EP4067003B1 - Tool system, drive unit and tool head - Google Patents

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a tool system comprising a drive unit and at least one tool head that can be placed on the drive unit. The invention further relates to a drive unit and a tool head. A tool system according to the preamble of claim 1 is known from DE 101 18 034 A1 known.

Tool systems with interchangeable tool heads are known in a variety of designs from the prior art. Such tool systems typically have a drive unit, particularly a handheld device, onto which various tool heads can be mounted. If a tool head must be operated in a specific mode, the corresponding settings are usually made manually by the user. If the tool heads used and the work performed with them are logged, this is usually done by recording an identifier or type designation of the tools and the materials used.

An example of such tool systems are pressing tools, in which the drive unit generates the force required for machining and transmits it to the respective pressing insert (press jaw) via a mechanical coupling. The pressing insert is typically designed for a specific nominal force, a maximum stroke, and a specific size range of the workpieces to be machined. These operating parameters must be set before the tool is put into operation. This not only delays the workflow but can also lead to malfunctions or damage due to incorrect settings.

Disclosure of the invention

The invention is based on the object of providing a tool system with interchangeable heads, in particular a pressing tool system with interchangeable pressing inserts (or pressing jaws) as interchangeable heads or tool heads, in which the disadvantages of the prior art are avoided.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a tool system (or a pressing tool system) according to claim 1, which comprises a drive unit and at least one tool head (or pressing insert (or pressing jaw as tool head)) that can be placed on the drive unit, wherein the drive unit has a drive, a controller, a connecting element, and an interface, wherein the connecting element is configured to releasably lock the tool head placed on the drive unit in a form-fitting manner, wherein the drive is configured to transmit a mechanical force to the locked tool head, wherein the controller is configured to identify an identifier of the tool head via the interface and, depending on the identified identifier, to select an operating mode of the drive from a plurality of operating modes. In particular, it is provided according to the invention that the connecting element of the drive unit and the tool head (or the connecting element of the drive unit and at least a part of the tool head or the part of the tool head that interacts with the connecting element) are connected to one another in a locked manner, in particular during operation (of the motor or drive) of the tool system, wherein this locking is implemented in particular in a form-fitting or latched manner, and is arranged in particular in a stationary or immovable manner.

The tool system according to the invention advantageously makes it possible for an interchangeable tool head to be automatically recognized by the drive unit and operated in a manner specifically tailored to the tool head. This not only increases operating comfort and shortens the workflow, but also prevents incorrect settings or improper use of the tool system. Preferably, the drive unit is a handheld device, in particular a cordless handheld device equipped with an integrated energy storage unit. In particular, the tool system according to the invention can be a pressing tool system with interchangeable tool heads, wherein each tool head is operated with specific operating parameters, such as pressing force, pressing time, and/or maximum stroke. It is also conceivable for the operating mode to define only certain basic settings or ranges of the operating parameters, with a more precise selection being made by the user. In this case, the operating mode is selected depending on the identifier of the tool head and an additional user setting. The automatic selection of the operating mode can also be made depending on the identifier of the tool head and an identifier of the workpiece to be machined. In particular, the tool system comprises, in addition to the tool head, at least one further tool head, preferably a plurality of further Tool heads that have different identifiers and are each associated with different operating modes.

The tool head is attached to the drive unit by placing it on top and locking it in place. Preferably, locking is achieved by a locking mechanism, in which the attached tool head is brought into a closed position, for example, by a rotary movement, and then positively engages in this position. In the locked position, the drive unit and the tool head are mechanically coupled such that a force generated by the drive unit is transmitted to the tool head—in particular to a mechanical element of the tool head. The force can be transmitted by a mechanical coupling element such as a piston or plunger, whereby the mechanical element (of the tool head) is set in motion by the drive unit (or by the mechanical coupling element of the drive unit) and transmits the force applied by the drive unit to the tool head through mechanical contact. The force transmitted by the contact is directed in particular parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drive unit and/or the tool head and points away from the drive unit. Alternatively, the force can also point towards the drive unit or oscillate between the two directions. It is also conceivable that the drive unit drives a rotation of the mechanical coupling element and in this way transmits a torque to the tool head, wherein the axis of rotation is directed in particular parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drive unit and/or the tool head.

According to the invention, the drive unit has an interface which serves in particular for the transmission of information between the tool head and the drive unit and which allows the identification of the tool head to be transmitted to the control unit of the drive unit. Based on the identification, the control unit then defines an operating mode of the drive unit and operates the tool head according to the mode. The operating mode is preferably completely determined by the identification, i.e. the selection of the operating mode is based on a fixed assignment between the identification and the operating mode, whereby it is conceivable that this assignment can be configured by the user. In particular, data on the possible identifiers and the associated operating modes are stored in a memory of the drive unit, e.g. in a register of the control unit, and the operating mode is determined by retrieving these memory contents or by comparing the identified identifier with the stored identifiers. Alternatively, it is also conceivable that the control unit of the drive unit transmits the identified identifier of the tool head to an external device and receives from this the operating mode determined as a function of the identifier. The control unit is preferably configured to tool head if no identifier has been identified or the identified identifier cannot be assigned to an operating mode.

In an alternative embodiment not according to the invention, the interface can be a mechanical interface, an electronic interface, or a radio interface. A mechanical interface can be implemented, for example, on the basis of a key-lock principle, in which a structural element engages positively in a complementarily shaped recess, and the identifier of the tool head is identified by this positive engagement. In particular, the tool head can have a mechanical coding in the form of a profile or contour, e.g., a plurality of projections and/or recesses, which is identified by a complementary structure of the drive device through contact or sensing. For example, upon mechanical contact between the two complementary structures, a switch or a plurality of switches of the drive unit can be actuated. With an electronic interface, at least one electrically conductive contact is established with the drive unit when the tool head is placed on the device, and the identifier of the tool head is read out by an electrical signal. In particular, the tool head can contain an integrated circuit, for example a microchip, configured to communicate with the drive unit's controller via a digital voltage signal. In the simplest case, the tool head has one or more electrical contact elements whose arrangement encodes the tool head's identifier and which, when placed on the tool head, closes one of several electrical circuits of the drive unit, thus enabling identification of the identifier. With a radio interface, the tool head's identifier is transmitted wirelessly to the drive unit's controller using electromagnetic waves. The information can be transmitted, for example, via an active or passive transponder, in particular via an RFID or NFC system ("radio-frequency identification" or "near field communication"). Further possibilities arise from data transmission via Bluetooth or WLAN. The tool head preferably has a corresponding transmitter for transmitting the electromagnetic signal. Furthermore, it is possible to identify the identifier using an external camera (e.g., a smartphone), an external scanner, or an external sensor and transmit it wirelessly to the drive unit. In principle, it is also conceivable to use interfaces where the tool head identification is transmitted partly mechanically and partly via an electronic signal. It is also conceivable that mechanical coding ensures that only tool heads suitable for tool operation can be attached to the drive unit, while the identification is transmitted separately via an electronic interface or a radio interface. is transmitted. With all these design options, the transmission of the identification can take place when the device is put on and/or locked.

According to the invention, the interface has an optical sensor; in an alternative embodiment not according to the invention, the interface has an acoustic sensor, a magnetic field sensor or a current sensor.

In particular, the interface comprises a sensor or a plurality of sensors from the group of sensors named below: one or more optical sensors or, not according to the invention, one or more acoustic sensors, one or more magnetic field sensors, and one or more current sensors. The sensor is preferably arranged on the drive unit, for example on the connecting element, while the tool head has a signal generator or an identification feature that can be detected by the corresponding sensor. This can be, for example, a light source, a reflective surface or optical identifier, an acoustic signal generator, a current source, an electrical resistor, or a magnet or a magnetic element. The sensor can be, for example, a light or color sensor, and a light source or the color of a surface (or a plurality of surfaces) or a light source (or a plurality of light sources) can serve as the identification feature, wherein the identification of the tool head is encoded by the color or its RGB value. In an alternative embodiment not according to the invention, the identification feature can be a two-dimensional optical code (barcode, QR code) that can be read using a laser scanner or a camera. In an alternative embodiment not according to the invention, it is possible to encode the identifier in a three-dimensional shape, which is recorded by a camera and assigned to the identifier, for example, by image recognition software. In an alternative embodiment not according to the invention, the identifier can also be transmitted by a field generated by a magnetic element, which is detected by a magnetic field sensor. The field can be generated either by a permanent magnet or by induction. In the case of an acoustic sensor, it can in particular be an ultrasonic sensor, and the identifier can be encoded accordingly by an ultrasonic signal. Furthermore, the acoustic signal can be generated via a loudspeaker and received by a microphone. In the case of a current sensor, the identifier can be encoded by an internal resistor. In an alternative embodiment not according to the invention, the detection of the identifier can furthermore be carried out in an inductive or capacitive manner or by microscopic or radiological methods for detecting nanoparticles.

According to the invention, it is provided that the sensor is provided as an optical sensor for color detection (in particular for detecting or distinguishing or distinguishing a plurality of different colors or color values), wherein in particular the sensor is designed to detect an identifier in the form of an optical recognizable print or label or an optically recognizable surface. In this case, the optically recognizable surface is in particular formed on or as part of the tool head, in particular designed such that the optically recognizable surface can be detected by the sensor of the interface (i.e. the drive unit). In this case, it is further preferably provided that the interface (of the drive unit) has an illumination device or an irradiation device for generating electromagnetic radiation, in particular light radiation, in such a way that the area of the identifier is irradiated or illuminated with the corresponding electromagnetic radiation in order to detect or capture the identifier. The detection or capture of the identifier is preferably carried out by optically detecting the identifier, in particular by optically detecting a color or a plurality of colors or a plurality of arranged colored areas.

This makes it possible, according to the invention, to capture or detect the identification information or the plurality of identification information items in a particularly simple and robust manner. In particular, it is advantageously possible according to the invention to perform color detection. In this case, it is particularly possible to distinguish a large number of different and unique color tones from one another, so that - for example - an information content of several bits (in particular of 2 bits or of 3 bits or of 4 bits or of 5 bits or of 6 bits or of 7 bits or of 8 bits or of 9 bits or of 10 bits or of 11 bits or of 12 bits) can be extracted from a single area kept in a specific color (i.e. 2 bits if four different color tones are distinguished in the area of the area, 3 bits if eight different color tones are distinguished in the area of the area, 4 bits if sixteen different color tones are distinguished in the area of the area, 5 bits if thirty-two different color tones are distinguished in the area of the area, 6 bits if sixty-four different color tones are distinguished in the area of the area, 7 bits if 128 different color tones are distinguished in the area of the area, 8 bits if 256 different color tones are distinguished in the area of the area, 9 bits if in the area of the surface 512 different color tones can be distinguished, 10 bits if in the area of the surface 1024 different color tones can be distinguished, 11 bits if in the area of the surface 2048 different color tones can be distinguished, 12 bits if in the area of the surface 4096 different color tones can be distinguished). Accordingly, two such surfaces (each) in a specific color allow a corresponding doubling of the information content, so that with just one or two such surfaces (each) in a specific color, a large number of different types of tool heads can be distinguished. By providing three or more such surfaces (each) in a specific color, usable, available or detectable information content can be further increased.

In the tool system according to the invention, it is also possible for the drive unit to have at least one further interface in addition to the interface. For example, the identifier of the tool head can be recognized via the (first) interface and verified via the further (second) interface. The first interface can also be used to identify the identifier of the tool head, while the second interface identifies an identifier of the workpiece to be machined and/or reads in further operating data or operating settings. In principle, combinations of all of the configurations described above are possible for this purpose. The second interface is preferably an optical interface or a radio interface. In particular, the verification of the identifier of the tool head and/or the identification of the workpiece can be carried out by reading in an optical code. Alternatively, the verification and/or identification can be carried out via wireless data exchange with an external computer device or a mobile computing unit (notebook, tablet, smartphone).

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the operating mode defines an amplitude of the mechanical force transmitted to the tool head and/or an amplitude of a movement of the tool head and/or defines a temporal progression of the mechanical force and/or the movement of the tool head. The amplitude of the force is understood to mean, in particular, the maximum force or the maximum torque applied by the drive unit, while the amplitude of the movement corresponds, in particular, to the maximum stroke of the tool head and/or the mechanical coupling element of the drive unit. For example, a specific maximum force or a specific force range can be provided for a tool head, which is automatically set after the identifier has been identified. Likewise, a specific maximum stroke or a corresponding range can be set depending on the identifier. The operating mode can also define operating parameters that influence the specific temporal progression of the force or movement. Examples include the duration over which the force is applied or the frequency of a periodically applied force or movement. In general, the operating mode can be used to determine the instantaneous force or movement amplitude as a function of time, in particular its temporal increase and decrease.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive is a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric drive. In a hydraulic drive, the drive has a pumping device that pumps a hydraulic fluid, in particular a hydraulic oil, with Pressure is applied and the pressure sets a mechanical coupling element in motion so that a mechanical force is transmitted to the tool head. For example, the hydraulic fluid can be pumped into a pressure cylinder and drive a movable piston that transmits the force to the tool head. Alternatively, the fluid can be pumped into a hydraulic motor and generate a torque that is transmitted to the tool head via the coupling element. The pumping device can in particular be an electrically driven hydraulic pump (e.g. an axial piston pump). In a pneumatic drive, a gas is compressed using a compressor and the force generated by the gas pressure is transmitted to the tool head via the mechanical coupling element. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the pump or compressor not to be part of the drive unit and for the pressurised medium to be supplied to and discharged from the drive unit from outside. In the case of an electric drive, the drive unit comprises in particular an electric motor and a gear unit, wherein the force generated by the electric motor is transmitted via the gear unit to the mechanical coupling element and thus to the tool head.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting element has a locking mechanism, in particular a bayonet lock. The lock consists in particular of a male connecting element and a complementarily shaped female connecting element, wherein the female connecting element can be designed, for example, as a bushing that receives the male, for example cylindrical, connecting element. Preferably, the connecting element of the drive unit is the female connecting element, while the tool head has a corresponding male connecting element. An arrangement is also conceivable in which the drive unit has the male connecting element and the tool head has the female connecting element. The male connecting element has, in particular, at least one projection, for example a pin, which slides into a recess in the female connecting element when the tool head is attached or locked. The recess is, in particular, an L-shaped slot with a longitudinal slot, at the end of which a short, substantially rectangular or obliquely extending transverse slot adjoins. The transverse slot preferably has, in turn, a short transverse segment at its end, which forms a "serif" of the L-shaped recess. The projection of the male connecting element first slides into the longitudinal slot when placed, then rotates into the transverse slot and finally engages in the serif, where it is held in position by a spring, for example, so that it cannot slip out, or can only be removed with targeted force. A relatively simple, robust mechanism creates a stable, detachable connection between the drive unit and the tool head.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the connecting element is configured to engage upon reaching a desired position of the attached tool head, or the connecting element has a sensor or a contact element, in particular a switch, for detecting the desired position of the tool head. In particular, the tool head is brought into the desired position by rotation. A possible locking mechanism is, in particular, the bayonet lock described above with the serif-shaped transverse segment into which the projection of the male connecting element engages. However, other locking mechanisms are also conceivable here, in which one or more projections engage in recesses and are held in position, in particular, by an elastic element such as a spring. The desired position of the tool head can be detected, for example, via the position of the locking element, via a sensor, a switch, or via an appropriately arranged electrically conductive element that closes a circuit upon reaching the desired position.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the controller is configured to detect a positioning of the attached tool head via the connecting element and/or the interface, and in particular to detect an incorrect position or a target position of the tool head. The controller can, for example, indicate the presence of an incorrect position or the target position with an optical or acoustic signal.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool head is configured to execute a movement for pressing, cutting, and/or bending workpieces. In particular, the tool head can be configured to accommodate a tool insert with which a workpiece that can be gripped by the tool insert or attached to the tool insert can be separated and/or deformed. It is possible for the tool system to have a plurality of tool inserts and for a tool head to be compatible with multiple tool inserts. The tool system can be, for example, a pressing tool system and the tool insert a pressing insert (press jaw). The interface or another interface of the tool system can be used to identify an identifier of the tool insert and to select an operating mode of the drive depending on the identifier of the tool head and the identifier of the tool insert.

The drive unit preferably has an energy storage unit, in particular a lithium-ion battery. This allows the tool system according to the invention to be operated without a power cable or any other connection to an external energy source.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive unit comprises an electronic data storage device (in particular a memory card, e.g., an SD card) and/or is configured to transmit data via the interface or another interface to an external data processing device (in particular, a PC, notebook, tablet, or smartphone). The internal or external data storage device can be used, in particular, to log the tool head used, the operating mode, the workpieces machined, and/or the work cycle performed in a log file. In this way, the work steps performed can be traced and/or further processed using suitable software. In particular, it is possible to graphically display the work cycle on the external data processing device. Data transmission to the external device can, for example, be wired (e.g., USB cable) or wireless (Bluetooth, WLAN).

A further subject matter of the present invention relates to a drive unit comprising a drive, a controller, a connecting element and an interface, wherein the connecting element is configured to releasably lock a tool head that can be placed on the drive unit in a form-fitting manner, wherein the drive is configured to transmit a mechanical force to the locked tool head, wherein the controller is configured to identify an identifier of the tool head via the interface and to select an operating mode of the drive from a plurality of operating modes depending on the identified identifier.

A further subject matter of the present invention relates to a tool head which can be placed on an embodiment of the drive unit according to the invention, wherein the tool head is configured to interact with the connecting element of the drive unit in such a way that the tool head placed on the drive unit can be releasably locked in a form-fitting manner.

The drive unit according to the invention and the tool head according to the invention offer the same design possibilities and advantages as those described with respect to the tool system according to the invention. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the tool head according to the invention, the tool head has an identifier that can be transmitted via an interface of the drive unit is identifiable. Furthermore, it is provided in particular that the identifier is in the form of an optically recognizable print or label or an optically recognizable surface and that the detection or capture of the identifier is carried out by optical detection of the identifier, in particular by optical detection of a color or a plurality of colors or a plurality of arranged colored areas, wherein in particular for the detection or capture of the identifier, the area of the identifier is irradiated or illuminated with appropriate electromagnetic radiation.

Further advantageous features of the invention are contained in the following description of the figures.

Short description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Werkzeugsystems mit einer Antriebseinheit und einem ersten Werkzeugkopf,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Perspektivansicht des Ausführungsbeispiels, in der der erste Werkzeugkopf auf die Antriebseinheit aufgesetzt ist,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Perspektivansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels des erfindungsgemäßen Werkzeugsystems mit der Antriebseinheit und einem zweiten Werkzeugkopf.

Fig. 4

eine schematische Perspektivansicht des Ausführungsbeispiels, in der der zweite Werkzeugkopf auf die Antriebseinheit aufgesetzt ist,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Perspektivansicht der Antriebseinheit ohne Stößel,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Perspektivansicht der Antriebseinheit mit Stößel.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings.

Fig. 1

a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the tool system according to the invention with a drive unit and a first tool head,

Fig. 2

a schematic perspective view of the embodiment in which the first tool head is mounted on the drive unit,

Fig. 3

a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the tool system according to the invention with the drive unit and a second tool head.

Fig. 4

a schematic perspective view of the embodiment in which the second tool head is mounted on the drive unit,

Fig. 5

a schematic perspective view of the drive unit without tappet,

Fig. 6

a schematic perspective view of the drive unit with tappet.

Embodiments of the invention

The Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the tool system 1 according to the invention, which in this case is designed as a battery-hydraulic Press tool system is designed. The tool system 1 consists of the drive unit 2 (only partially shown here), onto which the tool head 3 can be placed. The tool head 3 in turn has a receptacle 11, which can accommodate a tool insert (not shown), in particular a pressing jaw. The tool insert can be mechanically locked with the locking device 12, so that the pressing jaw is firmly connected to the tool head 3. Depending on the desired pressing force, various tool heads 3 can be placed on the drive unit. Figure 1 The tool head 3 shown is designed for a nominal force of 19 kN, while the tool head 3 from the Figures 3 and 4 is designed for a nominal force of 32 kN. The two tool heads also differ in various other dimensions, such as maximum stroke, pressing time, and the maximum nominal diameter of the joining material to be processed.

In order to fix the tool head 3 to the drive unit 2, the drive unit 2 has a connecting element 4, which is designed here as a cylindrical bushing 4 provided with recesses 7, 7', which receives the cylindrical end of the tool head 3 and locks it in place by a bayonet lock 6. The recesses 7, 7' are each L-shaped and consist of a longitudinal slot, at the end of which a short, essentially rectangular or oblique transverse slot is connected. The transverse slot, in turn, has a short transverse segment 14, 14' at its end (cf. Figures 5 and 6 ), which forms the "serif" of the L-shaped recess 7, 7'. During installation, the tool head 3 is inserted into the socket 4, with a pin-shaped projection 8 sliding into the longitudinal slot. By rotating the tool head 3, the projection 8 then moves into the transverse slot and finally engages in the serif 14, 14', where it can be held in position, for example, by a spring, so that the tool head 3 is fixed in its desired position. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting element 4 has two L-shaped slots 7, 7', which interact with the two pins 6 (only one of which is visible in the illustration). The connecting element 4 also has a limit switch or sensor 9, via which the drive unit 2 detects the position of the tool head 3 and, in particular, detects correct positioning (or incorrect positioning).

For the transmission of power between the drive unit 2 and the tool head 3, a hydraulic drive in the form of a ram 10' (cf. Figure 5 ) mechanical coupling element is set in motion, which transmits the force generated by the hydraulics to the tool head 3 through mechanical contact. In the Figures 1 to 4 and 6 For better visibility, the tool system 1 is without the ram 10' shown and only the opening 10 is visible through which the plunger 10' protrudes from the drive unit 2.

According to the invention, the drive unit 2 has an interface 5, which here is designed as a sensor arranged on the bottom surface of the connecting socket 4. An identifier of the tool head 3 is identified via the interface 5, and the operating mode of the drive is set via a control of the drive unit depending on this identifier. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, it is possible for the specific operating parameters (nominal force, maximum stroke, pressing time, etc.) of the tool head 3 to be automatically selected when the tool head 3 is placed and/or locked, without the user having to make manual settings. In this way, not only is operating comfort increased and the use of the tool system 1 more effective, but setting an incorrect operating mode is also advantageously prevented.

The interface 5 can be, for example, an optical or acoustic sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or a current sensor. The tool head 3 has a corresponding recognition feature or a signal generator by means of which the identifier can be identified. This can be, for example, an optical or mechanical code that is read or scanned by the sensor 5. The identifier can also be encoded by an electrical resistor or a magnetic, capacitive, or inductive element, wherein the identifier is read out via an electrical contact between the drive unit 2 and the tool head 3. According to the invention, it is particularly preferred that the identifier of the tool head 3 be in the form of an optically recognizable print or label or an optically recognizable surface. The detection or capture of the identifier is preferably carried out by optical detection of the identifier, according to the invention by optical detection of a color (or the one color of the print or label) (in particular from a plurality or multiplicity of distinguishable colors) or a plurality of colors or a plurality of arranged colored areas (for example, two colored areas arranged next to one another or two concentrically arranged circular (or ring-shaped) colored areas), wherein, in particular, for the detection or capture of the identifier, irradiation or illumination of the area of the identifier with appropriate electromagnetic radiation (in the visible spectral range) is provided. For this purpose, the interface 5 or the sensor, in particular, has a lighting device or irradiation device (radiating or illuminating in the direction of the identifier) and a color sensor (sensitive in particular with respect to this direction).

When the identification is implemented in the form of an optically recognizable print or label, the respective identification of the tool head 3 (and thus of the tool head 3 itself) is optically detected, possibly also with simultaneous or prior irradiation or illumination of the area of the respective identification with corresponding electromagnetic radiation. For this purpose, in particular visible light (i.e. a wavelength range from approx. 380 nm to approx. 750 nm) or infrared radiation (i.e. a wavelength range from approx. 750 nm to approx. 3 µm or up to approx. 50 µm, in particular IR-A (approx. 780 to approx. 1400 nm), IR-B (approx. 1400 nm to approx. 3 µm) or IR-C (approx. 3 µm to approx. 50 µm)) or ultraviolet radiation (i.e. a wavelength range from approx. 100 nm to approx. 380 nm, in particular UV-A (approx. 315 to approx. 380 nm), UV-B (approx. 280 nm to approx. 315 nm) or UV-C (approx. 100 nm to approx. 280 nm)). The identification of a tool head 3 is implemented in particular in the form of an imprint on a suitable surface or a suitable surface area, for example in the form of a barcode or bar code or as a multidimensional optical code, in particular as a QR code. Alternatively or in addition to an optically readable identifier (or an identifier with optically readable identification information), it is also possible and preferred according to the invention for the identifier to be provided in the form of an electromagnetically readable transponder element or RFID tag element.

In the Figure 2 the tool system 1 is shown in the assembled state. The tool head 3 is placed on the drive unit 2 and locked in its target position via the bayonet lock 6. In the target position, in particular, the switch 9 of the connecting element 4 is activated so that the control of the drive unit 2 detects the correct positioning of the tool head 3. In the attached or locked state, the mechanical coupling element (the plunger 10') of the drive unit 2 is in mechanical contact with the moving parts of the tool head 3 and can thus transmit the force generated by the drive to the tool head 3. If the identification of the tool head 3 is in particular an optical or mechanical coding, the sensor 5 of the drive unit 2 and the coding are preferably arranged such that they lie opposite one another in the target position of the tool head 3, so that the identification of the identifier only takes place when the tool head 3 is correctly positioned.

In Figure 3 The embodiment of the tool system 1 according to the invention is shown with a second tool head 3. The second tool head 3 is designed for a nominal force of 32 kN and differs from the one shown in the Figures 1 and 2 shown tool head 3 additionally in various other operating sizes, such as maximum stroke, Pressing time and the maximum nominal diameter of the connecting material to be processed. The fitting and locking takes place in the Figure 1 described manner. The tool head 3 has two pin-shaped projections 5 for connection to the socket 4 (only one of the two is visible in the illustration), which together with the L-shaped slots 7, 7' form the bayonet lock. The second tool head 3 also has a receptacle 11 that can accommodate a tool insert (not shown). The tool insert can be mechanically locked with the locking device 12, so that the tool insert is firmly connected to the tool head 3.

The identification of the tool head 3 is automatically detected by the sensor 5 when it is placed or locked, and the operating mode of the drive is selected accordingly via the control of the drive unit 2. In this case, the values compared to the first tool head 3 from the Figures 1 and 2 changed operating parameters are automatically taken into account without the need for manual adjustment by the user.

The drive unit 2 of the tool system 1 can additionally have a data storage device (e.g., an SD card) and/or a data interface with which data can be transferred to an external data processing device (in particular, a PC, notebook, tablet, or smartphone). In this way, the tool heads 3 used, the operating modes, the machined workpieces, and/or the completed work cycle can be logged in a log file or displayed graphically. This enables tracking of the completed work steps and allocation or documentation of the tools and materials used. Data transmission can be carried out, for example, via a cable (e.g., USB cable) or wirelessly (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).

In the Figure 4 The tool system 1 is shown with the second tool head 3 in the assembled state. The tool head 3 is mounted on the drive unit 2 and locked in its target position via the bayonet lock 6. When mounted (and correctly positioned), the control system of the drive unit 2 identifies the identifier of the tool head 3 and automatically sets the operating mode tailored to the identifier or the tool head 3.

The Figures 5 and 6 are each a detailed view of the drive unit 2. The connecting element 4 of the drive unit 2 is formed by a cylindrical bushing 4 provided with recesses 7, 7', which receives the cylindrical end of the tool head 3 and locks it in place by the bayonet lock 6. The recesses 7, 7' are each L-shaped and consist of a longitudinal slot, at the end of which a short, essentially rectangular or oblique transverse slot adjoins. The transverse slot, in turn, has a short transverse segment 14, 14' at its end. which forms the serif of the L-shaped recess. During installation, the tool head 3 is inserted into the socket 4, whereby a pin-shaped projection 8 of the tool head 3 slides into the longitudinal slot. By rotating the tool head 3, the projection 8 then moves into the transverse slot and finally engages in the serif 14, where it can be held in position, for example by a spring, so that the tool head 3 is fixed in its desired position. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting element 4 has two L-shaped slots 7, 7', which interact with two pins 6 of the tool head 3.

For the transmission of force between the drive unit 2 and the tool head 3, a mechanical coupling element in the form of a ram 10 is set in motion by a hydraulic drive, which transmits the force generated by the hydraulics to the tool head 3 through mechanical contact. Figure 6 the drive unit 2 is shown without the plunger 10', so that only the opening 10 is visible, through which the plunger 10' protrudes from the drive unit 2. In the Figure 5 The ram 10' is depicted along with its longitudinal direction of movement 13. The direction of movement 13 runs in particular in the axial direction of the tool head 3, i.e., in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The force generated by the drive is transmitted to the tool head 3 through mechanical contact via the ram 10'.

REFERENCE SYMBOL

1

tool system

2

drive unit

3

tool head

4

connecting element

5

Interface/Sensor

6

locking mechanism

7

recess

7'

further recess

8

projection

9

Limit switch/sensor

10

Opening for plunger

10'

Tappet for power transmission

11

Holder for tools

12

Locking

13

Direction of movement

14

Cross slot

14'

Cross slot

Claims (11)

1. Tool system (1) having a drive unit (2) and having at least one tool head (3) which is able to be mounted onto the drive unit (2), characterized in that the drive unit (2) has a drive, a controller, a connecting element (4) and has an interface (5), wherein the connecting element (4) is configured to arrest in a releasably form-fitting manner the tool head (3) mounted onto the drive unit (2), wherein the drive is configured to transmit a mechanical force to the arrested tool head (3), wherein the controller is configured to identify an identifier of the tool head (3) via the interface (5) and, according to the identified identifier, to select an operating mode of the drive from a plurality of operating modes, characterized in that
   the interface (5) has an optical sensor for colour detection, wherein the acquisition or detection of the identifier is realized by optical detection of a colour or a plurality of colours or a plurality of arranged colour areas.
2. Tool system (1) according to Claim 1, wherein the operating mode specifies an amplitude of the mechanical force transmitted to the tool head (3) and/or an amplitude of a movement of the tool head (3) and/or specifies a temporal profile of the mechanical force and/or of the movement of the tool head (3).
3. Tool system (1) according to either of the preceding claims, wherein the drive is a hydraulic, pneumatic or electrical drive.
4. Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (4) has a closure mechanism (6), in particular a bayonet closure.
5. Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (4) is configured to latch into place when a target position of the mounted tool head (3) is reached, or the connecting element (4) has a sensor (9) or a contact element (9), in particular a switch, for detecting the target position of the tool head (3).
6. Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to detect positioning of the mounted tool head (3), and in particular to detect a misalignment or a target position of the tool head (3), via the connecting element (4) and/or the interface (4).
7. Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool head (3) is configured to carry out a movement for pressing, cutting and/or bending workpieces.
8. Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (2) has an energy-storage unit, in particular a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
9. Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (2) has an electronic data memory and/or is configured to transmit data via the interface or a further interface to an external dataprocessing device.
10. Drive unit (2), characterized in that the drive unit (2) has a drive, a controller, a connecting element (4) and an interface (5), wherein the connecting element (4) is configured to arrest in a releasably form-fitting manner a tool head (3) able to be mounted onto the drive unit (2), wherein the drive is configured to transmit a mechanical force to the arrested tool head (3), wherein the controller is configured to identify an identifier of the tool head (3) via the interface (5) and, according to the identified identifier, to select an operating mode of the drive from a plurality of operating modes, characterized in that
    the interface (5) has an optical sensor for colour detection, wherein the acquisition or detection of the identifier is realized by optical detection of a colour or a plurality of colours or a plurality of arranged colour areas.
11. Tool head (3), characterized in that the tool head (3) is able to be mounted onto a drive unit (2) according to Claim 10, wherein the tool head (3) is configured to interact with the connecting element (4) of the drive unit (2) in such a way that the tool head (3) mounted onto the drive unit (2) is arrestable in a releasably form-fitting manner, and has an identifier which is identifiable via an interface (5) of the drive unit (2).

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