DE102023117177A1 - Measuring system and measuring method for measuring a tool - Google Patents

Abstract

In a measuring system for measuring tools using a measuring device (110) to which several insert modules (200) are assigned for the position-defined arrangement of tools on the measuring device, an insert module has a tool holder for holding a tool to be measured and a data carrier (175) for carrying module information data. The measuring device has a spindle unit which is mounted in a stationary part of the measuring device so as to be rotatable about a spindle axis and has an insert module holder for the position-defined holding of an insert module (200). The measuring device has a control unit (190) which can be operated via an operating unit and a transmission system with a transmission path for the automatic transmission of module information data between the data carrier (175) and the control unit (190). The control unit is configured in an operating mode for permanent monitoring of the insert module by high-frequency reading of module information data.

Description

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND STATE OF THE ART

The invention relates to a measuring system and a measuring method for measuring tools with the aid of a measuring device to which several insert modules are assigned for the position-defined arrangement of tools on the measuring device.

Measuring systems of the type considered here are often part of a tool measuring and setting device. A measuring device of the measuring system comprises components for holding a tool to be measured and components that serve to measure the tool held. The measuring device has a spindle unit that is mounted in a stationary part of the measuring device so that it can rotate about a spindle axis. As a rule, a coordinate slide is attached to the base body, which carries the measuring system to be aligned with the tool. Nowadays, camera systems with connected image processing are usually used as measuring systems.

In order to be able to measure and/or adjust many different types of tools or tool types in a short time with such a measuring device, several insert modules for the position-defined arrangement of tools on the measuring device are assigned to a measuring device in generic measuring systems. The insert modules function as adapters to adapt the mounting geometry of the measuring device to the respective tool type or its mounting geometry. For this purpose, an insert module holder for the position-defined mounting of an insert module is designed at the freely accessible end of the spindle unit. There is a tool holder on an insert module, for example a hollow shank taper (HSK) or a steep taper (SK) tool holder. Using such insert modules enables highly flexible tool measurement and/or adjustment, since the measuring device can be quickly and easily adapted to the type of tool to be measured by exchanging insert modules. Using this measuring device, a tool inserted into the insert module can be measured in different rotational positions.

When using such insert modules, the measuring device must be calibrated or referenced before the actual measuring process begins in order to establish a clear relationship between the measuring coordinate system of the measuring device and the tool-side tool coordinate system. The measuring coordinate system describes, for example, the coordinate system of the coordinate slide. The tool coordinate system refers to a logical zero point of an insert module. Its position depends on the type of standardized tool holder in the insert module. The tool parameters (e.g. tool length or tool radius) should be related to this logical zero point during the measurement.

Since the logical zero point of the tool coordinate system is not accessible for measurement, an auxiliary zero point is attached to each insert module, which has a defined offset compared to the logical zero point. The offset is determined by measuring the insert module and is kept accessible on the insert module in the form of module information data so that the user can later use information about the offset for the measurement.

In the past, measurement errors were more common due to operator errors, e.g. because the correct application module was not selected or because module information data was not correctly entered into the control unit.

To avoid the latter problems, the patent application DE 101 24 275 A1 A method has been introduced that provides for automatic transmission of the module information data from the application module to the measuring device. This enables automatic identification of the application module used and automatically provides the correct data assigned to the application module, in particular the auxiliary coordinates for the auxiliary zero point, for further measurement and evaluation. The previously usual manual input of data is thus eliminated as a possible source of error. This increases process reliability on the one hand and makes the measuring process more user-friendly on the other. The content of the DE 101 24 275 A1 is incorporated by reference into the content of this application.

For the transmission of module information data from the application module to the measuring device, DE 101 24 275 A1 Various techniques are proposed. For example, inductive transmission or radio transmission is mentioned. Alternatively, optical information transmission can be used, for example with the help of a bar code on the application module and a corresponding bar code reader on the side of the measuring device. The data carriers on the application module include semiconductor-based data carriers, e.g. data chips, which can be writable and electrically contacted or read out without contact, e.g. inductively. EP 1 586 413 A1 describes a transmission of module information using a data transmission camera.

The automated data transfer from the insert module to the measuring device has proven itself many times in practice. Even in generic measuring systems, a data carrier for carrying module information data is attached to the insert module. The measuring device includes a computer-aided control unit that can be operated via an operating unit. The measuring device includes a transmission system with a transmission path for the automatic transmission of module information data between the data carrier and the control unit.

It has been observed that despite the automation of data transfer, errors can occasionally occur when using insert modules, particularly for users who work highly productively and possibly with relatively small batch sizes. These errors are usually only noticed when a workpiece has been machined with a measured tool and its dimensions do not correspond to the specifications.

TASK AND SOLUTION

Against this background, the invention is based on the object of providing a measuring system and a measuring method for measuring tools, in which an automatic transmission of module information from an insert module to a measuring device is provided. In particular, it should be possible to ensure or even further increase process reliability at low cost.

To solve this problem, the invention provides a measuring system with the features of claim 1 and a measuring method with the features of claim 10. Preferred developments are specified in the dependent claims. The wording of all claims is incorporated into the content of the description by reference.

According to one aspect of the invention, a measuring system for measuring tools is provided. In the measuring method, the measurement is carried out using a measuring device that is part of the measuring system. The measuring device is assigned several insert modules that belong to the measuring system and are used for the position-defined arrangement of tools on the measuring device. An insert module has a tool holder for holding a tool to be measured. The tool holder can, for example, have a conical section and be designed such that a tool or a tool holder with a hollow shank taper or a steep taper or a Morse taper can be held therein in a defined position.

The measuring device has a spindle unit that is mounted in a stationary part of the measuring device in such a way that it can be rotated about a spindle axis. A rotary drive can be provided for this purpose, but this is not mandatory. Manual spindle rotation is also possible. The spindle unit can be mounted, for example, in the base body of the device or in a bearing unit mounted on the device. The spindle axis is preferably aligned vertically, but this is not mandatory. The spindle unit has an insert module holder at its freely accessible end for holding an insert module in a defined position. An insert module functions like an adapter with which it is possible to mount a specific tool on the spindle unit of the measuring device in such a way that the tool can later be measured in different rotational positions or from different directions if required.

Preferably, the inserted tool is pulled into the tool holder of the insert module using an integrated pulling device to ensure a secure fit. The insert module is also automatically pulled into the insert module holder to ensure a firm fit.

The measuring device is computer-controlled and has a computer-based control unit that can be operated via an operating unit. In order for the measuring device to be able to carry out a desired measuring operation, a geometric relationship must be established between the tool coordinate system and the machine coordinate system. This requires, among other things, information about the specific application module used, since the relationship between the coordinate systems can vary depending on the application module. In order to enable automatic information transfer, an application module has a data carrier for carrying module information data. The measuring system has a transmission system with a transmission path for the automatic transmission of module information data between the data carrier and the control unit.

According to a formulation of the claimed invention, the control unit is configured in an operating mode for permanent monitoring of the deployment module by high-frequency reading of module information data.

This enables a measuring method in which the module is permanently monitored automatically and controlled by the control unit by high-frequency reading of module information. information data from the data carrier attached to the deployed module.

This aspect of the claimed invention is based, among other things, on the realization that process reliability can be improved if the corresponding module information data for identifying the insert module is not only transmitted to the control unit of the measuring device once in connection with the insertion of the insert module. Rather, process reliability can be increased if module information data is repeatedly read out and further processed at short intervals or at high frequency even after the first information transmission, thereby achieving practically uninterrupted monitoring of inserted insert modules. This is referred to here as permanent monitoring, even if there are short breaks between the individual reading operations. The module information data therefore do not have to be read out continuously. A sufficiently high-frequency reading is sufficient, i.e. repeated reading with regular sampling. For example, the control unit can be configured so that module information data is read out with cycle times of the order of one second or less, e.g. at intervals in the tenths of a second range or in the range of a few milliseconds, for example every 10 ms. The reading can begin at a start time and continue until an end time. The start time can be, for example, the time of insertion and the end time the time of removal of the insert module or the time of switching off the system.

The following considerations are relevant with regard to the meaning and purpose of such permanent monitoring and checking of the respective insert module used. Each insert module, i.e. each adapter, has its own coordinate zero point, which can be described using the auxiliary coordinates. From a manufacturing point of view, it is practically impossible to manufacture all insert modules, which should have nominally identical geometry and connection dimensions, to exactly the same coordinate zero point. This means that there are small differences in the geometry even between nominally identical insert modules, which have a direct effect on the measurement results that are determined when using the selected insert module. Using the measuring system without permanent monitoring and checking of the insert module used carries the risk that after a change of insert module, this change is not acknowledged in the software or otherwise noted, resulting in incorrect measurement results.

Reasons for incorrect measurement results can be, for example, that an operator forgets to select an insert module change in the software. It can also be the case that an operator confuses two nominally identical insert modules without this being brought to the software's attention. It can also be the case that an operator leaves his workstation at the measuring device (e.g. to take a break) and another operator uses the measuring and setting device that has become available in the meantime in order to use the break to quickly carry out another measurement process. In this case, it can be the case that the operator physically resets the measuring device but forgets to acknowledge the change in the software. Finally, it can also be the case that an insert module is damaged and a replacement insert module is ordered, which is simply reinserted and used again, even though this results in a different offset between the machine coordinate system and the tool coordinate system.

Sources of error of this kind and other circumstances that endanger process safety can be systematically avoided if the permanent monitoring of the insert module described here is carried out.

According to a further development, a special configuration of the control unit makes it possible to automatically detect a change in module status. To do this, module information data read out in succession are automatically compared with one another in a comparison operation. Depending on the result of the comparison, an action can then be initiated to react to the change in the status of the module used. If the comparison shows no difference, nothing has changed. A significant difference in the values on which the comparison is based is interpreted as a change in module status. The module status changes, for example, when one module is exchanged for another. The action resulting from the comparison can, for example, be that an operator is prompted by the software to acknowledge the module change. The action can also consist of the new module information being automatically read out and further processed for measurement purposes. Removing the module is also recognized as a change in status. This means that a proper measurement process is basically no longer possible, but it is still recognized and, for example, an operator message appears.

Due to special features of the components in the transmission path, quasi-permanent monitoring can be supported and implemented with particularly high process reliability. According to a Wei The transmission path comprises a first pair of transmitters for transmitting signals between the insert module and a component of the spindle unit and a second pair of transmitters for transmitting signals between the spindle unit and the stationary part of the measuring device. The module information data is encoded in the signals. There is a separate pair of transmitters for each interface in the transmission path. The first interface is the interface between the exchangeable insert module and the spindle unit, which is part of the stationary measuring device. The second interface is found within the measuring device between the spindle unit, which can be rotated about the spindle axis, and a component in the stationary part of the measuring device, i.e. between a movable component (spindle unit) and a stationary component. At this interface too, a transmission must be guaranteed that functions smoothly and without interruptions, regardless of the operating state of the measuring system and the rotational position of the spindle unit, in order to enable permanent monitoring.

According to a further development, the first pair of transmitters is designed for contactless or touchless transmission. The first pair of transmitters can work inductively, capacitively or wirelessly, for example. Contactless transmission, i.e. transmission without physical contact between the transmission elements or transmitters of the transmitter pair, appears to be advantageous at this interface, since the transmission contact between an insert module that can be used and the spindle must be interrupted each time one insert module is replaced with another when an insert module is removed and restored when an insert module is inserted. If an insert module is inserted into the insert module holder in the correct rotational position, the components of the transmitter pair that communicate with each other maintain their relative arrangement to each other, so that the conditions for contactless transmission in the area of this interface remain stable until the insert module is replaced.

In contrast, it is preferably provided that the second pair of transmitters is designed for contact-based transmission. This transmission takes place at the interface between the rotatable, mounted spindle unit and the stationary part of the measuring device. The transmission should function virtually error-free and without interruptions, even if the spindle unit rotates or has been rotated relative to the stationary part. Although the second pair of transmitters could also work according to a contactless principle, for example inductively or capacitively or wirelessly, contact-based transmission has proven to be much more robust and reliable at this interface, particularly for ensuring permanent transmission.

According to a further development, the second pair of transmitters has a slip ring arrangement. A slip ring arrangement is an electromechanical assembly that is designed to ensure electrical power transmission and/or electrical signal transmission between components rotating against each other. The transmission contact is ensured in the form of a sliding contact between a movable contact element and a stationary ring-shaped contact element.

It has proven to be advantageous if the slip ring arrangement on the stationary part has a contact arrangement with several ring-shaped contact elements that run concentrically to the spindle axis, while the contact elements that are in transmission contact with them are mounted opposite each other on the spindle unit. The contact elements can be, for example, electrically conductive brushes or spring-loaded sliding shoes made of suitable, electrically conductive contact material.

In preferred embodiments, the slip ring arrangement is designed as an axial slip ring arrangement, which in this context means that the contact elements of the interacting sides are opposite each other in the axial direction of the spindle unit. On the one hand, this simplifies assembly. On the other hand, this arrangement also requires only a relatively small installation space and can therefore also be accommodated in complex installation environments. Alternative slip ring arrangements in which the cooperating slip ring contacts are opposite each other in the radial direction are also possible.

It is possible that the module information data required for the application module is stored once in the data carrier and cannot be deleted or changed afterwards. In this case, it would be sufficient to design the transmission path unidirectionally, so that only module information data or corresponding signals are transmitted from the data carrier to the control unit. In preferred embodiments, the data carrier is designed as a writable data carrier and the transmission path is designed as a bidirectional transmission path. In this case, it is also possible to modify the information content stored in the data carrier after the original configuration of the data carrier within the measuring device by storing new data and/or by changing stored data. The communication can therefore be bidirectional in order to initially describe, but also to be able to change the information content when the system is running. This makes it possible for qualified specialist personnel to change values stored on the data carrier, for example if the values for the coordinate origin on the insert module have changed due to special circumstances, e.g. if the adapter zero point balls are damaged or after rework on the insert module.

In preferred embodiments, components and methods from the field of RFID technology (RFID = radio-frequency identification) are used. For this purpose, the data carrier comprises an RFID transponder that contains the module information in coded form. On the spindle unit side, i.e. on the other side of the first transmitter pair, an RFID reader can be arranged to read the module information. In the case of a bidirectionally usable first transmitter pair, an RFID writing and reading device can be arranged on the spindle side, which builds up a magnetic or electromagnetic field for data transmission that supplies the passive RFID transponder with energy.

In a preferred embodiment of a measuring system, standardized components of an RFID identification system based on RFID transmission are particularly advantageously provided at the interface between the insert module and the spindle unit, which are otherwise used in the technical environment of modern manufacturing to clearly assign and trace objects and products. For example, components of a commercial identification solution called BIS from the manufacturer Balluff can be used for this interface. The data, in particular the module information data, can then be transferred between the RFID transponder and the read/write head (reader) and passed on to the controller via a specially adapted evaluation unit. Accordingly, an evaluation unit belonging to the commercially available system can also be used here for the purpose of module identification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

• 1 zeigt eine schematische Seitenansicht eines Ausführungsbeispiels eines Werkzeugmess- und Einstellgeräts mit einer Messeinrichtung;
• 2 zeigt einen Längsschnitt durch die Spindeleinheit mit eingesetztem Einsatzmodul;
• 3 zeigt schematisch Komponenten der Übertragungsstrecke.

Further advantages and aspects of the invention emerge from the claims and from the description of embodiments of the invention, which are explained below with reference to the figures.

• 1 shows a schematic side view of an embodiment of a tool measuring and setting device with a measuring device;
• 2 shows a longitudinal section through the spindle unit with inserted insert module;
• 3 shows schematic components of the transmission path.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The schematic side view in 1 shows components of an embodiment of a measuring system 100 according to the invention for vertical tool measurement and adjustment. The measuring system comprises a freely set-up measuring device 110, which is also referred to as measuring device 110, as well as a plurality of insert modules 200 assigned to the measuring device, which serve to attach the tools to be measured to the measuring device or to the measuring device.

The measuring device has a stationary base body 120, which has on its upper side 122 devices for holding a tool to be measured (see also 2 ). The devices include a spindle unit 140, which is mounted so as to be rotatable about a vertical spindle axis 145 by means of a bearing 127. The roller bearing rings of the bearing are fastened on the one hand to the outside of the spindle unit 140 and on the other hand to the inside of a bearing unit 125, which is firmly mounted on the top 122 of the base body 120. The spindle unit can be rotated indefinitely into different rotational positions by means of a rotary drive (not shown) under computer control. Manual rotation is also possible.

The spindle unit 140 has an insert module holder 150 at its upper end for the position-defined reception of an exchangeable insert module 200. The insert module holder 150 has an upwardly widening conical section 152 directly on the input side, which fits together with a conical section on the insert module and ensures centering and coaxial alignment of the inserted insert module in the insert module holder 150.

An insert module 200 has a predominantly conical tool holder 210 for holding a tool 300 to be measured. Depending on the shape of the tool shaft, the tool holder 210 can be designed, for example, as a hollow shaft taper (HSK) or a steep taper (SK) tool holder.

The base body 120 also carries a horizontal slide (not shown) on which a column 160 can be moved along a horizontal X-axis with the aid of computer-controlled motors. The column 160 carries a vertical slide on its side facing the receiving devices. which can be moved along a vertical Z-axis with the help of another computer-controlled motor.

A C-shaped optics carrier 165 is attached to the vertical slide, which carries a lighting unit on one leg and a measuring camera 166 on the opposite leg, which is an industrial camera (area camera, matrix camera) that is connected to an image evaluation device. The measuring camera, which serves as an optical measuring system for the tool, can be moved in the X and Z directions in order to bring a recorded tool into the image field of the measuring camera.

The entire system is computer-controlled. For this purpose, the drives for the horizontal and vertical displacement of the measuring camera 165 and the rotation of the spindle unit 140 are connected to a control unit 190 equipped with a microprocessor, which can be operated via an operating unit 195 equipped with a screen and keyboard (and/or touchscreen). The computer-aided control unit has access to memory with programs that, for example, control the measuring process. A part of the image captured by the measuring camera, for example with a section of a tool cutting edge, can be displayed on the screen, as well as all data relevant to an operator in a suitable form (numerical, graphic, etc.).

When using adapters in the form of insert modules, the measuring device must be calibrated or referenced before the actual measuring process begins in order to establish a clear relationship between the measuring coordinate system of the measuring device and the tool-side tool coordinate system. The tool coordinate system refers to a logical zero point NP of an insert module. Its position depends on the type of standardized tool holder in the insert module. The tool parameters (e.g. tool length or tool radius) should be related to this logical zero point during the measurement.

Since the logical zero point of the tool coordinate system is not accessible for measurement, an auxiliary zero point HP is attached to each insert module, which can be implemented using a calibration edge or calibration ball, for example, and can be attached to the upper edge area of the insert module. The auxiliary zero point has a defined offset in the radial and longitudinal direction compared to the logical zero point NP, which can be described using auxiliary coordinates, i.e. difference values between the logical zero point and the auxiliary zero point in the radial and longitudinal directions. These difference values are determined by measuring the insert module. This measurement of the insert module and the recording of the auxiliary coordinates are usually carried out once by the manufacturer of the insert module, so that the user can later use the auxiliary coordinates specific to the insert module for the measurement.

A ring collar 212 is formed on the insert module, which rests on the front side of the spindle unit 140 when the insert module is inserted and thereby determines the position in the Z direction. A data carrier 175 in the form of an RFID chip, which carries module information data, is attached to the edge of the insert module in a radially open groove 203 in the ring collar. The module information data includes data that describe the offset or the offset between the logical zero point NP and the auxiliary zero point HP of the tool-internal tool coordinate system.

The measuring device 110 comprises a transmission system for the automatic transmission of module information data between an insert module 200 inserted into the spindle unit or the data carrier 175 attached thereto and the control unit 190 of the measuring device. Components of the transmission system are shown in 3 shown schematically.

The transmission path between the data carrier 175 on the insert module and the control unit 190 runs through two interfaces, each of which has a pair of transmitters with two transmitter elements communicating with each other. A first pair of transmitters 170 is used to transmit signals between the data carrier on the insert module and the spindle unit. On the insert module side, the data carrier (RFID chip) 175 acts as a transmitter element, which on the spindle unit side interacts with an RFID read/write head 178 as the second transmitter element of the first pair of transmitters 170. In the example, the RFID read/write head is mounted in a slot nut, which is used to insert the inserted insert module 200 in the correct rotational position into the spindle-side insert module holder. The data carrier is mounted in the corresponding groove 203 on the insert module 200.

The second transmitter pair 180 ensures the transmission of signals and energy between the spindle unit 140 and a machine-fixed component of the position unit 125. The second transmitter pair 180 comprises a slip ring arrangement, the transmitter elements 185, 182 of which are opposite one another in the axial direction, i.e. in the direction of the spindle axis. The spindle-side transmitter element of the second transmitter pair is a contact ring 185 of the Slip ring arrangement. The contact ring comprises four circular contact conductor tracks that are coaxial to one another and arranged at a radial distance from one another and are arranged on the underside of an element that rotates with the spindle unit. A groove 126 is made in the bearing unit 125 outside the roller bearing rings of the bearing 127. A contact block 182 is mounted in this groove, which forms the stationary transmitter element. The contact block 182 has four radially offset sliding contacts that are electrically connected to an evaluation unit of the RFID system integrated in the control unit and each contact one of the contact rings. The slip ring arrangement ensures that, regardless of the rotational position of the spindle unit, there is always a contact-based transmission of data, signals and energy at this interface. An inverted arrangement of contact block and contact ring is also possible.

In one operating mode, the control unit 190 is configured to carry out permanent monitoring of the insert module inserted into the spindle unit by reading module information data from the data carrier 175 via the transmission path at high sampling rates and processing it in the evaluation unit. The permanent monitoring ensures that every change relevant to the measurement in the area of the insert module or the insert module holder is registered promptly or practically immediately and taken into account in the further control. This arrangement ensures that the flow of energy and data over the transmission path is always uninterrupted, even in harsh working environments, for example in a factory hall. The contact-based transmission of signals and power in the area of the slip ring arrangement contributes in particular to this. Although this interface does not offer the advantages of a possible contactless transmission (for example freedom from wear), it does in return result in increased process reliability, especially in harsh working environments.

A method for measuring a tool that can be carried out using the measuring system includes measuring the insert modules prior to the actual measurement in order to determine, among other things, the auxiliary coordinates that describe the offset in the radial direction and axial direction of the auxiliary zero point HP relative to the logical zero point NP. Corresponding module information data is then stored in the data carrier 175 in readable form. The module information data can contain further data, for example a unique module identification number, a serial number, information about the type of tool holder, the date of manufacture, the last calibration date, etc. The auxiliary coordinates and other module-specific data can also be stored outside the data carrier in a memory that is accessible to the measuring device. For example, it is also possible to later read out only the module identification number from the inserted insert module and, based on this, access the auxiliary coordinates or corresponding data stored elsewhere.

When the insert module to be measured is later selected for a measuring insert and inserted into the spindle unit or the insert module holder there, the data carrier 175 attached to the bottom of the radially open anti-twist groove 203 is automatically in the correct position relative to the read/write head 178 of the RFID system mounted in the sliding block, so that contactless data transmission can take place at this point.

A wired transmission path for data and energy leads from the read/write head to the spindle side of the slip ring arrangement 180, from where the signals containing the information are transmitted to the stationary side of the slip ring arrangement by means of an electrically conductive contact. From there, a line leads to the evaluation unit, which in the example case is integrated into the control unit 190.

As soon as the insert module is inserted and the control unit is set to monitoring mode, the module information data is read out and transferred to the control unit. Using the transferred data, the measuring device can be calibrated using the auxiliary zero point, e.g. by moving a crosshair of the optical measuring system to the calibration edge with the auxiliary zero point HP and the operator confirming the precise setting of the crosshair on the control unit. This creates a computer connection between the measuring coordinate system and the tool coordinate system. Usually, only then is the tool to be measured inserted into the tool holder and measured in a conventional manner using the optical measuring system. For example, the tool length (Z value) and/or a tool radius (X value) and/or other parameters of the tool can be determined. The measured values determined can then be used computer-aided with the help of the auxiliary coordinates to determine the tool parameters in relation to the tool-internal, logical zero point and to output them on an output unit, for example a screen.

Although the required calibration can be performed with the first data transmission, in an operating mode of the control unit the module information continues to be read continuously from the data carrier at a high sampling rate (e.g. at intervals of the order of 10 ms (milliseconds) or less).

If the insert module is removed and exchanged for another insert module, but an operator forgets to acknowledge this change via the control unit, it could previously be the case that the measuring system continued to work after the last calibration, even though the insert module that has since been used has a different geometry and therefore different auxiliary coordinates. In this case, incorrect measurements could be the result. Such errors are systematically avoided with this system of permanent module monitoring. Since the control unit reads out module information at high sampling rates, an insert module change that is not acknowledged by the operator on the control unit would always be noticed automatically, as the module information data read out would change. A new calibration would therefore be carried out automatically after the next insert module was inserted, so that the measurement results then determined on the tool would also be correct within the scope of the basic measurement accuracy of the measuring device.

In order to automatically determine whether anything has changed in the module used, module information data read out in succession are automatically compared with each other and, depending on the result of the comparison, special processes may be initiated. The comparison operation does not have to be carried out after each reading. Experience has shown that it is sufficient if such comparisons are only carried out at longer intervals, for example of at least one minute between successive comparison operations. This places little strain on the control unit's computing capacity, but at the same time a significant increase in process reliability can be achieved.

In the embodiment of the measuring device shown, the data carrier 175, the read/write head 178 and the RFID evaluation unit are standardized components of a commercial RFID identification system. A commercially available evaluation unit can therefore be used to evaluate the module information data.

The measuring and setting device or the measuring device can also be used as a device for writing data carriers on insert modules. To do this, the insert module can be measured using the measuring device in order to then write the data required for later measuring operations, for example the data on the auxiliary coordinates, into the data carrier. This means that a separate measuring device for measuring the insert module is not required.

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 101 24 275 A1 [0007, 0008]
• EP 1 586 413 A1 [0008]

Claims (15)

Measuring system (100) for measuring tools with the aid of a measuring device (110), to which a plurality of insert modules (200) for the position-defined arrangement of tools on the measuring device are assigned, wherein an insert module (200) has a tool holder (210) for holding a tool (300) to be measured and a data carrier (175) for carrying module information data; the measuring device (110) has a spindle unit (140) which is mounted in a stationary part of the measuring device so as to be rotatable about a spindle axis (145) and has an insert module holder (150) for the position-defined holding of an insert module (200); the measuring device has a control unit (190) which can be operated via an operating unit (195) and a transmission system with a transmission path for the automatic transmission of module information data between the data carrier (175) and the control unit (190) is provided, characterized in that the control unit is configured in an operating mode for permanent monitoring of the insert module by high-frequency reading of module information data. measuring system according to claim 1 , characterized in that the control unit (190) is configured to read out the module information data at a clock rate of one second or less continuously from a start time to an end time, wherein preferably the start time is at the time of insertion and the end time is at the time of removal or shutdown of the system. measuring system according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the control unit (190) is configured to automatically detect a module status change, wherein module information data read out successively in time are automatically compared with one another in a comparison operation and an action is initiated depending on a result of the comparison. Measuring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission path comprises a first pair of transmitters (170) for transmitting signals between the insert module (200) and a component of the spindle unit and a second pair of transmitters (180) for transmitting signals between the spindle unit (140) and the stationary part of the measuring device (110). measuring system according to claim 4 , characterized in that the first transmitter pair (170) is designed for contactless transmission, in particular for inductive signal transmission. measuring system according to claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the second transmitter pair (180) is designed for contact-based transmission. measuring system according to claim 6 , characterized in that the second pair of transmitters (180) has a slip ring arrangement, wherein the slip ring arrangement on the spindle unit preferably has a contact arrangement (185) with several ring-shaped contact elements rotating concentrically to the spindle axis, and contact elements (182) in transmission contact therewith, in particular electrically conductive brushes or spring-loaded sliding shoes, are mounted opposite one another on the stationary part of the measuring device and/or in that the slip ring arrangement is designed as an axial slip ring arrangement such that the contact elements of the interacting sides are opposite one another in the axial direction of the spindle unit (140). Measuring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data carrier (175) is designed as a writable data carrier and/or that the transmission path is designed as a bidirectionally usable transmission path. Measuring system according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the data carrier (175) contains an RFID transponder for storing module information data and an RFID reader or an RFID read/write device is arranged on the spindle unit side. Method for measuring a tool with the aid of a measuring device which has a control unit which can be operated via an operating unit and a spindle unit which can be rotated about a spindle axis and which has an insert module holder for the position-defined holding of an insert module, wherein an insert module has a tool holder for holding a tool to be measured and a data carrier for carrying module information data which comprise data determined by measuring the insert module on auxiliary coordinates and/or identification data for determining the auxiliary coordinates, the method having the following steps: - selecting an insert module with a data carrier which suits the tool; - inserting the insert module into the insert module holder of the spindle unit; - automatically transferring module information data from the data carrier of the insert module to Measuring device before starting a measurement; - Calibration of the measuring device using the data on the auxiliary coordinates; - Inserting a tool into the tool holder; - Measuring the tool, characterized by permanent monitoring of the insert module inserted into the insert module holder by high-frequency reading of module information data. procedure according to claim 10 , characterized in that the module information data are read out at a clock rate of 10 ms or less continuously from a start time to an end time, wherein preferably the start time is at the time of insertion and the end time is at the time of removal or shutdown of the system. procedure according to claim 10 or 11 , characterized by automatic detection of a module status change, wherein module information data read out successively in time are compared with one another in a comparison operation and an action is initiated depending on a result of the comparison, in particular a request to an operator to acknowledge a module status change. Method according to one of the Claims 10 until 12 , characterized in that a transmission of signals along a transmission path takes place via a first interface between the insert module and a component of the spindle unit and a second interface between the spindle unit and the stationary part of the measuring device, wherein the transmission at the first interface is preferably contactless and at the second interface is contact-based, in particular via sliding contacts. Method according to one of the Claims 10 until 13 , characterized in that the data carrier is designed as a writable data carrier and the transmission path is used bidirectionally. Use of components of an RFID identification system based on RFID transmission in a measuring device for measuring a tool, wherein an RFID transponder is used as a data carrier on an insert module, with module-specific module information data being stored in the data carrier; an RFID read/write head is used to read the data carrier and to write to the data carrier; module information data read from the data carrier are evaluated with an evaluation unit of the RFID identification system by means of an evaluation operation, and the measuring device is controlled depending on the results of the evaluation operation.

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