Radio Frequency Identification RFID tag embedding tool

Abstract

The present invention relates to an embedding tool (1) for embedding a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (43) mounted in a tool holder for a tool for machining a metal part (200), the embedding tool (1) comprising a standard fixing device (3) adapted to cooperate with a terminal fitting of the tool holder, and an embedding device (13) for embedding a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (43), the embedding device (13) comprising insertion means for inserting the radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (43) into a recess (202) of the metal part (200), and a reader / recorder (40) adapted to communicate with the radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (43) and record data relating to the metal part (200).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing metal parts and the assembly of these parts to manufacture equipment such as vacuum pumps. [Background technology]

[0002] To allow tracking of multiple metal parts, it is well known to etch a serial number into each metal part during machining, and then an operator can extract this data from the reference number by entering it into a table containing data relating to the various references. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] However, this solution has many drawbacks. Indeed, etching a reference number into a metal part requires the metal part to be fixed for a significant amount of time, which increases the manufacturing time of the metal part and therefore the cost of the metal part. Furthermore, metal parts are generally painted after machining, and the paint may make the reference number illegible or difficult to read. This may lead to a significant number of errors when an operator writes down the reference number. Also, errors may occur when an operator searches for the relevant data in a data table.

[0004] It is therefore important to find solutions to enhance the tracking and traceability of metal parts in order to facilitate the analysis of machine failures and to limit errors that may occur during this analysis. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] To this end, the invention relates to an embedding tool for embedding radio frequency identification RFID tags, which is mounted in a tool holder for a tool for machining metal parts. This tool is one standard fastening device configured to cooperate with an end fitting of the tool holder; - comprising one embedding device for embedding one radio frequency identification RFID tag, The embedding device comprises: - insertion means for inserting one said radio frequency identification RFID tag into a recess of one metal part; characterised in that it comprises one reader / recorder adapted to communicate with said radio frequency identification RFID tags and to record data relating to said metal parts.

[0006] A specific embedding tool of a machine tool configured to embed a radio frequency identification RFID tag according to the invention allows embedding a tag in a metal part and recording data related to the metal part while the metal part is in the machine tool, thus simplifying the tracking of the metal part and limiting possible errors in the data associated with the metal part and recorded in the RFID tag.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, the insertion means comprises: a magazine configured to receive a plurality of radio frequency identification RFID tags; an insertion end fitting configured to be positioned facing a recess in the metal part by movement of the tool holder; and - a mechanical device configured to move one of the radio frequency identification RFID tags from the magazine via the insertion terminal fitting to a recess of the metal part and insert it into the recess.

[0008] According to a further aspect of the invention, the mechanical device includes a piston mounted for translational movement within a tubular orifice disposed facing the insertion end fitting. According to a further aspect of the present invention, the magazine has a rotating barrel including at least two chambers in the form of through cavities, each chamber being adapted to receive a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag; each chamber of the barrel is adapted to alternately face the tubular orifice upon rotation of the barrel; The piston is configured to push one of the radio frequency identification tags, disposed in the chamber of the barrel facing the tubular orifice, towards the insertion end fitting.

[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the rotational movement of the barrel and the translational movement of the piston are coupled by a mechanical assembly including a groove in a cylindrical drive shaft that is rotationally coupled to the barrel, and a ball or pin that complements the groove and is coupled for translational movement with the piston. According to a further aspect of the invention, the groove has a plurality of V-shaped portions about the cylindrical drive shaft, the number of V-shaped portions being dependent on the number of the chambers in the barrel.

[0010] According to another aspect of the invention, the mechanical device includes a tongue-like member translatable between the magazine and the tubular orifice in a direction transverse to the axis of the tubular orifice and configured to move one of the radio frequency identification RFID tags from the magazine towards the tubular orifice. According to a further aspect of the invention, the piston is translationally driven by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

[0011] According to another aspect of the invention, the reader / recorder is configured to communicate with a control unit of the machine tool by wireless connection and comprises wireless communication means for transmitting data relating to the metal part transmitted by the control unit of the machine tool to the reader / recorder. According to a further aspect of the invention, said wireless communication means are Bluetooth type communication means.

[0012] According to a further aspect of the invention, the embedding tool also includes a turbine configured to be powered by pressurized fluid or compressed air provided by the machine tool and configured to generate an electrical current to power the reader / recorder. The use of a turbine powered by pressurized fluid or compressed air supplied by a machine tool to generate an electric current capable of powering an electrical device can be applied to other tools of the machine tool, independent of the tool for embedding said RFID tags, and more generally, the concept can be applied to any device requiring a power source.

[0013] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more clearly apparent from the following description, given by way of illustrative and non-limiting example, and the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedding tool according to a first embodiment of the present invention, in a first position. [Diagram 2] 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 1 in a second position. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a magazine for an embedding tool; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a magazine for an embedding tool. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a magazine for an embedding tool; [Figure 6] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an end of an embedding tool. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic perspective view of a closure element according to a first exemplary configuration of the embedding tool; FIG. [Figure 8] 13 is a schematic perspective view of a closure element according to a second example configuration of the embedding tool; FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective schematic view of a reader / recorder of the embedding tool; [Figure 10]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the components of a reader / recorder of an embedding tool. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedding tool according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in a first position. [Figure 12] 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 11 in a second position. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedding tool according to a third embodiment of the present invention, in a first position. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the tool of FIG. 13 in a second position. [Figure 15] 1 is a process flow diagram of one manufacturing method and one assembly method according to the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency identification RFID tag in a recess of a metal part according to the present invention. [Figure 17] 2 is a schematic diagram of a radio frequency identification RFID tag in a recess in a metal part according to another configuration of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In each figure, identical elements are given the same reference numerals. The following embodiments are examples. Although the description refers to one or more embodiments, this does not necessarily mean that each reference numeral relates to the same embodiment or that a feature applies only to a single embodiment. Simple features of different embodiments can be combined or exchanged to provide other embodiments.

[0016] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a metal part and to an embedding tool for embedding a radio frequency identification RFID tag into a recess in the metal part. The RFID tag embedding tool is configured for use in a machine tool for machining metal parts, and the tool is configured to be mounted in a tool holder of the machine tool for use by a robot on the machine tool.

[0017] 1 and 2 are perspective cross-sectional views of an exemplary embodiment of an embedding tool 1 of the invention. The embedding tool 1 comprises a standard fastening device 3 arranged at a first end 1a of the embedding tool 1 and adapted to cooperate with an end fitting of a tool holder (not shown). The standard fastening device 3 comprises, for example, a generally conical end fitting 5 including a collar 7 around which a channel 9 is formed. The corresponding tool holder comprises a spindle that complements the conical end fitting 5 and is adapted to be fixed to the collar 7, for example by a snap fit.

[0018] The standard fixture 3 not only fixes the tool holder to the embedding tool 1, but also allows for the fluidic powering of the embedding tool 1 via the tool holder. To that end, the standard fixture 3 has one central through orifice 11, which is arranged for example to receive a fluid, typically compressed air or pressurized oil.

[0019] The embedding tool 1 also comprises an embedding device 13 for embedding a radio frequency identification RFID tag, arranged at a second end 1b of the embedding tool opposite to the first end 1a. The embedding device 13 includes: an insertion means for inserting an RFID tag 43 into a recess 202 of a metal part 200; - one reader / recorder 40 (see Figures 9 and 10) configured to communicate with said RFID tag 43 (see Figure 10) and to record data relating to said metal part 200 in which said RFID tag 43 is embedded.

[0020] a) Insertion Means The insertion means comprises a terminal fitting 15 for inserting an RFID tag 43 (see Figures 10, 16 and 17), which terminal fitting protrudes towards the second end 1b of the embedding device 13. The insertion terminal fitting 15 is adapted to be introduced into (or to be placed facing) a recess 202 (see Figures 16 and 17) of a metal part 200 intended for receiving the RFID tag 43. The RFID tag 43 is, for example, substantially cylindrical, said recess 202 having, for example, a shape substantially complementary to the RFID tag 43. The insertion end fitting 15 has, for example, a tubular shape and is arranged in the extension of a tubular orifice 17 into which a piston 19, also called a push rod, is inserted. The piston is movable between a first position (see FIG. 1) and a second position (see FIG. 2). The first position is a loading position for an RFID tag 43, in which the piston 19 is away from the insertion end fitting 15. The second position is an insertion position for an RFID tag 43, in which the piston 19 reaches the insertion end fitting 15 and pushes the RFID tag 43, inserting it into a recess 202 in a metal part 200.

[0021] The insertion means also comprise a magazine 21 (see figures 3 and 4) which contains a number of tubular containers 210 regularly arranged around the longitudinal axis Δ of the implantation device 13. Each tubular container 210 is intended to receive a number of RFID tags 43 arranged one behind the other within said tubular container.

[0022] The insertion means further comprises a barrel 23 arranged to rotate about the longitudinal axis Δ of the implantation device 13 and arranged at the end of the magazine 21. The barrel 23 includes a number of chambers, which are formed by through cavities and are regularly arranged around the longitudinal axis Δ of the implantation device 13. The chambers are arranged to face, respectively, the receptacles 210 of the magazine 21 and the tubular orifice 17 of the insertion means. The chambers are arranged to receive one RFID tag 43 from one receptacle 210 of the magazine 21. Each receptacle 210 is provided with an elastic element, such as a helical spring, which is arranged to pull the RFID tag 43 placed in this receptacle 210 towards the end where the barrel 23 is located.

[0023] Furthermore, the rotational movement of the barrel 23 and the translational movement of the piston 19 are coupled by a mechanical device, so that when the piston 19 moves from the first position to the second position, the barrel 23 rotates by a predetermined angle, so that one of the multiple chambers in which the RFID tag 43 of the barrel 23 is present faces the tubular orifice 17, allowing the RFID tag to be pushed out by the piston 19 through the insertion end fitting 15.

[0024] This translational movement is obtained by at least one cylinder 25, for example by one pneumatic cylinder if the embedding tool 1 is powered by compressed air (the compressed air is for example received via a central through orifice 11 and then distributed to the cylinders 25 by an adapter 27) or by one hydraulic cylinder if the embedding tool 1 is powered by pressurized oil. In figures 1 and 2 two pneumatic cylinders 25 are shown, which are arranged to obtain a translational movement, in particular of the piston 19.

[0025] The translational movement of the piston 19 is obtained, for example, by a screw / nut type system, i.e. the standard fixture 3 is rotationally driven by the spindle of the tool holder, while said cylinders 25 are prevented from rotating by a fixed part of the machine tool. The relative rotation of the elements rotationally connected to this standard fixture 3 and to the cylinders 25 causes a translation of the elements rotationally connected to the standard fixture, in particular to the piston 19.

[0026] The rotational movement driving the barrel 23 is obtained, for example, by cooperation between a pin or a ball 26 and a groove 28 having inclined regions with respect to the longitudinal axis Δ of the embedding tool 1. The inclined regions correspond to a series of V-shaped sections, the number of which is determined as a function of the number of chambers of the barrel 23. The pin or ball 26 is, for example, connected to a piston 19 for (translational) movement, and the groove 28 is formed on a cylindrical drive shaft 29, for example, connected in rotation with respect to the barrel 23. The drive shaft 29 is, for example, guided in the direction of rotation by a pair of rolling bearings 30. 5 shows an example of such a drive shaft 29. The inclined shape of the groove 28 is determined such that when the piston 19 switches from the second position to the first position and then back to the second position, the barrel 23 pivots by an angle corresponding to the angle between two adjacent containers 210. For example, in the case of a magazine containing five containers 210 and one tubular orifice 17 as in this embodiment, the angle of pivoting is 60°.

[0027] A closure element 31 seals the magazine 21 at the second end 1b of the embedding tool 1 and holds the barrel 23 in place. The insertion end fitting 15 is, for example, formed integrally with the closure element 31. 6, the closure element 31 has, for example, a circular shape and is provided with a number of through orifices 310 (in this example, six, counting the orifices in the insertion end fitting 15) that are arranged to face the containers 210 and the tubular orifice 17. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, multiple pivoting closure flaps 33 can be arranged on the closure element 31. These flaps 33 block the ends of each container 210, for example by tension with elastic elements or magnets, and when manually rotated by an operator, free access to the containers 210 so that they can be filled with multiple RFID tags 43.

[0028] 6-8, each pivoting closure flap 33 is held in its own recess 35 by a magnet. An operator can rotate each flap 33 individually using a wrench, such as an Allen wrench, configured to be inserted into a complementary orifice 37 for that flap 33.

[0029] b) Reader / Recorder The embedding tool 1 also comprises a reader / recorder 40, as shown in Figures 9 and 10, which is configured to record data relating to the metal part 200 on an RFID tag 43 when the metal part 200 is placed in the machining tool, for example when it is embedded in a recess 202 of the metal part. The reader / recorder 40 comprises in particular an RFID antenna 41, which is arranged near the insertion end fitting 15 of the embedding tool 1 and which is configured to communicate with the RFID tag 43 via the emission of radio frequency waves.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 10, the reader / recorder 40 also includes a microcontroller 45, such as an Arduino. TM type (registered trademark), especially Arduino TMuno® The microcontroller 45 is powered, for example, by a turbine 47 (or an electric motor, in particular a DC type electric motor) via a voltage rectifier 49. The reader / recorder 40 also comprises a communication device 51 for communicating with the control unit of the machine tool, for example by means of a "Bluetooth" type transceiver or other type of short-range protocol based on the transmission of electromagnetic waves. This communication device 51 makes it possible to receive information relating to the metal part and to record said information on the RFID tag 43 via the RFID antenna 41. The turbine 47 is configured to be driven by compressed air provided by the tool holder and to convert mechanical energy provided by the compressed air into electrical energy. Alternatively, the turbine 47 can be driven by another pressurized fluid, such as oil. In the case of an electric motor, the motor can be powered by a storage means, such as a battery or a cell. The different elements making up the reader / recorder 40 may be connected by cables or may be located on a common printed circuit board (some elements may be located on a common printed circuit board and others may be connected by cables).

[0031] Furthermore, it is also possible to use a turbine 47 as described above to generate the power supply from compressed gas or pressurized fluid, independent of the embedding tool 1 for embedding the RFID tag 43. This turbine 47 can also be located, for example, in another tool of the machine tool that requires a power supply. In fact, the use of such a turbine 47 in a tool of the machine tool makes it possible to provide a continuous power supply, unlike those that require regular maintenance, such as cells or batteries that need to be replaced or recharged periodically. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of operator operations required to use the machine tool, limit machine downtime, and avoid operator stress associated with scheduling machine maintenance (when a cell reaches the end of its life or when the battery charge falls below a predefined threshold.) Furthermore, such a solution can also be applied to any tool of the machine tool, since the machine tool is always equipped with compressed air or other pressurized fluid devices.

[0032] In practice, the recording of the information relating to the metal part 200 is performed substantially at the time of embedding the RFID tag 43, for example immediately before its embedding, when the RFID tag 43 is placed in the insertion end fitting 15, or more preferably immediately after embedding, when the RFID tag 43 is placed in the recess 202 of the metal part 200.

[0033] In order to enable radio frequency communication between the reader / recorder 40 and the RFID tag 43 when the RFID tag 43 is placed in the recess 202 of the metal part 200, the RFID tag 43 may include a protrusion from the recess 202 as shown in Fig. 16. This protrusion has a height h of, for example, 1 mm. Alternatively or in combination with this, the edge of the recess 202 may have a flared opening shape, for example created by a 45° chamfer, as shown in Fig. 17.

[0034] Moreover, the RFID tag 43 may, for example, be force-fitted into the recess 202 of the metal part 200. Alternatively, the RFID tag 43 may be glued into the recess 202 of the metal part 200.

[0035] c) Operation In operation, the tool holder of the machine tool is configured to cooperate with the embedding tool 1 after machining the metal part 200 and forming a recess for an RFID tag 43 in the metal part 200. To that end, the tool holder is coupled to the embedding tool 1 with a standard fixture 3. Once the embedding tool 1 is secured to the tool holder, the tool holder is configured to move the embedding tool 1 to a metal part 200 that has been machined to form a recess 202. The tool holder positions the embedding tool 1 so that the insertion end fitting 15 faces, is adjacent to, or contacts, the entrance of the recess 202 in the metal part 200.

[0036] When the embedding tool 1 is in place, the tool holder is configured to deliver compressed air (or other pressurized fluid) to the embedding tool 1, which on the one hand drives the turbine 47 to power the reader / recorder, and on the other hand initiates the actuation of one or more cylinders 25 and the rotation of the standard fixation device 3. This actuation moves the piston 19 in the tubular orifice 17 towards the barrel 23, which is also driven in rotation via the ball 26 and groove 28 combination, resulting in the placement of one RFID tag 43 from the magazine 21 into the tubular orifice 17. The piston 19 then contacts the RFID tag 43 located within the tubular orifice 17 and then moves the RFID tag 43 through the passage of the insertion end fitting 15 and into the recess 202 formed in the metal part 200. The movement of the piston 19 can force the RFID tag 43 into the recess 202 of the metal part 200 (or the RFID tag 43 can be fixed in the recess 202 by adhesive). When the RFID tag 43 is inserted into the recess 202 , the reader / recorder 40 , powered by the turbine 47 , records on the RFID tag 43 information related to the metal part and transmitted by the machine tool.

[0037] Also, the piston 19 is moved towards the first position. Thus, the RFID tag 43 is embedded in the metal part 200, and information relating to the metal part 200 is recorded in the RFID tag 43 at the time of embedding, making it possible to reduce the risk of errors in the recorded information. The information associated with the metal part and recorded on the RFID tag 43 may, for example, include one or more of the following fields: - Reference number, - date of manufacture, -Manufacturing method, - place of manufacture, - Manufacturing Machinery Reference, -Machine Tool Reference, - dimensions of metal parts, -Maintenance tracking information.

[0038] It is clear that information in other fields can also be recorded. Furthermore, during the assembly of a device that includes a set of metal parts 200, such as a vacuum pump, one RFID tag 43 can be embedded in each metal part 200 and one additional RFID tag, also called a master RFID tag, can be embedded in a recess, e.g. a protective casing, that is accessible when the devices are fitted together. This master RFID tag contains, for example, all the information recorded on the different RFID tags 43 embedded in the different metal parts, in particular the different metal parts 200 constituting said one device. This master RFID tag therefore allows access to the different information recorded on the different RFID tags 43 without the need to dismantle the different metal parts of the device. This master RFID tag can have the same capacity as the other RFID tags 43 or it can have a larger capacity. Second embodiment

[0039] According to a second embodiment shown in figures 11 and 12, the embedding tool 1 does not include a cylinder or a mechanical assembly based on the screw / nut principle, but the piston 19 is translated directly by compressed air or a pressurized fluid. To that end, the central through orifice 11' communicates with a tubular orifice 17 in which a piston 19 is arranged, so that compressed air (or pressurized fluid) supplied to the embedding tool 1 via the central through orifice 11' causes the piston 19 to move from a first position shown in FIG. 11 to a second position shown in FIG. 12. The return of the piston 19 from the second position to the first position is achieved by an elastic element, for example a helical spring (not shown), arranged in the tubular orifice and configured to return the piston 19 to the first position in the absence of compressed air (or pressurized fluid). Alternatively, the return of the piston to the first position can be obtained by supplying compressed air (or pressurized fluid) to the other end of the tubular orifice 17. To avoid overpressure (in the case of a compressed air embedding tool 1), a leak duct 12 can be formed between the tubular orifice 17 and the outside of the embedding tool 1. The embedding tool 1 can also be identical to the first embodiment described above. Third embodiment

[0040] According to a third embodiment, not shown, the embedding tool 1 does not include a cylinder, but a connecting rod-crank assembly connected to the output shaft of the turbine 47. This connecting rod-crank assembly makes it possible to convert the rotational movement of the output shaft of the turbine 47 into a translational movement, and thus to move the driven piston 19 between a first position and a second position. Other aspects of the embedding tool 1 are, for example, similar to those of the first embodiment described above. Fourth embodiment

[0041] According to a fourth embodiment, the embedding tool 1 differs from the previous ones in that it does not include a barrel 23, but instead includes a device 50 for loading one RFID tag 43 by translational movement in the tubular orifice 17, as shown in Figures 13 and 14. In this fourth embodiment, the magazine 21' comprises a single tubular container 210' adapted to receive a number of RFID tags 43. This container 210' extends, for example, parallel to the tubular orifice 17. A slit 211 is formed between a first end 210'a of the container 210' and the tubular orifice 17, thereby allowing the passage of one RFID tag 43 from the container 210' to the tubular orifice 17. The embedding tool 1 also includes a tongue 212 which is translatable transversely to the axis of the tubular orifice 17 between an idle position shown in FIG. 13 in which the tongue 212 extends outside the tubular orifice 17 and the container 210', and a loaded position shown in FIG. 14 in which the tongue 212 extends through the container 210' to the tubular orifice 17.

[0042] Furthermore, the container may also include an elastic element (not represented) configured to pull the RFID tag 43 to the first end of the container 210'. This elastic element is, for example, a helical spring, arranged at the second end 210'b of the container 210'. The tongue 212 is thus configured to move the RFID tag 43 arranged at the first end 210'a of the container 210' to the tubular orifice 17 when passing from the idle position to the loading position. The movement of the tongue 212 between the idle position and the loading position is obtained, for example, by a pneumatic cylinder 25' powered by compressed air. Alternatively, a hydraulic cylinder powered by pressurized oil can be used.

[0043] The invention also relates in particular to a method for manufacturing a metal part 200, comprising the steps of machining the metal part 200 in a machine tool and recording data relating to the metal part on an RFID tag embedded in the metal. The method may also comprise the step of embedding a radio frequency identification RFID tag 43, for example using an embedding tool 1 as described above. The embedding of the RFID tag 43 takes place in a machine tool. Thus, the metal part is machined and the RFID tag 43 is embedded in the metal part at the end of the machining. The recess formed in the metal part and configured to receive the RFID tag 43 can be produced during or before the machining. Alternatively, the RFID tag can be embedded in the metal part before it is introduced into the machine tool.

[0044] Thus, data relating to metal part 200 is recorded on RFID tag 43 embedded in said metal part 200 when the metal part is placed on the machine tool. Thus, when a metal part leaves the machine tool, it is ready to be assembled with other metal parts to obtain an assembly of equipment such as a vacuum pump.

[0045] The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the metal component 200 and to a method for assembling a device including a plurality of metal components, at least one of which is manufactured according to said method.

[0046] Next, the various steps of the method for manufacturing and assembling the metal component 200 will be described in detail with reference to the flow chart of FIG.

[0047] The first step 101 concerns the machining of a metal part 200. For that purpose, a raw metal part, for example a block of aluminum, is placed on a machine tool. The machine tool is for example a numerically controlled machine with a tool holder and configured to select a tool from a tool magazine and to machine the metal part with the selected tool and with commands entered by the operator into the machine. The tool holder is configured to carry out a sequence of machining steps using the selected tool or tools in order to obtain the desired metal part 200. The tool holder may include compressed air supply means.

[0048] The first step 101 may also include the formation of a recess 202 for receiving an RFID tag 43. The size and shape of this recess 202 are selected, for example, as a function of the size and shape of the RFID tag 43 and the means selected for fixing the RFID tag 43 in the recess 202. Furthermore, the recess 202 may be provided with at least one laterally projecting gap with respect to the placement of the radio frequency identification RFID tag 43. This gap allows RF communication between the RFID tag 43 embedded in this recess 202 and a reader / recorder placed nearby. This recess 202 has a widened opening shape, for example, created in particular by a 45° chamfer.

[0049] The second step 102 concerns the embedding of one RFID tag 43 in a recess 202 formed in the machined metal part 200. Thus, in this second step 102, the metal part 200 is still placed in the machine tool and the tool holder is configured to select said embedding tool 1.

[0050] The tool holder then positions the embedding tool 1, in particular the insertion end fitting 15, facing a recess for receiving the RFID tag 43. The tool holder then actuates one or more cylinders 25, 25' of the embedding tool 1 to move the piston 19 in the tubular orifice 17 and rotate the barrel 23 to move one RFID tag 43 into one recess 202 formed in the metal part 200. The RFID tag 43 is, for example, forcefully inserted into the recess 202 by the piston 19 of the embedding tool 1. Other types of embedding tools can also be used.

[0051] The RFID tag 43 may also be embedded in the metal part 200 prior to machining, in which case the method does not include step 102, which is an optional step.

[0052] A third step 103, which can be performed simultaneously with step 102, concerns the recording of data relating to the machined metal part on the RFID tag 43. The tool holder is arranged to drive the turbine 47 via a compressed air supply, thereby powering the reader / recorder 40 of the embedding tool 1, which allows the reader / recorder 40 to retrieve the data relating to the machined metal part 200 via a Bluetooth connection with the control unit of the machine tool. Alternatively, the acquisition of this data can be performed in advance. The reader / recorder 40 then transfers these data to the embedded RFID tag 43. This data corresponds, for example, to the data previously mentioned (reference number, production date, production method, etc.) Other types of reader / recorders 40 and power sources can also be used.

[0053] If the RFID tag 43 is pre-embedded, a simple reader / recorder may be used to transfer data relating to the metal part 200 to the RFID tag.

[0054] Steps 101 to 103 relate to a method for manufacturing one metal part 200. These steps 101 to 103 are therefore repeated for a number of metal parts 200 which have to be machined and which constitute the device.

[0055] The subsequent steps relate to a method for assembling a plurality of parts, at least one of which is manufactured according to the method described in steps 101-103.

[0056] Step 104 corresponds to the assembly of different metal parts 200 when they are machined, in particular the assembly of the machined metal parts obtained in steps 101 to 103 into a device, for example a vacuum pump.

[0057] Step 105 is an optional step, which concerns the embedding in a recess of the device of an additional RFID tag, called the master RFID tag, which will be capable of communicating with a reader / recorder 40 when the device is assembled. This embedding is done, for example, by forcing the additional RFID tag into a dedicated recess in the equipment casing.

[0058] Step 106 involves recording data relating to the machined metal parts that make up the device on a master RFID tag, which allows access to the data without the need to disassemble the device. The data recorded on the master RFID tag can correspond to some or all of the data recorded on the various metal parts that make up a piece of equipment. Other data can also be recorded on the master RFID tag.

[0059] In this way, when one metal part 200 is placed in one machine tool, data related to the metal part 200 is recorded in one RFID tag 43 embedded in the metal part 200, thereby making it possible to obtain one marking and one traceability of the metal part, and the risk of recording incorrect data or deleting data is reduced, thereby improving reliability. Furthermore, the use of one embedding tool 1, which is compatible with the tool holder of the machine tool and whose electronic components do not require an additional energy supply in addition to other tools of the machine tool, makes it easy to embed the RFID tag 43 and enables easy and reliable recording of data related to the metal part 200 in this RFID tag 43. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1 Embedding tool 1a First end 1b Second end 3 Standard fixation device 5 Terminal fittings 7 Color 9 Channels 11 Central through orifice 13. Embedding Devices 15 Insertion end fitting 17 Tubular Orifice 19 Piston 21 Magazine 23 Barrel 25 cylinders 26 Ball 27 Adapter 28 Groove 29 Drive shaft 30 Rolling bearings 31 Closure elements 33 Swivel closure flap 40 Reader / Recorder 43 RFID tags 47 Turbine 51 Wireless communication means 200 Metal Parts 202 Depression 210 Container 212 Tongue-shaped member 310 Through Orifice

Claims

1. An embedding tool (1) for embedding radio frequency identification RFID tags (43) mounted in a tool holder for a tool for machining a metal part (200), comprising: The tool (1) comprises: one standard fastening device (3) adapted to be fastened to an end fitting of said tool holder, - one embedding device (13) for embedding one said radio frequency identification RFID tag (43), The embedding device (13) comprises: - insertion means for inserting one said radio frequency identification RFID tag (43) into one recess (202) of one said metal part (200); A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedding tool, characterized in that it comprises one reader / recorder (40) configured to communicate with said radio frequency identification (RFID) tag (43) and to record data related to said metal part (200).

2. In claim 1, The insertion means is - a magazine (21, 21') adapted to receive a number of said radio frequency identification RFID tags (43); - one insertion end fitting (15) adapted to be placed facing the recess (202) of the metal part (200) by a movement of the tool holder, and - a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedding tool, characterized in that it comprises a mechanical device configured to move one of the radio frequency identification (RFID) tags (43) from the magazine (21) through the insertion terminal fitting (15) into the recess (202) of the metal part (200).

3. In claim 2, The mechanical device includes a piston (19) translatably mounted in a tubular orifice (17) arranged in the magazine (21) facing the insertion terminal fitting (15).

4. In claim 3, said magazine (21) comprises a rotating barrel (23) including at least two chambers in the form of through cavities adapted to receive each one of said radio frequency identification RFID tags (43); The chambers of the barrel (23) are configured to alternately face the tubular orifice (17) by a predetermined angular rotation of the barrel (23); The piston (19) is configured to push one of the radio frequency identification (RFID) tags (43) disposed in the chamber of the barrel (23) facing the tubular orifice (17) toward the insertion terminal fitting (15).

5. In claim 4, The embedding device (13) is arranged at an end (1b) of the embedding tool, At said end (1b) a closure element (31) rotatably holds said barrel (23) in place; the chambers of the barrel (23) are regularly arranged around the longitudinal axis Δ of the embedding tool, A cylindrical drive shaft (29) is provided in the magazine (21), A groove (28) is formed on the drive shaft (29) having a number of inclined regions with respect to a longitudinal axis Δ of the embedding tool, a mechanical assembly constituted by said groove (28) and a pin or ball (26) connected to said piston (19) so as to complement and translate said groove (28); A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedding tool, characterized in that the translational movement of the piston (19) is linked to the rotation of the barrel (23) at predetermined angles corresponding to the number of chambers by the one mechanical assembly.

6. In claim 5, The groove (28) has a plurality of V-shaped portions around the cylindrical drive shaft (29); A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedding tool, characterized in that the number of V-shaped portions depends on the number of chambers in the barrel (23).

7. In claim 3, The mechanical device comprises a tongue (212); The tongue member is A translational movement is possible between the magazine (21') and the tubular orifice (17) in a direction transverse to the axis of the tubular orifice (17); and A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedding tool, characterized in that it is adapted to move one of said radio frequency identification (RFID) tags (43) from said magazine (21') towards said tubular orifice (17).

8. In any one of claims 3 to 7, A tool for embedding radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, characterized in that the piston (19) is adapted for translational movement by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder (25, 25').

9. In any one of claims 1 to 8, The reader / recorder (40) is provided with a wireless communication means (51) configured to communicate with a control unit of a machine tool via a wireless connection, and the wireless communication means is configured to transmit data related to the metal part (200) transmitted from the control unit to the reader / recorder (40).

10. In claim 9, Tool for embedding radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, characterized in that said wireless communication means (51) are Bluetooth type communication means.

11. In any one of claims 1 to 10, Further, the turbine (47) is provided.

1. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag embedding tool, comprising: a turbine configured to be powered by a pressurized fluid or compressed air to generate an electric current to power the reader / recorder (40).

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