EP1175287A1

EP1175287A1 - Tool storage system

Info

Publication number: EP1175287A1
Application number: EP00915085A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Bruno Hasler; Martin Schaub
Original assignee: Lista Europe Holding AG
Current assignee: Lista Europe Holding AG
Priority date: 1999-04-30
Filing date: 2000-04-20
Publication date: 2002-01-30
Also published as: WO2000066330A1; AU3652700A

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool storage system comprising a tool changing frame which presents at least two substantially parallel support elements situated at a distance from each other and at least one tool holder which has a recess in which a tool can be positioned as well as a base plate designed to be positioned on the support elements. To this end the tool holder is provided with a mobile actuating element which can be moved from a first terminal position to a second terminal position and is able to engage the tool changing frame so that the tool holder can be moved against the one support element by means of a stop element and against the other support element by means of the actuating element. To configure a tool storage system of this kind in such a way that it can be used as flexibly as possible the invention provides for at least two different tool changing frames (1, 1'). Only the first, but not the second, tool changing frame (1) has detent elements at the level of at least one of its support elements (4, 5; 4', 5'). The tool holder (2) can also be fixed between the two support elements (4, 5; 4', 5') of the second tool changing frame (1').

Description

Tool storage system

The invention relates to a tool storage device and a tool holder according to the preambles of claims 1 and 8.

In industrial production in particular, tools are used on machine tools that have to be removed from the machine for adjustment, maintenance and / or temporary storage, transported to certain operational locations, possibly temporarily stored and then reinserted into the machine. The tool storage devices mentioned at the outset are used for these processes, and the tool holder can be used to arrange the tools. The tool holders can be used both for transporting the tools and for intermediate storage, which is why the tools can remain in the same tool holder from removal from the machine to reinsertion.

The previously known tool storage devices usually have a tool change frame with two support elements which form an essentially constant wide gap between them. The tool holders are inserted and fixed in the tool change frame by being clamped between the support elements. The clamping force is intended to ensure a stationary and secure arrangement of the tool holder.

In practice, two fundamentally different devices have prevailed, namely those with a grid of the support elements and those in which the support elements have no grid. The grid usually consists of semicircular recesses, which are provided on the opposite edges of the support elements. The tool holders are therefore provided with elements which can each be arranged in a form-fitting manner in a recess in the grid. The grids are intended to to prevent longitudinal movement of the tool holder between the support elements. In the case of devices without rastering, on the other hand, the possibility of such longitudinal movements is even desirable in order to be able to arrange the individual tool holders as close as possible to one another in the frame. To do this, however, the frictional force exerted on the carrier elements due to the clamping force must be overcome. However, it is disadvantageous that users of previously known tool holders either had to opt for a device with a tool change frame which has a grid, or a frame without a grid. Since entire manufacturing plants are equipped with such tool changing systems, changing to another system can entail very high costs.

The invention is therefore based on the object

To create tool storage device and a tool holder, which avoids this disadvantage.

This object is achieved in a tool storage device mentioned at the outset according to the invention in that it has at least one second tool change frame, the first tool change frame being provided with and the second tool change frame without a raster on at least one of its support elements and the at least one tool holder also between the two support elements of the second tool change frame can be fixed. The task is also solved by a tool holder according to claim 8.

Through the formation of a

Tool changing system with at least two different tool changing frames and tool holders suitable for both frames, the users can now also add their system with another tool changing frame. The solution according to the invention has the additional advantage that a manufacturer of tool changing systems no longer has to offer two different product lines. He can now offer two different removable frames with the same tool holders, which considerably reduces the technical effort for these products.

A tool holder of the system can be fixed in a particularly simple manner in the two interchangeable frames by a distance between the stop element and the fastening element being matched in such a way that the fastening element of a tool holder inserted in the second interchangeable frame assumes an intermediate position between the two end positions. When arranged in the first

Tool change frame, however, the fastening element of the same tool holder is arranged m one of its end positions or m a second intermediate position deviating from the first intermediate position.

In the case of tool changing systems according to the invention it can thus be provided that the dimensions of two different tool changing frames and one tool holder are matched to one another in such a way that the tool holder can be arranged in both frames. The tool holder should preferably be fixed in one of the frames by producing a form fit and in the other frame by essentially a force fit against unwanted displacements along the support elements. The frictional connection can be achieved by the fastener of the tool holder, which is movable between two end positions. In its position, which the fastening element assumes when the tool holder is arranged in the gridless frame, it should bear against the frame with a force - preferably a spring-elastic force. Because of this force, the tool holder is thus pressed with its stop element against one of the support elements of the tool change frame. The fastening element preferably lies directly against the other support element and thus clamps the tool holder - in a direction essentially transverse to the longitudinal extension of the two support elements - between the two support elements. In order to produce a positive connection in the other tool change frame, the tool holder according to the invention should have at least one profiled element which can be brought into positive engagement with a grid element. The positive connection exists at least in one direction, which runs essentially parallel to the longitudinal extension of one of the two support elements. The tool holder can therefore be fixed in this direction exclusively by means of the positive connection. In further embodiments of the invention, it can be provided that the fastening element also assumes a position in the tool change frame with a raster that deviates from its end positions, with which the fastening element acts on one of the carrier elements and additionally generates a clamping force.

A structurally particularly simple embodiment of the tool holder can be achieved by a fastening element which is designed as at least one spring-elastic snap element. The snap element can be a one-piece plastic component which is provided with a leg which is movably articulated on a hinge and which can be transferred in two end positions. It generates a maximum spring force in one end position and a minimum in the other end position.

Further preferred embodiments of the invention result from the dependent claims.

The invention is explained in more detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown schematically in the figures; show it:

1 shows a tool change frame and tool holder of a tool storage system, measured according to the invention, in a perspective view; 2 shows a tool change frame of a tool storage system according to the invention, provided with a raster, in a top view;

3 shows a tool change frame without grid;

4a a tool holder according to the invention in a perspective view;

4b a base plate of the tool holder from FIG.

4a in supervision;

Fig. 4c the base plate of Fig. 4a m one

Side view;

Fig. 4d is a sectional view along the line

IV-IV in Fig. 4b

5a em actuating element of the tool holder from FIG. 4a in a side view;

5b shows the actuating element in a front view;

6a em use of the tool holder from FIG. 4a in a top view;

6b the insert m a sectional view along the line VI-VI m FIG. 6a;

Fig. 7 is a cross sectional view of a m

Tool change frame with raster arranged tool holder.

1 is a tool change frame 1 and two tool holders 2 inserted therein, one according to the invention

Tool changing system shown. A tool 3 is arranged in one of the tool holders 2. As can be seen in FIG. 2 can, the tool change frame 2 has two strip-shaped, parallel and with a distance D to each other support elements 4, 5, which span an imaginary plane. 2 corresponds to the drawing level. The support elements 4, 5 are provided with identical grids on their side surfaces facing each other. The latter are composed essentially of semicircular recesses which are used as grid elements 6. Two identical grid elements 6 are always directly opposite each other on the two support elements 4, 5. So that tool holders 2 with different lengths (with respect to a longitudinal extension along the support elements) can be accommodated, different spacings are also provided for successive grid elements 6.

The tool change frame 1 is also provided on its end faces with two foot elements 7, 8, on which the support elements 4, 5 are fastened, by means of which the support elements are arranged at a distance from a footprint for the foot elements.

In Fig. 3 is em second inventive

Tool change frame 1 'shown, which is identical except for the grid with the tool change frame of FIG. 2. In particular, the two support elements 4 ', 5' of the frame are also at a distance D from one another.

The tool holder 2 shown in FIG. 4a is composed of several individual parts. It has a base plate 10 shown in more detail in FIG. 4b. This has a central and essentially truncated cone-shaped recess 11 with respect to its length L and width B. The base plate is provided with elements 12 of a bayonet catch on the rare walls of the recess.

In the middle of one of the end faces of the base plate 10, this has a positioning aid, which is called a ramp inclined web 15 is formed, which extends from a lower edge 16 of the base plate 10 to a substantially horizontal lower boundary web 17 of a receiving groove 18 (Fig. 4c and 4d). The limiting web 17 and the web 15 are aligned essentially orthogonally to one another. An angle of inclination α of the web can be, for example, between 55 ° and 75 ° with respect to a horizontal. The inclined edge 15 'of the web 15 has a profile which is congruent with the semicircular profile of the grid elements 6 of the two support elements.

Above the lower boundary web 17, the base plate 10 is provided with an upper boundary web 19. The two boundary webs 17, 19 are each fastened to a vertical side wall 20 of the base plate 10, aligned parallel to one another and form the essentially U-shaped groove 18 between them. As can be seen in particular from FIG. 4d, the upper limiting web 19 projects beyond the lower limiting web 17. The groove base 21 is part of the flat side wall 20 and extends essentially vertically, while the two side surfaces of the groove 18 are inclined downward from the groove path relative to a horizontal line by an equal angle β, which can be from 5 ° to 15 °.

In the area of the opposite side wall 23

Base plate is provided with a receiving shaft 24 (FIG. 4b), which is used in the actuating element of the tool holder to be explained in more detail below. In order to fasten the actuating element, the receiving shaft has an undercut, not shown in the drawings.

The actuating element 25 of the tool holder is shown in FIGS. 5a and 5b. As can be seen here, the actuating element 25 is designed as a resilient, one-piece snapper, which is also an injection-molded plastic part. The snapper has one Abutment leg 26 and a movable actuating leg 27 on the other hand. The two legs 26, 27 are integrally connected to one another via a hinge 28.

At a first section, the abutment leg 26 is provided on its rear side with a shoulder 29 which rises like a ramp from the hinge m in the upward direction and which ends in a shoulder cut 30. This paragraph 29 is used to snap the element 25 to the base plate 10 and comes there in the receiving shaft 24 behind the aforementioned

Undercut to lie. The abutment leg 26 at its end opposite the hinge 28 m m a cover 31 which is angled relative to the other section of the abutment leg by about 90 ° m direction on the actuating leg 27 hm. The cover part 31 has a supporting wing 31a on each of its two end faces.

The actuating arm 25 is angled several times, wherein it has a centering aid 35 between the hinge 28 and a further hinge 34 of the actuating arm. The centering aid 35 is used in the assembled tool holder for the correct alignment of the snapper when it is introduced into a tool change frame with a grid. For this purpose, the centering aid 35 has a - in the unloaded state of the

Actuator leg - m approximately vertically extending edge 36. The edge 36 is seen in cross section - narrower than the profile of the raster elements 6. In addition, above the centering aid 35 on the actuating arm there is a nose 37 which serves as an engagement element and is provided for arrangement in one of the raster elements 6 of a tool change frame. For this purpose, the nose 37 has a profile shape that matches the profile shape of the grid elements 6. As a result, the nose 37 can engage in a form-fitting manner in each of the grid elements 6. On the nose 37 can also

Notch 38 may be provided, the height m of which corresponds approximately to the thickness of the support elements 4, 5 in the region of the grid elements 6. By engaging the respective carrier element 4, 5 m, the notch 38 can position the tool holder in the correct position, in particular with respect to a direction orthogonal to the (imaginary) plane spanned by the two carrier elements 4, 5

Tool change frames can be further facilitated. In addition, the tool holder can also be fixed in this direction. Thus, a positive fit between the actuating element 25 and the respective carrier element is also possible in this direction e.

Approximately in the area of the nose 37, the actuation leg 26 has a kink, to which an actuation part adjoins. This is provided with the hinge 34, with the help of which em free end 40 of the actuating leg 27 can be pushed under the cover part 31 of the abutment leg 26. For this purpose, the actuating leg 27 must be moved in the direction of the abutment leg 26 by exerting a pressure in the region of the hinge 34. The free end 40 of the actuating arm 27 is thereby tensioned on the hinge 28 against a spring force. In addition, the actuating leg 27 on the hinge 34 is spring-loaded against the abutment leg 26. Both spring forces cause restoring forces, by means of which the actuating element 25 has the tendency to return to its initial position (first end position) shown in FIG. 5a. From this first end position, the actuation leg can be transferred to a second end position, in which it has the smallest distance from the abutment leg and the greatest restoring force is generated.

Different inserts can be inserted into the central recess 11 of the base plate 10 shown in FIGS. 4a-4d. The bayonet lock, of which elements are attached to each insert, is designed so that once an insert is used, it can only be separated from the base plate by destroying the bayonet lock. This ensures that an insert cannot unintentionally detach from the base plate and damage the tool arranged in the insert.

The insert 41 shown in FIGS. 6a and 6b has a hollow cylindrical section, the side wall 42 of which tapers conically 44 hm from an insertion end 43 to the other end. At the insertion end 43 is on the Se th wall 42 of the insert em support flange 45 integrally molded for e tool. The support flange 45 is provided with a shoulder 46, which forms a drip aid for coolant still on a tool. As a result, the coolant does not flow into the hollow cylindrical section of the insert.

On its inner surface, the hollow cylindrical section is provided with a plurality of support webs 47 which are uniformly distributed on the circumference and are oriented essentially vertically. These are intended for supporting the tools, in particular their tool cones. Since the tools are thus arranged at least a slight distance from the inner surface of the insert, any coolant still present on the tools can flow off. In addition, this makes it easier to remove the tool from the insert, since adhesive forces between the tool and the inner surface of the insert can be largely avoided.

On the outer surface of the hollow cylindrical portion of the insert, outer webs 48 are provided, with which the

Insert against the wall surface of the recess 11 of the base plate 10. A nose 50 belonging to the bayonet lock between the base plate and the insert is integrally formed on two outer webs 48 which are offset from one another by 180 °. These two lugs 50 can by rotating the insert 41 with respect to the base plate 10, each with a breakthrough cut through the wall surface of the Recess 11 can be arranged. Since both the base plate 10 and the insert 41 preferably consist of material suitable for injection molding processing, they have a certain elasticity. As a result, the lugs snap into the opening 50 m, as a result of which both in the circumferential direction and in a direction along a longitudinal axis 51 of the insert 41, a positive connection is created which can only be released again by damage or destruction of the components.

If the advantage of using the inexpensive injection molding process can be dispensed with and a larger number of - and / or structurally more complicated - molds can be purchased, it would also be possible in itself to provide the base plate and the inserts in one piece. The proposed division of the base plate and inserts, however, has the advantage that even for a large number of inserts, each adapted to different tools, only a small number of different base plates is required. This eliminates the effort of having to produce an almost complete shape of a tool holder for each type of tool.

In order to mount the tool holder shown in FIG. 4 a, the actuating element 25 is to be inserted from above m approximately vertically downward into the receiving shaft 24 of the base plate 10. As a result, the paragraph 29 arrives behind the shoulder cut in the receiving shaft 24 of the base plate 10 and engages there. In this position, the Aufnähmetluge1 31a of the actuating element lie on support surfaces 24a of the

Intake shaft on. The insert 41 is thus secured in the vertical direction against being pushed out of the receiving shaft 24. Since the width of the actuating element 25 also corresponds to the width of the shaft 24, it is also fixed against lateral movements. The insert matched to the intended tool can now be selected from one of the inserts belonging to the system and into the recess 11 are introduced. By rotating the insert 41 m of the recess 11, the bayonet catch engages, whereby the base plate 10 is firmly connected to the corresponding insert 41.

In order to insert one of the tool holders 2 according to the invention into a tool change frame 1 with rastering, as shown in FIG. 1, the tool holder with its web 15 of the positioning aid should be moved down along the first raster element 6 of the first carrier element 4 until the carrier element 4 m the receiving groove 18 comes to rest. The base plate 10 is now at its end, at which the receiving groove 18 is located, with the upper limiting web 19 on the support element 4.

The centering aid 35 can then be inserted into the second grid element 6 - which is located on the other support element 5 and is directly opposite the previously mentioned grid element 6 of the support element 4 - and can be pushed downward therein. This will

Actuation leg 27 m printed on the abutment leg 26, whereby resilient restoring forces are built up. In addition, the groove base 21 - which functions as a stop element - the receiving groove 18 is thereby printed against the carrier element 4 at the opposite end of the base plate 10.

With the further insertion movement, the centering aid 35 now slides along the support element 5 or the edge of the raster element 6 until the latter is positioned in the notch 38 of the nose 37. Due to the resilient restoring forces, the snap catches in this position. Since it is now preferably largely relieved of load in relation to the restoring forces, it is in its first end position. A distance A = D + T em thus arises between the groove base 21 and a boundary surface of the notch, D being the distance between the two support elements and T the Corresponds to the profile depth of the grid elements. The tool holder is thus fixed in the tool change frame. This position of the tool holder in the tool change frame with grid is shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7.

Despite this fixation in the tool change frame 1, the tool holder 2 can be moved along the support elements. For this purpose, it must be printed laterally against the tool change frame 1 and, if necessary, the actuating leg 27 of the snapper must be moved in a direction m suitable for the abutment leg 26. As a result, the tool holder slides along m of the notch 38 on one support element and m of the receiving groove on the other support element and can thereby be moved in parallel in the tool change frame. As soon as the tool holder reaches the next two locking elements, the tool holder m is fixed again.

In order to remove the tool holder from the frame, the catch can first be released from the latching element by pressure in the area of the hinge 34 against the actuating leg, and the tool holder can then be removed.

According to the invention, the tool holder 2 can also be used in a frame 1 'which has no grid. The holder can be introduced in the same way as for a frame 1 with a grid. Each tool holder 2 thus lies in its end position with the upper limiting web 19 on one carrier element 4 ', while the notch 38 of the nose 37 engages around the other carrier element 5'. Of course, the snapper here also prints the groove base 21 against the support element 4 '. The groove base 21 thus also functions as a stop element here. In contrast to a frame with raster, the actuating leg 27 of the snapper in its end position in the frame without raster takes an intermediate position between its two possible end positions em. In this intermediate position, the actuating arm exerts a greater (spring) force on the carrier element 5 'than this is the case in the end position of the tool holder in the frame with grid. There is a distance A '= D between the groove base 21 and the boundary surface of the notch, where D corresponds to the distance between the carrier elements.

Claims

1.Tool storage system, comprising a tool change frame, each having at least two carrier elements which run essentially parallel to one another and spaced apart, at least one tool holder which has a receptacle for arranging a tool in the tool holder and a base plate for arrangement on the carrier elements, the For this purpose, the tool holder is provided with a movable actuating element which can be transferred from a first end position into a second end position, the actuating element can be brought into engagement with the tool change frame, as a result of which the

Tool holder with a stop element can be brought into abutment against one carrier element and with the actuating element against the other carrier element, characterized by at least one second tool change frame (1, 1 '), the first tool change frame (1) having and the second tool change frame (1') is provided without a grid on at least one of its support elements (4, 5; 4 ', 5') and the tool holder (2) also between the two support elements (4, 5; 4 ', 5') of the second tool change frame (1 ') is fixable.

2. Tool changing system according to claim 1, characterized in that a distance (A, A ') of the stop element to the actuating element (25) is provided in a manner whereby the actuating element (25) of a tool holder inserted into the second tool changing frame (1') (2) assumes an intermediate position between the two end positions, on the other hand the fastening element of the same tool holder (2), which m inserted the first tool change frame (1) is arranged in its first end position or in another intermediate position.

3. Tool storage system according to one or both of the preceding claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the movable actuating element (25) is a catch which can be actuated against an elastic spring force.

4. Tool storage system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (25) is provided with an engagement element which is form-fitting in one of the

Grid elements (6) can be arranged, so that at least one direction, which runs within a plane spanned by the two support elements (4, 5; 4 ', 5'), the positive fit can be generated.

5. Tool storage system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating element (25) for arranging the grid is provided with a centering aid (35).

6. Tool storage system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool holder (2) is provided at one end opposite the actuating element (25) with a positioning aid for the correct arrangement of the grid.

7. Tool storage system according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool holder (2) is constructed in several parts.

8. Tool holder of a tool storage system, which is provided for arranging m several structurally different tool change frames (1, 1 ') and a receptacle for arranging a tool (2) and eme

Has base plate (10) for arranging the tool holder (2) in one of the tool change frames (1, 1 '), the tool holder for this purpose in the region of one of its ends is provided with a stop element for arrangement against the support element (4, 5; 4 ', 5') of the respective tool change frame (1, 1 '), at its opposite end it has at least one movable actuating element (25) which engages with the respective one Tool change frame (1, 1 ') can be brought, whereby the stop element can be brought against the eme carrier element (4, 5; 4', 5 ') and the actuating element against the other carrier element (4, 5; 4', 5 ') in the system , and for this purpose the actuating element (25) can be transferred from a first end position to a second end position.

9. Tool holder according to claim 8, characterized in that the actuating element has a notch, in which em carrier element of a tool change frame can be arranged.

10. Tool holder according to one or both of the preceding claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the actuating element is provided with an engagement element which can be arranged in a substantially form-fitting engagement in a raster element of a tool change frame.

11. Tool holder according to one or more of the preceding claims 8 to 10, characterized in that in the area of the stop element there is a groove (18) which is provided for receiving a carrier element, and that on the tool holder below the groove (18) there is a positioning aid is arranged with which the tool holder can be aligned on a grid of a tool change frame.

12. Tool holder according to claim 11, characterized in that the positioning aid is designed as a web which is congruently profiled to a cross-section of grid elements of the grid.