WO2022126223A1

WO2022126223A1 - Device, system and method of monitoring tools for manufacturing processes

Info

Publication number: WO2022126223A1
Application number: PCT/BR2021/050570
Authority: WO
Inventors: Bruno Henrique VINCENTIM MANOEL; Fabricio DANIEL DE MORAES
Original assignee: Robert Bosch Limitada
Priority date: 2020-12-18
Filing date: 2021-12-20
Publication date: 2022-06-23
Also published as: AR124360A1; BR102020026079A2

Abstract

The present invention belongs to the field of industrial engineering and production management and refers to device, system and method of monitoring tools for measuring operation conditions, operation cycles and tool location. The device (1) of the present invention comprises: means for securing with the tool; cycle counter mechanism; means of communicating with a network 40; at least one electrical power supply (11); at least one data processing unit (4); a safety unit (9) which is actuated when the device (1) is removed from the tool; and device locating means (1). The tool control system comprises: at least one device (1) associated with a tool installed in a machine (30); at least one data transfer network (40) communicating with the device (1); at least one user interface for accessing the data transmitted from the device (1); a gateway (20) of the devices communication (1) with the data transfer network (40); and a user alert channel, which is actuated when predetermined parameters are measured by the device (1). And the tool control method comprises the steps of: reading the operating parameters of a tool from device sensors (1); and transmitting the information of the measured operating parameters to a computer (50) of a remote user by means of: sending the data measured by the device (1) to a gateway (20); sending the data of gateway (20) to a communication network (40); and accessing data from the communication network (40) from a computer (50).

Description

DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MONITORING TOOLS FOR

MANUFACTURING PROCESSES

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention belongs to the field of industrial engineering and production management and refers to a device, system and method of monitoring tool, for measuring operating conditions, operating cycles and tool location as well as monitoring events such as for example: temperature threshold, battery level monitoring, sensor removal and connection errors, memory, etc. In particular, for use in tools in repeating manufacturing processes, such as thermoplastic injection molds and stamping dies. Specifically, the performance monitoring device is capable of monitoring performance variables of said tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] In the not-too-distant past, manufacturers of injected or stamped parts produced a large amount of parts using the same mold, in order to carry out storage of a high amount of material to be sold a posteriori, according to the market demand. Thus, manufacturers used electronic charge cycle counters, fixedly installed on the presses, to provide the number of charge cycles in molds in order to obtain, for example, information related to preventive maintenance such as: tool usage time, start date of use, number of parts worked in a certain period of time, among other information. Thus, as there was no need to transport molds since a large number of parts were manufactured, there was also no need to remove such counters from their respective presses.

[003] Currently, manufacturers of injected or stamped parts produce items to order, and it is not necessary to produce large quantities of products for stock. Thus, the practice of punctual production requires a constant change of molds for the production of different parts to order. Thus, cycle counters need to be changed constantly according to the associated mold. [004] Such tooling constant change makes it difficult to obtain reliable data about certain tooling, in a way that it depends mainly on human operation for storage, increasing even more the probability of errors.

[005] In particular, such cycle counters are used to measure data over a number of work cycles, a cycle being a mold opening and closing to produce a part. Specifically, such data are for example mold idle time, start time, inertia time, total number of cycles, etc.

[006] However, the monitoring of cycles carried out by said counters is carried out through the monitoring of the respective machines and not directly through the tooling, thus, being dependent on human operators and susceptible to physical tampering, resulting in inaccurate data collection. Such incorrect data acquisition can result in damage to the stamping and/or injection process, inability to maintain a desired stock of parts, reduction of tool life, among others.

[007] Additionally, a large part of the manufacturing process has increasingly taken place in partner company plants, so that the company holding a certain technology can segment the manufacture of a component in the third-party plant, providing it with technical drawings, training and tools necessary for the manufacture of said components. In this scenario, however, there is the inconvenience of the company holding the technology (and the tool) not having absolute and constant control of the operating conditions of the tool, and cannot assess whether the company hired to operate the tool has complied with the parameters so adequate to ensure the necessary quality and, furthermore, cannot guarantee that the contracted company is not subcontracting the tool operation service, thus transferring the tool to other companies without the consent of the holder, or using the tool for parallel manufacturing of parts, without proper authorization, to feed a parallel market of parts on the market and resulting in premature wear of the tool.

[008] In addition, said counters do not provide data about the location of the tooling within the factory facilities, being also a blind spot for tooling performance management, which generates waste of time in location and potential deviations from use in outsourced tools and in temporary possession of other suppliers.

[009] Finally, another need of the state of the art is that the counter device contains some control system to prevent or alert when any type of violation occurs in the counter, so that the control systems are susceptible to being tampered with.

[010] Some prior art references sought to solve the aforementioned problems in different ways, leading to different solutions.

[011] As an example of the current state of the art, patent document US6256881 describes a method and apparatus for connecting electrical components in a mold with a molding press. This document aims to solve the problem of difficult assembly and connection of electrical components in a mold, as well as to reduce the risk of damage to dangling or loose wires, through a method that includes steps of: connecting electrical conductors to the coded electrical connectors attached to the mold; connecting electrical connectors to detachable electrical cables; and extending and detachable connecting electrical cables to the coded connectors of a panel or junction box. The electrical connectors in the mold can be color coded and/or shape coded relative to pins or keys in the connectors, and similarly the electrical cables and connectors in the junction box can also be color coded and/or shape coded. However, this solution fails to describe a device, system or method of performance monitoring aimed at accurately measuring and controlling the tool location, as well as preventing any type of control device violation.

[012] The document US8025496 refers to a storage device that stores electronic information associated with the mold, such as mold data and usage history of the respective mold. This document aims to provide the storage of information about the maintenance of the associated mold in a storage device that can be connected to an external computer. Particularly, the storage device can be connected via USB cable, serial cable, IEEE 1394 cable or via wireless communication to an external computer. However, this solution fails to describe a device, system or method of performance monitoring aimed at accurately measuring and controlling the tool location, as well as preventing any type of control device violation.

[013] Document BR112014006750-3 refers to a method for displaying data from a tool for use in repeating manufacturing processes, such as an injection molding or stamping, in a display window of a web page. The method includes positioning a monitor in relation to the tool for use in repeating processes and recording data from the tool. Data is communicated and then stored in a remote data storage location as stored tool data. The stored tool data is processed and displayed, for example, in the web page window. However, this solution fails to describe a device, system or method of performance monitoring aimed at accurately measuring and controlling the tool location, as well as preventing any type of control device violation, as well as sending alarms and events online when the counter is disconnected from the tool.

[014] Document BR112013030221-6 discloses a method for monitoring an operating cycle counting of a mold, in addition to other operating data, generating a first remote register of mold operation cycle data and a second remote register of mold operation cycle data, the second remote register comprising a minor, different and/or non-confidential version of the first remote register. The first remote register and the second remote register can then be coordinated between an OEM producer (original equipment manufacturer), a mold manufacturer and a molder. This document also discloses a method for maintaining mold data from a reciprocal tool. In said method, the monitoring device transmits data to a computer, a processor or an internet address. However, this solution fails to describe a device, system or method of performance monitoring aimed at accurately measuring and controlling the tool location, as well as preventing any type of control device violation, as well as sending alarms and events online when the counter is disconnected from the tool. [015] Document US5571539 refers to an injection plastic mold that is provided with its own on-board monitor or counter, which is actuated with each opening and closing cycle of the mold to maintain a count of the operating cycles performed. This count is maintained with the mold, whether the mold is on the press or a storage rack (i.e. , assembled on machine or not). The counter or monitor is intended to be relatively inexpensive and unobtrusive and is capable of withstanding harsh temperatures and shock that are encountered in an injection molding environment. The counter or stroke monitor may be either a mechanical counter or an electrical counter which is incorporated into a mold half to remain with the mold when it is stored away from a molding machine, when operated during an initial set-up operation, and when operated during a production run. Whether an on-board mechanical counter or an on-board electrical counter, the counter is hermetically sealed against the intrusion of damaging liquids or chemicals and is assembled in a protective housing to protect against shock, etc. An actuating mechanism is associated with the counter with the counter and its actuating mechanism secured to one of the mold halves so that the actuating mechanism causes the counter to advance and register a count with each molding cycle. This document aims to obtain data for mold maintenance, so that, even with mold replacement, the data remains reliable. The device is designed in such a way that the visualization of the monitored data is given by the on-board monitor of the device itself. However, this solution fails to describe a device, system or method of performance monitoring aimed at accurately measuring and controlling the tool location, as well as preventing any type of control device violation, as well as sending alarms and events online when the counter is disconnected from the tool.

[016] PI1014026-3 relates to a monitor for maintaining a mold cycle count with an actuator sending a count signal to a processor after a mold operation and a method for retrieving mold cycle data. The monitor also includes a timer provided with an active mode and an inertia mode. The processor generates an average cycle time and a percentage of mold activity taking into account the inertia and active periods of the mold. One object of the present document is monitoring the data of a mold, independently of the use of human operators to store information regarding, for example, mold location via a GPS system, mold maintenance data, temperature, battery, total number of cycles, etc. The monitor can be adapted to be connectable via a USB, Bluetooth interface and/or other wires or wireless connections to a reading device such as a local or networked external computer, a website or handheld computer. However, this solution fails to describe a device, system or method of performance monitoring aimed at accurately measuring and controlling the tool location, as well as preventing any type of control device violation, as well as sending alarms and events online when the counter is disconnected from the tool.

[017] Thus, although all the cited references are in the technical field of mold operation parameters control, the proposed solutions and objects are completely different from each other. Specifically, the document US6256881 refers to a method and apparatus for connecting electrical components in a mold aimed at facilitating the assembly and connection of electrical components in a mold. The invention of BR112014006750-3 refers specifically to a method to display tooling data, such as an injection mold or stamping, in a display window of a website. In this case, the obtained data is communicated and then stored in a remote data storage location as stored tool data. In addition, one object of the present document is to improve data transmission efficiency as well as limit access to confidential OEM information. Document BR112013030221 -6 refers to a method to monitor a mold cycle counting and other mold operation data by generating a first and second remote register of mold cycle data that can be coordinated between an OEM producer (manufacturer of original equipment), a mold manufacturer and a molder. The solution proposed by document US8025496 simply concerns a data storage device intended to maintain an associated mold. In turn, the solution proposed by document US5571539 presents an injection plastic mold that is provided with its own on-board monitor or counter being fixed in a non-removable way. This solution simply discloses a display device that only contains information related to the material cycle counting. Finally, document PI1014026-3 is directed to a monitor for keeping a mold cycle counting and method for retrieving the mold cycle data containing a timer to activate an active mode and to activate an inertial mode, such monitor device stores data relating to location, temperature and others, having a wired and wireless interface to an external computer.

[018] The solutions revealed by the aforementioned prior art documents, although they aim to solve the problem of the difficulty of obtaining data from the tools, in particular molds, due to the constant replacement of said molds, also bring some obstacles, such as the inaccuracy of the GPS system used in the location of the associated mold as well as the lack of monitoring sensor violation, not being efficient to prevent misuse of the tool, or tool displacement in an unauthorized manner for other suppliers.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[019] It is an object of the present invention to provide a device, system and method of performance monitoring to be applied in manufacturing tooling, in particular for use in manufacturing processes by repeating cycles, such as thermoplastic injection and stamping processes. The monitoring device is able to monitor performance variables of those tools.

[020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a device, system and method for monitoring the tool that allows to ensure accurate monitoring and determination of the tool location, even within a building installation.

[021] It is another object of the present invention to provide the monitoring of events and errors by sending them online.

[022] It is another object of the present invention to provide a device, system and method for monitoring the tool that prevents and monitors the occurrence of possible tampering with the control device.

[023] Finally, another object of the present invention is a device, system and method that is operable with long autonomy and that is capable of maintaining data measurement even when temporary communication failures occur in the system.

[024] Furthermore, the object of the present invention is also to reduce preventive maintenance costs as well as improve tool life control.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[025] The objects of the present invention are achieved by means of a tool monitoring device for the manufacturing process, comprising: means of securing the device with the tool; cycle counter mechanism; means of communication with a network; at least one electrical power supply; at least one data processing unit; a safety unit that is actuated when the device is removed from the tool; and means of locating the device.

[026] The objects of the present invention are also achieved by means of a tool control system comprising: at least one monitoring device, as defined above, associated with a tool, and the tool being installed in an injection plastic machine and/or in a press; at least one data transfer network communicating with the tool monitoring device; at least one user interface for accessing data transmitted from the device to the data transfer network; and a communication gateway of the devices with the data transfer network, in which the system comprises an alert channel for the user, actuated when predetermined parameters are measured by the device.

[027] Finally, the objects of the present invention are also achieved by means of a tool control method comprising the steps of: reading the operating parameters of a tool, from sensors embedded in at least one device, as described above; transmitting the information of the operating parameters measured by the at least one device to a computer of a remote user, wherein the step of transmitting the information comprises the intermediate steps of: sending the data measured by the device to a gateway; sending the gateway data to a communication network; and accessing data from the communication network from a computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[028] The present invention is detailed based on the figures listed below.

[029] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the device of the present invention.

[030] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the device shown in Figure 1 , with the top cover removed, showing one of the surfaces of the electronic board and embedded components.

[031] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the electronic board and embedded components shown in Figure 2.

[032] Figure 4 illustrates a bottom view of the electronic board and embedded components of the device of the present invention, without the power supply batteries.

[033] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the electronic board and embedded components of the device of the present invention, also comprising the power supply batteries.

[034] Figure 6 illustrates a longitudinal sectional view of the device of the present invention, illustrating the arrangement of part of the device components of the present invention.

[035] Figure 7 illustrates a schematic representation of an embodiment of the present invention in which the control device is associated with a gateway by means of a wired connection.

[036] Figure 8 illustrates a schematic representation of the system of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[037] As already mentioned, the present invention is intended to solve the problems of the state of the art regarding the need for a solution that enables the operation control of tools sent to third-party companies to manufacture a particular product or component. In this scenario, as you do not have constant control with the tool that is with a third-party, it is not possible to ensure that the operating parameters necessary for an ideal operation are being strictly met, or even if the use of the tool is being limited to the volume of contracted manufacturing, and that the tool is not being redirected to unauthorized persons.

[038] Preferably, but not limiting, the present invention is intended for tools used in cyclic manufacturing processes assembled on presses, such as stamping dies and molds for thermoplastic injection or thermoforming, in which each cycle is defined by the opening and closing of the mold by press. However, the concept of the present invention can be extended to any other type of tool that performs a traceable cyclic movement, in which the tool can be installed in the plant of third parties, for which it is desired to obtain a precise, constant and oriented to maintaining quality, combating unfair practices and protecting the technology embedded in the tool.

[039] It is noted, therefore, that a major problem in contracting third-party manufacturing services is the difficulty of ensuring that the maintenance of quality standards will be complied by the third part company contracted, as even if the tools provided are within all the necessary conformity to obtain a quality product, a wrong calibration of the machine tool on which the tool will be installed, or failure to observe some essential operating parameters, such as temperature, tool operating speed or, premature wear of the tool, or even when the tool breaks, resulting in loss of parts and high repair costs or, in more serious cases, the need to manufacture a new tool.

[040] Although there are already machines that perform continuous control of some operating parameters and even share this data through a data transmission network, the values measured by the machine are not always sufficient to achieve the reading of all parameters necessary for measuring the health of the tool, requiring a control directly employed in the tool. [041] Another factor that depends on the trust of the third-party company, to which the use of the tool is entrusted, and that state-of-the-art solutions do not allow the holder of the tool to constantly and accurately measure, is the fact that it does not have a precise control of how many parts the third-party company is manufacturing with the tool provided. This problem is aggravated when third-party companies, without the consent of the holder of the tool, start to manufacture products beyond the volume contracted to sell in the parallel market. In addition to being difficult to notice when this fact occurs, as there is no way of knowing when the tool will be in use within the third- party plant, this practice results in unfair competition in the market, where third-parties benefit from the original tool to manufacture a competitive product at a lower price and with the same quality.

[042] At this point, although some state-of-the-art solutions allow the monitoring of when the machine tool with the tool installed is operating, this type of monitoring is not completely accurate, as the tool holder is dependent on information provided by the third-party company, which can be tampered to hide wrongdoing. In addition, the third-party company may also disassemble the tool from its machine tool and forward it to another company, without the due consent of its owner, for this other company to handle the tool for the purposes of production of parts or to carry out reverse engineering.

[043] Another possible inconvenience that may occur is the difficulty in locating tools, especially within the plant of third-party companies. At this point, although some prior art solutions already mention the use of an integrated GPS in a tool control device, these solutions depend on the signal availability of mobile operators and limit the location to a geographic coordinate, which may not have very accurate precision, especially considering that the tools are stored indoors, such as sheds, and, even if accurate, the coordinates do not allow the precise location of the tool within the third- party plant. [044] To avoid the occurrence of the above inconveniences, the present invention provides integrity control mechanisms and tool location, in addition to tool operation control mechanisms, as will be detailed below.

[045] Initially, the device 1 of the present invention, for monitoring tool to manufacturing process comprises fastening means for the device 1 with the tool. By fastening means, it is understood any fastening element, mobile or permanent, known in the state of the art. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the fastening means are provided by two fastening screws 7 and 8, which are assembled through the body of the device 1 and threaded into the tool (not shown). In case of use in an injection thermoplastic mold or stamping die, the device is fixed to one of the plates (fixed or mobile) of the assembly.

[046] Device 1 also comprises a cycle counter mechanism, capable of counting how many operation cycles have been performed, and may also count the times involved in each step of the operation cycle, for example: the maintenance time of the tool in the advanced position; the tool recoil time; and the tool maintenance time in the retracted position, until the next advance.

[047] The preferred embodiment, described in Figures 1 to 6, show the cycle counter mechanism comprising a rod 2 which is supported by a bearing 21 , fixed to the device housing 1 , and by a counter device 22, so that the rod 2 is driven towards the counter device 22 when the tool moves and advances towards a stop.

[048] More specifically, in this embodiment the device 1 is assembled on a first tool portion, and a second tool portion comprising a stop aligned with the rod 2, or vice versa, the first tool portion and the second tool portion are movable with each other. In this arrangement, rod 2 is also associated with a return spring (not shown), responsible for moving rod 2 to its initial position when away from the stop. Thus, after rod 2 touches the stop and returns to its initial position, an operating cycle is counted.

[049] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tool monitoring device 1 comprises the counter device 22 provided with a reed mechanical relay operable when the rod 2 moves towards the counter device 22, and a movement reading optical system, such as the mechanical relay actuates the electronic system embedded in device 1 , taking the electronic system embedded from standby, and the movement reading optical system registers the rod movement cycle 2. This operation allows for a longer battery life 11 , since the system is only actuated when the activation of the rod 2 occurs.

[050] The device 1 of the present invention further comprises means of communication with a network, which is understood as any form of data transfer, and also comprises at least one electrical power supply 11. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power supply 11 is defined by a pair of batteries, as can be seen in figure 5.

[051] Furthermore, the device 1 of the present invention comprises at least one data processing unit 4, and sensors for measuring operating parameters. Among the possible sensors embedded in device 1 of the present invention, the following stand out: timer, to link a temporal variation for each parameter measured by the other sensors; temperature sensor; and vibration sensor (accelerometer). Other communication modules present in device 1 refer to possible ways of transferring data for device communication 1 with a network 40. Among these sensors, there is a WiFi 3 antenna, a bluetooth transmitter, a LoRaWAN 5 transmitter, LoRa transmitter, mobile internet adapter, for example, the SIMcard type, allowing access to the 3G, 4G or 5G data network, or any other prior art data transmission means. Dealing specifically with the data communication forms of the device 1 of the present invention, in one embodiment the communication can take place through USB port 6. In this case, the power supply can also come exclusively from the USB port, saving battery electricity 11.

[052] Preferably, the device also comprises a data storage memory, capable of storing the parameters measured by the sensors of the device 1 , which may be different, as noted above, depending on the sensors embedded in the device 1 as a function of the need for application. However, the main parameters to be measured by device 1 and, consequently, being able to be stored in storage memory are understood as: the times of the operation cycles performed; device temperature history data; the device's location via WiFi; the position from coordinates obtained by triangulation of WiFi antennas in communication with device 1 ; a history of vibration frequency and amplitude; the battery charge level 11 of the device 1 .

[053] In particular, regarding the ability of the device 1 of the present invention to carry out the positioning determination within a building installation by means of WiFi triangulation, this feature has the advantage of making it possible to find a certain tool within a building installation accurately, making it easy to control the inventory and calibration to which the tools are associated with the correct machines within a manufacturing line. WiFi triangulation is done by connecting device 1 to the nearest WiFi antennas in the building installation.

[054] Device 1 of the present invention further comprises a safety unit 9, capable of being actuated whenever device 1 is removed from the tool, i.e. , the safety unit is "alerted" with a certain signal when assembled on the tool and, if device 1 is removed from the tool, the signal of safety unit 9 is changed so that it is detected that the violation of device 1 has occurred. Upon detecting this violation, a signal is immediately sent by the media connected to the network 40 to trigger a message to the computer 50 of a user, so that the user is immediately aware that device 1 has been removed from the tool and, having been in an unauthorized way, it allows the adoption of immediate measures to notify whoever is responsible for the tool.

[055] The warning signal issued as a result of the removal of device 1 from the tool, in addition to being accompanied by an identification number of device 1 , to which it is linked by means of a database to the machine data that is associated, to the third- party company to which the tool has been entrusted and the location that device 1 is expected to be in, it can reach the user's computer 50 also accompanied by information measured by the sensors at the time the violation has occurred, or even from the time when the violation occurred, allowing the monitoring of measured parameters after the event. Among this information, it can be included, for example, the registered position of the device 1 .

[056] As shown in figures 4, 5 and 6, the safety unit 9 can be provided by means of a mechanical switch (a pin), which is press-assembled against the surface of the tool, when the device 1 is fixed to the tool, generating a violation signal when the mechanical switch moves to the free position, which indicates that device 1 has been removed. It should be noted, however, that any other type of sensor capable of measuring the distance of the device 1 in relation to the tool, such as any proximity sensor of the prior art, can be arranged on the assembly surface of the device 1 in the tool.

[057] In another aspect of the present invention, the objects are achieved by means of a tool control system comprising at least one monitoring device 1 , as defined above, being associated with a tool that is installed in a machine 30. As already mentioned, the machine is preferably a thermoplastic injector and/or press, however the present invention is not limited only to this application, it can be extended to any other machine that uses a tool operable by cyclical movements that can be tracked. Thus, the system may comprise a plurality of machine tools 30, each of which comprises at least one device 1 .

[058] Each machine 30 is associated with at least one data transfer network 40 communicating with the tool monitoring device (1 ), whereby the data measured by the sensors embedded in the device 1 will be transferred to a computer 50 of a user, wherein such information is displayed to the user by means of at least one user interface which allows access to the data transmitted from the device 1 to the data transfer network 40.

[059] For purposes of the present invention, data transfer network 40 can be an internet network or a local network. For both networks 40, the location of device 1 can be performed by means of triangulation with WiFi antennas belonging to the building installation, making it possible to quickly find a particular device 1 and, consequently, the tool to which it is associated, facilitating inventory control and optimizing time in tool movement operations.

[060] However, the communication of the device 1 with the data transfer network 40 is carried out through a gateway 20 of the device communication 1 , which has the purpose of converting the protocols and data transfer coming from device 1 to the protocol used by network 40.

[061] In the present invention, preferably, a gateway unit 20 per machine 30 and a device 1 per tool, with the purpose to enabling the user to easily identify which tool is installed on each machine 30 and allows treating the behavior of the tool as a function of the machine 30 in which it is used. Thus, the user is free to extract specific reports for the behavior of each of the monitored tools and can quickly identify which tool, machine and plant a certain device 1 is installed on, speeding up corrective actions in case of identifying irregularities in the parameter operating (for example, tool operating above a threshold temperature, or detection of unauthorized geographic movement of tools). Thus, the system comprises a channel for sending an alert to the user, which is actuated when predetermined parameters are measured by device 1.

[062] The collection of data measured by the sensors embedded in the device 1 is preferably carried out in real time for the data transfer network 40, enabling real time control of the operating parameters of the monitored tool. However, another possibility is to send this data measured by sensors of device 1 to the data transfer network 40 through condensed data packets that can be configured as needed, saved in a memory unit of the device 1 . This possibility has the advantage of reducing the transferred data bandwidth, which may be necessary depending on the connection quality of the place where the tool is installed, or even as a way to ensure the integrity of the data register when there is an interruption of the connection with the network, the sending of the data measured in this period of interruption being carried out when the connection is established or re-established after a period of interruption.

[063] Furthermore, the collected data can be saved on the network 40 (for example, a cloud storage), on a local server, remote server or on a local PC and the information can reach the user passively (only when accessed) or actively, by sending alerts for predetermined situations, such as: reaching a temperature and cycle speed above the ideal; operation beyond the contracted party; tool operation outside office hours; geographical movement of the mold outside the contracted plant; removal of device 1 ; device 1 offline; device battery low; register of tool maintenance performed within a scheduled period; among others.

[064] Finally, the operation of the system and device of the present invention also comprises advantages, such operation being performed through a tool control method that comprises the steps of: reading the operating parameters of a tool, from sensors embedded in at least one device 1 as described above; and transmitting the information of the operating parameters measured by the devices 1 to a computer 50 of a remote user, the step of transmitting information comprising intermediate steps of: sending the data measured by the device 1 to a gateway 20; sending the data of the gateway 20 to a communication network 40; and accessing data from the communication network 40 from a computer 50.

[065] Preferably, said method comprises a step of locating the device 1 , provided with substeps of: obtaining the geographical position of the device by obtaining the location within a building unit of the device by means of triangulation of WiFi routers connected to the device 1 .

[066] Also, in an alternative embodiment of the present method, a step of monitoring the integrity of device 1 is provided, with the substeps of: constantly measuring a signal informed by a security unit 9 of device 1 ; and sending an alert signal to the computer 50 upon detecting a change in the signal reported by the security unit 9 of the device 1 . Sending a signal to the user's computer 50 can be in several ways, ranging from a message on the graphical interface of the access channel by the computer 50, as well as sending SMS messages, messages via applications such as Telegram or related, or messages via email to previously registered addresses.

[067] The alerts that can be scheduled to be sent to the user are diverse, depending on the user's needs and/or the particularities of the monitored tool. As an example, but not limiting, the following parameters can be listed: device 1 removed from the tool; cycle read rod 2 locked; geographic displacement of the tool; low battery charge 11 ; preventive maintenance is not being performed, or is being performed outside of scheduled hours; tool life; among others.

[068] Furthermore, the method of the present invention allows for an additional step of chronological registering the data measured by the device 1 to be carried out, by linking all the measured data (cycles, temperature, location, among others) with a date and time, that makes it possible to obtain a detailed history of the tool life and makes it possible to obtain various reports, for purposes of inventory management, tool performance and operating costs.

[069] As an example of information that can be extracted from the measured data, the following stand out: the verification of whether the tool is producing in the desired cycle; a register of the tool usage history; historical register of expenses incurred with the tool and financial performance (maintenance costs vs profit obtained by manufactured parts); control of the tool average cycle and useful life without the need to depend on the crossing of performance data registered by the machine tools 30; intelligent programming of maintenance checklist; and tool inventory and performance reports. [070] It is important to emphasize that the above description has the sole purpose of describing, by way of example, the possible embodiments of the subject invention. Therefore, it becomes clear that modifications, variations and constructive combinations of elements that perform the same function in substantially the same way to achieve the same results, remain within the scope of protection delimited by the appended claims.

Claims

1 . Tool monitoring device (1 ) for manufacturing process, comprising:

- means of securing the device (1 ) with the tool;

- cycle counter mechanism;

- means of communication with a network;

- at least one electrical power supply (11 ); and

- at least one data processing unit (4), wherein the device (1 ) is CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises:

- a safety unit (9) which is actuated when the device (1 ) is removed from the tool; and

- means for locating the device (1 ).

2. Tool monitoring device (1 ), according to claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED in that the cycle counter mechanism comprises a rod (2) supported by a bearing (21 ) and a counter device (22), the device (1 ) being assembled on a first tool portion; and a second tool portion comprising a stop, or vice versa, wherein the first tool portion and the second tool portion are movable with each other, the rod (2) being actuated towards the counter device (22) from contact with the stop of the second tool portion; and the rod (2) being associated with a return spring.

3. Tool monitoring device (1 ), according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the counter device (22) comprises:

- a reed mechanical relay that can be actuated when the rod (2) moves towards the counter device (22); and

- a movement reading optical system, wherein the reed mechanical relay actuates the electronic system embedded in the device (1 ), taking the embedded electronic system in standby, and the movement

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) reading optical system registers the cycle of rod movement (2).

4. Tool control device (1 ) according to claim 1 , CHARACTERIZED in that the cycle counter mechanism is defined by an accelerometer.

5. Tool control device (1 ), according to any one of claims 1 to 4, CHARACTERIZED in that the safety unit (9) is defined by a proximity sensor arranged on the assembly surface of the device (1 ) on the tool.

6. Tool control device (1 ), according to any one of claims 1 to 4,

CHARACTERIZED in that the safety unit (9) is defined by a switch provided with a pin assembled pressed against the assembly surface of the device (1 ) on the tool.

7. Tool control device (1 ), according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

CHARACTERIZED in that the means of communication are defined by at least one of the groups comprised by: USB port; WiFi; Bluethooth; LoRa; LoRaWAN; and mobile internet (3G, 4G or 5G).

8. Tool control device (1 ), according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that, in the condition that it comprises a USB port and when in operation with a USB connection, the device (1 ) is exclusively powered by the source of electricity coming from the USB connection.

9. Tool control device (1 ), according to any one of claims 1 to 8, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises at least one temperature sensor.

10. Tool control device (1 ), according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a data storage memory capable of storing the parameters measured by the device sensors (1 ), the measured parameters being at least one of those contained in the group defined by:

- times of the operating cycles performed;

- device temperature history (1 );

- device location via WiFi;

- position from coordinates obtained by triangulation of WiFi antennas in

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26) communication with the device (1 );

- frequency and vibration amplitude history; and

- battery charge level (11 ) of the device (1 ).

11. Tool control system, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a. at least one monitoring device (1 ) as defined in claims 1 to 10 associated with a tool, the tool being installed in a machine tool (30); b. at least one data transfer network (40) communicating with the tool monitoring device (1 ); c. at least one user interface for accessing data transmitted from the device (1 ) to the data transfer network (40); and d. a communication gateway (20) of devices (1 ) with the data transfer network (40), the system comprising an alert channel for the user, actuated when predetermined parameters are measured by the device (1 ).

12. System, according to claim 11 , CHARACTERIZED in that the data transfer network (40) is a local network or internet.

13. System, according to any one of claims 10 to 12, CHARACTERIZED in that it enables the triangulation of WiFi antennas within a building installation to determine the exact location of a device (1 ).

14. System, according to any one of claims 10 to 12, CHARACTERIZED in that it sends data measured by device sensors (1 ) to the data transfer network (40) in real time.

15. System, according to any one of claims 10 to 12, CHARACTERIZED in that it sends data measured by device sensors (1 ) to the data transfer network (40) through condensed and programmable data packets (size and sending time) saved in a memory unit of the device (1 ), when the connection to the network is established or re-established after a period of interruption.

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26)

16. Tool control method comprising the steps of:

- performing the reading of operating parameters of a tool, from sensors embedded in at least one device (1 ) as described in claims 1 to 10; and

- transmitting the information of the operating parameters measured by the at least one device (1 ) to a computer (50) of a remote user, the method being CHARACTERIZED in that the step of transmitting the information comprises the intermediate steps of:

- sending the data measured by the device (1 ) to a gateway (20);

- sending the data of the gateway (20) to a communication network (40); and

- accessing data from the communication network (40) from a computer, tablet or cell phone (50).

17. Method, according to claim 16. CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a step of locating the device 1 comprising the sub-step of obtaining the location within a building unit of the device by means of triangulation of WiFi routers connected to the device (1 ).

18. Method, according to claim 16. CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a device integrity monitoring step (1 ), comprising the steps of:

- constantly measuring a signal informed by a safety unit (9) of the device (1 ); and

- sending an alert signal to the computer (50) upon detecting a change in the signal reported by the security unit (9) of the device (1 ).

19. Method, according to claim 16. CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises an additional step of chronological registering of the data measured by the device (1 ).

20. Method, according to claim 19. CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises a step of reporting data measured by the device (1 ), the data being selected by the user.

SUBSTITUTE SHEETS (RULE 26)