Coding systems for elements of machine tools, particularly of the numerically controlled type

Abstract

A coding system for elements of machine tools, particularly of the numerically controlled type, consisting of a "bar" code (14) applied to the element (10) to be coded, and read by a reading head (17) provided with a code detecting sensor (18) connected to a circuit for transforming the code into signals fed to utilization circuits (21, 26) which operate by comparing the read message with a set signal.

I claim: 
     
       1. A storage system for elements of machine tools.[., particularly.]. of the numerically controlled type, comprising .Iadd.a plurality of different machine tool elements, .Iaddend.means (15) for storing .[.a.]. .Iadd.said .Iaddend.plurality of different .[.said.]. elements, .Iadd.a plurality of different "bar" codes comprised of .Iaddend.a different "bar" code (14) carried by each different element, a reading head (17) for reading the different codes, and a code detection sensor (18) adapted to be juxtaposed successively with the various different elements to sense the code on the elements and to transmit to the reading head signals representative of the identity of the said element with which said sensor is juxtaposed. 
     
     
       2. A system as claimed in claim 1, .Iadd.wherein the signals transmitted by said sensor are message pulses that are read by the reading head .Iaddend.characterised in that the sensor is connected to a decoder-converter circuit (20) for the read pulses, in such a manner as to transform said pulses into signals suitable for external utilisation circuits (21) which compare the read message. 
     
     
       3. A system as claimed in claim 2, .Iadd.further comprising utilisation means for the read signal .Iaddend.characterised in that .Iadd.the pulses are read in series form and .Iaddend.the sensor is connected to a circuit (20) for decoding the pulses read in series form and for converting them into binary code signals which are fed to utilisation means (21) for the read signals, which compare these latter with a set signal. 
     
     
       4. A system as claimed in claim 2, .Iadd.further including a telecamera provided with a circuit for converting a "bar" code image into parallel signals, and utilisation means for said signals, .Iaddend.characterised in that the sensor (18) is an optical means arranged to transfer .[.the.]. .Iadd.an .Iaddend.image of the .[.read.]. code .Iadd.being sensed .Iaddend.on to .[.a.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.telecamera (25) provided with .[.a.]. .Iadd.the .Iaddend.circuit for converting the image into parallel signals (26), which are fed to utilisation means for said signals, which compare these latter with a set signal. 
     
     
       5. A system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the "bar" code (14) is carried on a support or plate applied at a point (13) on the element (10) arranged to present itself in front of the sensor (18) during its movement. 
     
     
       6. A system as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the "bar" code (14 is applied directly to the element (10) at a point (13) arranged to present itself in front of the sensor (18) during its movement. .Iadd. 
     
     
       7.  A storage system for elements of numerically controlled machine tools, comprising a plurality of different machine tool elements, means for storing said plurality of different elements, a plurality of different "bar" codes comprised of a different "bar" code carried by each different element, and means for successively reading the different "bar" codes carried by the machine tool elements to thereby identify said machine tool elements. .Iaddend. .Iadd.8. The storage system of claim 7 wherein said elements are tool holders. .Iaddend. .Iadd.9. The storage system of claim 7 wherein said elements are tools. .Iaddend. .Iadd.10. The storage system of claim 8 wherein said tool holders have cylindrical shanks. .Iaddend. .Iadd.11. The storage system of claim 10 wherein said tool holders have annular portions projecting from their cylindrical shanks. .Iaddend. .Iadd.12. The storage system of claim 10 wherein the "bar" code is carried on a support or plate that is applied directly to each tool holder. .Iaddend. .Iadd.13. The storage system of claim 10 wherein the "bar" code is applied directly to each tool holder. .Iaddend. .Iadd.14. The storage system of claim 9 wherein the "bar" code is carried on a support or plate that is applied directly to each tool. .Iaddend. .Iadd.15. The storage system of claim 9 wherein the "bar" code is applied directly to each tool. .Iaddend.