Tool system, drive unit and tool head

EP4624099A3Pending Publication Date: 2025-10-15JOINERS BENCH
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2025172748
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2021-03-09
Filing Date
2022-03-08
Publication Date
2025-10-15

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing tool systems with interchangeable tool heads require manual setting of operating parameters, which can lead to delays, malfunctions, and incorrect adjustments.

Method used

A tool system with a drive unit and interchangeable tool heads that automatically recognize and operate based on the tool head's identifier, using a form-fitting locking mechanism and an interface to select the appropriate operating mode.

Benefits of technology

Enhances operating comfort, reduces workflow delays, and prevents incorrect adjustments by automating the selection of operating parameters based on the tool head's identifier.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A tool system comprising a drive unit and at least one tool head that can be placed on the drive unit is proposed, wherein the drive unit has a drive, a controller, a connecting element, and an interface, wherein the connecting element is configured to releasably lock the tool head placed on the drive unit in a form-fitting manner, wherein the drive is configured to transmit a mechanical force to the locked tool head, wherein the controller is configured to identify an identifier of the tool head via the interface and, depending on the identified identifier, to select an operating mode of the drive from a plurality of operating modes. Furthermore, a drive unit and a tool head are proposed.
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Description

State of the art

[0001] The invention relates to a tool system comprising a drive unit and at least one tool head that can be mounted on the drive unit. The invention further relates to a drive unit and a tool head.

[0002] Tool systems with interchangeable tool heads are known in a variety of designs from the prior art. Such tool systems typically have a drive unit, particularly a handheld device, onto which various tool heads can be mounted. If a tool head must be operated in a specific mode, the corresponding settings are usually made manually by the user. If the tool heads used and the work performed with them are logged, this is usually done by recording an identifier or type designation of the tools and the materials used.

[0003] An example of such tool systems are pressing tools, in which the drive unit generates the force required for machining and transfers it to the respective pressing insert (press jaw) via a mechanical coupling. The pressing insert is typically designed for a specific nominal force, a maximum stroke, and a specific size range of the workpieces to be machined. These operating parameters must be set before the tool is put into operation. This not only delays the workflow but can also lead to malfunctions or damage due to incorrect settings. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The invention is based on the object of providing a tool system with interchangeable heads, in particular a pressing tool system with interchangeable pressing inserts (or pressing jaws) as interchangeable heads or tool heads, in which the disadvantages of the prior art are avoided.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention by a tool system (or a pressing tool system) which has a drive unit and at least one tool head (or pressing insert (or pressing jaw as tool head)) which can be placed on the drive unit, wherein the drive unit has a drive, a controller, a connecting element and an interface, wherein the connecting element is configured to releasably lock the tool head placed on the drive unit in a form-fitting manner, wherein the drive is configured to transmit a mechanical force to the locked tool head, wherein the controller is configured to identify an identifier of the tool head via the interface and to select an operating mode of the drive from a plurality of operating modes depending on the identified identifier.In particular, it is provided according to the invention that the connecting element of the drive unit and the tool head (or the connecting element of the drive unit and at least a part of the tool head or the part of the tool head cooperating with the connecting element) are connected to one another in a locked manner, in particular during operation (of the motor or drive) of the tool system, wherein this locking is implemented in particular in a form-fitting or latched manner, and in particular is arranged in a stationary or immovable manner.

[0006] The tool system according to the invention advantageously makes it possible for an interchangeable tool head to be automatically recognized by the drive unit and operated in a manner specifically tailored to the tool head. This not only increases operating comfort and shortens the workflow, but also prevents incorrect adjustment or improper use of the tool system. Preferably, the drive unit is a handheld device, in particular a cordless handheld device equipped with an integrated energy storage unit. In particular, the tool system according to the invention can be a pressing tool system with interchangeable tool heads, wherein each tool head is operated with specific operating parameters, such as pressing force, pressing time, and / or maximum stroke.It is also conceivable that the operating mode only defines certain basic settings or ranges of operating parameters, with a more precise selection being made by the user. In this case, the operating mode is selected based on the tool head identifier and an additional user setting. The automatic selection of the operating mode can also be based on the tool head identifier and an identifier of the workpiece to be machined. In particular, the tool system comprises, in addition to the tool head, at least one further tool head, preferably a plurality of further tool heads, which have different identifiers and are each associated with different operating modes.

[0007] The tool head is attached to the drive unit by being placed on it and locked in place. Locking is preferably achieved by a locking mechanism, in which the attached tool head is brought into a closed position, for example by a rotary movement, and then positively locks into this position. In the locked position, the drive unit and the tool head are mechanically coupled in such a way that a force generated by the drive unit is transmitted to the tool head—in particular to a mechanical element of the tool head. The force can be transmitted by a mechanical coupling element, such as a piston or plunger, wherein the mechanical element (of the tool head) is set in motion by the drive unit (or by the mechanical coupling element of the drive unit) and transmits the force applied by the drive unit to the tool head through mechanical contact.The force transmitted by the contact is directed, in particular, parallel to a longitudinal axis of the drive unit and / or the tool head and points away from the drive unit. Alternatively, the force can also be directed toward the drive unit or oscillate between the two directions. It is also conceivable for the drive unit to drive a rotation of the mechanical coupling element and thus transmit a torque to the tool head, with the rotation axis being directed, in particular, parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drive unit and / or the tool head.

[0008] According to the invention, the drive unit has an interface which is used in particular for transmitting information between the tool head and the drive unit and which allows the identifier of the tool head to be transmitted to the controller of the drive unit. On the basis of the identifier, an operating mode of the drive unit is then defined by the controller, and the tool head is operated in accordance with the mode. The operating mode is preferably completely determined by the identifier, i.e. the selection of the operating mode is based on a fixed assignment between identifier and operating mode, it being conceivable that this assignment can be configured by the user. In particular, data on the possible identifiers and the associated operating modes are available in a memory of the drive unit, e.g. in a register of the controller, and the operating mode is determined by retrieving these memory contents.a comparison of the identified identifier with the stored identifiers. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the drive unit's controller to transmit the identified identifier of the tool head to an external device and receive from it the operating mode determined based on the identifier. Preferably, the controller is configured to block the operation of the tool head if no identifier has been identified or the identified identifier cannot be assigned to an operating mode.

[0009] The interface is preferably a mechanical interface, an electronic interface, or a radio interface. A mechanical interface can be implemented, for example, based on a key-lock principle, in which a structural element engages positively in a complementarily shaped recess, and the identifier of the tool head is identified by this positive engagement. In particular, the tool head can have a mechanical coding in the form of a profile or contour, e.g., a plurality of projections and / or recesses, which is identified by a complementary structure of the drive device through contact or sensing. For example, upon mechanical contact between the two complementary structures, one or more switches of the drive unit can be actuated.With an electronic interface, at least one electrically conductive contact is established with the drive unit when the tool head is attached, and the tool head's identifier is read out via an electrical signal. For this purpose, the tool head can contain an integrated circuit, such as a microchip, configured to communicate with the drive unit's controller via a digital voltage signal. In the simplest case, the tool head has one or more electrical contact elements, the arrangement of which encodes the tool head's identifier. When attached, these contact elements close one of several electrical circuits in the drive unit, thus enabling identification of the identifier.With a radio interface, the tool head's identifier is transmitted wirelessly to the drive unit's control system using electromagnetic waves. The information can be transmitted, for example, via an active or passive transponder, in particular via an RFID or NFC system ("radio-frequency identification" or "near field communication"). Further possibilities arise from data transmission via Bluetooth or WLAN. The tool head preferably has a corresponding transmitter for transmitting the electromagnetic signal. Furthermore, it is possible to identify the identifier using an external camera (e.g., a smartphone), an external scanner, or an external sensor and transmit it wirelessly to the drive unit. In principle, it is also conceivable to use interfaces in which the tool head's identifier is transmitted partly mechanically and partly via an electronic signal.It is also conceivable that mechanical coding ensures that only tool heads suitable for tool operation can be mounted on the drive unit, while the identification is transmitted separately via an electronic or radio interface. In all of these design options, the transmission of the identification can occur upon mounting and / or locking.

[0010] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the interface comprises an optical or acoustic sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or a current sensor. In particular, the interface comprises one or a plurality of sensors from the group of sensors named below: one or more optical sensors, one or more acoustic sensors, one or more magnetic field sensors, and one or more current sensors. The sensor is preferably arranged on the drive unit, for example on the connecting element, while the tool head has a signal generator or an identification feature that can be detected by the corresponding sensor. This can be, for example, a light source, a reflective surface or optical identifier, an acoustic signal generator, a current source, an electrical resistor, or a magnet or a magnetic element.The sensor can be a light or color sensor, for example, and a light source or the color of a surface (or a plurality of surfaces) or a light source (or a plurality of light sources) can serve as the identification feature, with the identification of the tool head being encoded by the color or its RGB value. The identification feature can be a two-dimensional optical code (barcode, QR code) that can be read using a laser scanner or a camera. Another possibility is to encode the identifier in a three-dimensional shape, which is recorded by a camera and assigned to the identifier, for example, by image recognition software. The identifier can also be transmitted by a field generated by a magnetic element, which is detected by a magnetic field sensor. The field can be generated either by a permanent magnet or by induction.In the case of an acoustic sensor, it can be an ultrasonic sensor, and the identifier can be encoded accordingly by an ultrasonic signal. Furthermore, the acoustic signal can be generated via a loudspeaker and received by a microphone. In the case of a current sensor, the identifier can be encoded by an internal resistance. The detection of the identifier can also be achieved inductively or capacitively, or by microscopic or radiological methods for detecting nanoparticles.

[0011] In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor is provided as an optical sensor for color detection (in particular for detecting or distinguishing or distinguishability between a plurality of different colors or color values), wherein the sensor is designed, in particular, to detect an identifier in the form of an optically recognizable print or label or an optically recognizable surface. In this case, the optically recognizable surface is designed, in particular, on or as part of the tool head, in particular, such that the optically recognizable surface can be detected by the sensor of the interface (i.e., the drive unit).In this case, it is furthermore preferably provided that the interface (of the drive unit) has an illumination device or an irradiation device for generating electromagnetic radiation, in particular light radiation, such that the region of the identifier is irradiated or illuminated with the corresponding electromagnetic radiation to detect or capture the identifier. Preferably, the detection of the identifier is carried out by optically capturing the identifier, in particular by optically detecting a color or a plurality of colors or a plurality of arranged colored areas.

[0012] This makes it possible according to the invention to capture or detect the identification information or the plurality of identification information items in a particularly simple and robust manner. In particular, it is advantageously possible according to the invention for color detection to be carried out. In this case, it is particularly possible to distinguish a large number of different and unique color tones from one another, so that - for example - an information content of several bits (in particular of 2 bits or of 3 bits or of 4 bits or of 5 bits or of 6 bits or of 7 bits or of 8 bits or of 9 bits or of 10 bits or of 11 bits or of 12 bits) can be extracted from a single area kept in a specific color (ie2 bits if four different shades of color are distinguished in the area of ​​the surface, 3 bits if eight different shades of color are distinguished in the area of ​​the surface, 4 bits if sixteen different shades of color are distinguished in the area of ​​the surface, 5 bits if thirty-two different shades of color are distinguished in the area of ​​the surface, 6 bits if sixty-four different shades of color are distinguished in the area of ​​the surface, 7 bits if 128 different shades of color are distinguished in the area of ​​the surface, 8 bits if 256 different shades of color are distinguished in the area of ​​the surface, 9 bits if 512 different shades of color are distinguished in the area of ​​the surface, 10 bits if 1024 different shades of color are distinguished in the area of ​​the surface, 11 bits if 2048 different shades of color are distinguished in the area of ​​the surface, 12 bits if 4096 different shades of color are distinguished in the area of ​​the surface).Accordingly, two such surfaces (each in a specific color) allow a corresponding doubling of the information content, so that even with just one or two such surfaces (each in a specific color), a multitude of different types of tool heads can be distinguished. By providing three or more such surfaces (each in a specific color), the usable, available, or detectable information content can be further increased.

[0013] In the tool system according to the invention, it is also possible for the drive unit to have at least one further interface in addition to the interface. For example, the identifier of the tool head can be recognized via the (first) interface and verified via the further (second) interface. The first interface can also be used to identify the identifier of the tool head, while the second interface identifies an identifier of the workpiece to be machined and / or reads in further operating data or operating settings. In principle, combinations of all of the configurations described above are possible for this purpose. The second interface is preferably an optical interface or a radio interface. In particular, the verification of the identifier of the tool head and / or the identification of the workpiece can be carried out by reading in an optical code.Alternatively, verification and / or identification can be carried out via wireless data exchange with an external computer device or a mobile computing unit (notebook, tablet, smartphone).

[0014] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the operating mode defines an amplitude of the mechanical force transmitted to the tool head and / or an amplitude of a movement of the tool head and / or defines a temporal progression of the mechanical force and / or the movement of the tool head. The amplitude of the force is understood to mean, in particular, the maximum force or the maximum torque applied by the drive unit, while the amplitude of the movement corresponds, in particular, to the maximum stroke of the tool head and / or the mechanical coupling element of the drive unit. For example, a specific maximum force or a specific force range can be provided for a tool head, which is automatically set after the identifier has been identified. Likewise, a specific maximum stroke or a corresponding range can be set depending on the identifier.The operating mode can also specify operating parameters that influence the specific temporal progression of the force or movement. Examples include the duration over which the force is applied or the frequency of a periodically applied force or movement. In general, the operating mode can be used to specify the instantaneous force or movement amplitude as a function of time, specifically its temporal increase and decrease.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the drive is a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric drive. In a hydraulic drive, the drive has a pumping device that pressurizes a hydraulic fluid, in particular a hydraulic oil, and uses the pressure to set a mechanical coupling element in motion, so that a mechanical force is transmitted to the tool head. For example, the hydraulic fluid can be pumped into a pressure cylinder and drive a displaceable piston that transmits the force to the tool head. Alternatively, the fluid can be pumped into a hydraulic motor and generate a torque that is transmitted to the tool head via the coupling element. The pumping device can, in particular, be an electrically driven hydraulic pump (e.g., an axial piston pump).In a pneumatic drive, a gas is compressed using a compressor, and the force generated by the gas pressure is transferred to the tool head via the mechanical coupling element. Alternatively, it is also conceivable for the pump or compressor not to be part of the drive unit, and for the pressurized medium to be supplied to and removed from the drive unit from outside. In an electric drive, the drive unit comprises, in particular, an electric motor and a gear unit, with the force generated by the electric motor being transferred via the gear unit to the mechanical coupling element and thus to the tool head.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting element has a locking mechanism, in particular a bayonet lock. The lock consists in particular of a male connecting element and a complementarily shaped female connecting element, wherein the female connecting element can be designed, for example, as a bushing which receives the male, for example cylindrical, connecting element. Preferably, the connecting element of the drive unit is the female connecting element, whilst the tool head has a corresponding male connecting element. An arrangement is also conceivable in which the drive unit has the male connecting element and the tool head has the female connecting element. The male connecting element in particular has at least one projection, for example a pin, which when placed or removed.Locking the tool head slides into a recess in the female connecting element. The recess is, in particular, an L-shaped slot with a longitudinal slot, at the end of which is a short, essentially rectangular or oblique transverse slot. Preferably, the transverse slot in turn has a short transverse segment at its end, which forms a "serif" of the L-shaped recess. The projection of the male connecting element initially slides into the longitudinal slot upon insertion, then rotates into the transverse slot, and finally engages in the serif, where it is held in position, for example, by a spring, so that slipping out is prevented or only possible with targeted force. In this way, a stable, detachable connection between the drive unit and the tool head can be established using a relatively simple, robust mechanism.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is configured to engage when a desired position of the attached tool head is reached, or the connecting element comprises a sensor or a contact element, in particular a switch, for detecting the desired position of the tool head. In particular, the tool head is brought into the desired position by rotation. A possible engaging mechanism is, in particular, the bayonet lock described above with the serif-shaped transverse segment into which the projection of the male connecting element engages. However, other engaging mechanisms are also conceivable, in which one or more projections engage in recesses and are held in position, in particular, by an elastic element such as a spring.The target position of the tool head can be detected, for example, via the position of the locking element, via a sensor, a switch or via an appropriately arranged electrically conductive element that closes a circuit when the target position is reached.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the controller is configured to detect the positioning of the attached tool head via the connecting element and / or the interface, and in particular to detect an incorrect position or a target position of the tool head. The controller can, for example, indicate the presence of an incorrect position or the target position with an optical or acoustic signal.

[0019] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tool head is configured to execute a movement for pressing, cutting, and / or bending workpieces. In particular, the tool head can be configured to accommodate a tool insert with which a workpiece that can be gripped by the tool insert or attached to the tool insert can be separated and / or deformed. It is possible for the tool system to have a plurality of tool inserts, and for a tool head to be compatible with multiple tool inserts. The tool system can, for example, be a pressing tool system, and the tool insert can be a pressing insert (press jaw).The interface or another interface of the tool system can be used to identify an identifier of the tool insert and to select an operating mode of the drive depending on the identifier of the tool head and the identifier of the tool insert.

[0020] The drive unit preferably has an energy storage unit, in particular a lithium-ion battery. This allows the tool system according to the invention to be operated without a power cable or any other connection to an external energy source.

[0021] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the drive unit has an electronic data storage device (in particular a memory card, e.g. an SD card) and / or is configured to transmit data via the interface or a further interface to an external data processing device (in particular a PC, a notebook, tablet or smartphone). The internal or external data storage device can in particular be used to log the tool head used, the operating mode, the machined workpieces and / or the executed work cycle in a log file. In this way, the executed work steps can be traced back and / or further processed with suitable software. In particular, it is possible to graphically display the work cycle on the external data processing device. The data transmission to the external device can, for example, be wired (e.g.USB cable) or wirelessly (Bluetooth, WLAN).

[0022] A further subject matter of the present invention relates to a drive unit comprising a drive, a controller, a connecting element and an interface, wherein the connecting element is configured to releasably lock a tool head that can be placed on the drive unit in a form-fitting manner, wherein the drive is configured to transmit a mechanical force to the locked tool head, wherein the controller is configured to identify an identifier of the tool head via the interface and to select an operating mode of the drive from a plurality of operating modes depending on the identified identifier.

[0023] A further subject matter of the present invention relates to a tool head which can be placed on an embodiment of the drive unit according to the invention, wherein the tool head is configured to interact with the connecting element of the drive unit in such a way that the tool head placed on the drive unit can be releasably locked in a form-fitting manner.

[0024] The drive unit and the tool head according to the invention offer the same design possibilities and advantages as those described with reference to the tool system according to the invention. In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the tool head according to the invention, the tool head has an identifier that can be identified via an interface of the drive unit.Furthermore, it is provided in particular that the identifier is designed in the form of an optically recognizable print or label or an optically recognizable surface and that the detection or capture of the identifier is carried out by optical detection of the identifier, in particular by optical detection of a color or a plurality of colors or a plurality of arranged color areas, wherein in particular for the detection or detection of the identifier, the area of ​​the identifier is irradiated or illuminated with appropriate electromagnetic radiation.

[0025] Further advantageous features of the invention are contained in the following description of the figures. Short description of the drawings

[0026] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings. Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the tool system according to the invention with a drive unit and a first tool head. Fig. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the embodiment in which the first tool head is mounted on the drive unit. Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of the tool system according to the invention with the drive unit and a second tool head. Fig. 4 is a schematic perspective view of the embodiment in which the second tool head is mounted on the drive unit. Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the drive unit without a ram. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the drive unit with a ram. Embodiments of the invention

[0027] The Figure 1shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of the tool system 1 according to the invention, which in this case is designed as a battery-operated hydraulic pressing tool system. The tool system 1 consists of the drive unit 2 (only partially shown here), onto which the tool head 3 can be placed. The tool head 3 in turn has a receptacle 11 that can accommodate a tool insert (not shown), in particular a pressing jaw. The tool insert can be mechanically locked with the locking mechanism 12, so that the pressing jaw is firmly connected to the tool head 3. Depending on the desired pressing force, various tool heads 3 can be placed on the drive unit. Figure 1 The tool head 3 shown is designed for a nominal force of 19 kN, while the tool head 3 from the Figures 3 and 4is designed for a nominal force of 32 kN. The two tool heads also differ in various other dimensions, such as maximum stroke, pressing time, and the maximum nominal diameter of the joining material to be processed.

[0028] In order to fix the tool head 3 to the drive unit 2, the drive unit 2 has a connecting element 4, which here is designed as a cylindrical bushing 4 provided with recesses 7, 7', which receives the cylindrical end of the tool head 3 and locks it in place by a bayonet lock 6. The recesses 7, 7' are each L-shaped and consist of a longitudinal slot, at the end of which a short, essentially rectangular or oblique transverse slot is connected. The transverse slot, in turn, has a short transverse segment 14, 14' at its end (cf. Figures 5 and 6), which forms the "serif" of the L-shaped recess 7, 7'. During insertion, the tool head 3 is inserted into the socket 4, with a pin-shaped projection 8 sliding into the longitudinal slot. By rotating the tool head 3, the projection 8 then moves into the transverse slot and finally engages in the serif 14, 14', where it can be held in position, for example, by a spring, so that the tool head 3 is fixed in its desired position. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting element 4 has two L-shaped slots 7, 7', which interact with the two pins 6 (only one of which is visible in the illustration). The connecting element 4 also has a limit switch or sensor 9, via which the drive unit 2 detects the position of the tool head 3 and, in particular, detects correct positioning (or incorrect positioning).

[0029] For the transmission of power between the drive unit 2 and the tool head 3, a hydraulic drive in the form of a ram 10' (cf. Figure 5 ) is set in motion, which transmits the force generated by the hydraulics to the tool head 3 through mechanical contact. Figures 1 to 4 and 6 For the sake of better visibility, the tool system 1 is shown without the ram 10' and only the opening 10 is visible through which the ram 10' protrudes from the drive unit 2.

[0030] According to the invention, the drive unit 2 has an interface 5, which here is designed as a sensor arranged on the bottom surface of the connecting socket 4. An identifier of the tool head 3 is identified via the interface 5, and the operating mode of the drive is set via a control system of the drive unit depending on this identifier. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment, it is possible for the specific operating parameters (nominal force, maximum stroke, pressing time, etc.) of the tool head 3 to be automatically selected when the tool head 3 is placed and / or locked, without the user having to make manual settings. In this way, not only is operating comfort increased and the use of the tool system 1 more effective, but setting an incorrect operating mode is also advantageously prevented.

[0031] The interface 5 can be, for example, an optical or acoustic sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or a current sensor. The tool head 3 has a corresponding recognition feature or a signal generator by which the identifier can be identified. This can be, for example, an optical or mechanical code that is read or scanned by the sensor 5. The identifier can also be encoded by an electrical resistor or a magnetic, capacitive, or inductive element, with the identifier being read via an electrical contact between the drive unit 2 and the tool head 3.

[0032] According to the invention, it is particularly preferred that the identifier of the tool head 3 is in the form of an optically recognizable print or label or an optically recognizable surface. The detection or capture of the identifier is preferably carried out in each case by optically detecting the identifier, in particular by optically detecting a color (or the one color of the print or label) (in particular from a plurality or multiplicity of distinguishable colors) or a plurality of colors or a plurality of arranged colored areas (for example two colored areas arranged next to one another or two concentrically arranged circular (or ring-shaped) colored areas), wherein in particular for the detection or detection of the identifier, irradiation or illumination of the area of ​​the identifier with corresponding electromagnetic radiation (in the visible spectral range) is provided. For this purpose, the interface 5 orthe sensor comprises a lighting device or irradiation device (radiating or illuminating in the direction of the identifier) ​​and a colour sensor (particularly sensitive to this direction).

[0033] When the identification is implemented in the form of an optically recognizable print or label, the respective identification of the tool head 3 (and thus of the tool head 3 itself) is optically detected, if necessary also with simultaneous or prior irradiation or illumination of the area of ​​the respective identification with corresponding electromagnetic radiation. For this purpose, at least for the detection, and if necessary also for the irradiation or illumination, in particular visible light (i.e. a wavelength range from approx. 380 nm to approx. 750 nm) or infrared radiation (i.e. a wavelength range from approx. 750 nm to approx. 3 µm or up to approx. 50 µm, in particular IR-A (approx. 780 to approx. 1400 nm), IR-B (approx. 1400 nm to approx. 3 µm) or IR-C (approx. 3 µm to approx. 50 µm)) or ultraviolet radiation (i.e. a wavelength range from approx. 100 nm to approx. 380 nm, in particular UV-A (approx. 315 to approx. 380 nm), UV-B (approx. 280 nm to approx. 315 nm) or UV-C (approx. 100 nm to approx. 280 nm)) is used.The identification of a tool head 3 is implemented in particular in the form of an imprint on a suitable surface or a suitable surface area, for example in the form of a barcode or a multidimensional optical code, in particular a QR code. Alternatively or in addition to an optically readable identifier (or an identifier with optically readable identification information), it is also possible and preferred according to the invention for the identifier to be provided in the form of an electromagnetically readable transponder element or RFID tag element.

[0034] In the Figure 2The tool system 1 is shown in its assembled state. The tool head 3 is mounted on the drive unit 2 and locked in its target position by the bayonet lock 6. In the target position, in particular, the switch 9 of the connecting element 4 is activated, so that the control of the drive unit 2 detects the correct positioning of the tool head 3. In the mounted or locked state, the mechanical coupling element (the plunger 10') of the drive unit 2 is in mechanical contact with the moving parts of the tool head 3 and can thus transmit the force generated by the drive to the tool head 3.If the identification of the tool head 3 is in particular an optical or mechanical coding, the sensor 5 of the drive unit 2 and the coding are preferably arranged such that they are opposite one another in the desired position of the tool head 3, so that the identification of the identifier takes place exclusively when the tool head 3 is correctly positioned.

[0035] In Figure 3 The embodiment of the tool system 1 according to the invention is shown with a second tool head 3. The second tool head 3 is designed for a nominal force of 32 kN and differs from the one shown in the Figures 1 and 2 The tool head 3 shown in the figure also has various other operating parameters, such as maximum stroke, pressing time and the maximum nominal diameter of the joining material to be processed. The positioning and locking takes place in the Figure 1described manner. The tool head 3 has two pin-shaped projections 5 for connection to the socket 4 (only one of the two is visible in the illustration), which, together with the L-shaped slots 7, 7', form the bayonet lock. The second tool head 3 also has a receptacle 11 that can accommodate a tool insert (not shown). The tool insert can be mechanically locked with the locking mechanism 12, so that the tool insert is firmly connected to the tool head 3.

[0036] The identification of the tool head 3 is automatically detected by the sensor 5 when it is placed or locked, and the operating mode of the drive is selected accordingly via the control of the drive unit 2. In this case, the Figures 1 and 2 changed operating parameters are automatically taken into account without the need for manual adjustment by the user.

[0037] The drive unit 2 of the tool system 1 can additionally have a data storage device (e.g., an SD card) and / or a data interface with which data can be transferred to an external data processing device (in particular, a PC, notebook, tablet, or smartphone). In this way, the tool heads 3 used, the operating modes, the machined workpieces, and / or the executed work cycle can be logged in a log file or displayed graphically. This enables tracing of the performed work steps and allocation or documentation of the tools and materials used. Data can be transferred, for example, via a cable (e.g., USB cable) or wirelessly (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi).

[0038] In the Figure 4The tool system 1 is shown with the second tool head 3 in the assembled state. The tool head 3 is mounted on the drive unit 2 and locked in its target position via the bayonet lock 6. When mounted (and correctly positioned), the control unit of the drive unit 2 identifies the identifier of the tool head 3 and automatically sets the operating mode tailored to the identifier or the tool head 3.

[0039] The Figures 5 and 6are each a detailed view of the drive unit 2. The connecting element 4 of the drive unit 2 is formed by a cylindrical bushing 4 provided with recesses 7, 7', which receives the cylindrical end of the tool head 3 and is locked by the bayonet lock 6. The recesses 7, 7' are each L-shaped and each consist of a longitudinal slot, at the end of which there is a short, essentially rectangular or oblique transverse slot. The transverse slot in turn has a short transverse segment 14, 14' at its end, which forms the serif of the L-shaped recess. When fitting, the tool head 3 is inserted into the bushing 4, with a pin-shaped projection 8 of the tool head 3 sliding into the longitudinal slot.By rotating the tool head 3, the projection 8 then moves into the transverse slot and finally engages in the serif 14, where it can be held in position, for example, by a spring, so that the tool head 3 is fixed in its desired position. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting element 4 has two L-shaped slots 7, 7', which interact with two pins 6 of the tool head 3.

[0040] For the transmission of force between the drive unit 2 and the tool head 3, a mechanical coupling element in the form of a ram 10 is set in motion by a hydraulic drive, which transmits the force generated by the hydraulics to the tool head 3 through mechanical contact. Figure 6 the drive unit 2 is shown without the plunger 10', so that only the opening 10 is visible, through which the plunger 10' protrudes from the drive unit 2. In the Figure 5The ram 10' is depicted along with its longitudinal direction of movement 13. The direction of movement 13 runs in particular in the axial direction of the tool head 3, i.e., in the direction of its longitudinal axis. The force generated by the drive is transmitted to the tool head 3 through mechanical contact via the ram 10'. Examples of implementation:

[0041] 1. Embodiment: Tool system (1) comprising a drive unit (2) and at least one tool head (3) that can be placed on the drive unit (2), characterized in that the drive unit (2) has a drive, a controller, a connecting element (4), and an interface (5), wherein the connecting element (4) is configured to releasably lock the tool head (3) placed on the drive unit (2) in a form-fitting manner, wherein the drive is configured to transmit a mechanical force to the locked tool head (3), wherein the controller is configured to identify an identifier of the tool head (3) via the interface (5) and, depending on the identified identifier, to select an operating mode of the drive from a plurality of operating modes. 2. Embodiment: Tool system (1) according to embodiment 1, wherein the interface (5) is a mechanical interface,an electronic interface or a radio interface. 3. Embodiment: Tool system (1) according to embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the interface (5) comprises an optical or acoustic sensor, a magnetic field sensor, or a current sensor, wherein in particular the sensor is provided as an optical sensor for color detection, wherein in particular the sensor is designed to detect an identifier in the form of an optically recognizable print or label or an optically recognizable surface, wherein the interface (5) further comprises an illumination device or irradiation device for generating electromagnetic radiation, in particular light radiation, such that the area of ​​the identifier is irradiated or illuminated with the corresponding electromagnetic radiation to detect or detect the identifier.wherein, in particular, the detection or detection of the identifier is carried out by optical detection of the identifier, in particular by optical detection of a color or a plurality of colors or a plurality of arranged color areas. 4th embodiment: Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the operating mode determines an amplitude of the mechanical force transmitted to the tool head (3) and / or an amplitude of a movement of the tool head (3) and / or a temporal progression of the mechanical force and / or the movement of the tool head (3). 5th embodiment: Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drive is a hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric drive. 6th embodiment: Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the connecting element (4) has a locking mechanism (6), in particular a bayonet lock,7th embodiment: Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the connecting element (4) is configured to engage upon reaching a desired position of the attached tool head (3) or the connecting element (4) has a sensor (9) or a contact element (9), in particular a switch, for detecting the desired position of the tool head (3). 8th embodiment: Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the controller is configured to detect a positioning of the attached tool head (3) via the connecting element (4) and / or the interface (4) and in particular to detect an incorrect position or a desired position of the tool head (3). 9th embodiment: Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the tool head (3) is configured to perform a movement for pressing,Cutting and / or bending of workpieces. 10th embodiment: Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drive unit (2) has an energy storage unit, in particular a lithium-ion accumulator. 11th embodiment: Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the drive unit (2) has an electronic data memory and / or is configured to transmit data via the interface or a further interface to an external data processing device. 12th embodiment: Drive unit (2), characterized in that the drive unit (2) has a drive, a controller, a connecting element (4) and an interface (5), wherein the connecting element (4) is configured to releasably lock a tool head (3) that can be placed on the drive unit (2) in a form-fitting manner, wherein the drive is configured toto transmit a mechanical force to the locked tool head (3), wherein the controller is configured to identify an identifier of the tool head (3) via the interface (5) and, depending on the identified identifier, to select an operating mode of the drive from a plurality of operating modes. 13th embodiment: tool head (3), characterized in that the tool head (3) can be placed on a drive unit (2) according to embodiment 12, wherein the tool head (3) is configured to interact with the connecting element (4) of the drive unit (2) such that the tool head (3) placed on the drive unit (2) can be releasably locked in a form-fitting manner. 14th embodiment: tool head (3) according to embodiment 13, wherein the tool head (3) has an identifier,which is identifiable via an interface (5) of the drive unit (2). 15th embodiment: Tool head (3) according to embodiment 14, wherein the identifier is in the form of an optically recognizable imprint or label or an optically recognizable surface, and wherein the detection or recording of the identifier is carried out by optically detecting the identifier, in particular by optically detecting a color or a plurality of colors or a plurality of arranged color areas, wherein, in particular, for the detection or recording of the identifier, the area of ​​the identifier is irradiated or illuminated with appropriate electromagnetic radiation. REFERENCE SYMBOL

[0042] 1Tool system 2Drive unit 3Tool head 4Connecting element 5Interface / sensor 6Locking mechanism 7Recess 7'Further recess 8Protrusion 9Limit switch / sensor 10Opening for plunger 10'Plender for power transmission 11Tool holder 12Locking mechanism 13Direction of movement 14Cross slot 14'Cross slot

Claims

1. Tool system (1) comprising a drive unit (2) and at least one tool head (3) which can be placed on the drive unit (2), characterized in thatthe drive unit (2) has a drive, a controller, a connecting element (4) and an interface (5), wherein the connecting element (4) is configured to releasably lock the tool head (3) placed on the drive unit (2) in a form-fitting manner, wherein the drive is configured to transmit a mechanical force to the locked tool head (3), wherein the controller is configured to identify an identifier of the tool head (3) via the interface (5) and to select an operating mode of the drive from a plurality of operating modes depending on the identified identifier, wherein the connecting element (4) is further configured to engage when a desired position of the placed tool head (3) is reached, or the connecting element (4) has a sensor (9) or a contact element (9), in particular a switch, for detecting the desired position of the tool head (3).

2. Tool system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the interface (5) is a mechanical interface, an electronic interface or a radio interface.

3. Tool system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interface (5) comprises an optical or acoustic sensor, a magnetic field sensor or a current sensor, wherein in particular the sensor is provided as an optical sensor for color detection, wherein in particular the sensor is designed to detect an identifier in the form of an optically recognizable print or label or an optically recognizable surface, wherein the interface (5) further comprises an illumination device or irradiation device for generating electromagnetic radiation, in particular light radiation, such that in order to detect or capture the identifier, the area of ​​the identifier is irradiated or illuminated with the corresponding electromagnetic radiation, wherein in particular the detection or detection of the identifier is carried out by optical detection of the identifier,in particular by optical detection of a colour or a plurality of colours or a plurality of arranged coloured areas., 4. Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating mode defines an amplitude of the mechanical force transmitted to the tool head (3) and / or an amplitude of a movement of the tool head (3) and / or defines a temporal progression of the mechanical force and / or the movement of the tool head (3).

5. Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive is a hydraulic, pneumatic or electric drive.

6. Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting element (4) has a locking mechanism (6), in particular a bayonet lock.

7. Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller is configured to detect a positioning of the attached tool head (3) via the connecting element (4) and / or the interface (4) and in particular to detect an incorrect position or a desired position of the tool head (3).

8. Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the tool head (3) is configured to perform a movement for pressing, cutting and / or bending workpieces.

9. Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (2) has an energy storage unit, in particular a lithium-ion accumulator.

10. Tool system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive unit (2) has an electronic data memory and / or is configured to transmit data via the interface or a further interface to an external data processing device.

11. Drive unit (2), characterized in thatthe drive unit (2) has a drive, a controller, a connecting element (4) and an interface (5), wherein the connecting element (4) is configured to releasably lock a tool head (3) that can be placed on the drive unit (2) in a form-fitting manner, wherein the drive is configured to transmit a mechanical force to the locked tool head (3), wherein the controller is configured to identify an identifier of the tool head (3) via the interface (5) and to select an operating mode of the drive from a plurality of operating modes depending on the identified identifier, wherein the connecting element (4) is further configured to engage when a desired position of the placed tool head (3) is reached, or the connecting element (4) has a sensor (9) or a contact element (9), in particular a switch, for detecting the desired position of the tool head (3).

12. Tool head (3), characterized in that the tool head (3) can be placed on a drive unit (2) according to claim 11, wherein the tool head (3) is configured to interact with the connecting element (4) of the drive unit (2) in such a way that the tool head (3) placed on the drive unit (2) can be releasably locked in a form-fitting manner.

13. Tool head (3) according to claim 12, wherein the tool head (3) has an identifier which can be identified via an interface (5) of the drive unit (2).

14. Tool head (3) according to claim 13, wherein the identifier is in the form of an optically recognizable print or label or an optically recognizable surface and that the detection or detection of the identifier is carried out by optical detection of the identifier, in particular by optical detection of a color or a plurality of colors or a plurality of arranged color areas, wherein in particular for the detection or detection of the identifier an irradiation or illumination of the area of ​​the identifier with a corresponding electromagnetic radiation takes place.

Citation Information

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