Additive balancing method and balancing device for balancing complete tools and / or tool chucks

Abstract

The invention relates to an additive balancing method for balancing complete tools (50) and / or tool chucks (14). In at least one step (10), an at least partially liquid balancing mass (16) and / or a balancing mass in the form of a plastically deformable modelling mass is automatically introduced into one or more threaded bores (18, 18') of the complete tool (50) and / or of the tool chuck (14), said threaded bores already being originally provided in particular, and in at least one other step (20), the introduced balancing mass (16) is cured and / or solidified in the threaded bore(s) (18, 18').

Description

[0001] Additive balancing process and balancing device for balancing complete tools and / or tool chucks

[0002] State of the art

[0003] The invention relates to an additive balancing method according to the preamble of claim 1 and a balancing device according to claim 20.

[0004] Additive balancing methods for balancing tool assemblies and / or tool chucks have already been proposed. These typically involve screwing balancing screws of different weights into designated threaded holes or applying balancing rings with uneven mass distribution.

[0005] The object of the invention is, in particular, to provide a generic method with advantageous properties for balancing tool assemblies and / or tool chucks. This object is achieved according to the invention by the features of the independent patent claims, while advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention can be found in the subclaims.

[0006] Advantages of the invention

[0007] The invention is based on an additive balancing method for balancing complete tools and / or tool chucks.

[0008] It is proposed that in at least one method step, a balancing mass which is at least partially liquid and / or in the form of a plastically deformable modeling mass is introduced mechanically, and in particular in a metered manner, into one or more threaded bores, in particular those which were already present originally, in the complete tool and / or the tool chuck, and that in at least one further method step, the introduced balancing mass hardens and / or solidifies in the threaded bore(s), in particular in such a way that the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass and at least one thread turn of a thread of the threaded bore(s) engage with one another and centrifugal forces which may occur when the complete tool and / or the tool chuck are used prevent the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass from being thrown out of the threaded bore(s).This advantageously enables simple, fast, and / or precise balancing of tool assemblies and / or tool chucks, particularly existing unmodified tool assemblies and / or tool chucks with threaded holes on the outer circumference. This advantageously simplifies the automation of a balancing process. This advantageously enables an automated balancing process that does not rely on irreversible material removal and does not require the screwing in of balancing screws. In particular, the option of eliminating material removal enables repeated, wear-free balancing of tool chucks with different tool configurations and / or of tool assemblies that have been dismantled in the meantime.

[0009] In particular, an additive balancing process optimizes concentricity by adding mass at a specific location. Furthermore, the additive balancing process can reduce vibration in tools and / or tool chucks. A "tool chuck" is understood to mean, in particular, a component designed to hold a tool and connect the tool to a machine. In particular, the tool chuck is designed as an interface between the tool and the machine. For example, the tool chuck can be a shrink-fit chuck, a hydraulic expansion chuck, a press chuck, a collet chuck, or the like. The tool chuck balanced by this process can be equipped with a tool or unequipped. The tools are designed, in particular, as cutting tools for use on CNC machines.For example, the tools can be designed as shank tools, preferably as rotary shank tools, for example drills, milling cutters, profile tools and / or reamers, or as grinding wheels, wherein preferably a shank of the shank tools is provided for mounting in a tool holder. Furthermore, the balancing method is provided for complete tools, i.e. in particular fixed combinations of tool and tool holder. The tool chuck and / or the complete tool is equipped with one or preferably with several threaded holes, for example at least three, four or more than four threaded holes. The threaded holes are standard threaded holes which are already provided in tool chucks and / or complete tools delivered unmodified. The threaded holes are preferably arranged on a radial outer surface / on an outer circumferential surface of the tool chuck and / or the complete tool.The threaded holes preferably extend perpendicular to a designated rotational axis of the tool chuck and / or the tool assembly. "Designated" is understood to mean, in particular, specifically programmed, designed, and / or equipped. The fact that an object is designed for a specific function is understood to mean, in particular, that the object fulfills and / or performs this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

[0010] The balancing mass can be in the form of (among other things) a liquid, an emulsion, or a suspension. The modeling mass can be shaped like modeling clay. The balancing mass preferably has at least one flowable and / or modelable state of aggregation that is preferably easy to handle and / or easy to produce. The balancing mass can preferably be converted into a liquid and / or easily plastically deformable / modelable state by heating, in particular from a previously solid state. The balancing mass preferably hardens independently after being introduced into the threaded bore, e.g. through contact with air, cooling, a chemical reaction with a chemical component external to or internal to the balancing mass, or a reaction with external radiation, e.g. UV light. Hardening can occur through a chemical reaction.The balancing mass preferably solidifies spontaneously after being inserted into the threaded hole, e.g., through cooling. Cooling can occur through simple heat exchange with the environment (passive) or be supported by active cooling / active heat dissipation. In particular, the balancing mass is designed to mesh with an internal thread of the threaded holes, at least in its solidified and / or hardened form. This advantageously prevents the balancing mass from falling out and / or becoming loose, for example, during rotational operation of the complete tool and / or the tool chuck, especially at high speeds.

[0011] It is also conceivable that by inserting the balancing mass into the threaded hole, the position of the threaded hole base can be adjusted, preferably fixed, thereby establishing, in particular, a stop position for balancing screws in the threaded hole. This can advantageously optimize, simplify, and / or automate the installation of balancing screws. Depending on their screw-in depth, balancing screws have different effects on the concentricity of the tool chuck fitted with them.

[0012] It is further proposed that the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass be designed such that it can be removed from the threaded hole(s) at least essentially without leaving any residue. This advantageously enables repeated balancing of, for example, tool assemblies that have been dismantled in the meantime and / or of newly equipped tool chucks. A high level of flexibility can advantageously be achieved. A long service life of the tool chucks and / or tool assemblies can advantageously be achieved. The proposed additive balancing method is advantageously non-destructive / damage-free for the tool assemblies / tool ​​chucks. “Essentially residue-free removability” should be understood in particular to mean that after the balancing mass has been removed, the threaded hole is fully functional again, i.e., for example, a balancing screw can be screwed into it without any problem.Advantageously, the tool chuck and / or the tool assembly are free of macroscopic balancing mass particles after removal of the balancing mass. In particular, the solidified and / or hardened balancing mass is removed from the threaded hole(s) in a process step in which the balancing mass is removed from the threaded hole(s), by turning it out of the threaded hole, by scraping it out of the threaded hole, by at least partially softening it and / or running it out of the threaded hole, and / or by another conceivable removal method. It is conceivable that the balancing mass is reheated (and possibly partially liquefied) before removal from the threaded hole, or that the balancing mass is removed from the threaded hole without prior heating.

[0013] Furthermore, it is proposed that the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass be removable from the threaded hole(s) at least substantially residue-free and preferably in one piece, regardless of heating, in particular of the balancing mass and / or the tool chuck and / or the complete tool, regardless of the use of solvents, in particular for detaching the balancing mass from the inner walls of the threaded hole, and in particular also regardless of (mechanical) drilling, scraping, and the like. This advantageously makes it possible to significantly simplify and / or accelerate the repeated balancing of, for example, temporarily dismantled complete tools and / or newly equipped tool chucks.In particular, the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass can be removed from the threaded hole without leaving any residue, regardless of any chemical, thermal, or physical treatment of the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass. Preferably, the balancing mass can be easily unscrewed from the threaded hole. In particular, the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass forms a coherent body. In particular, the balancing mass is stable enough to withstand shearing and / or twisting caused by unscrewing it from the threaded hole without breaking.

[0014] It is also proposed that at least the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass be anti-adhesive at least towards metals and / or at least towards (other) plastics, and in particular be intended to form no or only a slight material bond with a metal surface and / or a plastic surface of the threaded hole(s). It is also even conceivable that at least the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass, preferably the balancing mass in any aggregate state, be universally anti-adhesive and in particular be intended to form no or only a slight material bond with any surfaces of any other materials. This advantageously enables particularly simple and / or rapid removal of the balancing mass, e.g. for rebalancing, in particular of a newly equipped tool chuck or a newly mounted complete tool.An anti-adhesive material, in particular, has no or only a very low tendency to adhere to other materials. Anti-adhesive materials, in particular, exhibit low adhesion, which preferably means that the attractive forces between the anti-adhesive surface and other materials are low or non-existent. Anti-adhesive materials can advantageously be easily removed from surfaces. Anti-adhesive materials advantageously do not stick to surfaces. In particular, the cured and / or solidified balancing mass is non-sticky. In particular, the cured and / or solidified balancing mass does not form a material bond with the surface of the threaded hole. The balancing mass preferably has a surface energy of less than 500 mN / m, advantageously less than 250 mN / m, more preferably less than 100 mN / m.The balancing mass preferably has a coefficient of friction of less than 0.7 on metal, more preferably less than 0.3 on metal. The balancing mass is preferably other than a synthetic resin, in particular other than an epoxy resin. The anti-adhesive balancing mass could, for example, be formed at least partially from a sprayable PTFE composite material, a polyethylene, a polypropylene, or a polyoxymethylene. However, other materials with the described adhesion properties are also known to those skilled in the art and can be used.

[0015] If the threaded holes are designed as balancing screw holes in the tool assembly and / or the tool chuck, this advantageously enables particularly efficient and simple balancing. In this case, the arrangement and number of threaded holes distributed over an outer surface of the tool chuck and / or the tool assembly are advantageously suitable for balancing. This advantageously ensures a uniform arrangement of threaded holes over the outer circumference of the surface of the tool chuck and / or the tool assembly. In particular, the balancing screw hole is intended for screwing in balancing screws.

[0016] If the balancing mass has a density of at least 1.5 g / mm 3 , preferably at least 2 g / mm 3 , preferably at least 4 g / mm 3 and particularly preferably at least 7 g / mm 3, a particularly efficient balancing of tool chucks and / or tool assemblies can advantageously be enabled. An optimal ratio of space requirement and balancing requirement can advantageously be achieved. A typical threaded hole can advantageously be used to correct a typical imbalance of a tool chuck and / or tool assemblies by means of the balancing mass. Furthermore, it is proposed that the balancing mass, which is designed as an at least partially liquid and / or as a plastically deformable modeling mass, has a viscosity which enables the balancing mass to automatically fill thread valleys of a thread turn of the or one of the threaded holes when the balancing mass is introduced into the threaded hole.This advantageously ensures that the balancing mass is securely held in the threaded bore, which in particular ensures that the balancing mass cannot be accidentally ejected from the threaded bore by centrifugal force. The balancing mass preferably has a consistency different from that of a modeling clay in its liquid and / or plastically deformable state. The balancing mass preferably is a Newtonian fluid with an at least substantially constant viscosity in its liquid and / or plastically deformable state. Alternatively, easily deformable modeling clays and / or non-Newtonian substances that engage with the threads of the threaded bore are also conceivable as the balancing mass.

[0017] If the balancing mass is designed as a solder, in particular a soft solder, a good hold of the balancing mass by adhering to a metal surface of the tool chuck and / or the complete tool and / or a high balancing mass density can be achieved. In addition, a simple and reliably controllable change between solid and liquid and / or moldable state can be achieved. Furthermore, liquefaction of the balancing mass, in particular making the balancing mass at least partially liquid and / or designed as a plastically deformable modeling mass, can be advantageously enabled by induction heating. Known soldering robots can advantageously be used. For example, the solder could be made of a tin-zinc-silver alloy. In this exemplary case, the solder could have a density of approximately 7.14 g / m 3Advantageously, a solder, in particular a soft solder in the form of a (solid-state) solder wire, e.g. with a diameter of 0.2 mm to 3 mm, can be fed to the threaded hole and melted directly there. This enables particularly simple provision of the balancing mass, which is at least partially liquid and / or in the form of a plastically deformable modeling mass. In addition, a simple, preferably easily automated, removal of the balancing mass can advantageously be enabled, in particular by reheating the balancing mass arranged in the threaded hole. Advantageously, when a solder is used as a balancing mass, no chemicals are required. In addition, a solder, in particular a soft solder alloy, can be acquired comparatively inexpensively and / or is easy to store. In addition, a solder wire tracking system advantageously enables particularly precise dosing of the balancing mass and thus preferably continuous balancing.

[0018] It is further proposed that in at least one further method step the solder is melted mechanically in a region close to the threaded hole. This can advantageously enable particularly fast and / or clean balancing. In particular, the solder is melted mechanically by a soldering robot and introduced into the threaded hole. In particular, the soldering robot comprises at least one soldering iron or a (soldering) induction coil and at least one solder wire tracker. In this context, a “nearby area” is to be understood in particular as a spatial area consisting of points that are all no further away from the threaded hole than twice the depth of the threaded hole, preferably than the depth of the threaded hole and more preferably than half the depth of the threaded hole.

[0019] Melting the solder during this process step using a soldering iron with a blunt tip or an induction coil can advantageously enable particularly clean work. This can advantageously allow the solder to soften directly at the opening of the respective threaded hole. Furthermore, a high degree of speed can be achieved, particularly since this allows for direct and rapid energy input into the solder.

[0020] As an alternative to solder, it is proposed that the balancing mass be made from a hardening plastic. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve cost-effectiveness. In addition, good deformability and / or modelability can be achieved. Advantageously, production and / or use of a balancing mass can be enabled without the need to heat or temperature-control the balancing mass. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve a high level of safety, in particular operator safety. In particular, the plastic can be made from a plastic that hardens in air or from a plastic that hardens by means of a reaction with another substance other than air or by means of a reaction with radiation (e.g. UV radiation). Alternatively or additionally, the plastic can be made from a thermoplastic. The introduction and / or removal of thermoplastics can advantageously be assisted by heating.For example, the plastic could be a PTFE plastic or a PA12 plastic.

[0021] If the balancing mass is designed as a two-component plastic, in particular a two-component adhesive and / or a two-component epoxy resin, the curing process can advantageously be controlled in a particularly targeted manner. For example, the two individual components of the two-component plastic could be introduced into the threaded hole using separate devices and / or nozzles and then cure through contact with each other in the threaded hole. For example, an automated piston dosing device or a jet valve system suitable for jetting can be used to introduce the two-component plastic. The density of plastics, which tend to be lighter, could be increased by adding / mixing heavy, for example metallic, particles to the balancing mass, in particular to achieve the densities mentioned above.Additionally, it is proposed that in at least one method step, in particular before the balancing mass hardens and / or solidifies, a tool element, for example a hexagon socket or the like, is molded onto the balancing mass, in particular onto a part of the balancing mass protruding from a threaded bore or onto a radially outer part of the balancing mass arranged in the threaded bore. This advantageously enables easy removal of the balancing mass, in particular without the need for heating. Advantageously, rebalancing of tool chucks and / or tool assemblies after a modification can be enabled. Advantageously, a high level of flexibility can be achieved. For example, the tool element is stamped into the balancing mass solidifying and / or hardening in the threaded bore.As an alternative to a hexagon socket, the tool element can also form other known docking elements for tools, for example, a slot, a Phillips head, a Torx star, a square socket, a clutch, or the like. In particular, the tool element is molded onto the balancing mass that is in the solidification and / or curing process. By applying a tool to the tool element, the solidified and / or cured balancing mass can be advantageously rotated, in particular screwed, out of the threaded bore.

[0022] Furthermore, it is proposed that in at least one method step an imbalance of the complete tool and / or the tool chuck is determined mechanically and, based on the determined imbalance, in at least one further method step an amount of balancing mass required to eliminate the imbalance and / or an optimal distribution of the balancing mass over a plurality of threaded bores of the complete tool and / or the tool chuck to eliminate the imbalance is determined mechanically. This advantageously makes it possible to achieve particularly precise, rapid and / or simple balancing of the complete tools and / or the tool chuck. The mechanical determination of the unbalance can be carried out, for example, by rotating the complete tool and / or the tool chuck, e.g. by a rotation unit of the balancing device, such as a turntable with a holding unit for complete tools and / or the tool chuck.The rotational forces can be measured mechanically by a sensor device of the balancing device, e.g. comprising two or more acceleration and / or force sensors, and the imbalance can be determined mechanically by a control and / or regulating unit of the balancing device. Based on the determined imbalance, the control and / or regulating unit then preferably determines the quantity and / or distribution of the balancing mass mechanically. A “control and / or regulating unit” should be understood in particular to mean a unit with at least one control electronics unit. A “control electronics unit” should be understood in particular to mean a unit with at least one processor and with a memory unit as well as with an operating program stored in the memory unit.

[0023] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least the method step in which the balancing mass is introduced, in particular in a metered manner, into the threaded bore be repeated for a tool assembly that has previously been balanced using the additive balancing method and subsequently disassembled and reassembled, and / or for a tool chuck that has previously been balanced using the additive balancing method and equipped with a newly adjusted and / or modified tool or with a different tool. This advantageously allows for a high degree of flexibility. Advantageously, a high degree of operational readiness for tool assembly and / or tool chuck can be achieved.

[0024] It is also proposed that in at least one further method step taking place after the balancing mass has been introduced into the threaded bore and before the balancing mass has hardened and / or solidified, at least one solid mass element, for example a tube, rod, sphere, block, cube or the like, is introduced into the balancing mass, which then bonds with the balancing mass in a material-locking and / or form-fitting manner as the balancing mass hardens and / or solidifies. This advantageously enables particularly precise balancing. Advantageously, even larger imbalances can be corrected using the additive balancing process. Advantageously, the space required for the balancing mass can be kept to a minimum. Advantageously, the consumption of balancing mass can be kept to a minimum. Advantageously, even smaller threaded bores can be used effectively for the additive balancing process.In addition, this can advantageously enable the sensible use of balancing masses with a low density, for example a density below 2 g / m. 3 or below 1 g / m 3, be made possible. The solid mass element preferably has a density which is greater than the density of the balancing mass. In particular, the density of the solid mass element is at least 50% greater, preferably at least twice as great and particularly preferably at least three times as great as the density of the balancing mass. The solid mass element is preferably used in combination with the plastic balancing mass. The solid mass element can, for example, be made of a metal such as steel, lead, copper, nickel, silver or another metal. Alternatively, the solid mass element could also be made of rock, e.g. granite. It is also conceivable for the solid mass element to already have a prefabricated tool element which, when the balancing mass is in its hardened and / or solidified state, allows the combination of balancing mass and solid mass element to be unscrewed."Material bonded" is understood in particular to mean that the mass parts are held together by atomic or molecular forces. It is conceivable that more than one solid mass element could be inserted into a balancing mass filling a threaded bore.

[0025] It is also proposed that, in a method step, the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass is (re)removed from the threaded bore by a screwing movement, wherein the screwing movement is preferably generated by means of a screwing tool which, in order to transmit the screwing movement to the balancing mass, interacts with a tool element specially provided for this purpose and formed onto the balancing mass, or which, in order to transmit the screwing movement to the balancing mass, is inserted directly into the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass in a manner which deforms the balancing mass. This advantageously enables simple (residue-free) removal of the balancing mass. Advantageously, the repeated balancing of, for example, complete tools and / or newly equipped tool chucks which have been dismantled in the meantime, can be considerably simplified and / or accelerated.

[0026] Furthermore, a balancing device for carrying out the additive balancing method for balancing complete tools and / or tool chucks is proposed, comprising at least one balancing mass application unit, which is at least intended to mechanically introduce the balancing mass, which is at least partially liquid and / or in the form of a plastically deformable modeling mass and subsequently hardens and / or solidifies, into one or more threaded holes, in particular those already present, in the complete tool and / or the tool chuck. This advantageously enables particularly precise, fast, simple, and / or cost-effective balancing.

[0027] If the balancing mass application unit comprises a soldering robot, simple, precise, fast, and / or reliable balancing can advantageously be achieved using the balancing mass. In particular, the balancing mass application unit, preferably the soldering robot, comprises a solder feeder, in particular a solder wire feeder, which is provided for feeding a used solder wire. Alternatively or additionally, the balancing mass application unit can comprise a nozzle arrangement, for example, for dispensing the plastic balancing mass or the two components of the two-component plastic balancing mass. If the balancing mass application unit is provided in addition to removing previously applied balancing mass, a high degree of flexibility can advantageously be achieved. A high degree of compactness can advantageously be achieved.For this purpose, the balancing mass application unit could, for example, have a heating unit that can at least partially soften the balancing mass that has hardened and / or solidified in the threaded hole. Furthermore, the balancing mass application unit could have a scraper for scraping the balancing mass out of the threaded hole, a suction device for sucking the balancing mass out of the threaded hole, or a screwdriver for connecting to the tool surface of the balancing mass or the solid mass element.

[0028] Furthermore, it is proposed that the balancing device comprise at least the rotation unit for mechanically determining the imbalance of the complete tool and / or the tool chuck. This advantageously allows for efficient and / or precise balancing of the complete tools and / or tool chuck.

[0029] Furthermore, it is proposed that at least the control and / or regulating unit be provided to create a balancing program for the balancing mass application unit based on the imbalance data acquired by the rotation unit. This program includes, in particular, a quantity of balancing mass required to eliminate the imbalance and / or an optimal distribution of the balancing mass across several threaded holes in the complete tool and / or the tool chuck to eliminate the imbalance. This advantageously enables particularly precise, fast, simple, and / or cost-effective balancing.

[0030] The balancing method and the balancing device according to the invention are not intended to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the balancing method and the balancing device according to the invention may comprise a number of individual elements, components, method steps, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a function described herein.

[0031] Drawings

[0032] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination. Those skilled in the art will also expediently consider the features individually and combine them into useful further combinations.

[0033] They show:

[0034] Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of part of a balancing device for carrying out an additive balancing process on complete tools and / or tool chucks,

[0035] Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-section through a tool chuck with threaded holes equipped with a tool during the introduction of balancing mass into one of the threaded holes,

[0036] Fig. 3 a schematic cross-section through the same tool chuck with a solid mass element glued into one of the balancing masses and with a tool element molded into one of the balancing masses,

[0037] Fig. 4 is a schematic flow diagram of the additive balancing process and

[0038] Fig. 5 is an enlargement of a section of the sectional view of Figure 2, indicated by a dashed circle in Figure 2. Description of the embodiments

[0039] Figure 1 schematically shows part of a balancing device 40. The balancing device 40 is provided for carrying out an additive balancing method for balancing complete tools 50 and / or tool chucks 14. In the example shown in Figure 1, a complete tool 50 is illustrated. The balancing device 40 has a rotation unit 46. The rotation unit 46 is provided for determining an imbalance of the complete tool 50 and / or the tool chuck 14 (cf. Fig. 2 or 3). The complete tools 50 and / or tool chucks 14 to be balanced each comprise threaded bores 18. These threaded bores 18 are designed as balancing screw bores in the complete tool 50 and / or the tool chuck 14. The rotation unit 46 comprises, for example, a rotary table 52 with a holding unit 54 for holding the complete tool 50 and / or the tool chuck 14.The balancing device 40 comprises a balancing mass application unit 42. The balancing mass application unit 42 is provided for mechanically introducing a balancing mass 16 (cf. Fig. 2 or 3) that is at least partially liquid and / or designed as a plastically deformable modeling mass and subsequently hardens and / or solidifies into one or more of the originally existing threaded bores 18 of the complete tool 50 and / or the tool chuck 14. The balancing mass 16, designed as a liquid and / or plastically deformable modeling mass, has a viscosity that enables the balancing mass to automatically fill thread valleys 70 of a thread 68 (cf. Fig. 5) of the or one of the threaded bores 18, 18' by the balancing mass when the balancing mass is introduced into the threaded bore 18, 18'.

[0040] The balancing mass 16 is designed such that it can later be removed from the threaded bore(s) 18 at least substantially without leaving any residue. The cured and / or solidified balancing mass 16 can be removed from the threaded bore(s) 18, 18' at least substantially without leaving any residue, regardless of heating, regardless of the use of solvents, and also regardless of drilling, scraping, and the like. The cured and / or solidified balancing mass 16 is designed such that it can be removed in one piece from the threaded bore(s) 18, 18'. The cured and / or solidified balancing mass 16 is anti-adhesive to metals. The cured and / or solidified balancing mass 16 is anti-adhesive to other plastics. The cured and / or solidified balancing mass 16 is universally anti-adhesive.The hardened and / or solidified balancing mass 16 is intended to form no or only a slight material bond with a surface of the threaded bore(s) 18, 18'. The balancing mass 16 has a density of at least 1.5 g / mm. 3 , preferably at least 2 g / mm 3 , preferably at least 4 g / mm 3 and particularly preferably at least 7 g / mm 3 The balancing mass 16 can be formed as a solder, in particular a soft solder. However, the balancing mass 16 can also be formed as a hardening plastic. If the balancing mass 16 is formed from plastic, the balancing mass 16 can be formed as a two-component plastic, in particular a two-component adhesive and / or a two-component epoxy resin.

[0041] The balancing mass application unit 42 comprises a soldering robot 44, 44'. The soldering robot 44, 44' is designed to melt / soften the solder and introduce the liquid solder into the threaded bore 18. Two alternative types of soldering robots 44, 44' are shown in Fig. 1. The soldering robots 44, 44' each comprise an automated solder wire feeder 56, which is designed to feed a solder wire comprising the solder in solid form. The soldering robot 44 shown at the top in Fig. 1 is based on inductive melting of the solder. For this purpose, the soldering robot 44 comprises an induction coil 24. The solder wire feeder 56 is designed to thread the solder wire into a conductor loop formed by the induction coil 24, wherein the solder wire can be heated and thus melted upon activation of an induction current in the induction coil 24. The one shown in Fig.The soldering robot 44' shown in the center of Figure 1 is based on melting the solder through contact heat transfer. For this purpose, the soldering robot 44' comprises a soldering iron 22. The soldering iron 22 has a blunt tip. The blunt tip of the soldering iron 22 forms a groove-shaped depression whose dimensions are approximately adapted to the outer shape of the solder wire. The blunt tip of the soldering iron 22 is intended to maximize heat transfer to the solder wire. The solder wire tracking device 56 is provided to bring the solder wire into contact with the soldering iron 22, whereby the solder wire can be heated and melted when the soldering iron 22 is activated. The balancing mass application unit 42 is also provided for removing previously applied balancing mass 16. This can be done by means of the soldering iron 22, by means of the induction coil 24, or by means of other mechanical or pneumatic balancing mass removal devices (not shown).

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, the balancing mass application unit 42 comprises one or more nozzles 58 for dispensing liquid or moldable balancing mass 16. The balancing mass 16 dispensed through the nozzles 58 can be a plastic balancing mass. If at least two nozzles 58 are provided, the dispensed balancing mass 16 can be a two-component plastic balancing mass.

[0043] The balancing device 40 comprises a control and / or regulating unit 48. The control and / or regulating unit 48 is provided to determine and / or create a balancing program for the balancing mass application unit 42 based on imbalance data acquired by the rotation unit 46. The balancing program comprises a quantity of balancing mass 16 required to eliminate the imbalance. The balancing program comprises an optimal distribution of the balancing mass 16 across a plurality of threaded bores 18 of the complete tool 50 and / or the tool chuck 14 to eliminate the imbalance. The created balancing program is provided to control the balancing mass application unit 42. The created balancing program is used to control the balancing mass application unit 42.

[0044] The balancing device 40 comprises a solid mass element application unit 60. The solid mass element application unit 60 can be designed as a handling robot. The solid mass element application unit 60 is provided for inserting / immersing a solid mass element 38 into the balancing mass 16 already located in the threaded bore 18. The balancing device 40 comprises a tool element forming unit 62. The tool element forming unit 62 is provided for forming a tool element 28 (cf. Fig. 3) onto an end region of the solidifying and / or hardening balancing mass 16 protruding from the threaded bore 18. The tool element forming unit 62 can have a type of stamping element 64 for this purpose.

[0045] Figure 2 shows a schematic cross-section through a tool chuck 14 equipped with a tool 34 and having two threaded bores 18, 18' during the introduction of balancing mass 16 into one of the threaded bores 18, while solidified balancing mass 16 is present in the other threaded bore 18'. In the example shown in Figure 2, the balancing mass 16 is formed as solder, and the soldering robot 44 comprises the induction coil 24.

[0046] Figure 3 shows the same section through the same tool chuck 14 as Figure 2 in a slightly perspective view. In Figure 3, it can be seen that the balancing mass 16 has a molded-on tool element 28 in the further threaded bore 18'. The tool element 28 shown is, by way of example, a hexagon socket. Furthermore, it can be seen in Figure 3 that a solid mass element 38 is introduced into the balancing mass 16 of the threaded bore 18. The solid mass element 38 is connected to the balancing mass 16 in a material-locking and / or form-locking manner. The solid mass element 38 can also have a tool element 28 on its outward-facing side or can itself already have the shape of a tool element 28 (e.g., be designed as a rod with a hexagonal cross-section). Alternatively, it is conceivable that the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass 16 is designed free of a tool element 28.For example, the material of the balancing mass 16 could be designed such that a screwdriver or the like can be inserted directly into the material and thereby a screwing movement can be transferred from the screwdriver to the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass 16.

[0047] Figure 4 shows a schematic flow diagram of an additive balancing method. The additive balancing method can be carried out using the balancing device 40. The additive balancing method is intended for balancing the complete tools 50 and / or the tool chucks 14. In at least one method step 30, an imbalance of the complete tool 50 and / or the tool chuck 14 is mechanically determined using the balancing device 40. In at least one further method step 32, the control and / or regulating unit 48 uses the determined imbalance to mechanically determine the amount of balancing mass 16 required to eliminate the imbalance.In method step 32, an optimal distribution of the balancing mass 16 over the plurality of threaded bores 18, 18' of the complete tool 50 and / or the tool chuck 14 is also determined mechanically by means of the control and / or regulating unit 48 based on the determined imbalance.

[0048] In at least one further method step 12, the balancing mass 16 is prepared. For this purpose, in method step 12, the balancing mass 16 in the form of solder can be mechanically melted in a vicinity of the threaded bore 18 using the soldering iron 22 with a blunt tip or the induction coil 24. Alternatively or additionally, in method step 12, the balancing mass 16 in the form of plastic can be kept ready in liquid form in the nozzles 58. In at least one further method step 10, the balancing mass 16, which is at least partially liquid and / or in the form of plastically deformable modeling mass, is mechanically introduced, for example via the soldering robot 44, 44' or the nozzles 58, into one or more of the originally existing threaded bores 18 of the complete tool 50 and / or the tool chuck 14.In at least one optionally skippable method step 36, which takes place after the balancing mass 16 has been introduced into the threaded bore 18 and before the balancing mass 16 hardens and / or solidifies, at least one solid mass element 38, for example a tube, rod, sphere, or the like, is mechanically introduced into the, in particular still soft and / or still liquid, balancing mass 16 by means of the solid mass element application unit 60. The solid mass element 38 thus introduced into the balancing mass 16 is intended to then bond to the balancing mass 16 in a material-locking and / or form-locking manner during the hardening and / or solidification of the balancing mass 16.In at least one further method step 26, which can also optionally be skipped, before the balancing mass 16 hardens and / or solidifies, the tool element 28 is mechanically formed by means of the tool element forming unit 62 onto a part protruding from a threaded bore 18 or at least onto a radially outer part of the balancing mass 16. In at least one further method step 20, the introduced balancing mass 16 is hardened and / or solidified in the threaded bore(s) 18, 18'. The hardening and / or solidification can take place unassisted (passively) or accelerated or stimulated by aids (actively). The hardened and / or solidified balancing mass 16 and at least one thread turn of a thread 68 (cf. Fig.5) the threaded bore(s) 18, 18' engage with each other in such a way that centrifugal forces, which may occur when using the complete tool 50 and / or the tool chuck 14, prevent the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass 16 from being thrown out of the threaded bore(s) 18, 18'.

[0049] In a further method step 72, the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass 16 is removed from the threaded bore 18, 18' by a screwing movement. The screwing movement is generated by a screwing tool (not shown). To transmit the screwing movement to the balancing mass 16, the screwing tool can interact with the specially provided tool element 28 formed on the balancing mass 16. Alternatively, the screwing tool can be inserted directly into the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass 16 in a manner that deforms the balancing mass 16 to transmit the screwing movement to the balancing mass 16.

[0050] Subsequently, in a further process part 66, at least process step 10, in which the balancing mass 16, which is at least partially liquid and / or in the form of a plastically deformable modeling mass, is mechanically introduced into at least one of the originally existing threaded bores 18, 18' of the complete tool 50 and / or the tool chuck 14, is repeated, preferably the entire additive balancing process described above, for a complete tool 50 that has already been balanced using the additive balancing process and subsequently disassembled and reassembled, and / or for a tool chuck 14 that has already been balanced using the additive balancing process and is equipped with a newly adjusted and / or modified tool 34 or with a different tool 34.

[0051] Figure 5 shows an enlargement of a section of the sectional view of Figure 2, indicated by a dashed circle in Figure 2. The threaded bore 18' has the thread 68. The thread 68 is an internal thread. The thread 68 comprises one thread pitch. The thread 68 comprises a thread crest 74. The thread 68 comprises a thread valley 70. The balancing mass 16 and the thread valley 70 engage with each other. This engagement prevents, or at least significantly impedes, any ejection or withdrawal in the direction of the arrow 76. Reference numeral

[0052] 10 process steps

[0053] 12 process steps

[0054] 14 tool chucks

[0055] 16 Balancing mass

[0056] 18 threaded hole

[0057] 20 process steps

[0058] 22 soldering irons

[0059] 24 Induction coil

[0060] 26 Process step

[0061] 28 Tool element

[0062] 30 process steps

[0063] 32 process steps

[0064] 34 tools

[0065] 36 process steps

[0066] 38 Solid mass element

[0067] 40 Balancing device

[0068] 42 Balancing mass application unit

[0069] 44 soldering robots

[0070] 46 Rotation unit

[0071] 48 Control and / or regulation unit

[0072] 50 complete tools

[0073] 52 turntables

[0074] 54 Holding unit

[0075] 56 Solder wire feed

[0076] 58 nozzle

[0077] 60 Solid Mass Element Application Unit

[0078] 62 Tool element forming unit

[0079] 64 stamp element

[0080] 66 Process part thread thread valley process step thread hill arrow

Claims

Claims 1 . Additive balancing method for balancing complete tools (50) and / or tool chucks (14), characterized in that in at least one method step (10) a balancing mass (16) which is at least partially liquid and / or designed as a plastically deformable modeling mass is introduced mechanically, and in particular in a metered manner, into one or more, in particular originally existing, threaded bores (18, 18') of the complete tool (50) and / or the tool chuck (14), and that in at least one further method step (20) the introduced balancing mass (16) hardens and / or solidifies in the threaded bore(s) (18, 18'), in particular in such a way that the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass (16) and at least one thread turn of a thread (68) of the threaded bore(s) (18, 18') engage with each other and a ejection of the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass (16) from the threaded bore(s) (18, 18') is prevented by centrifugal forces which may occur when using the complete tool (50) and / or the tool chuck (14).

2. Additive balancing method according to claim 1, characterized in that the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass (16) is designed such that it can be removed again from the threaded bore(s) (18, 18') at least substantially without leaving residue.

3. Additive balancing method according to claim 2, characterized in that the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass (16) can be removed again from the threaded bore(s) (18, 18') at least substantially residue-free, independently of heating, independently of the use of solvents and in particular also independently of drilling out, scraping out and the like.

4. Additive balancing method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass (16) is designed such that it can be removed again in one piece from the threaded bore(s) (18, 18').

5. Additive balancing method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass (16) is anti-adhesive at least towards metals, and in particular is intended to form no or only a slight material bond with a metal surface of the threaded bore(s) (18, 18').

6. Additive balancing method according to claim 5, characterized in that at least the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass (16), preferably the balancing mass in any aggregate state, is universally anti-adhesive and is in particular intended to form no or only a slight material bond with any surfaces of any other materials.

7. Additive balancing method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the threaded bores (18, 18') are designed as balancing screw bores of the complete tool (50) and / or the tool chuck (14).

8. Additive balancing method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the balancing mass (16) has a density of at least 1.5 g / mm 3 , preferably at least 2 g / mm 3 , preferably at least 4 g / mm 3 and particularly preferably of at least 7 g / mm 3 , has.

9. Additive balancing method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the balancing mass (16) designed as an at least partially liquid and / or as a plastically deformable modeling mass has a viscosity which enables automatic filling of thread valleys (70) of a thread turn (68) of the or one of the threaded bores (18, 18') by the balancing mass when the balancing mass is introduced into the threaded bore (18, 18').

10. Additive balancing method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the balancing mass (16) is designed as a solder, in particular a soft solder.

11. Additive balancing method according to claim 10, characterized in that in at least one further method step (12) the solder is melted mechanically in a vicinity of the threaded bore (18).

12. Additive balancing method according to claim 11, characterized in that in the method step (12) the solder is melted by a soldering iron (22) with a blunt tip or by an induction coil (24).

13. Additive balancing method according to claim 8, characterized in that the balancing mass (16) is designed as a hardening plastic.

14. Additive balancing method according to claim 13, characterized in that the balancing mass (16) is designed as a 2-component plastic, in particular a 2-component adhesive and / or a 2-component epoxy resin.

15. Additive balancing method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one method step (26), in particular before curing and / or solidification of the balancing mass (16), a tool element (28), for example a hexagon socket or the like, is formed onto the balancing mass (16).

16. Additive balancing method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one method step (30) an imbalance of the complete tool (50) and / or the tool chuck (14) is determined mechanically and, based on the determined imbalance, in at least one further method step (32) an amount of balancing mass (16) required to eliminate the imbalance and / or an optimal distribution of the balancing mass (16) over a plurality of threaded bores (18, 18') of the complete tool (50) and / or the tool chuck (14) is determined mechanically.

17. Additive balancing method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least the method step (10) is repeated with a complete tool (50) that has already been balanced by the additive balancing method and then disassembled and reassembled and / or with a tool chuck (14) that has already been balanced by the additive balancing method and is equipped with a newly adjusted and / or modified tool (34) or with another tool (34).

18. Additive balancing method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one further method step (36) taking place after the introduction of the balancing mass (16) into the threaded bore (18) and before the curing and / or solidification of the balancing mass (16), at least one solid mass element (38), for example a tube, rod, sphere or the like, is introduced into the balancing mass (16), which then connects to the balancing mass (16) in a material-locking and / or form-locking manner during the curing and / or solidification of the balancing mass (16).

19. Additive balancing method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in a method step (72) the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass (16) is removed from the threaded bore (18, 18') by a screwing movement, wherein the screwing movement is preferably generated by means of a screwing tool which, in order to transmit the screwing movement to the balancing mass (16), interacts with a tool element (28) specially provided for this purpose and formed on the balancing mass (16) or which, in order to transmit the screwing movement to the balancing mass (16), is inserted directly into the hardened and / or solidified balancing mass (16) in a manner which deforms the balancing mass (16).

20. Balancing device (40) for carrying out the additive balancing method for balancing complete tools (50) and / or tool chucks (14) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one balancing mass application unit (42) which is at least provided for mechanically introducing the balancing mass (16) which is at least partially liquid and / or designed as a plastically deformable modeling mass and subsequently hardens and / or solidifies into one or more, in particular originally already present, threaded bores (18, 18') of the complete tool (50) and / or the tool chuck (14).

21. Balancing device (40) according to claim 20, characterized in that the balancing mass application unit (42) comprises a soldering robot (44).

22. Balancing device (40) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized in that the balancing mass application unit (42) is provided in addition to a removal of previously applied balancing mass (16).

23. Balancing device (40) according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized by at least one rotation unit (46) for determining an imbalance of the complete tool (50) and / or the tool chuck (14).

24. Balancing device (40) according to claim 23, characterized by at least one control and / or regulating unit (48) which is provided to create a balancing program for the balancing mass application unit (42) based on unbalance data acquired by means of the rotation unit (46), which balancing program in particular comprises a quantity of balancing mass (16) required to eliminate the unbalance and / or an optimal distribution of the balancing mass (16) over a plurality of threaded bores (18, 18') of the complete tool (50) and / or the tool chuck (14) to eliminate the unbalance.

Images