Treatment and management of whole tool including toolholder and tools during processing

Abstract

To provide treatment and management of a whole tool, which includes a toolholder and tools, during processing.SOLUTION: The present invention relates to a method for exchanging data during control of treatment of a whole tool including a toolholder and tools, a treatment management system, a device / system for data processing, and a computer program (product) and computer readable (storage) medium. A method for exchanging data for at least one instrument, which is used to attach a tool to a toolholder and / or a balancing instrument and / or a predesignated instrument, when treatment of a whole tool including a toolholder and tools in an integration / linking processing environment is being controlled is such that upper-level manufacturing planning / control for manufacturing components is to transmit treatment data (in particular, a tool list and / or device sheet) for use in treating a whole tool to a treatment management system. Further, the treatment management system transmits a work command / data, which is acknowledged by using the treatment data, to an instrument in an integration / linking processing environment.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for data exchange during control of processing of an entire tool including tool holders and tools in an integrated / linked or networked processing environment, and to a processing management system, and also to an apparatus / system for data processing, a computer program [product] and a computer readable (storage) medium. [Background technology]

[0002] In the context of automated and / or digitized manufacturing processes during the production of parts (Fourth Industry), it is known to use integrated or networked manufacturing environments with integrated / linked equipment such as machine tools and other manufacturing equipment.

[0003] In this case, the tools integrated within such a manufacturing environment communicate with each other - in the context of their control therein - via (usually defined) interfaces (implemented on the tools) whereby important data for the process (i.e. process data) is exchanged or transferred.

[0004] During the manufacturing process during the production of parts, and as is known, the process for producing the parts is accomplished by means of so-called overall tools, a term which is understood to mean a tool holder (e.g. a clamping chuck such as an interference-fit chuck) and also a tool which is inserted into such a tool holder or is clamped and held therein (e.g. a rotating tool such as a cutting machine).

[0005] If part manufacturing is achieved by a machine tool, such as a CNC (cutting) machine - by using such an overall tool - and wear occurs on the tool during part manufacturing, this requires the installation of the overall tool or the replacement of one of the tools within the overall tool.

[0006] For this purpose, known tools (e.g. interference fit tools), in particular mounting tools (for mounting a tool in a tool holder), are available and therefore these too are / can be part of an integrated or networked (component) manufacturing environment.

[0007] The degree of automation of such manufacturing environments, and the quality of parts produced within such manufacturing environments, depend critically on how well the processes within such manufacturing environments can be coordinated, monitored, and controlled, and in particular on what data is available - and how well and reliably that data is available on the individual tools. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] It is an object of the present invention to make it possible to increase the degree of automation during component manufacturing, in particular in conjunction with high manufacturing efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to make it possible for component manufacturing to be carried out with high precision but also quickly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] This object is achieved by a method for data exchange during the control of the processing of an entire tool including a tool holder and a tool, and a process control system and also an apparatus / system for data processing, a computer program [product] and a computer readable (storage medium) having the features of the respective independent claims.

[0010] Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the following specification - and relate both to the method and to an apparatus / system, to a computer program [product] and to a computer-readable (storage) medium and system.

[0011] Any terms used, including those used with respect to the accompanying drawings, such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "left" or "right" - unless expressly defined otherwise - are to be understood in the ordinary manner. Terms such as "radial" and "axial" - including those used with respect to the accompanying drawings, and unless expressly defined otherwise, are to be understood with respect to a central axis or axis of symmetry of a part / component as described herein.

[0012] The term "substantially," when used, can be understood (as understood by the Supreme Court) to mean "to an extent that is still significant in practice." Thus, possible deviations from the precision thus implied by this concept can occur unintentionally (i.e., without any functional basis) due to manufacturing or assembly tolerances, etc.

[0013] A method for data exchange during control of processing of an entire tool including a tool holder and a tool in an integrated / linked or networked processing environment having at least one tool for mounting a tool in a tool holder and / or a balancing tool and / or a presetting tool, provides inter alia that: a higher-level manufacturing planning / control for manufacturing a part communicates processing data (in particular a tool list and / or a device sheet) for processing the entire tool to a processing management system.

[0014] The process management system then communicates the verified work orders / data to the instruments in the integrated / linked or networked process environment by using the process data.

[0015] A process management system for data exchange during control of processing of an entire tool including a tool holder and a tool in an integrated / linked or networked processing environment having at least one tool for mounting a tool in a tool holder and / or a balancing tool and / or a presetting tool is configured in such a way that by using processing data (in particular a tool list and / or a device sheet) for processing the entire tool transmitted in particular by a higher-level manufacturing planning / control for manufacturing a part, work instructions / data can be ascertained and these work instructions / data can be transmitted to the tools of the integrated / linked or networked processing environment.

[0016] The method and process management system are particularly implemented in the context of automated and / or digitized processing processes (and manufacturing processes for producing parts by using the overall tool), in particular in the case of an overall tool - optionally comprising further machine and automation components (such as machine tools of or within an integrated or networked processing or manufacturing environment).

[0017] Instead of the manufacturing processes of the manufacturing environment, there may also be processes of other (processing) environments, such as for example processes for global tool inventory management (here with, for example, the present method (in particular in the context of push and / or pull messages exchanged with the process management system) and a (digitized) Kanban process (whereby a pool of global tools / tools is continuously maintained at a certain level) in communication with the process management system. In other words, the process data here comes from (or originates from and / or optionally proceeds from) such other (processing) environments (optionally in the context of "push" or "pull") - or - more simply - the other environment replaces the manufacturing environment.

[0018] In this case, "integration" / "networking" means in particular that information, data etc. can be exchanged between the "integrated" / "networked" units. In the sense of digital integration / networking, and as meant herein, in particular digital data can also be exchanged between the units in this way. This is usually done (in the appliances) via (standardized, defined) interfaces.

[0019] Simply and clearly, an (integrated or networked) manufacturing environment includes the entire process of manufacturing a part, and therefore may also make available (within this manufacturing environment) (and therefore also in other (processing) environments via higher-level units therein) process data (for processing the overall tool for manufacturing the part or for other processes) by higher-level manufacturing planning / control for manufacturing the part; an integrated / linked process environment includes the creation of the overall tool, and is specifically functionally integrated within the manufacturing environment or other environments, and may then generate / create work orders / data therein (by a process control system) by using the process data and transmit them to the tools of the integrated / linked process environment.

[0020] Moreover, the above-mentioned "higher" environment may be a different environment (e.g., an overall tool inventory management that creates the available process data). In other words, the process data may also come from, for example, a Kanban process that continuously maintains a pool of overall tools / tools at, for example, a certain level.

[0021] Furthermore, the process data may also be transferred in both directions (in the form of push and / or pull messages); in particular, the process data may therefore be in digital form (eg digital tool lists and / or device sheets).

[0022] In particular, it may therefore also be advantageous if the process management system monitors or controls the equipment of the process environment, in particular by using the work orders / data.

[0023] Simply and clearly, a process management system is an entity that monitors and / or controls a process environment or the equipment of a process environment. Thus, a process management system may also provide for centralized management of a process environment or central networking of a process environment.

[0024] As a result, full automation within the processing environment is feasible.

[0025] Such monitoring is also feasible, particularly if the process management system is configured to evaluate data, particularly work orders / data and / or data generated by the equipment.

[0026] Furthermore, the process management system may allow data, particularly work orders / data, and also other data, to be exchanged bidirectionally with the process environment, or within the process environment, particularly of integrated or networked appliances therein, which may also allow the process environment or appliances of the process environment to make, for example, requests, etc., directed to the process management system.

[0027] Simply and clearly, the instruments of the process environment may provide feedback regarding, for example, their status and / or defects to the process control system.

[0028] Thus, incorporation of the process control system "upwards" into a manufacturing environment (and then further) enables part manufacturing to be consistently and fully automated. The same applies correspondingly to incorporation into other environments.

[0029] Ingestion here also means that data, particularly process data, is transferred in the context of push or pull control.

[0030] The present invention is based on the observation that "the processes in the (part) manufacturing environment so far have not been fully integrated (up to the point of installation / creation of the entire tool (processing environment) "and the processes in this regard (to create the entire tool) proceed in a "dedicated / isolated" environment (processing environment)". At this level, i.e. in the processing environment, integration of the parts (enabling full automation) has not been realized.

[0031] Thus, here (in the processing environment, and also at this "processing environment / manufacturing environment" (i.e. "part manufacturing / total tool generation") interface), a fully automated process across the entire part manufacturing was not consistently obtained - and an "all-encompassing" (i.e. all process-embracing) degree of automation of part manufacturing was not provided.

[0032] The present invention then translates this insight into an integrated processing environment (for the creation of the overall tool) that itself is the first to integrate the tools of the processing environment (for the creation of the overall tool) (simply and clearly stated). Secondly, the present invention then also opens up the possibility of (integrated) processing environments that themselves can in turn be integrated into the overall part manufacturing environment (i.e., the manufacturing environment).

[0033] Furthermore, while one-to-one assignment / identification of entire tools or tool holders to their tools across manufacturing and processing environments as well as processing environments has been difficult or even impossible to achieve or maintain (especially due to processes that are not consistently applicable), the present invention nevertheless now also extends one-to-one identification / assignment (see hereinafter regarding "UniqueID") not only within processing environments but also within entire manufacturing environments as well.

[0034] By this means it is also possible that processes in a (manufacturing / processing) environment (down to the lowest level (e.g. mounting, interference fit, balancing or presetting of a particular overall tool)) are also fully monitorable and controllable anywhere and at any time (and thus full automation becomes feasible) - not only in the processing environment but also in the (entire) manufacturing environment.

[0035] In other words, the assignment of a one-to-one identification ("UniqueID") to a specific overall tool / tool / tool ​​holder (within a process environment) ("Tool Entity") may be essential for (individually) monitoring, tracking and logging of the overall tool in / during a process within the process environment (and in turn within the manufacturing environment), which may in turn be essential for full automation.

[0036] If a one-to-one identification ("UniqueID") is assigned to the digital twin of the entire tool / tool / tool ​​holder (i.e. if the type or type identification (of a particular entire tool / tool / tool ​​holder) can also be specifically individualized or resolved to this extent), then multiple "sister tools" can be individually created on the (digital) device sheet (or digital twin) with a one-to-one identification ("UniqueID") along with the particular tool and geometric data.

[0037] Such one-to-one identification can be applied on a specific entire tool / tool / tool ​​holder, in particular by laser processing, and can thus be read on-site anytime and anywhere.

[0038] As an example, it is then possible to log and count each installation / interference-fit process for the entire tool - with such an assigned one-to-one identification - with a one-to-one identification "with respect to this" (with respect to this entire tool). By means of a reporting mechanism it is then possible to query, for example, the number of installation / interference-fit cycles, and when a certain limit is reached, to display an alarm in order to be able to replace the tool holder of the entire tool (before the timing limit is reached). Similarly, the status of the tool can be logged, for example if it still has a remaining useful life after a manufacturing order has been processed.

[0039] Furthermore, such a one-to-one identification ("UniquID") of the entire tool makes it possible to warn against improper handling and / or incorrect process handling of this entire tool (especially in a processing environment). In this regard, for example, if the one-to-one identification ("UniquID") of the entire tool or tool holder is read or scanned - and thus recognized (one-to-one) - then it is possible to generate an alarm that warns against an interference fit of the entire tool or tool holder, for example, as a tool holder that should not receive an interference fit (such as a hydraulic expansion chuck or collet receptacle).

[0040] Furthermore, this entire tool / tool / tool ​​holder identified by one-to-one identification or one-to-one identification can be assigned a unique value with the aid of which specific dimensions can be compiled during installation of the entire tool / interference fit.

[0041] All parts of the overall tool (e.g. tool holders, tool extensions, the actual tool (e.g. cutter) in the case of an overall tool) are also designated by one-to-one identification or unique IDs, which allows the process management system to create / document the association of these parts with the overall tool - and thus make it available (especially to the user) for editing, assembly, etc.

[0042] The apparatus / system, computer program [product] and computer readable (storage) medium are configured to carry out the method / method steps according to the invention and process management (and also the deployment and configuration thereof).

[0043] Various configurations are exemplary or advantageous. In this respect, the tool may be a turning tool, or in particular a rotary tool (e.g. a milling tool (short miller), a drill, etc.). The tool holder may be a clamping chuck (an interference chuck / receptacle or otherwise a collet receptacle, a hydraulic expansion chuck, a Weldon receptacle, a face mill arbor or a turning plate holder, etc.). The device for mounting the tool into the tool holder (short mounting device) may therefore in particular be an interference device - or some other corresponding (mounting) device (for other tool chucks mentioned by way of example, i.e. for mounting stations having an apparatus for receiving the tool holder with a digital display and feedback to, for example, a process control system and / or a length measuring device).

[0044] Furthermore, in an integrated / linked processing environment - in addition to the tools mentioned above - it is also possible to further integrate / link the following: tools, equipment and / or facilities (such as cleaning stations or storage stations), but also management solutions / management systems, such as in particular also tools / tool ​​management solutions, tool distribution systems / tool ​​return systems, inventory management systems, data management systems (in particular also for tool data and tool holder data, manufacturing data, process data), such as interference fit and / or balance parameters, tolerances (i.e. values ​​that are taken into account during interference fit relative to length in order to accurately reach the desired target dimension after cooling), weight, A dimension of the chuck (all of which are also referred to for simplicity only as "tools"), etc.

[0045] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the (work / process) data, work orders and other information or data are digital, in particular tool lists and / or device sheets.

[0046] In particular, it is convenient and advantageous for the process management to be networked / linked or in communication with a central database - or for such a central database to be integrated into the process management system.

[0047] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the process management system is arranged to evaluate data, particularly work orders / data and / or data generated by the tool.

[0048] Furthermore, in the processing environment, in particular in the case of the instruments of the processing environment, individual databases can be realised which can in particular be synchronised and thus iteratively complement each other.

[0049] In particular within the tool data, tool holder data, and process data (especially interference fit and balance parameters and / or presetting parameters, etc.) may be stored or may be storable there. These may be "enriched" with user data and time stamps - for the tool / tool ​​holder / entire tool - so that cases of incorrect operator control are identifiable in a simple manner with a fully integrated overview of the process and possible cases of incorrect installation. Thus a complete tool management may also be made available with these data.

[0050] In this case it may be further advantageous if the stored data (particularly the stored tool data) - and therefore the tools - are grouped, for example, by an allocable "label", "stamp" (or other particularly digital marking or TAG).

[0051] For example, tools may be able to be grouped (including across multiple levels), such as in lists. Category groupings may be, for example, specific machines, specific locations, specific processes, specific projects, and so on.

[0052] Furthermore, any other documentation relating to the tool / tool ​​holder / overall tool (e.g. photographs, drawings, images etc. (or any form thereof)) may be specifically stored in the database.

[0053] User management or feedback can also be set up in case of the process management system or by data therein. Users registered with the instruments or their registration / login data / credentials can thus be stored for historical documentation (and evaluation).

[0054] In this regard, it may be further beneficial if the processing management system allows for user identification and / or login (in the system and / or on the device) - for example by a code, a readable data carrier, optionally an RFID card / tag etc. and / or biometric data.

[0055] Moreover, here, then, it may also be advantageous if the process management system then allows reading from and in particular also writing to data carriers (used in particular on the tools in the process environment). For example, it is therefore advantageous if the data carriers on the tools (e.g. Balluff chips etc. (on the tool holder)) are writable / readable by or in the process management system. In this case, in particular here, it is also advantageous if these are compatible with the tools (of the process environment).

[0056] Anything of this nature can then be evaluated, for example, by means of AI and / or image processing and / or "machine learning", for example, to analyse the cutting edge / edge geometry (for example with regard to its wear).

[0057] Thus, once the history has been evaluated and / or documented, changes and / or comparisons (regarding conditions on the tool / tool ​​holder / overall tool) can be established and / or made - and optionally by this means predictions (regarding the tool / tool ​​holder / overall tool (e.g. wear progression)) can also be made ("predictive analytics").

[0058] If such evaluation and / or prediction (e.g. deviation of target / useful life from analyzed or established cutting edge failure and / or actual patterns) deviates from a predefined, and thus an appropriate failure is predicted, an alert in this regard can be issued.

[0059] Other possibilities for evaluating the obtained data, possibly using AI, are: - tracking the wear behavior by using images from a pre-configured tool or by using separately generated images or measurements; -Assigning wear behavior / patterns to the treatments performed -Recognizing abnormal wear patterns - inferences from wear patterns regarding possible defects in the process (e.g. unfavourable cutting data or problems in tool or workpiece clamping), - Improved disconnection data or suggestions therefrom regarding correction of other faults. -Inferences about the properties of machine tools (e.g. stiffness, vulnerability to vibrations).

[0060] Such AI is also the subject of DE 10 2024 122 026.0, which was filed by the applicant on August 1, 2024 and is therefore incorporated by reference in the subject matter of the present application. The explanation in this respect from DE 10 2024 122 026.0 is also explicitly explained hereafter as subject matter in the present application (see DE 10 2024 122 026.0: entitled "Method and apparatus for autonomously measuring a tool or a complete tool" and the text, which are incorporated by reference). The features of DE 10 2024 122 026.0 are therefore also the subject matter of the present application and may also be combined in any combination with other features of the present application, resulting in a separate subject matter according to the present application.

[0061] Furthermore, it is also advantageous if the process management system or its "data management" allows for data import and / or export (import / export functionality). It is advantageous in this case if such data import / export is possible in any format. In this regard, for example, lists, catalogs - or any other collection of data - can be exported and / or imported. This therefore allows for data updates and / or data synchronization in the process management system.

[0062] This (comprehensive data management) makes process management systems possible (especially the possibility to "assemble" the entire tool (including tool and tool holder) from such data and also link them with the corresponding process parameters). Such can then again be part of the work instructions / data, by which the tools in the process environment can be controlled or made controllable (centrally).

[0063] Furthermore, it would be advantageous if tools in an integrated / linked process environment are monitored and / or controlled (especially under remote control by a process management system) by using work orders / data. Here, it would also be particularly advantageous if the tools / tool ​​holders / overall tools are coded by a one-to-one code, such as a one-to-one data matrix code. In this way, one-to-one identifications such as numbers or other (one-to-one) information can be stored / coded in this code.

[0064] Furthermore, the process control system - particularly with its work orders / data - on and over its process environment - can "influence" and / or communicate with the manufacturing environment (particularly with respect to the manufacturing machines therein). This allows for example feedback and / or "connectivity" with machine controllers (including 3D collision monitoring of the physical parts of the tool / tool ​​holder / entire tool).

[0065] It may further be provided that the work data (in particular work data of a mounting tool, in particular an interference fit tool) comprises at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - the type (optionally also the article number) of the tool holder (especially the interference fit chuck) and / or the storage location of the tool holder (especially the interference fit chuck), - a unique identification (especially a unique number) of the tool holder (especially an interference fit chuck), - the type of tool (especially the cutting machine) and / or the storage location of the tool (especially the cutting machine), - the unique identification (especially a unique number) of the tool (especially a cutting machine), in particular in case an already used tool (especially a cutting machine) still has sufficient remaining runtime, and / or the unique identification (especially a unique number) of the tool holder (especially an interference chuck), the number of identical tools required, depending in particular on the planned unit quantity of parts to be produced and on the service life of the tools (in particular cutting machines) (taking into account in particular the remaining runtime in the case of the tools (in particular cutting machines) used), - the target length of the entire tool with its tolerances, -tolerances (optionally also adapted), -Number of mounting cycles (especially interference fit cycles) for tool holders (especially interference fit chucks).

[0066] The work instructions, in particular of the installation tool (in particular of the interference fit tool), may include at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - Removal of tool holders (especially interference chucks) and / or removal of a unit amount of tools (especially cutting machines) from storage, - reading (in particular scanning) a unique identification (in particular a data matrix code and / or number) on / of a tool holder (in particular a particular interference fit chuck) and / or on / of a tool (in particular a cutting machine), - especially automatic selection of interference fit parameters, especially with tolerances, -Display of all relevant interference fit parameters / data, Driving the length stop to a predetermined or predefinable length, possibly automatically or manually with user guidance on the installation tool (especially on interference fit tools); - Display of rough settings, especially with color (especially red / green) display, - Dense display, especially with color (especially red / green) displays, when approaching target dimensions; - heating tool holders (especially interference fit chucks), - Inserting a tool (especially a cutting tool), - Pivot at length stop, - Raising the tool (especially the cutting machine) to the length stop (manually or by means of a compression spring), - Waiting time for the tool (especially the cutting machine) to clamp, - cooling the tool holders (especially interference fit chucks); - monitoring the cooling process, -Actual length is controlled by length stops; - storing the actual length in a database; - Identifying the entire tool by a unique number on the tool holder (especially on the interference chuck); - automatic display of tool holder parameters (in particular the torques used for collet chucks or hydraulic chucks), in particular as an alternative to the interference fit of mechanical clamping chucks, - expansion chucks for technically correct mounting and also associated accessories for swivel disk holders such as sliding blocks, mounting devices etc., and also automatic display of the final representation of the complete tool to check technically correct mounting, in particular together with its length tolerances.

[0067] In this case, the information may be the instruction itself or part of the instruction, or the instruction may be generated from the information.

[0068] Furthermore, it may be provided that the task data (in particular of the preset appliance) may include at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: Geometric information, in particular the overall length of the overall tool and / or the tool diameter (in particular of a cutting machine) and / or the corner radius of the tool (in particular of a cutting machine), - Tool life (especially in the form of new parts per tool) or life in minutes / hours.

[0069] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the operating instructions of the preset appliance also comprise at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: -inserting the entire tool into the measuring spindle, -Optional initiation of automatic measurement execution - or initiating manual measurement of a particular variable, - loading the actual dimensions into a database and / or sending the actual dimensions to a process management system (or its database); Additionally, the pre-configuration data is also transmitted to the processor.

[0070] It is furthermore advantageous if the task data (in particular the data of the balance apparatus) comprises at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: -Balance tolerances from database, - other parameters such as total length and total weight from a database, -Measuring method (e.g. simple / switching or (automatic) switching balance / simple with spindle compensation) - Balancing methods in which mass has to be added or subtracted (e.g. unbalance compensation by material removal or addition or by adjusting the mass) and in particular the corresponding balance surfaces (height, diameter, ...).

[0071] Furthermore, one preferred configuration also provides that "the work instructions (particularly for a balance apparatus) include at least one of the following information, particularly a plurality of the following information, particularly all of the following information: - clamping the entire tool into a balance spindle, - carrying out a measurement according to a given measurement method (e.g. simple / switching / simple with spindle correction), - Imbalance compensation according to a prescribed method; - Check the balance accuracy (test run) and load the actual imbalance into the database; -Transmitting the results to a process management system (or its database); - Optionally repeating the process until the result is OK (so the course of the balance is traceable within said process management system).

[0072] It is also advantageous if the process management system: - monitoring the status (in particular the online status of at least one appliance (in particular of all appliances)); and / or - documenting the process for at least one instrument (in particular for all instruments) and in particular also the interventions in the process (in particular manual interventions); - and / or monitoring the compliance of at least one tool (in particular of all tools) with predetermined or predefinable tolerances during the process; and / or - monitoring and / or documenting changes (in particular of equipment status, of work orders / data, of values, tolerances and / or other information); and / or - counting and / or documenting process iterations, in particular with reference to the unique identification of the tool holder and / or of the tool; and / or - Update work orders / data, and / or - generating work instructions / data in the event of undesired conditions (in particular fault conditions and / or defective or incorrectly performed processes); and / or - generating a job list from the work orders and in particular making available or transmitting the job list to the equipment of the processing environment (this can be sent to the machine in advance by the process management system as a "job" or can be requested by the machine from the process management system at the time of execution); and / or - counting and documenting the treatment processes (especially those carried out on the equipment of the treatment environment when producing the entire tool), and / or - communicating in or with the processing environment or in or with devices of the processing environment; and / or - "track" (live) the status of the instruments integrated into the environment (status: online / offline; status: job feedback (good / bad)), - Check the last performed job(s) from the one-to-one identification (the final result of the performed job is displayed on the one-to-one identification - it can thus be ensured that all necessary steps have also been performed). - Record the history of work carried out on the machine without gaps and document the work carried out on the machine.

[0073] A corresponding device for this on the process management system may be provided, for example a visualization device by such may also be visualized.

[0074] Furthermore, it proves to be advantageous if work orders / data are transmitted (in particular bidirectionally) via an OPC-UA interface and / or a customer interface or an MQTT interface.

[0075] Furthermore, it may be provided that the method and / or process management is computer-implemented, for example on a control unit / control computer - or alternatively on a distributed system / computer.

[0076] In this respect, it is also possible for example for process management systems to function centrally - or in particular on the equipment of the process environment - In the decentralized case, data can then be synchronized between the "decentralized" process management systems - and thus they can be repeatedly complemented.

[0077] The process management system may further advantageously perform evaluations (per individual identification of the entire tool / tool / tool ​​holder) on data relating to, for example, many process steps (e.g. many installation / interference fit cycles). In particular, unique user data such as time stamps and user identifiers are preferred here.

[0078] In this respect, it is then possible in particular to carry out an evaluation of the complete tool preset space (including job data with target / actual values). On this basis, in the case of tolerance deviations, for example a traffic light function (RED / GREEN) can indicate this. More generally, the evaluation can lead to indications, notifications, warnings, etc. and can also trigger processes in this respect.

[0079] For example, if the data is provided with the aforementioned timestamps and / or user identifiers / data, an evaluation may occur if "something goes wrong" (e.g. during the (night) shift) - and in particular the process management system may take corrective intervention. Alert functions and / or notifications to "supervisors" are also contemplated.

[0080] A preferred warning message (for interference fit tools) would be an overheat warning (interference fit alarm) along with writing back the overheat in case of a unique identifier or one-to-one identification (see "Unique ID") of the tool holder or interference fit chuck.

[0081] In other words, the tool (but especially the process control system) documents the overheat warning and - in the event of overheating - documents this "event" for each identifier / identification such that a warning is given that the identified interference fit chuck has been overheated.

[0082] Furthermore, it proves to be advantageous if the process management system provides means for operator control for displaying, visualizing, reading and / or printing out. For example, data of the process environment (especially from the tools) or data therein relating to the process / step / process (e.g. tolerances, tool overhangs) can thus be visualized in the display.

[0083] It will also be appreciated that if the process management system is also a central monitoring and / or control instrument for the process environment, it will be particularly advantageous if the process management system ascertains, verifies and logs, and / or monitors and / or controls status / faults and / or process steps / processes within the process environment or in instruments of the process environment, verifies, captures, and / or links instruments of the process environment, transmits confirmations (of status or faults) into the process environment or to instruments of the process environment or makes them available therein or receives transmitted therefrom, and compares data with the instruments of the process environment.

[0084] Finally, it may be stated with regard to the present invention that it with all its aspects is particularly distinguished by simplicity, efficiency and effectiveness.

[0085] The description of advantageous configurations of the invention given above includes numerous features which are partly reproduced in combination as a plurality in the individual dependent claims, but these features can also be advantageously considered individually and combined to form advantageous further combinations.

[0086] Although in this specification or in the patent claims certain terms are used in the singular or in combination with a number, the scope of the invention of these terms is not intended to be limited to the singular or the respective number. Moreover, in German texts, the word "ein" or "eine" [a, an, one] is to be understood not as a number but rather as an indefinite article.

[0087] The above-mentioned characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention and the manner in which they are accomplished will become more apparent and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention which are described in more detail in connection with the accompanying drawings / figures (in which like parts / components and functions have the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings / figures).

[0088] The exemplary embodiments serve to explain the present invention and do not limit the invention to the combinations of features defined therein, even when they relate to functional features. Moreover, features preferred therefor in each exemplary embodiment may also be explicitly considered separately, removed from the exemplary embodiment, introduced into a different exemplary embodiment to supplement the same features, and combined with any of the claims.

[0089] In the accompanying drawings: FIG. 1 illustrates in-process process management of an entire tool including a tool holder and a tool within a manufacturing environment for part production according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0090] -In-process management of the entire tool including tool holders and tools in the manufacturing environment for part production (Fig. 1) FIG. 1 illustrates generally an integrated or networked manufacturing environment 10 ((part)) (manufacturing process 18) in which a part is (or may be) manufactured in a substantially fully automated manner.

[0091] The illustration shows part manufacturing 18 (within manufacturing environment 10) by machine tool 22 (ie, shown in FIG. 1--CNC cutting machine 42) (meaning that the part is cut as a manufacturing process 18).

[0092] During part manufacturing 18 or cutting of a part in a machine tool 42, an entire tool 6 is used in which a tool 2, in this case a cutting tool 2 (cutting machine for short), is clamped and held within a tool holder 4 (in this case an interference fit receptacle / chuck 4).

[0093] If part production 18 is accomplished by precision use of such an entire tool 6, here by a CNC cutting machine 42 - and if wear occurs on the tool 2 or cutting machine 2 during part production 18, this requires replacement of the entire tool 6 or cutting machine 2 in the interference fit chuck 4 (and then an entire tool change on the CNC cutting machine 42).

[0094] All of this can be attributed to or ensured by the integrated processing environment 8, which is monitored / controlled by the process control system 26 (described below), and can be ensured by the manufacturing environment 10 in a substantially fully automated manner.

[0095] Thus, and as shown (schematically) here in FIG. 1, this occurs in the aforementioned sub-(relative to the manufacturing environment) integrated and networked processing environment 8, where the tools required for such tool changes (particularly 12, 14, 16) are networked and these tools thus execute the overall tool generation process 20 (as depicted here).

[0096] In the case shown here in FIG. 1, known tools (i.e., an interference fit tool 12 (with cooling), a balancing tool 14, a presetting tool 16 as well as tool management and commissioning 36, and a CAD / CAM system 38) are interconnected or networked / integrated with each other within a processing environment 8.

[0097] As further shown in FIG. 1, the processing environment 8 provides a central (processing) control 26, by which processes (of the instruments within the processing environment 8), sequences, communications, etc. can be monitored (and in particular controlled).

[0098] Used here for this purpose is the so-called Process Management System 26, designated here simply as TRM 26 for short (shown in a stylized way in FIG. 1).

[0099] In short, the TRM 26 monitors and controls the processes, sequences and communications (of the equipment) within the processing environment 8 - and thus can implement applicable processes throughout the processing environment 8 - and further within the manufacturing environment 10 - thereby enabling full automation (of the processes) within environments 8 and 10.

[0100] To this end, the TRM 26 provides that "work instructions / data 28, 30 can be or are confirmed by the TRM 26 using process data 24 communicated, in particular from the manufacturing environment 10, by the higher-level manufacturing planning / control 22 for manufacturing the part."

[0101] Furthermore, the TRM 26 then provides that "these work instructions / data 28 and 30 can be communicated, i.e., conveyed, to the instruments of the integrated / linked or networked processing environment 8 (via the OPC-UA interface 32)."

[0102] These processes are then performed or can be performed on the equipment via these work orders 28 and work data 30. In essence, the TRM 26 can thereby monitor and control the equipment of the processing environment 8 (and thus control the overall tool that produces the process 20).

[0103] Such process data 24 (of the manufacturing environment 10) mentioned above can in this case be, for example, a (digital) tool list 24 and a (digital) device sheet 24 (which are known and conventional in themselves). The work orders 28 and work data 30 of the TRM 26 - and also its functionality - shall be explained in more detail hereinafter.

[0104] Simply and clearly, the TRM 26 provides a central entity that monitors and / or controls the processing environment 8 or the equipment in the processing environment 8 .

[0105] If data and information exchange within the processing environment 8 is accomplished via the known OPC-UA bidirectional interface 32, then instruments of the processing environment 8 may also send data and information (eg, requests, etc.) to the TRM 26.

[0106] Simply and clearly, the instruments of the processing environment 8 may provide, for example, feedback regarding their status and / or defects during processing to the TRM 26 .

[0107] The (then further) "upward" incorporation of the TRM 26 into the manufacturing environment 10 thus enables part manufacturing 18 to be fully automated throughout as discussed.

[0108] An essential part of the TRM 26 is a central database 44 that contains tool data, tool holder data, (processing) data, especially interference fit and balance and / or pre-setting parameters.

[0109] Complete tool management can therefore also be made available with these data.

[0110] From such data, the TRM 26 can - simply and clearly - then accordingly "assemble" the entire tool 6 (as required by the manufacturing environment 10 and including the tool 2 and tool holder 4 (i.e., interference fit chuck 4 and cutter 4)) and then also link these with the corresponding processing parameters (e.g. interference fit / balance / preset parameters).

[0111] Such may then again be part of the work orders / data 28, 30 by which the tools in the processing environment 8 are or can be (centrally) controlled. In other words, said work orders 28 and work data 30 generated by the TRM 26 are essential for the integrated central control and monitoring of the processing environment 8.

[0112] In this regard, in particular, the operation data 30 of the interference fitting tool 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: the type of tool holder (especially an interference chuck), (optionally also the article number), and / or the storage location of the tool holder (especially an interference chuck), - a unique identification (especially a unique number) of the tool holder (especially an interference fit chuck), - the type of tool (especially the cutting machine) and / or the storage location of the tool (especially the cutting machine), - the unique identification (in particular a unique number) of an already used tool (in particular a cutting machine), in particular if said tool (in particular a cutting machine) still has sufficient remaining runtime, and / or the unique identification (in particular a unique number) of a tool holder (in particular an interference chuck), the number of identical tools required, depending in particular on the planned unit quantity of parts to be produced and on the service life of the tools (in particular cutting machines) (taking into account in particular the remaining runtime in the case of the tools (in particular cutting machines) used), - the target length of the entire tool with its tolerances, -tolerances (optionally also adapted), -Number of mounting cycles (especially interference fit cycles) for tool holders (especially interference fit chucks).

[0113] The work instructions 28 of the interference fitting tool 12 may include at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - Removal of a predetermined unit quantity of tool holders (especially interference chucks) and / or tools (especially cutting machines) from storage, - reading (in particular scanning) a unique identification (in particular a data matrix code and / or number) on / of a tool holder (in particular a particular interference fit chuck) and / or on / of a tool (in particular a cutting machine), - especially automatic selection of interference fit parameters, especially with tolerances, -Display of all relevant interference fit parameters / data, - Driving a length stop to a predetermined or predefinable length (possibly automatically or manually with user guidance on the installation tool (in particular on the interference fit tool)), - Display of coarse settings (especially with color (especially red / green) display), - Close display of target dimensions (especially with color (especially red / green) display), - heating tool holders (especially interference fit chucks), - Inserting a tool (especially a cutting tool), - Pivot at length stop, - Raising a tool (especially a cutting machine) to a length stop (manually or by means of a compression spring) - Waiting time for the tool (especially the cutting machine) to be clamped, - cooling the tool holders (especially interference fit chucks); - monitoring the cooling process, -Actual length is controlled by length stops; - storing the actual length in a database; - Identifying the entire tool by a unique number on the tool holder (especially on the interference chuck); - Automatic display of tool holder parameters (in particular torques to be used for collet chucks or hydraulic expansion chucks for technically correct mounting, and also for associated accessors for swivel disk holders such as sliding blocks, mounting devices etc.), in particular as an alternative to the interference fit of mechanical clamping chucks, and also automatic display of the final representation of the complete tool to check technically correct mounting, in particular together with its length tolerances.

[0114] The preset tool 16 operation data 30 may include at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: Geometric information, in particular the overall length of the overall tool and / or the diameter of the tool (in particular of a cutting machine) and / or the corner radius of the tool (in particular of a cutting machine), - Tool life (especially in the form of new parts per tool) or life in minutes / hours.

[0115] The work instructions 28 of the preset tool 16 may also include at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: -inserting the entire tool into the measuring spindle, -Optionally starting an automatic measurement run - or initiating manual measurement of a particular variable, - loading the actual dimensions into a database and / or sending the actual dimensions to a process management system (or its database); Additionally, the pre-configuration data is also transmitted to the processor.

[0116] The task data 30 of the balance apparatus 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: -Balance tolerances from database, - other parameters such as total length and total weight from a database, -Measuring method (e.g. simple / switching or (automatic) switching balance / simple with spindle compensation) - Balance methods in which mass has to be added or subtracted (e.g. unbalance compensation by removing or adding material or by adjusting the mass) and in particular the corresponding balance surfaces (height, diameter, ...).

[0117] The work instructions 28 for the balance apparatus 14 may include at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - clamping the entire tool into a balance spindle, - measurements carried out according to a given measurement method (e.g. simple / switched / simple with spindle correction), - Imbalance compensation according to a prescribed method; - Check the balance accuracy (test run) and load the actual imbalance into the database; -Transmitting the results to a process management system (or its database); - Optionally repeating the process until the result is OK (so the course of the balance is traceable within said process management system).

[0118] In addition to the previously mentioned work orders 28 and work data 30, the functionality of the TRM 26 also plays an essential role.

[0119] In this respect, the TRM26 provides: - monitoring the status (in particular the online status) of at least one of all the appliances; and / or - documenting the process for at least one instrument (in particular for all instruments) in the process, and in particular also documenting the interventions (in particular manual interventions); - and / or monitoring the compliance of at least one tool (in particular of all tools) with predetermined or predefinable tolerances during the process; and / or -Monitoring and / or documenting changes (in particular of equipment status, work orders / data, values, tolerances and / or other information); and / or - counting and / or documenting process iterations, in particular with reference to the unique identification of the tool holder and / or of the tool; and / or -Update work instructions / data, and / or - generating work instructions / data in the event of an undesired condition (in particular a fault condition and / or a defective or incorrectly performed process); and / or - generating a job list from the work instructions and in particular making available or communicating the job list to the equipment of the processing environment (this can be sent to the machine in advance by the process control system as a "job" or can be requested by the machine from the process control system at the time of execution); and / or - counting and documenting the treatment processes (especially those carried out on the equipment of the treatment environment when producing the entire tool), and / or - communicating in or with the processing environment or in or with devices of the processing environment; and / or - "track" (live) the status of the instruments integrated into the environment (status: online / offline; status: job feedback (good / bad)), - Check the last performed job from the one-to-one identification (the final result of the performed job is displayed on the one-to-one identification - it can thus be ensured that all necessary steps have also been performed). - Record the history of work carried out on the machine without gaps and document the work carried out on the machine.

[0120] Furthermore, it proves to be advantageous if the work instructions / data 28, 30 can or are communicated bidirectionally via the OPC-UA interface (or alternatively the customer interface or MQTT interface) as mentioned above. Tool feedback (from the tool to the TRM 26) such as status, other status or faults in the tool, number of processing passes / processing steps, etc. is thus possible.

[0121] Furthermore, the TRM 26 also provides an evaluation unit 46, by means of which evaluations can be made and (corresponding) logs can be generated regarding data and information (e.g., number of process steps (feedback), number of mounting / interference fit cycles for a particular overall tool 6 / tool ​​2 / tool ​​holder 4, etc.).

[0122] "Unique ID" 40 Also essential to the process management system 26 presented herein is the assignment of a one-to-one identification ("UniqueID") 40 (here, in the form of a one-to-one data matrix code (GS1 data matrix) applied by laser processing on the entire tool 6 or its tool holder 4) to the entire tool 6 that includes the particular tool holder 4 and particular tool 2 that have been assembled.

[0123] This UniqueID 40 of the overall tool 6 can therefore be assigned specific data and information of the overall tool 6 (such as dimensions, tolerances, characteristic values, process parameters (interference fit / pre-set parameters), etc., and also, for example, the number of installation cycles (interference fit cycles), etc.).

[0124] With this number, the entire tool (across all environments (processing environment 8 and manufacturing environment 10)) can then be "tracked", monitored and the process controlled accordingly.

[0125] Only then does this make it possible for the processes in the (manufacturing / processing) environments 8 and 10 (down to the lowest level (e.g. mounting level, balance level or pre-setting level) to also be fully monitorable and controllable anywhere and at any time - and therefore fully automated (not only in the processing environment 8 but also in the manufacturing environment 10).

[0126] In other words, the assignment of a one-to-one identifier 40 or "UniqueID" 40 to a specific overall tool 6 (within the processing environment 8) may be required for (individual) monitoring, tracking, logging of the overall tool 6 in / during the process within the processing environment 8 (and in turn within the manufacturing environment 10), which in turn is required for full automation (not only during the overall tool creation process 20 but also during the (part) manufacturing process 18).

[0127] Although the present invention has been more particularly shown and explained in detail by preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is nevertheless not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom, without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0128] "Incorporated by reference": German Patent Application No. 10 2024 122 026.0 entitled "Method and apparatus for autonomously measuring a tool or a complete tool" The present invention relates to a method and device for autonomously measuring a tool or a complete tool (including a tool holder and a tool clamped in the tool holder).

[0129] It is customary to measure (by means of an apparatus for measuring tools (also called a "presetting tool" ("presetting") for short)) the complete tool, including the tool holder and a tool clamped (e.g., interference fit) in the tool holder (e.g., an interference-fit cutting tool or a clamped cutting tool), before coupling to a machine tool, e.g. configured as a CNC processing machine.

[0130] The (geometric) dimensions of the tool or of the complete tool thus ascertained by the presetting tool are then made available to or used in the machine tool for optimisation of the workpiece processing within the machine tool.

[0131] In particular, presetting ensures that the workpiece-processing portion of the tool (e.g., the cutting edge of a cutting / milling tool) has acceptable position dimensions for the planned processing of the workpiece on the machine tool. Simply and generally speaking, the tool is verified and inspected for dimensional accuracy and characteristics of all relevant dimensions.

[0132] By means of such a presetting tool, in this case, inter alia, the length of the complete tool, the diameter and / or the cutting edge shape of the clamped tool or the cutting / cutting tool - and optionally various further proportions of the tool or the complete tool - are measured.

[0133] If these data are to be directly related to the quality of workpiece processing in the machine tool, then the tool measurements in the preset fixture must occur with high (repeatable) accuracy.

[0134] Such measuring devices or such presetting instruments are known, for example, from Haimer, from the type range "UNO" or the type range "VIO" presetting instruments.

[0135] This known measurement of the complete tool (e.g. by known pre-set instruments) typically occurs in an automated or automatic manner in order to make available a process that is as fault-free and safe as possible and also efficient and effective, for example in the context of an automated industrial manufacturing process.

[0136] However, automatically in this case means that "required partial sequences / processes during tool measurement (e.g. specific measurement processes) proceed (can proceed) without operator action, but a completely operator-independent process (i.e. an autonomous process) has not yet been realized. In other words, even in the case of this automatic process or in the case of this automatic tool measurement according to the prior art, operator action is required, e.g. from entering tool data and / or identification information for the tool or the complete tool to the complete programming of the measurement sequence into the measurement control.

[0137] This is also due inter alia to the fact that "in the case of known tool measurements, the partial process steps which require the aforementioned operator actions / inputs are very complex and possibly inappropriate with respect to their construction" - and therefore the process as a whole turns out not to be "autonomous possible". In other words, a fully autonomous process cannot be made available in the prior art.

[0138] The object of the present invention is to improve the measurement of tools or complete tools known in the prior art, in particular in that this measurement is or can be performed in a manner that is completely independent of an operator (i.e. without an operator (i.e. autonomously)).

[0139] This object is achieved by a method and a device for autonomously measuring a complete tool, including a tool or a tool holder and a tool clamped in the tool holder, with the features of the respective independent claims.

[0140] Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description and relate both to the device according to the invention and to the method according to the invention.

[0141] Any terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", "left" or "right" used including with respect to the accompanying drawings - unless expressly defined otherwise - are to be understood in the ordinary manner. Terms such as "radial" and "axial" used including with respect to the accompanying drawings and not expressly defined otherwise are to be understood with respect to the center / longitudinal axis or axis of symmetry of the part / component as described herein.

[0142] The expression "substantially", when used, can be understood (as understood by the Supreme Court) to mean "to a degree that is still significant in practice". Thus, possible deviations from the precision thus implied by this concept can occur unintentionally (i.e. without any functional basis) due to manufacturing or assembly tolerances, etc.

[0143] "Autonomous" - to distinguish it from "automated" - means that "no operator intervention or no operator action is required apart from the initiation of a start signal, or such an 'autonomous process' can proceed quite independently (and without an operator) by using corresponding equipment."

[0144] Hereinafter - for the sake of brevity - the use of the term "tool" will also be concomitantly adopted to mean a "complete tool" including the tool holder and the tool clamped within the tool holder.

[0145] In the case of a method for autonomously measuring a tool (for short), first the type of tool is determined autonomously.

[0146] As type of tool it is possible to determine in particular a rotating tool and / or a machining tool (for example a cutting tool, optionally with a turning plate, a drilling tool, a turning tool, optionally with a cutting plate or a grinding plate).

[0147] In particular, in this case it is also advantageous if the type of tool is determined by using A(artificial)I(intelligence) based image processing.

[0148] Next, the points on the tools that distinguish the tools are determined autonomously depending on the type of tool.

[0149] It is advantageous if the point (eg in the case of a drilling tool) is the highest (or highest) point of the tool, or if the point (eg in the case of a cutting tool or grinding machine) is a point on the outer cutting edge of the tool.

[0150] By proceeding from this point, the functional geometry of the tool is measured autonomously.

[0151] Such a functional geometry can for example be the cutting edge of a machining tool (such as a cutting tool or otherwise a drilling tool) or in the case of a grinding machine the grinding machine end region.

[0152] It is particularly preferred if the tool being measured (particularly clamped in the spindle) is swiveled or rotated about its longitudinal or central axis, in which case the functional geometry (e.g. cutting edge) is recognized and the latter is measured autonomously during the swiveling or rotation.

[0153] This process of pivoting / rotating, recognizing and measuring may be performed repeatedly at least until the tool has completed a full rotation about its longitudinal or central axis. Then, all functional geometries / edges on the tool have been recognized (maximum number) and all functional geometries / edges have been measured.

[0154] Artificial intelligence based image processing can also be used for this recognition of functional geometries or groups of functional geometries.

[0155] It is further advantageous if the measured functional geometry / geometric group of the tool is saved and / or stored as a reference, in which case, in particular during re-measurement of the tool, the newly measured functional geometry / geometric group of the tool is compared with the reference (e.g. by image comparison).

[0156] Artificial intelligence-based image processing may also be used here.

[0157] This comparison (between the new functional geometry and the reference) makes it possible in particular to recognize or identify wear on the functional geometry and / or defective functional geometries.

[0158] The cumulative geometry for the tool is then ascertained autonomously from the measured functional geometry.

[0159] It is particularly preferred here if the cumulative geometry (e.g. represented by a cumulative image) is ascertained from the superposition of the measured functional geometry of the tool, where the cumulative geometry is in particular the course of the tool or, in the case of a complete tool, the maximum outer contour (in particular in the radial and also axial direction).

[0160] Furthermore, it may then be advantageous if - by using the cumulative geometry of the tool - the concentricity and / or the flatness and / or the roundness is checked in the case of the tool, in particular together with the minimum contour of the tool.

[0161] Such a minimum contour can be considered to mean, for example, a (measured) contour or functional geometry that - compared to the contour of the cumulative geometric shape - is radially further inward (i.e. closer to the central or longitudinal axis of the tool) (e.g. particularly radially further inward in the cutting edge or grinding end region).

[0162] It is furthermore expedient to store the cumulative image and / or the cumulative geometric shape and / or the minimum contour of the tool as a reference, whereupon, in particular during re-measurement of the tool, the newly determined cumulative image and / or the cumulative geometric shape and / or the minimum contour accordingly can then be compared (e.g. by image comparison) with the respective reference.

[0163] Artificial intelligence-based image processing may also be used here.

[0164] This comparison then also makes it possible to recognise or identify wear, particularly on the tool.

[0165] Furthermore, it is particularly advantageous if the tool is scanned, in particular where a 2D and / or 3D scan is performed - and a corresponding digital image representation of the tool is generated.

[0166] In this regard, it is thereby possible to ascertain a digital twin (as described in DE 10 2017 117 840 A1, the contents of which are also incorporated by reference in the subject matter of the present application) and / or a collision-related or machining-related digital twin of a tool (as described in DE 10 2022 123 017 A1, the contents of which are also incorporated by reference in the subject matter of the present application).

[0167] It is also advantageous if not only the measurement / measurements of the tool but also its functional geometry / geometry and (crash-related / machining-related) digital twin are compared.

[0168] This comparison may in particular be performed with respect to the tool or full tool height present (such as on the second / third surface) or with respect to different tools or full tool heights optionally present (such as on the second / third surface).

[0169] To this end, it is also advantageous that the method is not only performed at / in a (first) axial height / plane on the tool, in other words, the method may also be advantageously performed at other axial (z) heights on the tool (e.g. second / third plane etc.), for example at places where the tool diameter changes (e.g. steps in the case of a "step drill") and / or where other or additional functional geometries (e.g. (another) swivel / cutting plate) are arranged on the tool and / or at other (any other) (axial) heights possibly present).

[0170] Here, the measuring unit can be moved autonomously in the z-axis direction / vertically - for example along the outer edge of the tool - as far as the surface in which another functional geometry is recognized (by the measuring unit) and where the described measuring procedure is repeated.

[0171] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the measured - in particular by using artificial intelligence based image processing - surface points of the tool are connected to form the contour of the tool or the complete tool.

[0172] According to one preferred embodiment, it is provided that the method is carried out in / on a rotary tool and / or a machining tool, such as a cutting tool, a drilling tool or a grinding machine.

[0173] Furthermore - according to one particularly preferred development - the method may comprise one or more of the following steps (preferably in the order mentioned):

[0174] In this regard, it is possible to determine the highest point of the tool (see tool distinguishing point) on the central axis (longitudinal axis) of the tool (z-axis). In other words, the central axis (longitudinal axis) of the tool (z-axis) is traversed; i.e. the highest or highest point of the tool is then determined on this axis.

[0175] It is then possible to check whether the tip is on the tool, particularly by using the highest point. For example, A(rtificial)I(ntelligence) based A(rtificial)I(ntelligence) or image processing means can also be used for this purpose.

[0176] Furthermore, this can be done in such a way that for example neighbouring points of the tool to the highest point are determined / measured. If these points are below the highest point - axially (in the central / longitudinal or z-axis direction) - then the tip can be assumed (at the highest point).

[0177] In the case of a tip, a drilling tool can then be determined as a tool of that type.

[0178] In the absence of any tip, the radially outer edge on the tool (a point that distinguishes the tool, cf.) can then be determined. The cutting edge on the tool (a functional geometry, cf.) can then be determined, in particular by using the radially outer edge. This can be done in particular by using a predefined comparison pattern, optionally by using AI.

[0179] The cutting edge can then be measured.

[0180] If a cutting edge is found (optionally measured), the tool may furthermore be assumed to be a cutting tool. If no such cutting edge is present, a grinder may also be assumed - in the case of a tool - and its peripheral grinding edge (see functional geometry) may be measured.

[0181] It is also particularly advantageous if the method is carried out or if the tool is treated according to the method by using a device for autonomously measuring the tool or the complete tool.

[0182] An apparatus for autonomously measuring a tool or a complete tool including a tool holder and a tool clamped in the tool holder provides a measuring unit and a calculation / control unit.

[0183] The measurement unit and / or the calculation / control unit are configured in such a way that first the type of tool can be determined autonomously, then a point that distinguishes the tool can be determined autonomously on the tool depending on the type of tool, the functional geometry of the tool can be measured by proceeding autonomously from this point, and subsequently the cumulative geometry for the tool can be ascertained autonomously from the measured functional geometry.

[0184] It is particularly preferred if the measurement unit and / or the calculation / control unit are adapted to carry out the method or method steps according to the invention.

[0185] In this case, the "units..." such as the measurement unit and the calculation / control unit may also in particular include processors, storage units, interfaces and / or operating control / calculation programs (which are in particular stored in the storage units).

[0186] Optionally, the measurement unit and / or the apparatus may comprise a control unit providing a corresponding control of the measurement unit for performing one of the above-mentioned methods according to the invention or method steps according to the invention.

[0187] According to one configuration, it may be provided that the measuring unit comprises one or more optical and / or "contactless" measuring devices (e.g. digital cameras and / or radar and / or lidar and / or measuring devices operating according to transmitted or reflected light methods (in particular (digital) image sensors)). Different kinds of measuring devices, such as laser curtain- or otherwise other tactile or optical measuring systems, may alternatively also be provided.

[0188] Furthermore, it may be advantageous here if - in the case of multiple measuring devices - the tool or the complete tool or its functional geometry is measured from various points of view (axes), in particular in the case of swivel tools, whereby the position of, in particular, functional geometries such as cutting edges or cutting plates can be determined, for example.

[0189] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the type of measuring device is selected depending on the requirements regarding the measurement accuracy.

[0190] The processing center provides the equipment and also the machine tools.

[0191] It is particularly preferred here if the device and the machine tool are mounted on a common base and / or if the device is integrated (functionally and / or from a component point of view) into the machine tool.

[0192] The invention is based on the following insight: autonomous measurement of a tool becomes or is feasible "if, firstly, each process / method step itself can be automated and all process / method steps can be performed in coordination in an integrated work environment (e.g. in a single device such as a pre-configured tool), and secondly, the respective information required for the respective process / method step is in each case already present at the beginning of each process / method step."

[0193] Proceeding from here, the present invention generates a specific and surprisingly simple method regime or inventive method regime according to the invention having a specifically classified sequence of automatable or automated processes / method steps, which meets or guarantees the above-mentioned prerequisites.

[0194] Thus, in the case of the method regime or creative method regime according to the invention, operator action can be dispensed with, no operator action is necessary here - and the autonomous method of measuring a tool resulting from the method regime or creative method regime according to the invention - as a whole - can be performed fully autonomously.

[0195] As a result, the invention can now make available fault-free, safe and also highly efficient and effective processes - for example in the context of automated industrial manufacturing processes. The invention therefore makes a valuable contribution to the intelligent networking of machines and sequences in industry / industrial manufacturing (i.e. the 4th industry).

[0196] Another aspect of the invention relates to an apparatus for autonomously measuring a tool or a complete tool, in particular an apparatus providing a reader for reading out data of a data carrier that is arranged on a tool holder in a measuring device carrier of the apparatus.

[0197] The description of advantageous configurations of the invention given above includes numerous features which are partly reproduced in combination as a plurality in the individual dependent claims, but these features may also be advantageously considered individually and combined (including between arrangements / apparatus and methods) to form advantageous further combinations.

[0198] Although in this specification or in the patent claims several terms are used in the singular or in combination with a number, the scope of the invention of these terms is not intended to be limited to the singular or the respective number. Moreover, in German texts, the word "ein" or "eine" [a, an, one] is to be understood not as a number but rather as an indefinite article.

[0199] The above-mentioned characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention and the manner in which they are accomplished will become more apparent and more clearly understood in connection with the following description of exemplary embodiments of the invention which are described in more detail in connection with the accompanying drawings / figures (in which like parts / components and functions have the same reference numerals in the accompanying drawings / figures).

[0200] The exemplary embodiments serve to illustrate the invention and do not limit the invention to the combinations of features defined therein, even in the case of functional features. Moreover, features preferred therefor in each exemplary embodiment may also be explicitly considered separately, removed from the exemplary embodiment, introduced into a different exemplary embodiment, and / or combined with any of the claims in order to supplement the same features. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0201] [Figure 1-1]1 illustrates a pre-configured instrument capable of performing autonomous measurements of a tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2-1] 1-2 shows a control menu for a pre-set instrument according to FIG. 1-1 illustrating an autonomous measurement of the tool according to an embodiment according to the invention; [Figure 3-1] 2-1 shows an excerpt from a control menu according to FIG. 2-1 for a pre-set instrument according to FIG. 1-1 illustrating an autonomous measurement of the tool according to an embodiment according to the invention. [Figure 4-1] 1 shows a cumulative image (with cumulative geometry and minimum contour) of a cutting tool generated during autonomous measurement of the tool according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5-1] 1 shows a measurement device carrier for a pre-configured instrument with an integrated reader according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0202] Autonomous measurement of tools (Figures 1-1 to 4-1) FIG. 1-1 shows in detail a tool presetting tool 2, or presetting tool 2 for short, for measuring a tool 4 or a complete tool 6 (tool holder 8 and tool 4).

[0203] The presetting tool 2 includes an optical measuring device 10 in the form of a camera device 10, by means of which information from the tool 4 or the complete tool 6 can be recorded (briefly and simply, the tool can be measured).

[0204] In addition, the pre-setting tool 2 comprises, inter alia, a calculation / control unit 34 including a processor, a storage unit (memory for short), an interface with a camera device, an interface with a machine tool 36, and a calculation / operation program (such as the autonomous measurement of the tool 4 ("Maximum SE"), which is the focus of attention here - and also the generation of data of a collision-relevant digital twin and a machining-relevant digital twin of the tool 4 or the complete tool 6) stored in the storage unit and executable by the calculation / control unit 34 and "operable" via display means 38 and input means 40 (as described in DE 10 2022 123 017 A1).

[0205] -By using the camera device 10-a calculation / control unit 34 is furthermore provided -by corresponding calculation / operation programs-for enabling or implementing custom measurements of the tool 4 or the complete tool 6 and custom pre-setting data is generated by the tool 4 or the complete tool 6.

[0206] Furthermore, the calculation / control unit 34 - also by means of corresponding calculation / operation programs and by using the camera device 10 - makes it possible to generate data of the tool 4 or the complete tool 6 for crash review (i.e. the crash-relevant digital twin and the machining-relevant digital twin).

[0207] The measured or pre-set data (or all of it) - including from autonomous measurements of the tool 4 ("Maximum SE") (collectively referred to simply as measured or pre-set data for short) - and / or the crash-related digital twin and machining-related digital twin data (crash-related and machining-related digital twin for short) may be provided in a digital format for further machining processing - in the form of one or more data sets - (e.g. data formats VDA-FS, IFC, IGES, STEP, STL and DXF).

[0208] In this case, separate data sets of measurement data, pre-configuration data and the digital twin are provided as well as a common data set of the digital twin. Via an interface 36 to the machine tool (not shown), the data or data set can be transferred / transmitted to the machine tool (especially if a simulated crash review can be performed or is performed with the data).

[0209] The presetting device 2 further comprises, as shown in Figure 1-1 (and see also Figures 2-1 to 4-1), a display means 38 in the form of a monitor 38 (with touchscreen functionality) and an input means 40 configured as a (separate) keyboard 40. Furthermore, the input means 40 is also configured as a touchscreen functional monitor 38.

[0210] The operator can operate the calculation / operation program via a functional keyboard 40 and touch screen 38, data and status indications of the calculation / operation program are displayed on (and thereby operable by) the monitor 38 - and can initiate the transfer of data or data sets to the machine tool via the interface 36.

[0211] As also shown by FIG. 1-1, the complete tool 6 is arranged on a spindle 42 which is rotatable about a rotational / central axis (z-axis) of a longitudinal axis 46 in a manner controlled by a corresponding function program - in particular also automatically by an actuator (not shown in more specific detail).

[0212] The aforementioned camera arrangement 10 of the presetting tool 2 is configured as a transmitted light system. In this case, the camera 48 and the illumination means 50 are on either side of the complete tool 6 arranged on the spindle 42. The camera arrangement 10 is mounted on a slide 52 - and is movable manually and in particular also automatically along two axes ("x" and "z") - in a manner controlled by a corresponding function program.

[0213] An interface for a printer 54 is also available.

[0214] Function Program "Autonomous Tool Measurement" ("Maximum SE") FIGS. 2-1 to 4-1 show the sequence of the function program for autonomously measuring a tool or a complete tool.

[0215] FIG. 2-1 shows the control menu or operation and display interface 32 displayed on the display means 38 / monitor / touch screen 38 of the pre-configured instrument 2 - and via which autonomous measurements of the tool or complete tool are performed or initiated.

[0216] This illustration shows the various function programs 32 of the pre-set tool 2 on the left side of the operating interface 32 (in the form of arranged function buttons 44) and in fact also shows a function program for autonomously measuring a tool called "Maximum SE" or a complete tool (see how this is identified by a border marked around it, FIG. 2).

[0217] Touching the function button 44 "Maximum SE" causes an autonomous measurement of the tool or of the complete tool to be started - the autonomous measurement then proceeds thereafter completely operator-free or autonomously. In other words, any tool that is not known at this point can be measured (and created as a new tool (as a data set) in the tool management) - without further operator assistance.

[0218] The camera arrangement 10 "searches" for the (arbitrary and "unknown") tool 4 clamped / held in the spindle 42. In other words, the camera arrangement 10 moves autonomously along the central axis 46 (z-axis) of the tool until (at) it detects / recognizes a "first part / area" of the tool 4. In this case, the camera arrangement 10 moves autonomously at the level of the highest point 12 of the tool 4 clamped / held in the spindle 42.

[0219] In this regard, it is possible to determine the highest or maximum point 12 of the tool 4 on the central (longitudinal) axis 46 (z-axis) of the tool.

[0220] The highest point 12 is then used to check whether a tip 14 is present on the tool 4. Image processing means based on Artificial Intelligence are used here for this purpose.

[0221] Alternatively, this could also be achieved by searching / measuring neighbouring points with respect to the highest point 12 on the tool 4. If these points are axially (central / longitudinal or z-axial) below the highest point 12, then the tip 14 can be assumed (at the highest point 12).

[0222] In the case of tip 14, the previously "unknown" tool 4 is determined / classified as a drilling tool. Further measurements of the functional geometry 16 of the "drilling tool" (or simply "drill" for short) follow.

[0223] However - in this case - since the "unknown" tool 4 is a cutting tool (having 10 cutting edges) (see FIG. 3-1), no tips 14 are found on tool 4 - and this tool 4 is also not categorized / recognized as a drilling tool.

[0224] In this "no tip" case on the tool 4, the radially outer edge 18 is determined on the tool. In other words, the camera device 10 moves radially (X-axis) outward (to the radially outer edge 20 of the tool 4).

[0225] The camera arrangement 10 detects the radially outer edge 20 - and the spindle 42 starts to pivot the clamped tool 4 or the complete tool 6 therein (about its longitudinal / central axis or z-axis 46).

[0226] While the tool 4 is rotating, the camera arrangement 10 continuously determines the contour 22 of the tool 4 in each pivot position. The determined contour 22 is evaluated here by using a predefined comparison pattern to the effect that the cutting edge 16 (functional geometry 16) of the tool 4 is recognizable within the contour course (in each pivot position of the tool 4). If the contour 22 is recognized as the cutting edge 16 / functional geometry 16, it is also measured.

[0227] The tool 4 is rotated at least once completely (360°) about its central or longitudinal axis or z-axis 46 and in this way - at the end of the rotation process - all cutting edges 16 (functional geometries 16) (possibly present in the case of a cutting or milling tool) are recognized - and also measured in such case.

[0228] Thus, it is now determined (a) whether tool 4 is a cutting or cutting tool - and (b) how many cutting edges there are in the cutter here.

[0229] In the case described here, the cutting edges 16 (functional geometry 16) (of which there are 10) have been recognized and measured, whereby the "unknown" tool has now been identified as a cutting tool having 10 cutting edges and classified accordingly.

[0230] FIG. 2-1 and its detailed FIG. 3-1 show the measurement of (in this case ten) cutting edges 16 (functional geometry 16) of a (in this case) cutting tool.

[0231] As made clear by Fig. 2-1 and Fig. 3-1 (excerpts from the operating interface / touch screen 38), in this case the "x" dimensions (i.e. radial dimensions) of the ten cutting edges 16 are graphically represented (in bar form (height of the bar corresponds to radial dimension)). By "switching" to the "z" dimension, the "z" dimensions (z-axis) of each of the ten cutting edges 16 are represented accordingly. In a variant, the x and z dimensions can also be displayed simultaneously in a superimposed form.

[0232] The respective representations make it possible to quickly and easily recognize the difference between the cutting edges 16 or their states: for example the farthest outer cutting edge 56 (see Fig. 4-1) (Figs. 2-1 and 3-1 - cutting edge 1) versus the farthest inner cutting edge 58 (Fig. 4-1) (Figs. 2-1 and 3-1 - cutting edge 3) (see Figs. 2-1 and 3-1 respectively marked accordingly by two straight lines) or "highest cutting edge versus lowest cutting edge".

[0233] In this regard, FIG. 4-1 shows a corresponding cumulative image 24 in which - by using the measured cutting edge 16 - the cutting edge contour course is represented together in a superimposed manner.

[0234] In the cumulative image 24 as shown in FIG. 4-1, the measured functional geometry / cutting edge 16 of the tool is represented in a superimposed manner (in "x" and "z"), whereby in this way - in the image (and also computer-visible) - the maximum outer contour 26 - here in "x" and "z" - called cumulative geometry 26 - is clearly shown in the case of the cutting tool / tool ​​4.

[0235] Similarly, in this manner, a minimum contour 28 - for example also from the cumulative image 24 - can be inferred or determined (also computationally), and this minimum contour - simply and clearly speaking (as the equivalent of the cumulative geometric shape 26) - forms the "minimum inner contour" 28.

[0236] From the maximum outer contour 26 or cumulative geometric shape 26 and the minimum inner contour 28 (at "x"), it is thus also possible to ascertain the concentricity, planarity and roundness for the tool 4.

[0237] Once the cutting edges 16 (functional geometry 16) of the tool 4 have been measured, these are stored (in memory or in the tool management system) as references - and are thus available during re-measurement of this tool 4 as a comparison for the newly measured cutting edges 16 / functional geometry 16 of this tool 4.

[0238] Some wear information of the tool 4 may be ascertained from such a comparison. From the some wear information it is also possible to derive other characteristics, such as remaining useful life or remaining useful life runs.

[0239] If no individual cutting edges / edges 16 are recognized during the contour recognition (see above), then in the case of such a tool 4 (also without tip 14 - see above), the grinding wheel 4 can be assumed and its peripheral grinding wheel edge 18 (see functional geometry 16) is then measured. Here too, the cumulative image 24, the cumulative geometry 26 and the minimum contour 28 can be ascertained, stored and evaluated (e.g. concentricity, planarity, ...).

[0240] If the tip 14 is recognised as a tool 4, and if the latter is classified as a drill 4, the camera device 10 moves axially to the height where the tool / drill 4 or its drill tip has its maximum outer diameter - and then moves radially outwards - to the radially outer edge 20 of the tool.

[0241] From here the same procedure occurs as described above and for the cutting tool 4 - in the case of the drilling tool 4.

[0242] The camera arrangement 10 detects the radially outer edge 20 - and the spindle 42 begins to pivot the tool / drill 4 clamped therein (about its longitudinal / centre or z-axis 46).

[0243] While the tool / drill 4 is rotating, the camera arrangement 10 continuously determines the contour 22 of the tool / drill 4 in each pivot position. The determined contour 22 is evaluated to the effect that the cutting edge 16 (functional geometry 16) of the tool 4 is recognizable within the contour course (in each pivot position of the tool 4). If the contour 22 is recognizable as the cutting edge 16 / functional geometry 16, it is also measured.

[0244] The tool / drill 4 is rotated (360°) about its central or longitudinal or z-axis 46 and thus - at the end of the rotation process - all cutting edges 16 (functional geometry 16) are recognized - and then also measured in this case. The cumulative image 24, the cumulative geometry 26 and the minimum contour 28, and also some wear information, are ascertained, stored and evaluated accordingly.

[0245] In the case of the autonomous measurement of the tool described here, the measurement on the tool occurs "only" on one side (the first side identified by a border marked around it - see Figures 2-1 and 3-1 "Level 1 / 1"): i.e. at the "outer cutting edge" 18 (near the tip 14 of the tool 4).

[0246] Such measurements may also be performed at other axial heights (z-axis) on the tool 4 (such as the second / third face) as described (e.g. where the diameter of the tool 4 changes (e.g. a step in the case of a "step drill") and / or where other or additional functional geometries 16 (e.g. a (further) pivoting / cutting plate (functional geometry 16)) are located on the tool) and / or at another (any other) height.

[0247] Now, the camera arrangement 10 is then moved along the outer edge of the tool 4 until - in another plane - another functional geometry 16 is recognized, and now the described measurement procedure (see above) is repeated. Here, too, the cumulative image 24, the cumulative geometry 26 and the minimum contour 28, and also some wear information, can again be ascertained, stored and evaluated accordingly.

[0248] Functional program "Digital Twin" The function program "Digital Twin" is started according to the above-mentioned function program "Maximum SE", in this case then the generation of the (crash-related) digital twin is started on the display means 38 / monitor 38 either autonomously or by touching the function button "Digital Twin" (not shown).

[0249] -For non-rotating tools. During the generation of the collision-relevant digital twin of the complete tool 6 - here for a non-rotating tool 4, such as for example a swiveling tool 4 - this tool is scanned - and a digital image representation of the complete tool is thereby generated.

[0250] The scanning occurs by a 2D scanning of the complete tool 6 - in this case by a non-rotating tool 4 - which scanning is performed by the camera device 10 - by measuring the contour of the complete tool 6 on both sides at a given fixed position of the complete tool 6 (stationary spindle 42).

[0251] In this case, in an automated manner, the camera device 10 moves to various heights of the complete tool 6 and, at each of these heights, creates a record of the complete tool 6 or a record of details of the complete tool 6, from which the contour or contour course of the complete tool 6 is then "extracted" and then a (two-dimensional) digital image representation is formed.

[0252] This occurs in the following way: the camera device 10 is first moved stepwise from the bottom, i.e. from the lower end of the complete tool 6 to the top (i.e. to the upper end of the complete tool 6), the camera device 10 is now oriented in the direction of the contour of one side of the complete tool 6 - and the contour of said side of the complete tool 6 is visible in this case.

[0253] The camera device 10 then moves stepwise from the top to the bottom, where it is oriented in the direction of the contour of the other side of the complete tool 6 - and the contour of the other side of the complete tool 6 is now visible.

[0254] In addition to scanning the complete tool, furthermore the first cutting edge point, the cutting edge start point and the second cutting edge point, the cutting edge end point are then measured on the tool 4 or the complete tool 6 by the camera device 10 .

[0255] For this purpose - if there is a desire that this not be performed autonomously - the operator can move the camera device 10 to the two corresponding heights, which he can monitor in each case by means of the display on the monitor 38, and he can focus thereon the cutting edge start point and the cutting edge end point - and then start the respective measurement by means of the keyboard 40. Otherwise this occurs autonomously.

[0256] In the digital image representation, the cutting edge region is then identified by using the measured first cutting edge point and the measured second cutting edge point or by using these identified closest points in the digital image representation (the "crash-related digital twin").

[0257] -For the Rotate tool During the generation of a collision-relevant digital twin of the complete tool 6 - in this case for a non-rotating tool 4, such as a cutting tool 4 - this tool is likewise scanned - and - in this case for a rotating tool 4 - a (three-dimensional) digital image representation of the complete tool 6 is generated.

[0258] The scanning occurs by a 3D scan of the complete tool 6 - in this case by a non-rotating tool 4 - which is carried out by a camera device 10 and by measuring the contour of the complete tool 6 on one side - the complete tool 6 being rotated in various ways (by a rotating spindle 42).

[0259] In this case, in an automated manner, the camera device 10 moves to various heights of the complete tool 6 - and in each case records (by means of the spindle 42) the complete tool 6 in variously pivoted positions at these heights or records details of the complete tool 6, from which the envelope contour of the complete tool 6 is then "extracted" and a (three-dimensional) digital image representation is then formed.

[0260] This occurs in the following way: the camera device 10 is preferably moved stepwise from the bottom, i.e. from the lower end of the complete tool 6 to the top (i.e. to the upper end of the complete tool 6), the camera device 10 here being oriented in the direction of one side contour of the complete tool 6. At each moved height, different recordings of the complete tool 6 are made - in each case with the complete tool position pivoted in different ways.

[0261] In addition to scanning the complete tool 6, further - optionally by using A(artificial)I(ntelligence) - the first cutting edge point, the cutting edge start point and the second cutting edge point, the cutting edge end point are then recognized and measured on the tool 6 or the complete tool 6 by the camera device 10.

[0262] For this purpose - if there is a desire that this not be performed autonomously - the operator can move the camera device 10 to the two corresponding heights, which he can monitor in each case by means of the display on the monitor 38, and he can focus thereon the cutting edge start point and the cutting edge end point - and then start the respective measurement by means of the keyboard 40. Otherwise this occurs autonomously.

[0263] In the digital image representation, the cutting edge region is then identified (the "crash-related digital twin") by using the measured first cutting edge point and the measured second cutting edge point, or by using these identified closest points in the digital image representation, and thus identified.

[0264] Based on these data, the machine tool and / or an external programming station then performs a crash simulation.

[0265] A (measuring device) carrier 64 with a reading device / reader 62 for reading from a data carrier 60 on a tool holder 8 (FIG. 5-1) FIG. 5-1 shows - as part of the slide 52 of the presetting tool 2 - a (approximately U-shaped) measuring device carrier 64 for a presetting tool 2 having a reader / reading device 62 integrated therein for reading from a data carrier 60 on the tool holder 8.

[0266] The complete tool 6 - or more precisely the tool holder 8 - held or clamped in the spindle 42 is provided with a data carrier 60, which is configured here for example as a contactlessly readable data carrier, such as an RFID chip, by means of which the tool holder 8 can be identified fully automatically (also in the context of defined autonomous sequences) and further measurement data therefor can be acquired. The position of the data carrier 60 on the tool holder 8 (HSK / SK tool holder) is standardized in this case.

[0267] By this measure incorrect allocation or missing tools are avoided and maximum tool deployment and high machine availability are ensured. In this case - by means of the data carrier 60 - all tool-related data is or has been stored (for example as described in DE 10 2016 102 692 A1) on a data carrier which is - here contactlessly - fixedly connected to the tool holder 8. In addition to or instead of the individual tool data, a code / value which uniquely identifies the tool etc. can also be stored on the chip.

[0268] As also shown in FIG. 5-1, the complete tool 6 or tool holder 8 is arranged on a spindle 42 which is rotatable about a longitudinal axis 46 (z-axis) or automatically rotatable about the longitudinal axis - in particular by an actuator which is also not shown in more specific detail.

[0269] The above-mentioned camera arrangement 10 (see FIG. 1-1, camera 48 and lighting means 50) of the presetting instrument 2 is part of the slide 52 of the presetting instrument 2 - and is arranged on a U-shaped measuring device carrier 64 which is movable manually and in particular also automatically (see autonomous process - see above) along two axes ("x" and "z" 46), as indicated in FIG. 5-1.

[0270] Furthermore, a reader 62 having a movable (in the horizontal plane) read / write head 66 capable of reading data from the data carrier 60 on the tool holder 8 is integrated in the measuring device carrier 64 as indicated in FIG. 5-1.

[0271] Specifically, the read / write head 66 of the reader 62 moves out of the measuring device carrier 64 and directly into the data carrier (at this position data can be read from the data carrier 60) and then back into the measuring device carrier again.

[0272] Data is read from the data carrier 60 either autonomously in an integrated manner during this process or as a separate autonomous process by means of a function button 44 on the touch screen 38 (wherein touching the function button 44 then initiates the autonomous reading process).

[0273] The measuring device carrier 64 moves autonomously - along the central axis / z-axis 46 - into a home position, the axial height of which corresponds to the axial height at which the data carrier 60 is fixed to the tool holder 8.

[0274] The complete tool 6 or tool holder 8 is rotated by the spindle 42 - autonomously around the z-axis - until the data chip 60, placed in a standardized position on the tool holder 8, ends up in front of the reader 62. In this case the (adapter dependent) angular value of the chip position is known within the system but can optionally be found with camera assistance.

[0275] The read / write head 66 of the reader 62 moves directly up to the data carrier 60 - and reads the data therefrom. Then the read / write head 66 moves back again.

[0276] If the positioning of the reading device 62 in front of the data carrier 60 is intended to be achieved (completely) without prior knowledge (see standardized position), it can be provided that by using Artificial Intelligence-based image processing the camera unit 10 "searches" for the data carrier 60 on the tool holder 8 and thus recognizes or determines the position of said data carrier. Height positioning of the measuring device carrier 64 and spindle rotation and then reading can occur accordingly.

[0277] Such a reader 62 in a measuring device carrier 64 of the pre-setting instrument 2 can also be used in a corresponding (and functional) manner for any other machine tool.

[0278] Furthermore, the read / write head 66 could also simply be a specific camera- or otherwise reader 62 mounted on the measuring device carrier 64 and reading a marking (e.g. a QR code) on the tool holder 8 which identifies the tool holder 8. Such a marking may then identify the tool holder 8 or may otherwise contain tool data in encoded form.

[0279] This additional aspect described here in relation to Figure 5-1 in the case of the pre-setting tool 2 ("(measuring device) carrier 52 having a reading device / reader 62 for reading from the data carrier 60 on the tool holder 8 (Figure 5-1)") may also be further sought as a separate subject of a divisional application - also independently of or independently with respect to the pre-setting tool.

[0280] Although the present invention has been more particularly shown and described in detail by preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is nevertheless not limited to the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived therefrom. [Explanation of symbols]

[0281] List of reference symbols (Figure 1): 2 Tools 4 Tool holder 6 Global Tools 8 (Integrated / Linked) Processing Environment 10 (Integrated / Linked) Manufacturing Environment 12 Mounting fixtures, interference fitting fixtures 14 Balance equipment 16 Pre-set Instruments 18 (Parts) Manufacturing Process 20 Overall Tool Generation Process 22 Manufacturing Planning / Control 24 Processing data, tool lists, device sheets 26 Processing Management System 28 Work orders 30 Working Data 32 Interfaces, OPC-UA Interface, Client / MQTT Interface 36 Tool management and entrustment 38 CAD / CAM Systems 40 (1:1) Identifier / Code, (1:1) Data Matrix Code 42 Machine Tools / CNC Cutting Machines 44 Database 46 Evaluation Units

[0282] List of reference numbers: DE 10 2024 122 026.0 (Figs. 1-1 to 5-1): 2 Apparatus for measuring tools or complete tools, presetting instruments 4 (rotating / non-rotating) tools, cutting tools, grinding machines, drilling tools / drills 6 Complete Tools 8 Tool holder, (hydraulic expansion) clamp chuck 10 Measuring units, (optical) measuring devices, camera units 12 (highest / highest) points 14 Tip, drill tip 16 Functional geometry 18 Radial outer edge, cutting edge, grinding edge 20 radial outer edge 22 Contour 24 cumulative images 26 Cumulative geometry, maximum outer contour 28 Minimum contour, minimum inner contour 32 Operation and display interface 34 Calculation / Control Unit 36 Machine Tool Interface 38 Display means, monitors, touch screens 40 Input means, keyboard 42 Spindle 44 Function Buttons 46 Center / Longitudinal / Rotational Axis, Z-Axis 48 Camera 50 Lighting means 52 Slides 54 Printer 56 Farthest outer cutting edge 16 58 Farthest inner cutting edge 16 60 Data Carrier, RFID Chip 62 Reading Devices / Readers(60) 64 Measuring device carrier (as part of slide 52) 66 read / write heads (62)

Claims

1. A method for data exchange with at least one tool for mounting a tool in the tool holder (in particular an interference fitting tool) and / or a balancing tool and / or a presetting tool during the control of the processing of an entire tool including a tool holder and a tool in an integrated / linked processing environment, in particular in the context of an automated and / or digitalized manufacturing process for manufacturing a part by using an entire tool, optionally with further machines and automated parts, in an integrated manufacturing environment, - a higher-level manufacturing planning / control, in particular for manufacturing a part, transmits process data (in particular a tool list and / or a device sheet) for processing said overall tool to a process management system, - the process management system transmits work orders / data identified by using the process data to the instruments of the integrated / linked process environment.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein by using said work orders / data, said tools of said integrated / linked processing environment are monitored and / or controlled, in particular under remote control by said process management system.

3. In particular the operation data of the installation tool (in particular said interference fit tool) comprises at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: the type of the tool holder (especially the interference chuck), (optionally also the article number), and / or the storage location of the tool holder (especially the interference chuck), a unique identification (in particular a unique number) of the tool holder, in particular of the interference chuck, the type of said tool (especially the cutting machine) and / or the storage location of said tool (especially the cutting machine), the unique identification (particularly a unique number) of an already used tool (particularly the cutting machine), in particular in case said tool (particularly the cutting machine) still has sufficient remaining runtime, and / or the unique identification (particularly a unique number) of the tool holder (particularly the interference chuck), the number of identical tools required, depending in particular on the planned unit quantity of parts to be produced and on the service life of the tools (in particular the cutting machines), taking into account in particular also the remaining runtime for the tools (in particular the cutting machines) used, - the target length of the entire tool with its tolerances, - tolerances (optionally also adapted), The number of mounting cycles (especially the interference fit cycles) of the tool holder (especially the interference fit chuck).

4. The work instructions (in particular for the installation tool, in particular for the interference fit tool) comprise at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - removal of a unit quantity of tool holders (especially interference chucks) and / or tools (especially cutting machines) from storage; - reading (especially scanning) a unique identification (especially a data matrix code and / or number) on / of the tool holder (especially a specific interference fit chuck) and / or on / of the tool (especially the cutting machine); - automatic selection of interference fit parameters, especially with tolerances, - Display of all relevant interference fit parameters / data, Driving a length stop to a predetermined or predefinable length (possibly automatically or manually with user guidance on the installation tool (especially on the interference fit tool)); - indication of coarse settings (especially by colour (especially red / green) indication), - Closer display of target dimensions (especially with color (especially red / green) display), - heating the tool holder (especially the interference chuck); - inserting the tool (especially the cutting tool), - Pivot at length stop, - Raising the tool (in particular the cutter) to the length stop (manually or by means of a compression spring), - waiting time for the tool (especially the cutting machine) to be clamped, - cooling the tool holder (especially the interference chuck); - monitoring of the cooling process, - Controlling the actual length by means of length stops; - storing said actual length in a database; - identifying the entire tool by the unique number of the tool holder (in particular of the interference chuck); - automatic display of tool holder parameters (in particular torques to be used for collet chucks or hydraulic expansion chucks for technically correct mounting, and also for associated accessories for turning plate holders such as sliding blocks, mounting devices etc.), in particular as an alternative to the interference fit of a mechanical clamping chuck, and also automatic display of a final representation of the complete tool to check the technically correct mounting, in particular together with its length tolerances.

5. The task data (in particular of the pre-configured tool) comprises at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: Geometric information, in particular the overall length of the overall tool and / or the diameter of the tool (in particular of the cutter) and / or the corner radius of the tool (in particular of the cutter), Tool service life (especially in the form of parts per new tool) or service life in minutes / hours, according to the method of any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The work instructions (in particular for the preset tool) include at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - Inserting the entire tool into the measuring spindle; - Optionally starting an automatic measurement run - or initiating a manual measurement of a particular variable, - loading the actual dimensions into a database and / or sending the actual dimensions to a process management system (or its database); The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, - additionally - also transmitting preconfiguration data to a processing machine.

7. The task data (particularly of the balance apparatus) includes at least one of the following information, particularly several of the following information, particularly all of the following information: - balance tolerances from the database, - Further parameters such as total length and total weight from a database, - measurement method (e.g. simple / switching or (automatic) switching balance / simple with spindle compensation) - A balancing method in which a mass has to be added or subtracted (e.g. imbalance compensation by removing or adding material or by adjusting the mass) and in particular a corresponding balancing surface (height, diameter, ...), the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The work instructions (in particular for the balance apparatus) include at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - clamping the entire tool into a balance spindle; - measurement execution according to a given measurement method (e.g. simple / switching / simple with spindle correction), - imbalance compensation according to a predetermined method; - Checking balance accuracy (test runs) and loading actual imbalances into the database; - sending the results to a process management system (or its database); The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, - optionally repeating the process until the result is OK (so that the course of the balance is traceable within the process management system).

9. The process management system: - monitoring the status (in particular the online status) of at least one appliance of all appliances; and / or - documenting the process of at least one instrument (in particular of all instruments) and in particular also documenting the interventions (in particular manual interventions) within some processes, and / or monitoring the compliance of at least one tool (in particular of all tools) with predetermined or predefinable tolerances during said process; and / or - monitoring and / or documenting changes (especially of tool status, of work orders / data, of values, tolerances and / or other information); and / or counting and / or documenting process iterations, in particular with reference to the unique identification of the tool holder and / or of the tool, and / or - Update work instructions / data, and / or - generating work instructions / data in case of undesired conditions (in particular fault conditions and / or defective or incorrectly performed processes); and / or - generating a job list from the work instructions and in particular making available or communicating said job list to the tools of the processing environment (this can be sent to a machine in advance by the process management system as a "job" or can be requested by the machine from the process management system at the time of execution); and / or - counting and documenting the processing processes (particularly those carried out on the equipment of the processing environment in producing the overall tool), and / or - communicating bidirectionally within or with said processing environment or within or with said appliances of said processing environment; and / or - "track" (live) the status of the instruments integrated into the environment (status: online / offline; status: job feedback (good / bad)), - Check the last performed job from the one-to-one identification (the final result of the performed job is displayed on the one-to-one identification - it can thus be ensured that all necessary steps have also been performed) A method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising recording, without gaps, the history of the work carried out on the machine and documenting the work carried out on the machine.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the work orders / data are communicated via an OPC-UA interface and / or a customer interface or an MQTT interface.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the method is computer-implemented.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein data (in particular the work orders / data and / or data generated by the tool) is evaluated in particular by the process management system.

13. 1. A process management system for data exchange with at least one tool for mounting a tool into a tool holder (particularly an interference fitting tool) and / or a balancing tool and / or a presetting tool during control of processing of an entire tool including a tool holder and a tool in an integrated / linked processing environment, particularly in the context of an automated and / or digitalized manufacturing process for manufacturing a part by using an entire tool, optionally having further machines and automated parts, of an integrated manufacturing environment, said process management system being configured in such a way that by using processing data (particularly a tool list and / or a device sheet) for processing the entire tool, particularly transmitted by a higher-level manufacturing planning / control for manufacturing a part, work instructions / data can be ascertained and these work instructions / data can be transmitted to the tools of said integrated / linked processing environment.

14. The operation data (in particular of the installation tool, in particular of the interference fit tool) comprises at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: the type of the tool holder (especially the interference chuck), (optionally also the article number), and / or the storage location of the tool holder (especially the interference chuck), a unique identification (in particular a unique number) of the tool holder, in particular of the interference chuck, the type of said tool (especially the cutting machine) and / or the storage location of said tool (especially the cutting machine), the unique identification (particularly a unique number) of an already used tool (particularly the cutting machine), in particular in case said tool (particularly the cutting machine) still has sufficient remaining runtime, and / or the unique identification (particularly a unique number) of the tool holder (particularly the interference chuck), the number of identical tools required, depending in particular on the planned unit quantity of parts to be produced and on the service life of the tools (in particular the cutting machines), taking into account in particular also the remaining runtime for the tools (in particular the cutting machines) used, - the target length of the entire tool with its tolerances, - tolerances (optionally also adapted), The number of mounting cycles (especially the interference fit cycles) of the tool holder (especially the interference fit chuck), according to claim 13 .

15. The work instructions (in particular for the installation tool, in particular for the interference fit tool) comprise at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - removal of a unit quantity of tool holders (especially interference chucks) and / or tools (especially cutting machines) from storage; - reading (especially scanning) a unique identification (especially a data matrix code and / or number) on / of the tool holder (especially a specific interference fit chuck) and / or on / of the tool (especially the cutting machine); - automatic selection of interference fit parameters, especially with tolerances, - Display of all relevant interference fit parameters / data, Driving a length stop to a predetermined or predefinable length (possibly automatically or manually with user guidance on the installation tool (especially on interference fit tools)); - indication of coarse settings (especially by colour (especially red / green) indication), - dense display when approaching target dimensions (especially with color (especially red / green) display), - heating the tool holder (especially the interference chuck); - inserting the tool (especially the cutting tool), - Pivot at length stop, - Raising the tool (in particular the cutter) to the length stop (manually or by means of a compression spring), - waiting time for the tool (especially the cutting machine) to be clamped, - cooling the tool holder (especially the interference chuck); - monitoring of the cooling process, - Controlling the actual length by means of length stops; - storing said actual length in a database; - identifying the entire tool by the unique number of the tool holder (in particular of the interference chuck); - automatic display of tool holder parameters (in particular torques to be used for collet chucks or hydraulic expansion chucks for technically correct mounting, and also for associated accessories for swivel disk holders such as sliding blocks, mounting devices etc.), in particular as an alternative to the interference fit of mechanical clamping chucks, and also automatic display of the final representation of the complete tool to check the technically correct mounting, in particular together with its length tolerances.

16. The task data (in particular of the pre-configured tool) comprises at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: Geometric information, in particular the overall length of the overall tool and / or the diameter of the tool (in particular of the cutter) and / or the corner radius of the tool (in particular of the cutter), Tool life (especially in the form of parts per new tool) or life in minutes / hours, a process management system according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. The work instructions (in particular for the preset tool) include at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - Inserting the entire tool into the measuring spindle; - Optionally starting an automatic measurement run - or initiating a manual measurement of a particular variable, - loading the actual dimensions into a database and / or sending the actual dimensions to a process management system (or its database); A process management system according to any one of claims 13 to 16, - additionally - also transmitting pre-configuration data to the process machine.

18. The task data (particularly of the balance apparatus) includes at least one of the following information, particularly several of the following information, particularly all of the following information: - balance tolerances from the database, - Further parameters such as total length and total weight from a database, - measurement method (e.g. simple / switching or (automatic) switching balance / simple with spindle compensation) - A balancing method in which mass needs to be added or subtracted (e.g. unbalance compensation by removing or adding material or by adjusting the mass) and in particular the corresponding balancing surface (height, diameter, ...), a process control system according to any one of claims 13 to 17.

19. The work instructions (in particular for the balance apparatus) include at least one of the following information, in particular several of the following information, in particular all of the following information: - clamping the entire tool into a balance spindle; - measurement execution according to a given measurement method (e.g. simple / switching / simple with spindle correction), - imbalance compensation according to a predetermined method; - Checking balance accuracy (test runs) and loading actual imbalances into the database; - sending the results to a process management system (or its database); A process management system according to any one of claims 13 to 18, optionally repeating the process until a result is OK (so that the course of the balance is traceable within the process management system).

20. The process management system is configured in the following manner: the status (in particular the online status) of all the appliances, in particular of at least one appliance, can be monitored, and / or - the processes of at least one instrument (in particular all instruments) are documentable, in particular also the interventions (in particular manual interventions) are documentable, and / or the compliance of at least one tool (in particular of all tools) with given or predefinable tolerances during said process can be monitored; and / or changes (especially of tool status, of work orders / data, of values, tolerances and / or other information) are monitorable and / or documentable; and / or process iterations are countable and / or documentable, in particular with reference to the unique identification of the tool holder and / or of the tool; and / or - Work orders / data are updatable, and / or - the work orders / data may occur in the event of an undesired condition (in particular a fault condition and / or a defective or incorrectly performed process); and / or a job list may be generated from a work order, in particular said job list may be made available or communicable to the tools of the processing environment (this may be sent to the machine in advance by the process management system (as a "job") or may be requested by the machine from the process management system at the time of execution); and / or the processing process (particularly carried out on the equipment of the processing environment in generating the overall tool) is executable, quantifiable, documentable, and / or - capable of two-way communication within or with the processing environment or within or with the appliances of the processing environment; and / or - the status of the instruments integrated into the environment (status: online / offline; status: job feedback (good / bad)) is "trackable" (live), - the last performed job(s) can be checked from the one-to-one identification (the final result of the performed job is displayed on the one-to-one identification - it can thus be ensured that all necessary steps have also been performed) A process management system according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the history of the work carried out on the machine can be recorded and the work carried out on the machine can be documented without any gaps.

21. A process management system according to any one of claims 13 to 20, configured to evaluate data, in particular the work orders / data and / or data generated by the tools.

22. 2. An apparatus / system for data processing comprising means for carrying out the method according to claim 1.

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

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

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