Cover element for covering the end face of a T-slot and a covering device comprising a cover element

Abstract

Cover element for covering the end face of a T-slot (108) of a workpiece carrier (100), wherein the cover element (130) can be positioned at an end region of the T-slot (108) such that the cross-section of the T-slot (108) is covered by the cover element (130) to a proportion of at least 80%, characterized by that the cover element (130) comprises at least one clamping element (174) which can be brought into force-fit engagement with at least one limiting wall (176) of the T-slot (108), wherein at least one clamping element (174) is designed as a volume-elastic and / or shape-elastic clamping body (179) and the clamping body (179) is essentially made entirely of a foam material.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover element for covering the end face of a T-slot of a workpiece carrier.

[0002] Such a workpiece carrier can, for example, be designed as a machine table of a machine tool or another machining device for a workpiece.

[0003] Such a workpiece carrier includes one or more T-slots that extend from the top of the workpiece carrier into its interior.

[0004] These T-slots are used to anchor workpiece pallets or workpiece holders to the machine table.

[0005] Particularly during machining of a workpiece, chips can get into the T-slots, which is undesirable. It is therefore known to cover the T-slots from above with cover strips that extend in the longitudinal direction of the respective T-slot.

[0006] The end openings of the T-slots, where they terminate at the edge of the workpiece carrier, remain open. Particularly with swiveling machine tables, chips can enter the T-slots through these end openings during machining.

[0007] DE 82 01 376 U1 and DE 38 21 632 A1 disclose cover elements for covering the end face of a T-slot of a workpiece carrier according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0008] DE 41 39 272 A1 discloses a T-nut which has at least one support body which gives the T-nut its strength and which is at least partially surrounded by a filler body which consists of elastomers, thermosets, rubber or regenerated rubber.

[0009] DE 23 57 825 A discloses a groove closure for machine tool tables, which is manufactured as a one-piece profile or as a block casting or block injection molding profile made of elastomer or an elastic material.

[0010] The present invention is based on the objective of creating a way to reduce as much as possible the penetration of chips or other contaminants into the T-slot of a workpiece carrier during a machining operation on a workpiece.

[0011] This problem is solved by a cover element for covering the end face of a T-slot of a workpiece carrier according to claim 1.

[0012] It is particularly advantageous if the cross-section of the T-slot is covered by the cover element to a proportion of at least 90%, and preferably at least 95%.

[0013] The relevant cross-section of the T-slot here is the cross-section taken perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the T-slot.

[0014] For the sake of simplicity, the following description of the T-slot and the cover element according to the invention assumes that the longitudinal direction of the T-slot extends in a horizontal plane, that a vertical direction of the T-slot, along which the T-slot extends into the workpiece carrier, is vertically oriented, and that a horizontal direction of the T-slot, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and perpendicular to the vertical direction, is horizontally oriented.

[0015] Since the workpiece carrier can be positioned arbitrarily in space and, in particular, can also be movably arranged, for example in the case of a machine tool table with five axes of movement, these orientation specifications are not relevant with respect to the direction of gravity, but solely with respect to the relative orientation to the normal direction of the top of the workpiece carrier. If the top of the workpiece carrier is horizontally oriented, the vertical direction of the T-slot coincides with the direction of gravity. If the orientation of the top of the workpiece carrier deviates from the horizontal orientation, the vertical orientation of the T-slot also deviates from the direction of gravity or the vertical. It is easy for a person skilled in the art to understand that all orientation specifications given below, such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, etc., refer to the following.then need to be adjusted accordingly, because it depends solely on the alignment of the various elements of the T-slot and the cover element in relation to the top of the workpiece carrier or in relation to the height direction of the T-slot.

[0016] In principle, it could be provided that the cover element can be positioned on the end face of a T-slot in such a way that part of the cover element protrudes beyond the end face opening of the T-slot into the outer space of the workpiece carrier.

[0017] Preferably, the cover element can be positioned in the T-slot such that at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, and especially preferably at least 95% of the cover element's volume is contained within the T-slot. This prevents, particularly in the case of movable, for example pivotable, workpiece carriers, the outer contour of the workpiece from increasing with the cover element attached to it, which could cause the cover element to interfere with other components of a machining device.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the cover element can be positioned in the T-slot in such a way that it is completely enclosed in the T-slot.

[0019] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cover element can be positioned in the T-slot in such a way that each area of ​​the cover element is recessed into the interior of the T-slot opposite the end face opening of the T-slot, near which the cover element is arranged.

[0020] To avoid unnecessarily reducing the usable positioning space remaining within the T-slot for workpiece holders, T-nuts and the like, it is advantageous if the cover element can be positioned in the T-slot in such a way that the greatest distance of the cover element from the nearest end face opening of the T-slot is less than the height of the T-slot, in particular less than half the height of the T-slot.

[0021] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cover element includes a grip area on which an operator can grasp the cover element to remove it, for example to pull it out of the T-slot.

[0022] Such a grip area can in particular include a grip plate.

[0023] The handle plate can, for example, have a semicircular, oval or rectangular shape.

[0024] In order to be able to easily and securely position the cover element at a desired location in the T-slot, it is provided that the cover element includes at least one clamping element which can be brought into force-fit engagement with at least one boundary wall of the T-slot.

[0025] Such a boundary wall can be a lateral boundary wall of a groove channel of the T-slot, a lateral boundary wall of a groove base of the T-slot, an upper boundary wall of an undercut area of ​​the T-slot, the groove base of the T-slot, or a chamfer at the upper edge of the T-slot.

[0026] The clamping element, or at least one of the several clamping elements, can be designed as a terminal strip.

[0027] Such a clamping strip preferably extends along the longitudinal direction of the T-slot when the cover element is arranged in the T-slot.

[0028] The clamping element, or at least one of the several clamping elements, is designed as a volume-elastic and / or shape-elastic clamping body.

[0029] For example, it may be provided that the clamping element comprises a plastic material, in particular a thermoplastic plastic material, such as a polypropylene material or a polyamide material.

[0030] Furthermore, it may be provided that the clamping element comprises an elastomeric material.

[0031] The invention provides that the clamping body is essentially made entirely of a foam material, for example a polyurethane material.

[0032] Since relatively large manufacturing tolerances apply to the production of T-slots in workpiece carriers, so that the dimensions of the T-slot can vary considerably parallel to the height direction of the T-slot, it is advantageous if the cover element includes at least one flexible covering element whose extension along the height direction of the T-slot can be varied by elastic and / or plastic deformation of the covering element.

[0033] Such a flexible covering element can, for example, be designed as a tongue that can be deformed elastically.

[0034] Such a flexible covering element can, in particular, lie flat against an upper boundary wall of one of the undercut areas of the T-slot and / or against the base of the slot when the cover element is arranged in the T-slot.

[0035] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cover element comprises at least one passage opening through which a fluid can pass through the cover element.

[0036] This allows, for example, the flow of coolant or cooling lubricant used in the machining of a workpiece from the T-slot through the cover element into the outside of the T-slot.

[0037] Preferably, the passage opening or at least one of the several passage openings is oriented essentially parallel to the longitudinal direction of the T-slot when the cover element is arranged in the T-slot.

[0038] The fluid passing through the cover element can be a gas or a liquid.

[0039] In particular, this fluid may be a liquid coolant or a cooling lubricant.

[0040] Such a passage opening can be provided with a chamfer at at least one of its end regions to facilitate the entry of fluid into the passage opening.

[0041] Such a chamfer can be arranged on the rear side of the cover element, which faces away from the front opening of the T-slot when the cover element is arranged in the T-slot, or on the front side of the cover element, which faces the front opening of the T-slot when the cover element is arranged in the T-slot.

[0042] The cover element according to the invention is particularly suitable as a component of a cover device for a T-slot of a workpiece carrier, which, in addition to the cover element, also includes at least one cover strip by means of which the T-slot can be covered at its longitudinal opening.

[0043] The cover element preferably comprises a connecting structure that can be engaged with such a cover strip, which covers the T-slot at its longitudinal opening.

[0044] Such a connecting structure can, for example, be designed as a polygon, in particular a square, which projects from a rear side of the cover element.

[0045] In a particular embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the cover element comprises a form-elastic clamping body which can be brought into engagement with at least one boundary wall of the T-slot.

[0046] Such a boundary wall of the T-slot can be, for example, the slot base, an upper boundary wall of one of the undercut areas of the T-slot, or a chamfer on an upper edge of the T-slot.

[0047] Such a clamping element can in particular comprise a spring plate or be designed as a spring plate.

[0048] The clamping element is preferably made of an elastic spring steel material.

[0049] The spring steel material is preferably a stainless steel material.

[0050] The flexible clamping body can have one or more bending lines or fold lines.

[0051] The clamping body can have at least one clamping area which, in a rest state outside the T-slot, has a greater height than in a working state of the cover element in which the cover element is arranged in the T-slot.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, it may also be provided that the clamping body includes at least one clamping area which, in a rest state outside the T-slot, has a smaller height than in a working state of the cover element in which the cover element is arranged in the T-slot.

[0053] The clamping body may include a height adjustment device for adjusting the height of a clamping area of ​​the clamping body.

[0054] Such a height adjustment device can include a height adjustment element with an external thread and / or a height adjustment element with an internal thread.

[0055] The height adjustment element with an external thread can, for example, be designed as a screw or as a threaded bolt.

[0056] The height adjustment element with an internal thread can, for example, be designed as a nut.

[0057] The nut can be pressed into a through-opening of the clamping body.

[0058] The cover element can include at least one overhanging element which, in the mounted state of the cover element, extends laterally beyond a groove channel of the T-slot.

[0059] In particular, it may be provided that such a protruding element at least partially covers a chamfer of the T-slot, which is located on an upper edge of the T-slot.

[0060] The present invention further relates to a covering device for a T-slot of a workpiece carrier, which comprises at least one covering element according to the invention and at least one covering strip by means of which the T-slot can be covered at its longitudinal opening.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of such a cover device, the cover strip has a profile on its upper surface, which faces outwards when the cover strip is mounted, and the cover element has a profile on its upper surface, which faces outwards when the cover element is mounted, that corresponds to the profile of the cover strip. In this way, contaminants, such as shavings, can be moved particularly easily from the upper surface of the cover strip to the upper surface of the cover element without getting stuck at the transition between the cover strip and the cover element.

[0062] The cover element according to the invention is particularly suitable for use as an end-face cover for a T-slot of a workpiece carrier.

[0063] The present invention therefore also relates to a method for machining a workpiece in which the workpiece is held on a workpiece carrier which has a T-slot, wherein the T-slot is covered on at least one of its end faces by means of a cover element according to the invention.

[0064] Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the graphic representation of exemplary embodiments.

[0065] The drawings show: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a workpiece carrier having a T-slot and a cover device for the T-slot of the workpiece carrier, which comprises a non-inventive first embodiment of a cover element and a cover strip, with the view direction towards a front of the cover element; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the workpiece carrier, the cover element and the cover strip made of Fig. 1, facing the reverse side of the cover element; Fig. 3 a front view of the workpiece carrier and the cover element from the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; Fig. 4 A view of the workpiece carrier, the cover element and the cover strip from the Fig. 1 to 3 from the back; Fig. 5 A top view of the workpiece carrier, the cover element and the cover strip made of the Fig. 1 to 4; Fig. 6. a vertical longitudinal section through the workpiece carrier, the cover element and the cover strip made from the Fig. 1 to 5, along line 6 - 6 in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 a vertical cross-section through the workpiece carrier, the cover element and the cover strip made of the Fig. 1 to 6, along line 7 - 7 in Fig. 5; Fig. 8 a perspective view of the cover element from the Fig. 1 to 7, facing the front of the cover element; Fig. 9 another perspective view of the cover element made of Fig. 8, facing the reverse side of the cover element; Fig. 10 a front view of the cover element from the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9; Fig. 11 a view of the cover element from the Fig. 8 to 10 from the back; Fig. 12 a side view of the cover element from the Fig. 8 to 11, facing in the direction of arrow 12 in Fig. 11; Fig. 13 a top view of the cover element from the Fig. 8 to 12, facing in the direction of arrow 13 in Fig. 11; Fig. 14 a top view of the cover element from the Fig. 8 to 13 from the bottom, facing in the direction of arrow 14 in Fig. 11; Fig. 15 a vertical longitudinal section through the cover element made of the Fig. 8 to 14, along line 15 - 15 in Fig. 13; Fig. 16 a vertical cross-section through the cover element made of the Fig. 8 to 15, along line 16 - 16 in Fig. 13; Fig. 17 a perspective view of a workpiece carrier having a T-slot, a second embodiment of a cover element and a cover strip according to the invention, with the view direction towards a front of the cover element; Fig. 18 a front view of the workpiece carrier, the cover element and the cover strip made of Fig. 17; Fig. 19 a top view of the workpiece carrier, the cover element and the cover strip made from the Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 from above, facing in the direction of arrow 19 Fig. 18; Fig. 20 a perspective view of the cover element from the Fig. 17 to 19; Fig. 21 a front view of the cover element made of Fig. 20; Fig. 22 a view of the cover element from the Fig. 20 and Fig. 21 from the back; Fig. 23 a side view of the cover element from the Fig. 20 to 22, facing in the direction of arrow 23 in Fig. 21; Fig. 24 a top view of the cover element from the Fig. 20 to 23 from the top, facing in the direction of arrow 24 in Fig. 21; Fig. 25 a top view of the cover element from the Fig. 20 to 24 from the bottom, facing in the direction of arrow 25 in Fig. 21; Fig. 26 a perspective view of a workpiece carrier having a T-slot and a third embodiment of a cover element not according to the invention, comprising a spring-elastic clamping body and a height adjustment device; Fig. 27 a front view of the workpiece carrier and the cover element made of Fig. 26; Fig. 28 a view of the workpiece carrier and the cover element from the Fig. 26 and Fig. 27 from the back; Fig. 29 a top view of the workpiece carrier and the cover element made from the Fig. 26 to 28 from the top; Fig. 30 a vertical longitudinal section through the workpiece carrier and the cover element made of the Fig. 26 to 29, along line 30 - 30 in Fig. 29; Fig. 31 a vertical cross-section through the workpiece carrier and the cover element made of the Fig. 26 to 30, along line 31 - 31 in Fig. 29; Fig. 32 a perspective view of the cover element from the Fig. 26 to 31, facing a front side of the cover element; Fig. 33 a side view of the cover element made of Fig. 32; Fig. 34 a front view of the cover element from the Fig. 32 and Fig. 33; Fig. 35 a view of the cover element from the Fig. 32 to 34 from the back; Fig. 36 a top view of the cover element from the Fig. 32 to 35 from the top; Fig. 37 a top view of the cover element from the Fig. 32 to 36 from the bottom; Fig. 38 a vertical longitudinal section through the cover element made of the Fig. 32 to 37, along line 38 - 38 in Fig. 36; Fig. 39 a perspective view of a workpiece carrier having a T-slot and a fourth embodiment of a cover element not according to the invention, which is designed as a folded spring sheet, with the view direction towards a front side of the cover element; Fig. 40 a front view of the workpiece carrier and the cover element made of Fig. 39; Fig. 41 a view of the workpiece carrier and the cover element from the Fig. 39 and Fig. 40 from the back; Fig. 42 a top view of the workpiece carrier and the cover element from the Fig. 39 to 41 from the top; Fig. 43 a vertical longitudinal section through the workpiece carrier and the cover element from the Fig. 39 to 42, along line 43 - 43 in Fig. 42; Fig. 44 a vertical cross-section through the workpiece carrier and the cover element made of the Fig. 39 to 43, along line 44 - 44 in Fig. 42; Fig. 45 a perspective view of the cover element from the Fig. 39 to 44, facing the front of the cover element; Fig. 46 a side view of the cover element made of Fig. 45; Fig. 47 a front view of the cover element from the Fig. 45 and Fig. 46; Fig. 48 a view of the cover element from the Fig. 45 to 47 from the back; Fig. 49 a top view of the cover element from the Fig. 45 to 48 from the top; Fig. 50 a top view of the cover element from the Fig. 45 to 49 from the bottom; and Fig. 51 a vertical longitudinal section through the cover element made of the Fig. 45 to 50, along line 51 - 51 in Fig. 49.

[0066] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are designated with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0067] One in the Fig. The workpiece carrier shown in Figures 1 to 7, designated as a whole by 100, is, for example, plate-shaped and has a preferably substantially flat top surface 102 and a preferably substantially flat bottom surface 104, wherein the bottom surface 104 is preferably oriented substantially parallel to the top surface 102.

[0068] The workpiece carrier 100 can, for example, be designed as a machine table 106 of a (not shown) machine tool.

[0069] The workpiece carrier 100 includes one or more T-slots 108, which extend from the top 102 of the workpiece carrier 100 into its interior.

[0070] Each T-slot 108 extends along a longitudinal direction 110, which is preferably aligned parallel to the top surface 102 of the workpiece carrier 100.

[0071] The T-slot comprises a central area 112 with a substantially rectangular cross-section, which extends in a width direction 114 of the slot over a width B and in a height direction 116 of the T-slot 108 over a height H from the top 102 of the workpiece carrier 100 to a slot base 118.

[0072] From the lower section of the central area 112 of the T-slot 108, which ends at the slot base 118, two undercut areas 120 of the T-slot 108 extend away from the central area 112 of the T-slot 108 along the width direction 114 in opposite directions, so that the T-slot 108 has a T-shaped cross-section overall.

[0073] Each of the undercut areas 120 of the T-slot 108 extends in the height direction 116 of the T-slot 108 over a height h.

[0074] The area of ​​the T-slot 108 lying above the undercut areas 120 extends in the height direction 116 of the T-slot 108 over a height h' and is referred to below as the slot channel 122.

[0075] The groove channel 122 can be provided with a chamfer 124 on each of its upper longitudinal edges.

[0076] The area of ​​the T-slot 108 lying below the groove channel 122 includes the two undercut areas 120 as well as the lower section of the central area 112 of the T-slot 108, extends in the width direction 114 of the T-slot 108 over a width b and is referred to below as the groove foot 126.

[0077] The T-slots 108 of the workpiece carrier 100 serve to anchor workpiece holders or workpiece pallets to the workpiece carrier 100. The workpiece holders or workpiece pallets can, for example, interact with T-slot nuts, which are inserted into one of the T-slots 108 of the workpiece carrier 100.

[0078] When machining a workpiece held on the workpiece carrier 100, contaminants can enter the T-slots 108, which is undesirable.

[0079] In particular, during machining of a workpiece, chips can enter the T-slots 108.

[0080] To prevent such contaminants from entering a T-slot 108, the T-slot 108 in question is provided with a cover device 128, which comprises a cover element 130 and a cover strip 132.

[0081] How best to get from the Fig. 1 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the cover element 130 can be positioned in an end area of ​​the T-slot 108 such that the area of ​​the cross-section of the T-slot 108 is covered by the cover element 130 to a proportion of at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, particularly preferably at least 95%.

[0082] The cover element can be positioned in the T-slot 108 in such a way that at least 80%, preferably at least 90%, particularly preferably at least 95% of the volume of the cover element 130 is contained in the T-slot 108.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in the drawing, the cover element 130 can be positioned in the T-slot 108 in such a way that the entire volume of the cover element 130 is contained in the T-slot 108 and no part of the cover element 130 protrudes outwards from the T-slot 108.

[0084] In principle, it can be provided that the cover element 130 is positioned directly at an end face opening 134 of the T-slot 108, at which the T-slot 108 ends on an outer surface 136 of the workpiece carrier 100.

[0085] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the cover element 130 can also be positioned in the T-slot 108 in such a way that each area of ​​the cover element 130 is offset into the interior of the T-slot 108 opposite the front opening 134 of the T-slot 108.

[0086] The construction of the cover element 130 is best understood from the Fig. Figures 8 to 16 show the cover element 130 separately, without the workpiece carrier and without the cover strip 132.

[0087] The cover element 130 comprises a base body 138, which can, for example, have a substantially cuboid shape. The base body 138 comprises a top wall 140, two side walls 142, a bottom wall 144, a rear wall 146, and a front wall 148, wherein the front wall 148 forms part of an end wall 150 of the cover element 130.

[0088] The base body 138 is preferably provided with a cavity 152 to save material and weight. Furthermore, the cavity 152 ensures that the base body 138 is manufactured using an injection molding process, resulting in approximately uniform wall thicknesses.

[0089] The top surface 155 of the ceiling wall 140 of the cover element 130 has a profile 154 which corresponds to a profile 156 of the top surface 158 of the cover strip 132.

[0090] This profiling 154 of the cover element 130 comprises inner boundary lines 160 and outer boundary lines 162, which extend in the longitudinal direction 110 and by which the top of the cover element 130 is divided into a horizontally oriented flat central area 164, two inclined areas 166 adjoining the flat central area 164 to the outside and two horizontally oriented flat outer areas 168 adjoining the inclined areas 166 laterally to the outside.

[0091] How best to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, the ceiling wall 140 of the cover element 130 further comprises on both of its longitudinal sides an overhanging element 170, which, in the mounted state of the cover element 130, projects laterally over a longitudinal opening 172 of the central area 112 of the T-slot 108 and the groove channel 122.

[0092] In particular, it can be provided that each of the overhanging elements 170 overlaps a chamfer 124 of the T-slot 108.

[0093] The side walls 142 of the base body 138 of the cover element 130 are each provided with one or more clamping elements 174, which engage forcefully, in particular frictionally, with each limiting wall 176 of the groove channel 122 of the T-slot 108 when the cover element 130 is positioned in the T-slot 108.

[0094] Each of the clamping elements 174 can, for example, be designed as a clamping strip 178, which preferably extends along the longitudinal direction 110 of the T-slot 108 when the cover element 130 is arranged in the T-slot 108.

[0095] As from the Fig. 10 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 11, such a clamping element 174 can have a bead-shaped cross-section.

[0096] One or more, for example two or more, particularly preferably three or more, clamping strips 178 can be arranged on each of the side walls 142.

[0097] Adjacent clamping strips 178 of a side wall 142 are preferably spaced apart from each other, in particular along the vertical direction 116.

[0098] The clamping effect of the clamping elements 174 is achieved through the volume elasticity of the material of the clamping elements 174. Each clamping element 174 thus comprises a volume-elastic clamping body 179.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the clamping elements 174 are formed integrally with the base body 138 of the cover element 130.

[0100] The base body 138 and the clamping elements 174 are, for example, made of an injection-moldable plastic material, in particular a thermoplastic plastic material.

[0101] For example, the base body 138 and the clamping elements 174 can be made of a polypropylene material or a polyamide material.

[0102] In the illustrated embodiment, the underside of the bottom wall 144 of the base body 138 is essentially flat.

[0103] The cover element 130 also includes a grip area 180, which extends, for example, from a front end of the ceiling wall 140 of the base body 138 in the longitudinal direction 110 forward beyond the end wall 150 of the cover element 130.

[0104] The grip area 180 can, for example, have the shape of a grip plate 182.

[0105] The grip area 180 can, for example, have a semicircular or rectangular outer contour when viewed from above - along the height direction 116.

[0106] The handle area 180 allows an operator to grip the cover element 130.

[0107] For example, the operator can grasp the handle area 180 with their hand to remove the cover element 130 arranged in the T-slot 108 from the T-slot 108, in particular to pull it out of the T-slot 108.

[0108] The grip area 180 can also be used to insert the cover element 130 into the T-slot 108, in particular to slide it into the T-slot 108.

[0109] The end wall 150 on the front of the cover element 130 serves to cover the cross-section of the T-slot 108 as much as possible when the cover element 130 is arranged in the T-slot 108.

[0110] The width of the end wall 150, that is, its extension along the width direction 114, corresponds - taking into account a small clearance for the clamping elements 174 - to the width B of the groove channel 122 of the T-slot 108.

[0111] This width B is preferably indicated on the front wall 150 in the form of a marking 184 for the information of an operator.

[0112] The marker 184, for example, can contain an alphanumeric character corresponding to width B.

[0113] In the illustrated embodiment, the marking 184 indicates the width B of the groove channel 122 (and thus the width of the end wall 150) in millimeters.

[0114] The marking 184 can be at least partially raised above the front surface 186 of the end wall 150 and / or at least partially formed as a depression in the end wall 150.

[0115] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the marking 184 stands out in color and / or in terms of its grey value from an area of ​​the end wall 150 of the cover element 130 surrounding the marking 184.

[0116] The marking 184 can, for example, be formed on the end wall 150 of the cover element 130 during an injection molding process.

[0117] Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the marking 184 is formed on the end wall 150 after the production of the end wall 150 by a machining operation, for example an engraving operation or a milling operation.

[0118] Furthermore, the marking 184 can be produced by a spraying process or a printing process by which a marking agent is applied to the end wall 150.

[0119] The end wall 150 is preferably provided with one or more, in the illustrated embodiment for example six, passage openings 188 through which a fluid can pass through the end wall 150 when the cover element 130 is arranged in the T-slot 108.

[0120] Preferably, each of the passage openings 188 is designed such that a fluid can pass through the end wall 150 of the cover element 130 substantially along the longitudinal direction 110.

[0121] Such a fluid can be gaseous or liquid.

[0122] For example, the fluid can be a fluid coolant, in particular a liquid coolant, which is used in the machining of a workpiece held on the workpiece carrier 100.

[0123] How best to use the sectional view of Fig. As can be seen in Figure 15, such a passage opening 188 in the illustrated embodiment has a diameter that is constant along the longitudinal direction 110.

[0124] Alternatively, it can also be provided that the diameter of the passage opening 188 varies in the longitudinal direction 110.

[0125] Furthermore, it may be provided that such a passage opening 188 is provided with a chamfer at the end facing the front 186 of the end wall 150 or at one of the rear ends 190 of the passage opening 188 facing away from the front 186 of the end wall 150.

[0126] As from the Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the end wall 150 extends downwards in the vertical direction 116 from the base body 138 of the cover element 130.

[0127] When the cover element 130 is arranged in the T-slot 108, the end wall 150 extends from the groove channel 122 into the groove base 126.

[0128] For example, from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the end wall 150 comprises two flexible covering elements 192, which are arranged laterally next to a main area 194 of the end wall 150 and are preferably integrally connected to the main area 194.

[0129] Each covering element 192 has an upper end region 196, which is separated from the main region 194 of the end wall 150 by a gap 197, so that this end region 196 is movable relative to the main region 194.

[0130] This makes each of the covering elements 192 elastically deformable.

[0131] For example, in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the covering elements 192 of the cover element 130 are arranged in one of the undercut areas 120 of the T-slot 108 in the assembled state of the cover element 130.

[0132] The total height h'' of a cover element 192, that is, its extension along the height direction 116 in a rest state in which the cover element 130 is not arranged in a T-slot 108 (see Fig. 10), is greater than the height h of the respective associated undercut area 120, so that each of the cover elements 192 is elastically deformed by a bending process when the cover element 130 is inserted into the T-slot and the upper end area 196 of the cover element 192 rests against an upper boundary wall 198 of the undercut area 120 of the T-slot 108.

[0133] This ensures that the covering element 192 covers the undercut area 120 of the T-slot 108 over its entire height h when the cover element 130 is arranged in the T-slot 108, even if the height h of the undercut area 120 deviates significantly from a specified target value due to the relatively large manufacturing tolerances of the T-slot 108.

[0134] To ensure this, the height h'' of the cover element 192 in the relaxed rest state is chosen so that it is greater than or at least equal to the greatest height h of the undercut area 120 that can be expected taking into account the manufacturing tolerances of the T-slot 108.

[0135] The restoring force of the form-elastic cover element 192, with which the cover element 192 presses against the upper boundary wall 198 of the undercut area 120, leads to a frictional coupling between the cover element 192 and the upper boundary wall 198 of the undercut area 120 of the T-slot 108, which helps to hold the cover element 130 in a desired position along the longitudinal direction 110 of the T-slot 108.

[0136] When the cover element 130 is removed from the T-slot 108, the cover elements 192 deform back to their rest position, at least to a large extent, due to their elasticity.

[0137] The cover element 130 further comprises a connecting structure 200, which is arranged on the rear of the base body 138 of the cover element 130 and can be engaged with the cover strip 132 of the cover device 128.

[0138] In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting structure 200 is designed as a projection 202, which extends from the rear wall 146 of the base body 138 of the cover element 130 along the longitudinal direction 110 to the rear.

[0139] The projection 202 can, for example, be designed as a square 204.

[0140] To save material and weight, the projection 202 is preferably provided with a cavity 206. Furthermore, the cavity 206 ensures that the projection 202 is manufactured using an injection molding process and that the wall thicknesses are approximately the same.

[0141] The cavity 206 preferably opens at the rear 208 of the connecting structure 200.

[0142] How best to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the cover strip 132 in this embodiment is designed as a substantially U-shaped profile element 210.

[0143] The profile element 210 comprises two legs 212 which, in the mounted state of the cover strip 132, are aligned essentially parallel to the height direction 116 of the T-slot 108 and are connected to each other by a web 214 which is aligned essentially parallel to the width direction 114.

[0144] When the cover strip 132 and the cover element 130 are engaged with each other, the web 214 preferably rests on the top of the connecting structure 200.

[0145] The side walls 216 of the connecting structure 200 are arranged with minimal clearance between the legs 212 of the cover strip 132.

[0146] The legs 212 can each be provided with a bead 218 at their lower end regions, which each rests against one of the boundary walls 176 of the groove channel 122 when the cover strip 132 is inserted into the T-slot 108 from above.

[0147] This creates a clamping effect that holds the cover strip 132 in the T-slot 108.

[0148] The bridge 214 is provided on its upper side 158 with the profile 156, which corresponds to the profile 154 of the cover element 130.

[0149] This profile 156 thus has inner boundary lines 220, which define a horizontally oriented flat central area 222 of the top surface 158 of the cover strip 132.

[0150] Furthermore, the profile 156 of the cover strip 132 has outer boundary lines 224, which each separate an inclined area 226 arranged laterally next to the flat central area 222 of the top surface 158 of the cover strip 132 from a horizontally oriented flat outer area 228 of the top surface 158 of the cover strip 132.

[0151] How best viewed from above Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the inner boundary lines 220 of the profile 156 of the cover strip 132 preferably align with the inner boundary lines 160 of the profile 154 of the cover element 130 in the top view from above along the height direction 116, when the cover element 130 and the cover strip 132 are arranged in the T-slot 108 and are engaged with each other.

[0152] Likewise, the outer boundary lines 224 of the profile 156 of the cover strip 132 preferably align with the outer boundary lines 162 of the profile 154 of the cover element 130 in the top view from above along the height direction 116 of the T-slot 108, when the cover element 130 and the cover strip 132 are arranged in the T-slot 108 and are engaged with each other.

[0153] The profile 154 of the cover element 130 thus forms a continuation and a termination of the profile 156 of the cover strip 132, so that a closed optical impression is created and, during a cleaning process, contaminants can be easily transferred from the profile 156 of the cover strip 132 to the profile 154 of the cover element 130 without the contaminants remaining in the area of ​​the back wall 146 of the base body 138 of the cover element 130, which facilitates the cleaning of the cover device 128 comprising the cover element 130 and the cover strip 132.

[0154] The cover strip 132 can be made of a plastic material and is preferably made of a metallic material.

[0155] The cover strip 132 can, for example, be made of an aluminum material, preferably aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0156] The cover strip 132 can, for example, be designed as an extruded profile.

[0157] The cover element 130 is preferably formed in one piece, wherein the base body 138, the connecting structure 200, the grip area 180 and the end wall 150 including the covering elements 192 form a single unit.

[0158] The cover element 130 can, for example, be manufactured as an injection-molded part using an injection molding process.

[0159] The cover element 130 preferably comprises a plastic material, preferably a thermoplastic plastic material, in particular a polypropylene material or a polyamide material.

[0160] Preferably, the cover element 130 is formed essentially entirely from a plastic material, particularly preferably from a thermoplastic plastic material, for example from a polypropylene material or a polyamide material.

[0161] One in the Fig. The second embodiment of a cover device 128 for a T-slot 108 of a workpiece carrier 100, illustrated in Figures 17 to 25, differs from the one shown in the Fig. 1 to 16 of the first embodiment shown, in that the base body 138 of the cover element 130 is designed as a whole as a volume-elastic clamping body 179.

[0162] As from the Fig. As can be seen in Figures 20 to 25, in which the cover element 130 is shown separately, the base body 138 of the cover element 130 in this embodiment comprises a foot area 230, which in the assembled state of the cover element 130 is arranged in the groove foot 126 of the T-slot 108, and a channel area 232 projecting upwards from the foot area 230 in the vertical direction 116, which in the assembled state of the cover element 130 is arranged in the groove channel 122 of the T-slot 108.

[0163] The foot area 230 and the channel area 232 of the base body 138 are formed in one piece.

[0164] The base body 138 of the cover element 130 preferably comprises a foam material, for example a polyurethane material.

[0165] It is particularly advantageous if the base body 138 of the cover element 130 in this embodiment is essentially made entirely of a foam material, for example a polyurethane material.

[0166] In this embodiment, the cover element 130 has a cross-section that is essentially constant along the longitudinal direction 110 and covers at least 80%, in particular at least 90%, and especially preferably at least 95% of the cross-sectional area of ​​the T-slot 108 when the cover element 130 is arranged in the T-slot 108.

[0167] In this embodiment, the foot area 230 of the cover element 130 can have chamfers 234 so that the cover element 130 can be more easily inserted into the T-slot 108 through the end face opening 134 of the T-slot 108.

[0168] The channel area 232 of the cover element 130 preferably tapers at least section by section with increasing distance from the base area 230, in order to make it easier to place the cover strip 132 of the cover device 128 onto the cover element 130 from above (see in particular Fig. 18).

[0169] In this second embodiment of a cover device 128, the cover strip 132 is constructed in the same way as in the one described in the Fig. 1 to 16 of the first embodiment shown.

[0170] When the cover device 128 is mounted, the web 214 of the cover strip 132 rests on the chamfers 124 of the groove channel 122 of the groove 108.

[0171] The legs 212 of the cover strip 132 extend into the space between the channel area 232 of the cover element 130 on the one hand and each of the boundary walls 176 of the groove channel 122 on the other.

[0172] The base body 138 of the cover element 130 is compressed when inserted into the T-slot 108, so that the cover element 130 exerts a compressive force on all boundary walls of the T-slot 108 due to its volume elasticity.

[0173] This pressure force presses the legs 212 with the ridges 218 against the limiting walls 176 of the groove channel 122 of the T-slot 108.

[0174] This creates, on the one hand, a friction-fit connection between the cover element 130 and the cover strip 132, and on the other hand, a friction-fit connection between the cover strip 132 and the boundary walls 176 of the T-slot 108.

[0175] These friction-fit connections hold the cover element 130 and the cover strip 132 in their axial position relative to the T-slot 108.

[0176] The cover element 130 can be marked 184 on its end wall 150.

[0177] This marking may in particular include an alphanumeric character indicating the width B of the groove channel 122 of the T-slot 108, for the covering of which the cover element 130 is provided.

[0178] The marking 184 can, in principle, be produced in the same way as the marking 184 on the end wall 150 of the cover element 130 in the Fig. 1 to 16 illustrated first embodiment of a covering device 128, to the preceding description of which reference is made in this respect.

[0179] In this second embodiment, the cover element 130 is preferably positioned in the T-slot 108 such that its end wall 150 coincides with the end face opening 134 of the T-slot 108 or has a very small distance from the end face opening 134 of the T-slot 108 along the longitudinal direction 110 of the T-slot 108, for example a distance which is less than 20% of the width B of the groove channel 122 of the T-slot 108.

[0180] This embodiment of a cover device 128 is also suitable for use with a workpiece carrier whose T-slots 108 do not end on a flat end face, but on a curved end face.

[0181] In this case, the base body 138 of the cover element 130 can be cut to size so that it has a curved end wall 150, the curvature of which is adapted to the curvature of the curved end face of the workpiece carrier 100.

[0182] The cover strip 132 can be installed either as shown in the Fig. 17 to 19 shown, end at a flat end face, or the end area of ​​the cover strip 132 overlapping the cover element 130 is cut so that the cover strip 132 ends at a curved end face, the curvature of which is adapted to the curvature of the end wall 150 of the cover element 130 and / or to the curvature of the curved end face of the workpiece carrier 100.

[0183] Moreover, the one in the Fig. The second embodiment of a cover device 128, illustrated in Figures 17 to 25, differs in terms of structure, function and method of manufacture from that shown in the Fig. The first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 16 is identical, and reference is made to its preceding description.

[0184] One in the Fig. The third embodiment of a cover device 128 for a T-slot 108, illustrated in Figures 26 to 38, differs from the embodiments described above in that the cover element 130 comprises a form-elastic clamping element 236 as its base body 138, which can be engaged with several boundary walls of the T-slot 108 when the cover element 130 is arranged in the T-slot 108. These boundary walls comprise the chamfers 124 at the upper end of the slot channel 122, the upper boundary walls 198 of the undercut areas 120 of the T-slot 108, and the slot base 118 of the T-slot 108.

[0185] The form-elastic clamping element 236 comprises a spring sheet 238 having several bending lines 240, in particular an upper bending line 240a, at which a horizontal upper section 242a transitions into an upper inclined section 242b of the spring sheet 238, a front bending line 240b, at which the upper inclined section 242b transitions into a lower inclined section 242c of the spring sheet 238, a rear bending line 240c, at which the lower inclined section 242c transitions into a lower horizontal section 242d of the spring sheet 238, and a lower bending line 240d, at which the lower horizontal section 242d transitions into an inclined clamping section 242e of the spring sheet 238.

[0186] How best to get from the Fig. 34 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 35, the width, that is, the extent along the width direction 114 of the T-slot 108, of the upper horizontal section 242a, of the upper inclined section 242b and of the lower inclined section 242c of the spring plate 238 corresponds to the width B of the groove channel 122 of the T-slot 108.

[0187] The width, that is, the extent along the width direction 114 of the T-slot 108, the lower horizontal section 242d and the inclined clamping section 242e of the spring plate 238 corresponds to the width b of the slot foot 126 of the T-slot 108.

[0188] In the state of the cover element 130 being inserted into the T-slot 108, the upper horizontal section 242a, the upper inclined section 242b, the lower inclined section 242c and the lower horizontal section 242d of the spring sheet 238 together form an upper clamping area 244 of the cover element 130, with which the cover element 130 can be clamped to the groove channel 122 of the T-slot 108.

[0189] The lower horizontal section 242d and the inclined clamping section 242e of the spring sheet 238 form a lower clamping area 246, by means of which the cover element 130 can be clamped to the groove foot 126 of the T-slot 108.

[0190] In order to be able to adjust the height of the upper clamping area 244 to the varying height h' of the groove channel 122 due to manufacturing tolerances, the clamping body 236 of the cover element 130 includes a height adjustment device 148.

[0191] The height adjustment device 248 comprises a screw 250, the screw head 252 of which rests on the top of the upper horizontal section 242a of the spring sheet 238 and extends downwards through the upper horizontal section 242a of the spring sheet 238 via a passage opening 254 in the upper horizontal section 242a along the height direction 116.

[0192] The screw 250 further comprises an upper unthreaded shank section 256, which extends through a passage opening 258 in the upper inclined section 242b of the spring sheet 238, and a lower threaded shank section 260, which extends through a passage opening 262 in the lower inclined section 242c of the spring sheet 238 and engages at its lower end region with a nut 264, which is fixed to a passage opening 266 of the lower horizontal section 242d of the spring sheet 238.

[0193] In one variant of this embodiment, the upper threadless shaft section 256 of the screw 250 can be omitted and the entire shaft can be provided with an external thread.

[0194] The nut 264 has an internal thread complementary to the external thread of the threaded shaft section 260.

[0195] The nut 264 can, for example, be designed as a press-fit nut, a cage nut or a rivet nut.

[0196] By screwing the screw 250 into the nut 264, the height of the upper clamping area 244 of the cover element 130 can be reduced. By unscrewing the screw 250 from the nut 264, the height of the upper clamping area 244 of the cover element 130 can be reduced.

[0197] The upper clamping area 244 is compressed along the height direction 116, so that the elastic restoring force of the form-elastic upper clamping area 244 of the cover element 130 pushes the upper horizontal section 242a of the spring sheet 238 upwards against the screw head 252.

[0198] When the cover element 130 is arranged in the T-slot 108, the upper horizontal section 242a of the spring plate 238 can be pulled against the chamfers 124 on the upper edge of the groove channel 122 by screwing the screw 250 into the thread of the nut 264, and the lower horizontal section 242d of the spring plate 238 can be pulled against the upper limiting walls 198 of the undercut areas 120 of the T-slot 108, so that the upper clamping area 244 is clamped to the groove channel 122 of the T-slot 108.

[0199] The upper horizontal section 242a of the spring sheet 238 is provided with upwardly bent protrusion elements 170, which, in the mounted state of the cover element 130, rest against the chamfers 124 on the upper edge of the groove channel 122.

[0200] The lower clamping area 246 of the cover element 230 is also compressed when the cover element 130 is inserted into the T-slot 108.

[0201] The elastic restoring force of the form-elastic lower clamping area 246 pushes the inclined clamping section 242e of the spring sheet 238 away from the lower horizontal section 242d of the spring sheet 238 against the groove base 118, so that the height, i.e. the extension along the height direction 116 of the T-slot 108, of the lower clamping area 246 adapts to the height h of the groove foot 126 of the T-slot 108.

[0202] A lower end region of the inclined clamping section 242e of the spring sheet 238 can be bent over, preferably bent back on itself, to avoid the spring sheet 238 coming into contact with the groove base 118 with a sharp edge.

[0203] In addition to the cover element 130, this embodiment of a cover device 128, like the first two embodiments, can also provide a cover strip 132 to cover the T-slot 108 upwards; however, this cover strip 132 is not shown in the drawing and is not connected to the cover element 130 by a connecting structure in this embodiment.

[0204] Moreover, the one in the Fig. The third embodiment of a cover device 128 for a T-slot 108, as illustrated in Figures 26 to 38, is comparable in terms of construction, function and manufacturing method to that shown in the Fig. The first embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 16 is identical, and reference is made to its preceding description.

[0205] One in the Fig. The fourth embodiment of a cover device 128 for a T-slot 108, illustrated in Figures 39 to 51, differs from the one shown in the Fig. The third embodiment shown in Figures 26 to 38 is distinguished in that the cover element 130 comprises a form-elastic clamping body 236, which has an upper clamping area 244 and a lower clamping area 246, but does not provide a height adjustment device 248 for adjusting the height, i.e. the extension along the height direction 116 of the T-slot 108, of the upper clamping area 244.

[0206] Instead, in this embodiment, the upper clamping area 244 of the spring plate 238 is provided in the relaxed rest state of the cover element 130, which is in the Fig. 45 to 51, has a height which is smaller than the height h' of the groove channel 122 of the T-slot 108.

[0207] When the cover element 130 is inserted into the T-slot 108, the upper clamping area 244 is subjected to tensile stress, and the upper horizontal section 242a and the lower horizontal section 242d are pulled apart along the vertical direction 116 of the T-slot 108. This causes the elastic restoring force of the resilient upper clamping area 244 of the spring sheet 238 to press the protruding elements 170 against the chamfers 124 and the lower horizontal section 242d against the upper boundary walls 198 of the undercut areas 120 of the T-slot 108. As a result, the cover element 130 is held in the groove channel 122 of the T-slot 108 by a clamping effect.

[0208] Since in this embodiment of the cover element 130 the clamping force by which the cover element 130 is held on the groove channel 122 of the T-slot 108 is determined exclusively by the elasticity of the upper clamping area 244, it is advantageous if the upper clamping area 244 has a larger number of bending lines 240 in this embodiment.

[0209] For example, an additional bending line 240e may be provided, at which the upper inclined section 242b transitions into a middle horizontal section 242e of the spring sheet 238, and a further bending line 240f may be provided, at which the middle horizontal section 242e transitions into the lower inclined section 242c of the spring sheet 238.

[0210] Since in this embodiment of the cover element 130 the number of bend lines 240 of the upper clamping area 244 is even, it is preferably provided that the upper bend line 240a is arranged on the front side of the cover element 130 which, in the mounted state of the cover element 130, points towards the end face opening 134 of the T-slot 108, while the upper bend line 240a is located in the Fig. The third embodiment shown in Figures 26 to 38 is located on the rear side of the cover element 130, facing away from the frontal opening 134 of the T-slot 108, when the cover element 130 is mounted.

[0211] In principle, however, in the third and fourth embodiments of the cover element 130, the number, arrangement and orientation of the bending lines 240 can vary as desired, in particular depending on the material thickness of the metallic sheet used and depending on the height h' of the groove channel 122 of the T-slot 108 for which the cover element 130 is provided.

[0212] In this fourth embodiment, the lower clamping area 246 is designed in the same way as in the third embodiment, so that the lower clamping area 246 is compressed along the height direction 116 of the T-slot 108 when the cover element 130 is inserted into the T-slot 108.

[0213] The elastic restoring force of the form-elastic lower clamping area 246 presses the lower horizontal section 242d of the spring sheet 238 against the upper boundary walls 198 of the undercut areas 120 of the T-slot 108, while the lower end area 268 of the inclined clamping section 242e is pressed against the groove base 118 of the T-slot 108, so that the lower clamping area 246 of the cover element 130 is held by clamping action on the groove foot 126 of the T-slot 108.

[0214] Moreover, the one in the Fig. The fourth embodiment of a cover device 128 and a cover element 130, as illustrated in Figures 39 to 51, is comparable in terms of structure, function and method of manufacture to that shown in the Fig. The third embodiment shown in Figures 26 to 38 is identical, and reference is made to its preceding description.

Claims

[1] Cover element for covering the end face of a T-slot (108) of a workpiece carrier (100), wherein the cover element (130) can be positioned at an end region of the T-slot (108) such that the cross-section of the T-slot (108) is covered by the cover element (130) to a proportion of at least 80%, characterized by , that the cover element (130) comprises at least one clamping element (174) which can be brought into force-fit engagement with at least one limiting wall (176) of the T-slot (108), wherein at least one clamping element (174) is designed as a volume-elastic and / or shape-elastic clamping body (179) and the clamping body (179) is essentially made entirely of a foam material. [2] Cover element according to claim 1, characterized by, that the cover element (130) can be positioned in the T-slot (108) such that at least 80% of the volume of the cover element (130) is contained in the T-slot (108). [3] Cover element according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that the cover element (130) can be positioned in the T-slot (108) such that each area of ​​the cover element (130) is offset into the interior of the T-slot (108) opposite the front opening (134) of the T-slot (108). [4] Cover element according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the cover element (130) includes a grip area (180) which an operator can grip to remove the cover element (130) from the T-slot (108). [5] Cover element according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that at least one clamping element (174) is designed as a terminal strip (178). [6] Cover element according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by, that the cover element (130) comprises at least one flexible covering element (192) whose extension along the height direction (116) of the T-slot (108) can be varied by an elastic and / or plastic deformation of the covering element (192). [7] Cover element according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that the cover element (130) has at least one passage opening (188) through which a fluid can pass through the cover element (128). [8] Cover element according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by , that the cover element (130) comprises a connecting structure (200) which can be engaged with a cover strip (132) by means of which the T-slot (108) can be covered at its longitudinal opening (172). [9] Cover element according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by, that the cover element (130) comprises a form-elastic clamping body (236) which can be engaged with at least one boundary wall (198) of the T-slot (108). [10] Cover element according to claim 9, characterized by , that the clamping body (236) comprises a spring sheet (238). [11] Cover element according to one of claims 9 or 10, characterized by that the clamping body (236) has one or more bending lines (240) or folding lines. [12] Cover element according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by , that the clamping body (236) comprises a height adjustment device (248) for adjusting the height of a clamping area (244) of the clamping body (236). [13] Cover element according to claim 12, characterized by , that the height adjustment device (248) comprises a height adjustment element with an external thread and / or a height adjustment element with an internal thread. [14] Cover element according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by, that the cover element (130) comprises at least one overhang element (170) which, in the mounted state of the cover element (130), extends laterally beyond a groove channel (122) of the T-slot (108). [15] Covering device for a T-slot (108) of a workpiece carrier (100), comprising at least one cover element (130) according to one of claims 1 to 14 and at least one cover strip (132) by means of which the T-slot (108) can be covered at its longitudinal opening (172). [16] Covering device according to claim 15, characterized by , that the cover strip (132) has a profile (156) on its upper surface (158) which faces outwards when the cover strip (132) is mounted, and that the cover element (130) has a profile (154) on its upper surface which faces outwards when the cover element (130) is mounted, which corresponds to the profile (156) of the cover strip (132).

Images