DE202024101658U1 - Tool, safety system and processing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Tool (14) for a processing machine (10), in particular a removal device (19) for workpieces, for detecting the tool (14), comprising a base body (34) and at least two transponders (32a, 32b) arranged in a fixed position on the base body (34), wherein the transponders (32a, 32b) are arranged at a distance from one another for separate reading.

Description

Background of the invention

The invention relates to a tool for a processing machine. The invention also relates to a safety system for detecting a tool and for manipulating tool movements. The invention further relates to a processing machine with a tool and a safety system.

Processing machines are known from the state of the art that allow a large number of different tools to be arranged for different applications. The corresponding tool can be temporarily arranged or attached to the processing machine using a corresponding tool holder, for example, until a specified task has been carried out with the tool.

However, the tools differ not only in their functional design but also in their geometric dimensions. Changing the tools therefore changes the movement space of the processing machine. It may be necessary to provide a larger movement space with larger geometric dimensions of the tool, as otherwise there is a risk of collisions with workpieces, people or other machine parts. Alternatively, the pre-programmed movements of the processing machine must be changed in order not to leave a predetermined movement space.

Usually, each tool used must be stored individually in a safety program or taken into account during programming. This represents a significant programming effort and cost. In addition, maintaining geometric information on a large number of tools increases the storage requirements, which causes further costs.

The assignment of stored information to an actually arranged tool is usually done by evaluating individual pins arranged on the tool. However, this is technically complex. In addition, subsequent correction of the pins is costly. Regardless of this, the known pins can only inadequately ensure that the assignment of the pin coding to the stored geometric information of the tool is current and correct. It is not possible to read the geometric information directly from the pins.

Out of DE 20 2006 002 269 U1 A tool holder is known which provides for the use of a single data carrier for transmitting geometric information about the tool. However, the device described does not adequately meet the required operational safety standards for processing machines.

Therefore, there is currently no way to reliably identify a tool and its geometric characteristics and to provide this information during processing by the processing machine.

Object of the invention

It is an object of the invention to provide a repeatably accurate and reliable provision of geometric information of tools for the operation of processing machines.

Description of the invention

This object is achieved according to the invention by a tool having the features of protection claim 1. The object is also achieved by a safety system having the features of protection claim 7. The object is further achieved by a processing machine having the features of protection claim 9. The subclaims reflect preferred developments of the invention.

According to the invention, a tool is provided.

The tool is suitable and designed for arrangement and use on a processing machine described above and below. The processing machine is preferably designed as a removal device for workpieces. The tool can preferably be designed as a removal tool, in particular as a suction gripper.

The tool is preferably designed for detection by a safety system as described above and below.

The tool has a base body. The base body is typically designed to form and/or arrange a tool attachment and/or suction cups.

According to the invention, the tool has at least two transponders arranged in a fixed position on the base body. Preferably, at least one of the transponders is designed as a passive transponder. Particularly preferably, all Transponders are designed as passive transponders. This means that the tool can be kept technically simple and does not require an external power supply.

It is also preferred that at least one of the transponders is designed as an RFID transponder (radio frequency identification transponder). It is particularly preferred that all transponders are designed as RFID transponders. This makes it possible to use known and proven technical standards.

According to the invention, the transponders are designed for separate reading. Separate reading is achieved by spacing the transponders apart from one another.

A transponder is a functional unit consisting of a transmitter and a responder. A transmitter is a device for generating and emitting electromagnetic waves that are modulated with information. A responder can be understood as a stationary tracking device that automatically sends a response code in response to a request.

Passive transponders can be understood as a system that draws the energy required for communication and for processing internal processes exclusively from the field of the transmitting/receiving unit. Passive transponders do not require their own power supply.

In summary, the underlying task is solved in a particularly simple technical way using a tool with two transponders. The transponders are permanently attached to the tool at predetermined positions and enable multi-channel reading of geometric information. This means that the required operational safety standard can be met and reliable detection of the tool on a processing machine can be ensured. A movement of the processing machine can thus be dynamically adapted to the tool change and a collision of the tool with workpieces, people and/or other machine parts can be effectively prevented.

In a preferred embodiment of the tool, each transponder comprises a data carrier for storing and transmitting geometric information of the tool. In other words, the specific geometric information of the tool is stored directly on the transponder. This means that the information does not need to be read out from a database and the movement can be adapted quickly and without a data connection to a database.

A further preferred embodiment of the tool is one in which the transponders are arranged on opposite sides of a tool attachment for arranging the tool on a tool holder. This makes it possible to provide a particularly safe distance between the transponders, which ensures that the transponders cannot be read out in a way that prevents confusion.

A further development of the tool is also preferred in which the transponders are spaced apart by at least 15 centimeters, preferably at least 20 centimeters, particularly preferably at least 30 centimeters. This allows for even more reliable reading without confusion.

In a preferred embodiment of the tool, the transponders are glued to the tool. Gluing the transponders is a quick, inexpensive and particularly safe way of fastening. Furthermore, the position of the transponders can be adapted particularly easily to existing security systems.

A preferred embodiment of the tool is one in which at least three transponders are arranged in a fixed position on the base body. This allows redundant protection for the reading of the geometry information and ensures that the tool can be used even if one transponder fails.

The underlying task is further solved by a security system.

The safety system is designed to be arranged at least partially on a processing machine described above and below. In other words, at least parts of the safety system can be arranged on the processing machine.

The safety system is designed to detect a tool arranged on a tool holder of the processing machine and guided in a movement area as described above and below. The safety system is preferably designed to monitor and manipulate tool movements of the tool and/or the processing machine in order to prevent collisions with people, workpieces and/or machine parts.

The security system comprises a first identification module and a second identification module The first identification module and the second identification module each have a reading unit and a transponder. The reading unit and the transponder of an identification module typically form a functional and coordinated unit.

The reading unit of the first identification module is positioned and designed to read the transponder of the first identification module. The reading unit of the second identification module is positioned and designed to read the transponder of the second identification module.

According to the invention, the transponders are designed for fixed arrangement on the tool and the reading units are designed for fixed arrangement on the tool holder of the tool.

The security system further comprises a security controller for communicating with the at least two identification modules. Typically, the security controller is designed to communicate with the respective reading unit of the identification module.

In a preferred embodiment of the safety system, the safety controller is designed to compare first readout data from the first transponder with second readout data from the second transponder. In other words, the readout data is checked for agreement. This enables particularly reliable and multi-channel detection of the tool in the safety system. Additional components can be dispensed with at low cost.

The underlying invention is further solved by a processing machine.

The processing machine is typically designed for processing workpieces. Preferably, the processing machine is designed for removing workpieces. In other words, the processing machine can be designed as a removal device.

The processing machine has a tool holder. The tool holder is designed for the temporary arrangement of a tool described previously and subsequently.

In addition, the processing machine has a safety system as described above and below.

In other words, the processing machine has an integrated safety system, which enables the reliable detection of tools and their geometric information.

In a preferred embodiment of the processing machine, the tool holder is designed to arrange the first reading unit on the first transponder and the second reading unit on the second transponder in a way that prevents confusion when the tool is received. In other words, the tool holder can be designed to arrange the tool clearly by structural means. This can force the arrangement of the tool in a predetermined position and further increase safety.

Further advantages of the invention emerge from the description, the claims and the drawing. Likewise, the features mentioned above and those described further can be used according to the invention individually or in groups in any appropriate combination. The embodiments shown and described are not to be understood as an exhaustive list, but rather are exemplary in nature for the description of the invention.

Detailed description of the invention and drawing

• 1 shows a processing machine with a safety system, a machine control and a tool held on a tool holder.

1 shows schematically a processing machine 10 in a perspective view.

As shown, the processing machine 10 is designed as a tool robot. The processing machine 10 comprises a boom 12. The boom 12 is designed to pivot and lift a tool 14.

The tool 14 is detachably attached to the boom 12 by means of a tool holder 16. In other words, the tool 14 can be uncoupled from the tool holder 16 and thus removed from the boom 12. This allows the tool 14 to be serviced or kept for later use, for example, while another tool 14 is arranged on the boom 12. This enables the flexible use of the boom 12 for a variety of different tasks.

The tool holder 16 is typically permanently attached to the boom 12. Here This allows for particularly simple and quick replacement of the tool 14.

As shown, the tool 14 is designed as a removal tool 18 for removing workpieces (not shown) produced by the processing machine 10 or by another processing machine 10. In other words, the processing machine 10 is designed as a removal device 19. The tool 14, or the removal tool 18, comprises several suction cups 20, which are designed to temporarily suck the respective workpiece to be removed. This allows the workpiece to be held and/or released quickly and easily. For reasons of clarity, only one suction cup 20 is provided with a reference number.

In addition, the processing machine 10 comprises a safety system 22. The safety system 22 is, as shown, at least partially arranged on the processing machine 10. The safety system 22 comprises a safety controller 24 and, according to the embodiment shown, a first identification module 26a and a second identification module 26b. The safety system 22 preferably comprises three or more identification modules 26a,b.

The safety system 22 is designed to detect the tool 14 arranged or held on the tool holder 16. By knowing the tool 14, or the tool type and/or the tool geometry, the movement of the boom 12, or the movement space 28 required to move the boom 12, can be determined. Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the movement of the boom 12 is adapted to the available movement space 28. This can prevent collisions, damage and/or machine downtimes.

The safety system 22 is therefore particularly suitable for monitoring and manipulating the movement of the tool 14 and/or the processing machine 10.

The first identification module 26a comprises a first reading unit 30a and a first transponder 32a. The second identification module 26b comprises a second reading unit 30b and a second transponder 32b. The first identification module 26a and the second identification module 26b each form a functional unit. In other words, the first reading unit 30a and the first transponder 32a as well as the second reading unit 30b and the second transponder 32b are coordinated with one another.

As shown, the first transponder 32a and the second transponder 32b are arranged in a fixed or immovable manner, in particular permanently, on a base body 34 of the tool 14. For example, the transponders 32a,b can be glued to the tool 14. The positioning of the transponders 32a,b takes place at predetermined locations on the tool 14. In other words, the positions of the transponders 32a,b on the tool 14 are predetermined and in particular must be precisely maintained.

Further, as shown, the first reading unit 30a and the second reading unit 30b are arranged on the tool holder 16 of the processing machine 10. As shown, the reading units 30a,b can be arranged or screwed into recesses provided for them in the tool holder 16. The positions of the reading units 30a,b are predetermined. The respective position of the reading units 30a,b is coordinated with the position of the associated transponder 32a,b of the same identification module 26a,b. Preferably, the reading units 30a,b are arranged vertically above the respective transponders 32a,b when the tool 14 is arranged on the tool holder 16. This enables the transponders 32a,b to be read out in a way that prevents confusion by the provided reading unit 30a,b.

As shown, the transponders 32a,b are arranged on opposite sides of a tool attachment 36 for arranging the tool 14 on the tool holder 16. This allows a sufficient distance to be provided between the identification modules 26a,b, which facilitates a readout that is secure against confusion.

Preferably, the transponders 32a,b have a distance 38 of at least 15 centimeters, preferably of at least 20 centimeters, particularly preferably of at least 30 centimeters. This can further facilitate confusion-proof reading.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the tool holder 16 is designed to arrange the first reading unit 30a on the first transponder 32a and the second reading unit 30b on the second transponder 32b in a way that prevents confusion when the tool 14 is received. In other words, it can be structurally ensured that the tool 14 is only received in a predetermined orientation and/or position. By reading the identification modules 26a,b, it is thus possible to check that the tool 14 is properly attached to the tool holder 16.

The transponders 32a,b each comprise a data carrier (not shown) for holding, storing and transmitting geometric information of the tool 14. In other words, the geometric information of the tool 14 is stored on the data carriers to which the transponders 32a,b are attached. The data carriers preferably comprise an identical data set.

The transponders 32a,b are preferably designed as RFID transponders. The transponders are particularly preferably designed as passive transponders.

The safety controller 24 is designed to communicate with the identification modules 26a,b. Typically, the data transmission is radio-based or wireless.

The safety controller 24 is preferably designed to compare first readout data from the first transponder 32a with second readout data from the second transponder 32b. In other words, the readout data can be further processed in the safety controller 24. In addition, multi-channel reading and checking of the readout data can take place. This can further increase the security level of the security system 22.

The safety controller 24 is preferably designed to output the readout data and/or results from a comparison of the readout data to an output unit 42, for example a display.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the safety controller 24 is designed to transmit the readout data and/or the results of the comparison of the readout data to a machine controller 40 of the processing machine 10. This allows manipulation or adjustment of the movement of the boom 12 to take place particularly quickly and safely.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the readout data are evaluated in the machine control 40. This allows redundant evaluation to be carried out and safety to be further increased.

List of reference symbols

10

processing machine;

12

Boom;

14

Tool;

16

tool holder;

18

removal tool;

19

removal device;

20

Mammal;

22

Security system;

24

safety control;

26a

first identification module;

26b

second identification module;

28

space for movement;

30a

first reading unit;

30b

second reading unit;

32a

first transponder;

32b

second transponder;

34

base body;

36

tool fastening;

38

Distance;

40

machine control;

42

Output unit.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 202006002269 U1 [0006]

Claims (10)

Tool (14) for a processing machine (10), in particular a removal device (19) for workpieces, for detecting the tool (14), comprising a base body (34) and at least two transponders (32a, 32b) arranged in a fixed position on the base body (34), wherein the transponders (32a, 32b) are arranged at a distance from one another for separate reading. Tool (14) to Claim 1 , wherein the transponders (32a, 32b) each have a data carrier for holding and transmitting geometric information of the tool (14). Tool (14) to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein the transponders (32a, 32b) are arranged on opposite sides of a tool attachment (36) for arranging the tool (14) on a tool holder (16). Tool (16) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transponders (32a, 32b) have a distance (38) of at least 15 centimeters, preferably of at least 20 centimeters, particularly preferably of at least 30 centimeters. Tool (14) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the transponders (32a, 32b) are glued to the tool (14). Tool (14) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least three transponders (32a, 32b) arranged in a fixed position on the base body (34). Safety system (22) for arrangement on a processing machine (10), in particular a removal device (19), for detecting, in particular monitoring and manipulating tool movements, of a tool (14) guided on a tool holder (16) in a movement space (28), in particular according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a first identification module (26a), a second identification module (26b) and a safety control (24) for communicating with the identification modules (26a, 26b), wherein a first reading unit (30a) of the first identification module (26a) is designed to read a first transponder (32a) of the first identification module (26a) and a second reading unit (30b) of the second identification module (26b) is designed to read a second transponder (32b) of the second identification module (26b), wherein the transponders (32a, 32b) are designed for fixed arrangement on the tool (14) and the reading units (30a, 30b) are designed for fixed arrangement on the tool holder (16) of the tool (14). Security system (22) according to Claim 7 , wherein the security controller (24) is designed to compare first readout data of the first transponder (30a) with second readout data of the second transponder (30b). Processing machine (10) for processing, in particular removing, workpieces, comprising a tool holder (16), a tool (14) according to one of the Claims 1 until 6 , and a security system (22) according to one of the Claims 7 or 8th . Processing machine (10) after Claim 9 , wherein the tool holder (16) is designed, when receiving the tool (14), to arrange the first reading unit (30a) on the first transponder (32a) in a way that prevents confusion and the second reading unit (30b) on the second transponder (32b) in a way that prevents confusion.

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