Implantation tool for implanting a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag

Abstract

The invention relates to an implantation tool (1) for implanting a radiofrequency identification, RFID, tag (43), intended to be mounted on a tool holder of a tool for machining a metal part (200), said tool (1) comprising: - standard fixing means (3) configured to cooperate with an end fitting of said tool holder, - implantation means (13) for implanting a radiofrequency identification, RFID, tag (43), comprising: - an insertion mechanism for inserting a radiofrequency identification, RFID, tag (43) into a recess (202) of a metal part (200), and - a reader / recorder (40) configured to communicate with a radiofrequency identification, RFID, tag (43) and to record data associated with said metal part (200).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing metal parts and to the field of assembling these metal parts to form a device, for example a vacuum pump. BACKGROUND

[0002] In order to track the metal parts, it is known practice to etch a serial number on each metal part during machining. An operator can then fill in a form containing data relating to the different markings to allow the data to be found from the marking number.

[0003] However, this solution has many drawbacks.

[0004] Indeed, etching a marking number on a metal part takes quite a lot of time during which the part is immobilized, which lengthens the manufacturing time of the part and the cost of the part. Furthermore, the metal parts are generally painted after machining and the paint layer makes the marking number difficult to discern or to read, so that a large number of errors can occur when the operator takes note of the marking number. Errors can also occur when the operator searches for the associated data in the data table.

[0005] It is therefore appropriate to find a solution to improve the tracking and traceability of metal parts in order to facilitate the analysis of machine malfunctions and limit the errors that can occur during this analysis. SUMMARY

[0006] To this end, the present invention relates to an implantation tool for implanting a radiofrequency identification, RFID, tag, intended to be installed on a tool holder of a tool for machining a metal part, said implantation tool comprising:

[0007] - a standard fixing device configured to cooperate with an end fitting of the tool holder,

[0008] - an implantation device for implanting a radiofrequency identification, RFID, tag, the implantation device comprising:

[0009] - an insertion mechanism for inserting the radiofrequency identification, RFID, tag into a recess of the metal part, and

[0010] - a reader / recorder configured to communicate with the radiofrequency identification, RFID, tag and to record data associated with said metal part.

[0011] The use of a machine tool specific tool configured to implant a radiofrequency identification, RFID, tag allows the implantation of a tag on a metal part and the recording of data relating to the metal part while the metal part is located in the machine tool, which simplifies the tracking of the part and limits the errors that can occur in the data relating to the part and recorded in the radiofrequency identification, RFID, tag.

[0012] According to another aspect of the application, the insertion mechanism comprises:

[0013] - a magazine configured to receive a plurality of radio frequency identification, RFID, tags,

[0014] - an insertion end fitting intended to be positioned facing the recess of the metal piece by movement of the tool holder, and

[0015] - mechanical means configured to move a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag from the magazine to the recess of the metal piece via the insertion end fitting to allow its insertion into said recess.

[0016] According to yet another aspect of the application, the mechanical means comprise a piston mounted so as to be able to move in translation in a tubular bore arranged facing the insertion end fitting.

[0017] According to yet another aspect of the application, the magazine comprises a rotating cylinder comprising at least two chambers in the form of through cavities, each chamber being configured to receive a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag, the chambers of the cylinder being configured to be alternately arranged facing the tubular bore by rotation of the cylinder, the piston being configured to push a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag arranged in a chamber of the cylinder arranged facing the tubular bore towards said insertion end fitting.

[0018] According to yet another aspect of the application, the rotational movement of the cylinder and the translational movement of the piston are associated by a mechanical assembly comprising a groove formed in a cylindrical shaft non-rotatably coupled to the cylinder and a ball or pin complementary to the groove and non-translatably coupled to the piston.

[0019] According to yet another aspect of the application, the groove has a plurality of V-shaped portions around the cylindrical shaft, the number of V-shaped portions depending on the number of chambers of the cylinder.

[0020] According to yet another aspect of the application, the mechanical means comprise a tongue able to move in translation between the magazine and the tubular bore in a direction transverse to the axis of the tubular bore, the tongue being configured to move a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag from the magazine towards the tubular bore.

[0021] According to yet another aspect of the application, the piston is driven in translation by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

[0022] According to yet another aspect of the application, the reader / writer comprises wireless communication means configured to communicate with a control unit of the machine tool by a wireless link to transmit to the reader / writer data associated with the metal piece sent by the control unit of the machine tool.

[0023] According to yet another aspect of the application, the wireless communication means are communication device of the type.

[0024] According to yet another aspect of the present application, the implantation tool further comprises a turbine device configured to be powered by the pressurized fluid or compressed air provided by the machine tool and to generate an electric current, thus allowing to power the reader / writer.

[0025] The use of a turbine device configured to be powered by the pressurized fluid or compressed air provided by the machine tool and to generate an electric current to allow to power an electric device can also be applied to other tools of the machine tool independently of the implantation tool for implanting RFID tags described previously. More generally, the concept can be applied to any device requiring a power supply. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] Other characteristics and advantages of the application will become more clearly apparent from reading the description that follows, given as an illustrative and non-limiting example, and from examining the drawings in which:

[0027] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional perspective schematic view of an implantation tool for implanting a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag in a first position;

[0028] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional perspective schematic view of the implantation tool of Figure 1 in a second position;

[0029] Figure 3 shows a perspective schematic view of a cartridge of the implantation tool;

[0030] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional perspective schematic view of a cartridge of the implantation tool;

[0031] Figure 5 shows a transparent perspective schematic view of a cartridge of the implantation tool;

[0032] Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional perspective schematic view of an end portion of the implantation tool;

[0033] Figure 7 shows a perspective schematic view of a closing element of the implantation tool according to a first configuration;

[0034] Figure 8 shows a perspective schematic view of a closing element of the implantation tool according to a second configuration;

[0035] Figure 9 shows a transparent perspective schematic view of a reader / writer of the implantation tool;

[0036] Figure 10 shows a schematic view of the constituent elements of a reader / writer of the implantation tool;

[0037] Figure 11 a cross-sectional perspective schematic view of the implantation tool according to the second embodiment in a first position for implanting a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag is shown;

[0038] Figure 12 a cross-sectional perspective schematic view of the implantation tool according to the second embodiment in a second position for implanting a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag is shown; Figure 11

[0039] Figure 13 a cross-sectional perspective schematic view of the implantation tool according to the third embodiment in a first position for implanting a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag is shown;

[0040] Figure 14 a cross-sectional perspective schematic view of the implantation tool according to the third embodiment in a second position for implanting a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag is shown; Figure 13

[0041] Figure 15 a flow chart showing the steps of the manufacturing method and the assembly method according to the present application;

[0042] Figure 16 a schematic view of a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag in a recess of a metal part is shown;

[0043] Figure 17 a schematic view of a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag in a recess of a metal part according to another configuration is shown.

[0044] In these figures, identical elements have identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The following examples are illustrative. This description is not intended to be limiting. Although one or more embodiments are described with reference to one or more examples, this description is not intended to be limiting. Simple features of different embodiments can also be combined or interchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0046] The present application relates to a method of manufacturing a metal part and to an implantation tool for implanting a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag in a recess of a metal part.

[0047] The implantation tool for implanting an RFID tag is configured for use in a machine tool for metal parts. The implantation tool is intended to be mounted on a tool holder of the machine tool so as to be able to be used by a robot of the machine tool.

[0048] Figure 1 and Figure 2 ​​A perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of an implantation tool 1 is shown. The implantation tool 1 comprises a standard fixation device 3 provided at a first end 1a of the implantation tool 1 and configured to cooperate with an end fitting of a tool holder (not shown). The standard fixation device 3 has for example an end fitting 5 of generally conical shape comprising a collar 7 formed with a channel 9 on its outer periphery. The tool holder comprises as such a spindle complementary to the conical end fitting 5 and configured to be fixed to the collar 7, for example by snap fit.

[0049] The standard fixation device 3 not only allows the tool holder to be fixed to the implantation tool 1, but also allows the implantation tool 1 to be fluid driven by the tool holder. To this end, the standard fixation device 3 comprises a through central hole 11 configured to receive a fluid, typically compressed air or pressurized oil.

[0050] The implantation tool 1 further comprises an implantation device 13 for implanting a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag, the implantation device 13 being arranged at a second end 1b of the implantation tool opposite the first end 1a.

[0051] The implantation device 13 comprises:

[0052] - an insertion mechanism for inserting the RFID tag 43 into a recess 202 of the metal part 200, and

[0053] - a reader / recorder 40 (visible in Figure 9 and Figure 10 ), the reader / recorder 40 being configured to communicate with the RFID tag 43 (visible in Figure 10 ) and to record data associated with said metal part 200 in which the RFID tag 43 is implanted.

[0054] 1) First embodiment

[0055] a) Insertion mechanism

[0056] The insertion mechanism comprises an insertion end fitting 15 for inserting the RFID tag 43 (visible in Figure 10 , Figure 16 and Figure 17 ) protruding at the second end 1b of the implantation tool 13. The insertion end fitting 15 is configured to be able to access the recess 202 (visible in Figure 16 and 17visible in FIG. 2) or arranged facing the recess 202. The RFID tag 43 has for example a generally cylindrical shape and the recess 202 has for example a shape substantially complementary to the RFID tag 43. The insertion end fitting 15 has for example a tubular shape and is arranged in an extension having a tubular hole 17 in which is arranged a piston 19, also called push rod, which is movable between a first position (shown in Figure 1 FIG. 1) for reloading the RFID tag 43, at which the piston 19 is away from the insertion end fitting 15, and a second position (shown in Figure 2 FIG. 2) for inserting the RFID tag 43, at which the piston 19 reaches the insertion end fitting 15 to push the RFID tag 43 and allow its insertion into the recess 202 of the metal piece 200.

[0057] The insertion mechanism also comprises a magazine 21 (more visible in Figure 3 and Figure 4 FIG. 3) comprising a plurality of tubular reservoirs 210 regularly arranged around the longitudinal axis D of the implantation device 13 and intended to receive a plurality of RFID tags 43 arranged one after the other in the tubular reservoirs 210.

[0058] The insertion mechanism also comprises a barrel 23 mounted rotatable around the longitudinal axis D of the implantation device 13 and arranged at an end of the magazine 21. The barrel 23 comprises a plurality of chambers formed by through cavities regularly arranged around the longitudinal axis D of the implantation device 13 and intended to respectively face the reservoirs 210 of the magazine 21 and the tubular hole 17 of the insertion mechanism. The chambers are intended to receive the RFID tags 43 coming from the reservoirs 210 of the magazine 21. The reservoirs 210 comprise for example elastic elements, for example coil springs, configured to force the RFID tags 43 arranged in the reservoirs 210 to move towards the end where the barrel 23 is located.

[0059] Furthermore, the rotational movement of the barrel 23 and the translational movement of the piston 19 are associated by a mechanical device so that when the piston 19 is displaced from the first position to the second position, the barrel 23 is pivoted by a predetermined angle so that one of the chambers of the barrel 23 containing an RFID tag 43 faces the tubular hole 17 so that the RFID tag 43 can be pushed by the piston 19 through the insertion end fitting 15.

[0060] The translational movement is obtained by at least one cylinder 25, for example by pneumatic cylinders in the case where the implantation tool 1 is powered by compressed air, which is received via the through central hole 11 and then distributed to the cylinders 25 by means of an adapter 27, or by hydraulic cylinders in the case where the implantation tool 1 is powered by pressurized oil. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In

[0061] The translational movement of the piston 19 is obtained, for example, by a screw / nut type system, in which the fixing device 3 is driven in rotation by the spindle of the tool holder, while the cylinders 25 are blocked in rotation by the fixed part of the machine tool, and therefore cannot be coupled in relative rotation to the element coupled in relative rotation to the fixing device 3 and to the element coupled in relative rotation to the cylinders 25, the relative rotation of the elements coupled in relative rotation to the fixing device causing a translation of the element coupled in relative rotation to the fixing device, in particular of the piston 19.

[0062] The rotational movement of the driving cylinder 23 is obtained, for example, by the cooperation between a pin or ball 26 and a groove 28 having an inclined portion with respect to the longitudinal axis Δ of the implantation tool 1. The inclined portion corresponds to a succession of V-shaped portions, the number of which is determined according to the number of chambers of the cylinder 23. The pin or ball 26 is, for example, coupled in relative translation (translation) to the piston 19, the groove 28 being, for example, formed on a cylindrical driving shaft 29 coupled in relative rotation to the cylinder 23. The driving shaft 29 is guided in rotation, for example, by two bearings in the form of rolling bearings 30. Figure 5 An example of such a driving shaft 29 is shown. The shape of the groove 28 is determined so that, when the piston 19 is switched from the second position to the first position and then back to the second position, the cylinder 23 pivots through an angle corresponding to the angle between two adjacent reservoirs 210, for example 60° in the case of the cartridge comprising five reservoirs 210 and one tubular hole 17, as in the present example.

[0063] At the second end 1b of the implantation tool 1, a closing element 31 closes the cartridge 21 and holds the cylinder 23 in place. For example, the insertion end fitting 15 is made in one piece with the closing element 31. In Figure 6 The closing element 31, which is more visible in Figure 7 and Figure 8The flaps 33 are for example blocked against the end of the reservoir 210 by an elastic element or a magnet and can be manually pivoted by the operator to free access to the reservoir 210 and to allow the filling of the reservoir 210 with the RFID tag 43.

[0064] In the example illustrated in Figure 6 to Figure 8 , the flaps 33 are held by a magnet intended to be positioned in a dedicated recess 35 and can be individually pivoted by the operator via a wrench, for example a hexagonal wrench 6, configured to be inserted in a complementary hole 37 of the flap 33.

[0065] b) reader / writer

[0066] The implantation tool 1 also comprises a reader / writer 40, as illustrated in Figure 9 and Figure 10 , configured to record the data associated with the metal piece 200 in the RFID tag 43 when the metal piece 200 is arranged in the machine tool, for example when implanting the RFID tag 43 inside the recess 202 of the metal piece. The reader / writer 40 comprises in particular an RFID antenna 41 arranged in the vicinity of the insertion end fitting 15 of the implantation tool 1 and configured to communicate with the RFID tag 43 via the emission of radiofrequency waves.

[0067] As illustrated in Figure 10 , the reader / writer 40 also comprises a microcontroller 45, for example of the Arduino TM type, in particular an Arduino TM uno. The microcontroller 45 is powered, for example, by a turbine device 47 (or motor, in particular of the direct current type) via a voltage rectifier 49. The reader / writer 40 also comprises communication means 51 for communicating with the control unit of the machine tool, for example a transceiver of the "Bluetooth" type or other type of transceiver based on a short-range protocol of electromagnetic wave exchange. This communication means 51 can receive, via the RFID antenna 41, the information associated with the metal piece recorded in the RFID tag 43. The turbine device 47 is driven by compressed air provided by the tool holder and is configured to transform the mechanical energy provided by the compressed air into electrical energy. Alternatively, the turbine device 47 can be driven by another pressurized fluid, for example oil. In the case of a motor, the latter can be powered by an electrical storage device such as a battery or a monobloc battery. The different elements of the reader / writer 40 can be linked by a cable or arranged on a common printed circuit board (some elements can be arranged on a printed circuit board and others linked by a cable).

[0068] Moreover, it is possible to use the turbine device 47 as described previously to generate an electric power supply from compressed gas or pressurized fluid independently from the implantation tool 1 for implanting the RFID tag 43. The turbine device 47 can for example be arranged on another tool of the machine tool requiring an electric power supply. Indeed, the use of such a turbine device 47 in a tool of the machine tool makes it possible to provide a continuous electric power supply without the need for regular maintenance as in the case of a single battery or battery pack which must be regularly replaced or recharged. This makes it possible to reduce the number of operations required by the operator to use the machine tool, to limit the downtime of the machine tool and to avoid the stress associated with scheduling machine maintenance (at the end of the life of the single battery, or when the battery level is below a predetermined threshold). Moreover, such a solution can be applied to any tool of the machine tool since the machine tool always comprises a compressed air or other pressurized fluid device.

[0069] In practice, the recording of the information associated with the metal piece 200 is substantially performed at the implantation of the RFID tag 43, for example when the RFID tag 43 is at the insertion end fitting 15, just before its implantation, or, preferably, when the RFID tag 43 is placed in the recess 202 of the metal piece 200, just after its implantation.

[0070] When the RFID tag 43 is positioned in the recess 202 of the metal piece 200, in order to allow a radiofrequency communication between the reader / recorder 40 and the RFID tag 43, the RFID tag 43 can comprise a protruding portion protruding outside the recess 202, as shown in Figure 16 The protruding portion has a height h of for example 1 mm. Alternatively or in combination, the edges of the recess 202 can have a flared shape, for example resulting from a 45° chamfer, as shown in Figure 17

[0071] Moreover, for example, the RFID tag 43 is press-fitted into the recess 202 of the metal piece 200. Alternatively, the RFID tag 43 can be glued in the recess 202 of the metal piece 200.

[0072] c) Operation

[0073] In operation, the tool holder of the machine tool is configured to cooperate with the implantation tool 1 after machining the metal piece 200 and forming the recess for the RFID tag 43 in the metal piece 200. To this end, the tool holder is coupled with the implantation tool 1 at the standard fixture 3. Once the implantation tool 1 is fixed to the tool holder, the tool holder is configured to move the implantation tool 1 to the machined metal piece 200 in which the recess 202 is formed. The implantation tool 1 is positioned by the tool holder in such a way that the insertion end fitting 15 faces and approaches, even contacts, the entrance of the recess 202 formed in the metal piece 200.

[0074] ​When the implantation tool 1 is in place, the tool holder is configured to deliver compressed air (or other pressurized fluid) to the implantation tool 1, which on the one hand allows driving the turbine device 47 in order to provide power to the reader / writer, and on the other hand allows actuating the one or more cylinders 25 and driving the rotation of the fixture 3. This actuation causes the piston 19 in the tubular hole 17 to move towards the cylindrical piece 23. The cylindrical piece 23 is also driven in rotation via the ball 26- groove 28 combination, so that the RFID tag 43 from the cartridge 21 is positioned in the tubular hole 17. The piston 19 then comes into contact with the RFID tag 43 located in the tubular hole 17, then displaces the RFID tag 43 via the passage through the insertion end fitting 15 into the recess 202 formed in the metal piece 200. The movement of the piston 19 allows the press fitting of the RFID tag 43 into the recess 202 of the metal piece 200 (alternatively, the RFID tag 43 can be fixed in the recess 202 by gluing). Once the RFID tag 43 is inserted into its recess 202, the reader / writer 40 powered by the turbine device 47 records the information associated with the metal piece transmitted by the machine tool in the RFID tag 43.

[0075] The piston 19 also moves towards the first position. Thus, the RFID tag 43 is implanted in the metal piece 200 and the information associated with the metal piece 200 is recorded in the RFID tag 43 at the time of its implantation, which makes it possible to reduce the risk of error in recording the information. The information associated with the metal piece and recorded in the RFID tag 43 includes, for example, one or more of the following fields:

[0076] - a serial number,

[0077] - a manufacturing date,

[0078] - a manufacturing method,

[0079] - a manufacturing location,

[0080] - a manufacturing machine marking,

[0081] - a machine tool marking,

[0082] - a piece size,

[0083] - maintenance tracking information.

[0084] It is clear that other fields can also be recorded. Moreover, when assembling a device, for example a vacuum pump, comprising a set of metal parts 200, it is possible to implant an RFID tag 43 in each metal part 200 and to implant an additional RFID tag, also called master RFID tag, in an accessible recess when the device is assembled together, for example on the protective casing. This master RFID tag comprises for example all the information recorded in the different RFID tags 43 that have been implanted in the different parts, in particular the metal parts 200 forming the device. This master RFID tag thus allows access to the various information recorded in the different RFID tags 43 without having to disassemble the different parts of the device. The master RFID tag can be identical to the other RFID tags 43 or can have a greater capacity.

[0085] 2) Second embodiment

[0086] According to Figure 11 and Figure 12 the second embodiment illustrated, the implantation tool 1 neither comprises a cylinder nor a mechanical assembly based on the screw / nut principle, but the piston 19 is directly driven in translation by compressed air or pressurized fluid. To this end, a central hole 11' appears in the tubular hole 17 in which the piston 19 is positioned, so that the compressed air (or pressurized fluid) supplied to the implantation tool 1 via the central hole 11' causes the piston 19 to move from Figure 11 the first position illustrated to Figure 12 the second position illustrated. The return of the piston 19 from the second position to the first position is for example achieved by means of an elastic element, for example a helical spring (not shown) arranged in the tubular hole, configured to force the piston 19 to reach the first position in the absence of compressed air (or pressurized fluid). Alternatively, the return towards the first position can be obtained by supplying compressed air (or pressurized fluid) at the other end of the tubular hole 17. A leak pipe 12 can be formed between the tubular hole 17 and the outside of the implantation tool 1 to avoid overpressure (in the case of a compressed air implantation tool 1). The implantation tool 1 can also be identical to the first embodiment described previously.

[0087] 3) Third embodiment

[0088] According to a third embodiment not illustrated, the implantation tool 1 does not comprise a cylinder but comprises a link-crank assembly associated to the output shaft of the turbine device 47. The link-crank assembly allows the rotational movement of the output shaft of the turbine device 47 to be converted into a translational movement, thus allowing the piston 19 to be driven to move between the first and second positions. The other aspects of the implantation tool 1 are for example similar to the first embodiment described previously.

[0089] 4) Fourth embodiment

[0090] According to a fourth embodiment, the implantation tool 1 differs from the previous embodiments in that it does not comprise a cartridge 23, but comprises a loading device 50 for loading the RFID tags 43 at the tubular hole 17 by translation, as shown in Figure 13 and Figure 14 In this fourth embodiment, the cartridge 21'comprises a single reservoir 210' of tubular shape configured to receive a plurality of RFID tags 43. The reservoir 210' extends for example parallel to the tubular hole 17. A slit 211 is formed between a first end 210'a of the reservoir 210' and the tubular hole 17 to allow the RFID tags 43 to pass from the reservoir 210' to the tubular hole 17. The implantation tool 1 further comprises a tongue 212 movable in translation in a direction transverse to the axis of the tubular hole 17 between an idle position, in which the tongue 212 extends outside the tubular hole 17 and the reservoir 210', as shown in Figure 13 and a loading position, in which the tongue 212 extends through the reservoir 210' and reaches the tubular hole 17, as shown in Figure 14 .

[0091] Furthermore, the reservoir can also comprise an elastic element (not shown) configured to force the RFID tags 43 to the first end of the reservoir 210'. The elastic element is for example in the form of a helical spring arranged at a second end 210'b of the reservoir 210'. Thus, the tongue 212 is configured to move the RFID tags 43 arranged at the first end 210'a of the reservoir 210' to the tubular hole 17 when it moves from the idle position to the loading position. The movement of the tongue 212 between the idle position and the loading position is for example obtained by means of a pneumatic cylinder 25' powered by compressed air. Alternatively, a hydraulic cylinder powered by pressurized oil can also be used.

[0092] The application also relates to a method of manufacturing a metal piece 200, in particular comprising a step of machining the metal piece 200 in a machine tool and a step of recording data relating to the metal piece in an RFID tag implanted in the metal piece. The method can also comprise a step of implanting a radiofrequency identification, RFID, tag 43, for example using an implantation tool 1 as previously described. The implantation of the RFID tag 43 is done in the machine tool. Thus, the piece is machined and the RFID tag 43 is implanted in the piece at the end of the machining. The recess formed in the metal piece and configured to receive the RFID tag 43 can be produced during the machining or before the machining. Alternatively, the RFID tag can be implanted on the metal piece before the metal piece is introduced into the machine tool.

[0093] Thus, when the metal part is arranged in the machine tool, data relating to the metal part 200 are recorded in the RFID tag 43 implanted in said metal part 200. Thus, when the metal part leaves the machine tool, it is ready to be assembled with other parts to obtain an assembly of a device such as a vacuum pump.

[0094] The application also relates to a method for manufacturing a metal part 200 and to a method for assembling a device comprising a plurality of parts, at least one of which is manufactured according to said method.

[0095] The various steps of the method for manufacturing a metal part 200 and of the assembly method will now be described in detail based on the flowchart of Figure 15

[0096] The first step 101 relates to the machining of the metal part 200. To this end, an unworked part such as a block of aluminium is placed in a machine tool comprising a tool holder configured to select a tool from a tool magazine and to use the selected tool to machine the part using commands entered into the machine tool by an operator. The tool holder is configured to use the selected tool or tools to perform a series of machining steps to obtain the desired metal part 200. The tool holder can comprise a supply of compressed air.

[0097] The first step 101 can also comprise forming a recess 202 intended to receive the RFID tag 43. The dimensions and shape of the recess 202 are chosen, for example, according to the dimensions and shape of the RFID tag 43 and the dimensions and shape of the means chosen for fixing the RFID tag 43 in the recess 202. Furthermore, the recess 202 can comprise at least one lateral gap that appears relative to the placement of the radiofrequency identification RFID tag 43 to allow RF communication between the RFID tag 43 implanted in the recess 202 and a reader / recorder located in the vicinity. The recess 202 has, for example, an outwardly flared shape resulting in particular from a 45° chamfer.

[0098] The second step 102 relates to implanting the RFID tag 43 in the recess 202 formed in the machined metal part 200. Thus, for this second step 102, the metal part 200 remains positioned in the machine tool and the tool holder is configured to select the aforementioned implantation tool 1.

[0099] ​The tool holder then positions the implantation tool 1 and in particular the insertion end fitting 15 so that it faces the recess intended to receive the RFID tag 43. The tool holder is then configured to actuate one or more cylinders 25, 25' of the implantation tool 1 to allow the piston 19 to move in the tubular bore 17 and the cylindrical piece 23 to turn, thus allowing the RFID tag 43 to move into the recess 202 formed in the metal piece 200. The RFID tag 43 is for example press-fitted into the recess 202 by the piston 19 of the implantation tool 1. Other types of implantation tools can also be used.

[0100] Alternatively, the RFID tag 43 can be implanted before machining the metal piece 200. In this case, the method does not comprise step 102, which is therefore an optional step.

[0101] A third step 103, which can be performed simultaneously with step 102, involves recording in the RFID tag 43 data associated with the machined metal piece. The tool holder is configured to drive the turbine device 47 via the compressed air supply, which allows the reader / recorder 40 of the implantation tool 1 to be powered so that the reader / recorder 40 can extract the data associated with the machined metal piece 200 via a Bluetooth connection with the control unit of the machine tool. Alternatively, the extraction of the data can be performed in advance. The reader / recorder 40 is then configured to transmit these data to the implanted RFID tag 43. This data corresponds for example to the previously described data (marking number, date of manufacture, manufacturing method, etc.). Other types of reader / recorder 40 power supply can also be used.

[0102] In the case of a pre-implanted RFID tag 43, a simple reader / recorder can be used to transmit the data associated with the metal piece 200 to the RFID tag.

[0103] Steps 101 to 103 therefore relate to a method for manufacturing metal pieces 200. These steps 101 to 103 are therefore repeated for the different metal pieces 200 that must be machined for the equipment.

[0104] A subsequent step relates to a method for assembling pieces, at least one of the pieces being manufactured according to the method described in steps 101 to 103.

[0105] Step 104 corresponds to the assembly of the different pieces when machining the different metal pieces 200, in particular the assembly of the machined metal pieces obtained from steps 101 to 103, to form an equipment, for example a vacuum pump.

[0106] Step 105 is an optional step and involves implanting an additional RFID tag, referred to as the master RFID tag, in a recess of the device, thus allowing communication with the reader / writer 40 at the time of assembly of the device. Implantation is carried out, for example, by press-fitting into a dedicated recess of the device housing.

[0107] Step 106 involves recording in the master RFID tag data associated with the plurality of machined metal parts forming the device, so as to be able to access these data without having to disassemble the device. The data recorded in the master RFID tag can correspond to some or all of the data recorded in the different metal parts forming the device. Other data can also be recorded in the master RFID tag.

[0108] Thus, when the metal part 200 is positioned in the machine tool, the recording of the data relating to the metal part 200 in the RFID tag 43 implanted in the part makes it possible to obtain the marking and traceability of the part, thus improving the reliability of the part, since the risk of recording erroneous data or deleting data is reduced. Furthermore, the use of an implantation tool 1 that is compatible with the tool holders of the machine tool and whose electronic parts do not require an additional supply of energy above the other tools of the machine tool makes it possible to obtain easy implantation of the RFID tag 43 and simple and reliable recording of the data associated with the metal part 200 in the RFID tag 43.

Claims

1. An implantation tool (1) for implanting a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag (43), intended to be mounted on a tool holder of a machine tool for machining a metal piece (200), the implantation tool (1) comprising: - standard fixing means (3) configured to cooperate with an end fitting of the tool holder, - implantation means (13) for implanting a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag (43), comprising: - an insertion mechanism for inserting a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag (43) into a recess (202) of a metal piece (200), and - a reader / recorder (40) configured to communicate with the radio frequency identification, RFID, tag (43) and to record data associated with the metal piece (200), wherein the insertion mechanism comprises: - a magazine (21, 21') configured to receive a plurality of radio frequency identification, RFID, tags (43), - an insertion end fitting (15) intended to be positioned facing a recess (202) of the metal piece (200) by movement of the tool holder, and - mechanical means configured to move a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag (43) from the magazine (21) to the recess (202) of the metal piece (200) via the insertion end fitting (15) to allow insertion of the radio frequency identification, RFID, tag (43) into the recess (202).

2. Implant tool (1) according to claim 1, wherein The mechanical means comprise a piston (19) mounted so as to be able to move in translation in a tubular bore (17) arranged facing the insertion end fitting (15).

3. Implant tool (1) according to claim 2, wherein The magazine (21) comprises a rotating cylinder (23) comprising at least two chambers in the form of through cavities, each chamber being configured to receive a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag (43), the chambers of the rotating cylinder (23) being configured to be alternately facing the tubular bore (17) by rotation of the rotating cylinder (23), the piston (19) being configured to push a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag (43) arranged in a chamber of the rotating cylinder (23) arranged facing the tubular bore (17) towards the insertion end fitting (15).

4. Implant tool (1) according to the preceding claim 3, wherein The rotational movement of the rotating cylinder (23) and the translational movement of the piston (19) are associated by a mechanical assembly comprising a groove (28) formed in a cylindrical shaft (29) non-rotatably coupled to the rotating cylinder (23) and a ball or pin (26) complementary to the groove (28) and non-translatably coupled to the piston (19).

5. Implant tool (1) according to claim 4, wherein The groove (28) has a number of V-shaped portions around the cylindrical shaft (29), the number of V-shaped portions depending on the number of chambers of the rotating cylinder (23).

6. Implant tool (1) according to claim 2, wherein Said mechanical means comprise a tongue (212) movable in translation between the magazine (21') and the tubular hole (17) in a direction transversal to the axis of the tubular hole (17) and configured to move a radio frequency identification, RFID, tag (43) from the magazine (21') towards the tubular hole (17).

7. Implant tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein Said mechanical means comprise a piston (19) mounted movable in translation in a tubular hole (17) arranged facing the insertion end fitting (15), said piston (19) being driven in translation by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (25, 25').

8. Implant tool (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein Said reader / writer (40) comprises wireless communication means (51) configured to communicate with a control unit of the machine tool through a wireless link to transfer to the reader / writer (40) data associated with the metal piece (200) sent by the control unit of the machine tool.

9. Implant tool (1) according to claim 8, wherein The wireless communication device (51) is a communication device of the type shown in 10. The implantation tool according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a turbine device (47) configured to be powered by pressurized fluid or compressed air to generate an electric current, thereby enabling to provide electric power to the reader / writer (40).

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