Hand-held connector milling machine and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a hand-held connector milling machine (10, 20) for producing a recess (1) in a workpiece (2), the recess (1) having a connector bore (45) for at least partially receiving a connector (53). The connector milling machine (10, 20) comprises: an electrical positioning device (26) designed to move the milling tool (17) relative to the contact structure (8) along at least two, in particular linear, degrees of freedom of positioning (31, 32, 33); and an electronic control unit (37) which is designed to control the electrical positioning device (26) as a function of movement information, such that the electrical positioning device (26) brings the milling tool (17) into a movement sequence defined by the movement information along at least two of the positioning degrees of freedom (31, 32, 33), at the same time, the milling tool (17) performs the rotary removal movement in order to produce a recess (1) having a predetermined recess geometry and having the connector bore (45).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a hand-held connector milling machine for producing a recess in a workpiece, wherein the recess has a connector hole for at least partially receiving a connector. The connector milling machine is, for example, a pin milling machine, in particular a flat pin milling machine. The connector hole is, in particular, a pin hole for inserting a pin, in particular a flat pin or a round pin. The connector hole is, for example, an elongated hole. The connector milling machine comprises a handle for gripping the connector milling machine and for positioning the connector milling machine relative to the workpiece. Summary of the invention

[0002] The object of the present invention is to provide a connector milling machine which is flexible in use.

[0003] This object is achieved by a connector milling machine according to claim 1 .

[0004] The connector milling machine includes: a contact device having a contact structure, which is used to keep the connector milling machine in fixed contact with the workpiece during the manufacture of the recess; a milling tool; an electric drive device, which is designed to put the milling tool in a rotational removal motion; an electric positioning device, which is designed to move the milling tool relative to the contact structure along at least two, in particular linear, positioning degrees of freedom; and an electronic control unit, which is designed to control the electric positioning device based on motion information, so that the electric positioning device puts the milling tool in a motion sequence defined by the motion information along at least two positioning degrees of freedom, while the milling tool performs a rotational removal motion to manufacture a recess with a predetermined recess geometry and a connector hole.

[0005] The recess geometry is predetermined, in particular, by the movement sequence, preferably at least with respect to at least two positioning degrees of freedom.

[0006] In the connector milling machine described, the recess geometry of the recess to be manufactured is determined by the motion information. The recess comprises a connector hole and can preferably consist only of the connector hole. In addition to the connector hole, the recess can also include one or more further recesses, for example access holes leading to the connector hole. The motion information in particular determines the connector hole geometry of the connector hole to be manufactured. The connector milling machine is in particular a (handheld) CNC machine and can also be referred to as a (handheld) CNC milling device. With the aid of the correspondingly matched motion information, the recess geometry of the recess to be manufactured can be matched in a simple manner, in particular in such a way that different recesses, in particular different connector holes (for example for different connectors), can be manufactured by the connector milling machine.

[0007] Advantageous further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0008] The invention also relates to a method for operating a handheld connector milling machine, comprising the following steps: - positioning the connector router on the workpiece so that the connector router rests fixedly with the contact structure on the workpiece during the production of the recess, - controlling the electric positioning device based on the movement information so that the electric positioning device places the milling tool in a movement sequence while the milling tool performs a rotary removal movement in order to produce a recess having a recess geometry predetermined by the movement sequence and including a connector hole.

[0009] The method is advantageously designed according to the described embodiment of the handheld connector router. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Further exemplary details and exemplary embodiments are explained below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handheld connector milling machine according to a first embodiment; Figure 2 is another perspective view of the handheld connector milling machine, wherein the driving mechanism and the positioning device located in the housing are shown by dotted lines; Figure 3 The structure consisting of a driving mechanism, a positioning device and a milling cutter of a handheld connector milling machine is shown; Figure 4 is a schematic top cross-sectional view of a connector milling machine; Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a connector router, wherein the connector router is placed on a workpiece; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a handheld connector milling machine according to a second embodiment; Figure 7 is another perspective view of the connector milling machine according to the second embodiment; Figure 8 is a bottom cross-sectional view of a connector milling machine according to a second embodiment; Fig. 9 is a side cross-sectional view of a connector milling machine according to a second embodiment; Fig.10 is an exploded view of a workpiece assembly having two workpieces, a rotary connector, and two flat pins; Fig.11 is an exploded view of a workpiece assembly having two workpieces, a rotary connector, and two circular pins; Fig.12 is an exploded view of a workpiece assembly having two workpieces and a kinematic connector; Fig.13 shows the workpiece assembly in an assembled state; Fig.14 is a three-dimensional cross-sectional view of a workpiece assembly in an assembled state, wherein the cross-sectional view passes through Fig.13 Section X is shown, and the connector is not shown; Fig.15 is a side sectional view; Fig.16 is a detailed cross-sectional view showing the connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] In the following description, reference is made to three spatial directions x-direction, y-direction and z-direction oriented orthogonally to one another. The x-direction shall also be referred to as width direction x, the y-direction shall be referred to as transverse direction y and the z-direction shall be referred to as depth direction z. These directions are associated with the connector milling machine 10 and, accordingly, rotate with the connector milling machine 10 when the connector milling machine 10 rotates. The depth direction z advantageously extends in the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotary removal movement of the milling tool 17 of the connector milling machine 10. The width direction x and the transverse direction y each extend orthogonally to the axis of rotation of the rotary removal movement.

[0013] Figure 1 An exemplary design of a handheld connector milling machine 10 according to a first embodiment is shown. The connector milling machine 10 is used to produce a recess 1 in a workpiece 2 (see for example Figure 4 ). The recess 1 has a connector hole 45 for at least partially receiving the connector 53 auf. The term "handheld connector milling machine" particularly means that the entire connector milling machine is manually held by a user during the production of the recess 1. The connector milling machine 10 is particularly sized and / or designed so that the entire connector milling machine 10 can be manually carried by one person. For example, the weight of the connector milling machine 10 is less than 20 kg or less than 15 kg or less than 10 kg or less than 5 kg.

[0014] The connector milling machine 10 comprises a housing 3, which is in particular an outer housing of the connector milling machine 10. The housing 3 has a basic shape of, for example, a cuboid.

[0015] The connector milling machine 10 includes a handle 4, which is arranged, for example, on a first side 5 of the connector milling machine 10. The first side 5 may also be referred to as a handle side and is, for example, oriented orthogonally to the transverse direction y. The first side 5 is formed, for example, by a wall of the housing 3. The handle 4 is used to hold the connector milling machine 10 and to position the connector milling machine 10 relative to the workpiece 2. As an example, the handle 4 is designed in an arch shape. For example, the handle 4 is oriented with its longitudinal axis parallel to the width direction x. Alternatively, the handle 4 can be oriented with its longitudinal axis parallel to the depth direction z. In addition, the handle can also be designed in other ways. The handle 4 is preferably designed as an integral part of the housing 3.

[0016] The extension length of the housing 3 in the width direction x (especially when all handles of the connector router 10 are not taken into account) is preferably greater than the extension length of the housing 3 in the depth direction z (especially when all handles of the connector router 10 are not taken into account). Preferably, when all handles of the connector router 10 are not taken into account, the extension length of the connector router 10 in the width direction x is greater than the extension length in the depth direction z.

[0017] The connector milling machine 10 comprises a contact device 6, which is present, for example, on a second side 7 of the connector milling machine 10. The second side 7 can also be referred to as a contact side and is oriented, for example, perpendicular to the depth direction z. The contact device 6 has a contact structure 8 for fixedly contacting the connector milling machine 10 and the workpiece 2 during the production of the recess 1. The exemplary contact structure comprises a first structure section 9 and a second structure section 11. As an example, the second structure section 11 adjoins the first structure section 9 in the transverse direction y. The first structure section 9 and the second structure section 11 are used to simultaneously and fixedly contact the workpiece 2 during the production of the recess 1. The first structure section 9 defines a first contact plane, and the second structure section 11 defines a second contact plane. For example, the first structure section 9 has a first contact surface that defines the first contact plane, and / or the second structure section 11 has a second contact surface that defines the second contact plane. During the production of the recess 1, in particular during the entire production of the recess 1, the connector milling machine 10 advantageously inserts the contact structure 8, insbesondere with the first contact plane and the second contact plane simultaneously against the workpiece 2. The first contact plane is oriented, for example, orthogonally to the depth direction z and is preferably permanently fixed in this direction, in particular in such a way that the direction of the first contact plane cannot be changed.

[0018] The second structural section 11 is pivotably mounted relative to the first structural section 9, in particular about a (virtual) pivot axis 15, which is preferably oriented parallel to the x-axis. The second structural section 11 is preferably pivotable about a pivot axis 15, which is oriented orthogonally to the axis of rotation of the removal movement of the milling tool 17 of the connector milling machine 10. The pivot axis 15 is located, for example, in the transverse direction y between the first structural section 9 and the second structural section 11. For example, the contact device 6 has a pivot bearing defining the pivot axis 15.

[0019] The second structural section 11 can be fixed in a plurality of different pivot positions relative to the first structural section 9 in order to set a fixed angle 12 between the first contact plane and the second contact plane, which is particularly adapted to the workpiece 2 (see for example Figure 5). The angle 12 lies in particular in the zy plane. By pivoting the second structural section 11 relative to the first structural section 9 (about the pivot axis 15), the second contact plane can be pivoted relative to the first contact plane (and in particular relative to the depth direction z). The connector milling machine 10 preferably has a fixing mechanism, by which the second structural section 11 can be fixed relative to the first structural section 9 in each of a plurality of different pivot positions, for example by force fit and / or form fit. For example, the fixing mechanism has at least one structural section guide component 41, which is preferably designed as a guide connecting rod. By way of example, the at least one structural section guide component 41 is fixed to the second structural section 11 and pivots together with it about the pivot axis 15. Preferably, the at least one structural section guide component 41 defines the pivot axis 15 or contributes to defining the pivot axis 15. The at least one structural section guide component 41 can be regarded as part of a pivot bearing in particular. The fixing mechanism preferably has an operating element 42, which is designed as a lever by way of example, and by means of which the second structural section 11 can be fixed in its current pivot position relative to the first structural section 9, for example by force fit and / or form fit, in particular, by means of the operating element 42, at least one structural section guide component 41 is fixed in its current pivot position relative to the first structural section 9, for example by force fit and / or form fit.

[0020] The second structural section 11 can be pivoted in particular to a first pivot position in which the second contact plane is advantageously located in the same plane as the first contact plane. In the first pivot position, the angle 12 is in particular 180 degrees. In the first pivot position, the second structural section 11 is oriented perpendicularly to the depth direction z (see for example Figure 1 ). Preferably, the first pivot position is an end position of the second structural section 11. Starting from the first pivot position, the second structural section 11 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 15 in order to reduce the angle 12, in particular at least to an angle 12 of 90 degrees or less. The second structural section 11 can be moved in particular to a second pivot position in which the angle 12 is less than 180 degrees, for example 90 degrees or less.

[0021] For example, the first structural section 9 and / or the second structural section 11 are of plate-like design. The contact device 6 can also be referred to as a contact table. The first structural section 9 exemplarily includes a first contact portion 13 and a second contact portion 14 that are particularly designed in a floor-like manner and / or are arranged spaced apart from each other. The first contact portion 13 and the second contact portion 14 together define a first contact plane, and advantageously both are simultaneously placed against the workpiece 2 when the recess is produced.

[0022] For example, the contact device 6 has a first contact projection 19 and / or a second contact projection 21, which are arranged, for example, on the first structural section 11, in particular on the first contact portion 13 and the second contact portion 14, and preferably extend from the first structural section 1 in the depth direction z. When producing the recess 1, the connector milling machine 10 can advantageously abut against at least one of the contact projections 19, 21 in a direction orthogonal to the depth direction z. The contact projections 19, 21 are advantageously mounted movably relative to the first contact plane and can in particular be in a retracted state, in which the contact projections 19, 21 advantageously do not protrude from the first contact plane, and / or in an extended state, in which the contact projections 19, 21 advantageously protrude from the first contact plane.

[0023] The contact structure 8 preferably has an opening 16. For example, the opening 16 is located between the two contact parts 13, 14 in the width direction x. For example, a milling tool 17 extends through the opening 16 from an inner cavity 18 (especially surrounded by the housing 3) to the outside of the connector milling machine 10, especially the housing 3. The milling tool 17 can be positioned in the opening 16 by an electrical positioning device 18 of the connector milling machine 10, especially along at least two positioning degrees of freedom 31, 32, 33. The opening 16 has, for example, an elongated and / or rectangular cross section. The opening 16 is oriented with its opening plane orthogonally to the depth direction z.

[0024] The opening 16 preferably extends over the first structural section 9 and the second structural section 11. The opening 16 is advantageously present in the first structural section 9 (for example between the first contact portion 13 and the second contact portion 14) and extends from there (for example in the transverse direction y) into the second structural section 12. For example, the opening 16 is cut by the (imaginary) pivot axis 15. For example, the pivot axis 15 intersects the movement range, in particular the xy movement range or the xyz movement range, of the milling tool 17. The movement range is formed by at least two or three positioning degrees of freedom 31, 32, 33 provided by the positioning device 18. For example, the movement range is a plane, in particular the xy plane, or a volume, in particular the xyz volume, in which the milling tool 17 can be positioned by the positioning device 18.

[0025] By way of example, the opening 16 extends (in particular in the negative transverse direction y) to a first structure segment edge 23 of the first structure segment 9 facing away from the second structure segment 11 and advantageously opens in the negative transverse direction y at this edge 23. According to an alternative design, the opening 16 does not extend to the first structure segment edge 23, so that in particular a web-like section extends below the opening 16 in the negative transverse direction y from the first contact portion 13 to the second contact portion 14.

[0026] By way of example, the connector milling machine 10 comprises a contact structure handle 22 arranged on the second structural section 11, by means of which the second structural section 11 can advantageously be pivoted relative to the first structural section 9. By way of example, the contact structure handle 22 is designed in the shape of a knob. In addition, the contact structure handle can be designed in the shape of an arch. For example, a user can hold the handle 4 of the connector milling machine 10 with one hand and the contact structure handle 22 with the other hand. Preferably, the contact structure handle 22 is oriented with its handle axis parallel to the width direction x. The (imaginary) axis of the contact structure handle 22, which the user holds when (in particular as specified) holding the contact structure handle 22, should be referred to as the handle axis.

[0027] The connector milling machine 10 includes a milling tool 17, which is particularly designed as a slot milling tool, preferably as a T-slot milling tool. The milling tool 17 is particularly designed as an undercut milling tool. An undercut milling tool refers to a milling tool that can be used to manufacture a recess 1 with an undercut, in particular a connector hole 45, in particular an undercut that acts in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the removal movement. The milling tool 17 can be designed as an internal circle milling tool, for example. In addition, the milling tool 17 can be designed as a drill or a drill milling tool, in particular if the recess 1 to be manufactured, in particular the connector hole 45, does not have an undercut. The milling tool 17 has, for example, a shank section 24 and a milling head 25 arranged at one end of the shank section 24. For example, the shank section 24 is oriented in the depth direction z with its longitudinal axis.

[0028] The connector milling machine 10 has an electric drive 27, which is designed to put the milling tool 17 into a rotary removal movement. The axis of rotation of the rotary removal movement is advantageously oriented in the depth direction z. The electric drive mechanism 27 comprises, for example, an electric motor 28, in order to put the milling tool 17 into a rotary removal movement. The drive mechanism 27 advantageously has a tool interface 29, to which the milling tool 17 is attached. For example, the tool interface 29 has an external thread, and the milling tool 17 has an internal thread, with which the milling tool 17 is screwed onto the external thread. The external thread is preferably arranged on the spindle 49 of the drive mechanism 27.

[0029] The connector milling machine 10 has an electrical positioning device 26, which is designed to move the milling tool 17 relative to the contact structure 8 along at least two, in particular linear, positioning degrees of freedom 31, 32, 33. If degrees of freedom are mentioned, this should always be referred to as the degrees of freedom of the electrical positioning device 26. In particular, the positioning degrees of freedom 31, 32, 33 are degrees of freedom along which a position indicated by an electronic control unit 37 of the connector milling machine 10 can be approached by means of the electrical positioning device 26. In particular, positioning can be performed by means of the positioning device 26 along the positioning degrees of freedom 31, 32, 33 according to a (in particular arbitrary) target position specified by the control unit 37. The target position advantageously defines a corresponding target position value for each positioning degree of freedom 31, 32, 33.

[0030] The positioning device 26 is preferably designed to move the milling tool relative to the contact structure 8 along three, in particular linear, positioning degrees of freedom 31, 32, 33, wherein the three positioning degrees of freedom 31, 32, 33 are preferably oriented orthogonally to one another. Preferably, one of the positioning degrees of freedom, in particular the first positioning degree of freedom 31, extends orthogonally to the axis of rotation of the removal movement and / or parallel to a contact plane, in particular the first contact plane, defined by the contact structure 8. In particular, the first positioning degree of freedom 31 extends in the width direction x. Preferably, one of the positioning degrees of freedom, in particular the second positioning degree of freedom 32, extends in the transverse direction y, i.e. in particular orthogonally to the first positioning degree of freedom 31 and / or the axis of rotation of the removal movement. Preferably, one of the positioning degrees of freedom, in particular the third positioning degree of freedom 33, extends in the axial direction of the axis of rotation of the removal movement and / or extends orthogonally to the first contact plane. In particular, the third positioning degree of freedom 33 extends in the depth direction z.

[0031] By way of example, the positioning device 26 has three linear axes oriented orthogonally to each other to provide positioning degrees of freedom 31, 32, 33. The positioning device 26 preferably has three linear drives 34A, 34B, 34C, which are particularly used to provide three linear axes. Each linear drive 34A, 34B, 34C advantageously has a corresponding motor. The three linear drives 34A, 34B, 34C include a first linear drive 34A, a second linear drive 34B and a third linear drive 34C.

[0032] The first linear drive 34A has a first guide part 35A, in particular a first guide rail, which is oriented with its longitudinal axis, for example, in the width direction x. The first linear drive 34A has a first drive part 36A, in particular a first slide, mounted on the first guide part 35A, which can be electrically driven by the first linear drive 34A relative to the first guide part 35A along the first positioning freedom 31. The first slide preferably encloses the first guide rail and is in particular held thereon in a form-fitting manner, so that the first slide can advantageously only be moved in the direction of the first positioning freedom 31. For example, the first guide rail has an X-shaped profile, which is enclosed on three sides by the first slide.

[0033] The second linear drive 34B has a second guide part 35B, in particular a second guide rail, which is oriented with its longitudinal axis, for example, in the transverse direction y. The second linear drive 34B has a second drive part 36B, in particular a second slide, mounted on the second guide part 35B, which can be electrically driven by the second linear drive 34B relative to the second guide part 35B along the second positioning freedom 32. The second slide preferably encloses the second guide rail and is held thereon in a form-fitting manner, so that the second slide can advantageously only be moved in the direction of the second positioning freedom 32. For example, the second guide rail has an X-shaped profile, which is enclosed on three sides by the second slide.

[0034] The third linear drive 34C has a third guide element 35C, in particular a third guide rail, which is oriented with its longitudinal axis, for example, in the depth direction z. The third linear drive 34C has a third drive element 36C, in particular a third slide, mounted on the third guide element 35C, which can be electrically driven by the third linear drive relative to the third guide element 35C along the third degree of freedom of positioning 33. The third slide preferably encloses the third guide rail and is in particular held thereon in a form-fitting manner, so that the third slide can advantageously only be moved in the direction of the third degree of freedom of positioning 33. For example, the third guide rail has an X-shaped profile, which is enclosed on three sides by the third slide.

[0035] By way of example, the drive mechanism 27 is fixed to the third linear drive 34C, in particular to the third drive part 36C, so that the drive mechanism 27 (and thus the milling tool 17) can be positioned by the third linear drive 34C along the third positioning freedom 33. By way of example, the third linear drive 34C (in particular with the third guide part 35C) is fixed to the second linear drive 34B, in particular to the second drive part 36B, so that the third linear drive (and thus the drive mechanism 27 with the milling tool 17) can be positioned by the second linear drive 34B along the second positioning freedom 33. By way of example, the second linear drive 34B (in particular with the first guide part 35A) is fixed to the first linear drive 34A, in particular to the first drive part 36A, so that the second linear drive 34B (and thus the third linear drive 34B and the drive mechanism 27 with the milling tool 17) can be positioned by the first linear drive 34A along the first positioning freedom 31.

[0036] By way of example, the first linear drive 34A, in particular the first guide element 35A, is arranged internally on the contact side 7 of the connector router 10, in particular on a wall 51 of the connector router 10 assigned to the contact side 7. By way of example, the first linear drive 34A, in particular the first guide element 35A, is arranged further in the (positive) transverse direction y than the opening 16. In other words, the first linear drive 34A, in particular the first guide element 35A, is arranged, for example, in the transverse direction y between the opening 16 and the first side 5. In the direction of the connector router 10, the transverse direction y is oriented vertically and points upwards, in which direction the first linear drive 34A, in particular the first guide element 35A, is arranged above the opening 16. The connector router 10, in particular the housing 3, comprises a wall 51 assigned to the contact side 7, which is oriented, for example, perpendicularly to the depth direction z. The contact device 6 is arranged on the outside of the wall 51 (ie, for example, on the side oriented in the positive depth direction z), and the first linear drive 34A is arranged on the inside of the wall 51 (eg, on the side oriented in the negative depth direction z).

[0037] Preferably, the maximum movement stroke for positioning the milling tool 17 along the positioning freedom 31 extending in the width direction x is at least 1.3 cm, and / or the maximum movement stroke for positioning the milling tool along the positioning freedom 32 extending in the transverse direction y is at least 0.4 cm, and / or the maximum movement stroke for positioning the milling tool along the positioning freedom extending in the depth direction z is at least 1.1 cm.

[0038] Preferably, the maximum movement stroke of the milling tool 17 along the second positioning degree of freedom 32 is at least 20%, at least 50% or at least 70% of the maximum movement stroke of the milling tool 17 along the first positioning degree of freedom 32 .

[0039] According to a feasible design, the maximum movement stroke of the milling tool 17 along the first positioning degree of freedom 31 is at least 6 cm, and / or the maximum movement stroke of the milling tool 17 along the second positioning degree of freedom 32 is at least 5 cm, and / or the maximum movement stroke of the milling tool 17 along the third positioning degree of freedom 32 is at least 4 cm.

[0040] According to another feasible design, the maximum movement stroke of the milling tool 17 along the first positioning degree of freedom 31 is 7.6 cm, and / or the maximum movement stroke of the milling tool 17 along the second positioning degree of freedom 32 is 2.9 cm, and / or the maximum movement stroke of the milling tool 17 along the third positioning degree of freedom 32 is 4.5 cm.

[0041] The connector milling machine 10 comprises an electronic control unit 37, which comprises, for example, a microprocessor, in particular a microcontroller, and is preferably designed as a microcontroller. The control unit 37 is designed to control the electric positioning device 26 according to the movement information, so that the electric positioning device 26 places the milling tool 17 in a movement sequence defined by the movement information along at least two positioning degrees of freedom 31, 32, 33, while the milling tool 17 performs a rotational removal movement in order to produce a recess 1 with a predetermined recess geometry, which has a connector hole 45. The term "recess geometry" refers to the geometry of the recess 1 to be produced, preferably in each positioning degree of freedom 31, 32, 33, i.e. in particular the size and / or shape of the recess 1 to be produced, in particular the connector hole 45. The milling tool 17 preferably performs a rotational removal movement during at least a part of the movement sequence, optionally during the entire movement sequence. In particular, the milling tool 17 performs a rotational removal movement at least during a movement along the first positioning degree of freedom 31 and / or during a movement along the second positioning degree of freedom 32 and / or during a movement along the third positioning degree of freedom 33 .

[0042] The execution of the movement sequence defined by the movement information (while executing the rotational removal movement) should also be referred to as a manufacturing process. The movement information is stored in the electronic control unit 37 as a file, and / or is received by the electronic control unit 37, and / or is generated by the electronic control unit 37. For example, the movement information defines a plurality of consecutive target positions of the milling tool 17, in particular positions associated with at least two positioning degrees of freedom 31, 32, 33. Preferably, the movement information of the milling tool defines, in particular for each movement of the milling tool between two consecutive target positions, a feed speed, a feed direction and / or a milling tool rotation speed.

[0043] The movement information preferably defines a movement sequence along the three positioning degrees of freedom 31, 32, 33, and the movement sequence predetermines the recess geometry associated with the three positioning degrees of freedom. For example, the movement information defines a plurality of successive target positions of the milling tool 17, in particular target positions associated with the three positioning degrees of freedom 31, 32, 33, respectively.

[0044] The electronic control unit 37 preferably has a plurality of different motion information. Each motion information is assigned to a corresponding recess geometry. The recess geometries are preferably different from each other. The control unit 37 is designed to control the positioning device 26 according to one of the motion information so as to manufacture the recess 1 having the recess geometry assigned to this motion information. The expression that the recess geometry is assigned to the motion information is intended to indicate that the recess 1 having the assigned recess geometry can be manufactured by performing a manufacturing process using the motion information.

[0045] Optionally, the control unit 37 is designed to select motion information for manufacturing the recess 1 when motion information exists, for example based on user input, and to control the positioning device 26 based on the selected motion information so as to achieve the manufacture of the recess 1 having a recess geometry assigned with the selected motion information.

[0046] The connector milling machine 10 preferably has an operating mechanism 52, which is arranged, for example, outside the housing 3. The operating mechanism 52 includes at least one operating component 53, such as a button, for operating the connector milling machine 10. For example, the operating component 53 is used to start a manufacturing process for manufacturing the recess 1.

[0047] Alternatively, user input for selecting the motion information to be used may be performed via operating mechanism 52 .

[0048] Optionally, the connector milling machine 10 has a suction channel, through which particles, in particular chips, generated during the production of the recess 1 can be sucked out.

[0049] refer to Figure 5 The state in which the connector milling machine 10 is placed against the workpiece 2 and a recess is produced in the workpiece 2 using the milling tool 17 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0050] The connector milling machine 10 rests in a particularly flat manner on the first workpiece surface 43 via the first structural section 9, in particular the first contact plane. As an example, the first workpiece surface is oriented orthogonally to the depth direction z. For example, the first workpiece surface 43 is a flat surface and in particular forms a flat first side surface of the workpiece 2. The first workpiece surface 43, in particular the first side surface of the workpiece 2, is shorter than the connector milling machine 10, for example, in the transverse direction y.

[0051] The connector milling machine 10 rests in particular flatly on the second workpiece surface 44 via the second structural section 11, in particular the second contact plane. The second workpiece surface 44 is a flat surface, for example, and in particular forms a flat second side surface of the workpiece 2. The second workpiece surface 44 is angled relative to the first workpiece surface 43 and is in particular not oriented orthogonally to the depth direction z. The second workpiece surface 44 is not oriented parallel to the first workpiece surface 43.

[0052] The second structural section 11 is fixed in a pivoted position in which the first contact plane is in contact with the first workpiece surface 43 and the second contact plane is in contact with the second workpiece surface 44 simultaneously (in particular in a planar manner). By means of the pivoted position of the second structural section 11, an angle 12 is set between the contact planes 11, 12, preferably an angle of less than 180 degrees and / or greater than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0053] The recess 1 to be produced is open, for example, on the first workpiece surface 43. The recess 1 to be produced is preferably open on the first workpiece surface 43 and the second workpiece surface 44. When producing the recess, the positioning device 26 positions the milling tool 17 in the transverse direction y until the milling tool 17, in particular the milling head 25, is located in or on the part of the opening 16 present in the second structural section 11, in particular during the removal movement of the milling tool 17. In this way (in particular without repositioning the connector milling machine 10), a recess 1 that is open on the second workpiece surface 44 can be produced.

[0054] Optionally, the milling tool 17 can be inserted from above through the second workpiece surface 44 to produce the recess 1. In particular, for this purpose, the connector milling machine 10 can be designed to first move the milling tool 17 in the transverse direction y by means of the positioning device 26, while performing a positioning movement, until the milling tool 17, in particular the milling head 25, is located in or on the part of the opening 16 present in the second structural section 11 and is preferably located further away than the second workpiece surface 44 in the (positive) transverse direction y (or as a lower section of the second workpiece surface 44). The milling tool 17 advantageously does not perform a removal movement during this positioning movement and therefore advantageously does not rotate. During this positioning movement, the milling tool 17, in particular the milling head 25, is advantageously located outside, in particular in front of, the first workpiece surface 43. The connector milling machine 10 is preferably designed to place the milling tool 17 in a removal movement after performing a positioning movement (and / or a further positioning movement of the milling tool 17 in the positive depth direction z), and at the same time the milling tool 17 performs a removal movement, to move the milling tool 17 into the second workpiece surface 44 to produce the recess 1, in particular by moving the milling tool 17 along the (negative) lateral direction y and / or the (positive) depth direction z with the aid of the positioning device 26.

[0055] The recess 1 to be manufactured comprises a connector hole 45. A hole for at least partially inserting a connector shall be referred to as a connector hole 45. A connector is a component for connecting two workpieces. An example of a connector is a pin, in particular a wooden pin. The connector hole 45 is in particular a coupling groove.

[0056] The connector hole 45 preferably has an undercut 46 acting in the depth direction z. The depth direction z is particularly oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the removal movement. The depth direction z is particularly the groove depth direction. The phrase "undercut 46 acts in the depth direction z" particularly means that the undercut 46 is used to prevent the connector inserted into the connector hole and cooperating with the undercut 46 from being pulled out in the groove depth direction (particularly in the negative depth direction z). The undercut 46 is particularly used to receive the mating protrusion 57 of the connector to be inserted into the connector hole. The undercut 46 is advantageously a concave, in particular an elongated concave, such as a groove, wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongated concave is preferably oriented parallel to the width direction x. The undercut 46 is preferably arranged in the region of the connector hole bottom 47 of the connector hole. The connector hole bottom 47 is, for example, a groove bottom. The connector hole bottom 47 is, for example, oriented perpendicular to the depth direction y and / or parallel to the transverse direction y. The connector hole 45 is advantageously opened on the first workpiece surface 43, in particular only on the first workpiece surface 43.

[0057] The plurality of motion information preferably includes: first motion information assigned to a first recess geometry in which the connector hole 45 has an undercut 46; and second motion information assigned to a second recess geometry in which the connector hole 45 does not have an undercut. An example of a connector hole 45 without an undercut is the pin recess described below.

[0058] The movement sequence defined by the movement information preferably predetermines the connector hole 48 and the access hole 48 leading to the connector hole 45. The electronic control unit 37 is designed to control the electric positioning device 26 according to the movement information so that the electric positioning device 26 places the milling tool 17 in the movement sequence while the milling tool performs a rotary removal movement in order to produce the connector hole 45 and the access hole 48, in particular during a single continuous machining process and in particular without changing the position of the connector milling machine 10.

[0059] By way of example, the recess 1 to be produced further comprises an access hole 48 leading to the connector hole 45. The access hole 48 exemplarily extends from the connector hole 45 in the transverse direction y to the second workpiece surface 44, the access hole 48 opening on the second workpiece surface 44. By way of example, the access hole 48 opens on the first workpiece surface 43 and the second workpiece surface 44. The access hole 48 is particularly used to provide access to the connector inserted into the connector hole 45 for the tool 56 (in particular via the second workpiece surface 44), so that when the connector is inserted into the connector hole 45, for example, the manipulation section 55 of the connector can be manipulated by the tool 56.

[0060] The geometry of the connector opening 45 and / or the access opening 48 is preferably determined by the movement sequence defined by the movement information, in particular in relation to the three positioning degrees of freedom 31, 32, 33. The movement information determines in particular the extension of the connector opening 45 and / or the access opening 48 in the width direction x, the transverse direction y and / or the depth direction z.

[0061] The recess geometry to which the motion information is assigned advantageously comprises a connector hole geometry and / or an entry hole geometry. Thus, the motion information is advantageously assigned to the connector hole geometry of the connector hole 45 and / or the entry hole geometry of the entry hole 48. The expression "the connector hole geometry or the entry hole geometry is assigned the motion information" is intended to indicate that the assigned connector hole geometry or the assigned entry hole geometry can be manufactured by performing a manufacturing process using the motion information.

[0062] Preferably, the connector milling machine 10 can be used to selectively manufacture a recess without undercut (e.g., a pin recess explained below) and / or a recess with undercut (e.g., a rotary connector recess 1A, 1C and / or a kinematic connector recess 1E, 1F explained below) and / or a recess with an access hole (e.g., a rotary connector recess 1A and / or a kinematic connector recess 1E explained below) and / or a recess without an access hole (e.g., a rotary connector recess 1C and / or a kinematic connector recess 1F explained below) and / or a recess with a disc-shaped main section and an undercut (e.g., a rotary connector recess 1A, 1C explained below).

[0063] Below, reference Figures 10 to 16 , various recesses 1 will be discussed which may preferably be produced with a connector milling machine 10 (particularly as described above). Figures 10 to 16 Two workpieces 2A and 2B are shown in FIG. 1 , each of which has at least one recess 1. Figures 10 to 16, a corresponding coordinate system is shown for each workpiece 2A, 2B, which corresponds to a possible (or necessary) orientation of the connector milling machine 10 when producing one or more recesses 1 of the respectively assigned workpiece 2. Advantageously, during (particularly entirely) the production of each recess 1 explained below, the connector milling machine 10 is respectively fixedly placed with the contact structure 8, in particular simultaneously with two structure sections 9, 11 on the respective workpiece 2A, 2B (in which the recess 1 is produced), in particular simultaneously with the first structure section 9 on the first workpiece surface 43A and with the second structure section 11 on the second workpiece surface 44A (or simultaneously with the first structure section 9 on the first workpiece surface 43B and with the second structure section 11 on the second workpiece surface 44B).

[0064] Fig.10 The workpiece assembly 30 and the connector 53 are shown, the workpiece assembly includes a first workpiece 2A and a second workpiece 2B, and the connector 53 is exemplarily designed as a rotary connector 53A. Optionally, the workpiece assembly 30 also has two other connectors 53, which are designed as pins, such as flat pins 53B. Alternatively, the other connectors 53 can also be designed as round pins 53C, such as Fig.11 shown.

[0065] The rotary connector 53A has a connector body 54, which exemplarily has the shape of a disk segment and preferably has two main sides in the shape of a circular segment. These main sides are arranged parallel to each other. The outer contour of each main side has an arc segment 58 and a circular chord segment 59 connecting the two ends of the arc segment 58. The connector body 54 has a manipulation section 55, which is designed as a particularly hexagonal concave, and advantageously exists concentrically with the arc segment 58 in at least one main side. For example, a tool 56 designed as a hexagon socket can be inserted into the manipulation section 55. The rotary connector 53A has a mating protrusion 57, which protrudes vertically from each main side of the connector body 54 and is, for example, arranged at the end of the corresponding arc segment 58, in particular, only arranged at these ends. For example, there are four mating protrusions 57, wherein each mating protrusion 57 is arranged at the corresponding end of the arc segment 58.

[0066] For example, the pins designed as flat pins 53B all have a cylindrical shape, for example with a bottom surface, the outer contour of which has two straight sections extending in parallel and two rounded, especially arc-shaped, end sections connecting these straight sections. The round pins 53C all have a cylindrical shape.

[0067] The first workpiece 2A has a first workpiece surface 43A, in which there are, for example, three recesses 1, specifically a connector recess, in particular a rotary connector recess 1A, for partially receiving a connector, in particular a rotary connector 53A, and optionally two pin recesses, in particular flat pin recesses 1B, for partially receiving corresponding pins, in particular flat pins 53B. Alternatively, these pin recesses can be designed as round pin recesses 1D (see Fig.11 ). Each pin recess is a recess having a connector hole. The connector recess has, for example, a connector hole 45 and an access hole 48. The first workpiece 2A also has a second workpiece surface 44A, which is exemplarily oriented orthogonally to the first workpiece surface 43A and is connected to the first workpiece surface 43A, in particular via a common edge 61.

[0068] The second workpiece 2B has a first workpiece surface 43B, in which there are, for example, three recesses 1, specifically, a connector recess, in particular a rotary connector recess 1C, for partially receiving a connector, in particular a rotary connector 53A, and optionally two pin recesses, in particular a flat pin recess 1B or a round pin recess 1D, for partially receiving a corresponding pin, in particular a flat pin 53B. Alternatively, the pin recess can be designed as a round pin recess 1D (see Fig.11 ). The connector recess has, for example, a connector hole 45 and in particular has no access hole 48. A connector recess is a recess having a connector hole. A connector recess without an access hole is in particular a connector hole. The second workpiece 2B also has a second workpiece surface 44B, which is exemplarily oriented orthogonally to the first workpiece surface 43B and is connected to the first workpiece surface 43B in particular via a common edge 61.

[0069] The workpiece assembly 30 can be in an assembled state, in which the first workpiece 2A is connected to the second workpiece 2B via a connector 53, in particular a rotary connector 53A and / or one or more flat pins 53B (or round pins 53C), in particular so that the second workpiece 2B is fixed relative to the first workpiece 2A in all spatial directions and / or so that the second workpiece 2B rests with its first workpiece surface 43B, in particular flatly, on the first workpiece surface 43B of the first workpiece 2A. In the assembled state, the connector 53, in particular the rotary connector 53A, is inserted into the recess 1 (exemplarily the rotary connector recess 1A) of the first workpiece 2A and into the recess 1 (exemplarily the rotary connector recess 1C) of the second workpiece 2B. In addition, another connector 53, such as a flat pin 53B (or a round pin 53C), is inserted into the flat pin recess 1B (or flat pin recess 1D) of the two workpieces 2A, 2B. For example, in order to fix the second workpiece 2B to the first workpiece 1A, the entire rotary connector 53A is rotated by means of a tool 56 while being at least inserted into the rotary connector recess 1A of the first workpiece 2A, specifically by passing the tool 56 through the entry hole 48 to engage with the operating section 55, and rotating the tool 56 (and thus the entire rotary connector 53A) around a rotation axis extending parallel to the y-direction so that at least one mating protrusion 57, for example two mating protrusions 57, engage with the rotary connector recess 1C (particularly with the undercut 46) of the second workpiece 2B, wherein at least one mating protrusion 57, exemplarily two mating protrusions 57, engage with the rotary connector recess 1A (particularly with the undercut 46) of the first workpiece 2A.

[0070] Various recess 1 geometries that may be produced using the connector router 10 will now be discussed.

[0071] First about the pin recess: Each pin recess has, for example, a cylindrical shape. In particular, the cross section of each pin recess is constant along the corresponding cylindrical axis (eg, oriented parallel to the depth direction z). Each pin recess opens (in particular, only) at the corresponding first workpiece surface 43A, 43B.

[0072] Each flat pin recess 1B has a base whose outer contour has two parallel straight sections 62 and two rounded, in particular arc-shaped end sections 63 connecting the straight sections. Each round pin recess 1D has, for example, a cylindrical shape. The pin recesses, in particular flat pin recesses and / or round pin recesses, advantageously have no undercuts.

[0073] The connector milling machine 10 is designed to produce pin recesses, in particular flat pin recesses 1B and / or round pin recesses 1D, as recesses 1. In particular, the connector milling machine 10 has motion information assigned to the pin recesses for producing the pin recesses, in particular motion information assigned to the flat pin recesses 1B for producing the flat pin recesses 1B and / or motion information assigned to the round pin recesses 1D for producing the round pin recesses 1D.

[0074] During the manufacture of a pin recess, in particular a flat pin recess 1B and / or a round pin recess 1D, the connector milling machine 10 performs a manufacturing process using motion information assigned to the pin recess to be manufactured, and in this case, moves the milling tool 17 (performing a removal motion) in the width direction x and the lateral direction y according to the motion information to define a cross-section of the pin recess, and moves the milling tool 17 in the z direction to define a cross-section of the pin recess, and moves the milling tool 17 in the z direction to define an extension length of the pin recess along the column axis.

[0075] Next, the rotary connector recess 1A will be described. The rotary connector recess 1A may also be referred to as a first type of rotary connector recess.

[0076] The rotary connector recess 1A comprises a connector hole 45, which preferably has at least one undercut 46. For example, the connector hole 45 has two undercuts 46. The connector hole 45 preferably comprises a main section 64, which advantageously has the shape of a disk section and is used to at least partially receive the connector body 54. The main section 64 is oriented with its disk plane orthogonal to the first workpiece surface 43A and / or orthogonal to the transverse direction y. The main section 64 is open on the first workpiece surface 43A of the first workpiece 2A, in particular only on the first workpiece surface 43A of the first workpiece 2A. Each undercut 46 has an arc-shaped, in particular circular arc-shaped, direction. Each undercut 46 is advantageously designed in the shape of an annular section. Each undercut 46 is oriented, for example, around an axis (in particular a ring axis) oriented parallel to the transverse direction y, and / or concentrically with the main section 64. For example, the undercut 46 is connected to the main section 45 in the positive transverse direction y, and another undercut 46 is connected to the main section 45 in the negative transverse direction y. Each undercut 46 opens on the first workpiece surface 43A of the first workpiece 2A, in particular, only on the first workpiece surface 43A of the first workpiece 2A.

[0077] The rotary connector recess 1A comprises an access hole 48, which is designed in an exemplary manner as a cylinder and advantageously extends from the main section 45 along the transverse direction y to the second workpiece surface 44A and opens there. The cylinder axis of the access hole 48 is oriented, for example, parallel to the y-direction. Advantageously, the access hole 48 also opens at the first workpiece surface 43A of the first workpiece 2A and, for example, passes through the common edge 61 of the first workpiece 2A.

[0078] The connector milling machine 10 is designed to manufacture a rotary connector recess 1A as the recess 1. In particular, the connector milling machine 10 has motion information assigned to the rotary connector recess 1A for manufacturing the rotary connector recess.

[0079] During the manufacture of the rotary connector recess 1A, the connector milling machine 10 performs the manufacturing process using the motion information assigned to the rotary connector recess 1A to be manufactured, and in this case, moves the milling tool 17 (performing a removal motion) in the width direction x, the lateral direction y and the depth direction z according to the motion information to define the recess geometry of the rotary connector recess 1A.

[0080] Next, the rotary connector recess 1C will be discussed, which may also be referred to as a second type rotary connector recess.

[0081] The rotary connector recess 1C is advantageously designed similarly to the rotary connector recess 1A, except that the rotary connector recess 1C does not have an access hole and is present, for example, on the second workpiece 2B. The above description made for the rotary connector recess of the first type applies to the rotary connector recess of the second type, wherein the aspects concerning the first workpiece surface 43A are replaced by the aspects concerning the first workpiece surface 43B.

[0082] The connector milling machine 10 is designed to manufacture a rotary connector recess 1C as the recess 1. In particular, the connector milling machine 10 has motion information assigned to the rotary connector recess 1C for manufacturing the rotary connector recess.

[0083] During the manufacture of the rotary connector recess 1C, the connector milling machine 10 performs the manufacturing process using the motion information assigned to the rotary connector recess 1C to be manufactured, and in this case, moves the milling tool 17 (performing a removal motion) in the width direction x, the lateral direction y and the depth direction z according to the motion information to define the recess geometry of the rotary connector recess 1C.

[0084] Figures 12 to 16 The workpiece assembly 40 and the connector 53 are shown. The workpiece assembly 40 includes a first workpiece 2A and a second workpiece 2B. The connector 53 is exemplarily designed as a kinematic connector 53D.

[0085] The kinematic connector 53D has a connector body 54 and an operating section 55 arranged on the connector body 54 (and mounted movably, in particular rotatably, relative to the connector body), the operating section 55 exemplarily having a particularly hexagonal recess, into which a tool 56 exemplarily designed as a hexagon socket can be inserted. The kinematic connector 53D also has a mating protrusion 57, which is arranged on the connector body 54 and mounted movably relative to the connector body. The mating protrusion 57 is kinematically coupled to the operating section 55, for example, via one or more cam transmissions, in particular in such a way that the mating protrusion 57 can be selectively in a mating position or an insertion position by movement, in particular rotation, of the operating section 55. In the mating position, the mating protrusion 57 protrudes further from the connector body 54 than in the insertion position, in particular along the transverse direction y, i.e. advantageously along the positive transverse direction y and / or the negative transverse direction y. For example, there are four mating protrusions 57, wherein at each end of the kinematic connector 53D along the depth direction z there are two mating protrusions 57, which are advantageously spaced further apart from each other (particularly along the transverse direction y) in the engaged position than in the inserted position.

[0086] The first workpiece 2A has a first workpiece surface 43A in which, by way of example, there is a recess 1, more specifically a kinematic connector recess 1E, for partially receiving a kinematic connector 53D. The kinematic connector recess 1E has, for example, a connector hole 45 and an access hole 48. The first workpiece 2A also has a second workpiece surface 44A, which is exemplarily oriented orthogonally to the first workpiece surface 43A of the first workpiece 2A and, in particular, is connected to the first workpiece surface 43A of the first workpiece 2A via a common edge 61 of the first workpiece 2A.

[0087] The second workpiece 2B has a first workpiece surface 43B in which, by way of example, there is a recess 1, more specifically a kinematic connector recess 1F, for partially receiving a kinematic connector 53D. The kinematic connector recess 1F has, for example, a connector hole 45 and, in particular, no access hole 48. The second workpiece 2B also has a second workpiece surface 44B, which is, for example, oriented orthogonally to the first workpiece surface 43B of the second workpiece 2B and, in particular, is connected to the first workpiece surface 43B of the second workpiece 2B via a common edge 61 of the second workpiece 2B.

[0088] The workpiece assembly 40 can be in an assembled state, in which the first workpiece 2A is connected to the second workpiece 2B via the kinematic connector 53D, in particular in that the second workpiece 2B is fixed relative to the first workpiece 2A, in particular in all spatial directions, and / or the second workpiece 2B rests with its first workpiece surface 43B, in particular in a planar manner, on the first workpiece surface 43A of the first workpiece 2A. In the assembled state, the kinematic connector 53D is inserted into the kinematic connector recess 1E of the first workpiece 2A and the kinematic connector recess 1F of the second workpiece 2B. In order to insert the kinematic connector 53D into the two kinematic connector recesses 1E, 1F, the mating projection 57 is, for example, initially in an insertion position. For example, in order to fix the second workpiece 2B on the first workpiece 1A, the operating section 55 is in such a state: the kinematic connector 53D is inserted into the kinematic connector recess 1E of the first workpiece 2A and the kinematic connector recess 1F of the second workpiece 2B, and is manipulated, in particular rotated, relative to the connector body 54 by means of a tool 56. Specifically, the preferred method is to allow the tool 56 to pass through the entry hole 48 to cooperate with the operating section 55, and to rotate the tool 56 (and thereby the operating section 55) around a rotation axis extending parallel to the y-direction to provide a mating position so that at least one mating protrusion 57, exemplarily two mating protrusions 57, cooperate with the kinematic recess 1E of the first workpiece 2A (in particular with the undercut 46), and at least one mating protrusion 57, exemplarily two mating protrusions 57, cooperate with the kinematic recess 1F of the second workpiece 2B (in particular with the undercut 46).

[0089] The kinematic connector recess IE may also be referred to as a first type of kinematic connector recess.

[0090] The kinematic connector recess 1E comprises a connector hole 45, which preferably has at least one undercut 46. By way of example, the connector hole 45 has two undercuts 46. The connector hole 45 preferably comprises a main section 64, which is used to at least partially receive the connector body 54. The main section 64 opens on the first workpiece surface 43A of the first workpiece 2A, in particular only on the first workpiece surface 43A of the first workpiece 2A. As an example, the body section 64 has a cylindrical shape. In particular, the xy cross section of the main section 64 is constant along the cylinder axis (for example, it is oriented parallel to the depth direction z). The main section 64 has an xy cross section, through which the main section 64 opens on the first workpiece surface 43A of the first workpiece 2A, and / or its outer contour has two straight sections 65 extending in parallel and two rounded, in particular arc-shaped end sections 66 connecting these straight sections 65. The xy cross section is in particular designed to be elongated and is advantageously oriented with its longitudinal axis parallel to the width direction x. As an example, each undercut 46 has a straight course. Each undercut 46 is advantageously designed as a cylinder, in particular with a cylinder axis oriented parallel to the depth direction z. Preferably, each undercut 46 has a cross section (in particular an xy cross section) which is particularly designed as a polygon, for example a square, parallel to the cylinder axis of the main section 64 (for example parallel to the depth direction z). For example, the cross section has one or more chamfers, for example relative to the groove bottom 47 and / or the main section 64. In particular, each undercut 46 is designed as an elongated recess, wherein the longitudinal axis of the elongated recess is oriented parallel to the width direction x. For example, an undercut 46 adjoins the main section 45 in the positive transverse direction y, and another undercut 46 adjoins the main section 45 in the negative transverse direction y. Advantageously, the spacing of the undercut 46 from the first workpiece surface 43 is constant along the extension direction of the connector hole 45 oriented orthogonally to the rotation axis of the removal movement, on which the connector milling machine 10 rests with the contact structure 8 when producing the recess 1. The extension direction is, for example, the width direction x. The distance of each undercut 46 from the first workpiece surface 43A of the first workpiece 2A is advantageously constant over (in particular over the entire) x extension of the kinematic connector recess 1E. Optionally, the z extension (i.e. in particular the depth) of the connector hole 45 is constant over the entire x extension of the connector hole 45. The x extension is the extension in the width direction x.

[0091] The kinematic recess 1E comprises an access hole 48 which is designed, for example, to be cylindrical and which advantageously extends from the main section 45 along the transverse direction y to the second workpiece surface 44A of the first workpiece 2A and opens at the second workpiece surface. The cylinder axis of the access hole 48 is, for example, oriented parallel to the y-direction. Advantageously, the access hole 48 also opens at the first workpiece surface 43A of the first workpiece 2A and, for example, passes through the common edge 61 of the first workpiece 2A.

[0092] The connector milling machine 10 is designed to manufacture a kinematic connector recess 1E as the recess 1. In particular, the connector milling machine 10 has motion information assigned to the kinematic connector recess 1E for manufacturing the kinematic connector recess 1E.

[0093] During the manufacture of the kinematic connector recess 1E, the connector milling machine 10 performs the manufacturing process using motion information assigned to the kinematic connector recess 1E to be manufactured, and in this case moves the milling tool 17 (performing a removal motion) along the width direction x, the lateral direction y and the depth direction z according to the motion information to define the recess geometry of the kinematic connector recess 1E.

[0094] Next, the kinematic connector recess 1F will be discussed, which may also be referred to as a second type of kinematic connector recess.

[0095] The kinematic connector recess 1F is advantageously designed similarly to the kinematic connector recess 1E, except that it does not have an access hole and is present, for example, on the second workpiece 2B. Optionally, the kinematic connector recess 1F has a smaller extension in the depth direction z than the kinematic connector recess 1E. The above explanations for the first type of kinematic connector recess apply to the second type of kinematic connector recess, wherein the aspect of the first workpiece surface 43A with respect to the first workpiece 2A is replaced by the aspect of the first workpiece surface 43B with respect to the second workpiece 2B.

[0096] The connector milling machine 10 is designed to manufacture a kinematic connector recess 1F as the recess 1. In particular, the connector milling machine 10 has motion information assigned to the kinematic connector recess 1F for manufacturing the kinematic connector recess 1F.

[0097] During the manufacture of the kinematic connector recess 1F, the connector milling machine 10 performs the manufacturing process using motion information assigned to the kinematic connector recess 1F to be manufactured, and in this case moves the milling tool 17 (performing a removal motion) along the width direction x, the lateral direction y and the depth direction z according to the motion information to define the recess geometry of the kinematic connector recess 1F.

[0098] The connector milling machine 10 preferably has motion information assigned to the flat pin recess 1B and / or motion information assigned to the round pin recess 1D and / or motion information assigned to the rotary connector recess 1A and / or motion information assigned to the rotary connector recess 1C and / or motion information assigned to the kinematic connector recess 1E and / or motion information assigned to the kinematic connector recess 1F.

[0099] Next, a connector milling machine 20 according to a second embodiment will be described. Figures 6 to 9 An exemplary design of a connector milling machine 20 is shown in . The connector milling machine 20 is preferably designed similarly to the connector milling machine 10 , except for the differences explained below, so that the explanations related to the connector milling machine 10 also apply to the connector milling machine 20 .

[0100] Optionally, in the connector milling machine 20, the first positioning degree of freedom 31 is a pivoting degree of freedom, in particular about a pivot axis extending in the transverse direction y. Alternatively, the first positioning degree of freedom 31 can also (as in the first embodiment) be a linear positioning degree of freedom extending in the width direction x.

[0101] The connector milling machine 20 has a second linear drive 34B for providing a second positioning degree of freedom 32 extending in the transverse direction y for positioning the milling tool 17 .

[0102] In the connector milling machine 20, the housing 3 is designed to be elongated and oriented with its longitudinal axis in the z-direction. The rear housing section of the housing 3 relative to the z-direction, i.e., in particular the side facing away from the contact device 6, forms the handle 4 by way of example. In particular, the dimensions of this housing section are designed so that it can be grasped by one hand.

[0103] The housing 3 together with the electric drive 27 and the milling tool 17 forms a housing assembly which is advantageously mounted so as to be linearly movable in the depth direction z relative to the contact device 6. The positioning device 18 is designed to move the housing assembly relative to the contact device 6, preferably via a linear drive 34C, in order to position the milling tool 17 along the third positioning freedom 33. By way of example, the linear drive 34C has an electric motor 38 belonging to the housing assembly and a guide element 35C, designed, for example, as a rack, which is coupled to the contact device 6. By means of the drive provided by the electric motor 38, a relative linear movement can be achieved between the electric motor 38 and the guide element 35C, in order thereby to provide positioning along the third positioning freedom 33.

[0104] Optionally, the connector milling machine 20 has a suction channel 39 , through which particles, in particular chips, which are generated during the production of the recess 1 , can be sucked out.

[0105] For example, the fixing mechanism has a structural section guide part 41, which is preferably designed as a guide rod. For example, the structural section guide part 41 is fixed to the second structural section 11 and pivots together with it about the pivot axis 15. Preferably, the structural section guide part 41 defines the pivot axis 15 or helps to define the pivot axis 15. The structural section guide part 41 can be regarded as part of a pivot bearing in particular. The fixing mechanism preferably has an actuating element 42, which is designed as a lever by way of example, and by actuating the actuating element, the second structural section 11 can be fixed in its current pivot position relative to the first structural section 9, for example by force fit and / or form fit, in particular in that, by means of the actuating element 42, at least one structural section guide part 41 is fixed in its current pivot position relative to the first structural section 9, for example by force fit and / or form fit.

[0106] In the following, a method for operating a handheld connector router, in particular the connector router 10 or the connector router 20 , will be described.

[0107] The method comprises the step of positioning the connector router 10 , 20 on the workpiece 2 , in particular such that the connector router 10 , 20 rests fixedly on the workpiece 2 with the contact structure 8 at the same time (in particular during the production of the recess 1 ).

[0108] The method further comprises the step of controlling the electric positioning device 18 according to the movement information (particularly by the control unit 37) so that the electric positioning device 18 places the milling tool 17 in a movement sequence while the milling tool 17 performs a rotational removal movement to produce a recess 1 having a predetermined recess geometry (particularly by a movement sequence), the recess having a connector hole 45.

[0109] Preferably, the connector milling machine 10, 20 rests fixedly on the workpiece 2 with the contact structure 8 and at the same time with the two structure sections 9, 11 during the entire movement sequence. With this movement sequence, both the connector hole 45 and the access hole 48 are advantageously produced. Preferably, the connector milling machine 10, 20 is not repositioned relative to the workpiece between the production of the connector hole 45 and the production of the access hole 48.

[0110] Preferably, the recess 1 comprises a connector hole 45 opening at a first workpiece surface 43 of the workpiece 2 and extending along the width direction x, and an access hole 48 extending from the connector hole 45 along a transverse direction y oriented orthogonal to the width direction x to a second workpiece surface 44 of the workpiece 2 and opening at the second workpiece surface. Preferably, the connector milling machine 10, 20 is fixedly placed against the workpiece 2 with the two structural sections 9, 11 at the same time during the entire movement sequence for producing both the connector hole 45 and the access hole 48.

[0111] When producing the access hole 48 , the milling tool 17 is preferably moved through the pivot axis 15 .

[0112] Optionally, after manufacturing the recess 1, in particular after the manufacturing of the recess 1 is completed, the connector 53 is inserted into the recess 1, in particular into the connector hole 45. The connector 53 inserted into the connector hole 45 is preferably one of the above-mentioned connectors, such as a rotary connector 53A or a flat pin 53B or a round pin 53C or a kinematic connector 53D.

[0113] Optionally, the workpiece assembly 30 or the workpiece assembly 40 is manufactured together with the workpiece 2 (as the first workpiece 2A).

[0114] The connector milling machine 10, 20 preferably produces the access hole 48 starting from the first workpiece surface 43, so that preferably no drilling template (in particular for producing the access hole 48) is required. For example, a pin milling tool or a router (in particular as a connector milling machine 10, 20) is provided, in particular in a predetermined relative position relative to the connector hole 45 (which is designed, for example, as a coupling groove), with which the access hole 48 (which is, for example, a transverse groove) is produced. Alternatively, an industrial CNC milling machine can be provided to produce the access hole 48 (in particular the transverse groove) and the connector hole 45 (in particular the coupling groove).

[0115] For example, a first recess, in particular one of the recesses 1 described above, is first produced in the first workpiece surface 43 using the connector milling machine 10, 20, while the connector milling machine 10, 20 is fixedly abutted against the first workpiece surface 43 using the contact device 6. The connector milling machine 10, 20 is then manually repositioned, for example, repositioned on the first workpiece surface 43 or on another workpiece surface. A second recess is then produced using the connector milling machine 10, 20, while the connector milling machine 10, 20 is fixedly abutted against the first workpiece surface or on another workpiece surface using the contact device 6. The second recess is in particular one of the recesses 1 explained above. The second recess is advantageously different from the first recess. The second recess is produced on the first workpiece surface 43 or on another workpiece surface.

[0116] Optionally, the first recess and the second recess are identical, for example, the first recess and the second recess both comprise a corresponding connector hole 45 and a corresponding access hole 48. For example, the first recess is produced on a first workpiece surface of a first workpiece and the second recess is produced on a first workpiece surface of a second workpiece. For example, when producing the first recess using the contact device 6, the connector milling machines 10, 20 are simultaneously in contact with the first workpiece surface and the second workpiece surface of the first workpiece, wherein the angle 12 is preferably greater than 90 degrees. For example, when producing the second recess using the contact device 6, the connector milling machines 10, 20 are simultaneously in contact with the first workpiece surface and the second workpiece surface of the second workpiece, wherein the angle 12 is preferably greater than 90 degrees.

Claims

1. A hand-held connector milling machine (10, 20) for producing a recess (1) in a workpiece (2), wherein: The recess (1) has a connector hole (45) for at least partially receiving a connector (53), wherein the connector milling machine (10, 20) comprises: A handle (4) for gripping the connector milling machine (10, 20) and for positioning the connector milling machine (10, 20) relative to the workpiece (2); A contact device (6) having a contact structure (8) for bringing a connector milling machine (10, 20) into fixed contact with the workpiece (2) during the production of the recess (1); Milling tools (17); an electric drive (27) designed to put the milling tool (17) into a rotary removal motion; an electrical positioning device (26) designed to move the milling tool (17) relative to the contact structure (8) along at least two, in particular linear, positioning degrees of freedom (31, 32, 33); and An electronic control unit (37) is designed to control the electric positioning device (26) based on the movement information, so that the electric positioning device (26) places the milling tool (17) in a movement sequence defined by the movement information along at least two of the positioning degrees of freedom (31, 32, 33), while the milling tool (17) performs the rotational removal movement in order to produce a recess (1) with a predetermined recess geometry and having the connector hole (45).

2. A connector milling machine according to the preceding claim, wherein: One of the positioning degrees of freedom (33) extends in the axial direction of the axis of rotation of the removal movement and / or orthogonally to a contact plane defined by the contact structure.

3. A connector milling machine according to the preceding claim, wherein: One of the positioning degrees of freedom (31, 32) extends perpendicularly to the axis of rotation of the removal movement and / or parallel to a contact plane defined by the contact structure.

4. A connector milling machine according to the preceding claim, wherein: The positioning device (18) is designed to move the milling tool (17) relative to the contact structure (8) along three, in particular linear, positioning degrees of freedom (31, 32, 33), wherein the positioning degrees of freedom (31, 32, 33) are preferably oriented orthogonally to one another.

5. The connector milling machine (10, 20) according to claim 4, wherein: The movement information defines a movement sequence along the three positioning degrees of freedom (31, 32, 33), and the movement sequence predetermines a recess geometry associated with the three positioning degrees of freedom (31, 32, 33).

6. A connector milling machine (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The maximum movement stroke for positioning the milling tool (17) along the positioning freedom (31) extending in the width direction (x) is at least 1.3 cm, and / or the maximum movement stroke for positioning the milling tool (17) along the positioning freedom (32) extending in the transverse direction (y) is at least 0.4 cm, and / or the maximum movement stroke for positioning the milling tool (17) along the positioning freedom (33) extending in the depth direction (z) is at least 1.1 cm.

7. A connector milling machine according to the preceding claim, wherein: The movement sequence predetermines a recess geometry, wherein the connector hole (45) to be produced comprises an undercut (46) acting in a depth direction (z) which is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the removal movement.

8. The connector milling machine (10, 20) according to claim 7, wherein: The undercut (46) is arranged in the region of a connector hole bottom (47) of the connector hole (45).

9. The connector milling machine (10, 20) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The distance between the undercut (46) and the first workpiece surface (43) is constant along an extension direction of the connector hole (45) oriented orthogonally to the rotation axis of the removal movement, and the connector milling machine (10, 20) rests on the first workpiece surface with the contact structure (8) when producing the recess (1).

10. A connector milling machine (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The movement sequence defined by the movement information predetermines the connector hole (48) and the access hole (48) leading to the connector hole (45), wherein the electronic control unit (37) is designed to control the electric positioning device (26) according to the movement information, so that the electric positioning device (26) places the milling tool (17) in the movement sequence, while the milling tool performs the rotational removal movement to produce the connector hole (45) and the access hole (48).

11. A connector milling machine (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The electronic control unit (37) has a plurality of different movement information, wherein each movement information is assigned to a corresponding recess geometry, wherein the recess geometries are different from one another, wherein the control unit (37) is designed to control the positioning device (26) according to one of the movement information so as to achieve the manufacture of a recess having the recess geometry assigned to this movement information.

12. The connector milling machine (10, 20) according to claim 11, wherein: The plurality of motion information comprises: first motion information assigned to a first recess geometry, in which the connector hole (45) has an undercut (46); and second motion information assigned to a second recess geometry, in which the connector hole (45) does not have an undercut.

13. A connector milling machine according to the preceding claim, comprising a housing (3), the handle (4) being arranged on the housing (3), wherein: The extension of the housing (3) in a width direction (x) oriented orthogonally to the axis of rotation of the removal movement is greater than the extension of the housing (3) in the direction of the axis of rotation.

14. A connector milling machine according to the preceding claim, wherein: The contact structure (8) comprises a first structure section (9) and a second structure section (11) for simultaneously and fixedly contacting the workpiece (2) during the production of the recess (1) having the connector hole (45), The first structural section (9) defines a first contact plane and the second structural section (11) defines a second contact plane, wherein the second structural section (11) is pivotally mounted relative to the first structural section (9) and can be fixed in a plurality of different pivot positions relative to the first structural section (9) so as to set a fixed angle (12) between the contact planes that matches the workpiece (2).

15. The connector milling machine (10, 20) according to claim 14, wherein: The second structural section (11) is mounted so as to be pivotable relative to the first structural section (9) about a pivot axis (15), and the pivot axis (15) intersects a movement range of the milling tool (17) formed by at least two of the positioning degrees of freedom (31, 32, 33).

16. A method for operating a handheld connector milling machine (10, 20) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - positioning the connector milling machine (10, 20) on the workpiece (2) so that the connector milling machine (10, 20) rests fixedly on the workpiece (2) with the contact structure (8) during the production of the recess (1), - controlling the electric positioning device (26) based on the movement information so that the electric positioning device (26) places the milling tool (17) in the movement sequence, while the milling tool (17) performs the rotational removal movement in order to produce a recess (1) having a predetermined recess geometry, including the connector hole (45).

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: During the entire movement sequence, the connector router (10, 20) rests fixedly against the workpiece (2) with the contact structure (8).

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein: The connector hole (45) opens on a first workpiece surface (43) of the workpiece (2) and extends along a width direction (x), and the recess (1) further comprises an access hole (48), which extends from the connector hole (45) along a transverse direction (y) oriented perpendicularly to the width direction (x) to a second workpiece surface (44) of the workpiece (2) and opens at the second workpiece surface, wherein the connector milling machine (10, 20) is fixedly abutted against the workpiece (2) with a contact structure (8) during the execution of the entire movement sequence, thereby manufacturing both the connector hole (45) and the access hole (48) in the movement sequence.

19. The method according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising the steps of: Insert the connector (53) into the connector hole (45).

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