Tool changing system for material-removing machining systems, in particular for producing dental parts

Abstract

The invention relates to a tool changing system (1) for a material-removing machining system (2), in particular for producing dental parts, comprising - a tool magazine (3) having a first receiving unit (4) for receiving a first material-removing tool (5) and having at least one second receiving unit (6) for receiving the first and / or a second material-removing tool (5, 5'), wherein - the at least two receiving units (4, 6) each have a clamping device (8) by means of which the tools (5, 5') to be received in the relevant receiving unit (4, 6) can be fastened by the application of at least one clamping force (9).

Description

[0001] Tool changing system for material removal machining systems, especially for the production of dental parts

[0002] The invention relates to a tool changing system for material removal machining systems, in particular for the manufacture of dental parts.

[0003] Corresponding tool changing systems for material removal machining systems, particularly for the production of dental parts, are known in principle from the prior art. It is known to equip a material removal machining system, especially for the production of dental parts, with a magazine containing several tools, wherein, depending on the machining order and / or a machining step, the material removal machining system selectively selects a tool from the magazine that is intended for this machining order and, if necessary, inserts a tool already located in a tool interface of the machining system into the magazine. The machining system can be a CNC machine whose tool interface (tool holder) can be automatically fed to a tool stored in the tool magazine, and the tool is then inserted into the magazine.is fixed to itself and then moved to a processing area in order to carry out material removal processing on a component.

[0004] The invention is based on the objective of providing a tool changing system for material removal machining systems, particularly for the production of dental components, which enables the removal and / or insertion of a tool into a magazine of the tool changing system in a reliable and reproducible manner. In particular, the reliability of the automated removal and / or insertion of the tool from the tool magazine by computer-aided control is to be increased, or the tool changing system is to require lower control accuracy.

[0005] The problem is solved by a tool changing system for material-removing machining systems, in particular for the production of dental parts, according to claim 1. The dependent claims relate to possible embodiments of the tool changing system. Furthermore, the problem is solved by a holding unit according to claim 14, by a tool according to claims 15 and 16, by a material-removing machining system according to claim 17, and by a method according to claim 18.

[0006] The invention relates to a tool changing system for material removal machining systems, particularly for the production of dental components. For example, the material removal machining system, also called a machining center, is a CNC machine. Control information for controlling the machining system can be used based on computer-generated data, such as CAD data. For example, a CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) system is used. A tool holder or tool interface, which is arranged at a free end of a spindle, can be actuated to move the tool between a tool magazine area, where a tool stored in the tool magazine can be accessed, and a work area, where material removal can be performed on a workpiece held at the work area using the tool located in the tool interface.

[0007] The machining system can be configured, for example, to mill, drill, grind, or cut a workpiece, thus processing it accordingly. The workpiece to be processed by the machining system could be, for example, a dental component, i.e., a component that is fundamentally related to dental technology. Examples include dental prosthetics such as crowns, bridges, partial and complete dentures, inlays, orthodontic appliances, bite guards, as well as splints for jaw fractures or mouthguards for certain sports.

[0008] For example, a workpiece to be machined, in particular a machining blank shaped like a disc, consists of, for example, a metal and / or a ceramic (e.g., zirconium oxide) and / or a plastic and / or wax. In particular, the workpiece to be machined can consist of a chromium-cobalt alloy or a chromium-cobalt-molybdenum alloy. Optionally, the workpiece can consist of a thermoplastic and / or transparent plastic, e.g., polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Machining of workpieces made of gold, platinum, or titanium is also possible. The workpiece to be machined can, for example, have a standardized shape, such as the shape of a round, in particular circular, disc. Such disc-shaped workpieces can, for example, have a diameter between 80 mm and 120 mm, in particular 100 mm.It is possible that the disc-shaped workpieces may have a step and / or a shoulder across their outer surface.

[0009] The machining system comprises a tool magazine with a first holding unit for a first material-removing tool, e.g., a first milling tool, and with at least one second holding unit for a second material-removing tool, e.g., a second milling tool. Different types of tools can be arranged in the holding units of the tool magazine. For example, a tool designed as a milling tool can be held in a first holding unit, and a tool designed as a drill can be held or accommodated in a second holding unit of the same tool magazine. Alternatively or additionally, the material-removing tool can be configured to perform a machining operation. The tool can, for example, have an elongated and / or rod-like basic shape and / or a cylindrical, in particular circular cylindrical, basic shape.Preferably, the tool has at least one cutting edge on a cylindrical surface section and / or on an end face.

[0010] Typically, the tool magazine of the machining system has more than four, preferably more than six, particularly preferably more than 10, particularly preferably more than 14, most preferably more than 16, receiving units, each of which can hold a tool.

[0011] The at least two holding units each have a clamping device by means of which the tools to be held in the respective holding unit can be secured by applying at least one clamping force. The temporary, force-fit or clamping-force-based securing of the tools in the holding units allows for simplified removal and insertion. The clamping force must be overcome each time the tools are inserted or removed.

[0012] It is possible that at least one clamping device includes a preloading element configured to provide the at least one clamping force that acts on the tool when it is held in the receiving unit. Preferably, each receiving unit has its own clamping device and at least one preloading element to provide the clamping force present at the respective receiving unit. The preloading element can be, for example, an elastomer, an elastic plastic, or rubber, and / or a mechanical spring, in particular a tension or compression spring. Preferably, a helical spring can be used as the preloading element. The helical spring can be designed as a tension and / or compression spring. Preferably, the helical spring can have a cylindrical, in particular circular, shape.

[0013] The clamping device can, for example, comprise a base element and at least one clamping element, wherein the at least one clamping element is movably mounted on the base element and the tool received on the receiving unit can be subjected to the clamping force, in particular directly, via the at least one clamping element. The at least one clamping element is a component separate from the base element, wherein the at least one clamping element is movably mounted on the base element. For this purpose, the clamping element can be received or received on a receiving structure of the base element and exhibit a degree of movement within the receiving structure, even if limited and / or restricted. Limited movement can, for example, mean that the movement can only be released by exceeding a predefined release force or force of action, which is determined and / or influenced, in particular, by the preloading element.For example, the preload force generated by the preloading device pre-tensions the clamping element into a defined position, so that initially, the clamping element cannot move when subjected to a force, provided that the force does not exceed the preload force acting on the clamping element. Only when a force exceeding the preload force is applied to the clamping element is it moved or displaced within the limits of movement defined by the base element. Because a defined preload force, generated by the preloading device, must be overcome to insert and remove the tool from a holding unit, a defined force and counterforce situation can be achieved during automated tool insertion and removal, which is advantageous for reproducibility in automated control systems.The base element can have a bearing structure that securely holds the clamping element in place or mechanically traps it. The at least one clamping element can, for example, have the shape of a sphere.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the clamping device can comprise a first and at least one second clamping means, wherein a tool received on the receiving unit can be subjected to, or is subjected to, clamping forces by the first clamping means on a first side, in particular on a first longitudinal side, and the tool can be subjected to, or is subjected to, clamping forces by the second clamping means on a second side, preferably opposite the first side, in particular on a longitudinal side. Thus, the tool, when inserted into the receiving unit, can be subjected to the clamping forces of at least two, preferably three, clamping means. For example, the clamping device has at least three clamping means configured to distribute the clamping forces acting on the tool received on the receiving unit uniformly and / or within a common plane of the clamping force vectors.Optionally, the clamping devices can be spaced 120° + / - 15° apart.

[0015] It is possible that the clamping device comprises a first and at least one second clamping means, wherein a tool received in the receiving unit can be acted upon by the at least one clamping means on its radially outward-facing surface. For example, a first clamping means acts upon the tool received in the receiving unit on a first, radially outward-facing surface section, and a second clamping means acts upon the same tool on a second, radially outward-facing surface section.

[0016] The at least one clamping means, in particular at least two clamping means, can act on the tool held in the holding unit radially to a designated axis of rotation and / or radially to a principal axis of extension of the tool held in the holding unit. In other words, a force vector of a clamping force of at least one clamping means, in particular the force vectors of all clamping means of a holding unit, can run perpendicular to an axis of rotation and / or to a principal axis of extension of a tool held in the holding unit.

[0017] It is possible that at least two clamping means, and in particular at least three clamping means, are arranged in a common plane. Alternatively or additionally, the force vectors of the clamping forces acting on the tool held in the receiving unit can lie in a common plane and / or be oriented perpendicular to a principal axis of extension of a tool intended to be held in the receiving unit and / or perpendicular to a principal axis of extension of an exceptional channel formed on the receiving unit for receiving the tool.

[0018] The preloading element can, for example, be designed as a helical spring, in particular as a helical compression and / or tension spring, and its central axis can form an angle α in the range of 30° to 150°, preferably 45° to 135°, particularly preferably 65° to 115°, and more preferably 80° to 100°, with respect to a movement path of the clamping element and / or a clamping force vector of the clamping element. In an advantageous embodiment, the angle α is 90°. In other words, a central axis of the helical spring runs parallel to the principal extension axis 16 or to the longitudinal axis of a tool received in the receiving unit. The central axis of the helical spring can be its longitudinal axis. In particular, the central axis of the helical spring relates to its principal axis of movement or its compression and expansion axis.

[0019] The outer surface, or a radially outward-facing surface of the inner sleeve of the inner part, and / or an inner surface, or a radially inward-facing surface of the outer sleeve of the outer part, can serve as support or guide walls for at least one preloading device and / or preloading element located between the inner and outer parts. This prevents the risk of displacement and / or buckling of coil springs or other elongated components that generate preload.

[0020] It is possible that the base unit comprises an inner body provided with a receiving channel for receiving the tool and at least one outer body arranged at least partially, preferably predominantly, outside the inner body, wherein the inner body and the outer body are movably mounted relative to each other. For example, the inner and outer bodies form or define a receiving space, wherein a preloading element of the clamping device, in particular a captive design, is arranged or formed in the receiving space. The preloading element is configured to provide the at least one clamping force that acts on the tool when it is received by the receiving unit. The axis of movement of the relative movement of the inner and outer bodies preferably runs parallel to a longitudinal axis of the receiving channel. The inner body and / or outer body is / are preferably designed as a sleeve.Preferably, the outer body surrounds the inner body at least partially along its lateral surface. The inner body and / or outer body can have a cylindrical, in particular a circular cylindrical, basic shape. Preferably, the inner and outer bodies are aligned coaxially with each other.

[0021] In a preferred further development, for example, the possible range of motion and / or the position of at least one, in particular all, clamping means of at least one receiving unit can be changed depending on the relative position of the inner and outer bodies. For example, the range of motion of the at least one clamping means, limited on the base-side, can differ depending on the relative positioning of the inner and outer bodies. For example, the range of motion, defined at least on the base-side, is limited to a minimum in a first relative position of the inner and outer bodies, e.g., the clamping means cannot be moved, and is increased in a second relative position compared to the range of motion of the first relative position.

[0022] For example, in a first relative position of the inner and outer bodies, which is forced or moved by a preload force of the preloading device, the clamping device can be arranged at a first defined location, in particular a radially inner one. If a force on the base device, in particular on the outer body, opposes the preload force of the preloading device, a second relative position of the inner and outer bodies exists, different from the first relative position, and during this second relative position the clamping device is arranged at a second location, different from the first defined location. For example, the relative movement of the inner and outer bodies changes, in particular increases, the movement space of the at least one clamping device. Within the changed and / or increased space, which is limited by the base device, in particular by the inner and outer bodies, the clamping device can be arranged at a second location, different from the first defined location.Within the defined space of movement, at least one clamping means can be moved or moved by the action of external forces, e.g. by a compressive force and / or tensile force transmitted or induced by a tool inserted or executed into the receiving unit and / or by the action of gravity.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, at least one material-removing tool can be provided, comprising a base body having at least one machining structure, in particular a cutting edge, and a connecting body projecting radially from the base body, wherein, in the state of the tool being received by the receiving unit, in particular exclusively, the connecting body is in contact with the receiving unit. The connecting body can, for example, comprise a connecting contact section having a geometry corresponding to the clamping means. For example, the connecting contact section has a concave shape and the clamping means a convex shape.The terminal contact section can, for example, preferably predominantly (proportion of the contact area), particularly preferably exclusively, be arranged or formed on a radially outwardly facing surface, in particular a lateral surface, of a terminal body having a rotationally symmetrical shape.

[0024] The connecting body can, for example, (a) have a centering section, in particular a conical or frustoconical shape, formed at an axial end region, and / or (b) have a connection contact section formed in an axial central region of the connecting body, and / or (c) have a stop section arranged or formed on a side facing away from a working section of the base body and having a radially larger stop section compared to the connection contact section. The centering section enables centering, in particular centering towards coaxial alignment of the receiving unit and the tool, during insertion or joining of the tool and receiving unit. The connection contact section, which is provided for applying the clamping force, in particular directly, can preferably be positioned between the centering section and the stop section.Preferably, the connecting contact section is arranged in a range of at least 20% to 100%, preferably 30% to 100%, particularly preferably 40% to 100% of the length of the tool.

[0025] The stop section can, for example, have a plate- or disc-like basic shape. In other words, the stop section can form a collar, preferably interrupted or continuous, extending, in particular, over 360° around the longitudinal axis or main extension axis 16 of the tool. The collar can, for example, project radially or extend perpendicularly from a longitudinal axis of the tool. This collar can serve, at least partially, as a stop that, in the receiving state of the tool in the receiving unit, is in direct contact, in particular exclusively, with the base element, for example, with the inner body and / or outer body. In other words, the stop section rests on the inner body. Preferably, a preload force acts between the connecting contact section and the at least one clamping element such that the tool is preloaded in an insertion direction into the receiving unit.

[0026] The tool magazine can, for example, have a base body provided with at least one receiving recess, wherein at least one receiving unit is movably received or held at least partially in the receiving recess, and wherein the at least one receiving unit is pre-tensioned into a defined position by means of at least one pre-tensioning element. For example, the pre-tensioning element generates a pre-tensioning force that opposes a direction of an insertion force of the tool to be inserted into the receiving unit.

[0027] Preferably, the preloading element and the preloading means are designed as elongated elements, in particular as coil springs, wherein the preloading element and the preloading means are aligned parallel, in particular coaxially, to each other.

[0028] The base body can, for example, comprise a first and at least one further base sub-body, wherein the base sub-bodies are connected or connectable to one another by force-fit, form-fit, and / or material-fit. Preferably, the at least two base sub-bodies are detachably fastened to one another. In particular, the at least two base sub-bodies can be connected to one another by means of fasteners. Preferably, the receiving recess or receiving channel for receiving the receiving unit can extend at least partially, preferably predominantly, and most preferably completely, into the at least two base sub-bodies.

[0029] For example, at least one receiving unit, preferably the majority of the receiving units, and particularly preferably all receiving units, of the tool magazine can be mechanically captured or secured against loss on the base body, especially in a receiving area designed as a recess between at least two mutually attached, and in particular assembled, base body parts. For example, the at least one receiving unit is first attached to, and in particular inserted into, the receiving area of ​​a first base body part, and then the second base body part is attached to and fastened to the first base body part, wherein the receiving unit is movably mounted between the at least two base body parts within defined limits due to positive locking.

[0030] For example, at least one, preferably the majority of the, and most preferably all of the, receiving units of the tool magazine are mounted on the base body so as to be linearly movable and tiltable. For instance, the at least one receiving unit can be linearly movable within a range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 5.0 mm, more preferably 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm, and most preferably 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm, and / or tiltable about an angle β in the range of 0.1° to 20°, more preferably 0.2° to 15°, more preferably 0.3° to 10°, and more preferably 0.4° to 6°, and most preferably 0.4° to 6°, about a central longitudinal axis of the receiving unit. The tiltability of at least one receiving unit can be achieved, for example, by pre-tensioning the receiving unit in a direction away from the first base body by means of a pre-tensioning element arranged on a first base body, by means of its pre-tensioning force.Furthermore, the receiving unit, with its at least one contact area, is pressed against or rests against at least one counter-contact area of ​​the base body, in particular the second base part body. This contact situation on the second base part body (at its counter-contact area) and the receiving unit (at its contact area) can, for example, have (a) at least two, (b) exactly two, or (c) exactly three spaced-apart contact areas and / or counter-contact areas, wherein the receiving unit is tilted or tiltable about a tilting axis which passes through two of the contact areas and / or through at least two counter-contact areas or rests against two of the contact areas and / or against two of the counter-contact areas.The tilting axis can preferably run perpendicular to a main extension axis of the receiving unit and / or of the tool received in the receiving unit and / or parallel to a movement axis of at least one clamping means.

[0031] For example, the raised section has at least two converging sliding surfaces that correspond to counter-sliding surfaces of the recess, and in particular are aligned parallel to it. Generally, the receiving unit is mounted in the base body with limited movement and tilting capability, whereby, due to the preload element, in the state free from external forces, the tool received by the receiving unit is actively aligned to a defined position and / or orientation relative to the base body or relative to the tool magazine.

[0032] In addition to the tool changing system, the invention relates to a receiving unit for a tool changing system described herein. For example, the tool changing system can have at least one, preferably at least two, receiving chamber(s) in which a receiving unit can be mounted. For example, the at least one receiving unit is detachably mounted in a tool changing system, in particular in a tool changing system, so that a receiving unit can be disassembled, e.g., for maintenance and / or cleaning purposes, and / or receiving units can be replaced.

[0033] In addition to the tool changing system, the invention relates to a tool for a material-removing machining system, in particular for the production of dental parts, wherein the machining system includes a tool changing system as described herein. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a material-removing machining system, in particular for the production of dental parts, comprising a tool changing system as described herein.

[0034] The invention also relates to a method for changing a tool of a material-removing machining system, in particular for the production of dental parts, wherein a machining system is used which has a tool changing system described herein and a computer-aided, in particular automated, changing of a tool between a machining system-side tool interface and a machining system-side tool magazine takes place.

[0035] All advantages, details, designs and / or features of the tool changing system according to the invention are transferable or applicable to the tool according to the invention and the material-removing machining system according to the invention and to the method according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0036] The invention is explained in more detail with reference to exemplary embodiments in the drawings. These show:

[0037] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a machining system comprising a tool magazine equipped with tools, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0038] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of a tool magazine equipped with tools according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0039] Fig. 3 shows a perspective full-section view of a receiving unit of a tool magazine according to claim 2, which is incorporated in a base body;

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a perspective full-section view of a receiving unit of a tool magazine according to claim 2, which is received in a base body, wherein a connecting body of the tool is shown transparently;

[0041] Fig. 5 shows a schematic full-section view of a tool magazine along the section line VV from Figure 2, wherein the tool and the base means are in a state free from external forces;

[0042] Fig. 5a a schematic full-section view according to figure 5 with the central longitudinal axis shown in a basic position and an indicated tilted position of the receiving unit by the angle β;

[0043] Fig. 6 is a schematic full-section view of a tool magazine according to claim 5, but in a state in which an external force acts on the tool and on the base means receiving the tool; Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a section of a tool according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0044] Figs. 8a to 8d are schematic full-section views showing different states during the insertion of a tool into the receiving unit;

[0045] Fig. 9 shows a perspective exploded view of the tool changing system according to one embodiment.

[0046] The figures show a tool changing system 1 for material-removing machining systems 2, particularly for the production of dental components. Figure 1 shows a machining system 2 with a tool interface 50 in which a tool 5 is held. The tool interface 50 is connected to a drive shaft 44 driven by a motor 52, or to a motor spindle of the machining system 2. Furthermore, the machining system 2 includes a tool magazine 3, wherein the tool interface 50 can be moved to the tool magazine 3 by a computer-aided process for the automated removal of a defined tool 5, 5' stored therein. The tool 5 held therein can then be moved to the working area 51 and used for machining the workpiece 7. In Figure 1, the removal point of the tool 5 held in the tool interface 50 at the tool magazine 3 is shown in dashed lines.

[0047] The tool changing system 1 comprises a tool magazine 3 - see Figure 2 - with a first receiving unit 4 for receiving a first material-removing tool 5 and with at least a second receiving unit 6 for receiving a second material-removing tool 7. The at least two receiving units 4, 6 are each provided with a clamping device 8 by means of which the tools 5, 5' to be received into the respective receiving unit 4, 6 can be secured by applying at least one clamping force 9.

[0048] At least one clamping device 8 can, for example, comprise at least one preloading element 10 configured to provide at least one clamping force 9, which acts on the tool 5, 5' when it is held on the receiving unit 4, 6. The preloading element 10 can act directly or indirectly on the tool 5, 5' to which the clamping force 9 is applied. For example, the preloading element 10 is designed as a compression spring, in particular as a helical spring. Alternatively, the preloading element 10 can be designed as a tension spring, which provides the clamping force 9 and acts directly or indirectly on the tool 5.Preferably, the clamping device 8 can comprise a base element 11 and at least one clamping element 12, 12', 12”, wherein the at least one clamping element 12, 12', 12” is movably mounted on the base element 11 and the tool 5, 5' received on the receiving unit 4, 6 can be subjected to the clamping force 9, in particular directly, via the at least one clamping element 12, 12', 12”. For example, the base element 11 is formed in one piece. Alternatively, the base element 11 can be formed in multiple pieces. In the illustrated embodiment, the base element 11 has an outer body 23, in particular designed as a sleeve in its basic form, and an inner body 22, in particular designed as a sleeve in its basic form. The inner and outer bodies 22, 23 can, for example, be movably but permanently connected to one another.The outer and inner bodies 22, 23 can, for example, be movably connected to one another via a limiting mechanism such that the movement is limited to defined boundaries. For example, the outer body 23 has a stop projection 45, in particular one extending perpendicularly or radially to the axis of movement, which engages in a stop-receiving recess 46 such that the stop projection 45 and the stop-receiving recess 46 form a stop limiting the movement in at least one direction. Preferably, the movement is limited by the stop projection 45 and the stop-receiving recess 46 in the direction of movement forced by the preloading element 10. That is, for example, the preloading force of the preloading element 10 forces or actively moves the stop projection 45 towards a mechanical contact or stop within the stop-receiving recess 46.Preferably, the inner and outer bodies 22, 23 are joined together during assembly in the manner of a bayonet connection. This means, for example, that the inner and outer bodies 22, 23 perform a phased linear and phased rotational relative movement to each other. For instance, a stop projection 45 is initially moved along a groove, particularly a longitudinal groove, arranged on the outer surface of the inner body. Alternatively or additionally, the inner and outer bodies 22, 23 can be brought into a "loss-proof" state or connected to each other in the manner of a snap-lock connection. For this purpose, the stop projection 45 can be designed as a locking lug that, during the joining process, performs a temporary elastic movement, particularly radially outward, and at an advanced stage of assembly, performs an opposite movement, e.g., radially inward, or springs back.To support such a short-term movement or springing out, the stop protrusion 45 can have a sliding ramp 49.

[0049] It is possible that the clamping device 8 comprises a first and at least one second clamping means 12, 12', wherein a tool 5, 5' received on the receiving unit 4, 6 can be acted upon on a first side 13, in particular a first longitudinal side, by the first clamping means 12, 12', 12" and the tool 5, 5' can be acted upon on a second side 14, in particular a longitudinal side, which is different from the first side 13 and preferably opposite it, by the second clamping means 12, 12', 12". In other words, the tool 5, 5' is acted upon from two sides by at least one clamping means 12, 12', 12" each, or the clamping means 12, 12', 12" can act upon two different longitudinal halves of the tool 5, 5'. If the clamping means 12, 12', 12" are projected into a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal plane, they can form an angle of, for example, 180° + / - 30° between their clamping force vectors.If three clamping devices 12, 12', 12" are used to clamp the tool 5, 5', the clamping force vectors can each be offset by 120° + / - 15° around a common center.

[0050] For example, at least one clamping means 12, 12', 12”, in particular at least two clamping means 12, 12', 12” are each movable about a path of movement radial to a designated axis of rotation 15 and / or radial to a principal axis of extension 16 of the tool 5, 5' received on the receiving unit 4, 6, or are mounted on, in particular in or on, the base means 11.

[0051] Preferably, at least two clamping means 12, 12', 12", and in particular at least three clamping means 12, 12', 12", and / or the clamping force vectors of these clamping means 12, 12', 12" are arranged in a common plane 17, and / or the at least two clamping means 12, 12', 12" are mounted in the base means 11 such that they are movably mounted, in particular exclusively, within the common plane. The common plane 17 can, for example, be oriented perpendicular to a principal extension axis 16 of a tool 5, 5' received in the receiving unit 4, 6 as intended, and / or perpendicular to a principal extension axis 18 of an exception channel 19 formed on the receiving unit 4, 6 for receiving the tool 5, 5'. In other words, the movement paths 21 of the at least two clamping means 12, 12', 12", in particular of all clamping means 12, 12', 12", can be arranged lying in a common plane.

[0052] The preloading means 10 can, for example, be designed as a helical spring, in particular as a compression and / or tension spring, wherein a central axis 20 of the helical spring forms an angle α in the range of 30° to 150°, preferably 45° to 135°, particularly preferably 65° to 115°, and more preferably 80° to 100°, with respect to a path of movement 21 of the clamping means 12, 12', 12” and / or with respect to a clamping force vector 22 of the clamping means 12, 12', 12”. For example, the angle α is 90°.

[0053] The base means 11 can, for example, comprise an inner body 22 provided with a receiving channel 19 for receiving the tool 5, 5' and at least one outer body 23 arranged radially outside the inner body 22, at least partially, wherein the inner body 22 and the outer body 23 are movably mounted relative to each other. The inner and / or outer body 22, 23 can, for example, be designed as sleeves, wherein the sleeve forming the outer body 23 radially surrounds the sleeve of the inner body. For example, the inner and / or outer body are designed as hollow cylinders, in particular as circular hollow cylinders, wherein the inner body is at least partially immersible and / or receptible into an interior space of the outer body. For example, the inner body 22 extends axially through the outer body 23 completely, at least temporarily.

[0054] Optionally, the inner and outer bodies 22, 23 form a receiving space 24 in which a preloading element 10 of the clamping device 8 is arranged or formed, wherein the preloading element 10 is configured to provide the at least one clamping force 9 which acts on the tool 5, 5' when it is held in the receiving unit 4, 6. The preloading element 10 can, for example, be retained in the receiving space 24 in a captive manner. Preferably, the preloading element 10 effects a relative movement of the inner and outer bodies 22, 23, wherein this relative movement is derived by a deflection section of the inner and / or outer body 22, 23 from the movement of the preloading element 10 from a direction along or parallel to the main axis of extension 16 of the tool 5, 5' held in the receiving unit 4, 6 and / or along the main axis of extension 16 of the tool 5, 5' held in the receiving unit 4, 6.a movement running parallel to the main extension axis 18 of the receiving channel 19 leads to a movement deflected in its direction, preferably perpendicular to the movement of the pretensioning means.

[0055] Depending on the relative position of the inner and outer bodies 22, 23, for example, a possible movement space or a movement space defined or specified by the inner and outer bodies 22, 23 of the at least one clamping means 12, 12', 12" and / or the position of the at least one, in particular all, clamping means 12, 12', 12" of at least one receiving unit 4, 6 can be changed.

[0056] Figures 8a to 8d illustrate the different positions of the inner and outer bodies 22, 23 and their relationship to the position of the tool within the receiving channel 19 of the receiving unit 4, 6. Figures 8a and 8b show early stages during the insertion of a tool 5, 5' into the receiving channel 19. At this stage, a centering section 30 of the connecting body 27 of the tool 5, 5' comes into contact with the at least one clamping element 12, 12', 12" (which is designed in particular as a ball) and, as the tool 5, 5' penetrates the channel, pushes it outwards, particularly radially outwards. The compressive force applied by the tool 5, 5' must overcome both the frictional resistance of the at least one clamping element 12, 12', 12" and a preload force provided by the preloading element 10. In this case, the outer body 23 extends until the clamping means 12, 12', 12” reaches a vertex of the centering section 30 orHaving reached a transition point between the centering section 30 and the connection contact section 28, the clamping element performs a downward movement, or movement in the insertion direction of the tool, relative to the inner body 22. Simultaneously, the at least one clamping element 12, 12', 12” performs an outward movement. From the apex – see Figure 8c – until reaching the endpoint for the movement of the tool 5, 5' into the receiving unit 4, 6, the clamping element (12, 12', 12”) performs an inward movement, in particular a radial inward movement, and at least partially enters the recess on the connection body side, see Figure 8d. It can be advantageous if the at least one clamping element 12, 12', 12”, which is in particular designed as a ball, does not reach the lowest point orThe point with the smallest radial distance to a central axis of the inner body 22 is reached so that the end position applies a preload force via the clamping element 12, 12', 12” and the connecting contact section 27 in a direction pointing towards the insertion direction. This is achieved – as can be seen in Figure 8d – by means of the stop section 34, which is located against the inner body 22, preventing further movement of the tool 5, 5' in the insertion direction, but by means of the preloading element 10 via the outer body 23 and the inner body 22, as abutments, and the inclined plane directed radially inwards in a direction opposite to the insertion direction, the clamping element 12, 12', 12” is forced radially inwards and, via the inclined plane, the clamping element 12, 12', 12” is forced inwards in the direction of the insertion direction.In other words, in the final position of the tool received in the receiving unit 4, 6, there is at least a partially radially inward-facing gap 48 between the at least one clamping means 12, 12', 12” and the concave recess of the connecting contact section 28.

[0057] This contact and the conical shape of the centering section 30 allow the tool 5, 5' to be centered relative to the receiving unit 4, 6.

[0058] For example, at least one material-removing tool 5, 5' can comprise a base body 25 with at least one machining structure, in particular a cutting edge 26, and a connecting body 27 projecting radially from the base body 25. In the state of the tool 5, 5' being received, i.e., in the receiving unit 4, 6, the connecting body 27 can, for example, be in contact with the receiving unit 4, 6, and in particular, only the connecting body 27. The connecting body 27 can be formed from the same material and / or integrally with the base body 25. Alternatively, the connecting body 27 and the base body 25 are separate components that are fastened together; for example, the connecting body 27 and the base body 25 can be fastened by force, form, and / or material bonding.

[0059] The terminal body 27 can, for example, comprise a terminal contact section 28 which has a geometry corresponding at least partially, preferably predominantly, and particularly preferably completely, to the clamping means 12, 12', 12”. For example, the terminal contact section 28 can have a concave shape at least partially, and the clamping means 12, 12', 12” can have a convex shape at least partially. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the clamping means 12, 12', 12” has the shape of a sphere.

[0060] The connecting body 27 has, for example, (a) a centering section 30, in particular a conical or frustoconical shape, formed at an axial end region 29. Alternatively or additionally, the connecting body 27 can have a connecting contact section 28 formed in an axial central region 31 of the connecting body 27 and / or a stop section 34 arranged or formed on a side 33 facing away from a working section 32 of the base body 25, and a stop section 34 that is radially larger than the connecting contact section 28. In a connecting body 27 that has a centering section 30, a central region 31 and a stop section 34, simplified initial centering by means of the centering section 30, application of clamping force with the central region 31 and limitation of the axial feeding movement by the stop section 34 can take place during the insertion of the tool 5, 5'.

[0061] It is advantageous that the stop section 34 is arranged or formed on a first side of the connecting body 27 and the centering section 30 on a side of the connecting body 27 opposite the first side. Preferably, the stop section 34 is formed or arranged on a side of the connecting body 27 facing away from the machining structure of the tool-side base body 25. It is possible that (a) centering section 30 and connecting contact section 28 or (b) centering section 30 and stop section 34 or (c) connecting contact section 28 and stop section 34 or (d) centering section 30 and connecting contact section 28 and stop section 34 are formed by sections of the connecting body 27 and / or the base body 25 made of the same material and / or in one piece.

[0062] The tool magazine 3 can, for example, have a base body 36 provided with at least one receiving recess 35, wherein at least one receiving unit 4, 6 is movably received or accommodated at least partially in the receiving recess 35, and wherein the at least one receiving unit 4, 6 is pre-tensioned or pre-tensionable into a defined position by means of at least one pre-tensioning element 37. For example, the pre-tensioning element 37 forms a pre-tensioning force that is directed in a direction that opposes the direction of an insertion force of the tool 5, 5' to be inserted into the receiving unit 4, 6.

[0063] For example, the at least one receiving unit 4, 6 is mounted on the base body 36 in a linearly movable and tiltable manner; preferably, the at least one receiving unit 4, 6 is linearly movable and / or tiltable about an angle β in the range of 0.1 mm to 10 mm, preferably 0.2 mm to 5.0 mm, particularly preferably 0.3 mm to 3.0 mm, most preferably 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm, and / or tiltable about a central longitudinal axis of the receiving unit 4, 6 by an angle β in the range of 0.1° to 20.0°, preferably 0.2° to 15.0°, particularly preferably 0.3° to 10.0°, more preferably 0.4° to 6.0°, most preferably 0.4° to 5.0°. As indicated in Figure 5a, the receiving unit 4, 6 is tilted or can be tilted or deflected about a tilting axis that is perpendicular to a principal extension axis of the receiving unit 4, 6 and / or of the tool 5, 5' received in the receiving unit 4, 6 and / or parallel to a movement axis of at least one clamping means 12, 12', 12". This results in a deflection or deflection.a tilting of the recording unit 4, 6 by the angle β about the central longitudinal axis of the recording unit 4, 6.

[0064] The at least two base-center contact areas 41 and / or the at least two base-body counter-contact areas 42 can preferably, in particular each, have a centering structure 43, such that, due to the centering structure 43 and the preload force of the preload element 37, the base means 11 is forced or guided into a defined position and / or orientation relative to the base body 36. This defined position and / or orientation of the receiving unit 4, 6 and the base body 36 can, for example, lead to a vertically extending orientation of the main extension axis or longitudinal axis of the tool 5, 5' received in the base means 11 (receiving unit 4, 6) to a main extension axis or longitudinal axis of the tool magazine 3 and / or the base body 36. The centering structure 43 can, for example, be designed such that a contact partner, e.g.,A base-side contact area 41 serves as a protrusion, and the opposing contact partner, e.g., a base-body-side opposing contact area 42, has a recess or a flat surface for receiving or applying the protrusion. Within the recess, the protrusion and the recess can be in contact such that a defined tilting capability exists when a force exceeding a predefined threshold is applied transversely to a tool 5, 5' held in the base means 11. Thus, starting from such a deflection, the centering structure 43 and the preload element-side preload force can return the base means 11 to a predefined basic position, in particular one oriented perpendicular to the main extension plane of the tool magazine 3.Even in the case of a counter-contact partner designed as a plane, the contact area 41, designed as a highlight, can be in contact with the counter-contact partner, in particular a counter-contact area 42, in a planar and / or point-like and / or line-like manner. Here, too, the preload force of the preload element 37 enables a deflection from a predefined (basic) position of the tool 5, 5' only by overcoming this preload force and / or, when the tool 5, 5' is deflected from a predefined position (e.g., when tilted from the predefined position), an active movement of the tool 5, 5' or the base means 11 receiving the tool 5, 5' into the predefined (basic) position is carried out by means of the preload force and the interaction of contact area 41 and counter-contact area 42.This ensures a reproducible alignment of the tool 5, 5' on the tool magazine 3, even if a previous feeding of this tool 5, 5' would have actually resulted in an inclination of the tool 5, 5' on the tool magazine 3. This allows the gripping and insertion of the tool 5, 5' to be performed with greater tolerance, since the centering structure 43 and the preloading element 37 perform a corrective function that counteracts the alignment of the tool 5, 5' on the tool magazine 3.

[0065] In addition to the tool changing system 1, the invention relates to a tool 5, 5' for a material-removing machining system 2, in particular for the production of dental parts, wherein the machining system 2 has a tool changing system 1 as described herein and the tool 5, 5' can be received into at least one receiving unit 4, 6 of the tool changing system 1. The invention also relates to a material-removing machining system 2, in particular for the production of dental parts, comprising a tool changing system 1 as described herein.

[0066] The tool 5, 5' can, for example, have a connection point, in particular a connection body 27, for attaching the tool 5, 5' to the tool magazine 3 or to a tool magazine-side receiving unit 4, 6 of the machining system 2, and can have a transition area 52 at its end 54 facing away from a machining structure, in particular a cutting edge 26, of the tool 5, 5'. This transition area 52 can extend from the free end 54 facing away from the machining structure towards the machining structure. This end is gripped by a collet of the machining system 2, or at least a component of the collet is guided past or along this area.To enable reliable gripping, particularly gripping that is highly tolerant of the collet being moved towards the tool end by computer control, this end area can have an elongated and / or smooth transition (transition area 52). This allows for centering within or relative to the collet. This is further supported and enabled by the fact that the tool is pre-tensioned in the holding unit 4, 6 with a clamping force 9 and can perform a tilting movement against the clamping force 9 within defined limits. This prevents or reduces the risk of tilting and / or incorrect gripping by the collet. The transition area 52 has a taper towards the end 54 facing away from the machining structure.

[0067] The transition region 52 can have a length 53 corresponding to a length-53-to-diameter-55 ratio of 0.25 to 1.50, preferably 0.35 to 1.30, particularly preferably 0.40 to 1.13, further preferably 0.50 to 1.04, most preferably 0.59 to 1.00. Alternatively or additionally, the transition region 52 can have a length 53 corresponding to a length-53-to-diameter-55 ratio of at least 0.25, preferably 0.35, particularly preferably 0.40, further preferably 0.59, most preferably 0.80. For the respective length 53 to diameter 55 ratios, reference is made here to the maximum diameter 55 of the area extending from the connection point, in particular from the connection body 27 (from the connection body 27 without / excluding the connection body 27) to the end 54 of the tool 5, 5' facing away from the machining structure. For example, the diameter 55 under consideration can be the maximum diameter 55 of the base body 25 of the tool 5, 5'.For example, the length 53 of the transition region 52 may be 1.0 mm to 10.0 mm, preferably 1.5 mm to 6.0 mm, particularly preferably 2.0 mm to 5.0 mm, and more preferably 3.0 mm to 4.0 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the length 53 of the transition region 52 may be at least 0.1 mm, preferably 0.25 mm, particularly preferably 0.5 mm, more preferably 1.0 mm, most preferably 2.0 mm, and further preferably 3.0 mm.

[0068] It is possible that the transition area 52 has a shape that is, in particular exclusively, convex and / or concave and / or tapers towards the free end 54. Thus, the area between the free end 54 and the end 56 facing the machining structure can have a shape that is, in particular exclusively, convex and / or concave and / or tapers towards the free end 54.

[0069] Furthermore, the process aspects of the tool changing system 1 or of a machining system 2 comprising a tool magazine 3 described herein are also the subject of the invention. The method serves to change a tool 5, 5' of a material-removing machining system 2, in particular a machining system 2 for the production of dental parts, wherein a machining system 2 is used which has a tool changing system 1 described herein and a computer-aided, in particular automated, changing of a tool 5, 5' between a machining system-side tool interface 38 and a machining system-side tool magazine 3 takes place. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0070] 1 tool changing system

[0071] 2 processing plants

[0072] 3 tool magazine

[0073] 4 first recording unit

[0074] 5.5' tool

[0075] 6 second recording unit

[0076] 7 Workpiece

[0077] 8 Clamping device

[0078] 9 clamping force

[0079] 10 Pre-tensioning devices

[0080] 11 basic resources out of 8

[0081] 12, 12', 12" clamping devices of 8

[0082] 13 first page

[0083] 14 second page

[0084] 15 Rotation axis of 5.5'

[0085] 16 Main extension axis of 5.5'

[0086] Level 17

[0087] 18 Main extension axis of 19

[0088] 19 recording channels out of 4, 6

[0089] 20 center axis of 10

[0090] 21 Movement path of 12, 12', 12"

[0091] 22 inner bodies of 11

[0092] 23 outer bodies of 11

[0093] 24 Recording space between 22 and 23 for 10 25 basic bodies of 5

[0094] 26 cutting edge of 5

[0095] 27 connection bodies of 5

[0096] 28 Connection contact section of 27

[0097] 29 End range of 30

[0098] 30 centering section of 27

[0099] 31 axial central region of 27

[0100] 32 work section of 25

[0101] Page 33 of 27 (turning away from page 32)

[0102] 34 stop section of 27

[0103] 35 Exclusion of 36

[0104] 36 basic bodies of 3

[0105] 37 Preload element 38 Tool interface

[0106] 39 first base body of 36 (upper)

[0107] 40 more base body parts of 36 (lower)

[0108] 41 Contact area of ​​base agent 11

[0109] 42 Counter-contact area of ​​base body 36, in particular of 39 43 Centering structure

[0110] 44 Drive shaft

[0111] 45 Keystroke Highlighting

[0112] 46 Stop recess

[0113] 47 Deflection section from 22, 23

[0114] 48 gap between 12, 12', 12” and 28

[0115] 49 Sliding slope of 45

[0116] 50 Tool interface

[0117] 51 Work area

[0118] 52 Transition range from 5.5'

[0119] 53 Length of 52

[0120] 54 free end of 5.5'

[0121] 55 diameter of 25

[0122] 56 End of 52 (facing the editing structure)

Claims

- 22 - PATENT CLAIM E 1. Tool changing system (1) for a material removal machining system (2), in particular for the manufacture of dental parts, comprising - a tool magazine (3) with a first receiving unit (4) for receiving a first material-removing tool (5) and with at least a second receiving unit (6) for receiving the first and / or a second material-removing tool (5, 5'), wherein - the at least two receiving units (4, 6) each have a clamping device (8) by means of which the tools (5, 5') to be received into the respective receiving unit (4, 6) can be fastened by applying at least one clamping force (9).

2. Tool changing system (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one clamping device (8) comprises a pre-tensioning means (10) which is configured to provide the at least one clamping force (9) which acts on a tool (5, 5') received in the receiving unit (4, 6).

3. Tool changing system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the clamping device (8) comprises a base means (11) and at least one clamping means (12, 12', 12”), wherein the at least one clamping means (12, 12', 12”) is movably mounted on the base means (11) and the tool (5, 5') received on the receiving unit (4, 6) can be subjected to the clamping force (9), in particular directly, via the at least one clamping means (12, 12', 12”).

4. Tool changing system (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the clamping device (8) comprises a first and at least one second clamping means (12, 12'), wherein a tool (5, 5') received on the receiving unit (4, 6) can be acted upon on its radially outwardly facing surface by the at least one clamping means (12, 12', 12"), preferably a first clamping means (12) acts upon the tool (5, 5') received in the receiving unit (4, 6) on a first, radially outwardly facing surface section and a second clamping means (12') acts upon the same tool (5, 5') on a second, radially outwardly facing surface section.

5. Tool changing system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that at least two clamping means (12, 12', 12”), in particular at least three clamping means (12, 12', 12”), are movably arranged in a common plane (17), preferably the common plane (17) is aligned perpendicular to a principal extension axis (16) of a tool (5, 5') received as intended in the receiving unit (4, 6) and / or perpendicular to a principal extension axis (18) of an exception channel (19) designed on the receiving unit (4, 6) for receiving the tool (5, 5').

6. Tool changing system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the preloading means (10) is designed as a helical spring and a central axis (20) of the helical spring forms an angle α in the range of 30° to 150°, preferably 45° to 135°, particularly preferably 65° to 115°, more preferably 80° to 100°, with a most preferably angle α being 90°.

7. Tool changing system (1) according to one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the base means (11) comprises an inner body (22) provided with a receiving channel (19) for receiving the tool (5, 5') and at least one outer body (23) arranged at least partially, in particular radially, outside the inner body (22), wherein the inner body (22) and the outer body (23) are mounted to be movable relative to each other, preferably the inner and outer bodies (22, 23) form a receiving space (24) in which at least one preloading means (10) of the clamping device (8) is arranged or formed, wherein the preloading means (10) is configured to provide the at least one clamping force (9) which acts on the tool (5, 5') in the state of a tool (5, 5') being received on the receiving unit (4, 6).

8. Tool changing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one material-removing tool (5, 5') comprising a base body (25) having at least one machining structure, in particular a cutting edge (26), and a connecting body (27) projecting radially from the base body (25), wherein the connecting body (27) is configured to be in contact with the receiving unit (4, 6) via the connecting body (27) when the tool (5, 5') is received on the receiving unit (4, 6), in particular exclusively.

9. Tool changing system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the connecting body (27) comprises a connecting contact section (28) having a geometry corresponding to the clamping means (12, 12', 12”), in particular the connecting contact section (28) has a concave shape and the clamping means (12, 12', 12”) has a convex shape.

10. Tool changing system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the connecting body (27) - a centering section (30), in particular a conical or frustum conical shape, formed at an axial end region (29) and / or - a connection contact section (28) formed in an axial means area (31) of the connection body (27) and / or - a side (33) facing away from a working section (32) of the base body (25) and / or a region of the central area (31) facing away from the centering section (30) and has a stop section (34) that is radially enlarged compared to the connection contact section (28).

11. Tool changing system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the connecting body (27) - a centering section (30), in particular a conical or frustum conical shape, formed at an axial end region (29) and - a connection contact section (28) formed in an axial central area (31) of the connection body (27) and - a side (33) facing away from a working section (32) of the base body (25) and / or a region of the central area (31) facing away from the centering section (30) and has a stop section (34) that is radially enlarged compared to the connection contact section (28).

12. Tool changing system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool magazine (3) has a base body (36) provided with at least one receiving recess (35), wherein at least one receiving unit (4, 6) is movably received or accommodated at least partially in the receiving recess (35), wherein the at least one receiving unit (4, 6) is pre-tensioned into a defined position by means of at least one pre-tensioning element (37) and the at least one receiving unit (4, 6) is linearly movable and tiltable on the base body (36), preferably the receiving unit (4, 6) is tiltable about a tilting axis which runs perpendicular to a principal extension axis of the receiving unit (4, 6).

13. Tool changing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tool magazine (3) has a base body (36) provided with at least one receiving recess (35), wherein at least- 25 - A receiving unit (4, 6) is movably received or received at least partially in the receiving recess (35), wherein the at least one receiving unit (4, 6) is pre-tensioned into a defined position by means of at least one pre-tensioning element (37), preferably the pre-tensioning element (37) forms a pre-tensioning force which is directed in a direction which opposes a direction of an insertion force of the tool 5, 5' to be inserted into the receiving unit (4, 6).

14. Receiving unit (4) for a tool changing system (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

15. Tool (5, 5') for a material-removing machining system (2), in particular for the production of dental parts, wherein the machining system (2) has a tool changing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14 and the tool (5, 5') can be received into at least one receiving unit (4, 6) of the tool changing system (1).

16. Tool (5, 5') according to claim 15, characterized in that the tool (5, 5') has a connection point, in particular a connection body (27), for attachment to a tool magazine (3), in particular for attachment to a tool magazine-side receiving unit (4, 6), and has a transition area (52) at its end (54) facing away from a machining structure of the tool (5, 5'), - having a length (53) corresponding to a length-(53)-to-diameter (55) ratio of 0.25 to 1.50, preferably 0.35 to 1.30, particularly preferably 0.40 to 1.13, further preferably 0.50 to 1.04, most preferably 0.59 to 1.00, and / or - which has a length (53) having a length-(53)-to-diameter-(55) ratio of at least 0.25, preferably 0.35, particularly preferably 0.40, more preferably 0.59, most preferably 0.80, wherein the length-(53)-to-diameter-(55) ratio refers to the maximum diameter (55) of the area extending from the connection point, in particular from the connection body (27), to the end (54) of the tool (5, 5') facing away from the machining structure.

17. Material removal processing system (2), in particular for the manufacture of dental parts, comprising a tool changing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14.

18. Method for changing a tool (5, 5') of a material-removing machining system (2), in particular for the manufacture of dental parts, wherein a- 26 - A machining system (2) is used which has a tool changing system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14 and in which a computer-aided, in particular automated, changing of a tool (5, 5') between a machining system-side tool interface (38) and a machining system-side tool magazine (3) takes place.

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