Modular support system comprising support base structure consisting of octagonal profiles

Abstract

The invention relates to a modular support system (1) for carrying tools and / or workpieces for machining, comprising a plurality of octagonal profiles (2), each profile having eight side surfaces (21), each side surface being provided with a plurality of positioning holes (22). A plurality of octagonal profiles (2) are connected to one another by connecting elements (5, 6) to form a basic support structure (3). Each connecting element (5, 6) has two positioning portions (51, 61), each positioning portion surrounding three adjacent side surfaces (21) of one octagonal profile (2), and wherein each connecting element (5, 6) connects the two octagonal profiles (2) in such a way that the positioning portions (51, 61) are spaced from the intermediate side surface of the three adjacent side surfaces (21) of the respective octagonal profile (2), and the positioning holes (22) are formed in the outer side surfaces of the adjacent side surfaces and are arranged on the adjacent side surfaces of the octagonal section bars (2) in a shape matching manner.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a modular support system for carrying tools and / or workpieces for machining, the system consisting of a plurality of octagonal profiles, each profile having eight side surfaces, each side surface being provided with a plurality of positioning holes. The plurality of octagonal profiles are connected to each other by connecting elements to form a basic support structure, wherein each connecting element has two positioning parts, each positioning part respectively surrounding three adjacent side surfaces of an octagonal profile. Such a support system is used in particular in the automotive industry for machining body parts for vehicle production.

[0002] For example, DE 299 05 687 U1 discloses a possible configuration of a support system constructed in modular form from a plurality of octagonal profiles for mounting on a robot and for connecting tools such as grippers, gripping devices and suction devices. DE 10 2013 006 723 A1 describes an advantageous configuration of octagonal profiles for such a support system. EP 2 604 381 B1 discloses another possible configuration of a modular support system for fixing tools for motor vehicle body construction. Furthermore, EP 1 533 072 B1 describes a component system for constructing such a support system.

[0003] The problem is that, especially in new electric vehicles, the weight of the batteries requires a particularly reinforced and relatively heavy body and chassis, for which existing support systems are not designed, especially when the vehicle is a van or SUV (SUV: Sports Utility Vehicle). This means that the support systems need to be improved, which in the case of the above-mentioned support systems usually also leads to increased weight, which in turn sometimes leads to the load capacity of the robots used reaching its limits.

[0004] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved modular support system. The improvement preferably consists in simplifying the structure of the support system while providing a higher load bearing capacity, preferably also with reduced weight, and advantageously reducing the carbon footprint.

[0005] The object of the invention is achieved by a modular support system as described in claim 1. Further advantageous configurations of the invention are described in the dependent claims and in the description and are illustrated in the drawings.

[0006] The proposed solution provides a modular support system for carrying tools and / or workpieces for machining, the system comprising a plurality of octagonal profiles, each having eight side surfaces, each having a plurality of positioning holes. The plurality of octagonal profiles are connected to each other by connecting elements to form a basic support structure, each connecting element having two positioning parts, each of which surrounds three adjacent side surfaces of an octagonal profile. According to the invention, the connecting element connects two octagonal profiles in such a way that the positioning parts are spaced, in particular relatively large, from the middle side surface of the three adjacent side surfaces of each octagonal profile and are arranged on the outer side surfaces of the adjacent side surfaces in a form-fitting manner through the positioning holes of the outer side surfaces of the adjacent side surfaces. Therefore, since only two surfaces of the positioning parts are against the octagonal profile, larger tolerances can be advantageously achieved because there is no geometrical over-tolerance. This is conducive to simplifying the structure of the support system. In addition, cables for the clamp and / or other functional elements that can be arranged on the support system can be guided through the cavity formed between the octagonal profiles by the positioning parts. This is advantageous in reducing or eliminating additional cable guides, thereby reducing the weight of the support system. According to an advantageous configuration, the spacing between the positioning portion and the middle side surface of the three adjacent side surfaces of each octagonal profile is 0.5 mm (mm) to 20 mm, in particular 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0007] In particular, the octagonal profile of the support system is hollow in design, and a support structure may be present inside it. The locating holes on the side surface of the octagonal profile are precisely positioned, in particular arranged at equidistant intervals, preferably each side surface has a row of locating holes, so that it is always advantageous to have a pair of locating holes arranged relative to each other in the two side surfaces. The locating holes are advantageously designed in the form of threaded holes. It is advantageous to have material accumulation inside the octagonal profile, especially below the side surface. The locating holes advantageously pass through these material accumulations. This facilitates the introduction of internal threads in the locating holes without increasing the overall wall thickness of the octagonal profile. Therefore, it is particularly provided that the locating holes have internal threads. It is also particularly advantageous that at least some of the connecting elements, in particular all of the connecting elements, are fixed to the octagonal profile by screws with anti-friction coatings. The anti-friction coating helps to increase the preload of each screw connection, thereby improving the rigidity level of the entire component system.

[0008] Furthermore, the modular support system comprises in particular a body, in particular a body plate, which is preferably arranged on the basic support structure. The body is advantageously a gripper mounting plate. It is particularly provided that the robot is connected to the body. Furthermore, the end effector is attached via vertical tubes, which are preferably fixed to the support system.

[0009] The support system can also be advantageously used for equipment, component holders, racks, shelves, racks or similar related applications in body construction, as a handling device for vehicle production, in particular as a support system for transporting metal sheets for body construction, and in particular for the handling, positioning and fixing of these components. All of this is based on the use of polygonal hollow profiles with circumferential positioning holes, in particular unit-spaced holes forming the positioning holes, and screw connections of connecting elements. When the support system is constructed, the screw connection of the connecting element is advantageously carried out in a form-fitting manner on a maximum of two non-adjacent surfaces of the polygonal hollow profile. Along the length direction, the connecting element is positioned at specific unit intervals by centering pins when the support system is constructed. Since the connecting element does not surround the polygonal hollow profile, complex support systems can be produced in particular. The connecting element advantageously follows a bionic design. Due to its configuration, as will be described in more detail below, all connecting elements have a high level of rigidity. Even under high load conditions, the stress level generated is advantageously significantly reduced compared to connecting elements of purely regular geometry. The characteristics of the connecting elements, which will be described in more detail below, contribute to reducing the use of connecting elements in the entire supporting system compared to conventional supporting systems, which further reduces the total mass of the supporting system and contributes to saving resources. In particular, the supporting system can also contain further connecting elements, which are not used to connect two octagonal profiles, but are used to connect further connecting elements, especially functional elements, to the octagonal profile. The arrangement area for arranging further connecting elements on the octagonal profile here preferably has the same design as the corresponding arrangement area of ​​the connecting element for connecting two octagonal profiles. The connecting elements, especially the further connecting elements, advantageously have additional features for further uses, in particular additional holes and / or grooves, which can, for example, be used for cable guiding purposes. The connecting elements are especially made of steel or aluminum.

[0010] Another advantageous configuration of the modular support system provides that at least some of the connecting elements are designed in the form of a first connecting member for connecting two octagonal profiles at right angles in the same layout plane. In particular, such a first connecting member is used to connect the octagonal profiles together to form a basic support structure. In addition, or as an alternative, it is provided that at least some of the connecting elements are designed in the form of a second connecting member for connecting two octagonal profiles at right angles in a layout plane that is offset parallel to each other. In particular, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are used simultaneously in the support system. Different types of connecting members are conducive to improving the ability of the support system to adapt to different needs. Providing different types of connecting members also makes it possible to optimize their weight according to their respective uses. Other connecting members are also provided in particular, which are not used for the right-angle connection of two octagonal profiles, but are particularly used to connect octagonal profiles at an angle between 10° and 80°, especially for the connection of 20°, 30°, 45° and / or 60° angles.

[0011] In particular, the support system also includes octagonal profiles with different widths across the sides, and therefore in particular octagonal profiles with different circumferences, in particular octagonal profiles with a first width across the sides and octagonal profiles with a second width across the sides. The first width across the sides is in particular between 30 millimeters (mm: millimeters) and 80 millimeters. The second width across the sides is in particular between 50 millimeters and 160 millimeters. It is particularly provided that the first width across the sides is smaller than the second width across the sides. In particular, the octagonal profile can also be designed as a double profile, in particular a double profile with a width of 2x80 millimeters. A relatively rigid profile tube geometry, in particular two octagonal profiles combined up and down, is also another advantageous configuration, in particular for increasing the resistance torque in a specific load direction. At least some of the first connecting members and / or at least some of the second connecting members are advantageously used to connect two octagonal profiles of different circumferences. The connection of octagonal profiles of different widths across the sides has a positive effect on reducing the total weight of the support system, while taking into account the rigidity level of the support system.

[0012] In addition, or as an alternative, at least some of the first connecting elements and / or at least some of the second connecting elements are provided for connecting two octagonal profiles with the same width across sides. The first connecting elements and the second connecting elements are advantageously adapted accordingly, i.e. a first connecting element for connecting two octagonal profiles with the same width across sides is different from a first connecting element for connecting two octagonal profiles with different width across sides. In particular, this also applies to the second connecting elements.

[0013] According to a further advantageous configuration, the positioning parts of the first connector are arranged at right angles. In particular, the positioning parts of the first connector each include a continuous outer part, which fits on the outer surface of the adjacent side surface in a form-fitting manner, and an inner part connecting these outer parts. The outer part is provided with fastening holes, which correspond in particular to the positioning holes, and the first connector is preferably arranged on the octagonal profile by bolts, in particular threaded bolts, which are guided through the fastening holes and connected to the positioning holes. In particular, the threaded bolts are screws with anti-friction coatings. The anti-friction coating is conducive to increasing the preload of each screw connection, thereby increasing the rigidity level of the entire component system. The inner parts of the positioning parts each advantageously have a gap, in particular a substantially rectangular gap with preferably rounded corners. This is conducive to reducing the weight of the first connector, in particular without losing its load-bearing capacity. It is particularly provided that the gap occupies 20% to 60% of the surface area of ​​the respective inner part, and further in particular occupies 30% to 45% of the surface area. Here, the definition of the gap is conducive to ensuring that the strength of the connector is sufficiently high.

[0014] Advantageously, the first connecting element has a connecting crossbar connecting the outer ends of the inner parts. This significantly increases the load-bearing capacity of the respective connecting element. In particular, however, the area between the connecting crossbar and the positioning part, as can be seen in the longitudinal direction of the connecting crossbar, is free of material, so that the overall weight of the first connecting element remains low, in particular compared to connecting elements for connecting octagonal profiles according to the prior art.

[0015] According to an advantageous development, the connecting crossbar of the first connecting element, which respectively connects two octagonal profiles of equal width across the sides, tapers toward its center. In particular, the outer edge of the connecting crossbar has a curved, in particular essentially parabolic shape, wherein the center of the connecting crossbar forms the vertex. Studies have shown that this design allows for a further reduction in weight despite the high load-bearing capacity of the first connecting element.

[0016] In contrast, for the connecting crossbeam of the first connecting element connecting two octagonal profiles with different widths across, it is particularly provided that it tapers toward the octagonal profile with the smaller width across. The connecting crossbeam can then present a trapezoidal profile, especially in plan view, which has proven to be advantageous in terms of weight and load-bearing capacity.

[0017] In another advantageous configuration, the connecting crossbar of the first connecting element is connected to the inner part via a continuous profiled part. This results in a particularly advantageous force flow during loading, thereby further advantageously increasing the overall load-bearing capacity.

[0018] In particular, it is provided that at least some of the first connecting elements are designed as die castings. Thus, the connecting crossbeams and the different parts are not welded together, which advantageously simplifies the structure. In particular, it is provided that the first connecting elements for connecting the octagonal profiles to form a basic support structure are designed as die castings. Designing the connecting elements as die castings has the advantage of making them homogeneous components, thereby achieving a low-stress and strength-optimized design. In particular, it is provided that at least some of the first connecting elements can be produced by additive manufacturing. The material used for the first connecting elements is in particular aluminum. According to an advantageous variant, the material used for the first connecting elements is steel.

[0019] According to a further configuration of the support system, it is provided that the inner partial gap of the positioning part of the first connecting element has such a size that when the first connecting element is mounted on the octagonal profile, the first connecting element can be centered by means of a centering pin inserted into the gap. This helps to further simplify the structure of the support system. To this end, the centering pin is advantageously inserted into a corresponding positioning hole on the octagonal profile, at the position where the connecting element is to be mounted. Here, the centering pin advantageously passes through the gap, and when the first connecting element is correctly arranged, the inner boundary of the gap advantageously serves as a stop for the connection position of the positioning part. It is particularly provided that the centering pin is inserted through the gap from the inside each time during assembly or installation. It is particularly provided that the centering pin can be inserted into the profile partially through the connecting element, in particular in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting manner. This brings another important advantage related to assembly or installation. In addition, it is advantageous that the connecting element can be reinstalled and positioned without disassembling the support structure with the help of the centering pin.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the first connecting element for connecting two octagonal profiles having the same width across sides is fixed to the respective octagonal profile via three fastening holes arranged directly in succession in the outer part by means of bolts, in particular threaded bolts, which are inserted into the positioning holes. Thus, the total number of bolts for fixing the first connecting element of this configuration to the two octagonal profiles connected together by the first connecting element is twelve. This advantageously achieves a very high load-bearing capacity.

[0021] In contrast, the first connecting piece for connecting two octagonal profiles with different opposite side widths is particularly provided with its positioning portion extending into four positioning holes on the octagonal profile with a larger width, and the first connecting piece is fixed to the octagonal profile with a larger width by bolts, especially threaded bolts, through three fastening holes in the outer part, and the fastening holes start from the connection position of the octagonal profile and coincide with the first two positioning holes and the fourth positioning hole in sequence. On the contrary, for the octagonal profile with a smaller width, the arrangement is preferably carried out through the first three positioning holes.

[0022] An advantageous further configuration provides that the positioning parts of the second connecting member are arranged separately from each other by a connecting structure, in particular, they are arranged orthogonally relative to a common perpendicular bisector. The positioning parts of the second connecting member advantageously have continuous second outer parts, which are fitted on the outer side surfaces of adjacent side surfaces in a form-fitting manner and contain second fastening holes that specifically correspond to the positioning holes. The second outer parts are preferably connected to each other by a connecting structure. It is particularly provided that there is a gap between the second outer parts of the respective positioning parts, in particular a basically rectangular gap with preferably rounded corners. It is particularly provided that the gap occupies 40% to 90% of the surface area of ​​the respective inner part, and further in particular occupies 70% to 80% of the surface area of ​​the respective inner part. Due to this gap, the second connecting member advantageously achieves a lower weight.

[0023] The connecting structure also has ribs, which connect the second outer parts of the respective positioning parts. These ribs advantageously further increase the load-bearing capacity and reduce the weight. The ribs advantageously each extend between the longitudinal sides and the end sides of adjacent second outer parts. Each connecting structure comprises four rib arrangements. In particular, a rib arrangement comprises four ribs.

[0024] According to an advantageous development, there are gaps between the inner ribs of the connection structure. This advantageously further reduces the weight of the second connection element. There can also be gaps between the outer ribs, and preferably a connecting surface is provided between the outer ribs to connect them. In this way, while keeping the weight of the element low, an improved support of the respective outer rib is provided, thereby achieving a further increased load-bearing capacity. In particular, it is provided that the outer ribs are of curved design. The inner ribs are advantageously of rectilinear design. This further advantageously increases the load-bearing capacity.

[0025] In particular, it is provided that at least some of the second connecting elements are designed as die castings. Thus, the connecting structure with the ribs and the different parts is not welded together, which advantageously further simplifies the structure. In addition, the design of the connecting element as a die casting has the advantage that it is a homogeneous component, thus achieving a low-stress and strength-optimized design. According to an advantageous variant, at least some of the second connecting elements can be produced by additive manufacturing. The material used for the second connecting elements is in particular aluminum. According to an advantageous variant, the material used is steel.

[0026] Another advantageous configuration of the support system provides that at least some of the connecting elements each have at least one centering pin, in particular two centering pins, wherein at least one centering pin is inserted into a positioning hole of the respective octagonal profile, which hole is preferably designed in the form of a direct thread. The connecting elements designed in this way are advantageously positioned in the longitudinal direction of the octagonal profile.

[0027] The connecting elements, in particular all connecting elements, of the support system are advantageously die-cast or precision-cast parts, or components produced by additive manufacturing, in particular 3D printing.

[0028] According to another advantageous aspect, at least some, in particular all, of the octagonal profiles of the support system are made of aluminum. The octagonal profiles here preferably each have a material accumulation inside below the side surface. The positioning holes advantageously pass through the respective material accumulation. This facilitates the introduction of internal threads into the positioning holes without increasing the overall wall thickness of the octagonal profile. Therefore, it is particularly provided that the positioning holes have internal threads. This advantageously eliminates the use of blind rivet nuts, thereby simplifying the structure.

[0029] In contrast, according to another particularly advantageous configuration, it is provided that at least some of the octagonal profiles, in particular all of the octagonal profiles, further in particular the octagonal profiles forming the basic support structure, are made of steel sheet. The steel sheet is then appropriately folded to form the octagonal profile, wherein the ends of the steel sheet are welded to one another. The use of steel as the material for the octagonal profiles is particularly advantageous in that the connecting elements of the support system allow relatively high tolerances. The relatively high tolerances of the connecting elements are particularly derived from the fact that these connecting elements only bear against two surfaces in the form of a prism. The octagonal profiles made of steel can advantageously withstand higher loads and have a relatively low weight at a load-bearing capacity comparable to that of the aluminum octagonal profiles. In addition, the use of steel instead of aluminum can achieve a lower carbon footprint. For the octagonal profiles made of steel sheet, it is particularly provided that a blind rivet nut is introduced into the positioning hole so that the connecting element is connected by bolts. In particular, the thickness of the steel sheet is between 1 mm and 20 mm. According to an advantageous variant, the steel sheet has a material accumulation in the region of the positioning hole, so that the steel sheet is thicker here, wherein the thread is advantageously introduced, in particular cut into the positioning hole. If the thread is introduced into the positioning hole, the assembly of the support system is advantageously further simplified. In particular, the octagonal profile is designed in the form of a rolled profile.

[0030] Further advantageous details, features and specific aspects of the invention will be explained in more detail in conjunction with the illustrated exemplary embodiments, which include:

[0031] Figure 1 A perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of a support system designed in accordance with the present invention, viewed from an oblique angle from above;

[0032] Figure 2 A perspective view showing another exemplary embodiment of a support system designed in accordance with the present invention;

[0033] Figure 3a A perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of a first connecting member of a support system designed according to the present invention, the connecting member connecting two octagonal profiles having the same width across sides;

[0034] Figure 3b A perspective view showing another first connecting member exemplary embodiment of a support system designed according to the present invention, the connecting member connecting two octagonal profiles having the same width across sides;

[0035] Figure 3c Shows Figure 3b a cross-sectional view showing the first connecting member attached to an octagonal profile;

[0036] Figure 3d A perspective view showing another first connecting member exemplary embodiment of a support system designed according to the present invention, the connecting member connecting two octagonal profiles having the same width across sides;

[0037] Figure 4 A perspective view showing a first connector of an exemplary embodiment of a support system designed according to the present invention, the connector connecting two octagonal profiles having different widths across sides;

[0038] Figure 5 A perspective view showing another first connecting member exemplary embodiment of a support system designed according to the present invention, the connecting member being used to connect two octagonal profiles having the same width across sides;

[0039] Figure 6 A perspective view showing another first connector example embodiment of a support system designed according to the present invention;

[0040] Figure 7a A perspective view showing an exemplary embodiment of a second connector of a support system designed according to the present invention, the connector connecting two octagonal profiles having the same width across sides;

[0041] Figure 7b Shows Figure 7a a side view of the illustrated example embodiment;

[0042] Figure 8a A perspective view showing a second connector of an exemplary embodiment of a support system designed according to the present invention, the connector connecting two octagonal profiles having different widths across sides;

[0043] Figure 8b A perspective view showing another second connecting member exemplary embodiment of a support system designed according to the present invention, the connecting member connecting two octagonal profiles having different widths across sides;

[0044] Fig. 9 A perspective view showing another exemplary embodiment of a second connector of a support system designed according to the present invention;

[0045] Fig.10a A perspective view showing an octagonal profile and other connecting elements arranged thereon of an exemplary embodiment of a support system designed according to the invention;

[0046] Fig.10b A front view showing an octagonal profile and other connecting elements arranged thereon of another exemplary embodiment of a support system designed according to the present invention;

[0047] Fig.11a A cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an aluminum octagonal profile belonging to a support system designed according to the present invention is shown, the profile having a first width across the sides;

[0048] Fig.11bA cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of an aluminum octagonal profile belonging to a support system designed according to the present invention is shown, the profile having a second width across the sides;

[0049] Fig.11c A cross-sectional view showing an exemplary embodiment of a steel octagonal profile of a support system designed in accordance with the present invention;

[0050] Fig.11d A cross-sectional view showing another example embodiment of a steel octagonal profile of a support system designed in accordance with the present invention;

[0051] Fig.12a A perspective view showing another octagonal profile example embodiment of a support system designed according to the present invention;

[0052] Figure 12b Shows Fig.12a A cross-section of the octagonal profile shown.

[0053] In the various figures, identical parts are generally provided with the same reference symbols and are therefore sometimes explained only in one of the figures.

[0054] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a support system 1 designed according to the invention is illustrated, shown with a viewing angle inclined towards the observer. The support system 1 is of modular construction and is designed in this exemplary embodiment for carrying workpieces for machining. The support system 1 comprises four octagonal profiles 2, each of which has eight side surfaces 21, each of which is provided with a plurality of positioning holes 22. Here, the octagonal profiles 2 can be made of aluminum, preferably steel. The octagonal profiles 2 of the support system 1 are connected to each other by connecting elements 5 to form a basic support structure 3. In this exemplary embodiment, a clamp mounting plate is arranged on the basic support structure 3 in the form of a body 4. As shown Figure 1 As shown, a plurality of connecting elements 9 are also arranged on the octagonal profile 2, which elements have further functional elements, in particular clamps for receiving body parts. Detailed information on the configuration of the support system 1 and / or its components will be further explained below in conjunction with other figures.

[0055] Figure 2 Another exemplary embodiment of a support system 1 designed according to the present invention is shown. The system includes: Figure 1 The support system 1 shown has more octagonal profiles 2 and octagonal profiles 2 with different widths across the sides. Figure 2In the support system 1 shown, a plurality of octagonal profiles 2 are also connected together by a plurality of first connectors 5 to form a basic support structure 3. A body plate 4 is also arranged on the basic support structure 3. Through the first connectors 5, further octagonal profiles 2 are also arranged on the basic support structure 3, in particular enabling further functional elements and / or connecting elements that perform other functions to be arranged on the basic support structure. This makes it possible to build a modular support system as required. The present invention will describe the connecting elements for achieving these purposes in conjunction with the following, in particular the first connectors 5 and the second connectors 6 of the support system 1 designed by the present invention.

[0056] Figures 3a to 3d A possible exemplary embodiment of a first connecting element 5 is shown, which connects two octagonal profiles 2 located in the same arrangement plane and having the same width across sides at a right angle. Figure 3a The first connecting member 5 for connecting two octagonal profiles 2 is shown in Figure 6 The first connecting member 5 shown is particularly useful for Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the support system 1 shown in FIG.

[0057] The first connecting members 5 each have two positioning portions 51, each of which surrounds three adjacent side surfaces 21 of one octagonal profile 2. The first connecting member 5 connects two octagonal profiles 2 in such a way that a spacing is maintained between the positioning portions 51 and the middle side surfaces of the three adjacent side surfaces 21 of the respective octagonal profiles 2. In addition, the positioning portions 51 are arranged on the outer side surfaces of the three adjacent side surfaces of the respective octagonal profiles 2 in a form-fitting manner.

[0058] In order to enable the octagonal profiles 2 to be connected to each other at right angles, the positioning parts 51 of the first connecting member 5 are arranged at right angles to each other. Each positioning part 51 comprises two continuous outer parts 52 and an inner part 53, respectively, which are fitted on the outer surfaces of three adjacent side surfaces of the octagonal profile 2 in a form-fitting manner, and the inner part 53 connects the two first outer parts 52. The first outer part 52 of the first connecting member 5 has fastening holes 54, which specifically correspond to the positioning holes 22 of the octagonal profile 2. Figure 3a to Figure 3c In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the respective inner portion 53 also has a gap 55 . Figure 3d The inner portion 53 of the first connecting element 5 shown in FIG. 1 does not have such a gap, especially because in this exemplary embodiment, the width across the sides of the octagonal profile 2 is larger than Figure 3a The example embodiment shown is small. Figure 3d The first connecting element shown is fastened to the octagonal profile 2 by a total of eight screws 10 .

[0059] exist Figures 3a to 3dIn the exemplary embodiment shown, provision is made for threads to be introduced into the positioning holes 22, wherein the first connecting element 5 is fixed to two non-adjacent side surfaces 21 of the octagonal profile 2 by means of screws 10. The screws 10 pass through the fastening holes 54 and are screwed into the threads of the positioning holes 22. Here, the inner portion 53 does not contact the middle side surfaces of the three adjacent side surfaces 21, but is spaced apart from the middle side surfaces 21 in each case, as shown in FIG. Figure 3c In particular, Figure 3a In the exemplary embodiment shown, the first connecting element is fixed to the octagonal profile 2 by a total of twelve screws 10 .

[0060] In order to simplify the construction and disassembly of the support system 1, Figure 3a The gap 55 of the inner portion 53 of the first connecting member 5 is designed to allow the first connecting member 5 to be centrally positioned by the centering pin 7 and the positioning hole 22 introduced into the gap 55, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 In particular, the approximate positioning of the first connecting element 5 on the octagonal profile 2 can be achieved by the centering pin 7.

[0061] on the other hand, Figure 3b and Figure 3c The first connecting member 5 shown is a variant, and Figure 3d The variant shown, with Figure 3a In contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown, provision is made for the first connecting element 5 to comprise a centering hole 71, in particular in the respective inner portion 53, for simplified assembly and disassembly by means of the centering pin 7 being guided through the centering hole. Figure 3b and Figure 3c The example embodiments shown, and Figure 3d In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inner part 53 has a material accumulation 72 in the region of the centering hole 71 and a material gap 73 in the transition to the outer part 52. This facilitates further improved cable and / or line guidance in the region between the intermediate side surface 21 and the inner part 53. In addition, this can also further reduce the weight of the first connecting element 5.

[0062] The centering holes 71 in particular allow further improvement of the positioning of the first connecting elements on the respective octagonal profiles 2. In particular, when constructing the support system 1, the first connecting elements 5 can be positioned lengthwise at specific unit intervals on the respective octagonal profiles 2. The centering pins 7 also make it possible to expand the support system 1 by adding new octagonal profiles 2 without first dismantling the existing structure.

[0063] In the exemplary embodiment, the first connector 5 also has a connecting crossbeam 57, which connects the outer ends 56 of the inner part 53 and tapers in the direction of its center. The connecting crossbeam 57 is connected to each end of the inner part 53 by a continuous molded part 58. The configuration of the first connector 5 follows a bionic design, and its specific configuration provides the first connector 5 with an extremely high level of rigidity while being light in weight, and even under high load conditions, the stress level is significantly reduced compared to a connecting element that only includes regular geometric shapes. Such a configuration is achieved in particular by manufacturing the first connector 5 as a die-casting.

[0064] Figure 4 An exemplary embodiment of a first connecting member 5 is shown, Figure 3a to Figure 3c Compared with the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , the connector connects two octagonal profiles 2 with different widths across the sides at right angles on the same arrangement plane. To this end, some features of the first connector 5 are different from the first connector 5 described above. In particular, the positioning portion 51 arranged on the octagonal profile 2 with a smaller width across the sides by the first connector 5 is narrower than the positioning portion 51 arranged on the octagonal profile 2 with a larger width across the sides. In addition, the positioning portion 51 arranged on the octagonal profile 2 with a larger width across the sides extends to the four positioning holes 22 of the octagonal profile 2, wherein the respective outer portions 52 are as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, there are three fastening holes 54. In contrast, the arrangement of the octagonal profile 2 with a smaller width across the side is carried out through the first three positioning holes 22 and the correspondingly designed fastening holes 54. In addition, the connecting crossbeam 57 of the first connecting member 5 gradually tapers toward the octagonal profile 2 with a smaller width across the side. The connecting crossbeam 57 has a trapezoidal profile in a plan view, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 shown.

[0065] Figure 7a and Figure 7b An exemplary embodiment of the second connecting member 6 is shown, in particular for use as Figure 2 In the support system 1 shown, two octagonal profiles 2 with the same width across sides are connected at right angles in parallel offset planes by means of the second connecting member 6 . Figure 7a shows a perspective view, Figure 7b A side view is shown. Fig. 9 A perspective view of a single second connecting element 6 is shown. Figure 8a and Figure 8b A further exemplary embodiment of a second connecting element 6 is shown, this time designed for connecting two octagonal profiles 2 with different widths across the sides at right angles in planes arranged in parallel and offset.

[0066] The second connecting member 6, like the first connecting member 5, has two positioning portions 61, each of which surrounds three adjacent side surfaces 21 of an octagonal profile 2. The second connecting member 6 connects two octagonal profiles 2 in such a way that a spacing is maintained between the positioning portion 61 and the middle side surface of the three adjacent side surfaces 21 of each octagonal profile 2, in particular, Figure 7b As shown. In addition, the second connecting member 6 is arranged on the outer surfaces of three adjacent side surfaces of the respective octagonal profiles 2 in a shape-fitting manner through the positioning portions 61, and is fixed through the positioning holes 22 on the outer surfaces of the three adjacent side surfaces. The positioning portions 61 of the second connecting member 6 are arranged separately from each other by a connecting structure 67, and are arranged orthogonally relative to the common perpendicular bisector 8. In addition, the positioning portion 61 of the second connecting member 6 has continuous second outer portions 62, which are fitted on the outer surfaces of the adjacent side surfaces in a shape-fitting manner and have second fastening holes 64 corresponding to the positioning holes 22 of the octagonal profile 2. These second outer portions 62 are connected to each other by a connecting structure 67, in particular as Fig. 9 As shown, a gap 65 is provided between the second outer portions 62 of the respective positioning portions 61 .

[0067] The connecting structure 67 of the second connecting member 6 has a plurality of ribs 671 that connect the second outer portions 62 of the respective positioning portions 61. The ribs 671 each extend between the longitudinal sides 621 and the end sides 622 of the separated second outer portions 62. In the exemplary embodiment, four ribs 671 extend from the first outer portion 62 of the first positioning portion 61 to the first outer portion 62 of the second positioning portion 61. The same number of ribs 671 extend from the second outer portion 62 of the first positioning portion 61 to the second outer portion 62 of the second positioning portion 61.

[0068] exist Figures 7a to 9In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second connecting element 6 has a gap 672 between two internal ribs 671. This means that no material exists between the internal ribs 671. Each second connecting element 6 has a groove 673 between the respective external rib 671 and the adjacent internal rib 671, which has a connecting surface 674 that connects the external ribs 671. Compared with the gap, the connecting surface 674 in these exemplary embodiments means that there is still material between the external and internal ribs 671. In addition, the external ribs 671 are designed in a curved form, while the internal ribs 671 are designed in a straight form. Like the configuration of the first connecting element 5, the configuration of the second connecting element 6 follows a bionic design, which makes the second connecting element 6 have an extremely high level of rigidity while maintaining a low weight, and even under high load conditions, the stress level generated is significantly reduced compared to a connecting element comprising a purely regular geometry. This configuration is achieved in particular by manufacturing the second connecting element 6 as a die casting.

[0069] and Figure 3b to Figure 3d Similar to the variant of the first connecting element 5 shown, the second connecting element can also include a centering hole 71, through which the centering pin 7 can be guided, in order to simplify the assembly and disassembly of the support system 1, which is not explicitly shown in the illustration of the second connecting element 6. Figure 8b As shown, the second connector 6 can also be Figure 3b to Figure 3d As with the first connector 5 shown, there is a corresponding groove-shaped material gap 73 at the transition between the central area of ​​the positioning portion 61 and the outer part 62, and the central area is spaced apart from the middle side surface of the three adjacent side surfaces 21 of the octagonal profile 2 surrounded by the positioning portion 61. This is conducive to further improving the cable guidance and / or line guidance between the middle side surface 21 and the central area of ​​the positioning portion 61. In addition, this can also further reduce the weight of the second connecting piece 6.

[0070] Fig.10a An octagonal profile 2 having eight side surfaces 21, each of which has a plurality of positioning holes 22, is shown, wherein a plurality of possible configurations of connecting elements 9 performing an expansion function can be seen on the octagonal profile 2. These connecting elements 9 also each have a positioning portion 91, which surrounds three adjacent side surfaces 21 of the octagonal profile 2, wherein the positioning portion 91 is spaced apart from the middle side surface of the three adjacent side surfaces 21 by an inner portion 93, as shown in FIG. Fig.10bAs shown, and arranged on the outer side surfaces of three adjacent side surfaces of the octagonal profile 2 in a form-fitting manner by the outer part 92, fixed by the positioning holes 22 on the outer side surfaces of the three adjacent side surfaces of the octagonal profile 2. These further connecting elements 9 each have a functional part 98, which performs an additional function or can perform an additional function by means of the functional part, in particular by arranging a tool on the functional part 98.

[0071] Fig.11a and Fig.11b Two configurations of aluminum octagonal profiles 2 with different widths across the sides for the support system 1 are shown, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 shown. Fig.11a The width of the opposite side of the octagonal profile 2 shown in FIG. Fig.11b . Below the side surface 21, each octagonal profile 2 has a material accumulation 25 through which the positioning holes 22 pass. These material accumulations 25 make it possible to introduce threads into the positioning holes 22. The positioning holes 22 thus have an internal thread, which eliminates the need for blind rivet nuts, which simplifies the assembly of the support system 1.

[0072] Fig.11c A variation of the octagonal profile 2 is shown, this time using a steel octagonal profile with a width across the sides of Fig.11a The example embodiments shown are the same. Fig.11a and Fig.11c It can be clearly seen that the wall thickness of the steel octagonal profile 2 is significantly smaller than that of the aluminum octagonal profile 2. However, Fig.11c The steel octagonal profile 2 shown in FIG. 1 has advantages over the aluminum configuration in terms of strength and rigidity. Similarly, below the side surface 21, Fig.11c The steel octagonal profile 2 shown has material accumulations 25 through which the positioning holes 22 pass. These material accumulations 25 also make it possible to introduce threads into the positioning holes 22. The positioning holes 22 thus have internal threads, so that there is no need to use blind rivet nuts, which simplifies the assembly of the support system 1.

[0073] Fig.11d Another variant of the steel octagonal profile 2 is shown. Here, the octagonal profile 2 is formed from steel plates, in particular rolled steel plates, which are processed at appropriate angles. The ends of the steel plates are welded to each other, and the weld seam 26 is formed at Fig.11d is shown as an example.

[0074] Fig.12a A perspective view of a double octagonal profile 2 is shown, forming an octagonal profile for supporting the system 1, in particular as Figure 2 In addition, Figure 12bA cross-section of the double octagonal profile 2 is shown. While ensuring the same connection capacity of the connecting elements 4, 6, 9, the configuration of the double octagonal profile 2 is advantageous for strengthening the structure, especially when longer lengths are involved. The double octagonal profile 2 is in principle composed of two previously described octagonal profiles 2, with a common connection side 27 replacing one side surface 21.

[0075] The exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings and described in conjunction with the description serve to explain the invention but not to limit the invention.

[0076] List of Reference Numerals

[0077] 1 Support system

[0078] 2 Octagonal profiles

[0079] 21 Side surface

[0080] 22 Positioning holes

[0081] 25 Material accumulation

[0082] 26 Weld

[0083] 27 Connection surface

[0084] 3 Basic load-bearing structure

[0085] 4 Main Body

[0086] 5 First connector

[0087] 51 Positioning part

[0088] 52 External part

[0089] 53 Internal part

[0090] 54 Fastening holes

[0091] 55 Gap

[0092] 56 Outer end of inner portion (53)

[0093] 57 Connecting beam

[0094] 58 Continuous forming part

[0095] 6 Second connector

[0096] 61 Positioning section

[0097] 62 External part

[0098] 621 longitudinal side

[0099] 622 End face

[0100] 64 Fastening holes

[0101] 65 Gap

[0102] 67 Connection structure

[0103] 671 Rib

[0104] 672 Gap

[0105] 673 Grooves

[0106] 674 Connection surface

[0107] 7 Centering pin

[0108] 71 Centering hole

[0109] 72 Material accumulation

[0110] 73 Material Gap

[0111] 8 Perpendicular bisector

[0112] 9 Connecting element with extended functions

[0113] 91 Positioning part

[0114] 92 External part

[0115] 93 Internal part

[0116] 98 Functional part

[0117] 10 Screws

Claims

1. A modular support system (1) for carrying tools and / or workpieces for machining, comprising a plurality of octagonal profiles (2) having eight side surfaces (21), each side surface being provided with a plurality of positioning holes (22), wherein the plurality of octagonal profiles (2) are connected to each other via connecting elements (5, 6) to form a basic support structure (3), wherein each connecting element (5, 6) has two positioning portions (51, 61), each positioning portion respectively surrounding three adjacent side surfaces (21) of an octagonal profile (2), characterized in that: Each connecting element (5, 6) connects two octagonal profiles (2) in such a way that the positioning portion (51, 61) maintains a spacing between the middle side surfaces of three adjacent side surfaces (21) of the respective octagonal profile (2), and is arranged on the outer side surfaces of the adjacent side surfaces of the respective octagonal profile (2) in a shape-fitting manner through the positioning holes (22) on the outer side surfaces of the adjacent side surfaces.

2. The support system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least some of the connecting elements (5, 6) are designed in the form of first connecting pieces (5) for connecting two octagonal profiles (2) at right angles in the same arrangement plane; and / or at least some of the connecting elements (5, 6) are designed in the form of second connecting pieces (6) for connecting two octagonal profiles (2) at right angles in arrangement planes offset parallel to each other.

3. The support system (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that: At least some of the first connecting members (5) and / or at least some of the second connecting members (6) connect two octagonal profiles (2) having different widths across the sides; and / or at least some of the first connecting members (5) and / or at least some of the second connecting members (6) connect two octagonal profiles (2) having the same width across the sides.

4. The support system (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that: The positioning portion (51) of the first connecting member (5) is arranged at a right angle and comprises a continuous outer portion (52) and an inner portion (53) connected to the outer portion (52), wherein the outer portion is fitted on the outer surface of the adjacent side surface (21) in a shape-fitting manner, wherein the outer portion (52) has a fastening hole (54) designed corresponding to the positioning hole (22).

5. The support system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The inner parts (53) of the first connecting members (5) each have a gap (55).

6. The support system (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that: The first connecting member (5) has a connecting crossbeam (57) connecting the outer ends (56) of the inner portion (53).

7. The support system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The connecting crossbeam (57) of the first connecting member (5) respectively connecting two octagonal profiles (2) with the same width across the sides gradually tapers toward the center thereof.

8. The support system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that The connecting crossbeam (57) of the first connecting member (5) respectively connecting two octagonal profiles (2) with different widths across the side gradually tapers toward the octagonal profile (2) with the smaller width across the side.

9. The support system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that The connecting crossbeam (57) of the first connecting element (5) is connected to the inner part (53) via a continuous molded part (58).

10. The support system (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that The size of the gap (55) of the inner part (53) is designed so that when the first connecting member (5) is installed on the octagonal profile (2), the first connecting member can be introduced into the gap (55) for centering by means of a centering pin (7), and / or when the first connecting member (5) is removed from the octagonal profile (2), the centering pin (7) can be introduced into the gap.

11. The support system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that The positioning parts (61) of the second connecting member (6) are arranged separately from each other by a connecting structure (67) and are arranged orthogonally relative to a common perpendicular bisector (8), wherein the positioning part (61) of the second connecting member (6) has a continuous second outer part (62), which is fitted on the outer surface of the adjacent side surface (21) in a shape-fitting manner and has a second fastening hole (64) designed corresponding to the positioning hole (22), wherein the second outer parts (62) are connected to each other by the connecting structure (67).

12. The support system according to claim 11, characterized in that: The second outer portions (62) of the respective positioning portions (61) have gaps (65) therebetween.

13. The support system (1) according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that The connecting structure (67) has a rib (671) which connects the second outer portions (62) of the respective positioning portions (61).

14. The support system (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that The ribs (671) each extend between the longitudinal sides (621) and the end sides (622) of adjacent second outer portions (62).

15. A support system (1) according to claim 13 or claim 14, characterized in that There are gaps (672) between the internal ribs (671).

16. The support system (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that There are grooves (673) between the external ribs (671), and the grooves have connecting surfaces (674) that connect the external ribs (671).

17. The support system (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that The outer ribs (671) are of curved design and / or the inner ribs (671) are of straight design.

18. Support system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that At least some of the connecting elements (5, 6) are die-cast parts.

19. Support system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least some of the connecting elements (5, 6) are produced by additive manufacturing.

20. Support system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least some of the connecting elements (5, 6) each have at least one centering pin (7), wherein the at least one centering pin (7) is inserted into a positioning hole (22) of the respective octagonal profile (2).

21. Support system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that At least some of the octagonal profiles (2) have a material accumulation (25) inside and below the side surface (21), and the positioning holes (22) pass through the material accumulation (25), and the positioning holes (22) have internal threads.

22. Support system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least some of the octagonal profiles (2) are made of steel plates, the ends of which are welded to each other.

23. Support system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that At least some of the connecting elements (5, 6, 9) are fixed to the octagonal profile (2) by means of screws (10) with a friction-reducing coating.

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