Basic adapter for coupling a tool to a machine tool

Abstract

The invention relates primarily to a basic adapter (20) for coupling a cutting tool (90) or a measuring tool to a machine tool (100), and to a set consisting of such a basic adapter (20) and a tool carrier (70) that can be coupled thereto and a tool for releasing and fixing the tool carrier (70) from and to the basic adapter (20). The basic adapter (20) has a first coupling device (30) for coupling to a tool interface (112) of the machine tool (100) and a second coupling device (40) for coupling a tool carrier (70) to which the cutting tool (90) or the measuring tool is fastened. Furthermore, it has at least one contact surface (42) for contact with the tool carrier (70). The basic adapter (20) has at least one gas channel (50) for checking the correct coupling of the basic adapter (20) to the tool carrier (70). Said gas channel (50) extends from a gas inlet (52) to at least one gas outlet (58), wherein the at least one gas outlet (58) is provided on the contact surface (42) such that, when the basic adapter (20) is correctly coupled to the tool carrier (70), the gas outlet (58) is closed by the tool carrier (70).

Description

[0001] Base adapter for coupling a tool to a processing machine, set consisting of a base adapter and a tool carrier, tool for loosening and fixing the tool carrier to the base adapter as well as processing machine and tool changing system for this purpose

[0002] FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

[0003] The invention relates to components of a system for coupling a cutting tool or a measuring tool to a processing machine.

[0004] In production, there is a regular need to exchange tools intended for processing machines for other tools. Various standardized interfaces exist for this purpose, allowing for easy tool replacement. This includes the VDI tool holder according to DIN 69880.

[0005] There is a growing need for automated tool changes. However, not all tool interfaces are suitable for simple automated handling. The VDI tool holder according to DIN 69880 represents a tool interface that is difficult to automate for various reasons.

[0006] In the context of automated tool changing, it is a particular challenge to check that the tool is correctly coupled after it has been coupled.

[0007] TASK AND SOLUTION

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a tool changing system which enables a well-automated coupling and uncoupling of tool carriers provided on tool carriers to or from a processing machine and allows the verification of the correct coupling.

[0009] To solve this problem, a basic adapter is primarily proposed, which serves to couple a cutting tool or a measuring tool to a processing machine.

[0010] This base adapter has a first coupling device for coupling to a tool interface of the processing machine. In particular, this coupling device can be designed according to DIN 69880, for example, to be inserted into a tool turret of a processing machine such as a lathe. In addition, the base adapter has a second coupling device for coupling a tool carrier, which in turn carries the cutting tool or the measuring tool. This second coupling device is preferably provided on the base adapter on a side opposite the first coupling device. The two coupling devices are preferably provided on a one-piece base body.

[0011] The basic adapter allows, through the two coupling devices, on the one hand, to be coupled to a conventional interface of a processing machine and, on the other hand, to serve to couple the tool or a tool holder associated therewith in an interchangeable and, in particular, preferably automatically interchangeable manner.

[0012] Pointing toward the tool to be coupled, the base adapter has at least one contact surface and preferably a plurality of contact surfaces separated by interruptions. Once correctly coupled, the tool to be coupled rests flat against this contact surface(s) by means of its tool carrier.

[0013] The base adapter according to the invention is designed in such a way that the correct coupling to the tool carrier can be checked using gas pressure. For this purpose, the base adapter has at least one gas channel. This gas channel extends from a gas inlet to at least one gas outlet.

[0014] The gas channel has at least one gas outlet, but preferably a plurality of gas outlets. The at least one gas outlet is provided on the contact surface and penetrates it. In the case of multiple gas outlets, these are preferably provided at different locations on the same contact surface or on different contact surfaces, preferably located in a common plane. In particular, multiple contact surfaces, preferably at least three or four contact surfaces, can be arranged surrounding the second coupling device and each connected to a gas outlet.

[0015] The arrangement of the gas outlets is selected such that, when the tool carrier is correctly coupled, they are completely or largely sealed by a contact surface on the tool carrier. If, on the other hand, the tool carrier is not correctly coupled, at least one gas outlet is not sealed. If pressurised gas, in particular compressed air, is supplied to the base adapter from the outside, the dynamic pressure that occurs in the gas supply can be used to determine whether the tool carrier is completely correctly coupled and in the desired position. Gas is supplied for the purpose of checking that the tool carrier is correctly coupled through a gas inlet on the base adapter. This gas inlet is preferably provided on an outer side of the base body. The gas inlet is particularly preferably accessible from the outside even when the base adapter is coupled to the processing machine and is not closed off by the respective coupled coupling devices.

[0016] In particular, the gas inlet can be provided on a side surface of the base body of the base adapter between the first and the second coupling device, so that it remains accessible from the outside when the base adapter is coupled to the processing machine and the tool carrier is coupled to the base adapter.

[0017] The second coupling device for coupling the tool holder to the base adapter preferably has at least one movable locking element, by means of which the tool carrier is secured to the base body of the base adapter. The locking element, which is preferably designed in the form of a locking screw, is arranged in an opening in the base body of the base adapter. The locking element is displaced within this opening to secure and release the tool carrier, in particular by means of an internal thread provided in the opening, in order to optionally assume a locking position or a release position. In the outwardly displaced release position, the locking element does not prevent the tool carrier from being separated from the base adapter. In the locking position, the locking element locks the tool carrier to the base body.

[0018] Preferably, the locking element is displaceable in a locking direction that is set relative to a coupling direction of the tool carrier with the base adapter. Particularly preferably, the locking direction and the coupling direction enclose an angle between 60° and 90°, in particular a right angle. In its locking position, a front contact surface of the locking element preferably presses onto the coupling device or into a coupling recess of the tool carrier, thereby securing it. In particular, the locking direction and / or the geometries of the locking element and the coupling device of the tool carrier can be selected such that, when displaced into a locking position, the locking element presses the tool carrier against the contact surfaces of the base adapter.The locking element and the opening in the base housing of the base adapter, in particular designed as a threaded bore, preferably serve, in addition to their main locking function, also to form the aforementioned gas inlet into the gas channel. Gas, in particular compressed air, is thus supplied through the opening, which also serves to accommodate the locking element. The gas inlet can be formed directly through the opening. However, it is preferred that the gas inlet on the locking element is provided in the opening, and that the locking element is penetrated by a channel that is part of the gas channel of the base adapter.

[0019] The dual function of the locking element as a locking means for securing the tool carrier and as a gas inlet for checking the correct coupling of the tool carrier allows a compact design and also allows the use of an integrated tool which is provided both for the displacement and in particular the screwing in of the locking element and subsequently for checking the correct tool carrier position.

[0020] The gas channel, which extends from the gas inlet, in particular the gas inlet at the opening in the locking element or at the locking element itself, to the at least one gas outlet at the at least one contact surface of the base adapter, is preferably equipped with a valve to prevent the entry of contaminants. The gas channel or the at least one gas outlet preferably has, at least in sections, a small cross-sectional area of ​​less than 1 mm2 , especially less than 0.5 mm 2 The valve serves the purpose of preventing the ingress of contaminants and the creation of blockages in the gas channel. This is particularly useful due to the fine gas channels, which would otherwise be at risk of being blocked by chips. This could lead to a back pressure occurring during the gas pressure test despite the tool carrier not being correctly coupled, which could be incorrectly interpreted as meaning that the tool carrier is in its desired position.

[0021] The valve can be a pressure-dependent valve, which is opened by the test gas pressure applied to the base adapter. In this case, the valve opens especially when the pressure applied externally at the gas inlet is higher than the pressure in the gas channel.

[0022] Alternatively, the valve can also be designed as a switchable valve, which has an externally accessible actuating section that is actuated to open or close the valve. This actuating section can be pressed in by the corresponding tool during the locking of a tool carrier, in order to subsequently apply the test gas pressure to the base adapter. The valve preferably has a spring that pushes the valve into a closed position and is tensioned when the valve is opened.

[0023] The valve is preferably located on the outside of the base adapter and thus at the gas inlet, largely preventing the penetration of dirt and chips into the gas channel. In particular, the valve can be integrated into the movable locking element and, in particular, be located at the inlet of the channel penetrating the locking element.

[0024] As already explained at the beginning, the base adapter is provided with a first coupling device, which serves for attachment to an interface of the processing machine, for example, to an interface on a tool turret of a lathe. Various types of interfaces are possible here. In particular, the first coupling device is preferably designed according to DIN 69880 (VDI tool holder), which is familiar from tool holders. This means that the first coupling device has a coupling extension with a toothing, by means of which the base adapter can be coupled to corresponding interfaces of the processing machine. The base adapter represents a kind of intermediate link between the appropriately equipped processing machine and the tool carrier.

[0025] This makes it possible to achieve good automation capability for this interface, which is not ideal for automated tool changing and automated tool coupling control according to DIN 69880, using the basic adapter according to the invention.

[0026] Although the basic concept according to the invention appears to be particularly suitable for basic adapters with a first coupling device according to DIN 69880, other coupling devices can also be used for other known processing machine-side interfaces.

[0027] The second coupling device, which connects the base adapter to the tool holder, typically does not correspond to any of the systems already commonly used for directly connecting tools to machining centers, such as HSK or Capto. However, it is also possible to design the second coupling device as an HSK or Capto adapter.

[0028] A preferred design is one in which the tool carrier has a coupling extension that is inserted into a coupling recess of the base adapter or secured there by means of the above-mentioned locking element. The coupling recess of the tool carrier can form part of the gas channel described above. If such a coupling recess is present, the aforementioned multiple gas outlets are preferably arranged surrounding the coupling recess. They are preferably provided on a plurality of separate contact surfaces that circumferentially surround the coupling recess.

[0029] The tool carrier itself can be formed integrally with the tool. However, such a design is not preferred. Instead, a construction in which the tool is detachably and replaceably connected to the tool carrier is preferred, in particular a design in which the tool is attached to the tool carrier by a tool holder as an intermediate member.

[0030] In addition to the base adapter itself, the invention also relates to a set comprising such a base adapter and a tool carrier that can be coupled to it. The base adapter and the tool carrier are adapted to one another in such a way that the tool carrier, with its side facing the base adapter, is capable of closing at least one gas outlet. In the case of multiple gas outlets, the corresponding contact surface of the tool carrier has a shape that allows all gas outlets to be closed simultaneously.

[0031] Furthermore, the base adapter and the tool carrier are preferably designed with respect to their coupling devices such that they are pressed together by the locking mechanism using the locking element of the base adapter. This can be achieved in particular by providing a recess on the outer side of a coupling extension of the tool carrier, for example in the form of a bore or a groove extending transversely to the coupling direction, into which the locking element engages as intended during locking. An axial offset is provided between the opening in the base adapter and this recess, which, when the locking element engages the recess, causes an axial tensile stress in the coupling extension of the tool carrier, which leads to the tool carrier's tight contact with the contact surface of the base adapter.Preferably, said recess merges into a circumferential groove on the coupling extension of the tool carrier in order to be able to bring a plurality of bores in the base adapter, which lead to the gas outlets, into communication with the gas inlet of the locking element.

[0032] The tool holder itself preferably has a receiving shaft for inserting the cutting tool or the measuring tool. This can be, for example, a cylindrical shaft familiar from VDI tool holders, into which the tool, possibly with an attached tool holder, is inserted and secured there with a fastening screw. However, it can also be a receiving shaft for a hollow shank taper according to DIN 69893 or a receiving shaft compatible with the Capto system (DIN ISO 26623). A receiving shaft for a Morse taper can also be useful depending on the application. However, the tool does not have to be interchangeably attached to the tool holder; it can also be permanently or even integrally connected to it.

[0033] The set according to the invention does not have to include the tool itself. However, such a tool attached to the tool carrier, for example a drilling tool, a cutting tool, a sawing tool, or a milling tool, can be part of the set and be permanently or detachably connected to the tool carrier. In the case of a measuring tool, for example a measuring probe, this is preferably permanently connected to the tool carrier and therefore not intended for routine replacement.

[0034] In addition to the described set and the described base adapter, the invention also relates to a tool for handling the base adapter. This tool for loosening and securing a tool carrier of the described type to a base adapter of the described type comprises a manipulator, which, as intended, comes into direct contact with the locking element of the base adapter in order to bring it into its locking position, in particular by screwing it in. The manipulator of the tool has a rotating section, which can be attached, in particular, in a form-fitting manner to the locking element and by means of which the locking element can be displaced and, in particular, rotated for the purpose of screwing it in, so that a locked state of the tool carrier and an unlocked state of the tool carrier can be achieved.

[0035] The tool also features a gas supply, which allows the gas inlet of the base adapter to be pressurized with gas under excess pressure. The standardized tool is therefore designed for two subtasks: moving the locking element and applying the gas test pressure to the base adapter after locking.

[0036] The gas outlet of the tool is preferably provided on the rotating section itself, thus rotating with the locking element relative to the base adapter when the rotating section rotates. In particular, the rotating section can be provided with a non-circular recess which is intended to create the aforementioned positive connection to the locking element and within which the aforementioned gas outlet is provided. This enables a uniform and rapid locking process, including the coupling test. The rotating section locks the tool carrier and subsequently remains in position to then supply the gas test pressure. The rotating section can also be the carrier of an actuating surface in order to be able to open a switching valve provided on the locking element for the purpose of pressurizing.

[0037] To supply gas to the gas outlet of the tool, the manipulator preferably has a supply connection for supplying gas to the rotating section. In particular, the manipulator preferably has a supply connection carrier which is rotatable relative to the rotating section and preferably also relative to a tool base and on which the supply connection is provided. A design has proven advantageous in which the supply connection carrier is designed as a sleeve component which at least partially surrounds the rotating section, the inside of which, together with an outside of the rotating section, forms a section of the gas supply. The supply connection carrier is preferably freely rotatable relative to the rotating section, so that a gas supply hose can be connected here which does not rotate with the rotating section.

[0038] In the simplest case, a tool of the type mentioned can be designed as a manually operated tool in which a torque is applied manually to the rotating section. However, the considerations underlying the invention are based in particular on the desire to create an automated or at least motor-assisted solution. The tool therefore preferably has an electric motor drive by means of which a torque can be applied to the rotating section.

[0039] The tool is preferably equipped with a coupling interface for coupling to a robot. This robot has a robot arm to which the tool is attached. By means of the robot arm or another guidance system, the tool is guided to the base adapter in order to release or lock a coupled tool carrier. The same robot arm or a second robot arm can be provided to separate a tool carrier from the base adapter or to guide a new tool carrier to the base body for subsequent locking. Such a robot with a tool of the type described or a combination of two robots or robot arms jointly enabling the tool change represents a tool changing system that also belongs to the invention.

[0040] The invention further relates to a processing machine having a tool interface for the interchangeable coupling of at least one tool. The processing machine has at least one base adapter of the type described above attached to the interface. The tool interface is preferably designed in the manner of a turret interface for coupling a plurality of tools. In this case, a plurality of base adapters are preferably provided, to which various tool carriers with different tools can be optionally coupled.

[0041] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Further advantages and aspects of the invention emerge from the claims and from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is explained below with reference to the figures.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a set according to the invention comprising a base adapter for attachment to a processing machine and a tool carrier for coupling to the base adapter.

[0044] Fig. 2 and 3 show the basic adapter in sectioned form.

[0045] Fig. 4 and 5 show the tool carrier in an isolated view.

[0046] Fig. 6 shows a robot tool for manufacturing, releasing and checking the locking of the tool carrier on the base adapter.

[0047] Fig. 7 and 8 show a manipulator of the tool of Fig. 6.

[0048] Fig. 9A to 9C illustrate the coupling process.

[0049] Fig. 10 and 11 illustrate the gas pressure test, by means of which the correctly coupled state of the tool carrier on the base body is determined.

[0050] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT Fig. 1 shows a set comprising a base adapter 20 and a tool holder 70. The base adapter 20 is intended for attachment to a processing machine and for this purpose has a first coupling device 30. In the present embodiment, this coupling device is designed as is known from VDI tool holders according to DIN 69880 and accordingly has a coupling extension 32 which is provided with a toothing 34 on one side.

[0051] The tool carrier 70 is designed for coupling to the base adapter 20. The intended use of the base adapter 20 and the tool carrier 70 requires that the base adapter be permanently attached to a processing machine, and that tools be changed by the isolated exchange of the tool carrier 70 with the tool coupled to it or permanently attached to it. In particular, the aforementioned set is intended to enable automated tool changing. Such automated changing, including checking the coupling status, is difficult with the VDI tool holder and easier at the interface between the base adapter 20 and the tool carrier 70, which replaces it.

[0052] The base adapter 20 has a one-piece base body 22, which, in addition to the coupling extension 32 already described, has a front-side main segment 38, which primarily forms a second coupling device 40 for coupling the tool carrier 70. A total of six separate contact surfaces 42 arranged in a common plane are provided on a front end face of the main segment 38. An end face 73 of the tool carrier 70, which faces the contact surfaces 42 in Fig. 1, has six elevations corresponding to the six contact surfaces 42 of the base adapter 20, which form tool carrier-side contact surfaces 78.

[0053] Centrally, the base adapter 20 has a coupling recess 44 which is provided for receiving a coupling extension 72 of the tool carrier 70.

[0054] To lock the tool carrier 70 after the coupling extension 72 has been inserted into the coupling recess 44, the base adapter 20 has a locking element 60, here in the form of a locking screw 60. When inserted, the locking element 60 is arranged in a lateral threaded bore 28 of the base adapter 20. It can be screwed in to secure the coupling extension 72 of the tool carrier 70 in the coupling recess 44, as will be explained below. To separate the tool carrier 70 from the base body 22, the locking screw 60 is unscrewed slightly. The tool carrier 70 can then be pulled out forward. To check whether the tool carrier 70 is firmly coupled in the desired manner and in the desired position, the base adapter 20 has provisions for testing this using gas pressure.

[0055] The contact surfaces 42 are each provided with a fine gas outlet 58 of less than 1 mm 2clear cross-section. A gas inlet 52 for feeding these six gas outlets 58 is provided in the locking screw 60, as is an inlet valve 66. A gas channel 50 connects the gas inlet 52 to the gas outlets 58. As can be seen from Figs. 2 and 3, a total of six radial bores 56 are provided for this purpose in the base body 22 of the base adapter 20. These bores are part of the gas channel 50 and are fed by the locking screw 60 and through a recess 76 and an external groove 77 on the tool carrier 70. The six radial bores 56 are closed on the outside. The gas channel 50 extends from the bores 56 into adjoining axially extending bores 57, which lead to the gas outlets 58. In Fig. 2, one of the radially extending bores 56 with the adjoining axially extending bore 57 is shown in dashed lines for clarity.

[0056] When the base adapter 20 and the tool carrier 70 are coupled, gas, in particular compressed air, can be fed from the outside into the gas channel 50, which then reaches the contact surfaces 42.

[0057] If the tool carrier, which is shown again in an isolated position in Figs. 4 and 5, is in its correctly coupled target position, the contact surfaces 78 provided on its rear end face 73 lie tightly against the contact surfaces 42 of the base adapter 20 and close the gas outlets 58 provided there. If the tool carrier 70 is not correctly coupled, for example, if it is not pulled far enough against the contact surfaces 42 as a whole or if it is tilted, some or all of the gas outlets 58 are open.

[0058] This difference can be detected when pressure is applied to the gas inlet 52. If, for example, a gas pressure of 2 bar is applied, a back pressure of also approximately 2 bar occurs in the gas supply to the base adapter 20 when the gas outlets 58 are closed. If the coupling state is faulty and not all contact surfaces 78 are fully in contact with the gas outlets 58, a low pressure occurs. The test system can be provided with an automatic evaluation which, for example, indicates an error below 1.8 bar. Fig. 6 shows a robot tool 200 for handling the locking element 60. The robot tool 200 is designed as an angle screwdriver and has an interface 202 for coupling to a robot arm. It also has a manipulator 210 at a distal end. A rotating section 220 can be torqued relative to a tool base 204 by means of an electric motor (not shown).The rotating section 220 has a recess 222 which is designed to correspond to the shape of the head of the locking screw 60, in this case as a hexagon socket corresponding to the external hexagon of the locking screw 60.

[0059] This allows the locking screw 60 to be screwed in by an electric motor for the purpose of locking, preferably with a defined torque, and the locking screw 60 to be unscrewed by an electric motor from the threaded bore for the purpose of releasing the tool carrier 70 in order to be able to separate the tool carrier 70 from the base adapter 20.

[0060] 7 and 8, the manipulator 210 is shown in a separate illustration, with Fig. 7 showing a sectional view. In particular, it can be seen from this Fig. 7 that a supply connection carrier 240 is rotatably mounted on a roller bearing and is pushed onto the outside of the rotating section 220. A supply connection 232 for coupling an air pressure hose is provided on this supply connection carrier 240. The air flow supplied via this connection passes through a space between the rotating section 220 and the supply connection carrier 240 into gas channels 233 and is guided to an outlet at the bottom of the recess 222. An actuating section 224 for opening the valve is provided here, through which air flows, entering the recess 222 via this section.

[0061] Fig. 9A to 9C show a coupling process of the tool carrier 70 and the base adapter 20.

[0062] Starting from the uncoupled state of Fig. 9A, the tool carrier 70 with the tool 90 attached thereto is fed to the base adapter 20 on the side of the second coupling device 40. This can be done in particular by means of a robot that guides the tool carrier 70 and inserts its coupling extension 72 into the coupling recess 44. Initially, the state of Fig. 9B is established, in which the tool carrier 70 is already supported by the base adapter 20, but has not yet reached its desired position.

[0063] Starting from this, the locking is effected using the tool 200. The tool 200 is brought up to the locking screw 60, which has not yet been screwed in, and the rotating section 220 is pushed onto the locking screw 60, so that the desired positive connection is established. The locking screw 60 is then screwed in, with its distal end reaching the area of ​​the recess 76, which at this point is still slightly offset from the opening 28. The continued screwing in of the locking screw 60, which is provided with a chamfer at its inner end, leads, due to this offset, to the tool carrier 70 being pressed against the base adapter 20. As soon as the state of Fig. 9C is reached, for example, determined based on a specific target torque, the screwing-in process ends, and the tool carrier 70 should now be in the desired position coupled to the base adapter.

[0064] To test this, compressed air is now supplied via the rotating section 220 and the gas outlet 234 located there. This compressed air can flow through the valve 66, which is opened by the actuating section 224, into the gas channel 50 of the base adapter 20 and thus passes through the groove 77 and the bores 56, 57 to the gas outlets 58. The air path 300 is shown in Figs. 10 and 11.

[0065] If these gas outlets 58 are closed by the end face 73 of the tool carrier 70, the air cannot escape or can only escape in a small amount. Therefore, a back pressure develops that is only slightly lower than the supplied pressure. Fig. 10 illustrates this case, in which the compressed air cannot escape or can only barely escape.

[0066] Fig. 11 shows a different state in which the coupling was unsuccessful, for example, due to chips remaining in the area of ​​a contact surface 78. A gap remains between a portion of the contact surface 78 and the respective opposing gas outlets 58, allowing air to escape and thus preventing the back pressure from building up to the same extent as in the state of Fig. 10. The arrows 302 illustrate this.

[0067] The lower back pressure is measured by a pressure measuring device (not shown) and used to signal the incorrectly coupled state and / or to block workpiece processing until correct coupling is achieved.

[0068] A tool changing system based on the aforementioned components, and in particular with a tool 200, preferably has an evaluation unit that monitors the current coupling state and detects the correctly coupled state as well as the uncoupled state of the tool carrier 70, so that the processing or removal of the tool carrier 70 from the base adapter 20 can subsequently be authorized. In this case, the evaluation unit preferably includes, in addition to the described gas pressure test, the torque achieved during locking and the number of revolutions of the locking element 60 during locking and release.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A base adapter (20) for coupling a cutting tool (90) or a measuring tool to a processing machine (100), having the following features: a. the base adapter (20) has a first coupling device (30) for coupling to a tool interface (112) of the processing machine (100), and b. the base adapter (20) has a second coupling device (40) for coupling a tool carrier (70) to which the cutting tool (90) or the measuring tool is fastened, and c. the base adapter (20) has at least one contact surface (42) for contacting the tool carrier (70), characterized by the following additional features: d. the base adapter (20) has at least one gas channel (50) for checking the correct coupling of the base adapter (20) to the tool carrier (70), and e.the gas channel (50) extends from a gas inlet (52) to at least one gas outlet (58), wherein the at least one gas outlet (58) is provided on the contact surface (42), so that when the base adapter (20) is correctly coupled to the tool carrier (70), the gas outlet (58) is closed by the tool carrier (70).

2. Base adapter (20) according to claim 1 with the following further feature: a. the base adapter (20) has a plurality of gas outlets (58) in the region of the at least one contact surface (42).

3. Base adapter (20) according to claim 2 with the following further feature: a. the base adapter (20) has a plurality of separate contact surfaces (42), wherein gas outlets (58) are provided on at least two of these contact surfaces (42).

4. Base adapter (20) according to one of the preceding claims with the following further feature: a. the base adapter (20) has a locking element (60) which is movable relative to a base body (22) of the base adapter (20), which is arranged in an opening (28) of the base body (22) of the base adapter (20) and is accessible from the outside, and which, in a locking position, locks the tool carrier (70) on the base adapter (20).

5. Base adapter (20) according to claim 4 with the following further feature: a. the locking element (60) is designed in the form of a locking screw (60) which can be screwed into the opening (28) designed with an internal thread.

6. Base adapter (20) according to one of the preceding claims, with the following further feature: a. the gas inlet (52) of the gas channel (50) is provided on an outer side of a base body (22) of the base adapter (20), so that it is accessible from the outside when the base adapter (20) is coupled to the processing machine (100) and the tool carrier (70) is coupled to the base adapter (20).

7. Base adapter according to claim 6 with the following further feature: a. the gas inlet (52) is formed by the opening (28) of the locking element (60) or by a channel (64) penetrating the locking element (60).

8. Base adapter according to one of the preceding claims with the following additional feature: a. a valve (66) is assigned to the gas inlet (52), preferably with one of the following additional features: b. the valve (66) is designed as a pressure-dependent opening valve (66), which opens when a pressure applied from the outside to the gas inlet (52) is higher than a pressure in the gas channel (50) of the base adapter (20), or c. the valve (66) is designed as a switchable valve (66) which has an actuating section (68) which can be actuated from an outer side of the base adapter (20) to open or close the valve (66).

9. Base adapter (20) according to claim 8 with the following further feature: a. the valve (66) is integrated into the locking element (60) and opens and closes the channel (64) penetrating the locking element (60).

10. Base adapter (20) according to one of the preceding claims with the following further feature: a. the first coupling device (30) has a coupling extension (32) for insertion into the tool holder of the processing machine (100), which has a toothing (34).

11. Base adapter (20) according to one of the preceding claims with the following further feature: a. the second coupling device (40) has a coupling recess (44) for receiving a coupling extension (72) of the tool carrier (70).

12. Base adapter (20) according to claim 11 with the following further feature: a. a plurality of contact surfaces (42) for the tool carrier (70) are provided on the base adapter (20) surrounding the coupling recess (44).

13. A set comprising a base adapter (20) and a tool carrier (70) that can be coupled thereto, having the following features: a. the set comprises a base adapter (20) according to one of the preceding claims, and b. the set comprises a tool carrier (70) for coupling to the base adapter (20).

14. Set according to claim 13 with the following further features: a. the tool carrier (70) has a coupling extension (72) against which the adapter-side locking element (60) rests in the locked state, and b. the locking element (60) and the tool carrier (70) are coordinated with one another in such a way that when the locking element (60) is displaced in the locking direction, the tool carrier (70) is pressed in the direction of its position pressed against the base adapter (20).

15. Set according to claim 13 or 14 with the following further feature: a. the tool carrier (70) has a receiving shaft (74) for inserting the cutting tool (90) or the measuring tool.

16. Set according to claim 15 with the following further feature: a. a tool (90), in particular a drilling tool, a cutting tool, a sawing tool, a milling tool, is fixed in the receiving shaft (74) of the tool carrier (70).

17. Set according to claim 15 or 16 with the following further feature: a. the receiving shaft (74) of the tool carrier (70) is aligned with a coupling extension (72) of the tool carrier (70).

18. Set according to one of claims 15 to 17 with the following further feature: a. the receiving shaft of the tool holder is designed to receive a hollow shank taper according to DIN 69893.

19. Set according to one of claims 15 to 17 with the following further feature: a. the receiving shaft of the tool holder is designed to receive a hollow shank taper according to DIN ISO 26623.

20. Set according to one of claims 15 to 17 with the following further feature: a. the receiving shaft of the tool holder is designed to receive a Morse taper.

21. Set according to one of claims 13 to 20 with the following further feature: a. the tool carrier (70) carries a measuring tool, in particular a measuring probe.

22. Tool (200) for releasing and securing a tool carrier (70) to a base adapter (20) according to one of claims 1 to 12, having the following features: a. the tool (200) has a manipulator (210) for handling the locking element (60) of the base adapter (20), and b. the manipulator (210) has a rotating section (220) which can be positively attached to the locking element (60) and by means of which the locking element (60) can be rotated, so that a locked state of the tool carrier (70) and an unlocked state of the tool carrier (70) can be achieved, and c. the manipulator (210) has a gas supply (230) by means of which a gas inlet (52) of the base adapter (20) can be pressurized with gas.

23. Tool (200) according to claim 22 with the following additional feature: a. a gas outlet (234) of the gas supply (230) is provided on the rotating section (220).

24. Tool (200) according to claim 23 with the following additional feature: a. the rotary portion (220) has a non-circular recess (222) which is provided for establishing the positive connection to the locking element (60), and b. the gas outlet (234) is provided within the non-circular recess (222).

25. Tool (200) according to one of claims 22 to 24 with the following additional feature: a. the manipulator (210) has a supply connection (232) for supplying gas to the rotating section (220).

26. Tool (200) according to claim 25 with the following additional feature: a. the manipulator (210) has a supply connection carrier (240) which is movable relative to the rotating section (220) and on which the supply connection (232) is provided.

27. Tool (200) according to claim 26 with the following additional feature: a. the supply connection carrier (240) is designed as a casing component that at least partially surrounds the rotating section (220), the inside of which forms a partial section of the gas supply (230) with an outside of the rotating section (220).

28. Tool (200) according to one of claims 21 to 27 with the following additional feature: a. the tool (200) has an electric motor drive, by means of which the rotary section (220) can be subjected to torque.

29. A processing machine (100) having the following features: a. the processing machine (100) has at least one tool interface (112) for the interchangeable coupling of at least one tool, and b. the processing machine (100) has at least one base adapter (20) according to one of claims 1 to 12.

30. Processing machine (100) according to claim 29 with the following additional feature: a. the tool interface (112) is designed in the manner of a turret interface for coupling a plurality of tools.

1. A tool changing system for the automated exchange of tools held on tool carriers (70) on a processing machine according to claim 29, having the following features: a. the tool changing system has a tool (200) according to any one of claims 21 to 28 for releasing and securing a tool carrier (70) on the base adapter (20), and b. the tool changing system has a displacement system, preferably in the form of a robot, by means of which the rotating section (220) can be fed to the base adapter (20).

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