Key cutting machine

Abstract

Electronic key cutting machine (1), preferably of the professional or semi- professional type, comprising: - a support structure (10), - a front operational area (2) which is accessible by the operator, - at least one milling and / or cutting device (11 ) of a key (17) comprising at least one motor, preferably of the electric type, to rotate at least one milling and / or cutting tool (15), and characterised in that it comprises an image acquisition device (25) which is mounted on board said machine (1) so as to frame an area (48), which is defined within said front operational area (2) and wherein there is located and / or within which moves a clamp (13) configured and intended to clamp and hold with its jaws (21) said key (17) to be machined or duplicated, to thus acquire corresponding images of the area thus framed.

Description

[0001] KEY CUTTING MACHINE.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention concerns a key cutting machine with an innovative device for recognizing the milling and / or cutting tool.

[0004] STATE OF THE ART

[0005] The well-known professional or semi-professional electronic key cutting machines (which are generally present and used in key duplication centres) have a frontal operating work area which substantially corresponds to the visible area wherein the cutter or cutters for making the bitting cuts on the key, the possible roughness probe or optical reader, at least one clamp for holding the key to be cut or duplicated, and the carriages for moving the clamp(s) are generally provided.

[0006] As is known, the process for defining the bitting on the key blade is generally performed using a cutter that can be disc-shaped, with a prismatic or saw-shaped profile, or candle-shaped. In particular, for example, while the bitting on the edge of the key blade of flat keys is obtained using a disc-shaped cutter, for the so-called “dimple”, “laser” or “track” keys, the bitting, both internal and external, is performed by obtaining, using a candleshaped cutter, a groove on one or both faces of the key blade.

[0007] Furthermore, as is known, the clamps used in key cutting machines have two overlapping jaws with a square (or polygonal) plan and facing surfaces appropriately shaped so as to be able to hold keys of different shapes together. In particular, to stably hold a key, the jaws of the clamps have ribs designed to penetrate inside the longitudinal grooves generally present in the key stem. To overcome the fact that keys have profiles of many shapes, all different from each other, the jaws are made so as to have a different shape corresponding to each of their faces, so that, with an appropriate choice and an appropriate positioning of the two jaws facing the cutter, it is possible to adapt the same clamp to several different key profiles. Furthermore, a solution has also been proposed wherein the two jaws are provided with seats for the removable insertion of inserts, each of which is equipped with a clamping portion having a specific configuration so that, by means of an appropriate choice of inserts to be positioned in the seats obtained in the two jaws, it is possible to adapt the same clamp to several different key profiles. The choice of the jaws, as well as of their face or insert, to be used to clamp the key, usually depends on the thickness of the key, its length, the position of the abutment / end stop (usually made by means of a protruding tooth at the beginning of the head or the tip of the key stem) and the shape of the profile (i.e. the crosssection of the stem and defined by the position, shape and size of the peaks and valleys with respect to its longitudinal extension and / or the presence of any ribs and / or grooves). Currently, the operator acts on the key cutting machine interface by selecting the type of key to be duplicated, or in any case its characteristics, and on the basis of this the key cutting machine is programmed to indicate to the operator himself, on the user interface (display) with which the machine itself is generally equipped, which cutter to use to obtain the required machining on the key blank for the purpose of cutting the original key, as well as to indicate which type of key blank to use, which type of clamp and which jaws to use.

[0008] In essence, currently, it is the key cutting machine that suggests to the operator which cutter to use, which type of key blank to use, as well as which clamp and which jaws to use to duplicate a certain key. It is then up to the operator to identify and take the key blank, the clamp and the jaws thus suggested, to then mount them correctly on the key cutting machine.

[0009] In essence, currently, the correct identification of the cutter, the key blank, the clamp and the jaws, as well as their correct assembly on the key cutting machine - and this in order to carry out a specific key duplication process - depends entirely on the experience of the operator.

[0010] Furthermore, once the key blank, as well as the clamp or jaws selected by the operator have been positioned / mounted on the machine, the operator is currently not provided with any feedback regarding the correctness of the selection thus made, as well as regarding the correctness of their assembly / positioning.

[0011] Furthermore, even the recognition of the cutter to be used and the type of original key to be duplicated, or in any case of its characteristics, particularly in terms of size / dimensions, currently depends greatly on the experience of the operator.

[0012] Known types of cutting machines are described, for example, in EP2517826 and US2016114412.

[0013] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The object of the invention is to propose a cutting machine that allows to overcome, at least in part, the drawbacks of the known solutions.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide operators, particularly those with little experience, with support during and / or for the use of the machine itself.

[0016] Another object of the invention is to automatically verify and signal to the operator whether or not the mounted clamp is the correct one for a given job.

[0017] Another object of the invention is to automatically verify and signal to the operator whether the jaws mounted on the clamp are correct or not for a given job.

[0018] Another object of the invention is to automatically verify and signal to the operator whether the jaws are correctly mounted on the clamp. Another object of the invention is to automatically verify and signal to the operator whether a blank key which is or is not the correct one for a given job has been positioned between the jaws of the clamp.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to automatically verify and signal to the operator whether the key has been effectively and / or correctly mounted between the jaws of the clamp.

[0020] Another object of the invention is to detect the size and shape of the key to be machined.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to detect the size of the key head, to define and / or optimize the engraving to be made on one face of the head itself.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to also recognize the characteristics of the original key to be duplicated, in terms of key type and / or bitting profile.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to automatically verify and signal to the operator whether the work area is clean.

[0024] Another object of the invention is to verify the presence of the key to be machined on the clamp for the entire work cycle, not only at the beginning of said cycle or during the positioning phase of the key on the clamp.

[0025] Another object of the present invention is to optimize the performance of the machine.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to also allow remote assistance.

[0027] Another object of the invention is to propose a cutting machine that can be produced simply, quickly and at low cost.

[0028] Another object of the invention is to propose a cutting machine that is highly automated.

[0029] Another object of the invention is to propose a cutting machine that is suitable for professional or semi-professional use.

[0030] Another object of the invention is to propose a cutting machine that is simple, quick and intuitive to use.

[0031] Another object of the invention is to propose a cutting machine with reduced overall dimensions.

[0032] Another object of the invention is to propose a cutting machine that is an improvement and / or alternative to traditional solutions.

[0033] Another object of the invention is to propose a cutting machine with an alternative characterization, both in functional and implementation terms, compared to traditional ones. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0034] All these objects, whether individually or in any combination thereof, and others which will result from the following description are achieved, according to the invention, with a cutting machine having the characteristics indicated in claim 1.

[0035] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0036] The present invention is further clarified below in a preferred form of practical embodiment, reported for purely illustrative and non-limiting purposes with reference to the attached drawings, wherein: figure 1 shows a perspective view of an electronic key cutting machine according to the invention, figure 1A shows a detail of the machine in fig. 1 at the image acquisition device, figure 2 shows a front view of the machine in fig. 1 , figure 2A shows a partially sectioned detail of fig. 2 at the image acquisition device, figure 3 shows a side view of the machine in fig. 1 , figure 3A shows a partially sectioned detail of fig. 3 at the image acquisition device, figure 4 shows a bottom perspective view of a detail of the machine in fig. 1 at the image acquisition device, figure 4A shows an enlarged detail of fig. 4, figure 5 shows a perspective view of the machine in fig. 1 where the rear area cover housing has been removed, and figure 6 shows it in a different perspective view.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND SOME OF ITS PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0038] As can be seen from the figures, according to the invention, the electronic key cutting machine 1 comprises a support structure 10 and also comprises a front operational area 2 which is accessible by the operator.

[0039] Preferably, the front operational area 2 is removably covered and separated, at least partially, from the external environment 3 by means of a covering and / or protection casing (not shown) which is movable with respect to said support structure 10.

[0040] Conveniently, the machine 1 may also comprise a rear containment area 5 which is covered and separated from the external environment by a housing 6 which is preferably fixed, i.e. not movable with respect to said support structure 10.

[0041] Conveniently, the key cutting machine 1 is of the professional or semi-professional type, that is, it is the type generally present and used in key duplication centers / shops. In particular, the key cutting machine 1 is of a type that is not suitable for use in an industrial setting and / or in mass production.

[0042] Conveniently, the support structure 10 may comprise a support base 7 at the bottom and also a dividing element 8 which separates the front operational area 2 from the rear containment area 5. Preferably, said dividing element 8 is substantially vertical in development and, more preferably, is defined by a dividing wall (or even more dividing walls) substantially vertical in development, which is mounted on said support base 7. In particular, the aforementioned two areas 2, 5 are defined above the support base 7 and are separated from each other by said dividing element 8.

[0043] Preferably, the casing is associated with the support structure 10 so that it can be rotated or in any case moved with respect to the latter; furthermore, conveniently, the housing 6 is stably associated with the support structure 10 through suitable mechanical fastening means, for example through interlocking engagement and / or traditional fastening elements (screws, rivets, bolts, etc.).

[0044] The machine 1 is provided with at least one key milling and / or cutting device 11 , in particular for flat keys and / or for laser keys and / or for dimple keys. Conveniently, said device 11 comprises at least one milling and / or cutting tool 15 (preferably but not necessarily a circular or end mill, or other equivalent cutting tool), and a motor, preferably of the electric type, to rotate said milling and / or cutting tool 15 when it is mounted on said chuck 26.

[0045] Conveniently, the front operational area 2 houses at least one milling and / or cutting tool 15 of at least one milling and / or cutting unit 11 (for flat keys and / or laser keys) and at least one clamp 13 to hold a key, which may be a blank key to be machined or a key already cut to be duplicated and whose bitting is to be read / acquired, or a key already cut on which an engraving is then to be made corresponding to one face of its head.

[0046] Therefore, at least one milling and / or cutting tool 15 and at least one clamp 13 for holding the key are accessible in / from the front operational area 2.

[0047] Preferably, the milling and / or cutting tool 15 may comprise an end mill or other rotating tip cutting tool, which is driven into rotation by said motor around its longitudinal development axis.

[0048] Preferably, said milling and / or cutting device 11 is configured for the processing of laser or track keys or, in general, of keys wherein the bitting cut or cuts on one, or both faces, of the key shaft can be made using a finger milling cutter.

[0049] Conveniently, the machine 1 comprises, in proximity to / at the milling and / or cutting device 11 , at least one clamp 13 to hold a key 17, which may be a blank key to be machined or a key already cut to be duplicated and whose bitting is to be read / acquired, or a key already cut on which an engraving is then to be made at one face of its head. Preferably, the machine 1 also comprises, in the front operational area 2, movement means 14 for the clamp 13 to move the key held by the corresponding clamp with respect to the tool 15 of the milling and / or cutting device 11. In a possible and preferential embodiment, these movement means 14 for the clamp 13 comprise two carriages 14', 14" on which said at least one clamp 13 is mounted. Preferably, the movement means 14 can be configured to move, as mentioned, the key held 17 by the corresponding clamp 13 with respect to the tool 15 of the milling and / or cutting device 11 , and also to move the key 17 thus held between the area of action of the tool 15 of the milling and / or cutting device 11 and the area of action of a further processing device with which the machine itself can be provided.

[0050] Preferably, in a possible and preferential embodiment, a first carriage 14' is provided which is motorized so as to allow the movements of said first carriage in both directions along a first horizontal axis Y of the machine. Preferably, a second carriage 14" is mounted on the first carriage, which is also motorized so as to allow the movements of the latter with respect to the first carriage in both directions along a second horizontal axis X (which is perpendicular to the first horizontal axis Y) of the machine 1 .

[0051] Conveniently, in a possible embodiment, an additional carriage (not shown) which is motorized can be provided so as to allow the movements of the clamp and / or the first carriage and / or the second carriage along a third Z-axis, substantially vertical and perpendicular to the horizontal X and Y axes.

[0052] Conveniently, the clamp 13 mountable on the machine 1 , and in particular on the second carriage 14", can be of various types, for example it can be manual, manual inclined rotary, pneumatic or electric.

[0053] Conveniently, in a possible embodiment, the clamp 13 comprises a support and two jaws 21 , at least one of which is movable towards / away from the other, so as to clamp / hold the key 17 between them. Conveniently, the clamp 13 can be configured to hold the stem of the key 17 between its jaws 21 and, in particular, to hold it at an edge or area that is not intended to be cut. Conveniently, depending on the type of clamp, the two jaws 21 of the clamp 13 can be placed side by side or overlapped. Conveniently, the jaws 21 of the clamp 13 comprise facing surfaces that are differently shaped so as to be able to hold keys with different profiles between them. Preferably, depending on the type of clamp 13, the latter can be equipped with a knob for manual operation and / or an actuator (motorized, pneumatic, electric) to cause the two jaws to move closer together and further apart, as well as their reciprocal locking.

[0054] Conveniently, in one possible embodiment, the clamp 13 may be of the type described and illustrated in WO2022079571A1 , in WC2015011095A1 or in the Italian patent application 102023000018909, the contents of which are intended to be incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0055] Conveniently, the carriages 14' and 14" are controlled and advanced with respect to the tool 15 of the milling and / or cutting device 11 within the action area of the unit itself defined in the front operational zone 2, so as to sequentially obtain the corresponding bitting cuts on the stem of a blank key.

[0056] Conveniently, the milling and / or cutting device 11 comprises a structure 24 which, preferably, is movable at least along the vertical axis Z.

[0057] Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the tool 15 of the milling and / or cutting device 11 is mounted on the structure 24. Preferably, the motor (not shown) configured to actuate the rotation of said tool can also be mounted on the structure 24, as well as the mechanical transmission organs (not shown, for example transmission belts and idler pulleys) to connect the output shaft of the motor to said tool 15.

[0058] Conveniently, the tool 15 is mounted on the structure 24 so that the rotation axis of the cutter itself is oriented substantially vertically (i.e. substantially along the direction of development of the Z axis), while the face of the key to be machined, held by the clamp, lies on a substantially horizontal plane (preferably defined by the X and Y axes).

[0059] In a possible and preferred embodiment, the milling and / or cutting device 11 is configured so that the milling and / or cutting tool 15 is movable along the vertical axis Z, but not along the horizontal axes X and Y of the machine 1. Conveniently, in this case, the reciprocal movement between the key to be machined and the tool along the axes X and Y is carried out by means of the movement means 14 of the clamp 13, while the movement along the vertical axis Z to bring the key to be machined into contact with the milling and / or cutting tool 15 (or even to move it away so as to avoid such contact) can be carried out by moving the device (or possibly also the clamp) along the Z axis.

[0060] Conveniently, in a possible embodiment, the machine 1 can comprise means for moving the milling and / or cutting device 11 along the vertical axis Z to thus cause contact of the milling and / or cutting tool 15 with the key to be machined, and / or along the horizontal (and mutually perpendicular) axes X and / or Y to thus advance the milling and / or cutting tool 15 along the key to be machined.

[0061] Conveniently, in a possible embodiment, the milling and / or cutting device 11 may be fixed and, in particular, the milling and / or cutting tool 15 may not be movable along any of the X, Y and Z axes. Conveniently, in this case, both the movement along the vertical axis Z to bring the key to be machined into contact with the milling and / or cutting tool 15 (or even to move it away so as to avoid such contact), and the reciprocal movement between the key to be machined and the tool along the X and Y axes, are carried out by means of the movement means 14 of the clamp 13.

[0062] Preferably, in another possible embodiment, the milling and / or cutting device 11 can be configured so that the milling and / or cutting tool 15 is movable along the vertical axis Z and also along the X and / or Y axis. Conveniently, in this case, the reciprocal movement between the key to be machined and the tool along the X, Y and Z axes can be carried out by moving the device and / or the clamp along said axes.

[0063] Preferably, in a possible embodiment shown in the figures, the milling and / or cutting device 11 is mounted on the dividing element 8. Conveniently, the device 11 can comprise a bracket which is associated with the support unit and which is fixed to the face of said dividing element 8 facing the front operational area 2.

[0064] Preferably, the milling and / or cutting device 11 may comprise a covering element which, in fact, covers the structure 24 and / or the motor of said device; the milling and / or cutting tool 15 protrudes - at least in part - from the covering.

[0065] Preferably, in one possible embodiment, the milling and / or cutting device 11 can be entirely housed within the front operational area 2 of the machine. Conveniently, in any case, the milling and / or cutting tool 15 of the device 11 is positioned within the front operational area 2 of the machine.

[0066] Conveniently, the machine 1 may comprise at least one probe 37 which, preferably, is a metal element configured to search by electrical contact for certain specific points of the key (such as, for example, the external edge, upper surface, etc.). Preferably, the probe 37 is mounted on the milling and / or cutting device 11 , next to the tool 15.

[0067] Conveniently, the rear containment area 5 is configured to house components of the machine 1 for which direct access by the operator is not required during normal operation of the machine itself.

[0068] Preferably, the motors (not shown), preferably of the stepper type, for moving the movement means 14 of the clamp 13 are housed in the rear containment area 5 and / or in the base 7.

[0069] Conveniently, in a possible embodiment, the motor of the milling and / or cutting device 11 for the rotational drive of the milling and / or cutting tool 15 can be positioned in the rear containment area 5 and be mechanically connected to the chuck carrying the tool 15, which is arranged in the front operational area 2 of the machine, by means of suitable mechanical transmission organs (not shown).

[0070] Conveniently, in another possible embodiment, the motor of the milling and / or cutting device 11 for the rotational drive of the milling and / or cutting tool 15 can be housed inside a cover structure that protrudes from the dividing element 8 inside the front operational area 2 of the machine.

[0071] Preferably, in one possible embodiment, the machine 1 may comprise a further processing device (not shown) for producing the bitting cuts on one, or both lateral edges, of the stem of a traditional flat key. More preferably, a further processing device may be of a traditional type. Conveniently, said further processing device may comprise, as a processing tool, a further milling cutter - preferably a disc milling cutter - which, conveniently, is driven into rotation by a corresponding electric motor. In more detail, the disc milling cutter may comprise an annular element which is mounted on a milling cutter shaft and wherein, along its external edge, the cutting profiles of the milling cutter itself are obtained. Conveniently, the cutting profiles of the disc milling cutter may have various toothed profiles.

[0072] Preferably, in one possible embodiment thereof, the machine 1 may comprise an engraving device for making an engraving at least on one of the two faces of the key, preferably to engrave a predefined code and / or a predefined image on the head of a key. Conveniently, the engraving device comprises at least one further engraving tool which is actuated, in rotation and / or translation (for example by pressing it against the face of the key), so as to engrave at least one face of the key, preferably, at the head of said key. Conveniently, the milling and / or cutting device 11 and the engraving device may comprise the same structure 24, provided with corresponding means for its movement, or they may each be provided with their own and distinct support and movement structure for the corresponding tools.

[0073] Conveniently, the machine 1 comprises command and management means 19. Preferably, said means 19 supervise the operation of the entire machine and also control and manage the motorization of the movement means 14 of the clamp and / or of the movement means of the milling and / or cutting device 11 and / or of actuation of the tool 15 of the milling and / or cutting device 11 , as well as of any additional cutting organs with which the machine 1 may be provided.

[0074] Conveniently, said command and management means 19 comprise at least one electronic board configured and programmed for the control / command and coordination of the various components of the machine 1 . Conveniently, said command and management means comprise at least one microcontroller and / or microprocessor.

[0075] Preferably, said command and management means 19 are electronically connected to the motors and / or sensors provided on the machine itself in order to manage and monitor its operation.

[0076] Preferably, the command and management means may include: - an electronic unit 19', preferably comprising a microprocessor, which coordinates the operation of the various components and / or supervises the operation of the entire machine.

[0077] - a further electronic unit 19", preferably comprising a microcontroller, which is configured to control / command the motors of the movement means 14 of the clamp 13 and / or of the movement means of the milling and / or cutting device 11 and / or of actuation of the tool 15 of the milling and / or cutting device 11 ; conveniently, said further electronic unit 19' is electronically connected to the corresponding motors to be controlled / commanded;

[0078] Preferably, said electronic unit 19' and said further electronic unit 19" are electronically connected to each other, for example via a USB connection.

[0079] Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the command and management means 19 comprise a microcontroller to control / command the various motors of the machine 1 and also comprise a microprocessor to coordinate and / or supervise the operation of the entire machine 1.

[0080] Preferably, said command and management means 19 are housed inside the rear containment area 5.

[0081] Preferably, said command and management means 19 may also comprise storage means.

[0082] Advantageously, said command and management means 19 - and preferably the electronic unit 19' - can be connected to an external electronic device by means of one or more data communication interfaces (for example, traditional cable ports or connectors), or via wireless connections, thus allowing the machine 1 to exchange (in reception and / or transmission) data, commands or information with the outside.

[0083] Advantageously, said command and management means 19 - and preferably the electronic unit 19' - can be connected to a user interface 23, for example a touch screen and / or a control panel that allow the user to control the machine 1 .

[0084] The machine 1 comprises an image acquisition device 25 which is mounted on board said machine 1 so as to frame an area 48, which is defined within the front operational zone 2, and wherein there is located and / or within which it moves the clamp 13 configured and intended to clamp and hold with its jaws 21 a key 17 to be machined or duplicated, thus acquiring corresponding images of the area thus framed.

[0085] Preferably, said image acquisition device 25 is configured and / or mounted on board said machine 1 so as to also frame the tool 15, thus acquiring corresponding images of the latter, in particular during the processing cycle. More preferably, said area 48 framed by the device 25, and of which corresponding images are thus acquired, also covers the area wherein the milling and / or cutting tool 15 of the milling and / or cutting device 11 works and / or within which it moves.

[0086] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 also frames the milling and / or cutting tool 15 or at least the working tip of said tool, in order to thereby acquire corresponding images.

[0087] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 also frames the additional tool of the engraving device, in order to thereby acquire corresponding images.

[0088] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 also frames the probe 37, thereby acquiring corresponding images.

[0089] Preferably, in a possible embodiment, the area 48 framed by the image acquisition device 25, to thus acquire corresponding images, is underneath the milling and / or cutting device 11 .

[0090] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 frames at least the key 17 and the clamp 13 simultaneously, to thus acquire corresponding images. More preferably, the image acquisition device 25 frames the key 17, the clamp 13, the milling and / or cutting tool 15, the additional engraving tool and the probe 37 simultaneously, to thus acquire corresponding images. Advantageously, in this way, the machine 1 can comprise a single image acquisition device 25 which is sufficient to frame what occurs in the front operational area 2.

[0091] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 is mounted on the milling device 11.

[0092] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 is mounted on the milling device 11 and is oriented substantially vertically with the framing pointing downwards.

[0093] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 is mounted on the same structure 24 on which the tool 15 of the milling device 11 is also mounted.

[0094] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 is positioned next to the milling and / or cutting tool 15.

[0095] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 is mounted on the structure 24 of the milling and / or cutting device 11 so as to frame the area underneath said milling and / or cutting device and, furthermore, said image acquisition device 25 has a field of view such as to also frame the milling and / or cutting tool 15 of said device 11 .

[0096] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 is configured to acquire a plurality of images in sequence and, more preferably, to acquire a video.

[0097] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 is a camera.

[0098] Preferably, the image capture device 25 is configured to record video.

[0099] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 comprises at least one optical or image sensor, for example of the CMOS type, and at least one optical lens. Conveniently, the image acquisition device 25 may have a resolution ranging from about 640x480 pixels to about 3264x2448 pixels. Conveniently, the image acquisition device 25 may have a frame rate (fps) of about 15 - 30.

[0100] Conveniently, in a possible embodiment, the image acquisition device 25 comprises an electronic board on which the optical sensor is mounted with the lens facing it. Preferably, the electronic board, and therefore the device 25, has dimensions in length and width that are less than approximately 50 mm or in any case particularly small, to thus facilitate the installation and positioning of the device 25 on board the machine 1 .

[0101] Conveniently, in one possible embodiment, the image acquisition device 25 is configured to acquire Full HD resolution video at variable frame rates.

[0102] Conveniently, in one possible embodiment, the image acquisition device 25 may have a lens of about 2 - 12 mm, e.g. about 2.1 mm.

[0103] Conveniently, in a possible embodiment, the image acquisition device 25 may be provided with back-side illumination technology (“Back-Side Illumination” or“BSI”).

[0104] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 also comprises a module for sound acquisition, such as a digital microphone.

[0105] The image acquisition device 25 is electrically connected, preferably via cable 39 (for example via USB connection), to the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , which thus receive the images acquired by the device 25.

[0106] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 is electrically connected to the electronic unit 19' which coordinates the operation of the various components and / or supervises the operation of the entire machine.

[0107] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 is configured to acquire a plurality of images in sequence and, more preferably, to acquire a video starting from the moment the machine itself is turned on.

[0108] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 is configured to continue acquiring a plurality of images in sequence and, more preferably, to continue acquiring video as long as the machine itself remains turned on.

[0109] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 is configured to acquire a plurality of images in sequence and, more preferably, to acquire a video starting from the moment the milling and / or cutting device 11 is activated.

[0110] Preferably, the image acquisition device 25 is configured to continue acquiring a plurality of images in sequence and, more preferably, to continue acquiring a video as long as the milling and / or cutting device 11 is / remains active.

[0111] Conveniently, in a possible embodiment, the structure 24 of the milling and / or cutting device 11 may comprise a lower shelf 29, preferably with a substantially horizontal development, on which the image acquisition device 25 is mounted at the top. Conveniently, the chuck and / or the milling and / or cutting tool 15 protrude at the bottom from the same shelf 29.

[0112] Preferably, the shelf 29 is provided with a through opening 31 which faces the device 25. In more detail, the image acquisition device 25 - and in particular its electronic board - is supported at the corners by corresponding pins 32, associated with the shelf so as to protrude from the upper surface of the latter and arranged around the through opening; conveniently, the optical or image sensor with the relative optics faces the through opening 31. Conveniently, the device 25 - and in particular its optics - can protrude at least in part inside the through opening 31 of the shelf 29.

[0113] Preferably, a cover plate 34 made of transparent material (or equivalent) can be provided which is associated with the lower surface of the shelf 29 so as to cover the through opening 31 of the shelf itself from below.

[0114] The command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and preferably said electronic unit, are programmed to elaborate and process the images thus acquired.

[0115] Preferably, the command and management means of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are provided with storage means and, in particular, are programmed to store the images received and acquired by the device 25.

[0116] Preferably, the means of command and management of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images thus acquired by the device 25 by implementing machine learning algorithms. Conveniently, the images thus acquired can be sent as input to a machine learning (ML) model, already trained, to thus obtain as output an indicative or representative value of a given condition, for example with regard to the cleanliness or not of the processing area, with regard to the correctness (or otherwise) of the clamp, the jaws or the key blank that have been mounted on the machine in order to duplicate a given key, and / or with regard to the correct positioning of the key blank on the jaws or of the latter on the clamp.

[0117] Preferably, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 by implementing recognition and / or localisation algorithms, to thus recognise, on the basis of the images thus acquired, specific types of components, such as clamp, jaws and / or key.

[0118] Preferably, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 by implementing algorithms to extract / identify, within the images thus acquired, specific components, such as clamp, jaws and / or key. Preferably, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 by implementing “pattern matching” algorithms to detect, within the images thus acquired, the presence of a specific pattern or component, such as clamp, jaws and / or key.

[0119] Preferably, said command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 by implementing comparison algorithms (for example by subtraction) of the images thus acquired with reference images. Conveniently, said reference images can be pre-stored or can always be acquired by the device 25 in certain conditions (for example in the absence of a clamp, jaws and / or key).

[0120] Preferably, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 in order to recognize, on the basis of the images thus acquired, the clamp 13 (in particular the type of clamp, for example whether it is manual, inclined manual, rotary, pneumatic, electric) that has been installed on the machine 1. Advantageously, this allows to verify - and possibly send a corresponding warning to the operator via the interface 23 - whether the clamp 13 that has been installed on the machine 1 is the correct one for the purpose of carrying out a certain process and / or for a certain key to be duplicated. Advantageously, such recognition of the clamp on the basis of the images acquired by the device 25 can be additional or alternative to the recognition of the clamp that the machine 1 can carry out by means of a suitable connector provided on the clamp itself.

[0121] Preferably, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 in order to recognize, on the basis of the images thus acquired, the jaws 21 that have been mounted on the clamp 13 installed on the machine 1 . Preferably, such recognition of the jaws 21 can be carried out by identifying the alphanumeric codes shown on each jaw on the basis of the images acquired by the device 25. Advantageously, this allows to verify - and possibly send a corresponding warning to the operator via the interface 23 - whether the jaws 21 mounted on the clamp 13 installed on the machine 1 are the correct ones for the purpose of carrying out a certain process and / or for a certain key to be duplicated.

[0122] Preferably, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 in order to verify whether, on the basis of the images thus acquired, the jaws 21 are correctly mounted on the clamp 13 installed on the machine 1 , for example by checking whether one or more of the faces of the jaws have alignment correspondences with the respective surfaces of the clamp. Advantageously, for example, it is thus possible to automatically verify - and possibly send a corresponding warning to the operator via the interface 23 - whether the jaws have been correctly mounted by checking whether the vertical faces of the jaws are perfectly or appropriately aligned with the respective vertical faces of the clamp; in particular, if the jaw is incorrectly mounted it is possible to verify the lack of alignment that would be expected if they were correctly mounted.

[0123] Preferably, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 in order to verify whether, on the basis of the images thus acquired, the key Itipis correctly mounted between the jaws 21. Advantageously, for example, it is thus possible to automatically verify - and possibly send a corresponding warning to the operator via the interface 23 - whether the key has been clamped by stopping at the wrong point (e.g. on the tip or on the head) or on the wrong side (e.g. the cutting card perhaps provides for starting to cut on one of the faces of the key and the operator instead clamps it on the back, therefore rotated by 90° with respect to what the machine expects).

[0124] Preferably, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 in order to recognize, on the basis of the images thus acquired, the presence of the key 17 on the clamp 13 and, in particular, to recognize whether the key 17 is mounted (or has remained mounted throughout the entire processing cycle) between the jaws 21 of the clamp 13.

[0125] Preferably, the device 25 can be controlled so as to acquire images throughout the entire processing cycle of the key 17 and, more preferably, as long as the milling and / or cutting device 11 is active. Preferably, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 throughout the entire processing cycle of the key 17 and, in particular, as long as the milling and / or cutting device 11 is active. Advantageously, this allows the presence of the key mounted on the clamp 13 to be verified throughout the entire processing cycle.

[0126] Preferably, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', can be programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 in order to recognize, on the basis of the images thus acquired, the milling and / or cutting tool 15 that has been installed on the machine 1 . Advantageously, this allows to verify - and possibly send a corresponding warning to the operator via the interface 23 - whether the tool 15 that has been installed on the machine 1 is the correct one for the purpose of carrying out a certain process and / or for a certain key to be duplicated. Advantageously, such recognition of the tool 15 on the basis of the images acquired by the device 25 can be additional or alternative to the recognition of the tool itself that the machine 1 can carry out using other methodologies, for example by reading an RFID tag mounted on the tool itself.

[0127] Preferably, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 in order to extract / identify, on the basis of the images thus acquired, dimensional and / or shape characteristics of the key 17 when it is positioned in front of the frame of the device itself. Advantageously, from the processing of the images thus acquired it is possible to recognize the type / model of key to be duplicated (and therefore the model of key blank to be used) and / or the mechanical bitting (i.e. the notches) of the key to be duplicated. Advantageously, from the processing of the images thus acquired it is possible to recognize the model / type of key blank mounted on the clamp 13, in order to establish whether or not it is correct for cutting a given key. Advantageously, the dimensions of the key thus obtained on the basis of the processing carried out on the image acquired by the device 25 can be used to correspondingly control a manipulator - with which the machine may be equipped - for the movement of the key itself.

[0128] Preferably, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 in order to recognize, on the basis of the images thus acquired, the shape and dimensions of the head portion of the key 17, as well as possibly the useful area of the head of the key 17 in order to be able to carry out a corresponding process using the engraving device.

[0129] Preferably, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and more preferably said electronic unit 19', are programmed to elaborate and process the images acquired by the device 25 in order to verify whether the processing area - wherein the clamp 13 and / or milling and / or cutting tool 15 are located and / or move - is clean. For example, such verification can be carried out by comparing the image acquired by the device 25 with a reference image corresponding to a condition wherein the corresponding work area is considered clean. Advantageously, the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 are configured in such a way as to activate, in the event of a non-clean work area, appropriate blowing and / or suction means (preferably but not necessarily mounted on board the machine itself) in order to blow a flow of air to remove and sweep away any debris and / or waste from the work area and / or to suck such debris and / or waste.

[0130] Preferably, the machine 1 comprises at least one illumination device 33 which is mounted at or near the image acquisition device 25.

[0131] Preferably, the lighting device comprises at least two lighting sources, respectively 33' and 33', positioned at two opposite sides of the device 25. Preferably, said at least two lighting sources 33' and 33' comprise corresponding LEDs, for example LEDs that emit white light.

[0132] Preferably, the lighting device 33 is controlled by the command and management means 19 of the machine 1 , and preferably by said electronic unit 19', in order to regulate the lighting intensity.

[0133] Preferably, the machine 1 is configured to be in data connection with a remote unit (for example a PC, a real or virtual server, or a cloud server). Conveniently, for this purpose, the machine itself is provided with means for data reception and transmission, via cable or wireless, with the outside. Preferably, the machine 1 can be configured so as to transmit, preferably live or substantially live, to said remote unit the images / videos acquired by means of the device 25. Advantageously, therefore, it is possible to remotely view the processing area of the machine, thus allowing more effective remote assistance.

[0134] From what has been said it is clear that the machine according to the invention is particularly advantageous because:

[0135] - it is highly automated,

[0136] - it's easy to use,

[0137] - it is more comfortable and efficient,

[0138] - supports and corrects operators, especially the less experienced ones,

[0139] - provides a variety of additional functions, such as the recognition and / or verification and / or reporting of the correctness of the clamps as well as the preparation / position of the jaws, the verification of the presence of the key during the entire processing cycle, the verification of the cleanliness of the processing area, the identification of the characteristics of the key to be duplicated or machined, for example in terms of size, type, encoding, and

[0140] - allows for easier remote assistance.

[0141] The present invention has been illustrated and described in some of its preferred embodiments, but it is understood that executive variations may be made to them in practice, without however departing from the scope of protection of the present patent for industrial invention.

Claims

C L A I M S1 . Electronic key cutting machine (1), preferably of the professional or semi-professional type, comprising:- a support structure (10),- a front operational area (2) which is accessible by the operator,- at least one milling and / or cutting device (11) of a key (17) comprising at least one motor, preferably of the electric type, to rotate at least one milling and / or cutting tool (15), and characterised in that it comprises an image acquisition device (25) which is mounted on board said machine (1) so as to frame an area (48), which is defined within said front operational area (2) and wherein there is located and / or within which moves a clamp (13) configured and intended to clamp and hold with its jaws (21) said key (17) to be machined or duplicated, to thus acquire corresponding images of the area thus framed.

2. Machine according to claim 1 , wherein said area (48) framed by the image acquisition device (25), and of which corresponding images are thus acquired, also covers the area wherein the milling and / or cutting tool (15) of the milling and / or cutting device (11) works and / or within which it moves.

3. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said image acquisition device (25) is mounted on the milling and / or cutting device (11).

4. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the image acquisition device (25) is oriented substantially vertically with the framing pointing downwards, thus framing the area underneath said milling and / or cutting device (11 ).

5. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the milling and / or cutting device (11 ) comprises a structure (24) on which at least one milling and / or cutting tool (15) is mounted, and that said image acquisition device (25) is mounted on said structure (24) next to said at least one milling and / or cutting tool (15).

6. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said image acquisition device (25) is configured to acquire a plurality of images in sequence, in particular a video, preferably said image acquisition device (25) is a video camera.

7. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein:- said machine comprises command and management means (19), preferably an electronic unit (19') which coordinates the functioning of the various components and / or supervises the operation of the entire machine (1),- said image acquisition device (25) is in electrical connection, preferably via cable (39), with said command and management means (19), preferably with said electronic unit (19'), which thus receives the images acquired by the image acquisition device (25).

8. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the image acquisition device (25) is configured to continue acquiring a plurality of images in sequence and, more preferably, to continue acquiring a video as long as the machine (1) itself remains switched on and / or as long as the milling and / or cutting device (11) is activated.

9. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said command and management means (19), and preferably the electronic unit (19'), is / are configured to elaborate and process the images received from the image acquisition device (25) so as to:- recognize, on the basis of the acquired images, the clamp (13) installed on the machine(1) itself, and / or- recognize, on the basis of the acquired images, the jaws (21) mounted on the clamp (13) installed on the machine (1) itself, and / or- recognize, on the basis of the acquired images, the key (17) which is held between the jaws (21) mounted on the clamp (13) installed on the machine (1 ) itself, and / or- recognize, on the basis of the acquired images, the milling and / or cutting tool (15) installed on the machine (1) itself, and / or- check, based upon the acquired images, whether the jaws (21) are correctly mounted on the clamp (13), and / or- check, based upon the acquired images, whether the key (17) is correctly mounted between the jaws (21), and / or- extract / identify, on the basis of the images thus acquired, dimensional and / or shape characteristics of an original key to be duplicated or of a blank key to be machined, and / or- check, based upon the acquired images, whether the processing area wherein the clamp (13) and / or the milling and / or cutting tool (15) are located and / or move is clean.

10. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said machine comprises an illumination device (33) which is mounted at or near the image acquisition device (25).

11. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said machine (1 ) also comprises, in the front operational area (2), movement means (14) for the clamp (13) to move the key held by the corresponding clamp with respect to the tool (15) of the milling and / or cutting device (11).

12. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the support structure (10) comprises a support base (7) at the bottom and also a dividing element (8) which separates the front operational area (2) from a rear area (5), and wherein said dividing element (8) develops substantially vertically.

13. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the milling and / or cutting device (11) is mounted on the dividing element (8).

14. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said image acquisition device (25) is configured and / or mounted on board said machine (1) so as to also frame the tool (15) during the processing cycle, thus acquiring corresponding images of the latter during the processing cycle.

15. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the image acquisition device (25) also frames the milling and / or cutting tool (15) or at least the working tip of said tool (15).

16. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein:- said machine comprises an engraving device comprising at least one further engraving tool which is actuated, in rotation and / or translation, so as to engrave at least one face of the key (17), and- the image acquisition device (25) also frames the additional tool of the engraving device.

17. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said machine comprises at least one probe (37) and wherein the image acquisition device (25) also frames the probe (37).

18. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the image acquisition device (25) also comprises a module for sound acquisition, for example a digital microphone.

19. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the image acquisition device (25) is configured to acquire a plurality of images in sequence and, more preferably, to acquire a video starting from the moment the machine itself is turned on.

20. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein:- the milling and / or cutting device (11) comprises a structure (24) with a lower shelf (29), preferably with a substantially horizontal development, on which the image acquisition device (25) is mounted at the top,- from the same shelf (29) a chuck and / or the milling and / or cutting tool (15) protrude from below,- the shelf (29) is provided with a through opening (31) which faces the device (25),21. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the command and management means (19) of the machine (1 ), and more preferably said electronic unit (19'), are programmed to elaborate and process the images thus acquired by the image acquisition device (25) by implementing machine learning algorithms.

22. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the image acquisition device (25) is mounted on the structure (24) of the milling and / or cutting device(11) so as to frame the area underneath said milling and / or cutting device (11) and, furthermore, said image acquisition device (25) has a field of view such as to also frame the milling and / or cutting tool (15) of said device (11).

23. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the image acquisition device (25) is provided with back-side illumination technology.

24. Machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the machine comprises at least one lighting device (33) which is mounted at or near the image acquisition device (25).

25. Machine according to the previous claim, wherein the lighting device (33) is controlled by the command and management means (19) of the machine (1) in order to regulate the lighting intensity.

Images