Machining management of integral tool machining consisting of tool holder and tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for exchanging data when controlling the machining of an integral tool consisting of a tool holder and a tool, as well as to a machining management system and to a device / system for data processing, to a computer program [product] and to a computer-readable (storage) medium. The invention relates to a method for exchanging data in an integrated / linked machining environment during the control of the machining of an integral tool consisting of a tool holder and a tool, using at least one device and / or a balancing device and / or a pre-adjusting device for fitting the tool into the tool holder, a superordinate manufacturing plan / control, in particular for manufacturing components, transmits machining data, in particular tool manifests and / or configuration pages, for integral tool machining to a machining management system. The processing management system causes devices of an integrated / linked processing environment to obtain work instructions / data derived using processing data.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for exchanging data when controlling the machining of an integral tool consisting of a tool holder and a tool in an integrated / linked or networked machining environment, as well as a machining management system and a device / system for data processing, a computer program [product] and a computer-readable (storage) medium.

[0002] Within the framework of automated and / or digitalized production processes for manufacturing components (Industry 4.0), it is known to use integrated or networked production environments in which devices (eg machine tools and other production devices) are integrated / linked.

[0003] In this case, devices integrated in such a production environment communicate with one another within the framework of a control system here via (generally defined) interfaces, data relevant for the processes running on the devices (ie process data) being exchanged or transmitted.

[0004] As is also known, during the manufacturing process of a component, the manufacturing process of the component is carried out with the aid of a so-called integral tool, which is understood to be a tool holder (for example a clamping chuck, such as a shrink chuck) and a tool (for example a rotating tool, such as a milling cutter) that is inserted into such a tool holder or is clamped therein.

[0005] Such one-piece tools are used, for example, for component production by means of machine tools, such as CNC machines (milling machines), and during component production wear may occur on the tool, which necessitates assembly of the one-piece tool or replacement of the tool in the one-piece tool.

[0006] Known devices are available for this purpose, such as, in particular, mounting devices (for mounting the tool in the tool holder), for example shrinking devices, which can also be part of an integrated or networked (component) production environment.

[0007] The degree of automation in such a manufacturing environment and the quality of the components manufactured in such a manufacturing environment depend primarily on the extent to which the processes in such a manufacturing environment can be coordinated, monitored and controlled, and in particular on what data is available and whether the data of the individual devices is good and reliable.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to enable an increased degree of automation in component production, in particular also to achieve this with high production efficiency and effectiveness. The object of the present invention is also to enable component production to be carried out with high precision and speed.

[0009] This object is achieved by a method for exchanging data when controlling the machining of an integral tool consisting of a tool holder and a tool, a machining management system, a device / system for data processing, a computer program [product] and a computer-readable (storage) medium having the features of the corresponding independent claims.

[0010] Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the following description and relate to the method as well as to the system, the device / system, the computer program [product] and the computer-readable (storage) medium.

[0011] Terms such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", or "right" used where necessary should be understood according to common understanding and in consideration of the drawings herein, unless otherwise expressly defined. Terms such as "radial" and "axial", if used but not expressly defined, should be understood with reference to the central axis or axis of symmetry of the member / component described herein and in consideration of the drawings herein.

[0012] Whenever used, the term "substantially" is understood (as understood by the Supreme Court) to mean "still to a substantial degree in practice". Possible deviations from the precision implied by the term may occur unintentionally (i.e. without functional reason) due to manufacturing or assembly tolerances, etc.

[0013] A method for exchanging data in an integrated / linked or networked processing environment when controlling the processing of an integral tool consisting of a tool holder and a tool, the processing being carried out using at least one device for assembling the tool into the tool holder and / or a balancing device and / or a pre-adjusting device, the method proposes that a higher-level manufacturing planning / control, in particular for manufacturing a component, transmits processing data for the processing of the integral tool, in particular a tool list and / or a configuration page, to a processing management system.

[0014] The process management system then transmits work instructions / data derived using the process data to devices of the integrated / linked or networked process environment.

[0015] A process management system for exchanging data when controlling the processing of an integral tool consisting of a tool holder and a tool in an integrated / linked or networked processing environment, the processing being performed using at least one device for assembling the tool into the tool holder and / or a balancing device and / or a pre-adjustment device, the process management system being configured to be able to derive work instructions / data using processing data for the processing of the integral tool, in particular processing data transmitted from a superior manufacturing plan / control for manufacturing a component, in particular a tool list and / or a configuration page, and these work instructions / data are capable of being transmitted to a device of the integrated / linked or networked processing environment.

[0016] The method and the process management system are implemented in particular within the framework of a processing process of an integral tool in a processing environment or manufacturing environment, or a processing process of an integral tool in an integrated or networked processing environment or manufacturing environment, and a manufacturing process of a component using one or the integral tool (which process may use other machines and automation components (such as machine tools)), the mentioned processes being in particular automated and / or digitalized processes.

[0017] Instead of manufacturing processes of a manufacturing environment, there may also be processes of other (process) environments, such as integrated tool inventory management (here, for example, using a (digital) Kanban process (which continuously keeps the inventory of integrated tools / tools at a certain level)), which communicate with the method and the process management system, in particular within the framework of push and / or pull messages, which are exchanged with the process management system. To put it another way, here, the process data come from (or originate from and / or go to) these other (process) environments (if necessary within the framework of "push" or "pull"), or to put it more briefly, the other environments replace the manufacturing environment.

[0018] In this context, "integration" / "networking" means, in particular, that information, data, etc. can be exchanged between the "integrated" / "networked" units. In the sense of digital integration / networking (as also referred to here), in particular digital data can also be exchanged between these units. This is usually done via (standardized, defined) interfaces (in the device).

[0019] To put it simply and clearly, the (integrated or networked) manufacturing environment covers the entire process of component manufacturing and can also provide processing data (for integral tool processing to manufacture components, or for other processes) through the superior manufacturing plan / control / the superior manufacturing plan / control for manufacturing components (in the manufacturing environment) (other (process) environments also correspondingly through the superior units there); the integrated / linked processing environment includes the creation of integral tools and their functional integration into the manufacturing environment or other environments, so that work instructions / data can be generated / created here (with the help of a processing management system) using the processing data and transmitted to the integrated / linked processing environment.

[0020] As mentioned, the "superior" environment can also be other environments, such as an integrated tool inventory management that provides processing data. In other words, the processing data can also come from a kanban process, which, for example, continuously maintains the inventory of integrated tools / tools at a certain level.

[0021] Furthermore, the processing data can also be transmitted bidirectionally in the form of push and / or pull messages; in particular, the processing data can also be present in digital form, for example as a digital tool list and / or configuration page.

[0022] It may also be particularly advantageous if the process management system monitors or controls devices of the process environment, in particular using work instructions / data.

[0023] Stated simply, a process management system is an example of a device that monitors and / or controls a process environment or a process environment. A process management system may also enable central management of a process environment or central networking of a process environment.

[0024] This allows full automation in the machining environment.

[0025] Such monitoring can in particular also be achieved in that the process management system is configured to evaluate data, in particular work instructions / data and / or data generated by the device.

[0026] The process management system can also allow data, such as, in particular, work instructions / data and other data, to be exchanged with the process environment or with devices in the process environment (in particular, devices integrated or networked therein). This also enables, for example, the process environment or devices in the process environment to submit queries to the process management system, etc.

[0027] Stated simply and clearly, devices of a process environment may provide feedback to a process management system, such as feedback regarding the status and / or undesirable conditions of those devices.

[0028] Integration of the process management system (and then further) "upwards" into the manufacturing environment enables complete automation of component manufacturing from start to finish. The corresponding content applies to integration into other environments.

[0029] In this case, integration may also mean the transmission of data, such as in particular process data, within the framework of a push or pull control.

[0030] The basic consideration of the invention is that, to date, the processes in the (component) manufacturing environment have not been fully integrated "up to" the provision / creation of the integral tool (the processing environment), and the processes associated therewith (for creating the integral tool) are carried out in the "separate / independent" environment of the processing environment. Even at this level (i.e. in the processing environment), (fully automated) component integration has not been possible.

[0031] Here, the fully automated process of component manufacturing is not completely consistent (in the processing environment and at the interface of "processing environment / manufacturing environment" (i.e. component manufacturing / integrated tool creation)), and the degree of automation of component manufacturing "all-inclusive, i.e. including all processes" is not achieved.

[0032] To put it simply, the present invention implements this knowledge as an integrated processing environment (for creating an integrated tool). On the one hand, the present invention itself integrates a device (for creating an integrated tool) of the processing environment. On the other hand, the present invention also opens up the possibility that the (integrated) processing environment itself can also be further integrated into the overall environment (i.e., the manufacturing environment) of component manufacturing.

[0033] If, in addition, a consistent, one-to-one allocation / characteristic identification of integral tools or tool holders and their tools in the processing environment (as well as in the manufacturing and processing environment) is difficult or even impossible to achieve or implement, especially due to processes that are not consistent throughout, the present invention now also opens up a one-to-one characteristic identification / allocation (see "Unique ID" below) not only in the processing environment, but also in the entire manufacturing environment.

[0034] This also makes it possible to comprehensively monitor and control processes in the (manufacturing / processing) environment (down to the lowest level, such as the assembly of specific integral tools (e.g. shrinking), balancing or pre-adjustment) at any time and anywhere, thus allowing full automation in the processing environment as well as in the (overall) manufacturing environment.

[0035] Stated another way, assigning a one-to-one characteristic identification ("unique ID") to a specific integral tool / tool / tool ​​holder ("tool instance") (in a machining environment) can be crucial for (individualized) monitoring, tracking, logging of the integral tool during the process / in the machining environment (and in the manufacturing environment). This in turn is crucial for full automation.

[0036] If a one-to-one feature identifier ("unique ID") is assigned to the digital twin of an integral tool / tool / tool ​​holder, it is also possible to personalize or subdivide the type or type feature identifier specifically for a particular integral tool / tool / tool ​​holder, so that a large number of "sister tools" can be personalized based on the (digital) configuration page (or digital twin), each of which has a one-to-one feature identifier ("unique ID") (including specific tool and geometric data).

[0037] This one-to-one corresponding feature identification can be placed on a specific integral tool / tool / tool ​​holder, in particular by means of laser processing, so that it can be read at any time and anywhere.

[0038] Thus, for example, each assembly process / retraction process of a one-piece tool with this assigned, one-to-one corresponding feature identifier (for the one-piece tool) can be recorded in a log and regarded as "the" one-to-one corresponding feature identifier. For example, the number of assembly cycles / retraction cycles can be queried via a reporting mechanism and an alarm can be displayed when a fixed limit is reached, so that the tool holder of the one-piece tool can be replaced before the service life limit is reached. In the same way, the status of the tool can also be recorded in a log, for example, whether the tool still has a remaining service life after processing a production order.

[0039] By means of this one-to-one corresponding feature identification ("unique ID") of the integral tool, in particular in a machining environment, it is also possible to warn against improper handling and / or incorrect process handling of the integral tool. For example, if a one-to-one corresponding feature identification ("unique ID") on the integral tool or the tool holder is read or scanned and thus identified (one-to-one correspondingly), here for example as a tool holder that cannot be retracted (such as a hydraulic expansion clamping chuck or a clamping tong-type receiving frame), an alarm can be issued, which warns that the integral tool or the tool holder cannot be retracted.

[0040] Furthermore, characteristic values ​​can be assigned to such one-to-one corresponding characteristic identifiers or to the one-to-one tool / tool / tool ​​holder characterized by the one-to-one corresponding characteristic identifiers, by means of which certain dimensions can be adhered to during assembly of the one-to-one tool / shrink fit.

[0041] Therefore, if all components of the integral tool (such as tool holders, tool extensions, and actual tools (such as milling cutters)) in the integral tool are represented by one-to-one feature identifiers or unique IDs, the processing management system can also use this to establish / record the relationship between these components and the integral tool, thereby providing an overview, assembly, etc. (especially for users).

[0042] The device / the system, the computer program [product] and the computer-readable (storage) medium are configured to perform the method according to the invention / the steps of the method according to the invention and the process management (as well as improvements and designs thereof).

[0043] Various designs are advantageous or preferred. Thus, the tool can be a turning tool or in particular a rotating tool, such as a milling tool (referred to as a milling cutter), a drill bit, etc. The tool holder can be a clamping chuck (for example a shrinking chuck / receiving frame or a clamping tongs receiving frame), a hydraulic expansion clamping chuck, a Weldon receiving frame (referred to as a Weldon receiving frame), a tool head receiving frame or a blade holder. The device for assembling the tool into the tool holder (referred to as an assembly device) can in particular be a shrinking device, or another corresponding (assembly) device (for example for the other tool chucks mentioned, i.e., for example, an assembly station, which has a device for accommodating the tool holder, which device includes a digital display and a feedback device to a process management system and / or a length measuring device).

[0044] In addition to the devices mentioned, other devices, equipment and / or systems can also be integrated / linked in the integrated / linked processing environment, such as cleaning stations or storage stations (Konservierungsstation), as well as management solutions / management systems, which management solutions / management systems, such as in particular tool / tool ​​management solutions, tool output systems / tool ​​recovery systems, inventory management systems, data management systems (in particular for tool data, tool holder data, manufacturing data, processing data (such as shrinkage and / or balancing parameters, retention dimensions (i.e., values ​​that must be taken into account when shrinking to a certain length in order to accurately reach the desired nominal measurement after cooling), weight, A measurement of the chuck (A-Maβ)), etc.)) (all of which are simplified and referred to as "devices").

[0045] It is also particularly convenient that (work / processing) data, work instructions and other information or data are digitized. In particular, tool lists and / or configuration pages are also digitized.

[0046] It is particularly convenient and preferred that the process management can be networked / linked or communicated with the central database, or that the central database is integrated into the process management system.

[0047] It is also expedient if, in particular, the process management system is configured to evaluate data, in particular work instructions / data and / or data generated by the device.

[0048] In the processing environment, in particular in the devices of the processing environment, separate databases can also be implemented, which databases can be supplemented in particular synchronously and iteratively.

[0049] In particular, tool data, tool holder data, processing data (e.g. shrinkage parameters and balancing parameters and / or pre-adjustment parameters) can be stored or can be stored in these databases. These data can be "enriched" with user data and time stamps (for the tool / tool ​​holder / integrated tool), so that incorrect operation can be easily identified through a comprehensive understanding of the process and any incorrect assembly. These data can also be used for complete tool management / disposal.

[0050] It may also be convenient here to group the stored data, in particular the stored tool data (and also the tools), for example by means of assignable “labels”, “stamps” or other means, in particular digital tags or TAGs.

[0051] For example, it is possible to group tools, such as in a list, or even group tools across multiple levels. The grouping categories may be, for example, specific machines, specific locations, specific processes, specific projects, and the like.

[0052] Any other documents regarding the tool / tool ​​holder / integrated tool, such as photographs, drawings, images etc. (or in the form of these items) may also be stored, in particular in a database.

[0053] User management and feedback can also be configured in the process management system or via the data there. The user of the login device or his login / login data / login information can be stored so that it can be recorded in the history (and can be evaluated).

[0054] It may also be further useful in this regard if the process management system allows identification of users (at the system and / or the device) and / or allows user login, for example by means of a code, a readable data carrier (such as possibly an RFID card / tag or the like) and / or biometric data.

[0055] It can also be expedient here if the process management system allows reading and in particular also writing of data carriers (in particular data carriers used on devices in the process environment). Thus, for example, it is useful if data carriers on the tool (such as a Balluff chip on the tool holder) can be written / read by or from the process management system. It is also particularly useful here if these data carriers are compatible with the devices (in the process environment).

[0056] All of this can be evaluated, for example, by means of AI and / or image processing and / or “machine learning”, in order to analyze, for example, the cutting edge / geometry (eg its wear).

[0057] If the history is recorded and / or evaluated, changes and / or comparisons (regarding the status of the tool / tool ​​holder / integral tool) can subsequently be derived and / or obtained and, if necessary, predictions (regarding the tool / tool ​​holder / integral tool, for example the progression of wear) can be made therefrom (“predictive analysis”).

[0058] If these estimates and / or predictions deviate from specified values, for example a cutting edge breakage is analyzed or confirmed and / or the nominal / actual service time deviates from the actual image and a fault could therefore be expected, an alarm can be issued in this regard.

[0059] Other possibilities for evaluating the acquired data (possibly with the aid of KI) are:

[0060] - Tracking of wear behavior using images from preconditioning devices or separately generated images or measurements

[0061] - Assignment of wear behavior / images to the processes performed

[0062] - Identify abnormal wear images

[0063] - Inferences from the wear image about possible faults in the machining process, such as unfavorable cutting data or problems with the tool or workpiece clamping

[0064] - Provide suggestions for improving cutting data or correcting other faults

[0065] - Draw conclusions about machine tool performance, such as rigidity and susceptibility to vibration.

[0066] This KI is also the subject of DE 10 2024 122 026.0 filed by the present applicant on August 1, 2024, which therefore becomes the subject of the present application ("incorporated by reference"). The relevant embodiments according to DE 10 2024 122 026.0 are also explicitly described below as the subject of the present application (see the title "Incorporated by reference" DE 102024 122 026.0-Method and device for autonomous determination of tools or complete tools, and its text). The features of DE 10 2024 122 026.0 are therefore also the subject of the present application and can also be combined in any combination with other features of the present application, which obtains other subjects according to the invention.

[0067] It is also advantageous if the process management system or its "data management" allows data to be imported or exported (input / output function). It is advantageous if this data import / export can be carried out in any format. Thus, for example, lists, directories and any other overview forms of data can be imported and / or exported. This thus allows data updating and / or data synchronization in the process management system.

[0068] This comprehensive data management enables the process management system to "assemble" complete tools (composed of tools and tool holders) based on these data, and then associate these complete tools with corresponding process parameters. This in turn can be a component of work instructions / data, whereby the devices in the process environment are / can be (centrally) controlled.

[0069] It is also advantageous to use the work instructions / data to monitor and / or control the device of the integrated / linked processing environment, in particular remotely controlled by a processing management system. It is also particularly advantageous here that the tool / tool ​​holder / integrated tool can be encoded with a one-to-one code (for example a one-to-one data matrix code). Thus, a one-to-one feature identification (such as a number) or other (one-to-one) information can be stored / encoded in the code.

[0070] Furthermore, the process management system (particularly via its work instructions / data) can "act on" and / or communicate with the manufacturing environment outside of its process environment, particularly with the manufacturing machines therein. This can, for example, enable feedback and / or "connectivity" to the machine controller, including 3D collision monitoring of the physical parts of the tool / tool ​​holder / integrated tool.

[0071] It can also be provided that the operating data, in particular the operating data for the mounting device, in particular the shrinking device, comprises at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information:

[0072] - the type of tool holder, in particular shrink chuck (if applicable also the article number) and / or the storage location of the tool holder, in particular shrink chuck,

[0073] - a unique characteristic identification of the tool holder, in particular of the shrink chuck, in particular a number,

[0074] - the type of tool, in particular a milling cutter, and / or the storage location of the tool, in particular a milling cutter,

[0075] a unique characteristic identification, in particular a number, of a tool, in particular a milling cutter, and / or a tool holder, in particular a shrink chuck, in particular if the used tool, in particular a milling cutter, still has sufficient remaining time,

[0076] the number of identical tools required, which depends in particular on the planned number of components to be produced and the service life of the tools, in particular the milling cutters, in particular also taking into account the remaining time of the used tools, in particular the milling cutters,

[0077] - the nominal length of the integral tool with tolerance,

[0078] - retain the size (Vorhaltemaβ) (still adjust if necessary),

[0079] - The number of assembly cycles, in particular shrinking cycles, of the tool holder, in particular of the shrinking chuck.

[0080] A work instruction, in particular a work instruction for an assembly device, in particular a shrinking device, may include at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information:

[0081] - removing a tool holder, in particular a shrink chuck and / or a tool, in particular a milling cutter, in a specified number of pieces from the storage magazine,

[0082] - reading, in particular scanning, a unique identification, in particular a data matrix code and / or a number, on / on a tool holder (in particular a shrink chuck) and / or on / on a tool (in particular a milling cutter),

[0083] - selecting, in particular automatically selecting, shrinking parameters, in particular with preservation of dimensions,

[0084] - display relevant contraction parameters / data or all relevant contraction parameters / data,

[0085] - moving the length stop to a specified or predetermined length, optionally automatically or manually under user guidance, on an assembly device, in particular a shrinking device,

[0086] - display of a rough adjustment, in particular in color, in particular in red / green,

[0087] - a refined display when approaching the nominal size, in particular a display in color, in particular a display in red / green,

[0088] - heating the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck,

[0089] - inserting a tool, in particular a milling cutter,

[0090] - Pivot the length stops inwards,

[0091] - Raise the tool, in particular the milling cutter, to the length stop (manually or by means of a compression spring),

[0092] - waiting time until the tool, in particular the milling cutter, is clamped,

[0093] - cooling of the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck,

[0094] - monitor the cooling process,

[0095] - Check the actual length with the length stop,

[0096] -store the actual length in the database,

[0097] - marking the integral tool with a unique number of the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck,

[0098] - In particular as an alternative to the contraction of a mechanical clamping chuck, the tool holder parameters are automatically displayed, in particular the torque to be used for a professional assembly, in particular a clamping tongs or a hydraulic expansion clamping chuck, as well as the relevant accessories of the blade holder, such as slides, assembly equipment, etc., and finally the complete tool is displayed to confirm the professional assembly, in particular including its length tolerances.

[0099] In this case, the information may be the instruction itself or may be a component of the instruction, or the instruction may be generated from the information.

[0100] Furthermore, it can be provided that the operating data, in particular the operating data for the preconditioning device, comprises at least one item of the following information, in particular a plurality of items of the following information, in particular all items of the following information:

[0101] - Geometric information of the integral tool, in particular the overall length and / or the diameter of the tool, in particular the milling cutter, and / or the tool tip radius of the tool, in particular the milling cutter

[0102] - Tool service life, in particular in the form of service life per component of a new tool or in minutes / hours.

[0103] It is also expedient if the work instruction, in particular the work instruction for the preconditioning device, also includes at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information:

[0104] -Place the integral tool into the measuring spindle,

[0105] - if necessary, starting an automatic measuring run or starting a manual determination, in particular of defined variables,

[0106] - reading the actual dimensions into a database and / or sending the actual dimensions to the process management system (or its database),

[0107] In addition, the presetting data are also sent to the processing machine.

[0108] Furthermore, it is expedient if the operating data, in particular the operating data for the balancing device, also include at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information:

[0109] -Balance tolerances from a database,

[0110] - other parameters from the database, such as total length and total weight,

[0111] - measuring method (e.g. simple measuring method / inversion or (automatic) inversion balancing / simple measuring method with spindle correction),

[0112] The balancing method (eg compensation of the imbalance by removing or adding material or by adjusting the mass) and in particular the corresponding balancing plane (height, diameter, . . . ) to which the mass is to be added or removed.

[0113] In addition, a preferred design also provides that the work instruction, in particular the work instruction for the balancing device, further includes at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information:

[0114] - Clamp the integral tool into the balancing spindle,

[0115] - Run the measurement according to the specified measuring method (e.g. simple measuring method / inversion / simple measuring method with spindle correction),

[0116] - Compensation of imbalance according to the prescribed method,

[0117] - Check the balancing accuracy (test run), read the actual imbalance into the database,

[0118] - Send the results to the process management system (or its database),

[0119] - Repeat the process if necessary until the result meets the requirements (so the balancing process can be traced back in the process management system).

[0120] What is also convenient is that the processing management system

[0121] - monitoring the status, in particular online status, of at least one device, in particular all devices, and / or

[0122] - documentation of the process of at least one device, in particular all devices, in particular also documentation of interventions in the process, in particular manual interventions,

[0123] - and / or monitoring the degree to which at least one device, in particular all devices, comply with specified or predefined tolerances during the process, and / or

[0124] - monitoring and / or recording changes in work instructions / data, values, tolerances and / or other information, in particular changes in the status of the device, and / or

[0125] - counting and / or recording the process repetitions, in particular with reference to a unique characteristic identification of the tool holder and / or the tool, and / or

[0126] - Update work instructions / data, and / or

[0127] - generating work instructions / data in the event of undesired states, in particular error states and / or faulty or incorrectly executed processes, and / or

[0128] - generating a job list based on the work order, in particular providing or transmitting the job list to a device of the processing environment for use (the processing management system can send it (as a "job") to the machine in advance, or make a request to the processing management system at the time of execution by the machine), and / or

[0129] - counting and recording of machining processes, in particular those carried out on devices in a machining environment, in particular when creating a monolithic tool, and / or

[0130] - bidirectional communication within or with the processing environment or with devices in the processing environment, and / or

[0131] - (real-time) "tracking" of the status of the devices integrated into the environment (status: online / offline; status: feedback of the operation (good / bad)),

[0132] - checking the last executed job / jobs by one-to-one corresponding feature identifiers (the last result of the executed job is displayed on the one-to-one corresponding feature identifiers, so it can be determined that all necessary steps have also been executed),

[0133] - Completely record the history of work performed on the machine and document the work performed on the machine.

[0134] For this purpose, corresponding devices can be provided on the process management system, such as visualization devices, by means of which these items can be visualized.

[0135] Furthermore, it has proven to be expedient to transmit work commands / data via an OPC-UA interface and / or a Client interface or an MQTT interface, in particular to transmit bidirectionally.

[0136] It can also be provided that the method and / or the process management is computer-implemented, for example on a control unit / control computer or on a distributed system / computer.

[0137] For example, it is also possible that the process management system is operated centrally or in particular on a device in the process environment. In the decentralized case, data can be synchronized between the “decentralized” process management systems and thus supplemented in an iterative manner.

[0138] Further advantageously, the process management system can evaluate data (for example for a plurality of process steps, for example a plurality of assembly / shrinking cycles) (for each individualized feature identification of the integral tool / tool / tool ​​holder). In this case, unique user data, such as timestamps and user identifiers, are particularly suitable.

[0139] In particular, the complete tool pre-setting space, including the operating data with nominal / actual values, can thus be evaluated. On this basis, a traffic light function (red / green) can indicate tolerance deviations, for example. In general, the evaluation can lead to indications, notifications, alarms, etc. and trigger relevant processes.

[0140] For example, if the data are provided with the mentioned time stamps and / or user identifiers / data, the evaluation can, for example, provide the situation of "errors" (during the (night) shift) and in particular the process management system can intervene in a corrective manner. In addition, alarm functions and / or notifications to a "supervisor" are also conceivable.

[0141] The preferred alarm message associated with the retraction device may be an overheat alarm (retraction alarm), and overheat is written back to the unique identifier or one-to-one feature identification (see "Unique ID") of the tool holder or retraction collet.

[0142] That is, the device, in particular the process management system, records an overheating alarm and, in the case of overheating, records this "event" for the corresponding identifier / feature identification, so that an alarm of overheating of the shrink chuck according to the feature identification can be obtained.

[0143] It has also proven to be convenient if the process management system is provided with means for operating, displaying, visualizing, reading in and / or printing. For example, data of the process environment, in particular data of the device or data about the process / processing steps / processes therein (e.g. remaining dimensions, flange length of the tool) can be visualized on the screen.

[0144] If the process management system is also a central monitoring and / or control tool for the process environment, it may also prove to be convenient, in particular, for the process management system to derive, verify, log and / or monitor and / or control states / fault conditions and / or process steps / processes in the process environment or in devices of the process environment, to verify, integrate and / or link devices of the process environment, to send confirmations (of states or fault conditions) to the process environment or in devices of the process environment or to provide or receive confirmations (of states or fault conditions) therefrom and to compare data with devices of the process environment.

[0145] In summary, with regard to the present invention it can be determined that all aspects of the present invention are characterized in particular by simplicity, efficiency and effectiveness.

[0146] The above description of the advantageous embodiments of the present invention contains many features, which are presented in the individual dependent claims in a way that they are partially combined into multiple features. However, these features can also be considered individually and combined into other meaningful combinations.

[0147] Even if several terms are used in the specification or in the patent claims in the singular or in combination with quantifiers, the scope of the present invention for these terms should not be limited to the singular or the corresponding quantifiers. In addition, the word "a" or "an" is not understood as a quantifier, but an indefinite article.

[0148] The above-described characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention and the methods and means for realizing them will become clearer and easier to understand in conjunction with the following description of an embodiment of the present invention explained in detail in conjunction with one or more figures / illustrations (the same components / parts and functions have the same figure marks in the figures / illustrations).

[0149] These exemplary embodiments serve to illustrate the invention, and the invention is not limited to the feature combinations given therein, nor is it limited in terms of functional features. In addition, the features suitable for each exemplary embodiment can also be viewed clearly separately, removed from the exemplary embodiment, introduced into another exemplary embodiment in order to supplement another exemplary embodiment, and combined with any one of the claims.

[0150] In the attached picture:

[0151] Figure 1 The invention shows the processing management of an integrated tool processing consisting of a tool holder and a tool in a manufacturing environment of component manufacturing according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0152] -Processing management of integrated tooling consisting of tool holder and tool in a manufacturing environment for component manufacturing ( Figure 1 )

[0153] Figure 1An integrated or networked production environment 10 is schematically shown in which components can be produced substantially fully automatically ((component) production process 18 ).

[0154] It is shown that (in the manufacturing environment 10) by means of a machine tool 22 (i.e. Figure 1 Component production 18 is shown using a CNC milling machine 42 ), which is also referred to as milling of the component as a production process 18 .

[0155] During component production 18 or during the milling of components, one-piece tools 6 are used in machine tools 42 in which a tool 2 (in this case a milling tool 2 , or milling cutter for short) is held in a clamped manner in a tool holder 4 (in this case a shrink holder / chuck 4 ).

[0156] Here, component manufacturing 18 is performed using the above-described integral tool 6 with the aid of a CNC milling machine 42, and wear may occur on the tool 2 or the milling cutter 2 during component manufacturing 18, which requires assembly of the integral tool 6 or replacement of the milling cutter 2 in the shrink chuck 4 (as well as performing integral tool replacement on the CNC milling machine 42).

[0157] The manufacturing environment 10 can essentially ensure that all of this is done in a fully automated manner, due to or can be ensured by the integrated processing environment 8 monitored / controlled by means of a processing management system 26 described below.

[0158] like Figure 1 As shown (also schematically here), this takes place in the aforementioned integrated and networked processing environment 8 of the lower level (in the manufacturing environment), in which the devices (12, 14, 16, etc.) required for such a tool change are networked and thus carry out the integrated tool creation process 20 indicated here.

[0159] Here, in Figure 1 In the case shown, known devices, namely the shrinking device 12 (with cooling), the balancing device 14 and the preconditioning device 16 as well as the tool handling and sorting 36 and the CAD / CAM system 38 are interconnected or networked / integrated in the processing environment 8 .

[0160] like Figure 1 It is further shown that the processing environment 8 is provided with a central (process) management 26 , by means of which processes (of the devices in the processing environment 8 ), procedures, communications etc. can be monitored and in particular controlled.

[0161] The service provided here is provided by ( Figure 1 The so-called process management system 26 (not shown realistically in the figure), which should be referred to as TRM 26 in this case.

[0162] In short, the TRM 26 monitors and controls processes, procedures and communications in the processing environment 8, so that a consistent process can be implemented in the processing environment 8 (and also in the production environment 10), thereby enabling full automation (of the process) in the environments 8, 10.

[0163] For this purpose, the TRM 26 is configured to derive work instructions / data 28 , 30 or to obtain work instructions / data via the TRM 26 using the process data 24 , in particular process data transmitted from a higher-level production planning / control 22 for producing 18 the component (in short, from the production environment 10 ).

[0164] Furthermore, the TRM 26 is arranged to transmit these work instructions / data 28 , 30 to or from the devices of the integrated / linked or networked processing environment 8 (OPC-UA interface 32 ).

[0165] The process is executed on the device or is thus made executable by means of these work instructions 28 and work data 30. In short, the TRM 26 can thereby monitor the devices of the machining environment 8 and control the (integrated tool creation process 20).

[0166] In this case, such processing data 24 (of the manufacturing environment 10) may be, for example, the common and known (digital) tool list 24 and (digital) configuration page 24. The work instructions 28 and work data 30 of the TRM 26 and their functions shall be described in detail below.

[0167] Stated succinctly and clearly, the TRM 26 becomes a central instance of a device that monitors and / or controls the process environment 8 or the process environment 8 .

[0168] If the data and information exchange within the process environment 8 takes place via the known OPC-UA bidirectional interface 32 , the devices of the process environment 8 can also send data and information (eg queries etc.) back to the TRM 26 .

[0169] Stated simply and concisely, the devices of the processing environment 8 may provide feedback to the TRM 26 during the process, such as feedback regarding the status and / or undesirable conditions of those devices.

[0170] Integration of the TRM 26 (and then further) “upwards” into the production environment 10 allows the aforementioned complete automation of the component production 18 .

[0171] An essential component of the TRM 26 is a central database 44 which contains tool data, tool holder data, (process) data, in particular shrinkage parameters and balancing parameters and / or pre-adjustment parameters.

[0172] This data is also available for complete tool management / administration.

[0173] Here (to put it simply and clearly), the TRM 26 can "assemble" (from the tool 2 and the tool holder 4) an integral tool 6 (required by the manufacturing environment 10) based on these data, that is, assemble the integral tool 6 from the shrink chuck 4 and the milling cutter 4, and then associate it with the corresponding processing parameters (such as shrinkage / balancing / pre-adjustment parameters).

[0174] This in turn can be a component of work instructions / data 28, 30, by means of which the devices in the processing environment 8 are (centrally) controlled or can be (centrally) controlled. In other words, the mentioned work instructions 28 and work data 30 generated by the TRM 26 are essential for the integrated, central control and monitoring of the processing environment 8.

[0175] Therefore, the operating data 30 for the shrinking device 12 may include at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information:

[0176] - the type of tool holder, in particular shrink chuck (if applicable also the article number) and / or the storage location of the tool holder, in particular shrink chuck,

[0177] - a unique characteristic identification of the tool holder, in particular of the shrink chuck, in particular a number,

[0178] - the type of tool, in particular a milling cutter, and / or the storage location of the tool, in particular a milling cutter,

[0179] a unique characteristic identification, in particular a number, of a tool, in particular a milling cutter, and / or a tool holder, in particular a shrink chuck, in particular if the used tool, in particular a milling cutter, still has sufficient remaining time,

[0180] the number of identical tools required, which depends in particular on the planned number of components to be produced and the service life of the tools, in particular the milling cutters, in particular also taking into account the remaining time of the used tools, in particular the milling cutters,

[0181] - the nominal length of the integral tool with tolerance,

[0182] - keep the size (still adjust if necessary),

[0183] - The number of assembly cycles, in particular shrinking cycles, of the tool holder, in particular of the shrinking chuck.

[0184] The work instruction 28 for the shrinking device 12 may include at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information:

[0185] - removing a tool holder, in particular a shrink chuck and / or a tool, in particular a milling cutter, in a specified number of pieces from the storage magazine,

[0186] - reading, in particular scanning, a unique identification, in particular a data matrix code and / or a number, on / on a tool holder (in particular a shrink chuck) and / or on / on a tool (in particular a milling cutter),

[0187] - selecting, in particular automatically selecting, shrinking parameters, in particular with preservation of dimensions,

[0188] - display relevant contraction parameters / data or all relevant contraction parameters / data,

[0189] - moving the length stop to a specified or predetermined length, optionally automatically or manually under user guidance, on an assembly device, in particular a shrinking device,

[0190] - display of a rough adjustment, in particular in color, in particular in red / green,

[0191] - a refined display when approaching the nominal size, in particular a display in color, in particular a display in red / green,

[0192] - heating the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck,

[0193] - inserting a tool, in particular a milling cutter,

[0194] - Pivot the length stops inwards,

[0195] - Raise the tool, in particular the milling cutter, to the length stop (manually or by means of a compression spring),

[0196] - waiting time until the tool, in particular the milling cutter, is clamped,

[0197] - cooling of the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck,

[0198] - monitor the cooling process,

[0199] - Check the actual length with the length stop,

[0200] -store the actual length in the database,

[0201] - marking the integral tool with a unique number of the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck,

[0202] - In particular as an alternative to the contraction of a mechanical clamping chuck, the tool holder parameters are automatically displayed, in particular the torque to be used for a professional assembly, in particular a clamping tongs or a hydraulic expansion clamping chuck, as well as the relevant accessories of the blade holder, such as slides, assembly equipment, etc., and finally the complete tool is displayed to confirm the professional assembly, in particular including its length tolerances.

[0203] The operating data 30 for the preconditioning device 16 may include at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information:

[0204] - Geometric information of the integral tool, in particular the overall length and / or the diameter of the tool, in particular the milling cutter, and / or the tool tip radius of the tool, in particular the milling cutter

[0205] - Tool service life, in particular in the form of service life per component of a new tool or in minutes / hours.

[0206] The work instruction 28 for the preconditioning device 16 may also include at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information:

[0207] -Place the integral tool into the measuring spindle,

[0208] - if necessary, starting an automatic measuring run or starting a manual determination, in particular of defined variables,

[0209] - reading the actual dimensions into a database and / or sending the actual dimensions to the process management system (or its database),

[0210] In addition, the presetting data are also sent to the processing machine.

[0211] The working data 30 for the balancing device 14 may include at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information:

[0212] -Balance tolerances from a database,

[0213] - other parameters from the database, such as total length and total weight,

[0214] - measuring method (e.g. simple measuring method / inversion or (automatic) inversion balancing / simple measuring method with spindle correction),

[0215] The balancing method (eg compensation of the imbalance by removing or adding material or by adjusting the mass) and in particular the corresponding balancing plane (height, diameter, . . . ) to which the mass is to be added or removed.

[0216] The work instruction 28 for the balancing device 14 may include at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information:

[0217] - Clamp the integral tool into the balancing spindle,

[0218] - Run the measurement according to the specified measuring method (e.g. simple measuring method / inversion / simple measuring method with spindle correction),

[0219] - Compensation of imbalance according to the prescribed method,

[0220] - Check the balancing accuracy (test run), read the actual imbalance into the database,

[0221] - Send the results to the process management system (or its database),

[0222] - Repeat the process if necessary until the result meets the requirements (so the balancing process can be traced back in the process management system).

[0223] In addition to the mentioned work instructions 28 and work data 30 , the functionality of the TRM 26 is also crucial.

[0224] Therefore, it is proposed in TRM 26 that

[0225] - monitoring the status, in particular online status, of at least one device, in particular all devices, and / or

[0226] - documentation of the process of at least one device, in particular all devices, in particular also documentation of interventions in the process, in particular manual interventions,

[0227] - and / or monitoring the degree to which at least one device, in particular all devices, comply with specified or predefined tolerances during the process, and / or

[0228] - monitoring and / or recording changes in work instructions / data, values, tolerances and / or other information, in particular changes in the status of the device, and / or

[0229] - counting and / or recording the process repetitions, in particular with reference to a unique characteristic identification of the tool holder and / or the tool, and / or

[0230] - Update work instructions / data, and / or

[0231] - generating work instructions / data in the event of undesired states, in particular error states and / or faulty or incorrectly executed processes, and / or

[0232] - generating a job list based on the work order, in particular providing or transmitting the job list to a device of the processing environment for use (the processing management system can send it (as a "job") to the machine in advance, or make a request to the processing management system at the time of execution by the machine), and / or

[0233] - counting and recording of machining processes, in particular those carried out on devices in a machining environment, in particular when creating a monolithic tool, and / or

[0234] - bidirectional communication within or with the processing environment or with devices in the processing environment, and / or

[0235] - (real-time) "tracking" of the status of the devices integrated into the environment (status: online / offline; status: feedback of the operation (good / bad)),

[0236] - checking the last executed job / jobs by one-to-one corresponding feature identifiers (the last result of the executed job is displayed on the one-to-one corresponding feature identifiers, so it can be determined that all necessary steps have also been executed),

[0237] - Completely record the history of work performed on the machine and document the work performed on the machine.

[0238] It has also proven to be convenient, as mentioned, to bidirectionally transmit or be able to bidirectionally transmit work instructions / data 28, 30 via the OPC-UA interface (or alternatively the Client interface or the MQTT interface). Thus, device feedback (such as status, other states or undesirable conditions of the device, number of process runs / processing steps, etc.) can be achieved (from the device to the TRM 26).

[0239] Furthermore, the TRM 26 is provided with an evaluation unit 46, by means of which data and information, such as the (feedback) number of processing steps (e.g. the number of assembly / shrinking cycles of a specific integral tool 6 / tool ​​2 / tool ​​holder 4), can be evaluated and a (corresponding) log record can be created.

[0240] "Unique ID" 40

[0241] Further important in the process management 26 presented in this article is the assignment of a one-to-one characteristic identification ("unique ID") 40 to the integral tool 6 (assembled from a specific tool holder 4 and a specific tool 2), here in the form of a one-to-one data matrix code (GS1 DataMatrix) laser-processed on the integral tool 6 or on the tool holder 4 here.

[0242] This unique ID 40 of the integral tool 6 can therefore be assigned specific data and information of the integral tool 6 , such as dimensions, tolerances, characteristic values, process parameters (shrinkage / presetting parameters), etc., and, for example, the number of assembly cycles (shrinkage cycles).

[0243] Thus, these numbers allow a specific monolithic tool to be "tracked", monitored and in-process controlled throughout all environments (processing environment 8 and manufacturing environment 10).

[0244] This alone makes it possible to fully monitor and control the processes in the (manufacturing / processing) environments 8, 10 (down to the lowest level, such as assembly, balancing or pre-adjustment) at any time and anywhere, so that full automation can be achieved in the processing environment 8 as well as the manufacturing environment 10.

[0245] Stated another way, assigning a one-to-one characteristic identification 40 or "unique ID" 40 to a specific integral tool 6 (in the processing environment 8) can be crucial for (individualized) monitoring, tracking, logging of the integral tool 6 during the process / period in the processing environment 8 (and in the manufacturing environment 10). This in turn is crucial for full automation (of the integral tool creation process 20 and the (component) manufacturing process 18).

[0246] Although the details of the present invention have been shown and described in detail by means of a preferred embodiment, the invention is not restricted to the disclosed examples and other variants may be derived therefrom without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0247] "Incorporated by reference" DE 10 2024 122 026.0 - Method and device for autonomous determination of a tool or a complete tool

[0248] The invention relates to a method and a device for the autonomous determination of a tool or a complete tool, which consists of a tool receiving frame and a tool clamped in the tool receiving frame.

[0249] Typically, before connection to a machine tool, for example, which is designed as a CNC machining machine, the complete tool in the tool holder and the tool clamped in the tool holder, for example, a shrink-fitted tool (e.g. a shrink-fitted milling tool or a clamped cutting tool), are measured ("pre-adjusted") with the aid of a device for measuring the tool (which is also referred to as a "pre-adjustment device" for short).

[0250] The (geometric) dimensions of the tool or the complete tool determined in this way by means of the presetting device are then available for optimizing the machining of workpieces in the machine tool or are used for this purpose.

[0251] This pre-adjustment ensures in particular that the part of the tool that processes the workpiece (e.g. the cutting edge of a cutting / milling tool) has acceptable position dimensions for the planned processing of the workpiece on the machine. Stated simply and generally, the dimensional stability and characteristics of all relevant dimensions of the tool are checked and inspected.

[0252] In this case, with the aid of such a presetting device, in particular the length of the complete tool, the diameter and / or the cutting edge shape of the clamped tool or cutting / milling tool and, if necessary, various other dimensions of or relating to the tool or complete tool are measured.

[0253] If these data are directly related to the workpiece machining quality of the workpiece in the machine tool, the tool must be measured with high (repeat) accuracy in the presetting device.

[0254] Such measuring devices or such preconditioning devices are known, for example, from the preconditioning devices of the “UNO” or “VIO” series from the company Haimer.

[0255] Such known determination of the complete tool (for example by means of known pre-adjustment devices) is usually automated or carried out automatically in order to provide a process that is as error-free, safe, rational and efficient as possible, for example within the framework of an automated industrial production process.

[0256] However, in this context, automatic means that, although important sub-processes / procedures during tool determination (can) be run without operator intervention (e.g. certain determination processes), a process completely independent of an operator, i.e. an autonomous process, is not yet possible. That is, even in such an automatic process or in such an automatic tool determination according to the prior art, an operator is required to perform operations, such as inputting tool data and / or identification information of the tool or the complete tool, until the measurement process is fully programmed into the determination controller.

[0257] This is due in particular to the fact that the sub-process steps carried out in the known tool determination are extremely complex and possibly not adequately structured, requiring the aforementioned operator input, so that the process as a whole cannot be proven to be "autonomous". That is, the prior art cannot provide a completely autonomous process.

[0258] The object of the present invention is to improve the determination of a tool or a complete tool known from the prior art and in particular to enable it to be carried out completely independently of or without an operator, ie autonomously.

[0259] This object is achieved by a method and a device for autonomously determining a tool or a complete tool, which consists of a tool receiving rack and a tool clamped in the tool receiving rack, having the features of the respective independent claim.

[0260] Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and the following description and relate to the device according to the invention and the method according to the invention.

[0261] Terms used where necessary, such as "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left" or "right" should be understood according to common understanding and in consideration of the drawings herein, unless otherwise expressly defined. Terms such as "radial" and "axial", if used but not expressly defined, should be understood with reference to the central axis / longitudinal axis or symmetry axis of the member / component described herein and in consideration of the drawings herein.

[0262] Whenever used, the term "substantially" is understood (as understood by the Supreme Court) to mean "still to a substantial degree in practice". Possible deviations from the precision implied by the term may occur unintentionally (i.e. without functional reason) due to manufacturing or assembly tolerances, etc.

[0263] As distinguished from “automation”, “autonomous” means that no operator intervention or operation is required except for triggering the start signal, or when using corresponding equipment, such “autonomous process” can run completely independently (no operator is required).

[0264] For the sake of simplicity, the term "tool" used below shall also refer to a "complete tool" consisting of a tool receiving rack and a tool clamped in the tool receiving rack.

[0265] In the method for the autonomous determination of a (short) tool, firstly the type of tool is autonomously determined.

[0266] In particular, a rotating tool and / or a machining tool, such as a milling tool, optionally with a cutting blade, a drilling tool, a turning tool, optionally with a cutting blade, or a grinding disk, can be specified as the type of tool.

[0267] In this case, it is particularly expedient to use image processing based on KI (artificial intelligence) to determine the type of tool.

[0268] The point on the tool which characterizes the tool is then determined autonomously depending on the type of tool.

[0269] Conveniently, this point (for example in a drilling tool) is the uppermost (or highest) point of the tool, or this point (for example in a milling tool or a grinding disk) is a point on the outer edge of the tool.

[0270] From this point on, the functional geometry of the tool is determined autonomously.

[0271] Such a functional geometric feature can be, for example, a cutting edge of a machining tool, such as a milling tool or a drilling tool, or a grinding disk edge region in a grinding disk.

[0272] It is particularly expedient if the tool is rotated or swiveled about its longitudinal axis or center axis during the measurement, in particular while being clamped in a spindle, wherein functional geometrical features (eg cutting edges) are detected autonomously during the rotation or swiveling and are measured.

[0273] This process of rotation / turning, identification and measurement can be repeated at least until the tool completes a full revolution around its longitudinal axis or center axis. All functional geometric features / cutting edges on the tool are then identified (the maximum number) and all functional geometric features / cutting edges are measured.

[0274] Image processing based on KI (artificial intelligence) can also be used for this recognition of one or more functional geometric features.

[0275] It is also further advantageous to back up and / or store the determined functional geometry / multiple functional geometries of the tool as a reference, wherein in particular the newly determined functional geometry / multiple functional geometries are compared with the reference (for example by image comparison) when the tool is measured again.

[0276] Image processing based on KI (artificial intelligence) can also be used here.

[0277] By means of such a comparison (comparison between new functional geometry and reference), in particular wear on the functional geometry and / or defective functional geometry can be detected or determined.

[0278] Subsequently, the overall geometry of the tool is derived autonomously from the determined functional geometry.

[0279] It is particularly expedient here if the overall geometry (for example represented by an overall image) results from a superposition of determined functional geometries of the tool, wherein the overall geometry is in particular the (in particular radial and axial) maximum outer contour curve of the tool or the complete tool.

[0280] Furthermore, it may be advantageous to use overall geometrical features of the tool, in particular together with the smallest contour of the tool, to determine the circular run-out and / or the flatness and / or the roundness of the tool.

[0281] Such a minimum contour may be, for example, a (measured) contour or functional geometric feature which is located radially further inwards (i.e. closer to the center axis or longitudinal axis of the tool) than the contour of the overall geometric feature, such as, in particular, a cutting edge or grinding disk edge region which is located radially further inwards.

[0282] It is also convenient to store the overall image and / or overall geometric features and / or minimum contour of the tool as a reference, wherein in particular when the tool is measured again the corresponding newly determined overall image and / or overall geometric features and / or minimum contour can also be compared with their corresponding reference (for example by image comparison).

[0283] Image processing based on KI (artificial intelligence) can also be used here.

[0284] In particular, wear on the tool can also be detected or determined by means of this comparison.

[0285] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the tool is scanned, in particular a 2D scan and / or a 3D scan is performed, and a corresponding digital image of the tool is generated.

[0286] This can result in a digital twin of the tool (as described in DE 10 2017 117 840 A1, which is hereby incorporated by reference with its content into the present application (“incorporated by reference”)) and / or a collision-related or cutting-related digital twin (as described in DE 10 2022 123017 A1, which is hereby incorporated by reference with its content into the present application (“incorporated by reference”)).

[0287] It is also expedient to compare the measurement / measurements of the tool (such as its functional geometrical feature / features) with the (crash-related / cutting-related) digital twin.

[0288] This comparison can be carried out in particular for or at an existing tool or complete tool height or for or, if necessary, for various existing tool or complete tool heights (2nd / 3rd plane, etc.).

[0289] It is also convenient for this purpose that the method is not only carried out in the (first) axial height / plane of the tool. That is, the method can also be conveniently carried out at other axial heights (z-axis) of the tool (e.g. second / third plane etc.), for example where the diameter of the tool changes (e.g. steps of a "step drill") and / or where other or additional functional geometrical features (e.g. (additional) blades / cutting blades) are arranged on the tool and / or at (any) other possible (axial) heights.

[0290] Here, the measuring unit can be displaced autonomously in the z-direction / vertically (eg along the outer edge of the tool) to a (different) plane, where it detects other functional geometric features and where the described measuring process is repeated.

[0291] Furthermore, it may be expedient to connect the determined surface points of the tool (in particular determined using KI (artificial intelligence)-based image processing) to form a contour of the tool or the complete tool.

[0292] According to a preferred embodiment, it is provided that the method is carried out using or in or on a rotating tool and / or a machining tool, such as a milling tool, a drilling tool or a grinding disk.

[0293] Furthermore, according to a particularly preferred development, the method may have one or more of the following steps, which are preferably performed in the order given:

[0294] The highest point of the tool (referenced to a point characterizing the tool) located on the central axis (longitudinal axis) (z-axis) of the tool can be determined. That is, the central axis (longitudinal axis) (z-axis) of the tool is approached; the uppermost or highest point of the tool is then determined on the central axis.

[0295] (Subsequently) in particular the highest point can be used to check whether a tip is present on the tool. For this purpose, for example, KI (artificial intelligence) methods or image processing based on KI (artificial intelligence) can also be used.

[0296] This can also be implemented, for example, as finding / determining the neighboring points of the tool to the highest point. If these neighboring points are located axially (in the center axis / longitudinal axis or z-axis direction) below the highest point, it can be assumed that there is a tip (located at the highest point).

[0297] In case a tip is present, the type of tool can (subsequently) be determined as a drilling tool.

[0298] In the absence of a tip, a radially outer edge on the tool (referenced to a point characterizing the tool) can be determined (subsequently), and in particular using this radially outer edge a cutting edge on the tool (referenced to the functional geometrical feature) can be determined. This can be achieved in particular using a defined comparison pattern (optionally with the aid of KI).

[0299] The cutting edge can then be measured.

[0300] If a cutting edge is found (and if necessary measured), the tool can then also be assumed to be a milling tool. If there is no cutting edge, the tool can be assumed to be a grinding disk, the circumferential grinding disk edge of which (reference functional geometry) can be measured.

[0301] It is also particularly advantageous, in particular, if the method or the tool is carried out using a device for autonomous determination of a tool or a complete tool or is processed according to the method.

[0302] The device for autonomously determining a tool or a complete tool, which consists of a tool receiving rack and a tool clamped therein, comprises a determination unit and a computing and control unit.

[0303] The measuring unit and / or the computing and control unit are configured to first autonomously determine the type of tool, then autonomously determine the point on the tool that characterizes the tool based on the type of tool, from which point onwards the functional geometric characteristics of the tool can be autonomously determined, and then the overall geometric characteristics of the tool can be autonomously derived based on the determined functional geometric characteristics.

[0304] It is particularly expedient if the determination unit and / or the computing and control unit are configured to carry out the method or the method steps according to the invention.

[0305] In this case, a “unit . . . ” (such as a determination unit and a computing and control unit) can also have, in particular, a processor, a memory unit, an interface and / or an operating, control and computing program, in particular stored in a memory unit.

[0306] If necessary, the determination unit and / or the device can have a control unit which provides for corresponding control of the determination unit in order to carry out the above-described method according to the invention or one of the method steps according to the invention.

[0307] According to the embodiment, it can be provided that the determination unit has one or more optical and / or contactless measuring devices, such as digital cameras and / or radars and / or lidars and / or measuring devices operating according to the transmitted light or reflected light method (especially with (digital) image sensors). Alternatively, other types of measuring devices can also be provided, such as laser curtains or other tactile or optical measuring systems.

[0308] Furthermore, it can be convenient, especially for turning tools, to measure the tool or the complete tool or its functional geometries from various angles (axes) using multiple measuring devices, thereby making it possible to determine in particular the posture of functional geometries (such as cutting edges or cutting blades).

[0309] It is also advantageous if the type of measuring device is selected according to the requirements for measuring accuracy.

[0310] The machining center is equipped with the equipment and the machine tool.

[0311] In this case, it is particularly expedient if the device and the machine tool are mounted on a common base and / or if the device is integrated into the machine tool (at the functional and / or component level).

[0312] The invention is based on the recognition that autonomous measurement of a tool is only possible if, on the one hand, each process / method step itself can be automated and all process / method steps can be performed together in an integrated working environment (e.g. in a single device, such as a pre-adjustment device) and, on the other hand, all information required for the respective process / method step is already available at the start of each process / method step.

[0313] Starting from this point, the invention produces a specific, extremely simple, inventive or inventive method system with a specially classified and ordered sequence of automatable or automated process / method steps, which meets or ensures the above-mentioned prerequisites.

[0314] In this case, according to the invention or the method system according to the invention, operator operations can be omitted, operator operations are unnecessary here, and the autonomous method for measuring the tool according to the invention or the method system according to the invention can be executed completely autonomously as a whole.

[0315] The invention can thus provide error-free, reliable and highly rational and cost-effective processes, for example within the framework of automated industrial manufacturing processes. The invention thus makes a valuable contribution to the intelligent networking of machines and processes in industry / industrial manufacturing, i.e. to Industry 4.0.

[0316] Another aspect of the invention relates to a device for autonomous determination of a tool or a complete tool, in particular a device which is provided with a reader for reading data from a data carrier arranged on a tool receiving frame which is located on a measuring device support of the device.

[0317] The above description of the advantageous design of the present invention contains many features, which are presented in separate dependent claims in a manner that is partially combined into multiple features. However, these features can also be conveniently viewed separately and also combined into other meaningful combinations between these components / devices and methods.

[0318] Even if several terms are used in the specification or in the patent claims in the singular or in combination with quantifiers, the scope of the present invention for these terms should not be limited to the singular or the corresponding quantifiers. In addition, the word "a" or "an" is not understood as a quantifier, but an indefinite article.

[0319] The above-described characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention and the methods and means for realizing them will become clearer and easier to understand in conjunction with the following description of an embodiment of the present invention explained in detail in conjunction with one or more figures / illustrations (the same components / parts and functions have the same figure marks in the figures / illustrations).

[0320] These embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the feature combinations given therein, nor is it limited in terms of functional features. In addition, the features suitable for this in each embodiment can also be explicitly considered separately, deleted from a certain embodiment, introduced into another embodiment in order to supplement another embodiment and / or combined with any one of the claims.

[0321] In the attached picture:

[0322] Figure 1-1 A preconditioning device according to an embodiment of the invention is shown, with the aid of which an autonomous determination of the tool can be carried out,

[0323] Figure 2-1 The embodiment according to the present invention is shown Figure 1-1 The control menu in the pre-adjustment device of the tool displays the autonomous determination of the tool,

[0324] Figure 3-1 It shows that according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1-1 In the pre-adjustment device according to Figure 2-1 A snippet from the control menu showing the autonomous measurements of the tool.

[0325] Figure 4-1 shows an overall image of a milling tool (with overall geometric features and minimal contours) according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is generated during autonomous measurement of the tool,

[0326] Figure 5-1 A measuring device holder with an integrated reading device in a preconditioning device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0327] Self-measurement of tools ( Figure 1-1 to Figure 4-1 )

[0328] Figure 1-1 The tool presetting device 2 (or presetting device 2 for short) for measuring the tool 4 or the complete tool 6 (tool holding frame 8 and tool 4) is shown in detail.

[0329] The pre-adjustment device 2 has an optical measuring device 10 in the form of a camera device 10 , by means of which information can be acquired from the tool 4 or the complete tool 6 , in short, the tool or the complete tool can be measured.

[0330] The pre-adjustment device 2 also has a computing and control unit 34, which mainly includes: a processor; a storage unit (referred to as memory); an interface with a camera device; an interface 36 with a machine tool; and a computing and operating program stored in the storage unit, which can be run by the computing and control unit 34 and can be "operated" by means of a display device 38 and an input device 40, such as the autonomous determination of the tool 4 ("Maximum SE"), which is the core of this article, and the data generation of collision-related digital twins and cutting-related digital twins of the tool 4 or the complete tool 6 (as described in DE 10 2022 123017A1).

[0331] Furthermore, the computing and control unit 34 is also configured to carry out or perform a conventional measurement of the tool 4 or the complete tool 6 using the camera device 10 by means of corresponding computing and operating programs, wherein other pre-adjustment data of the tool 4 or the complete tool 6 are generated.

[0332] Furthermore, likewise with the aid of corresponding calculation and operating programs and using the camera device 10 , the calculation and control unit 34 can generate data for the crash test of the tool 4 or the complete tool 6 , ie a crash-related and machining-related digital twin.

[0333] These or all measurement or pre-adjustment data (including measurement or pre-adjustment data from autonomous measurement of the tool 4 (“Maximum SE”)) (collectively referred to as measurement or pre-adjustment data) and / or collision-related and cutting-related digital twin data (collectively referred to as collision-related and cutting-related digital twins) can be provided in digital form in the form of one or more data sets for further machine tool processing, for example in the data formats of VDA-FS, IFC, IGES, STEP, STL and DXF.

[0334] In the present case, independent datasets of measured data, preconditioning data and digital twins as well as a common dataset of digital twins are provided.

[0335] These data or data sets can be transferred / transmitted to a machine tool via an interface 36 to the machine tool (not shown) where, in particular, a simulated crash test can be carried out or executed with the aid of these data.

[0336] like Figure 1-1 As shown (also refer to Figure 2-1 to Figure 4-1 ), the pre-adjustment device 2 also has a display device 38 in the form of a display 38 (with the function of a touch screen) and an input device 40 designed as a (separate) keyboard 40. In addition, the input device 40 is also designed as a touch screen of the functional display 38.

[0337] The operator can operate the calculation and operating program via the keyboard 40 and the touch screen 38, wherein the functions, data and status indicators of the calculation and operating program are displayed on the display 38 (and can also be operated thereon), and trigger the forwarding of data or data sets to the machine tool via the interface 36.

[0338] Also like Figure 1-1 As shown, the complete tool 6 is arranged on a spindle 42 which is rotatable about a rotational axis / center axis or longitudinal axis 46 (z axis) in a manner which is also automatically controlled by an actuator (not shown in detail) by means of a corresponding function program.

[0339] The above-mentioned camera device 10 of the pre-adjustment device 2 is designed as a transmitted light system. Here, the camera 48 and the lighting device 50 are located on opposite sides of the complete tool 6 arranged on the spindle 42. The camera device 10 is mounted on a carriage 52 and can be displaced along two axes ("x" and "z") manually, in particular automatically controlled by means of a corresponding function program.

[0340] Furthermore, an interface for a printer 54 is provided.

[0341] Functional program "Autonomous tool determination" ("Maximum SE")

[0342] Figure 2-1 to Figure 4-1 The flow of a functional procedure for autonomous determination of a tool or a complete tool is shown.

[0343] Figure 2-1 Shown are control menus or operating and display surfaces 32 as they are displayed on a display device 38 / display / touch screen 38 of the preconditioning device 2 and by means of which an autonomous determination of a tool or a complete tool is carried out or initiated.

[0344] On the left side of the user interface 32 are displayed various functional programs of the pre-setting device 2 in the form of arranged functional buttons 44, such as a functional program named "Maximum SE" for autonomous determination of a tool or a complete tool (see the framed mark in FIG. 2).

[0345] By touching the function button 44 "Maximum SE", an autonomous determination of the tool or the complete tool is initiated, which then runs completely without an operator or autonomously. That is, any tool that is unknown at that point in time can be determined (and set up as a new tool in the tool management (as a data set)) without further operator assistance.

[0346] The camera device 10 “finds” the (arbitrary and “unknown”) tool 4 clamped / held in the spindle 42. That is, the camera device 10 is autonomously displaced along the center axis 46 (z-axis) of the tool until it detects / recognizes (here) a “first part / area” of the tool 4. Here, the camera device is displaced to the height of the highest point 12 of the tool 4 clamped / held in the spindle 42.

[0347] Thus, the highest or uppermost point 12 of the tool 4 on the central axis (longitudinal axis) 46 (z-axis) of the tool can be determined thereby.

[0348] The highest point 12 is then used to check whether a tip 14 is present on the tool 4. For this purpose, image processing methods based on KI (artificial intelligence) are used here.

[0349] Alternatively, this can also be achieved by finding / determining points on the tool 4 that are adjacent to the highest point 12. If these adjacent points are axially (in the center axis / longitudinal axis or z-axis direction) below the highest point 12, it can be assumed that the tip 14 is present (at the highest point 12).

[0350] In the presence of the tip 14, the previously "unknown" tool 4 is then identified / classified as a drilling tool. The functional geometry 16 of the "drilling tool" (also referred to as "drill bit") is then further determined.

[0351] However, since the "unknown" tool 4 in the present case is a (ten-edged) milling tool (see Figure 3-1 ), so the tip 14 cannot be found on the tool 4, and therefore this tool 4 cannot be classified / identified as a drilling tool.

[0352] Then, in this "tipless" condition of the tool 4, a radially outer edge 18 on the tool is determined. That is, the camera device 10 is displaced radially outwards (x-axis) towards the radially outer edge 20 of the tool 4.

[0353] The camera device 10 detects the radially outer edge 20 and the spindle 42 begins to rotate the tool 4 or complete tool 6 clamped therein (about its longitudinal / center axis or z-axis 46 ).

[0354] During the rotation of the tool 4, the camera device 10 continuously determines the contour 22 of the tool 4 in the corresponding rotational position. On the other hand, the determined contour 22 is evaluated here using a predetermined comparison pattern to determine whether a cutting edge 16 (functional geometrical feature 16) of the tool 4 can be identified in the contour curve (of the corresponding rotational position of the tool 4). If the contour 22 is identified as a cutting edge 16 / functional geometrical feature 16, it is also determined.

[0355] The tool 4 is rotated completely at least once (360°) about its central axis or longitudinal axis or z-axis 46 , wherein all cutting edges 16 (functional geometries 16 ) (possibly present in the cutting or milling tool) are thus identified at the end of the rotation process and are also subsequently determined in this case.

[0356] It is therefore now determined whether the tool 4 (a) is a milling or cutting tool and (b) how many cutting edges are present therein.

[0357] In the case described here in the invention, the number of cutting edges 16 (functional geometric features 16 ) is identified as ten and determined, wherein the “unknown” tool is therefore now recognized and correspondingly classified as a ten-edge milling tool.

[0358] Figure 2-1 , its details Figure 3-1 The determination of (in this case ten) cutting edges 16 (functional geometrical features 16 ) of (in this case) a milling tool is shown.

[0359] If you can Figure 2-1 and Figure 3-1 (fragment of user interface / touch screen 38) As can be seen, in this case the "x" dimension (i.e. radial dimension) of ten cutting edges 16 is displayed by means of a diagram (in the form of a bar graph (the height of the bar corresponds to the radial dimension)). Subsequently, by "conversion" to the "z" dimension, the corresponding "z" dimension (z axis) of the ten cutting edges 16 is also displayed accordingly. In a variant, the x dimension and the z dimension can also be displayed simultaneously in superimposed form.

[0360] The corresponding illustrations enable quick and easy identification of differences in the cutting edges 16 or their states, for example, the outermost cutting edge 56 (see Figure 4-1 )( Figure 2-1 and Figure 3-1 The cutting edge 1) and the innermost cutting edge 58 ( Figure 4-1 )( Figure 2-1 and Figure 3-1 Cutting edge 3) (reference Figure 2-1 or Figure 3-1 , respectively marked by two straight lines), or the difference between the highest cutting edge and the lowest cutting edge.

[0361] to this end, Figure 4-1 A corresponding overall image 24 is shown, in which the determined cutting edges 16 are displayed with their cutting edge contours superimposed.

[0362] like Figure 4-1As shown, in the overall image 24, the measured (along "x" and "z") functional geometric features / cutting edges 16 of the tool are displayed in a superimposed manner, whereby the maximum outer contour 26 of the milling tool / tool ​​4 is represented in the image (also computationally derivable) as the overall geometric feature 26 (here along "x" and "z").

[0363] Likewise, a minimum contour 28 can be extracted (eg likewise from overall image 24 ) or determined (also computationally) which, in simple terms, (as a counterpart to overall geometrical feature 26 ) forms a “minimum inner contour” 28 .

[0364] The circular run-out, flatness and roundness of the tool 4 can then also be determined from the maximum outer contour 26 (along “x”) or the overall geometrical feature 26 and the minimum inner contour 28 .

[0365] If the cutting edge 16 (functional geometry 16 ) of a tool 4 is measured, it is stored as a reference (in a memory or a tool management system) and can therefore be compared with the newly measured cutting edge 16 / functional geometry 16 of this tool 4 when this tool 4 is measured again.

[0366] This comparison can be used to determine wear information about the tool 4. Other features can then also be derived from the wear information, such as the remaining operating time or remaining service life.

[0367] If no individual / multiple cutting edges 16 are detected in the contour recognition (see above), such a tool 4 (i.e. without a tip 14, see above) can be assumed to be a grinding disk 4, whose circumferential grinding disk edge 18 (see functional geometric features 16) is then determined. Here, an overall image 24, overall geometric features 26 and minimum contours 28 are then also determined, stored and evaluated (e.g. roundness, flatness, ...).

[0368] If a tip 14 is identified in the tool 4 and the tool is therefore classified as a drill 4 , the camera device 10 is displaced axially to the height at which the tool / drill 4 or its drill tip has its largest outer diameter and from there radially outwards towards the radial outer edge 20 of the tool.

[0369] From here on, the same process steps as described for the drilling tool 4 are carried out as for the milling tool 4 .

[0370] The radially outer edge 20 is detected by the camera device 10 and the spindle 42 begins to rotate the tool / drill bit 4 clamped therein (about its longitudinal / center axis or z-axis 46 ).

[0371] During the rotation of the tool / drill 4, the camera device 10 continuously determines the contour 22 of the tool / drill 4 in the corresponding rotational position. On the other hand, the determined contour 22 is evaluated to determine whether a cutting edge 16 (functional geometrical feature 16) of the tool 4 can be identified in the contour curve (of the corresponding rotational position of the tool 4). If the contour 22 is identified as a cutting edge 16 / functional geometrical feature 16, it is also determined.

[0372] The tool / drill 4 is rotated completely (360°) about its central axis or longitudinal axis or z-axis 46, wherein all cutting edges 16 (functional geometries 16) are thus identified at the end of the rotation process and are subsequently measured in this case. Accordingly, an overall image 24, overall geometries 26 and minimum contours 28 as well as wear information are derived, stored and evaluated.

[0373] In the autonomous determination of the tool described here, the determination of the tool is "only" in one (first) plane (indicated by the border, see Figure 2-1 and Figure 3-1 The cutting is performed on the "step 1 / 1" in the tool, that is, on the "outer blade" 18 (close to the tip 14 of the tool 4).

[0374] Measurements of this type as described can also be performed at other axial heights (z-axis) of the tool 4 (second / third plane, etc.), for example where the diameter of the tool 4 changes (e.g. the steps of a “step drill”) and / or where other or additional functional geometrical features 16 (e.g. (further) blades / cutting blades (functional geometrical features 16)) are arranged on the tool and / or at (arbitrary) other heights.

[0375] Here, the camera device 10 is then displaced along the outer edge of the tool 4 until a further functional geometric feature 16 is identified in another plane and the described measuring process (see above) is repeated here. The overall image 24, the overall geometric feature 26 and the minimum contour 28 as well as the wear information are correspondingly obtained, stored and evaluated.

[0376] Functional Program "Digital Twin"

[0377] According to the above-mentioned function program "Maximum SE", the function program "Digital Twin" is started, wherein the generation of the (crash-related) digital twin is started here (not shown) autonomously or by touching the function button "Digital Twin" on the display device 38 / display 38.

[0378] - In case of non-rotating tools

[0379] During the generation of a collision-related digital twin of a complete tool 6 (here a non-rotating tool 4 , for example a turning tool 4 ), the complete tool is acquired and a digital image of the complete tool is created therefrom.

[0380] The acquisition is performed by 2D scanning of the complete tool 6 (in this case a non-rotating tool 4 is used) by means of a camera device 10, wherein the contours of both sides of the complete tool 6 are determined at a predetermined fixed position of the complete tool 6 (where the spindle 42 is fixed).

[0381] Here, the camera device 10 moves to different heights of the complete tool 6 in an automated manner and photographs the complete tool 6 or sections of the complete tool 6 at these heights, and then "extracts" the contour or contour curve of the complete tool 6 based on the photographed content, which then forms a (two-dimensional) digital image.

[0382] This occurs in the form of: firstly, the camera device 10 is displaced from below (i.e. from the lower end of the complete tool 6) gradually upwards (i.e. towards the upper end of the complete tool 6), wherein the camera device 10 is aligned with the contour of one side of the complete tool 6 and is able to capture the contour of one side of the complete tool 6.

[0383] Subsequently, the camera device 10 is gradually displaced from top to bottom, wherein the camera device 10 is aligned with the contour of the other side of the complete tool 6 and can acquire the contour of the other side of the complete tool 6 .

[0384] In addition to the acquisition of the complete tool, the first cutting edge point, the cutting edge start point, the second cutting edge point, and the cutting edge end point on the tool 4 or the complete tool 6 are then further determined by means of the camera device 10 .

[0385] For this purpose, if the process is not to be carried out autonomously, the operator can move the camera device 10 to the two corresponding heights, which the operator can control via the display information on the display 38, focus on the cutting edge start or cutting edge end there, and can then trigger the corresponding determination with the aid of the keyboard 40. Otherwise, the process is carried out autonomously.

[0386] The cutting edge region is then acquired in the digital image using the determined first cutting edge point and the determined second cutting edge point or using the acquired points which are closest in the digital image (“collision-related digital twin”).

[0387] - In case of rotating tools

[0388] During the generation of a collision-related digital twin of a complete tool 6 , here a rotating tool 4 , for example a milling tool 4 , the complete tool is also acquired and, in the case of a rotating tool 4 , a (three-dimensional) digital image of the complete tool 6 is created.

[0389] The acquisition is performed by 3D scanning of the complete tool 6 (in this case a rotating tool 4 ) by means of the camera device 10 , wherein the contour of one side of the complete tool is determined with different degrees of rotation of the complete tool 6 (with the spindle 42 rotating).

[0390] Here, the camera device 10 moves to different heights of the complete tool 6 in an automated manner and photographs the complete tool 6 or sections of the complete tool 6 at these heights at positions of the complete tool that are rotated to different degrees (with the aid of the spindle 42), and then "extracts" the envelope contour of the complete tool 6 based on the photographed content, which then forms a three-dimensional digital image.

[0391] This occurs in that the camera device 10 is preferably moved from below, i.e. from the lower end of the complete tool 6, gradually upwards, i.e. towards the upper end of the complete tool 6, wherein the camera device 10 is directed at the contour of one side of the complete tool 6. At the traveled height, various photographs of the complete tool 6 are taken in each case in a position of the complete tool that is rotated to a different degree accordingly.

[0392] In addition to capturing the complete tool 6 , the first cutting edge point, the cutting edge starting point, the second cutting edge point, and the cutting edge end point on the tool 6 or the complete tool 6 are then further identified and measured (if necessary using KI (artificial intelligence)) with the aid of the camera device 10 .

[0393] For this purpose, if the process is not to be carried out autonomously, the operator can move the camera device 10 to the two corresponding heights, which the operator can control via the display information on the display 38, focus on the cutting edge start or cutting edge end there, and can then trigger the corresponding determination with the aid of the keyboard 40. Otherwise, the process is carried out autonomously.

[0394] Then, in the digital image, the cutting edge region is acquired using the determined first cutting edge point and the determined second cutting edge point or using the acquired closest points in the digital image (“collision-related digital twin”) and marked as the cutting edge region.

[0395] The machine tool and / or an external programming station then carries out a collision simulation based on these data.

[0396] (Measuring device) holder 64 with a reading device / device 62 for reading a data carrier 60 on the tool receiving rack 8 ( Figure 5-1 )

[0397] Figure 5-1 A (approximately U-shaped) measuring device holder 64 is shown in the presetting device 2 as part of the carriage 52 of the presetting device 2 , which has a reader 62 integrated therein for reading the data carrier 60 on the tool receiving frame 8 .

[0398] The complete tool 6 (specifically the tool holder 8) held or clamped in the spindle 42 is provided with a data carrier 60, for example, designed here as a contactless readable data carrier (for example an RFID chip), by means of which the tool holder 8 can be identified fully automatically (also within the framework of a specified autonomous process) and further measurement data of the tool holder can be included. The position of the data carrier 60 on the tool holder 8 is standardized in this case (HSK / SK tool holder).

[0399] As a result, incorrect assignments or missing tools are avoided and maximum tool availability and high machine availability are ensured. In this case, all tool-related data are stored (here in a contactless manner) on a data carrier 60, which is firmly connected to a tool receiving frame 8 (as described, for example, in DE 10 2016 102 692 A1). In addition to or instead of the various tool data, a code / value or the like for uniquely identifying the tool can also be stored on the chip.

[0400] Also like Figure 5-1 As shown, the complete tool 6 or the tool receiving frame 8 is arranged on a spindle 42 which is also rotatable in an automated manner about a rotation axis / center axis or longitudinal axis 46 (z axis), in particular by an actuator (not shown).

[0401] The aforementioned camera device 10 of the preconditioning device 2 (see Figure 1-1 The camera 48 and the lighting device 50 in FIG. 1 are arranged on a U-shaped measuring device support 64, which is part of the carriage 52 of the pre-adjusting device 2 and is as shown in FIG. Figure 5-1 As indicated in , the measuring device holder can be displaced along two axes (“x” and “z” 46 ) manually, in particular also automatically (see autonomous process, see above).

[0402] In addition, as in Figure 5-1 As indicated in FIG. 1 , a reading device 62 with a read / write head 66 which can be displaced (in a horizontal plane) is integrated in the measuring device carrier 64 , which reading device can read data from the data carrier 60 on the tool receiving rack 8 .

[0403] Stated differently, the read / write head 66 of the reading device 62 is moved out of the measuring device carrier 64 toward the data carrier (in which position data can be read from the data carrier 60 ) and back again to the measuring device carrier.

[0404] The data are read out from the data carrier 60 either autonomously integrated in the process or as a separate autonomous process by means of a function button 44 on the touch screen 38 (touching the function button 44 starts the autonomous readout process).

[0405] The measuring device carrier 64 is displaced autonomously along the central axis / z-axis 46 into a basic position whose axial height corresponds to the axial height at which the data carrier 60 is fastened to the tool receiving frame 8 .

[0406] The complete tool 6 or the tool holder 8 is rotated autonomously about the z-axis by means of the spindle 42 until the data chip 60 arranged in a standardized position on the tool holder 8 comes to rest in front of the reading device 62. In this process, the adapter-dependent angle value of the chip position in the system is detected, but it can also be found in a camera-assisted manner if necessary.

[0407] The read / write head 66 of the reading device 62 moves out to the data carrier 60 and reads out its data. The read / write head 66 then moves back again.

[0408] If the reading device 62 is to be positioned in front of the data carrier 60 without being known in advance (completely) (with reference to a standardized position), it can be provided that the camera unit 10 uses KI (artificial intelligence)-based image processing to "find" the data carrier 60 on the tool receiving rack 8 and thus recognize or determine its position. The height positioning of the measuring device holder 64, the spindle rotation and the subsequent reading can then be carried out accordingly.

[0409] Such a readout device 62 in a measuring device holder 64 of a presetting device 2 can also be used in a corresponding manner (also in a functional manner) in any other machine tool.

[0410] The read / write head 66 can also be just a special camera, which is mounted on the measuring device support 64 and recognizes the tool receiving rack 8, or it can also be a reading device 62, which reads a marking, such as a QR code, located on the tool receiving rack 8. Such a marking can identify the tool receiving rack 8 or contain tool data in coded form.

[0411] The pre-adjustment device 2, in this case Figure 5-1 The additional aspect described in connection with this ("(measuring device) holder 52 with a reading device / device 62 for reading a data carrier 60 on a tool receiving rack 8") Figure 5-1)”) may also be unrelated to or independent of the pre-regulation device and continue as an independent subject matter of a divisional application.

[0412] Although the details of the present invention have been shown and described in detail by means of a preferred embodiment, the invention is not restricted to the disclosed examples and other variants may be derived therefrom without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0413] List of Reference Numerals ( Figure 1 ):

[0414] 2 Tools

[0415] 4 Tool holder

[0416] 6. Integrated tools

[0417] 8 (Integrated / Linked) Processing Environment

[0418] 10 (Integrated / Linked) Manufacturing Environment

[0419] 12 Assembly device, shrinking device

[0420] 14 Balancing device

[0421] 16 Pre-adjustment device

[0422] 18 (Component) Manufacturing Process

[0423] 20 Overall tool creation process

[0424] 22 Manufacturing Planning / Control

[0425] 24 Processing data, tool list, configuration page

[0426] 26 Processing Management System

[0427] 28 Work Instructions

[0428] 30 Work data

[0429] 32 interfaces, OPC-UA interface, Client / MQTT interface

[0430] 36 Tool control and selection

[0431] 38 CAD / CAM system

[0432] 40 (One-to-one correspondence) characteristic identification / code, (one-to-one correspondence) data matrix code 42 Machine tools / CNC milling machines

[0433] 44 Database

[0434] 46 evaluation units

[0435] List of reference numerals of DE 10 2024 122 026.0 ( Figure 1-1 to Figure 5-1 )

[0436] 2 Equipment and pre-adjustment devices for measuring tools or complete tools

[0437] 4 (rotating / non-rotating) tools, milling tools, grinding discs, drilling tools / drill bits

[0438] 6 Complete Tools

[0439] 8 Tool holder, (hydraulic expansion) clamping chuck

[0440] 10 Measuring unit, (optical) measuring device, camera unit

[0441] 12 (top / highest) point

[0442] 14 Tip, drill tip

[0443] 16 Functional geometry

[0444] 18 Radial outer edge, blade, grinding disc edge

[0445] 20 Radial outer edge

[0446] 22 Profile

[0447] 24 Overall Image

[0448] 26 Overall geometric features, maximum outer contour

[0449] 28 Minimum outline, minimum inner outline

[0450] 32 User and Display Interface

[0451] 34 Computing and control unit

[0452] 36 Interface with machine tools

[0453] 38 Display devices, monitors, touch screens

[0454] 40 Input devices, keyboards

[0455] 42 Spindle

[0456] 44 Function buttons

[0457] 46 Center axis / longitudinal axis / rotation axis, z-axis

[0458] 48 Camera

[0459] 50 Lighting devices

[0460] 52 Slide

[0461] 54 Printer

[0462] 56 Cutting edge located on the outermost side 16

[0463] 58 The innermost cutting edge 16

[0464] 60 Data carrier, RFID chip

[0465] 62 Reading device / apparatus (for 60) 64 Measuring device support (as part of the carriage 52) 66 (62's) read / write head.

Claims

1. A method for exchanging data in an integrated / linked processing environment when controlling the processing of a one-piece tool consisting of a tool holder and a tool, the processing being carried out using at least one device for mounting the tool in the tool holder, in particular a shrinking device and / or a balancing device and / or a pre-adjusting device, the method being carried out in particular within the framework of a manufacturing process, in particular an automated and / or digitalized manufacturing process, of a component using the one-piece tool, if necessary with the aid of other machines and automation components of an integrated manufacturing environment, in, - in particular for the purpose of transmitting the machining data for machining the monolithic tool, in particular the tool list and / or the configuration page, to a machining management system for a higher-level manufacturing planning / control for manufacturing the component, and - Means for the process management system to transmit work instructions / data derived using the process data to the integrated / linked process environment.

2. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that Devices for monitoring and / or controlling the integrated / linked process environment using the work instructions / data are particularly remotely controlled by the process management system.

3. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The working data, in particular the working data for the assembly device, in particular the shrinking device, comprises at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information: the type (if applicable also the article number) of the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck, and / or the storage location of the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck, - a unique characteristic identification, in particular a number, of the tool holder, in particular of the shrink chuck, - the type of the tool, in particular the milling cutter, and / or the storage location of the tool, in particular the milling cutter, a unique characteristic identification, in particular a number, of the tool, in particular the milling cutter, and / or the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck, in particular if the used tool, in particular the milling cutter, still has sufficient remaining time, the number of identical tools required, which depends in particular on the planned number of components to be produced and on the service life of the tools, in particular the milling cutters, in particular also taking into account the remaining time of the used tools, in particular the milling cutters, - the nominal length of the integral tool with tolerance, - keep the size (still adjust if necessary), - The number of assembly cycles, in particular shrinking cycles, of the tool holder, in particular of the shrink chuck.

4. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The work instruction, in particular the work instruction for the assembly device, in particular the shrinking device, comprises at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - removing a tool holder, in particular a shrink chuck and / or a tool, in particular a milling cutter, in a specified number of pieces from the storage magazine, - reading, in particular scanning, a unique identification, in particular a data matrix code and / or a number, on / on the tool holder (in particular a shrink chuck) and / or on / on the tool (in particular a milling cutter), - selecting, in particular automatically selecting, shrinking parameters, in particular with preservation of dimensions, - display relevant contraction parameters / data or all relevant contraction parameters / data, - moving the length stop to a defined or predetermined length, optionally automatically or manually under user guidance, on the assembly device, in particular on the retraction device, - display of a rough adjustment, in particular in color, in particular in red / green, - a refined display when approaching the nominal size, in particular a display in color, in particular a display in red / green, - heating the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck, - inserting a tool, in particular a milling cutter, - Pivot the length stops inwards, - Raise the tool, in particular the milling cutter, to the length stop (manually or by means of a compression spring), - waiting time until the tool, in particular the milling cutter, is clamped, - cooling of the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck, - monitor the cooling process, - Check the actual length with the length stop, - storing said actual length in a database, - identifying the one-piece tool with a unique number of the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck, - In particular as an alternative to the contraction of a mechanical clamping chuck, the tool holder parameters are automatically displayed, in particular the torque to be used for a professional assembly, in particular a clamping tongs or a hydraulic expansion clamping chuck, as well as the relevant accessories of the blade holder, such as slides, assembly equipment, etc., and finally the complete tool is displayed to confirm the professional assembly, in particular including its length tolerances.

5. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The operating data, in particular the operating data for the preconditioning device, comprises at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - geometrical information of the one-piece tool, in particular the overall length and / or the diameter of the tool, in particular the milling cutter, and / or the tip radius of the tool, in particular the milling cutter, - Tool service life, in particular in the form of service life per component of a new tool or in minutes / hours.

6. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The work instruction, in particular the work instruction for the preconditioning device, comprises at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information: -Place the integral tool into the measuring spindle, - if necessary, starting an automatic measuring run or starting a manual determination, in particular of defined variables, - reading the actual dimensions into a database and / or sending the actual dimensions to the process management system (or its database), In addition, the presetting data are also sent to the processing machine.

7. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The working data, in particular the working data for the balancing device, comprises at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information: -Balance tolerances from a database, - other parameters from the database, such as total length and total weight, - measuring method (e.g. simple measuring method / inversion or (automatic) inversion balancing / simple measuring method with spindle correction), The balancing method (eg compensation of the imbalance by removing or adding material or by adjusting the mass) and in particular the corresponding balancing plane (height, diameter, . . . ) to which the mass is to be added or removed.

8. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The work instruction, in particular the work instruction for the balancing device, comprises at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - Clamp the integral tool into the balancing spindle, - Run the measurement according to the specified measuring method (e.g. simple measuring method / inversion / simple measuring method with spindle correction), - Compensation of imbalance according to the prescribed method, - Check the balancing accuracy (test run), read the actual imbalance into the database, - Send the results to the process management system (or its database), - Repeat the process if necessary until the result is satisfactory (the balancing process can therefore be traced back in the process management system).

9. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The processing management system - monitoring the status, in particular online status, of at least one device, in particular all devices, and / or - documentation of the process of at least one device, in particular all devices, in particular also documentation of interventions in the process, in particular manual interventions, - and / or monitoring the degree to which at least one device, in particular all devices, comply with specified or predefined tolerances during the process, and / or - monitoring and / or recording changes in work instructions / data, values, tolerances and / or other information, in particular changes in the status of the device, and / or - counting and / or recording the process repetitions, in particular with reference to a unique characteristic identification of the tool holder and / or the tool, and / or - Update work instructions / data, and / or - generating work instructions / data in the event of undesired states, in particular error states and / or faulty or incorrectly executed processes, and / or - generating a job list according to the work instruction, in particular providing or transmitting the job list to a device of the processing environment for use (the processing management system can send it (as a "job") to the machine in advance, or make a request to the processing management system at the time of execution by the machine), and / or - counting and recording of machining processes, in particular machining processes carried out on devices of the machining environment, in particular when creating the monolithic tool, and / or - bidirectional communication in or with the processing environment or with a device in the processing environment, and / or - (Real-time) "tracking" of the status of devices integrated into the environment (status: online / offline; Status: Feedback on the assignment (good / bad), - checking the last executed job / jobs by means of a one-to-one corresponding feature identifier (the last result of the executed job is displayed on the one-to-one corresponding feature identifier, so that it can be determined that all necessary steps have also been executed), - A complete record of the history of work performed on the machine and a record of the work performed on the machine.

10. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The work instruction / data is transmitted via the OPC-UA interface, and / or the Client interface or the MQTT interface.

11. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The method is computer-implemented.

12. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The data, in particular the work instructions / data and / or the data generated by the device, are evaluated, in particular by the process management system.

13. A process management system for exchanging data in an integrated / linked process environment when controlling the processing of a monolithic tool consisting of a tool holder and a tool, the processing being carried out using at least one device for assembling the tool in the tool holder, in particular a shrinking device and / or a balancing device and / or a pre-adjusting device, the data exchange being carried out in particular within the framework of a manufacturing process, in particular an automated and / or digitalized manufacturing process, of a component using the monolithic tool, if necessary with the aid of other machines and automation components of the integrated manufacturing environment, The process management system is configured to The work instructions / data can be derived using machining data for machining the monolithic tool, in particular machining data transmitted from a higher-level manufacturing plan / control for manufacturing the component, in particular tool lists and / or configuration pages, and The work instructions / data are capable of being transmitted to devices of the integrated / connected processing environment.

14. The process management system according to at least one of the preceding process management system claims, It is characterized in that The working data, in particular the working data for the assembly device, in particular the shrinking device, comprises at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information: the type (if applicable also the article number) of the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck, and / or the storage location of the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck, - a unique characteristic identification, in particular a number, of the tool holder, in particular of the shrink chuck, - the type of the tool, in particular the milling cutter, and / or the storage location of the tool, in particular the milling cutter, a unique characteristic identification, in particular a number, of the tool, in particular the milling cutter, and / or the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck, in particular if the used tool, in particular the milling cutter, still has sufficient remaining time, the number of identical tools required, which depends in particular on the planned number of components to be produced and on the service life of the tools, in particular the milling cutters, in particular also taking into account the remaining time of the used tools, in particular the milling cutters, - the nominal length of the integral tool with tolerance, - keep the size (still adjust if necessary), - The number of assembly cycles, in particular shrinking cycles, of the tool holder, in particular of the shrink chuck.

15. The process management system according to at least one of the preceding process management system claims, It is characterized in that The work instruction, in particular the work instruction for the assembly device, in particular the shrinking device, comprises at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - removing a tool holder, in particular a shrink chuck and / or a tool, in particular a milling cutter, in a specified number of pieces from the storage magazine, - reading, in particular scanning, a unique identification, in particular a data matrix code and / or a number, on / on the tool holder (in particular a shrink chuck) and / or on / on the tool (in particular a milling cutter), - selecting, in particular automatically selecting, shrinking parameters, in particular with preservation of dimensions, - display relevant contraction parameters / data or all relevant contraction parameters / data, - moving the length stop to a defined or predetermined length, optionally automatically or manually under user guidance, on the assembly device, in particular on the retraction device, - display of a rough adjustment, in particular in color, in particular in red / green, - a refined display when approaching the nominal size, in particular a display in color, in particular a display in red / green, - heating the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck, - inserting a tool, in particular a milling cutter, - Pivot the length stops inwards, - Raise the tool, in particular the milling cutter, to the length stop (manually or by means of a compression spring), - waiting time until the tool, in particular the milling cutter, is clamped, - cooling of the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck, - monitor the cooling process, - Check the actual length with the length stop, - storing said actual length in a database, - identifying the one-piece tool with a unique number of the tool holder, in particular the shrink chuck, - In particular as an alternative to the contraction of a mechanical clamping chuck, the tool holder parameters are automatically displayed, in particular the torque to be used for a professional assembly, in particular a clamping tongs or a hydraulic expansion clamping chuck, as well as the relevant accessories of the blade holder, such as slides, assembly equipment, etc., and finally the complete tool is displayed to confirm the professional assembly, in particular including its length tolerances.

16. The process management system according to at least one of the preceding process management system claims, It is characterized in that The operating data, in particular the operating data for the preconditioning device, comprises at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - geometrical information of the one-piece tool, in particular the overall length and / or the diameter of the tool, in particular the milling cutter, and / or the tip radius of the tool, in particular the milling cutter, - Tool service life, in particular in the form of service life per component of a new tool or in minutes / hours.

17. A process management system according to at least one of the preceding process management system claims, It is characterized in that The work instruction, in particular the work instruction for the preconditioning device, comprises at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information: -Place the integral tool into the measuring spindle, - if necessary, starting an automatic measuring run or starting a manual determination, in particular of defined variables, - reading the actual dimensions into a database and / or sending the actual dimensions to the process management system (or its database), In addition, the presetting data are also sent to the processing machine.

18. The process management system according to at least one of the preceding process management system claims, It is characterized in that The working data, in particular the working data for the balancing device, comprises at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information: -Balance tolerances from a database, - other parameters from the database, such as total length and total weight, - measuring method (e.g. simple measuring method / inversion or (automatic) inversion balancing / simple measuring method with spindle correction), The balancing method (eg compensation of the imbalance by removing or adding material or by adjusting the mass) and in particular the corresponding balancing plane (height, diameter, . . . ) to which the mass is to be added or removed.

19. A process management system according to at least one of the preceding process management system claims, It is characterized in that The work instruction, in particular the work instruction for the balancing device, comprises at least one of the following information, in particular a plurality of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - Clamp the integral tool into the balancing spindle, - Run the measurement according to the specified measuring method (e.g. simple measuring method / inversion / simple measuring method with spindle correction), - Compensation of imbalance according to the prescribed method, - Check the balancing accuracy (test run), read the actual imbalance into the database, - Send the results to the process management system (or its database), - Repeat the process if necessary until the result is as desired (the balancing process can thus be traced back in the process management system).

20. The process management system according to at least one of the preceding process management system claims, It is characterized in that The process management system is configured to - capable of monitoring the status, in particular online status, of at least one device, in particular all devices, and / or - the process of at least one device, in particular all devices, can be documented, in particular also interventions in the process, in particular manual interventions, - and / or the ability to monitor compliance of at least one device, in particular all devices, with defined or predefined tolerances during the process, and / or - the ability to monitor and / or record changes in work instructions / data, values, tolerances and / or other information, in particular changes in the status of the device, and / or - the process repetitions can be counted and / or documented, in particular with reference to a unique characteristic identification of the tool holder and / or of the tool, and / or - Ability to update work instructions / data, and / or - the ability to generate work instructions / data in the event of undesired states, in particular error states and / or faulty or incorrectly executed processes, and / or - a device capable of generating a job list based on the work instruction, in particular capable of providing or transmitting the job list to the processing environment for use (the processing management system can send it (as a "job") to the machine in advance, or make a request to the processing management system at the time of execution by the machine), and / or - the machining processes, in particular the machining processes which can be carried out on devices of the machining environment, in particular when producing the monolithic tool, can be counted and documented, and / or - capable of bidirectional communication in or with the processing environment or with devices in the processing environment, and / or - Ability to "track" (in real time) the status of devices integrated into the environment (status: online / offline; Status: Feedback on the assignment (good / bad), - the ability to check the last executed job / jobs by means of a one-to-one corresponding feature identifier (the last result of the executed job is displayed on the one-to-one corresponding feature identifier, so that it can be determined that all necessary steps have also been executed), - Capable of fully recording the history of work performed on the machine and capable of documenting the work performed on the machine.

21. A process management system according to at least one of the preceding process management system claims, It is characterized in that The process management system is configured to evaluate data, in particular the work instructions / data and / or data generated by the device.

22. An apparatus / system for data processing, comprising means for performing [the steps of] the method according to claim 1.

23. A computer program [product] comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method / steps of the method according to claim 1.

24. A computer-readable (storage) medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the method / method steps according to claim 1.

Images