Method for determining the working depth of a tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for determining the working depth of a tool (3), comprising the steps of: a) arranging the tool (3) and a depth determination device (5) in a depth setting device (45), in which: the mounting device (13) of the depth determination device (5) is positioned at least partially surrounding a clamping area (15) provided on the shaft (10) of the tool (3) so that the depth determination device (5) is free to move axially relative to the tool (3), and the stop surface (17) of the depth determination device (5) abuts against the contact surface (47) of the depth setting device (45), and the cutting edge (19) of the tool (3) abuts against the limit stop (49) of the depth setting device (45); and b. a) applying a predetermined compressive force in an axial direction to the depth determination device (5), thereby elastically compressing at least a portion of the depth determination device (5) against the contact surface (47) by a predetermined amount to obtain a compressed state of the depth determination device (5); b) securing the mounting device (13) to the clamping area (15) of the shaft (10) in the compressed state of the depth determination device (5), thereby immovably mounting the mounting device (13) to the clamping area (15) of the shaft (10), thereby forming a tool assembly (1); c) releasing the compressive force from the depth determination device (5); and c) removing the tool assembly (1) from the depth setting device (45).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for determining the working depth of a tool, a tool for machining a workpiece, a depth determination device, a tool assembly and a method for using such a tool assembly.

[0002] A respective tool assembly is known, for example, from EP 3033194. Such tool assemblies are used, particularly with handheld tool drives, to manually perform specific operations, such as chamfering, countersinking, spot facing, or deburring, particularly in the area of ​​holes in the outer skin of aircraft components. These operations are performed to remove paint from the surface of the respective aircraft components, thereby allowing fasteners, such as bolts or screws, to contact the metal structure beneath the paint and thus electrically ground it. This type of operation must be accomplished reproducibly and with an axial accuracy of approximately 10 μm to 20 μm, regardless of who actually performs the operation. Therefore, the tool assembly includes a depth-determining device for objectively determining the cutting depth of the tool by providing a stop surface, acting as a limit stop, at a clearly defined axial position relative to the cutting edge of the tool. The tool assembly known from EP 3033194 has a relatively complex structure and is therefore expensive. Furthermore, known tool assemblies require cumbersome and complex methods for determining the working depth of the tool, i.e. for setting the relative axial position of the stop surface with respect to the cutting edge.

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a method for determining the working depth of a tool, a tool for machining a workpiece, a depth determination device, a tool assembly and a method for using such a tool assembly that are relatively inexpensive and easy to handle, especially when the tool needs to be replaced due to wear and tear on the cutting edge, for example.

[0004] This object is achieved by providing the technical teachings of the present invention, in particular the teachings of the independent claims as well as the teachings of the dependent claims and preferred embodiments disclosed in the specification.

[0005] This object is achieved, in particular, by providing a method for determining the working depth of a tool, the method comprising the steps of: (a) arranging the tool and the depth determining device in a depth setting device, the depth determining device being positioned so that the mounting device of the depth determining device at least partially surrounds a clamping area on the tool shaft, such that the depth determining device is free to move axially relative to the tool, the stop surface of the depth determining device abuts the contact surface of the depth setting device, and the cutting edge of the tool abuts the limit stop of the depth setting device; (b) fixing the mounting device to the clamping area of ​​the shaft, thereby immovably mounting the mounting device to the clamping area of ​​the shaft, thereby forming a tool assembly; and (c) removing the tool assembly from the depth setting device. Therefore, the maximum working depth, which is the maximum cutting depth of the tool, is preferably determined by the axial distance between the contact surface and the limit stop, since this axial distance determines the axial distance between the stop surface and the cutting edge. The depth setting device is used as a gauge for setting the cutting depth of the tool. By using a relatively simple depth setting device having a contact surface and a limit stop, the cutting depth of the tool assembly can be set more easily, quickly, and inexpensively than with known tool assemblies and methods. Furthermore, because the cutting depth is accurately and reliably determined by the depth setting device, the depth determining device itself does not need to have an adjustment device for adjusting the axial distance between the contact surface and the cutting edge. Therefore, the depth determining device and the tool assembly can be simplified in terms of structure and configuration and made inexpensive.

[0006] Preferably, the mounting device is fixed to the clamping region of the shaft in step b), thereby immovably attaching the mounting device to the clamping region of the shaft and thereby preventing further axial movement of the depth determination device relative to the tool. However, preferably, there may be elements of the depth determination device that are free to move axially relative to the tool, preferably between a distal stop provided by the tool head of the tool, in particular a shoulder on the tool head, or some retaining device, such as a retaining ring, and a proximal stop provided by the depth determination device, unless the tool is engaged with a workpiece. When the tool is engaged with a workpiece, the mounting device prevents further relative axial movement of these elements in the proximal direction, i.e., beyond the position of the mounting device and away from the workpiece. The distal stop preferably prevents these elements from falling off the tool.

[0007] The depth setting device has a contact surface which is preferably adapted so that the stop surface of the depth determining device can abut against the contact surface, and further the depth setting device has a limit stop which is adapted so that the cutting edge of the tool can abut against the limit stop.

[0008] The limit stop preferably has a shape that is complementary to an imaginary surface obtained by rotating the cutting edge about the tool axis.

[0009] The tool axis is in particular the longitudinal axis, symmetry axis or rotation axis of the tool. The axial direction is preferably a direction parallel to or coincident with the tool axis. The circumferential direction is a direction surrounding the tool axis, i.e. a direction that describes a circumference around the tool axis. The radial direction is perpendicular to the tool axis.

[0010] The working depth or cutting depth has a positive sign when the cutting edge is offset from the stop surface toward the imaginary workpiece to be machined, away from the shaft. In this case, the cutting edge will cut into the workpiece surface until the stop surface abuts or is pressed against the workpiece surface. Therefore, to set a positive working depth, the limit stop is offset away from the shaft relative to the contact surface. However, the working depth or cutting depth may also have a negative sign when the cutting edge is offset from the stop surface toward the shaft, away from the imaginary workpiece. In this case, the cutting edge will cut above the workpiece surface until the stop surface abuts or is pressed against the workpiece surface, particularly to remove burrs. Therefore, to set a negative working depth, the limit stop is offset toward the shaft relative to the contact surface.

[0011] In particular, prior to fixing the mounting device in step b), a predetermined compressive force is applied to the depth-determining device in the axial direction in step b0), thereby elastically compressing at least a portion of the depth-determining device against the contact surface by a predetermined amount. Then, prior to removing the tool assembly from the depth-setting device in step c), the compressive force is released from the depth-determining device in step c0). In this way, the cutting depth can be changed from the maximum cutting depth to another value determined by the compressive force, thereby allowing different cutting depths to be selected easily, inexpensively, reliably, and reproducibly.

[0012] In particular, the basic functionality of the method is as follows: Prior to applying a compressive force in step b0), the cutting edge abuts against the limit stop, and the stop face abuts against the contact surface, while the assembly device is free to move axially relative to the tool shaft. When the compressive force is applied in step b0), the depth-determining device is partially compressed, and the assembly device is displaced axially relative to the tool shaft. The actual displacement depends on the compressive force. While the compressive force is still applied, the assembly device is then rigidly fixed to the clamping area of ​​the tool shaft in step b), and only then is the compressive force released in step c0). While the depth-determining device elastically relaxes from the compressed state by the compression amount, the tool rigidly connected to the assembly device is lifted by the same compression amount, and the cutting edge is pulled away from the limit stop. The final distance of the cutting edge from the limit stop is also determined by the compression amount. At the same time, the stop face is still positioned on the contact surface. The axial position of the cutting edge relative to the stop surface is therefore changed depending on the applied compressive force. This means that the cutting depth of the tool assembly can be reliably and easily set in step b0) by applying a clearly defined, predetermined compressive force. In particular, the working depth of the cutting depth is thus reduced relative to the maximum cutting depth, regardless of whether the cutting depth has a positive or negative sign. This is because, by first compressing the depth-determining device, then fixing the assembly device, and then releasing the compressive force, the cutting edge is moved in the direction of the shaft relative to the stop surface. The value of the cutting depth initially determined by the distance between the contact surface and the limit stop is therefore reduced. In particular, a positive sign reduces the value, while a negative sign increases the value.

[0013] In particular, the amount of compression by which the depth determining device is elastically compressed is dependent on or determined by the predetermined compression force.

[0014] Preferably, the elasticity of the depth determination device is higher than the elasticity of the depth setting device, or in other words, the depth setting device is stiffer than the depth determination device, at least in the region of the contact surface. Most preferably, when a compressive force is applied, only the depth determination device is compressed, and the depth setting device is not compressed in the region of the contact surface. Preferably, the depth setting device is made of steel, at least in the region of the contact surface, and the depth determination device is made of aluminum.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, prior to step b0), a compression amount by which the depth determination device is to be elastically compressed is defined, and the compression force is set as a function of the defined compression amount. In particular, the compression amount defines a change in the working depth and may even be the same as the working depth, so that first the working depth is defined, and then the compression amount is defined depending on this working depth. The compression force is particularly calculated as a function of the defined compression amount. Preferably, the compression force is a linear function of the compression amount, or conversely, the compression amount is a linear function of the compression force. Alternatively, the compression force is obtained from a data set or a look-up table corresponding to the defined compression amount. In particular, the data set or the look-up table contains values ​​for the compression force assigned to corresponding values ​​of the compression amount.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the contact surface is provided integrally by the depth setting device, and is therefore provided in the simplest and most clearly defined manner on the depth setting device.

[0017] Alternatively, the contact surface is provided by a contact distance element arranged on the depth setting device. In this case, the contact distance element, particularly the height of the contact distance element, preferably defines the maximum cutting depth and thus the maximum working depth for the tool. In particular, by selecting different contact distance elements each having a different height, different maximum working depths can be easily defined. Therefore, the working depth can be easily and cost-effectively adjusted by simply changing the contact distance element, without the need to use different depth setting devices, and even without the need to apply a compressive force. In particular, the provision of the contact distance element allows a positive working depth to be defined.

[0018] Preferably, the contact distance element is a distance ring, most preferably a precision foil. Preferably, the contact distance element comprises or is made of steel, most preferably the contact distance element consists of steel. Preferably, the contact distance element has a height of 0.1 mm.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the limit stop is provided integrally by the depth setting device, in particular by a depth setting recess for a positive cutting depth or a depth setting protrusion for a negative cutting depth. In this way, the limit stop is provided in the simplest and most clearly defined manner on the depth setting device. In particular, the depth of the depth setting recess or the height of the depth setting protrusion preferably defines the maximum cutting depth and thus the maximum working depth of the tool.

[0020] Alternatively, the limit stop is provided by a stop distance element arranged on the depth setting device. In this case, the stop distance element, particularly the height of the stop distance element, preferably defines the maximum cutting depth and thus the maximum working depth for the tool. In particular, by selecting different stop distance elements each having a different height, different maximum working depths can be easily defined. Therefore, the working depth can be easily and cost-effectively adjusted by simply changing the stop distance element without the need to use different depth setting devices, and even without the need to apply a compressive force. In particular, the provision of the stop distance element allows negative working depths to be defined.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the compressive force is applied by a pressure screw or pneumatically or hydraulically, so that the compressive force can be applied simply, reliably, reproducibly and cost-effectively.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally, the compressive force is preferably applied to the assembly device, in particular as part of the depth-determining device. Alternatively, the compressive force is applied to another component of the depth-determining device, preferably the cutting cage of the depth-determining device. By applying the compressive force to the assembly device, it is reliably ensured that the assembly device is moved relative to the tool shaft, in particular when the compressive force is applied by a compressive amount. However, the assembly device can also be moved relative to the tool shaft when the compressive force is applied to the other component of the depth-determining device, for example, because the assembly device is operatively connected to the other component and therefore moves together with the other component, or because the assembly device is pressed downwards against the other component by gravity.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the tools used are drilling tools, milling tools, chamfering tools, countersinking tools, countersinking tools or deburring tools, and the advantages mentioned above are achieved in particular with respect to such tools.

[0024] The object is also achieved by providing a tool for machining a workpiece, preferably adapted for use in a method according to the invention or in a method according to at least one of the preferred embodiments described above. The tool comprises a tool head having at least one cutting edge. The tool further comprises a shaft. The shaft comprises a clamping region provided with a friction-increasing surface. With regard to the tool, preferably the same advantages as those described above with regard to the method for determining the working depth are achieved.

[0025] The clamping area having a friction-enhancing surface means, in particular, that the friction in the clamping area, in particular the friction-enhancing surface, is higher than in other surface areas of the shaft which are not part of the friction-enhancing surface, in particular not part of the clamping area.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the friction-enhancing surface comprises a plurality of recesses or knurled surfaces. These recesses or knurled surfaces are preferably milled or ground into the clamping area. Milling and grinding are the most preferred methods for producing friction-enhancing surfaces in relatively hard materials, such as cemented carbide, polycrystalline diamond (PCD), or high-speed steel (HSS). The tool preferably comprises a material selected from the group consisting of cemented carbide, polycrystalline diamond (PCD), and high-speed steel. Preferably, the tool is made of or fabricated from a material selected from this group.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the recesses comprise circumferential grooves, which preferably have a sawtooth profile. In particular, the recesses are circumferential grooves, in particular with a sawtooth profile. Circumferential grooves as recesses are easily and cost-effectively produced and are highly suitable for increasing friction in the clamping area.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the tool head includes an insert pin for guiding the tool into a recess in a workpiece to be machined with the tool. The insert pin is preferably made of plastic, particularly PEEK, or a composite material. Preferably, the insert pin is attached to the tool head. In this way, the tool can be accurately guided by the insert pin, which is lightweight, has a soft surface so as not to damage the surface of the hole machined with the tool, and is inexpensive to manufacture.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the tool is selected from the group consisting of drilling tools, milling tools, chamfering tools, countersinking tools, countersinking tools and deburring tools, and the above-mentioned advantages are achieved in particular with respect to such tools.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the tool is adapted to cooperate with a depth determination device according to the present invention or according to at least one of the preferred embodiments described below.

[0031] The object is also achieved by providing a depth determination device, the depth determination device comprising a cutting cage adapted to at least partially surround a tool head, in particular of a tool according to the invention or of at least one of the embodiments disclosed above. The depth determination device further comprises a circumferential bearing (radial bearing) device at least partially arranged within the cutting cage. The circumferential bearing device is adapted to allow relative rotational movement between the cutting cage and the tool. The depth determination device further comprises an assembly device adapted to be fixedly assembled to the tool in a clamping area provided on the tool. The cutting cage has a stop surface adapted to determine the cutting depth, i.e., the working depth, of the tool when the depth determination device is attached to the tool. With respect to the depth determination device, the same advantages as those described above with respect to the method and the tool are preferably achieved.

[0032] In particular, the cutting cage surrounds the tool head circumferentially and preferably at least partially axially.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the depth determination device further comprises an axial bearing (thrust bearing) device arranged between the cutting cage and the assembly device, the axial bearing device being adapted to allow a relative rotational movement between the cutting cage and the assembly device, in such a way that wear and tear due to the relative rotation between the cutting cage and the assembly device is most effectively and advantageously reduced.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the circumferential bearing device is a plain bearing, in particular a bearing sleeve, which is preferably made from copper or a composite material, in which case the circumferential bearing device can have a simple structure and is relatively easy and inexpensive to manufacture.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally, the axial bearing arrangement is a rolling bearing, in particular a thrust ball bearing, which is particularly reliable and has a long life and low maintenance due to minimal friction. Alternatively, the axial bearing arrangement is a plain bearing, in particular a bearing ring, preferably a copper ring or a composite ring.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the assembly device comprises a clamping ring, which is a particularly simple, inexpensive and very reliable embodiment of the assembly device.

[0037] Preferably, the clamping ring has two ring ends circumferentially spaced apart by a circumferential gap, a first of the two ring ends having a through hole and a second of the two ring ends having a thread, such that a clamping screw passes through the through hole and engages with the thread, and when the screw is tightened within the thread, the ring ends can be brought closer together, thus closing the circumferential gap. Preferably, the assembly device includes the clamping ring and a screw passing through the through hole and engaging with the thread.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the depth determination device does not have an adjustment device for adjusting the axial distance between the stop surface and the cutting edge of the tool. Instead, to determine the working depth, the depth determination device only has a position fixing means, in particular an assembly device as a clamping means. It is not necessary for the depth determination device to have an adjustment device, since the working depth or cutting depth of the tool is preferably set by the method of the present invention or at least one embodiment of the method disclosed above. Therefore, the depth determination device can have a simple structure and can be manufactured easily and inexpensively.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment, the cutting cage has a plurality of radial chip openings through which chips generated by the tool as it processes the surface of the workpiece can be conveyed radially away from the actual work location.

[0040] The object is also achieved by providing a tool assembly comprising a depth determination device according to the invention or according to at least one of the embodiments disclosed above, and a tool, in particular a tool according to the invention or according to at least one of the embodiments disclosed above, wherein the assembly device is immovably fixed in a clamping area provided on the tool. With regard to the tool assembly, preferably the same advantages as those mentioned above with regard to the method, the tool and the depth determination device are achieved.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the tool assembly is adapted to be coupled to a hand-held tool driver, in particular a pneumatic gun drill.The advantages described above are achieved in particular with respect to hand-held tool drivers.

[0042] The object is also achieved by providing a method for using a tool assembly according to the invention or according to at least one of the embodiments disclosed above, which is used for processing aircraft surfaces. The above-mentioned advantages are achieved in particular when the tool assembly is used for processing aircraft surfaces.

[0043] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a depth setting device, the depth setting device further comprising a limit stop having a contact surface adapted for abutment by the stop surface of the depth determining device, the limit stop being adapted for abutment by a cutting edge of a tool, the contact surface and the limit stop being positioned relative to one another to define a maximum working depth of the tool, and the depth setting device achieves the same advantages as those described above with respect to the method, tool, depth determining device and tool assembly.

[0044] Preferably, the depth setting device comprises a pressure device adapted to apply a predetermined pressure to the depth determining device whose stop surface abuts against the contact surface.

[0045] Preferably, the depth setting device comprises a control device adapted to determine the predetermined force depending on the preset working depth. The control device may have input means, such as a keyboard, a voice recognition system, a touchpad or another input-sensitive surface or a control panel, to allow an operator to input the current working depth. Preferably, the control device is adapted to calculate the predetermined force as a function of the preset working depth. Alternatively, the control device may be adapted to select the predetermined force from a data set or a look-up table depending on the preset working depth. Preferably, the control device is connected to the pressure device, whereby the pressure device applies the predetermined force.

[0046] The depth setting device preferably comprises at least one feature implicitly disclosed above with respect to the method.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the contact surface is provided integrally by the depth setting device, and is therefore provided in the simplest and most clearly defined manner on the depth setting device.

[0048] Alternatively, the contact surface is provided by a contact distance element disposed on the depth setting device. In particular, by providing the contact distance element, a positive working depth can be defined. Preferably, the contact distance element is a distance ring, most preferably a precision foil. Preferably, the contact distance element includes or is made of steel, most preferably, the contact distance element is made of steel. Preferably, the contact distance element has a height of 0.1 mm.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment, the limit stop is provided integrally by the depth setting device, in particular by a depth setting recess for a positive cutting depth or a depth setting protrusion for a negative cutting depth. In this way, the limit stop is provided in the simplest and most clearly defined manner on the depth setting device. In particular, the depth of the depth setting recess or the height of the depth setting protrusion preferably defines the maximum cutting depth and thus the maximum working depth of the tool.

[0050] Alternatively, the limit stop is provided by a stop distance element arranged on the depth setting device. In particular, by providing a stop distance element, a negative working depth can be defined.

[0051] The limit stop preferably has a shape that is complementary to an imaginary surface obtained by rotating the cutting edge of a tool to be used with the depth setting device about the tool axis of the tool.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the pressure device comprises a pressure screw or is realized as a pneumatic or hydraulic pressure device.

[0053] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0054] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a tool assembly having a depth determination device and a first embodiment of a tool. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a depth determination device. [Figure 3] 2 is a diagram illustrating a first embodiment of a tool of the tool assembly shown in FIG. 1; [Figure 4] FIG. 10 illustrates a second embodiment of a tool assembly. [Figure 5a] 1A-1C illustrate an embodiment of a method for determining the working depth of a tool using a first embodiment of a depth setting device. [Figure 5b] 1A-1C illustrate an embodiment of a method for determining the working depth of a tool using a first embodiment of a depth setting device. [Figure 5c] 1A-1C illustrate an embodiment of a method for determining the working depth of a tool using a first embodiment of a depth setting device. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a second embodiment of the depth setting device. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a third embodiment of a depth setting device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the depth setting device.

[0055] FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a tool assembly 1 including a tool 3 and a depth determination device 5. The depth determination device 5 has a cutting cage 7 adapted to at least partially surround a tool head 9 shown in FIG. 3, in particular in the circumferential and axial directions. The axial direction is defined by axis A, which is the longitudinal axis of both the tool 3 and the tool assembly 1. Furthermore, axis A is the axis of relative rotation between the tool 3 and a workpiece when the tool 3 is used to machine the workpiece. The circumferential direction coaxially surrounds axis A. The radial direction is perpendicular to axis A.

[0056] The shaft 10 of the tool assembly 1, in particular the tool 3, is preferably adapted to be coupled to a handheld tool driver, in particular a pneumatic gun drill. Preferably, the tool assembly 1 is used for machining aircraft surfaces.

[0057] The tool head 9 preferably comprises an insertion pin 12 adapted to guide the tool 3 into a recess or hole in a workpiece to be machined by the tool 3 .

[0058] The depth-determining device 5 comprises a circumferential bearing device 11, which is at least partially arranged in the cutting cage 7 and is adapted to allow a relative rotational movement between the cutting cage 7 and the tool 3. Furthermore, the depth-determining device 5 comprises an assembly device 13, which is adapted to be fixedly assembled to the tool 3 in a clamping area 15 provided on the tool 3. In the state shown in FIG. 1, the assembly device 13 is fixedly assembled to the clamping area 15 of the tool 3.

[0059] The cutting cage 7 has a stop surface 17 adapted to determine the cutting depth of the tool 3 when the depth-determining device 5 is attached to the tool 3. By assembling the assembly device 13 on the tool 3 in a clearly defined axial position, a clearly defined axial position relative to the cutting edge 19 of the tool 3 shown in FIG. 3 is defined with respect to the stop surface 17; the axial distance between the stop surface 17 and the cutting edge 19 thus defines the cutting depth and thus the working depth, to which the cutting edge 19 can cut into or beyond the surface of the workpiece being machined by the tool 3. Therefore, in order to determine the working depth, the relative axial position of the assembly device 13 and the tool 3 must be defined.

[0060] This is still the case even though in some embodiments, as long as the tool 3 is not engaged in a workpiece, the cutting cage 7 may be allowed to move freely axially between a distal stop 20 (see FIG. 3 ) and a proximal stop provided by the assembly device 13. Once the tool 3 has engaged the workpiece and reached its final working depth, the assembly device 13 effectively limits further approaching movement of the cutting cage 7, and thus the stop surface 17, beyond the position defined by the assembly device 13.

[0061] The invention allows, in particular, a simple, cost-effective, reliable and reproducible setting of the working depth.

[0062] In the first embodiment, the depth determination device 5 preferably further comprises an axial bearing device 21. This bearing device 21 is arranged between the cutting cage 7 and the assembly device 13 and is adapted to allow a relative rotational movement between the cutting cage 7 and the assembly device 13.

[0063] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of the depth determination device 5 shown in Figure 1. In all figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements are provided with the same reference numerals, and reference is made in all cases to the previous description.

[0064] In a), the assembly device 13 is shown in a partially sectioned plan view, which makes it clear that the assembly device 13 preferably comprises a clamping ring 23 and a clamping screw 25. The clamping ring 23 has two ring ends 27, 29 that are spaced apart by a circumferential gap 31. The first of the two ring ends 27 has a through hole 33, and the second of the two ring ends 27, 29 has a thread 35, so that the clamping screw 25 passes through the through hole 33 and engages with the thread 35, and when the clamping screw 25 is tightened, the ring ends 27, 29 can be brought closer to each other and thus close the circumferential gap 31.

[0065] In b) the depth determination device 5 is shown in an exploded view. The circumferential bearing device 11 is preferably a plain bearing, in particular a bearing sleeve. The axial bearing device 21 is preferably a rolling bearing, in particular a thrust ball bearing. Alternatively, the axial bearing device 21 is a plain bearing, in particular a bearing ring, preferably a copper ring or a composite ring.

[0066] The cutting cage 7 has a plurality of radial tip openings 37 .

[0067] The depth determining device 5 does not have an adjustment device for adjusting the axial distance between the stop surface 17 and the cutting edge 19. Instead, the axial distance is set according to a method that will be further described below.

[0068] Preferably, the cutting cage 7 is made of aluminum. Preferably, at least a part of the tool head 9, preferably the tool head 9, preferably the tool 3, with the cutting edges 19 is made of high-speed steel; alternatively, polycrystalline diamond (PCD) may be used as the material; alternatively, cemented carbide may be used as the material. The mounting device 13, in particular the clamping ring 23, is preferably made of steel. Preferably, the axial bearing device 21 is made of steel. Preferably, the circumferential bearing device 11 is made of copper. The insert pin 12 is preferably made of plastic, in particular PEEK, or made of a composite material.

[0069] Figure 3 shows a tool 3 according to a first embodiment of the tool assembly 1 shown in Figure 1. The clamping area 15 is provided with a friction-enhancing surface 39. In particular, friction is greater in the clamping area 15, and in particular in the friction-enhancing surface 39, than in other surface areas of the shaft 10.

[0070] Preferably, the friction-enhancing surface 39 has a plurality of recesses 41, only one of which is referenced for clarity. Alternatively, the friction-enhancing surface 39 may comprise or be realized as a knurled surface. Preferably, the recesses 41 or knurled surface are milled or ground into the clamping area 15.

[0071] The tool 3 is preferably a drilling tool, a milling tool, a chamfering tool, a countersinking tool, a countersinking tool or a deburring tool.

[0072] In b) the friction-enhancing surface 39 is shown in detail. Preferably the recesses 41 include or are circumferential grooves 43, preferably having a sawtooth profile.

[0073] In c) an insert pin 12 is shown which can preferably be attached to the tool head 9.

[0074] 4 shows a second embodiment of the tool assembly 1. This embodiment differs significantly from the first embodiment of the tool assembly 3, in particular in that the tool assembly 1 does not have an axial bearing arrangement 21. Instead, the mounting arrangement 13 is in direct contact with the circumferential bearing arrangement 11, which not only allows relative rotation between the tool 3 and the cutting cage 7, but also allows direct rotational movement between the mounting arrangement 13, which is fixedly clamped to the tool 3, and the cutting cage 7.

[0075] An embodiment of a method for determining the working depth of a tool 3 will now be described with reference to Figure 5, which in particular shows a first embodiment of a depth setting device 45.

[0076] As shown in a), in a first step, the tool 3 and the depth-determining device 5 are placed in the depth-setting device 45 such that the mounting device 13 is positioned at least partially surrounding the clamping area 15, so that the depth-determining device 5, in particular the mounting device 13, is still free to move axially relative to the tool 3. At the same time, the stop surface 17 abuts against the contact surface 47 of the depth-setting device 45, and the cutting edge 19 abuts against the limit stop 49 of the depth-setting device 45. Preferably, the insert pin 12 is received in the receiving bore 50 of the depth-setting device 45.

[0077] As long as no compressive force is applied to the depth determining device 5, the first distance between the upper end 51 of the depth determining device 5 and the contact surface 47 is L1.

[0078] In this state, in a second step it is possible to very tightly assemble the assembly device 13 into the clamping area 15 of the shaft 10. The working depth is then defined as the maximum working depth by the axial distance of the contact surface 47 to the limit stop 49. However, the working depth can preferably be varied by further steps as described below.

[0079] In an alternative second step, as shown in b), a predetermined compressive force is applied axially to the depth-determining device 5, whereby at least a portion of the depth-determining device 5, in particular the cutting cage 7, is elastically compressed against the contact surface 47 by a predetermined compression amount. When the compressive force is applied, the first distance is effectively shortened by the compression amount to L1-Δz, where Δz is the compression amount. The stop surface 17 still abuts against the contact surface 47 and the cutting edge 19 still abuts against the limit stop 49.

[0080] The compressive force is preferably applied to the assembly device 13, in particular at the upper end 51. Preferably, the compressive force is applied by a pressure screw 53, air pressure or hydraulic pressure.

[0081] Preferably, prior to applying the compression force, a compression amount Δz by which the depth determination device 5 will be elastically compressed is defined, and the compression force is set in accordance with the defined compression amount Δz, in particular as a function of the defined compression amount Δz.

[0082] In this compressed state, in a third step, the assembly device 13 is fixed in the clamping area 15, whereby the assembly device 13 is immovably assembled, in particular clamped, in the clamping area 15. This, on the one hand, forms the tool assembly 1 and, on the other hand, determines the working depth.

[0083] In a fourth step, the compression force is released from the depth-determining device 5. This causes, in particular, the cutting cage 7 to elastically relax back to its initial extension, so that the first distance L1 is again reached. At the same time, since the mounting device 13 is immovably fixed to the tool shaft 10, the cutting edge 19 is lifted by the compression amount Δz from the limit stop 49, as shown in c). The axial positions of the stop surface 17, which is still in contact with the contact surface 47, and the cutting edge 19 are thus changed by the compression amount Δz. The working depth or cutting depth of the tool 3 is thus changed by the compression amount Δz from the maximum working depth.

[0084] Finally, the tool assembly 1 is removed from the depth setting device 45.

[0085] In the first embodiment of the depth setting device 45 shown in Figure 5, the contact surface 47 is integrally provided by the depth setting device 45. The limit stop 49 is also integrally provided by the depth setting device 45, in particular the depth setting recess 55.

[0086] The depth setting device 45 according to the first embodiment is particularly adapted to be used with a tool 3 embodied as a countersink tool.

[0087] 6 shows a second embodiment of the depth setting device 45. This second embodiment is particularly adapted for use with a tool 3 embodied as a chamfering tool, a countersinking tool, or a deburring tool. Furthermore, the second embodiment of the depth setting device 45 differs from the first embodiment in that the contact surface 47 is provided by a contact distance element 57 arranged on the depth setting device 45. Preferably, the contact distance element 57 is a distance ring. In this case, the limit stop 49 is not provided by the depth setting recess 55. In particular, in this embodiment of the depth setting device 45, the depth setting recess 55 is not present.

[0088] 7 shows a third embodiment of the depth setting device 45. This third embodiment is also adapted for use with the embodiment of the tool 3 as a chamfering tool, a countersinking tool or a deburring tool. In this case, however, as in the first embodiment, the contact surface 47 is integrally provided by the depth setting device 45 and the limit stop 49 is integrally provided by the depth setting recess 55.

[0089] In another embodiment of the depth setting device 45, the limit stop 49 may be provided by a depth setting protrusion or stop distance element.

[0090] A fourth embodiment of the depth setting device 45 is shown in Figure 8. For easier representation, the cutting cage 7 has been omitted in Figure 8. In this fourth embodiment, the limit stop 49 is provided by a stop distance element 59 arranged on the depth setting device 45.

Claims

1. A method for determining the working depth of a tool (3), comprising: a) placing the tool (3) and the depth determining device (5) in the depth setting device (45), the mounting device (13) of the depth determination device (5) is positioned at least partially surrounding a clamping area (15) provided on the shaft (10) of the tool (3) so that the depth determination device (5) is free to move axially relative to the tool (3); the stop surface (17) of the depth determination device (5) abuts against the contact surface (47) of the depth setting device (45), and the cutting edge (19) of the tool (3) abuts against the limit stop (49) of the depth setting device (45); and b0) applying a predetermined compressive force in an axial direction to the depth determination device (5), thereby elastically compressing at least a portion of the depth determination device (5) against the contact surface (47) by a predetermined amount of compression to obtain a compressed state of the depth determination device (5); b) fixing the assembly device (13) to the clamping area (15) of the shaft (10) in the compressed state of the depth determining device (5), thereby immovably assembling the assembly device (13) to the clamping area (15) of the shaft (10), thereby forming a tool assembly (1); c0) releasing said compressive force from said depth determining device (5); c) removing said tool assembly (1) from said depth setting device (45); A method comprising:

2. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, prior to applying the predetermined compression force in step b0), a compression amount by which the depth determination device (5) is elastically compressed is defined, and the compression force is set as a function of the defined compression amount.

3. The contact surface (47) - integrally with said depth setting device (45), or by a contact distance element (57) arranged on said depth setting device (45); 3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, as provided.

4. The limit stopper (49) is - integrally with said depth setting device (45), or by a stop distance element (59) arranged on said depth setting device (45); 4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3 provided.

5. The compressive force - by means of a pressure screw (53), at least one of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure, - adding to said assembly device (13), 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the tool (3) is a drilling tool, a milling tool, a chamfering tool, a countersinking tool, a countersinking tool or a deburring tool.

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