bolt provided with the thread may be fixed by a nut with a washer. For this purpose, through-holes provided in planes offset by 90 degrees from one another are preferably penetrated by screws which with their heads rest, for example, on mutually coupled polygonal pipes and which have threads on their end sections, with which the screws engage, for example, in threads of elbow elements, in particular for fastening other polygonal pipes or for fastening means to be fastened to these other polygonal pipes, such as toggle lever tensioning means or the like, wherein the screws are fastened at the ends by nuts.

Drawings

The invention is illustrated (partly schematically) in the drawings. In the figure:

fig. 1 shows a modularly constructed device with different means, for example pneumatic grippers, which are arranged on the device in a replaceable manner, for arrangement on a robot arm, not shown, of a multi-axis robot or the like;

fig. 2 shows a partial view of a modularly constructed apparatus, partially broken away;

FIG. 3 shows a cross-section of a clip arrangement on an octagonal tube polygon;

fig. 4 shows, in a broken manner, the connection of two polygonal tubes in the device shown in fig. 1;

FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the components seen in FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows the polygonal tube in a cross-sectional view directed orthogonally to its longitudinal axis;

fig. 7 shows, in a perspective view in a broken-away manner, a polygonal tube for the modularly constructed device from that shown in fig. 1, which polygonal tube has a mesh on its polygonal sides;

FIG. 8 shows a clip with fastening elements on a polygonal tube;

FIG. 9 shows an octagonal polygonal tube having a collar disposed thereon;

FIG. 10 shows the clip in view;

FIG. 11 shows a clamp with a support sleeve and bolt;

fig. 12 shows a frame-like device according to the invention, which, in contrast to the embodiment shown in fig. 1, comprises profile rotary tubes which are coupled to one another in parallel and by means of strip-like coupling elements, which device is similar to that shown in fig. 1;

FIG. 13 shows a detail of FIG. 12 in an exploded view;

fig. 14 shows two adjacent profile tubes in a broken longitudinal section, which are functionally connected to one another in one piece by a strip-shaped coupling element;

fig. 15 shows a broken plan view of two functionally interconnected profile tubes with strip-like coupling elements arranged between the profile tubes, the coupling elements having a length which is shorter than the length of the respectively mutually coupled profile tubes;

FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view according to line D-D of FIG. 15, an

Fig. 17 shows an isometric view of the functionally interconnected profile tubes shown in fig. 14 to 16, which are used to form the frame-like device shown in fig. 12.

Detailed Description

In fig. 1, a modular, generally designated 1 installation constructed from installation groups can be seen, which also comprises eight-sided

polygonal tubes

2, 3, 4 and 5 which are detachably connected to one another in a grid in the manner and method to be described. It goes without saying that the number of polygonal tubes can vary depending on the operating conditions. The configuration of polygonal tubes 2 and other polygonal tubes and the number of sides of these polygonal tubes can be varied depending on the conditions of use.

As can be seen, the polygonal tubes 2 to 5 form a flat-built frame which is connected via a plate 6 with coupling elements 7 connected thereto to the arms, not shown, of a multi-axis, for example six-axis robot which is detachably connected to the

polygonal tubes

3 and 4 and in the hole network to be described, which robot enables a pivoting movement of the entire device 1 with, for example, pneumatic clamps, in particular the crank tensioning means 8, and further means 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, for example snap-in means and welding means, arranged therein in order to bring the respective required object, for example the crank tensioning means 8, into and out of the working position. However, the device can also be designed such that it is equipped with a robot, a storage rack, a travel unit, a component holder or a static storage rack. The devices 8 to 15 may also all be pneumatic clamps.

At 16, a further polygonal tube is provided, which is detachably but functionally integrally connected to the polygonal tube 4.

In the embodiment shown, the polygonal tubes 2 to 5 and 16, which are designed as profile tubes, are made of an aluminum alloy and are designed over their entire length on their outer surface in any cross section guided orthogonally to their longitudinal axis in a porous, currently octagonal and identically shaped manner. Such a cross section can be seen from fig. 6, while fig. 7 shows a perspective broken-away view of a polygonal tube which is formed on the outer surface as an octagon and has through-openings 26 which are coaxial in pairs in the mesh.

In fig. 6, the eight-sided polygonal tube is designated in its entirety by reference numeral 2, while the reference numerals 3-5, 16 in brackets shall indicate that the other polygonal tubes are also constructed to have the same shape, preferably the same cross-sectional shape, so that all cross-sectional shapes of the polygonal tubes 2 to 5 and 16 shown are identical. However, if required, the cross-sectional shape of the individual profile tubes can also be configured differently if this is required for the operating conditions. The illustrated embodiment provides a highly stable, planar frame-like design, so that the loads caused by the movement speed and acceleration of the robot during operation, which are generated by the robot provided, can be overcome without any problems even at high-speed robots (industrial robots).

Some of the outer sides of the octagonal polygon, as can be seen in fig. 6, for example, are designated by the

reference numerals

17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23. These polygonal sides 17-23 are respectively of the same size in the type of construction shown. It goes without saying that polygons of different cross-sectional configurations can be treated accordingly as described below, which applies in particular to the features of the configuration described below. All polygonal sides 17 to 23 are provided with

guide grooves

55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61 or 62. All the guide grooves 55 to 62 are provided at their end regions with centering and guide

surfaces

24 and 25 which project outward and extend in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the respective polygonal tubes 2 to 5 and 16 in strips, are one-piece in terms of material and are designed as centering and guide strips. The centering and guiding

surfaces

24, 25 and the other centering and guiding surfaces can run with their sides facing one another orthogonally to the respective polygonal sides 17 to 23 of the associated polygonal tube 2 or obliquely towards one another or away from one another outwards in the case of acute angles of small degree, for example two degrees respectively. In the embodiment shown, walls are provided which are designed as centering and guiding

surfaces

24, 25 and which extend with their side surfaces facing toward the inside of each other at an acute angle of approximately two degrees obliquely to each other, i.e. obliquely outward in each case. The height of the centering and guide strips, which is measured orthogonally to the associated polygonal side 17 to 23, is small and can be, for example, one millimeter or less. All outwardly facing centering and guiding

surfaces

24 and 25 are enclosed by a common enveloping circle, the center of which lies on the longitudinal axis of the polygonal tube 2 and therefore also encloses all guiding grooves 55 to 62.

In all the illustrated profile tubes 2 to 5 and 16, which are polygonal in cross section, the side faces 17 and 23 are opened by through-openings 26, which in the illustrated embodiment are arranged in parallel in the direction of the longitudinal axes of the respective polygonal tubes 2 to 5 and 16, at the same distance from one another. Two bores 26 and 27, which are opposite each other in pairs, are arranged coaxially to each other and are of the same size. As can be seen from a comparison of fig. 6 and 7, the through-

openings

26, 27 in each adjacent row between the respective centering and guide

surfaces

24, 25 are respectively arranged offset from one another in such a way that the longitudinal axis of the through-

opening

26, 27 of one row is arranged approximately in the middle of the connecting line of each two adjacent through-openings of an adjacent row. This results in a mesh which makes it possible to achieve a large number of fastening possibilities for objects to be arranged on the modular device, such as pneumatic tensioning tools, toggle tensioning means, snap-in means or welding means, centering means or the like.

Fig. 2 shows the arrangement of the pneumatic gripper 28 in a perspective view by means of a clamping band.

Fig. 3 and 8 show, for example, the arrangement of the clamping band 29 in the form of a cross clamp in relation to an octagonal polygonal tube 2. The base body of the clamp 29 is denoted by 30, while 31 are two spaced-apart segments which are to be fastened to the base body 30 by four screws 32 and which enclose the connecting piece 33 in a force-fitting and form-fitting manner. Reference numeral 34 designates two support sleeves through which a respective screw 35, which has a respective threaded section at its end section, is passed and screwed into a threaded bore of the base body 30 of the clamp 29 in order to fasten the clamp to the polygonal tube 2. The support sleeves 34 are inserted through paired and coaxially opposite through-openings, for example 26, 27, of the profile tube 2 and are suitably inserted over a certain length into corresponding cylindrical recesses 63 of the base body 30 of the clamp 29 and are supported at the deepest in these cylindrical recesses 63, while the bolts 35 are inserted through the respective support sleeve 34 and are screwed on the opposite side of the support sleeve 34 with their thread into the threaded holes of the base body 30 of the clamp 29.

Fig. 9 shows a sectional view of a further clamping band 36: how the

support sleeves

37, 38 are appropriately inserted through the coaxially opposite bores 26, 27 or the like of the polygonal tube 2 and with their free length sections arranged in the counterbores or recesses 63 of the base body 40 of the bracket 36 and how the

head

44, 45, which is enlarged relative to the head 43 of the

support sleeves

37, 38, rests on the

support sleeves

37, 38 by the

screws

41, 42, respectively, passes through the

support sleeves

37, 38 and with their threaded sections is screwed into the internally threaded bores 46, 47 of the base body 40 and thereby connects the base body 40 to the polygonal tube 2, but the polygonal tube is not deformed disadvantageously by the forces to which it is subjected. As can be seen from fig. 3, however, the

heads

44, 45 of the screw 35 can also be provided with a spacer 64 which rests on the respective side 17-23 of the polygonal tube 2 and bears against the support sleeve 34. The spacer 64 can also be formed in one piece with the

respective head

44, 45 of the bolt 35.

As can be seen from fig. 10, in this embodiment, the main body 40 has a centering and guide element 48 which rests on the associated side face, for example 17, of the polygonal tube 2, while the centering and guide faces, for example 24, 25, laterally surround and guide and center the centering and guide element in the form of strips. The respective clip 36 can thus be guided in the respective guide grooves 55 to 62 in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the associated polygonal tube 2, but also rests orthogonally on the respective polygonal side, for example 17, of the polygonal tube 2, but is also separated again from the polygonal tube 2 by a reverse movement and is therefore guided and centered in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the polygon, i.e. in the circumferential direction of the polygonal tube, and is fixed to the

support sleeves

37, 38 by means of the

screws

41, 42. Unlike in a typical collar, the polygonal pipe 2 is not pressed together and disadvantageously deformed when the

bolts

41, 42 are tightened, so that a modular apparatus having high precision and great rigidity can be constructed. The large number of through-

openings

26, 27 assigned to the octagonal tubes 2-5 and 16 makes it possible to achieve a correspondingly large number of possibilities for fastening objects, such as suction cups, adhesive means, centering means, knee lever tensioning means, welding means, in different planes and/or at different angles in space, which is particularly advantageous for the manufacture of bodies for the automotive industry.

As can be seen from fig. 4 and 5, the adjoining octagonal tubes 2 are connected by diametrically

opposite elbows

49, 50, the sides of which are arranged at right angles to one another and which are made of a metallic material, for example steel.

The centering pin is denoted by 51, the bolt by 52, the threaded sleeve by 53 and the mating bolt by 54. The precise positioning of the

elbows

49 and 50 is achieved by cooperating pins 51 on either side. Fig. 4 shows the structure of the completed assembly.

The device 63a shown in fig. 12 is constructed analogously to the device 1 shown in fig. 1 and is therefore frame-like. However, unlike the embodiment shown in fig. 1, this device comprises two

profile tubes

65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, which are arranged parallel to their longitudinal axes and are functionally connected to one another in one piece by at least one strip-like coupling element 64a (fig. 13 to 17). The profile tubes 65 to 72 are designed like the profile tubes 2 to 5 of the device 1 and can, as in the embodiment according to fig. 1 to 11, realize an arrangement of means, such as a toggle lever tensioning means, a centering means or similar means with a clamping band, a support sleeve and a screw. This means that the mesh of the profile tubes 65 to 72 can be designed as in the embodiment according to fig. 1 to 11 and arranged on the profile tubes 65 to 72 in the same way as in the previously described embodiment according to fig. 1 to 11. The cross-sectional dimensions of the profile tubes 65 to 72 and their geometry therefore correspond in terms of the respective components to the embodiment according to fig. 1 to 11, so that reference can be made to the description already made at this point in order to avoid repetitions.

In the embodiment according to fig. 14 to 17, the strip-like coupling elements 64a are dimensioned shorter than the profile tubes 65 to 72 to be functionally connected to one another in one piece. However, in contrast to the illustrated embodiment, the respective coupling elements 64a can connect the individual pairs of

profile tubes

65, 66 and 67, 68 and 69, 70 and 71, 72, which are of the same or slightly shorter length than the profile tubes 65 to 72, or a plurality of such coupling elements 64a can be provided spaced apart or in close proximity over the length of the individual pairs of profile tubes, for example 65 and 66, which functionally couple the individual profile tubes, for example 65 and 66, to one another.

In the embodiment shown, the strip-shaped coupling element 64a is delimited on four sides by pairs of mutually parallel faces and in the embodiment shown has a square configuration in an infinite number of cross sections which are guided orthogonally with respect to the longitudinal axis of the coupling element, but can also have a different geometric shape than the square, for example rectangular in cross section. In the embodiment shown, the coupling element 64a is therefore a prismatic main body which has a multiplicity of through-openings on its longitudinal axis, which are adapted to the mesh of the associated profile tubes 65 to 72 and are arranged at a distance from their longitudinal axis and parallel to one another, of which only the reference numeral 73 indicates a single one. The longitudinal axes of the through-holes 73 are, for example, equidistant from one another.

Identical through-holes 74 are provided offset by 90 degrees with respect to the through-holes 73, which likewise match the mesh of the profile tubes 65 to 72 to be functionally connected to one another. The longitudinal axes of the through-holes 74 have the same distance from one another and extend parallel to one another, but the longitudinal axes of the through-holes 74 are arranged, for example, so that the same distance is maintained between the longitudinal axes of the through-holes 73 offset by 90 degrees.

Each of the through-

openings

73 and 74 has a cylindrical counterbore or recess of limited axial extension, which is designated by

reference numerals

75 and 76, which is supported with its end face on a

support sleeve

77 or 78, respectively, which is supported with an enlarged flange 79 or 80 on the respective outer side of the associated profile tube 65-72.

The through-

openings

73 and 74 each have a thread section at their deepest point, which is designated here by the

reference numerals

81 and 82, into which a

respective screw

83 or 84 is inserted in order to be screwed detachably into the

thread section

81 or 82 of the associated through-

opening

73, 74 of the bar-like coupling element 64 a. The head of the

appurtenant bolt

83 or 84 can be supported on a spacer, which is correspondingly shown in the figure.

Since the coupling elements 64a can be held narrow in the form of strips, the profile tubes 65 to 72 can be arranged as can be seen from fig. 12 closely next to one another and parallel to one another and thus result in a very stiff and torsionally rigid frame-like formation onto which, if necessary, many means, such as toggle tensioning means, centering means or the like, can be arranged, as is also shown, for example, in fig. 1.

A multi-axis robot, not shown, can be detachably connected to coupling part 85, which moves device 63a into and out of the respective operating position.

In the embodiment shown, the profile tubes 65-72 are made of a light metal alloy, preferably an aluminium alloy, but may also be made of a carbon fibre material.

The features described in the invention and shown in the drawings are essential for the realization of the invention both individually and in any desired combination.

List of reference numerals

1 apparatus

2 polygonal tube

3 polygonal tube

4 polygonal tube

5 polygonal tube

6 board

7 coupling part

8 curved bar tensioning device, pneumatic anchor clamps

9 pneumatic clamp and device

10 pneumatic clamp and device

11 pneumatic clamp and device

12 pneumatic clamp and device

13 pneumatic clamp and device

14 pneumatic clamp and device

15 pneumatic clamp and device

16 polygonal tube

17 side surface

18 side surface

19 side surface

20 side surface

21 side surface

22 side surface

23 side surface

24 centering and guiding surface

25 centering and guiding surface

26 through hole

27 through hole

28 pneumatic clamp

29 clamp

30 base body

31 arcuate portion

32 bolt

33 connecting pipe

34 support sleeve

35 bolt

36 clamp

37 support sleeve

38 support sleeve

39 recess

40 base body

41 bolt

42 bolt

43 support the head of the sleeve

44 head of bolt

45 head of bolt

46 holes

47 holes

48 centering and guiding element

49 elbow

50 elbow

51 centering pin, fitting pin

52 bolt

53 threaded sleeve

54 mating bolt

55 guide groove

56 guide groove

57 guide groove

58 guide groove

59 guide groove

60 guide groove

61 guide groove

62 guide groove

63 gap

63a device

64 shim

64a coupling element, strip-shaped coupling element

65 section bar pipe

66 section bar pipe

67 section bar pipe

68 section bar pipe

69 section bar pipe

70 section bar pipe

71 section bar pipe

72 section bar pipe

73 through hole

74 through hole

75 concave part

76 recess

77 support sleeve

78 support sleeve

79 Flange

80 flange

81 thread segment

82 thread section

83 bolt

84 bolt

85 coupling part

Claims

1. A frame-shaped device (1) constructed in a modular manner, having tubes which are polygonal in cross section on their outer sides, which have holes (26, 27) arranged at a distance from one another and coaxially opposite in pairs on their outer sides on their circumferential surfaces and in the form of a mesh in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and the side surfaces (17-23) of the associated polygonal tube are provided with a one-piece guide groove (55-62) extending in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the polygonal tube, in which guide groove the component to be fastened is engaged in a form-fitting manner, and the associated component is provided with one or more threaded holes, wherein the associated hole is provided on its end section facing the side surface of the polygonal tube with a cylindrical recess (39) designed as a mating hole, which is inserted from the opposite polygonal tube side surface into the pair of coaxially opposite holes and passes through the inner space of the associated polygonal tube and is provided to the recess (39) designed as a mating hole ) In which a support sleeve (37, 38) of the device engages, which rests with an integrally formed enlarged head or collar (43) on the side of the opposite polygonal tube or on the opposite side of a spacer, and the support sleeve (37, 38) is penetrated by a screw (41, 42) which is always supported with an enlarged head or with a spacer on the end side of the respective support sleeve (37, 38), wherein the screw is screwed into a screw thread which is connected to the recess (39) and centers and precisely fastens the respective object to the respective polygonal tube, wherein, for functionally connecting two adjacent polygonal tubes which are arranged parallel to one another with their longitudinal axes, at least one strip-like coupling element which is delimited on each of the opposite sides by pairs of parallel side faces is arranged in a matching manner on a one-piece guide of the polygonal tubes to be connected to one another Between the guide grooves (55-62), wherein the strip-like coupling elements (64a) extend over a substantial length section of the polygonal tubes to be connected to one another, and at least two diametrically opposite sides are provided with first through-openings (73) which extend through the strip-like coupling elements (64a), which are matched to the mesh of the polygonal tubes to be connected to one another, and which first through-openings (73) are provided on one side with a first hole section of increased diameter, and a second hole section which is connected to the first hole section of increased diameter is provided with a threaded section (81), wherein a plurality of support sleeves (77, 78) are provided in the longitudinal distance of the polygonal tubes (2-5, 16) and pass through the interior space of the polygonal tubes in a manner penetrating the polygonal tubes concerned, and are supported with their end faces centrally on the first through-openings (73) of the strip-like coupling elements (64a) And rests on the polygonal tube with an enlarged collar or with a spacer on the outside of the polygonal tube concerned, and the supporting sleeves (77, 78) concerned are penetrated by bolts (83, 84) which are arranged in threaded sections (81, 82) of the first through-opening (73) of the strip-like coupling element (64a), wherein the other, opposite polygonal tube is provided with the same first and second through-openings (73, 74) of the coupling element (64a) and the same supporting sleeves (77, 78), wherein,

the second through-openings (74) of the coupling elements (64a) are arranged offset by 90 degrees with respect to the first through-openings (73) of the coupling elements (64a), the second through-openings (74) of the coupling elements (64a) offset by 90 degrees likewise matching the mesh of polygonal tubes to be connected to one another, the longitudinal axes of the second through-openings (74) of the coupling elements (64a) offset by 90 degrees being arranged between the longitudinal axes of the first through-openings (73) of the coupling elements (64a) and/or

The holes (26, 27) of each polygonal tube in the respective adjacent rows are arranged offset from one another such that the longitudinal axis of one row of holes (26, 27) is arranged approximately in the middle of the connecting line of each two adjacent through-holes of an adjacent row.

2. The modularly constructed frame-like device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the strip-like coupling element (64a) is provided on diametrically opposite sides facing outwards in the intermediate space of two mutually coupled polygonal tubes with through-openings (73) provided for the mesh of polygonal tubes to be connected to one another, which likewise have a length section of increased diameter and a threaded section (81, 82) connected thereto, and in that the connecting element can be coupled via bolts (83, 84) to the outwardly facing walls of the strip-like coupling element (64a), which are likewise defined by mutually parallel surfaces, with which means can be provided.

3. The modularly constructed frame-like device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the strip-like coupling elements (64a) extend over the entire length of the individual profile tubes to be connected to each other or a plurality of strip-like coupling elements (64a) are arranged one after the other in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the polygonal tubes to be coupled and are arranged between the polygonal tubes.

4. The modularly constructed frame-like arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said strip-like coupling elements (64a) are made of an aluminum alloy.

5. Modularly constructed frame-like device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the strip-like coupling elements (64a) and/or polygonal tubes are made of carbon fiber material.

6. The modularly constructed frame-like device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the guide groove is delimited laterally by centering and guide faces (24, 25) which are arranged orthogonally to the side faces (17) of the associated polygonal tube, wherein the outer delimitations of the centering and guide faces (24, 25) are enclosed by a common envelope circle, the center of which is arranged on the longitudinal axis of the polygonal tube.

7. Modularly constructed frame-like arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the holes (26, 27) of the sides (17, 23) of adjacent polygonal tubes are offset from each other with respect to their centre lines and that the centre lines have the same spacing from each other on the sides (17-23) of one or all polygonal tubes.

8. Modularly constructed frame-like arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said polygonal tubes are made of a light metal alloy.

9. Modularly constructed frame-like arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that said polygonal tubes are made of carbon fibre material.

10. The modularly constructed frame-like device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the through-holes (74 or 73) through the strip-like coupling elements (64a) in planes offset by 90 degrees have different diameters.

11. Modularly constructed frame-like device according to claim 10, characterized in that the first through-going holes (73) provided in planes offset by 90 degrees from each other are penetrated by bolts which rest with their heads on the polygonal tubes to be coupled to each other and which have a thread on their end sections with which they are embedded in the thread of the elbow element and which are fixed on the ends by nuts.

12. Modularly constructed frame-like device according to claim 1, characterized in that the component to be fastened is a clip (29) with centering and guiding.

13. A modularly constructed frame-like device as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that said connecting element is an elbow.

14. Modularly constructed frame-like arrangement according to claim 2, characterised in that said means are knee lever tensioning means or centring means.

15. The modularly constructed frame-like apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein said light metal alloy is an aluminum alloy.

16. Modularly constructed frame-like arrangement according to claim 11, characterised in that these elbow elements are used for fastening other polygonal tubes or for fastening devices to be fastened on said other polygonal tubes.

17. A modularly constructed frame-like apparatus as claimed in claim 16, characterised in that said means is a knee lever tensioning means.