DE102016122531A1 - marking - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is based on a marking device with a marking unit (10a-c) for marking at least one workpiece (12a-c), in particular for a medical tool, which defines at least one marking position (14a-c). It is proposed that the marking device at least one adjustment unit (16a-c) which is provided to generate at least one image (18a-c) of the workpiece (12a-c) and to align the image (18a-c) with the marking position (14a-c).

Description

State of the art

The invention relates to a marking device according to claim 1, and a method for marking a workpiece according to claim 13.

There is already known a marking device for marking a workpiece, which has a marking unit. The marking unit defines a marking position in which the workpiece must be positioned to a mark. For positioning is usually a spacer between the marking and the workpiece.

The object of the invention is in particular to provide a generic device with improved properties in terms of functionality. The object is achieved by the features of claim 1, and claim 13, while advantageous embodiments and refinements of the invention can be taken from the dependent claims.

Advantages of the invention

The invention is based on a marking device, with a marking unit for marking at least one workpiece, in particular for a medical tool, which defines at least one, in particular exactly one, marking position.

It is proposed that the marking device has at least one adjustment unit which is provided to generate at least one, in particular exactly one, image of the workpiece and to match the image with the marking position.

In particular, this functionality can improve a functionality of the marking device. Advantageously, the marking device can be used for curved workpieces, in particular without a marking operation having to be interrupted by repositioning by means of a spacer. In addition, operability of the marking device can be simplified.

In this context, a "marking device" should be understood as meaning, in particular, at least part of a marker, preferably a laser marker. Preferably, the marking device can form the marker, in particular the laser marker, at least partially, preferably at least to a large extent and particularly preferably completely. In particular, it is conceivable that the marking device represents a kit, in particular a retrofit kit, for a marker, in particular a laser marker. The term "at least a large part" is intended to mean in particular a proportion, in particular a mass and / or volume fraction of at least 55%, advantageously at least 65%, preferably at least 75%, particularly preferably at least 85% and particularly advantageous be understood by at least 95%. By "provided" is intended to be understood in particular specially programmed, designed and / or equipped. The fact that an object is intended for a specific function should in particular mean that the object fulfills and / or executes this specific function in at least one application and / or operating state.

The marking unit has in particular at least one marking means, which is provided for marking the workpiece. The marking agent is preferably provided for a chemical and / or physical marking of the workpiece, in which in particular a material, preferably on a surface, of the workpiece itself is changed. The change takes place in particular by a chemical reaction, by an at least partial removal, in particular an ablation and / or roughening, of the material. Alternatively or additionally, the marking means could be provided for marking to a deposition of further, in particular of the material of the workpiece different material, such as pigments, on the workpiece. In this context, a "workpiece" should be understood to mean in particular an object which is intended to be further processed in at least one, preferably exactly one, processing step. Preferably, the processing step is a marking step in which the object is marked by means of the marking device. The workpiece is in particular a blank of a tool, preferably a medical and particularly preferably a surgical tool, such as a curette. Preferably, the workpiece has an elongated shape which deviates at least in sections from a straight line. Particularly preferably, the workpiece has a curved shape at least in sections. The marking device has in particular a workpiece carrier. In an operating state, the workpiece is in particular attached to the workpiece carrier and preferably clamped in this. Advantageously, the workpiece carrier on a chuck.

A "marking position" is to be understood, in particular, as meaning a position, preferably a distance from the marking means, which is provided by the marking means for optimal marking of the workpiece. Under a "figure" is in this context, in particular a Reproduction of an object to be understood, the reproduction corresponds at least substantially to the object and is preferably configured two-dimensionally. In this context, the term "reproduction of an object at least essentially corresponds to an object" should be understood in particular to mean that the reproduction has less information than the object itself, but in particular reproduces this object recognizably. In particular, the reproduction has a lower dimensionality than the object itself. For example, the reproduction is two-dimensional while the object is three-dimensional. Further, the reproduction may be free from color information while the object itself has at least color information. The figure is in particular an optical image. An "optical image" is intended in particular to mean the generation of an image of the object by combining light which emanates from the object or an environment of the object, in particular by means of an optical system. Preferably, the image is a shadow of the object. In this context, the term "balancing" is to be understood in particular as the property of being at least indirectly and / or preferably more directly comparable. In particular, a matching of the marking position with an imaging boundary of the image. An "imaging boundary" is to be understood in particular as meaning a boundary of an image of the workpiece relative to an environment of the workpiece, which in particular corresponds to a substantially one-dimensional or one-dimensional line.

The balancing unit has, in particular, a control unit which is provided at least for balancing the image with the marking position. Preferably, the control unit is provided for carrying out a method for marking the workpiece.

In addition, the control unit in particular controls further components of the marking device. A "control unit" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, a unit having at least one control electronics. A "control electronics" is to be understood in particular a unit having a processor unit and a memory unit and with an operating program stored in the memory unit, which is executable in the processor unit and in particular comprises the method for marking the workpiece.

It is further proposed that the marking unit, in particular the aforementioned marking means, has at least one laser, wherein a focus of the laser defines the marking position. In particular, the marking unit can have at least one optic which is provided for setting and / or adjusting the focus. As a result, in particular, the marking position can be predetermined in a simple manner. In particular, adjustability and / or adjustability of the marking position can be improved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the adjustment unit has at least one imaging means which at least partially, preferably at least to a large extent and particularly preferably completely, generates the image of the workpiece and which defines at least one reference position for aligning the image with the marking position. A "reference position" is to be understood in particular a position which is at least in a fixed relationship to the marking position. Advantageously, the reference position represents a focal plane of the focus of the marking means. Particularly advantageously, the reference position is a reference line which corresponds to a section through the focal plane. The reference position may in particular be predetermined by the imaging means or be adjustable and / or adjustable to the marking position. The imaging means comprises in particular at least one camera and / or an imaging screen. As a result, the image can be adjusted to the marking position in a simple manner in particular.

The imaging means has at least one imaging plane to a projection of the image. In particular, in the case where the imaging means comprises a camera, the imaging plane is preferably given by a surface of a photosensitive chip of the camera. In particular, in the case where the imaging means comprises an imaging screen, the imaging plane is given in particular by a surface of the imaging screen. In particular, in the case that the imaging element is formed as an imaging screen, the marking device may have an additional imaging means, which again images the image on the imaging screen. Preferably, the additional imaging means is a camera. In particular, the reference position is a fixed position on the imaging plane. Preferably, the reference position is a substantially one-dimensional or one-dimensional line, which is laid in particular by means of the control unit on the image of the workpiece. In particular, the reference line corresponds to a predetermined coordinate of the surface of the photosensitive chip of the camera or the screen of the imaging screen. In this way, in particular the imaging of the workpiece can be detected in a simple manner.

In particular, in the event that the marking device has only one imaging means, it is conceivable that the control unit may be provided for a picture sharpness of the image optimize, in particular by means of an optic of the imaging agent. Furthermore, it is proposed that the adjustment unit has at least one further imaging means which at least partially generates the image of the workpiece, and which is arranged in at least one operating state on a side of the workpiece, in particular the workpiece carrier, facing away from the imaging means. In particular, the further imaging means is arranged at least essentially opposite the imaging means. By the fact that "two objects lie at least substantially opposite one another" is to be understood in particular as having opposite surfaces which are at least substantially parallel to each other. The term "at least substantially parallel" is to be understood here as meaning in particular an alignment of a direction relative to a reference direction, in particular in a plane, wherein the direction relative to the reference direction is in particular a deviation, in particular less than 8 °, advantageously less than 5 ° and particularly advantageous smaller than 2 °. The light source is in particular a gas discharge lamp, preferably a fluorescent lamp, an LED or an OLED. Furthermore, the imaging means may comprise a plurality of light sources, which together form a luminous field. In this way, in particular a shadow of the workpiece can be generated and detected, which is independent of a depth of field of the imaging means, whereby images of highly reflective workpieces with the marking position can be adjusted.

In order to improve in particular an accuracy of the marking is proposed that in the operating condition, a distance between the imaging means and the workpiece, in particular the workpiece carrier, is substantially smaller than a further distance between the further imaging means and the workpiece, in particular of the workpiece carrier. In this context, the term "significantly smaller" is to be understood as meaning, in particular, at least 50% smaller, preferably 75% smaller, advantageously 90% and particularly advantageously 95% smaller. In particular, a diameter of the workpiece is substantially smaller than the further distance.

In order to further improve accuracy, it is proposed that the further imaging means comprise a monochromatic light source, in particular the aforementioned light source. Alternatively, a non-monochromatic light source could be used. For this purpose, the marking device, in particular the further imaging means, additionally comprise at least one optical aid, such as a prism or a chromator, which is provided for a chromatic division of the light emitted by the light source.

It is also proposed that the marking device has at least one positioning unit for moving the workpiece relative to the marking unit and / or to the adjustment unit. In particular, the positioning unit is provided for an individual movement of the marking unit, the adjustment unit and / or the workpiece. For adjustment, the adjustment unit is provided in particular for controlling the positioning unit, in particular by means of the control unit. In an operating state, the positioning unit in particular moves the workpiece in a first direction and / or in a second direction, which is at least substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The expression "at least substantially perpendicular" should in particular define an orientation of a direction relative to a reference direction, wherein the direction and the reference direction, viewed in particular in one plane, include an angle of 90 ° and in particular the angle a maximum deviation of particular smaller as 8 °, advantageously less than 5 ° and particularly advantageously less than 2 °. Furthermore, the positioning unit moves the marking unit in a third direction, which is at least substantially perpendicular to the first and / or second direction. As a result, an accuracy of the positioning for adjusting the image with the marking position can be increased.

It is further proposed that at least one movement of at least part of the balancing unit is coupled to at least one movement of at least part of the marking unit. By the fact that "a movement of a first object is coupled to a movement of a second object", it should be understood, in particular, that the second object moves when the first object moves and vice versa. In particular, the movement of the second object takes place in a same direction and / or with an equal amplitude as a direction and / or an amplitude of the movements of the first object or vice versa. Preferably, two objects whose movement are coupled to each other are firmly connected. Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention it is proposed that in at least one operating state at least one movement of the imaging means and in particular of the further imaging means is coupled to a movement of the marking unit. In this way, in particular, an accuracy of the image can be further improved. Advantageously, an asymmetry of the image can be avoided.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that, in at least one operating state, at least one movement of at least one part of the adjustment unit to a movement of the workpiece, in particular the Workpiece carrier is coupled. In particular, a movement of the further imaging means is coupled to a movement of the workpiece. As a result, an accuracy of the image can be further improved. Advantageously, a parallax error of the image can be avoided.

Furthermore, a system with at least one marking device and at least one workpiece is proposed. In particular, this embodiment can provide a system with improved functionality in terms of functionality.

Furthermore, a method is proposed for marking a workpiece with a marking device, wherein at least one image of the workpiece is produced, which is aligned with a marking position. As a result, a functionality of a method for marking can be improved.

The marking device should not be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, in order to fulfill a mode of operation described herein, the marking device may have a number deviating from a number of individual elements, components and units mentioned herein. In addition, in the value ranges indicated in this disclosure, values lying within the stated limits are also to be disclosed as disclosed and used as desired.

list of figures

Further advantages emerge from the following description of the drawing. In the drawings, three embodiments of the invention are shown. The drawings, the description and the claims contain numerous features in combination. The person skilled in the art will expediently also consider the features individually and combine them into meaningful further combinations.

• 1 ein System mit einer Markiervorrichtung und einem Werkstück in einer schematischen Darstellung,
• 2 ein Teil der Markiervorrichtung bei einem Verfahrensschritt in einer schematischen Draufsicht,
• 3 ein Teil der Markiervorrichtung bei einem weiteren Verfahrensschritt in einer schematischen Draufsicht,
• 4 schematisches Ablaufdiagramm eines Verfahrens zur Markierung des Werkstücks,
• 5 eine weitere Ausgestaltung einer Markiervorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung und
• 6 eine weitere Ausgestaltung einer Markiervorrichtung in einer schematischen Darstellung.

Show it:

• 1 a system with a marking device and a workpiece in a schematic representation,
• 2 a part of the marking device in a method step in a schematic plan view,
• 3 a part of the marking device in a further method step in a schematic plan view,
• 4 schematic flow diagram of a method for marking the workpiece,
• 5 a further embodiment of a marking device in a schematic representation and
• 6 a further embodiment of a marking device in a schematic representation.

Description of the embodiments

1 shows a system with at least one workpiece 12a and with at least one marking device in a schematic representation. In the present case, the marking device completely forms a marker, in particular a laser marker. Alternatively, the marking device may partially form a marker.

The workpiece 12a is intended to be further processed, in particular in at least one, preferably exactly one, processing step. In the present case, the processing step is a marking step in which the workpiece 12a is marked by means of the marking device. It is conceivable that the workpiece 12a further processing steps to completion is required. The workpiece 12a is a blank of a tool, and in particular a medical tool and more preferably a surgical tool, such as a curette. The workpiece 12a has an elongated shape. The shape of the workpiece 12a is at least partially deviating from a straight line. The shape of the workpiece 12a is bent at least in sections.

The marking device has a workpiece carrier 40a on. In an operating state, the workpiece carrier carries 40a the workpiece 12a , The workpiece 12a is on the workpiece carrier 40a fastened, in particular clamped. For clamping the workpiece 12a can the workpiece carrier 40a for example, have a chuck.

For marking the workpiece 12a Marking device has a marking unit 10a on. The marking unit 10a has at least one marking agent 42a on. The marking agent 42a is to a physical and / or chemical marking of the workpiece 12a intended. When marking the workpiece 12a is by means of the marking agent 42a a material, preferably a surface material, of the workpiece 12a changed. The change takes place by at least partial removal and / or by roughening the material. Alternatively or additionally, the marking agent could 42a to an application of material, in particular pigments, on the workpiece 12a be provided.

The marking unit 10a defines a marking position 14a , The marking position 14a is a position, preferably a distance to the marking unit 10a which for optimal markability of the workpiece 12a through the marking agent 42a is provided. To carry out a marking step, the workpiece is 12a , in particular its surface, congruent with the marking position 14a positionable. The marking unit 10a includes at least one laser 20a , The marking agent 42a includes the laser 20a , The laser 20a has a focus 22a on. The focus 22a defines the marking position 14a , Furthermore, the marking unit 10a an optic 44a on. The optics 44a is to adjust and / or adjust the focus 22a intended.

The marking device has an adjustment unit 16a on. The matching unit 16a is intended, at least one of the workpiece 12a to produce (cf. 2 . 3 ). The imaging unit is further provided for with the marking position 14a match.

The matching unit 16a indicates the alignment of the image with the marking position 14a a control unit 52a on. The control unit 52a includes a processor unit. Furthermore, the control unit comprises 52a a storage unit. The control unit 52a includes an operating program. The operating program is stored in the memory unit. The operating program can be executed in the processor unit. The control unit 52a is particularly intended to control the other components of the marking device. In particular, the control unit controls 52a a positioning unit 38a the marking device.

The matching unit 16a has at least one imaging agent 24a on. The imaging agent 24a is at least partially a generation of intended. The matching unit 16a has at least one additional imaging agent 30a on. The other imaging agent 30a is at least partially a generation of intended. The other imaging agent 30a is in an operating state on one of the imaging means 24a opposite side of the workpiece 12a , in particular of the workpiece carrier 40a arranged. In the operating state is the workpiece 12a , in particular the workpiece carrier 40a at least partially between the imaging means 24a and the other imaging agent 30a arranged.

Between the imaging agent 24a and the workpiece 12a , in particular the workpiece carrier 40a , there is a gap 32a , Further, there is between the other imaging means 30a and the workpiece 12a , in particular the workpiece carrier 40a , another distance 34a , The distance 32a is much smaller than the further distance 34a , In the present case, the distance 32a at least 75% smaller than the distance 34a , Further, a diameter of the workpiece 12a much smaller than the distance 34a , Furthermore, this is another imaging agent 30a the imaging agent 24a arranged at least substantially opposite one another. The distance 32a is substantially equal to the diameter of the workpiece 12a ,

The other imaging agent 30a has at least one light source 36a on. The light source 36a is a monochromatic light source 36a , In the present case, this has further imaging agent 30a a plurality of light sources 36a on. The light sources 36a are arranged in a matrix. The light sources 36a Together form a light field. The light source 36a is designed as an LED. The other imaging agent 30a at least partially generates the of the workpiece 12a , For this irradiates the other imaging agent 30a the workpiece 12a with light. In the present case, the a shadow of the workpiece 12a ,

In the present case, the imaging agent comprises 24a a camera. The imaging agent 24a has at least one image plane 28a to a projection of on. At the picture level 28a is the of the workpiece 12a mapped. The image plane 28a is a surface of a photosensitive chip of the camera. The imaging agent 24a has at least one reference position 26a on. The reference position 26a is to balance the with the marking position 14a intended. Alternatively or additionally, the imaging agent 24a be formed as an imaging screen, in particular for this case, the imaging plane 28a is formed by a screen of the imaging screen. Especially in the case that the imaging agent 24a is designed as an imaging screen, the marking device may comprise an additional imaging means which the remakes and in particular is designed as a camera.

The marking device has a positioning unit 38a on. The positioning unit 38a is intended the workpiece 12a , in particular the workpiece carrier 40a , relative to the marking unit 10a to move. Further, the positioning unit 38a for movement of the workpiece 12a relative to the matching unit 16a intended.

The positioning unit 38a is at least a movement of the workpiece 12a in at least a first direction 46a intended. Further, the positioning unit 38a at least to a movement of the workpiece 12a in at least a second direction 48a which in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the first direction 46a is provided. Further, the positioning unit 38a to a movement of the marking unit 10a in a third direction 50a provided, which in particular at least substantially perpendicular to the first direction 46a and / or to the second direction 48a is.

Further, the positioning unit 38a to a movement of the adjustment unit 16a in the third direction 50a intended.

At least one movement of at least part of the balancing unit 16a is at least a movement of at least a portion of the marking unit 10a coupled. In the present case, at least the movement of the imaging means 24a to the movement of the marking unit 10a coupled. The imaging agent 24a is fixed with the marking unit 10a connected. Alternatively or additionally, the further imaging agent can also be used 30a to a movement of the marking unit 10a be coupled. In particular, the other imaging agent could 30a with the marking unit 10a be firmly connected. Furthermore, it is also conceivable that a movement of the workpiece 12a , in particular of the workpiece carrier 40a , to a movement of the further imaging means 30a is coupled. In particular, the other imaging agent could 30a firmly with the workpiece 12a , in particular the workpiece carrier 40a be connected.

4 shows a schematic flow diagram of a method for marking a workpiece 12a , The method comprises a method step 54a , In the process step 54a will be at least one of the workpiece 12a generated. 2 schematically shows the generated of the workpiece 12a , In the present case, the of the workpiece 12a a shadow of the workpiece 12a , In the process step 54a will the with a marking position 14a adjusted. The has an imaging limit 56a on. The picture limit 56a is a shadow border. The picture limit 56a deviates from the reference position 26a from. The reference position 26a is a reference line. The reference position 26a is fixed by the imaging agent 24a specified. The reference position 26a corresponds to a center line, in particular a middle pixel line, of the imaging means 24a , The method comprises a further method step 58a , In the further process step 58a becomes the marking unit 10a and / or the matching unit 16a relative to the workpiece 12a , in particular the workpiece carrier 40a , moved, in particular by means of the positioning unit 38a , So that the , in particular the imaging limit 56a with the reference position 26a matches. Further, in the process step 58a the workpiece 12a marked.

In the 5 . 6 Further embodiments of the invention are shown. The following descriptions and the drawings are essentially limited to the differences between the embodiments, wherein with respect to identically named components, in particular with respect to components with the same reference numerals, in principle to the drawings and / or the description of the other embodiment of 1 to 4 can be referenced. To distinguish the embodiments of the letter a is the reference numerals of the embodiment in the 1 to 4 readjusted. In the embodiments of the 5 . 6 the letter a is replaced by the letter b, c.

5 shows the further embodiment of a marking device. The present embodiment differs from the previous one at least substantially by coupling a movement of the further imaging means 30b , In the present case, there is a movement of the further imaging means 30b with a movement of a marking unit 10b coupled. The other imaging agent 30b is fixed with the marking unit 10b connected.

6 shows the further embodiment of a marking device. The present embodiment differs from the previous one at least substantially by coupling the movement of another imaging means 30c , In the present case, there is a movement of the further imaging means 30c to a movement of a workpiece 12 , in particular a workpiece carrier 40c , coupled. Furthermore, this is another imaging agent 30c firmly with the workpiece 12c , in particular with the workpiece carrier 40c , connected.

Claims (13)

Marking device with a marking unit (10a-c) for marking at least one workpiece (12a-c), in particular for a medical tool, which defines at least one marking position (14a-c), characterized by at least one adjustment unit (16a-c), which is provided to generate at least one image (18a-c) of the workpiece (12a-c) and to match the image (18a-c) with the marking position (14a-c). Marking device after Claim 1 , characterized in that the marking unit (10a-c) comprises at least one laser (20a-c), wherein a focus (22a-c) of the laser (20a-c) defines the marking position (14a-c). Marking device after Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the adjustment unit (16a-c) has at least one imaging means (24a-c) which at least partially generates the image (18a-c) of the workpiece (12a-c) and which has at least one reference position (26a-c). for matching the image (18a-c) with the marking position (14a-c). Marking device after Claim 3 , characterized in that the imaging means (24a-c) has at least one imaging plane (28a-c) to a projection of the image (18a-c). Marking device after Claim 3 or 4 characterized in that the balancing unit (16a-c) comprises at least one further imaging means (30a-c) which at least partially generates the image (18a-c) of the workpiece (12a-c) and which in at least one operating state on one the imaging means (24a-c) facing away from the workpiece (12a-c) is arranged. Marking device at least according to claims 3 and 5, characterized in that in the operating state, a distance (32a-c) between the imaging means (24a-c) and the workpiece (12a-c) is substantially smaller than a further distance (34a-c ) between the further imaging means (30a-c) and the workpiece (12a-c). Marking device after Claim 5 or 6 , characterized in that the further imaging means (30a-c) comprises at least one monochromatic light source (36a-c). Marking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one positioning unit (38) for moving the workpiece (12a-c) relative to the marking unit (10a-c) and / or to the adjustment unit (16a-c). Marking device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one operating state, at least one movement of at least part of the adjustment unit (16a-c) is coupled to at least one movement of at least a part of the marking unit (10a-c). Marking device after Claim 9 , characterized in that in at least one operating state, at least one movement of the imaging means (24a-c) is coupled to a movement of the marking unit (10a-c). Marking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in at least one operating state, at least one movement of at least part of the adjusting unit (16c) is coupled to a movement of the workpiece (12c). System with at least one marking device according to one of the preceding claims and with the workpiece (12a-c). Method for marking a workpiece (12a-c) with a marking device, in particular according to one of Claims 1 to 11 in which at least one image (18a-c) of the workpiece (12a-c) is produced, which is aligned with a marking position (14a-c).

Images