Modular support system comprising a support base structure composed of octagonal profiles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a modular support system (1) for supporting tools and / or workpieces in order to machine same, said support system comprising a plurality of octagonal profiles (2) each having eight side surfaces (21) that each have a plurality of positioning holes (22). A plurality of the octagonal profiles (2) are connected to one another via connecting elements (5, 6) in order to form a support base structure. The connecting elements (5, 6) each have two positioning portions (51, 61) which each engage around three adjacent side surfaces (21) of an octagonal profile (2), the connecting elements (5, 6) each connecting two octagonal profiles (2) in such a way that the positioning portions (51, 61) are each spaced apart from the central of the three adjacent side surfaces (21) of an octagonal profile (2) and are interlockingly positioned on the adjacent side surfaces (21) of an octagonal profile (2) via the positioning holes (22) in the outer of the adjacent side surfaces (21).

Description

[0001] thyssenkrupp Automotive Body Solutions GmbH and Springer GmbH

[0002] Modular support system with a supporting base structure made of octagonal profiles

[0003] The invention relates to a modular support system for supporting tools and / or for supporting workpieces for machining, comprising a plurality of octagonal profiles, each with eight side surfaces, each having a plurality of defined arrangement holes. Several of the octagonal profiles are connected to one another via connecting elements to form a base support structure, wherein the connecting elements each have two arrangement sections, each of which encompasses three adjacent side surfaces of an octagonal profile. Such support systems are used particularly in the automotive industry for machining body components for vehicle manufacturing.

[0004] A possible design of a modular support system constructed from several octagonal profiles for attachment to robots and for connecting tools such as clamping, gripping, and suction devices is known, for example, from DE 299 05 687 U1. DE 10 2013 006 723 A1 describes an advantageous design of an octagonal profile for such a support system. EP 2 604 381 B1 discloses another possible design of a modular support system for securing machining tools during the bodyshell production of motor vehicle bodies. Furthermore, EP 1 533 072 B1 describes an element system intended for constructing such a support system.

[0005] The problem is that, especially in new electric vehicles, the weight of the batteries requires particularly reinforced and therefore heavier bodies and underbodies, for which the existing support systems are not designed, especially when the vehicles are vans or SUVs (SUVs: Sport Utility Vehicles). This means that the support systems must be adapted, which also means an increase in weight for the aforementioned support systems, which sometimes pushes the load-bearing capacity of the robots used to their limits.

[0006] Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved modular support system. The improvement preferably lies in a simplified structure of the support system, wherein the support system preferably offers greater load-bearing capacity with reduced weight and advantageously has a reduced CO2 footprint. To achieve this object, a modular support system according to claim 1 is proposed. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the description, as well as illustrated in the figures.

[0007] The proposed solution provides a modular support system for supporting tools and / or workpieces for machining. The system comprises a plurality of octagonal profiles, each with eight side surfaces, each with a plurality of mounting holes. Several of the octagonal profiles are connected to one another via connecting elements to form a base support structure. The connecting elements each have two mounting sections, each of which encompasses three adjacent side surfaces of an octagonal profile.According to the invention, the connecting elements each connect two octagonal profiles in such a way that the arrangement sections are each spaced from the middle of the three adjacent side surfaces of a respective octagonal profile, in particular are generously spaced, and are arranged in a form-fitting manner on the outer of the adjacent side surfaces of a respective octagonal profile via the arrangement holes of the outer of the adjacent side surfaces. Due to the fact that only two surfaces of the arrangement sections rest on the octagonal profile, larger tolerances can advantageously be realized because there is no geometric overdetermination. This advantageously simplifies the structure of the support system. In addition, lines for grippers and / or other functional elements that can be arranged on the support system can advantageously be guided through the cavities thus formed between the arrangement section and the octagonal profile.This advantageously eliminates or at least reduces the need for additional guides for the cables, resulting in a weight reduction of the support system. According to an advantageous embodiment, the arrangement sections are each spaced from the middle of the three adjacent side surfaces of a respective octagonal profile by 0.5 mm (mm: millimeters) to 20 mm, more particularly by 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0008] In particular, the octagonal profiles of the support system are hollow in themselves, although a support structure may be present inside. The arrangement holes in the side surfaces of the octagonal profiles are advantageously positioned in a defined manner, in particular at equidistant intervals, wherein each side surface preferably has a row of arrangement holes, so that advantageously two arrangement holes of two side surfaces are always located opposite each other in pairs. Advantageously, the arrangement holes are designed as threaded bores. Furthermore, the octagonal profiles advantageously have a material accumulation on the inside below the side surfaces. The arrangement holes advantageously pass through the respective material accumulation. This advantageously makes it possible to introduce internal threads into the arrangement holes, advantageously without increasing the overall wall thickness of the octagonal profiles.Accordingly, it is particularly provided that the arrangement holes have an internal thread. Furthermore, at least some of the connecting elements, in particular all of the connecting elements, are advantageously arranged on the octagonal profiles with anti-friction coated screws. The anti-friction coating advantageously increases the screw preload force of each screw connection and thus increases the rigidity of the overall element system.

[0009] Furthermore, it is particularly provided that the support system comprises a base body, in particular a base body plate, wherein the base body is preferably arranged on the support base structure. Advantageously, the base body is a gripper connection plate. In particular, it is provided that a robot is connected to the base body. Furthermore, end effectors are advantageously connected via standpipes, which are preferably attached to the support system.

[0010] The support system can advantageously also be used for fixtures, component grippers, stands, shelves, trays or other similar applications in body construction as equipment for vehicle manufacturing, but in particular as a support system for the transport of sheet metal parts in body construction, and more particularly for the handling, positioning and fixing of such parts. The basis for this is always the use of polygonal hollow profiles with circumferential arrangement holes, in particular with grid holes as arrangement holes, and the screw connection of connecting elements. The screw connection of the connecting elements during assembly of the support system is advantageously carried out with a form-fitting connection on a maximum of two non-adjacent surfaces of the polygonal hollow profile. During assembly of the support system, the connecting elements are advantageously positioned lengthwise using centering pins in the grid dimension.Because the connecting elements do not wrap around the polygonal hollow profile, a particularly complex support system can be created. Advantageously, the connecting elements follow bionics. All connecting elements are advantageously very rigid due to their design, which is described in more detail below. Even under high loads, the stresses that occur are advantageously considerably lower compared to connecting elements consisting purely of standard geometries. Due to the properties of the connecting elements, which are described in more detail below, connecting elements can be advantageously eliminated throughout the entire support system compared to conventional support systems. This advantageously further reduces the overall mass of the support system and saves resources.In particular, it is provided that the support system can also comprise further connecting elements, wherein such a further connecting element does not connect two octagonal profiles to one another, but in particular connects a functional element to an octagonal profile. The arrangement area for arranging the further connecting element on the octagonal profile is advantageously designed in the same way as the corresponding arrangement area of ​​the connecting elements that connect two octagonal profiles to one another. Advantageously, the connecting elements, in particular the further connecting elements, have additional features for further use, in particular additional bores and / or grooves, which can be provided, for example, for cable routing. The connecting elements are in particular made of steel or aluminum.

[0011] A further advantageous embodiment of the support system provides that at least some of the connecting elements are designed as first connectors for connecting two octagonal profiles at right angles in the same arrangement plane. In particular, such first connectors are provided to connect octagonal profiles to one another to form the basic support structure. Additionally or alternatively, it is provided that at least some of the connecting elements are designed as second connectors for connecting two octagonal profiles at right angles in arrangement planes arranged parallel and offset from one another. In particular, both first connectors and second connectors are used in a support system. The various connectors advantageously increase the adaptability to different requirements of the support system.By providing different types of connectors, these can also be advantageously designed to be weight-optimized for the respective purpose. In particular, additional connectors are provided that are not designed for connecting two octagonal profiles at right angles, but rather for connecting octagonal profiles at an angle between 10° and 80°, in particular for connecting octagonal profiles at an angle of 20°, 30°, 45°, and / or 60°.

[0012] In particular, it is further provided that the support system comprises octagonal profiles with different wrench sizes, and thus in particular with different circumferences, in particular octagonal profiles with a first wrench size and octagonal profiles with a second wrench size. The first wrench size is in particular between 30 mm (mm: millimeters) and 80 mm. The second wrench size is in particular between 50 mm and 160 mm. In particular, it is provided that the first wrench size is smaller than the second wrench size. In particular, an octagonal profile can also be designed as a double profile, in particular as a double profile with a wrench size of 2x80 mm. More rigid profile tube geometries, in particular two octagonal profiles combined one above the other, are also provided as a further advantageous embodiment, in particular to increase section moduli in certain load directions.Advantageously, at least some of the first connectors and / or at least some of the second connectors connect two octagonal profiles with different circumferences. Connecting two different octagonal profile widths can advantageously have a positive impact on reducing the overall weight of the support system, taking into account the rigidity of the support system.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, it is provided that at least some of the first connectors and / or at least some of the second connectors connect two octagonal profiles with the same key widths. The first connectors and the second connectors are advantageously each adapted accordingly, i.e., a first connector connecting two octagonal profiles with the same key width differs from a first connector connecting two octagonal profiles with unequal key widths. The same applies in particular to the second connectors.

[0014] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the arrangement sections of the first connectors are arranged at right angles to one another. In particular, the arrangement sections of the first connectors each comprise continuous outer sections that form-fit against the outer of the adjacent side surfaces and inner sections that connect the outer sections. The outer sections have fastening holes that correspond, in particular, to the arrangement holes, wherein the first connectors are preferably arranged on the octagonal profiles via bolts, in particular threaded bolts, that are guided through the fastening holes and connected to the arrangement holes. In particular, the threaded bolts are anti-friction coated screws. The anti-friction coating advantageously increases the screw preload force of each screw connection and thus increases the rigidity of the overall element system.The inner sections of the arrangement sections advantageously each have a recess, in particular a substantially rectangular recess with preferably rounded corners. This advantageously reduces the weight of the first connectors, in particular without compromising the load-bearing capacity of the first connectors. In particular, it is provided that the recess occupies 20% to 60% of the area of ​​a respective inner section, more particularly 30% to 45% of the area of ​​a respective inner section. The recess is advantageously determined such that the strength of the connectors is sufficiently high.

[0015] Furthermore, the first connectors advantageously have a connecting web connecting the outer ends of the inner sections. This advantageously greatly increases the load-bearing capacity of each connector. In particular, the area between the connecting web and the arrangement sections is free of material in the longitudinal direction of the connecting web, so that the first connectors overall still have a low weight, especially compared to connectors known in the prior art for connecting octagonal profiles.

[0016] According to an advantageous development, a connecting web of a respective first connector, which connects two octagonal profiles of the same width across flats, tapers towards its center. In particular, the outer edges of the connecting web have a curved profile, in particular a substantially parabolic profile, with the center of the connecting web forming the apex. It has been shown that this allows for further weight reduction while maintaining high load-bearing capacity of the first connectors.

[0017] For a connecting web of a respective first connector that connects two octagonal profiles with different widths, however, it is particularly intended that the connecting web tapers towards the octagonal profile with the smaller width. The connecting web can then have a trapezoidal contour, particularly in plan view, which has proven advantageous in terms of weight and load-bearing capacity.

[0018] In a further advantageous embodiment, a connecting web of a respective first connector is connected to the inner sections via a flowing molding. This creates a particularly advantageous force flow under load, which advantageously further increases the overall load-bearing capacity.

[0019] In particular, it is also provided that at least some of the first connectors are each designed as a die-cast component. The connecting web and the various sections are therefore advantageously not welded to one another. This advantageously further simplifies the structure. In particular, it is provided that those first connectors which connect the octagonal profiles to the supporting base structure are designed as die-cast components. Advantageously, due to the design as die-cast components, the connectors are homogeneous components and are thus designed to be low-stress and strength-optimized. In particular, it can also be provided that at least some of the first connectors are manufactured by additive manufacturing. Aluminum is particularly provided as the material for the first connectors. According to an advantageous embodiment, steel is provided as the material for the first connectors.

[0020] According to a further embodiment of the support system, the recesses of the inner sections of the arrangement sections of the first connectors are dimensioned such that, for mounting the first connectors on the octagonal profiles, centering of the first connectors is possible via centering pins inserted into the recesses. This advantageously further simplifies the structure of the support system. For this purpose, the centering pins are advantageously inserted into the corresponding arrangement holes of an octagonal profile on which the connector is to be arranged. Advantageously, the centering pins protrude through the recess, wherein an inner boundary of the recess advantageously serves as a stop towards the connection point of the arrangement sections when the first connector is correctly arranged. In particular, it is provided that a centering pin is inserted through the recess from the inside for assembly.Furthermore, it is specifically provided that the centering pins can be partially inserted through the connector into the profile, in particular by positive and / or force-fitting the profile. This provides another significant assembly advantage. Furthermore, connectors can also be advantageously installed subsequently using the centering pins without dismantling the supporting structure.

[0021] It is further advantageous that the first connectors, which connect two octagonal profiles with identical wrench sizes, are arranged on the respective octagonal profile via three fastening holes arranged directly one after the other in the respective outer sections, with bolts, in particular threaded bolts, which engage in the mounting holes. In total, a first connector configured in this way is thus arranged with twelve bolts on the two octagonal profiles that the first connector connects. This advantageously achieves a very high load-bearing capacity.

[0022] For first connectors that connect two octagonal profiles with unequal wrench sizes, however, it is particularly provided that the arrangement section arranged on the octagonal profile with the larger wrench size extends over four arrangement holes of the octagonal profile, wherein this first connector is arranged on the octagonal profile with the larger wrench size via three fastening holes arranged in the respective outer sections, each with bolts, in particular threaded bolts, that engage in the arrangement holes, wherein the fastening holes, starting from the connection point of the octagonal profiles, overlap with the first two arrangement holes and the fourth arrangement hole. In the case of the octagonal profile with the smaller wrench size, however, the arrangement is preferably carried out via the first three arrangement holes.

[0023] A further advantageous embodiment provides that the arrangement sections of the second connectors are arranged spaced from one another via a connecting structure, in particular are arranged orthogonally to one another with respect to a common central perpendicular. The arrangement sections of the second connectors advantageously have continuous second outer sections that rest positively on the outer of the adjacent side surfaces and, in particular, comprise second fastening holes designed corresponding to the arrangement holes. The second outer sections are advantageously connected to one another via the connecting structure. Between the second outer sections of a respective arrangement section, there is advantageously a recess, in particular a substantially rectangular recess with preferably rounded corners.In particular, it is provided that the recess occupies 40% to 90% of the area of ​​a respective inner section, more particularly 70% to 80% of the area of ​​a respective inner section. This recess advantageously makes the second connectors lightweight.

[0024] Further advantageously, the connecting structure has ribs that connect the second outer sections of a respective arrangement section. These ribs advantageously further increase the load-bearing capacity and provide a further weight reduction. Advantageously, the ribs each extend between a longitudinal side and an end face of the spaced-apart second outer sections. Each connecting structure then comprises four rib arrangements. In particular, it is provided that each rib arrangement comprises four ribs.

[0025] According to an advantageous development, there is a recess between the inner ribs of the connecting structure. This advantageously further reduces the weight of the second connector. A recess can also be provided between the outer ribs. Preferably, there is a recess between the outer ribs with a connecting surface connecting the outer ribs. This improves the support of the respective outer rib while maintaining low weight, which leads to further improved load-bearing capacity. In particular, it is further provided that the outer ribs are curved. The inner ribs are advantageously straight. The load-bearing capacity is advantageously further improved as a result.

[0026] In particular, it is also provided that at least some of the second connectors are designed as die-cast components. The connecting structure with the ribs and the various sections are thus advantageously not welded to one another. This advantageously further simplifies the construction. Advantageously, the design as die-cast components also makes the connectors homogeneous components and thus low-stress and strength-optimized. According to an advantageous embodiment, at least some of the second connectors are produced by additive manufacturing. Aluminum is provided in particular as the material for the second connectors. As an advantageous embodiment, steel is provided as the material for the second connectors.

[0027] A further advantageous embodiment 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 the at least one centering pin engages in a mounting hole of the respective octagonal profile, which is preferably designed as a direct thread. Advantageously, the connecting elements thus formed are thereby positioned in the longitudinal direction of the octagonal profiles.

[0028] Advantageously, the connecting elements of the support system, in particular all connecting elements of the support system, are either die-cast components or investment-cast components or components manufactured by additive manufacturing, in particular components manufactured by 3D printing.

[0029] According to a further advantageous aspect, at least some of the octagonal profiles of the support system, in particular all of the octagonal profiles, are made of aluminum. Preferably, the octagonal profiles each have a material accumulation on the inside below the side surfaces. The arrangement holes advantageously extend through the respective material accumulation. This advantageously makes it possible to introduce internal threads into the arrangement holes without increasing the overall wall thickness of the octagonal profiles. Accordingly, it is particularly provided that the arrangement holes have an internal thread. This advantageously eliminates the need for blind rivet nuts, further simplifying the structure.

[0030] According to an alternative, particularly advantageous embodiment, however, it is provided that at least some of the octagonal profiles, in particular all of the octagonal profiles, and more particularly the octagonal profiles forming the basic supporting structure, are formed from sheet steel. The steel sheet is then advantageously folded to form the octagonal profile, with the ends of the steel sheet being welded together. The use of steel as a material for the octagonal profiles is made possible in particular by the connecting elements of the supporting system, which allow for higher tolerances. The higher tolerances of the connecting elements result in particular from the fact that they only bear prismatically on two surfaces. Advantageously, the steel octagonal profiles can withstand high loads and are lighter, while having a comparable load-bearing capacity to aluminum octagonal profiles.In addition, the use of steel instead of aluminum results in a reduced CO2 footprint. In the case of octagonal profiles made of sheet steel, it is particularly provided that blind rivet nuts are inserted into the arrangement holes so that the connecting elements are screwed together. In particular, the sheet steel has a thickness of between 1 mm and 20 mm. According to an advantageous design variant, the sheet steel has an accumulation of material in the area of ​​the arrangement holes so that the steel sheet has a greater thickness there, wherein a thread is advantageously introduced, in particular cut, into the arrangement holes. Advantageously, the assembly of the support system is further simplified if a thread is introduced into the arrangement holes. In particular, the octagonal profiles are designed as rolled profiles.

[0031] Further advantageous details, features, and design details of the invention are explained in more detail in connection with the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures (Fig.: Figure).

[0032] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view obliquely from above of an embodiment of a support system designed according to the invention;

[0033] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a support system designed according to the invention; Fig. 3a shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a first connector of a support system designed according to the invention, which connects two octagonal profiles of the same width across flats;

[0034] Fig. 3b shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a first connector of a support system designed according to the invention, which connects two octagonal profiles of the same key width;

[0035] Fig. 3c shows a sectional view of the connection of the first connector according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3b to an octagonal profile;

[0036] Fig. 3d shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a first connector of a support system designed according to the invention, which connects two octagonal profiles of the same key width;

[0037] Fig. 4 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a first connector of a support system designed according to the invention, which connects two octagonal profiles of different key widths;

[0038] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a first connector of a support system designed according to the invention, which is to be connected to two octagonal profiles of the same key width;

[0039] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a first connector of a support system designed according to the invention;

[0040] Fig. 7a shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a second connector of a support system designed according to the invention, which connects two octagonal profiles of the same key width;

[0041] Fig. 7b shows a side view of the embodiment according to Fig. 7a;

[0042] Fig. 8a shows a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a second connector of a support system designed according to the invention, which connects two octagonal profiles of different widths; Fig. 8b shows a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a second connector of a support system designed according to the invention, which connects two octagonal profiles of different widths;

[0043] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a second connector of a support system designed according to the invention;

[0044] Fig. 10a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of an octagonal profile with further connecting elements of a support system designed according to the invention arranged thereon;

[0045] Fig. 10b shows a front view of a further embodiment of an octagonal profile with further connecting elements arranged thereon of a support system designed according to the invention;

[0046] Fig. 11a shows a sectional view of an embodiment of an aluminum octagonal profile of a support system designed according to the invention with a first wrench size;

[0047] Fig. 11b shows a sectional view of a further embodiment of an aluminum octagonal profile of a support system designed according to the invention with a second wrench size;

[0048] Fig. 11c shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a steel octagonal profile of a support system designed according to the invention;

[0049] Fig. 1 Id shows a sectional view of a further embodiment of a steel octagonal profile of a support system designed according to the invention;

[0050] Fig. 12a shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an octagonal profile of a support system designed according to the invention; and

[0051] Fig. 12b shows a sectional view of the octagonal profile according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 12a. In the various figures, identical parts are generally provided with the same reference numerals and are therefore sometimes explained only in connection with one of the figures.

[0052] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a support system 1 designed according to the invention in a perspective view, with the view tilted towards the viewer. The support system 1 has a modular design and, in this embodiment, is designed to support workpieces for processing. The support system 1 comprises four octagonal profiles 2, each with eight side surfaces 21, each having a plurality of arrangement holes 22. The octagonal profiles 2 can be made of aluminum, preferably steel. The octagonal profiles 2 of the support system 1 are connected to one another via connecting elements 5 to form a support base structure 3. In this embodiment, a gripper connection plate is arranged as the base body 4 on the support base structure 3. As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, several connecting elements 9 are also arranged on the octagonal profiles 2, which have additional functional elements, in particular collets for holding body components. Details of the design of the support system 1 and the components of the support system 1 are explained in more detail below with reference to the other figures.

[0053] Fig. 2 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a support system 1 designed according to the invention, which comprises a larger number of octagonal profiles 2 than the support system 1 shown in Fig. 1 and has octagonal profiles 2 with different wrench sizes. In the support system 1 shown in Fig. 2, a plurality of octagonal profiles 2 are also connected to one another via a plurality of first connectors 5 to form a support base structure 3. A base body plate 4 is also arranged on the support base structure 3. Further octagonal profiles 2 are also arranged on the support base structure 3 via first connectors 5, which in particular offer the possibility of arranging further functional elements and / or connecting elements that provide further functions. In this way, individual support systems can be constructed in a modular manner.The essential connecting elements are described below with reference, in particular the first connectors 5 and the second connectors 6 of a support system 1 designed according to the invention.

[0054] Figs. 3a to 3d show possible embodiments for the design of a first connector 5, which connects two octagonal profiles 2, which are arranged in the same arrangement plane and have the same width across flats, at right angles to one another. A first connector 5, which connects two octagonal profiles 2 according to Fig. 3a, is also shown in isolation in Fig. 6. The first connectors 5 shown are intended in particular for use in a support system 1, as shown in particular in Figs. 1 and 2.

[0055] The first connectors 5 each have two arrangement sections 51, each of which encompasses three adjacent side surfaces 21 of an octagonal profile 2. The first connectors 5 connect two octagonal profiles 2 such that the arrangement sections 51 are each spaced apart from the middle of the three adjacent side surfaces 21 of a respective octagonal profile 2. Furthermore, the arrangement sections 51 are arranged in a form-fitting manner on the outer of the three adjacent side surfaces 21 of a respective octagonal profile 2.

[0056] The arrangement sections 51 of the first connectors 5 are arranged at right angles to one another in order to be able to connect the octagonal profiles 2 to one another in such a way that they are arranged at a right angle to one another. Each of the two arrangement sections 51 comprises two continuous outer sections 52 which rest positively on the outer of the three adjacent side surfaces 21 of the octagonal profiles 2 and an inner section 53 connecting the two first outer sections 52. The first outer sections 52 of the first connectors 5 have fastening holes 54 which correspond to the arrangement holes 22 of the octagonal profiles 2. The respective inner section 53 in the embodiments shown in Fig. 3a to Fig. 3c also has a recess 55. The inner section 53 of the octagonal profiles 2 shown in Fig.The first connector 5 shown in Fig. 3d does not have such a recess, particularly because in this embodiment, the octagonal profiles 2 have a smaller wrench size than in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3a. Also, the first connector according to Fig. 3d is arranged on the octagonal profiles 2 with only a total of eight screws 10.

[0057] In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 3a to Fig. 3d, a thread is provided in each of the arrangement holes 22, wherein the first connectors 5 are arranged on the two non-adjacent side surfaces 21 of the octagonal profile 2 by means of screws 10. The screws 10 penetrate the fastening holes 54 and are screwed to the threads of the arrangement holes 22. The inner sections 53 do not contact the middle of the three adjacent side surfaces 21, but are spaced apart from the middle side surface 21, as can be seen in particular from Fig. 3c. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 3a, the first connector is arranged on the octagonal profiles 2 via a total of twelve screws 10. For simplified assembly and disassembly of a support system 1, a first connector 5, as shown in Fig.3a, the respective recess 55 of the inner sections 53 is dimensioned such that, for mounting the first connectors 5 on the octagonal profiles 2, centering of the first connectors 5 is possible via centering pins 7 inserted through the recesses 55 and into the arrangement holes 22, as shown by way of example in Fig. 5. By means of the centering pins 7, in particular, a rough positioning of the first connector 5 on the respective octagonal profile 2 can then be carried out.

[0058] In the embodiment variant for a first connector 5 shown in Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c as well as in the embodiment variant shown in Fig. 3d, however, in contrast to the embodiment shown in Fig. 3a, the first connector 5 comprises a centering hole 71 specifically in the respective inner section 53, through which a centering pin 7 can be guided for simplified assembly and disassembly of a support system 1. In the area of ​​the centering hole 71, the inner sections 53 in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3b and Fig. 3c as well as in the embodiment shown in Fig. 3d each have a material accumulation 72 or a material recess 73 in the transition to the outer sections 52. This advantageously further improves cable and / or line routing in the area between the central side surface 21 and the inner section 53. In addition, the weight of the first connector 5 can be further reduced.

[0059] The centering hole 71 enables, in particular, a further improved positioning of the first connector on the respective octagonal profile 2. In particular, the first connectors 5 can be positioned lengthwise on a respective octagonal profile 2 in a grid dimension when constructing a support system 1. The addition of further octagonal profiles 2 to a support system 1 without first having to dismantle existing structures is also advantageously possible using the centering pins 7.

[0060] In the exemplary embodiments, the first connectors 5 also have a connecting web 57 that connects the outer ends 56 of the inner sections 53 and tapers towards its center. The connecting web 57 is connected to the inner sections 53 at each end via a flowing molding 58. The design of the first connectors 5 follows bionics, whereby the first connectors 5, due to their specific configuration, exhibit very high rigidity with low weight, and the stresses that occur are considerably lower, even under high loads, compared to connecting elements that consist purely of standard geometries. Such a design is made possible in particular by manufacturing the first connectors 5 as a die-cast component.

[0061] Fig. 4 shows an embodiment of a first connector 5 which, in contrast to the designs shown in Fig. 3a to Fig. 3c, connects two octagonal profiles 2 with different wrench sizes in the same arrangement plane at a right angle. For this purpose, the first connector 5 is designed differently from the previously described first connector 5 in some features. In particular, the arrangement section 51, with which the first connector 5 is arranged on the octagonal profile 2 with the smaller wrench size, is narrower than the arrangement section 51 with which the first connector 5 is arranged on the octagonal profile 2 with the larger wrench size. The arrangement section 51 arranged on the octagonal profile 2 with the larger wrench size also extends over four arrangement holes 22 of the octagonal profile 2, wherein the respective outer sections 52, as shown in Fig. 4, have three fastening holes 54.In contrast, for the octagonal profile 2 with the smaller width across flats, the assembly takes place via the first three assembly holes 22 and correspondingly designed fastening holes 54. The connecting web 57 of this first connector 5 also tapers towards the octagonal profile 2 with the smaller width across flats. The connecting web 57 has a trapezoidal contour in plan view, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0062] Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b show an exemplary embodiment for the design of a second connector 6, in particular for use in a support system 1, as shown in Fig. 2. The second connector 6 connects two octagonal profiles 2 with the same wrench size at right angles to one another in arrangement planes arranged offset parallel to one another, wherein Fig. 7a shows a perspective view and Fig. 7b shows a side view. An isolated, perspective view of the second connector 6 is shown in Fig. 9. Fig. 8a and Fig. 8b show further exemplary embodiments for the design of a second connector 6, which is each designed for the right-angled connection of two octagonal profiles 2 with unequal wrench widths in arrangement planes arranged offset parallel to one another.

[0063] The second connector 6, like the first connector 5, has two arrangement sections 61, each of which encompasses three adjacent side surfaces 21 of an octagonal profile 2. The second connector 6 connects two octagonal profiles 2 in such a way that the arrangement sections 61 are each spaced from the middle of the three adjacent side surfaces 21 of a respective octagonal profile 2, in particular as shown in Fig. 7b. In addition, the second connector 6 is arranged in a form-fitting manner on the outer of the three adjacent side surfaces 21 of a respective octagonal profile 2 by means of the arrangement sections 61 via the arrangement holes 22 of the outer of the adjacent three side surfaces 21. The arrangement sections 61 of the second connector 6 are spaced from one another via a connecting structure 67 and are arranged orthogonally to one another with respect to a common central perpendicular 8.In addition, the arrangement sections 61 of the second connector 6 have continuous, form-fitting second outer sections 62 that rest against the outer of the three adjacent side surfaces 21 and have second fastening holes 64 that correspond to the arrangement holes 22 of the octagonal profiles 2. These second outer sections 62 are connected to one another via the connecting structure 67, with a recess 65 being provided between the second outer sections 62 of a respective arrangement section 61 of the second connector 6, in particular as shown in Fig. 9.

[0064] The connecting structure 67 of the second connector 6 has a plurality of ribs 671 that connect the second outer sections 62 of a respective arrangement section 61. The ribs 671 each extend between a longitudinal side 621 and an end face 622 of the spaced-apart second outer sections 62. A first number of ribs 671, four ribs 671 in the illustrated embodiments, runs from a first outer section 62 of a first arrangement section 61 to a first outer section 62 of a second arrangement section 61 of the second connector 6. The same number of ribs 671, four ribs 671 in the illustrated embodiments, runs from a second outer section 62 of the first arrangement section 61 to a second outer section 62 of the second arrangement section 61 of the second connector 6.

[0065] In the exemplary embodiments shown in Fig. 7a to Fig. 9, the second connectors 6 have a recess 672 between the two inner ribs 671. This means that there is no material between the inner ribs 672. Between a respective outer rib 671 and the adjacent inner rib 671, the second connectors 6 each have a recess 673 with a connecting surface 674 connecting the outer ribs 671. In contrast to the recess, in these exemplary embodiments there is still material between the outer and the inner rib 671 due to the connecting surface 674. Furthermore, in the exemplary embodiments shown, the outer ribs 671 are curved and the inner ribs 671 are straight.The design of the second connectors 6, like the design of the first connectors 5, follows bionics. Due to their specific design, the second connectors 6 also exhibit very high rigidity with low weight, and the stresses that occur, even under high loads, are significantly lower than in connecting elements consisting purely of standard geometries. Such a design is made possible in particular by manufacturing the second connectors 6 as a die-cast component.

[0066] As with the design variants for a first connector 5 shown in Fig. 3b to Fig. 3d, a second connector can also comprise a centering hole 71 through which a centering pin 7 can be guided for simplified assembly or disassembly of a support system 1, which is not explicitly shown for the second connector 6 in the figures. As shown by way of example in Fig. 8b, the second connector 6 can also, like the first connectors 5 shown in Fig. 3b to Fig. 3d, have a groove-shaped material recess 73 in the middle region of an arrangement section 61, which is spaced from the middle of the three side surfaces 21 of an octagonal profile encompassed by the arrangement section 61, in the transition to the outer sections 62. This advantageously further improves cable and / or line routing in the region between the middle side surface 21 and the middle region of an arrangement section 61.In addition, the weight of the second connector 6 can be reduced.

[0067] Fig. 10a shows an octagonal profile 2, each with eight side surfaces 21, each having a plurality of arrangement holes 22, wherein a plurality of possible designs of connecting elements 9 with extended functionality are shown on the octagonal profile 2. These connecting elements 9 also each have an arrangement section 91, which encompasses three adjacent side surfaces 21 of the octagonal profile 2, wherein the arrangement sections 91 are each spaced from the middle of the three adjacent side surfaces 21 of a respective octagonal profile 2 by an inner section 93, as shown by way of example in Fig. 10b, and are arranged via the arrangement holes 22 of the outer of the three adjacent side surfaces 21 in a form-fitting manner with the outer sections 92 on the outer of the three adjacent side surfaces 21 of a respective octagonal profile 2.These further connecting elements 9 each have a functional section 98 which provides the further function or via which the further function can be provided, in particular by arranging a tool on the functional section 98.

[0068] Fig. 11a and Fig. 11b show two designs of octagonal profiles 2 made of aluminum with different wrench sizes for use in a support system 1, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The octagonal profile 2 shown in Fig. 11a has a larger wrench size than the octagonal profile 2 shown in Fig. 11b. Below the side surfaces 21, the octagonal profiles 2 each have a material accumulation 25 through which the arrangement holes 22 pass. The material accumulations 25 enable the introduction of threads into the arrangement holes 22. Accordingly, the arrangement holes 22 have an internal thread, whereby no blind rivet nuts are required, which simplifies the assembly of the support system 1.

[0069] Fig. 11c shows a design variant of an octagonal profile 2 made of steel, which has the same wrench size as the embodiment shown in Fig. 11a. From the comparison of Fig. 11a and Fig. 11c, it is clearly evident that the octagonal profile 2 made of steel has a significantly thinner wall thickness than the octagonal profile 2 made of aluminum. Nevertheless, the octagonal profile 2 shown in Fig. 11c is more advantageous in terms of strength and rigidity compared to the aluminum design. The steel octagonal profile 2 shown in Fig. 11c also has a material accumulation 25 below the side surfaces 21, through which the arrangement holes 22 pass. Here, too, the material accumulations 25 enable the introduction of threads into the arrangement holes 22. Accordingly, the arrangement holes 22 have an internal thread, whereby no blind rivet nuts are required, which simplifies the assembly of the support system 1.

[0070] Fig. 1 Id shows a further design variant for an octagonal profile 2 made of steel. The octagonal profile 2 is formed from a steel sheet, in particular a rolled steel sheet, which has been folded accordingly. The ends of the steel sheet are welded together, with a weld seam 26 being shown as an example in Fig. 1 Id.

[0071] Fig. 12a shows a perspective view of a double octagonal profile 2 as an octagonal profile of a support system 1, in particular as shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 12b also shows a sectional view of this double octagonal profile 2. Advantageously, the design of the double octagonal profile 2 provides reinforcement, particularly for long lengths, while maintaining the same connection capability of connecting elements 4, 6, 9. The double octagonal profile 2 is designed in principle like two previously described octagonal profiles 2, with a common connecting side 27 instead of a side surface 21.

[0072] The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures and explained in connection with them serve to explain the invention and are not limiting.

[0073] 1 support system

[0074] 2 octagonal profile

[0075] 21 side surface

[0076] 22 Arrangement hole

[0077] 25 Material accumulation

[0078] 26 Weld seam

[0079] 27 Connection side

[0080] 3 Supporting base structure

[0081] 4 basic bodies

[0082] 5 first connector

[0083] 51 Order section

[0084] 52 Outer section

[0085] 53 Interior section

[0086] 54 mounting hole

[0087] 55 recess

[0088] 56 outer end of an inner section (53)

[0089] 57 Connecting bridge

[0090] 58 flowing formation

[0091] 6 second connector

[0092] 61 Arrangement Section

[0093] 62 Outer section

[0094] 621 long side

[0095] 622 front side

[0096] 64 mounting hole

[0097] 65 recess

[0098] 67 Connection structure

[0099] 671 Rib

[0100] 672 recess

[0101] 673 recess

[0102] 674 connecting surface

[0103] 7 Centering pin

[0104] 71 Centering hole

[0105] 72 Material accumulation 73 Material recess

[0106] 8 mid-perpendiculars

[0107] 9 Connecting element with extended function

[0108] 91 Arrangement section 92 Exterior section

[0109] 93 Interior section

[0110] 98 Functional section

[0111] 10 screw

Claims

Claims 1. Modularly constructed support system (1) for supporting tools and / or workpieces for their machining, comprising a plurality of octagonal profiles (2) each with eight side faces (21), each having a plurality of arrangement holes (22), wherein several of the octagonal profiles (2) are connected to one another via connecting elements (5, 6) to form a support base structure (3), wherein the connecting elements (5, 6) each have two arrangement sections (51, 61) which each encompass three adjacent side faces (21) of an octagonal profile (2), characterized in that the connecting elements (5, 6) each connect two octagonal profiles (2) such that the arrangement sections (51,61) are spaced apart from the middle of the three adjacent side faces (21) of a respective octagonal profile (2) and are arranged in a form-fitting manner on the outer of the adjacent side faces (21) of a respective octagonal profile (2) via the arrangement holes (22) of the outer of the adjacent side faces (21).

2. Support system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of the connecting elements (5, 6) is designed as first connectors (5) for connecting two octagonal profiles (2) at right angles in the same arrangement plane; and / or that at least a part of the connecting elements (5, 6) is designed as second connectors (6) for connecting two octagonal profiles (2) at right angles in arrangement planes arranged parallel to each other offset from one another.

3. Support system (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that at least a part of the first connectors (5) and / or at least a part of the second connectors (6) connects two octagonal profiles (2) with different wrench sizes; and / or that at least a part of the first connectors (5) and / or at least a part of the second connectors (6) connects two octagonal profiles (2) with the same wrench sizes.

4. Support system (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the arrangement sections (51) of the first connectors (5) are arranged at right angles to each other and comprise continuous outer sections (52) that abut the outer of the adjacent side surfaces (21) in a form-fitting manner and inner sections (53) that connect the outer sections (52), wherein the outer sections (52) are connected to the The mounting holes (54) correspond to the mounting holes (22). A support system according to claim 4, characterized in that the inner sections (53) of the first connectors (5) each have a recess (55). A support system (1) according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterized in that the first connectors (5) have a connecting web (57) connecting the outer ends (56) of the inner sections (53). A support system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that a connecting web (57) of each first connector (5), which connects two octagonal profiles (2) of the same wrench size, tapers towards its center. A support system (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that a connecting web (57) of each first connector (5), which connects two octagonal profiles (2) of different wrench sizes, tapers towards the octagonal profile (2) with the smaller wrench size.Support system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a connecting web (57) of a respective first connector (5) is connected to the inner sections (53) via a flowable molding (58). Support system (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that the recesses (55) of the inner sections (53) are dimensioned such that, for mounting the first connectors (5) on the octagonal profiles (2), centering of the first connectors (5) is enabled by means of centering pins (7) inserted into the recesses (55) and / or for disassembling the first connectors (5) from the octagonal profiles (2), the insertion of centering pins (7) into the recesses is enabled.Support system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the arrangement sections (61) of the second connectors (6) are spaced apart from each other via a connecting structure (67) and are arranged orthogonally to each other with respect to a common perpendicular center (8), wherein the arrangement sections (61) of the second connectors (6) are continuously, positively interlocking with the outer of the adjacent. The second outer sections (62) adjoining the side surfaces (21) have second fastening holes (64) corresponding to the arrangement holes (22), wherein the second outer sections (62) are connected to each other via the connecting structure (67). Support system according to claim 11, characterized in that a recess (65) is provided between the second outer sections (62) of each arrangement section (61). Support system (1) according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that the connecting structure (67) has ribs (671) connecting the second outer sections (62) of each arrangement section (61). Support system (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the ribs (671) extend between a longitudinal side (621) and an end face (622) of the spaced-apart second outer sections (62).Support system (1) according to claim 13 or claim 14, characterized in that a recess (672) is provided between the inner ribs (671). Support system (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that a recess (673) with a connecting surface (674) connecting the outer ribs (671) is provided between the outer ribs (672). Support system (1) according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the outer ribs (671) are curved and / or the inner ribs (671) are straight. Support system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the connecting elements (5, 6) are die-cast components. Support system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the connecting elements (5, 6) are manufactured by additive manufacturing. A 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) engages in an arrangement hole (22) of the respective octagonal profile (2). A support system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the octagonal profiles (2) each have a material accumulation (25) inside below the side surfaces (21), wherein the arrangement holes (22) extend through the material accumulation (25) and the arrangement holes (22) have an internal thread. A support system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the octagonal profiles (2) are formed from a sheet of steel, the ends of which are welded together.Support system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the connecting elements (5, 6, 9) are arranged on the octagonal profiles (2) with sliding coated screws (10).

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