EP3603447A1 - Brush manufacturing machine and method for setting up a brush manufacturing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is concerned with improvements in the technical field of manufacturing brushes (12). For this purpose, a brush manufacturing machine (1) is proposed, which has at least one functional unit (2) and one control unit (3). The control unit (3) is set up to change a range of functions of the at least one functional unit (2) that can be used by an operator of the brush manufacturing machine (1) during operation of the brush manufacturing machine (1) depending on input information (4) (FIG. 1).

Description

The invention relates to a brush manufacturing machine with at least one functional unit and a control unit and a method for setting up a brush manufacturing machine, in particular a brush manufacturing machine of the type defined above.

Brush manufacturing machines have been used for many years in various embodiments for the increasingly fully automated production of brushes. The variety of variants of the brush manufacturing machine offered on the market takes into account the variety of the brushes to be manufactured. This is a particular challenge for the manufacturers of such brush manufacturing machines.

There are special configurations for each application in which the brush manufacturing machines are put together. For the manufacture of the brush manufacturing machines, this means that a large variety of variants must be mastered. This drives up manufacturing costs and can ultimately affect economical brush production.

The previously known brush manufacturing machines are usually highly specialized and set up for the production of a certain type of brush. If the brush manufacturer wants to change production in order to produce a different type of brush, in the best case this requires the conversion and / or retrofitting of existing machines. If this is not possible, new brush production machines have to be purchased or the order that requires the desired changeover to be rejected. Overall, the previously known brush manufacturing machines are therefore not satisfactorily set up for such changes. So it is hardly possible to produce small series economically with existing brush manufacturing machines, because the possibilities for amortization of an applied investment to convert the brush production are too small.

The object of the invention is therefore to provide a brush manufacturing machine and a method for setting up such a machine, with which the disadvantages of the known brush manufacturing machines can be avoided and the manufacture of brushes can be made more flexible.

To solve this problem, a brush-making machine of the type mentioned at the outset is first proposed, which has the features and means of independent claim 1 directed to such a brush-making machine. In particular, in order to achieve the object, a brush production machine is thus proposed which has at least one functional unit and a control unit, the at least one functional unit providing a range of functions which can be used for operating the brush production machine for an operator of the brush production machine, and the control unit is set up to provide the usable range of functions to change depending on input information.

In this way it is possible to manufacture and sell brush manufacturing machines for a wide variety of applications in one and the same basic configuration. In a delivery state, the at least one functional unit of the brush manufacturing machine can only provide a basic functional scope. As soon as the operator of the brush manufacturing machine wants to change over to production, he can order, in particular, buy from the manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine to request a change in the range of functions provided by one functional unit. Thereupon, input information is prepared by which the control unit of the brush manufacturing machine changes the functional scope of the at least one functional unit that can be used by the operator.

The functional scope of at least one functional unit of the brush manufacturing machine that can be used by the operator in an initial state can be zero and / or the functional unit can be deactivated. In this context, the control unit of the brush production machine can be set up to change the functional scope of the at least one functional unit of input information, for example the aforementioned information, that can be used by the operator from zero to an extended scope and / or the at least one functional unit of the brush manufacturing machine as a function to activate one, for example the input information mentioned above, for use. In this way, a previously unused machine function of the brush manufacturing machine can be activated using the control unit of the brush manufacturing machine as a function of input information.

Of course, the control unit of the brush manufacturing machine can also be set up to limit the functional scope of the at least one functional unit that can be used by the operator to zero, depending on input information, for example the one already mentioned above. The control unit can furthermore be set up to deactivate the functional unit of the brush production machine as a function of input information, for example the one already mentioned above.

To receive the input information, it can be expedient if the brush manufacturing machine, in particular the control unit of the brush manufacturing machine, has an interface. Depending on the way, in particular with which information or data carrier, the input information of the brush production machine is to be made available, the interface for receiving the input information can be designed differently. It is conceivable to make the input information of the brush production machine available wirelessly, for example by means of radio. An interface is then provided for this, which is set up for the wireless reception of the input information. In principle, any technical device can be used as an interface with which input information can be read from an information carrier.

Any means that can be the carrier of input information can serve as the information carrier. This also includes electromagnetic waves, classic data carriers, bar codes, RFID tags, floppy disks, data storage devices, CDs, hard drives and / or data signals that are transmitted, for example, via a data network, in particular the Internet. As information carrier in the sense of the claimed invention A component or tool for the brush manufacturing machine is also to be viewed, which is provided with input information that can be processed by the control unit.

Especially where the activation or change of the functional scope of the at least one functional unit of the brush manufacturing machine is to be made against payment to the manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine, it may be expedient if the brush manufacturing machine, in particular the control unit of the brush manufacturing machine, at least indirectly for checking the input information is set up. In this way, the input information can be checked for plausibility and / or authenticity.

The control unit can check the input information. However, it is also possible for the control unit to be connected, at least temporarily, to a test module in or from which the input information is checked. In the context of the claimed technical teaching, the examination module is also understood to mean a software and / or computer-implemented examination module which is connected at least temporarily to the brush manufacturing machine, in particular to the control unit of the brush manufacturing machine, via a data network, in particular via the Internet.

A brush manufacturing machine equipped in this way allows the operator of the brush manufacturing machine to also process small series which require a modified range of functions of an existing brush manufacturing machine. The range of functions required for this can be ordered, in particular purchased, from the manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine. As soon as a payment for the required range of functions the manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine provides the operator with the input information necessary for changing the functional scope. The input information can be transmitted directly from the manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine to the brush manufacturing machine, in particular to the control unit. In particular after a positive check of the input information, the range of functions that can be used during operation of the brush production machine can be changed in accordance with the input information.

For the operator of the brush manufacturing machine, this has the advantage that he has to pay a lower purchase price for the purchase of the brush manufacturing machine. This is because the brush manufacturing machine is fully equipped in terms of hardware, but is initially limited in terms of its range of functions that can be used by the operator. As soon as a changed, in particular expanded, range of functions is required, it can be bought from the manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine.

This also has advantages for the manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine. The manufacturer can offer a wide portfolio of brush manufacturing machines without having to master an excessive variety of hardware. The range of functions of one and the same brush manufacturing machine can be adapted as required by providing corresponding input information. A change, in particular an expansion of the functional scope, no longer occurs on the hardware side, but rather via a corresponding activation of a further machine function by providing input information.

The input information transmitted to the brush manufacturing machine can be checked by the brush manufacturing machine, in particular by the control unit. Either this happens internally, i.e. within the brush manufacturing machine, in particular within the control unit, or the input information is transmitted for verification to the previously mentioned test module, which can be kept outside the brush manufacturing machine, in particular in a cloud or at the manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine. If the input information is checked positively, in particular verified, the control unit can change the usable range of functions according to the input information.

In this context, it can be particularly advantageous if the control unit is at least temporarily connected to an instruction memory. This instruction memory can contain control information for the at least one functional unit of the brush manufacturing machine, which is assigned to different input information. The input information can also be checked by comparing the input information with permissible input information stored in the instruction memory. If an input information corresponding to the input information provided to the brush manufacturing machine can be found in the instruction memory, this can lead to a positive test result. If the control unit receives input information, the control unit can read the control information, which is assigned to the received input information in the instruction memory, from the instruction memory and transmit it to the functional unit in order to change the functional scope. Here, too, the instruction memory can be stored in a data network, in particular on the Internet and / or in a cloud, to which the control unit of the brush manufacturing machine, if necessary, via the interface the brush making machine can access to read out the control information.

Of course, it is also possible for the instruction memory to be part of the brush manufacturing machine, in particular part of the control unit of the brush manufacturing machine. The instruction memory can be part of the test module and / or can be used or used to test the input information.

The brush manufacturing machine can have at least one sensor and / or at least be temporarily connected to one. With the aid of the sensor, input information can be generated, on the basis of which the control unit changes the functional scope of the at least one functional unit of the brush manufacturing machine in the manner prescribed. The brush manufacturing machine can in particular have a location sensor. With the help of the location sensor, the brush manufacturing machine can determine its location autonomously. The location information can then be used as input information. The brush manufacturing machine can autonomously change the functional scope of the at least one functional unit depending on the location via its control unit. In addition, depending on the country in which it is operated, the brush making machine may be subject to different legal requirements. The legal provisions may require a change in the usable functional scope of the at least one functional unit of the brush manufacturing machine. By determining the location, the brush manufacturing machine can autonomously and independently determine where it is operated. This information can be input from the control unit of the brush manufacturing machine when the change is necessary the functional scope of the at least one functional unit are taken into account. Country-specific functions can be assigned to specific location information in the form of specific control information in the instruction memory of the brush-making machine already mentioned above.

In one embodiment of the brush manufacturing machine, the at least one functional unit can have a number of machining axes, of which a number of n-x machining axes can be used within the scope of a basic functional scope of the functional unit. This is particularly the case if the control unit has no special input information that would lead to a change in the functional scope of the functional unit. A number of n-x-y to n machining axes can be used within the scope of a range of functions changed by the control unit when corresponding input information is available. At this point it should be mentioned that the variables n, x and y can stand for natural numbers.

The at least one functional unit can be, for example, a drive for the brush production machine. With the drive e.g. a tool of the brush making machine. As a functional range that can be used, the drive can provide a speed range that can be used by the operator of the brush manufacturing machine and / or a usable maximum speed. Depending on the content of the input information provided to the brush manufacturing machine, the usable speed range and / or the usable maximum speed can be changed within the potential speed range of the drive.

The object is also achieved by a method for setting up a brush manufacturing machine, which means and Features of the independent claim directed to such a method. In particular, to achieve the object, a method for setting up a brush manufacturing machine is proposed, in which a range of functions that can be used by the operator of the brush manufacturing machine for operating the brush manufacturing machine is changed as a function of input information from a control unit of the brush manufacturing machine.

When carrying out the method, a brush manufacturing machine can be used which has the features of at least one of the claims directed to the brush manufacturing machine.

The functional scope of the at least one functional unit can be changed, for example, from zero to an expanded scope. It is possible to activate the at least one functional unit for use by changing its functional scope.

The input information for changing the functional scope of the at least one functional unit of the brush manufacturing machine can be received by an interface of the brush manufacturing machine. The interface of the brush manufacturing machine can be designed in accordance with the information carrier with which the input information of the brush manufacturing machine is made available.

The input information made available to the brush manufacturing machine can be checked at least indirectly by the control unit of the brush manufacturing machine. For this purpose, the control unit of the brush manufacturing machine can use, for example, an inspection module that already was previously described in detail. An instruction memory can also be used to check the input information, in particular one as mentioned above. In particular after a positive check of the input information, control information associated with the input information, in particular from the control unit, can be transmitted to the at least one functional unit. This with the aim of changing the functional scope of the at least one functional unit that can be used by the operator when operating the brush manufacturing machine in accordance with the input information.

As already indicated above, the control information can be read out from an instruction memory, which is at least temporarily connected to the control unit. Checking of the input information provided to the brush making machine can be done using the instruction memory. During the test, the input information that is made available to the brush production machine can be compared with the permissible input information stored in the instruction memory. If the input information made available to the brush manufacturing machine can be found in the instruction memory, this leads to a positive test result. In the following, control information, which is assigned to the checked input information, can be read from the instruction memory and used by the control unit to change the functional scope of the at least one functional unit of the brush manufacturing machine.

In a preferred embodiment of the method it is provided that the input information of the brush manufacturing machine is provided by a manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine. For this purpose, an information carrier can be used, which is compatible with the previously mentioned interface of the brush manufacturing machine. In this way it is possible, for example, to order only the scope of functions actually required, in particular from the manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine. By providing the input information, the manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine can at least temporarily change, in particular expand, the functional scope of the at least one functional unit of the brush manufacturing machine, in particular against payment.

If the changed range of functions is no longer required, the brush production machine can be brought into its initial state. For this purpose, the brush manufacturing machine can be provided with corresponding input information by means of which the control unit changes the functional scope of the functional unit.

The input information can also be provided by a sensor, in particular a location sensor, of the brush manufacturing machine, in particular transmitted to the interface of the brush manufacturing machine and / or read out by the latter. The function of the location sensor has already been described in detail previously.

A component provided with the input information, in particular a tool of the brush manufacturing machine or the functional unit, which is compatible with the brush manufacturing machine, can be used as the information carrier of the input information.

In this way it is possible to adapt the range of functions depending on the input information that is linked to the component. So it is possible to use original components, provided by the manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine with an input information that causes the control unit of the brush manufacturing machine to allow a certain usable range of functions. This is then preferably expanded compared to a range of functions that can be used with a component that comes from another source.

If, for example, a component is installed on the brush production machine that does not carry such input information, the control unit can, in the absence of corresponding input information, restrict the functional scope of the at least one functional unit, possibly even to zero, or only allow it to a basic functional scope.

To deactivate at least one functional unit of the brush manufacturing machine, it can also be expedient if the control unit is also set up to limit the functional scope of the functional unit to zero, in particular as a function of corresponding input information.

This procedure is particularly advantageous if the component is a tool of the brush manufacturing machine. If a cutting knife is used as the tool, which has input information by means of which the tool for the brush manufacturing machine, in particular for the control unit, can be identified as the original tool, an increased drive power compared to a basic functional scope of a drive with which the tool is driven can be activated can. To ensure that tools that are not original tools and therefore may not have the required specifications are not used with too high a performance, the range of functions can be used the one functional unit, here the drive of the tool, are restricted accordingly for safety reasons.

An activation key, a digital activation key, a code and / or a data carrier readable by the interface can be used as the information carrier, which have the input information. Further types of information carriers have already been mentioned above.

The range of functions can be limited depending on the input information from the control unit or expanded depending on input information. As already mentioned above, it is also possible to change the functional scope with the control unit to a basic functional scope, in particular to limit it. This is especially the case if the brush manufacturing machine has no input information. This ensures that the brush manufacturing machine can be operated at least in a basic functional scope. In order to be able to provide basic operation of the brush manufacturing machine, the functional unit can provide a basic functional scope that is used in the operation of the brush manufacturing machine if there is no input information. Of course, the functional scope of the at least one functional unit can be limited to zero with the control unit of the brush making machine, in particular depending on corresponding input information, and the functional unit can thus be deactivated.

In one embodiment of the method, a power that can be used by the operator of the brush manufacturing machine, in particular a usable speed range of a drive of the brush manufacturing machine, can then be used as a functional unit is controlled, depending on the input information changed by the control unit, in particular increased or decreased. It is thus possible to increase or decrease the speed range of the drive that can be used by the operator of the brush manufacturing machine at least indirectly through the input information. This allows the operator of the brush manufacturing machine, for example against payment, to activate a larger usable speed range of a drive of the brush manufacturing machine for a limited period of time and / or for a limited number of pieces or of course permanently and in this way to upgrade the brush manufacturing machine.

The input information is only transmitted by a manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine, for example, when the operator of the brush manufacturing machine and / or the brush manufacturing machine has / have fulfilled at least one condition with regard to receiving the input information. The condition can be met, for example, if the operator of the brush manufacturing machine has paid a meaningful amount to the manufacturer of the brush manufacturing machine to activate the changed range of functions. However, it is also possible that other conditions must be met in order to allow the functional scope to be changed. This can be, for example, the installation of the brush production machine at a different location or the operation of the brush production machine under different conditions, for example at a different temperature and / or different air humidity. The conditions to which the brush making machine is exposed can be monitored with a sensor of the brush making machine.

It can be particularly advantageous if the control unit Functional scope of the at least one functional unit changes for a defined period of time and / or for a defined number of production processes and / or produced parts. The information required for this can be transmitted together with the input information and / or can already be stored in control information which is assigned to the input information, for example in the instruction memory. Here, the input information and / or control information can contain an instruction regarding a scope and / or a duration in which / in which the changed functional scope can be used. It is also possible for input information and / or the control information to contain at least one item of information relating to a number of products which may be manufactured with the changed functional scope.

The previously described brush manufacturing machine and the previously described method allow the functional scope of individual functional units to be adapted as required. It is thus possible, for example, to use the control unit of the brush manufacturing machine in the manner described above to lock the axes of the brush manufacturing machine in terms of programming. Furthermore, it is conceivable to activate individual switches and / or pushbuttons of the brush manufacturing machine only after a corresponding input signal has been provided with the control unit, so as to expand the range of functions of the at least one functional unit of the brush manufacturing machine that can be used by the operator.

As already indicated above, the brush manufacturing machine, in which the claimed technical teaching is implemented, can also be set up to limit and / or expand a production performance offered by it depending on input information.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below on the basis of the description of the figures. The invention is of course not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. Further exemplary embodiments of the invention result from a combination of the features which are dealt with in the claims, in the general part of the description and in the description of the figures.

Fig. 1:

Ein Ablaufdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung der Erfindung mit einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel einer stark schematisiert dargestellten Bürstenherstellungsmaschine, wobei die Bürstenherstellungsmaschine insgesamt vier Bearbeitungsstationen als Funktionseinheiten aufweist, sowie

Fig.2:

Ein zweites Ablaufdiagramm zur Veranschaulichung der Erfindung mit einem weiteren Ausführungsbeispiel einer Bürstenherstellungsmaschine, wobei hier die Reaktion der Bürstenherstellungsmaschine auf einerseits Originalbauteile (vergleiche I) und andererseits auf Nicht-Originalbauteile dargestellt ist (vergleiche II).

They show in a partially highly schematic representation:

Fig. 1:

A flowchart to illustrate the invention with a first exemplary embodiment of a brush manufacturing machine shown in a highly schematic manner, the brush manufacturing machine having a total of four processing stations as functional units, and

Figure 2:

A second flowchart to illustrate the invention with a further exemplary embodiment of a brush manufacturing machine, the reaction of the brush manufacturing machine to original components on the one hand (compare I) and to non-original components on the other hand (compare II).

Even in the case of different designs or shapes, elements that correspond in their function are given the same reference numerals in the following description of the figures.

The Figures 1 and 2 each show a brush manufacturing machine designated as a whole by 1. Each of the brush manufacturing machines 1 has at least one functional unit 2 and one control unit 3. Each of the functional units 2 provides a range of functions that can be used when operating the brush manufacturing machine 1 for an operator of the brush manufacturing machine 1. The respective control unit 3 is set up to change the usable functional scope of the at least one functional unit 2 as a function of input information 4. If necessary, one or more functional units 2 can be deactivated in an initial state, ie provide a range of functions that is zero.

Corresponding input information 4 makes it possible to expand the functional scope of these functional units 2 with the aid of the control units 3 and thus to activate the functional units 2. In this way, previously blocked machine functions can be released for use in existing brush manufacturing machines.

Each of the brush manufacturing machines 1 has an interface 5 for receiving input information 4. The interfaces 5 are at least temporarily connected to the control units 3.

The control units 3 are also at least indirectly set up to check the input information 4. Furthermore, the control units 3 are at least temporarily connected to an instruction memory 6. The instruction memories 6 contain control information which is assigned to different input information 4.

For at least indirect checking of the input information 4, the control units 3 can be connected to an checking module 24 at least temporarily. In the course of checking the input information 4, the control unit 3 and / or the checking module 24 connected at least temporarily to it can fall back on the instruction memory 6 already mentioned. This can contain a list of permissible input information 4, by means of which the control unit 3 and / or the test module 24 can autonomously determine whether the input information 4 made available to the brush manufacturing machine 1 is permissible or not.

In the Figure 1 The brush manufacturing machine 1 shown has a sensor 7. This sensor 7 is a location sensor with which the brush manufacturing machine 1 can autonomously determine its location. Location information 8 generated by the sensor 7 can be used as input information 4, on the basis of which the functional scope of the at least one functional unit 2 of the brush production machine 1 can be changed depending on the location.

In the Figure 1 The brush manufacturing machine 1 shown has a total of four functional units 2. The functional unit 2 located at position 1 is used to enter brush bodies 14 and the removal of finished brushes 12. The functional unit 2 located at position 2 is a drilling device 16, which will be explained in more detail below. At position 3 there is a device for plugging as functional unit 2 of bristles 10 in brush body 14 while at position 4 of the brush making machine 1 according to Figure 1 a milling device 9 is provided as the functional unit 2.

With this milling device 9, bristles 10 already plugged into the brush bodies 14 are machined at their free bristle ends 11. The milling device 9 has a total of three machining axes 13a, 13b, 13c. A milling tool 15 of the milling device 9 is rotatable about a first machining axis 13a of the three machining axes. A second machining axis 13b of the three machining axes is approximately parallel to the surface of an axially aligned brush body 14 of the brush 12 to be machined, on which the milling tool 15 can be moved.

Depending on input information 4 (compare part B of Figure 1 ), the control unit 3 can expand the functional scope of the functional unit 2, namely the milling device 9. After checking and / or verifying the input information 4, the control unit 3 sends a corresponding control signal to the milling device 9, by means of which the third machining axis 13c is released, along which the milling tool 15 can then also be moved.

In this way, the functional scope of the milling device 9 is expanded on the basis of the input information 4 such that brushes 12 can now be produced with a 3-dimensionally shaped bristle trim (compare part C of Figure 1 ).

Part B of Figure 1 further clarifies that the input information 4 can be transmitted wirelessly to the brush manufacturing machine 1, in particular to the control unit 3 of the brush manufacturing machine 1. The input information 4 can be provided depending on whether at least one specific condition with regard to the receipt of the input information 4 is fulfilled. The condition can be met, for example, if the brush manufacturing machine 1 is located at a specific location and / or a payment for changing the functional scope of the at least one functional unit 2 of the brush manufacturing machine 1, in particular to a manufacturer 20 of the brush manufacturing machine 1, has been made.

Part A of Figure 1 shows the functional unit 2 milling device 9 in its basic functional scope. The basic functional scope is provided by the milling device 9 when the control unit 3 of the brush manufacturing machine 1 has no input information 4. In this case, two of the three machining axes 13a, 13b, 13c of the milling device 9 can be used for machining brushes 12.

If the corresponding input information 4 is available to the brush manufacturing machine 1, the control unit 3 ensures that the third machining axis 13c of the milling device 9 is activated.

The functional unit 2 located at position 2 of the brush production machine 1 is a drilling device 16. With the drilling device 16, bundle holes 17 can be made in the brush bodies 14. The bundle holes 17 are plugged with bristles 10 on the functional unit 2, which is arranged at position 3 of the brush manufacturing machine 1.

In a basic functional scope of the drilling device 16 functional unit, a drive 18 of the drilling device 16 can be operated at a specific maximum speed. This allows the bundle holes 17 to be drilled in a corresponding cycle time. By means of corresponding input information 4, the control unit 2 can expand the functional scope of the drive 18 of the drilling device 16 by increasing a speed range usable for the operator of the brush manufacturing machine 1 and / or a usable maximum speed of the drive. In this way, more bundle holes 17 can be drilled per unit of time, which, for example, reduces the cycle time of this functional unit 2 and increases the performance of the brush manufacturing machine 1.

Figure 2 shows a brush manufacturing machine 1 with different Components 19 and 22, here can be operated with different tools 19 and 22. According to the in Part I of Figure 2 shown situation, an original tool 19 is used, which comes from the manufacturer 20 of the brush manufacturing machine 1. The tool 19 also serves as an information carrier 21 which has the input information 4.

The brush manufacturing machine 1 is set up via its interface 5 to read the input information 4, which the tool 19 has in its function as an information carrier 21. In this case, the input information 4 is authenticity information, by means of which the tool 19 for the brush manufacturing machine 1 and its control unit 3 can be identified as originating from the manufacturer 20. If the check of the input information 4, which is carried out at least indirectly by the control unit 3 of the brush manufacturing machine 1, shows that the tool 19 is an original tool, the functional unit 2 of the brush manufacturing machine 1 that uses the tool 19 receives corresponding control information and from the control unit 3 is operated at full power.

According to Part II of the Figure 2 the brush manufacturing machine 1 is operated with a tool 22 which comes from another manufacturer 23, that is to say is a non-original tool 22. This tool 22 does not carry any input information 4, on the basis of which the control unit 3 would at least indirectly recognize that the tool 22 has the necessary specifications to operate the functional unit 2 using the tool 22 at full power. For this reason, the brush manufacturing machine 1 autonomously decides to reduce the power with which the functional unit 2 is operated to 90% for safety reasons.

Both brush manufacturing machines 1 are thus suitable for carrying out the method described below for setting up a brush manufacturing machine 1:
It is provided here that a functional scope of at least one functional unit 2 of the brush manufacturing machine 1 that can be used by the operator of the brush manufacturing machine 1 during operation of the brush manufacturing machine 1 is changed as a function of input information 4 from the control unit 3 of the brush manufacturing machine 1.

The input information 4 is received via the interface 5 of the brush manufacturing machine 1. The input information 4 is then checked at least indirectly by the control unit 3. The control unit 3 can use an examination module 24 for this purpose. This test module 24 can be cloud-based and / or operated by the manufacturer 20 of the brush manufacturing machine 1. To test the input information 4, the brush manufacturing machine 1, in particular the control unit 3, can connect to the test module 24 at least temporarily.

In particular after a positive check, control information associated with the input information 4 is transmitted from the control unit 3 to the at least one functional unit 2 of the brush manufacturing machine 1 in order to change the range of functions that can be used by the operator when operating the brush manufacturing machine 1.

Depending on the application, the input information 4 is provided by the manufacturer 20 of the brush manufacturing machine 1. An information carrier 21 can be used for this. The information carrier 21 is on the interface 5 the brush manufacturing machine 1 tuned.

The input information 4 can also be generated autonomously by the brush manufacturing machine 1, in particular by the control unit 3. In a variant of the method, it is provided that the input information 4 is generated by means of a sensor 7, for example by means of a location sensor 7, and made available to the control unit 3, in particular via the interface 5. In a further embodiment of the method, a component 19 provided with the input information 4, in particular a tool 19, is used as the information carrier 21, which is compatible with the brush manufacturing machine 1.

An activation key, a digital activation key, a code, a certificate of authenticity and / or a data carrier which can be read by the interface 5 of the brush manufacturing machine 1 and which has the input information 4 can of course also be used as the information carrier 21.

Depending on the input information 4, the control unit 3 of the brush manufacturing machine 1 can limit and expand the functional scope of the functional unit 2. If necessary, the functional scope can even be reduced to zero, as a result of which the functional unit 2 is then deactivated or its use is blocked. The functional scope of the functional unit 2 can also be expanded from zero to a defined scope in order to activate or activate the functional unit.

The at least one functional unit 2 of the brush manufacturing machine 1 can provide at least one basic functional scope. This is exemplified in part A of Figure 1 illustrated. At least this basic functional scope can be used when operating the brush manufacturing machine 1 if there is no input information 4.

In the Figure 2 The brush manufacturing machine 1 shown is set up to change a maximum output with which the brush manufacturing machine 1, in particular a drive 16 of the brush manufacturing machine 1, is operated. Specifically, this can mean that a speed of the drive 16 of the brush manufacturing machine 1 is at least indirectly increased or decreased by the input information 4.

The input information 4 can then be provided by the manufacturer 20 of the brush manufacturing machine 1 as soon as the operator of the brush manufacturing machine 1 and / or the brush manufacturing machine 1 has / have fulfilled at least one condition with regard to the receipt of the input information 4. The condition can be met, for example, when the operator of the brush manufacturing machine 1 has paid the manufacturer 20 a certain amount in order to expand the functional scope of the functional unit 2. Once payment has been made, the manufacturer 20 transmits the input information 4 to the brush manufacturing machine 1, whereupon the control unit 3 brings about a corresponding change in the functional scope of the functional unit 2.

Depending on the input information 4, the control unit 2 can change the functional scope of the at least one functional unit 2, for example for a defined period and / or for a defined number of production processes and / or for a defined number of produced parts. For this purpose, the input information 4 and / or control information linked to the input information 4 can include at least one item of information relating to a scope and / or a duration that / in which the changed range of functions can be used, and / or contain at least information regarding a number of products that may be manufactured with the changed range of functions.

The invention is concerned with improvements in the technical field of the manufacture of brushes 12. For this purpose, among other things, a brush manufacturing machine 1 is proposed, which has at least one functional unit 2 and one control unit 3. The control unit 3 is set up to change a functional scope of the at least one functional unit 2 that can be used during the operation of the brush manufacturing machine 1 as a function of input information 4.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Brush manufacturing machine

2

functional unit

3

control unit

4

input information

5

interface

6

instruction memory

7

Sensor / location sensor

8th

location information

9

milling

10

bristles

11

free bristle ends

12

brush

13a

first machining axis

13b

second machining axis

13c

third machining axis

14

brush body

15

milling tool

16

drilling

17

bundle hole

18

Drive from 16

19

original component / tool

20

Manufacturer of 1 and 19

21

information carrier

22

not original component / tool

23

different manufacturer

24

test module

Claims (16)

Brush-making machine (1) with at least one functional unit (2) and a control unit (3), the at least one functional unit (2) providing a range of functions that can be used by an operator of the brush-making machine (1) during operation of the brush-making machine (1), and the control unit (3 ) is set up to change the usable range of functions depending on input information (4). The brush manufacturing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the functional range usable for the operator of at least one functional unit (2) of the brush manufacturing machine (1) is zero in an initial state and / or at least one functional unit (2) of the brush manufacturing machine (1) is deactivated, and / or wherein the control unit (3) of the brush manufacturing machine (1) is set up to change the usable range of functions depending on one or the input information (4) from zero to an extended range and / or to limit it to zero and / or the functional unit ( 2) to activate and / or deactivate the brush manufacturing machine (1) depending on one or the input information (4) for use. Brush manufacturing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the brush manufacturing machine (1), in particular the control unit (3), has an interface (5) for receiving the input information (4). Brush manufacturing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (3) is set up at least indirectly for checking the input information (4) and / or wherein the control unit (3) is at least temporarily connected to an instruction memory (6) which contains input information (4) associated control information for the at least one functional unit (2). Brush manufacturing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the brush manufacturing machine (1) has at least one sensor (7), in particular a location sensor (7), and / or is at least temporarily connected to one with which input information (4 ) can be generated. Brush manufacturing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one functional unit (2) has a number of n machining axes (13a, 13b, 13c), of which a number of nx machining axes (13a, 13b, 13c) within the scope of a basic functional scope can be used if the control unit (3) does not have any input information (4), and a number of nxy to n processing axes (13a, 13b, 13c) can be used within the scope of a range of functions changed by the control unit (3) if corresponding input information is available , Brush manufacturing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional unit (2) is a drive (18) which provides a usable speed range and / or a maximum usable speed as a usable functional scope. Method for setting up a brush manufacturing machine (1), in particular a brush manufacturing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a functional range of at least one functional unit (2) of the brush manufacturing machine (1) that can be used by an operator of the brush manufacturing machine (1) during operation of the brush manufacturing machine (1) is changed as a function of input information (4) from a control unit (3). Method according to Claim 8, the functional scope of the at least one functional unit (2) being changed from zero to an expanded scope and / or the at least one functional unit (2) being activated for use by the change in the functional scope, and / or the input information (4 ) is received by an interface (5) of the brush manufacturing machine (1). Method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the input information (4), in particular at least indirectly by the control unit (3), is checked and / or wherein, in particular after a positive check, control information associated with the input information (4), in particular by the control unit (3 ) to which at least one functional unit (2) is transmitted in order to change the range of functions that can be used when operating the brush manufacturing machine (1). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input information (4) of the brush manufacturing machine (1) from a manufacturer (20) of the brush manufacturing machine (1), from an information carrier (21) and / or from a sensor (7), in particular from a location sensor (7), is provided, in particular transmitted to and / or read from the interface (5). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a component (19) provided with the input information (4), in particular a tool (19) which is compatible with the brush manufacturing machine (1), is used as the information carrier (21), and / or wherein an activation key, a digital activation key, a code, a certificate of authenticity and / or a data carrier that can be read by the interface (5) and has the input information (4) is used as the information carrier (21). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the functional scope is limited as a function of the input information (4) by the control unit (3) or wherein the functional scope is expanded as a function of one or the input information (4) from the control unit (3), and / or wherein the at least one functional unit (2) of the brush manufacturing machine (1) provides a basic functional scope that can be used by an operator of the brush manufacturing machine (1) during operation of the brush manufacturing machine (1) and / or is used when there is no input information (4). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a power usable for the operator of the brush manufacturing machine, in particular a usable speed range and / or a usable maximum speed of a drive (18) of the brush manufacturing machine (1), as a function of the input information (4) by the control unit (3) changed, in particular increased or decreased. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input information (4) from a manufacturer (20) of the Brush production machine (1) is transmitted, in particular as soon as the operator of the brush production machine (1) and / or the brush production machine (1) has / have fulfilled at least one condition with regard to the receipt of the input information (4). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (3) changes the usable functional scope of the at least one functional unit (2) for a defined period and / or for a defined number of production processes and / or produced parts, preferably wherein the input information (4) and / or one or the control information, at least one piece of information regarding a scope and / or a period in which / in which the changed functional scope can be used, and / or at least one piece of information regarding a number of products that may be manufactured with the changed functional scope , contains / contain.

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