# US 11,992,910 B2 · Sensor module, machine element or tool element, and machine tool > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 11,992,910 B2 - Document ID: US11992910B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 16/956,758 - Filed: 2018-12-21 - Published: 2021-04-22 - Granted: 2024-05-28 - Earliest claimed: 2017-12-22 - Applicants: Friedrich Bleicher - Inventors: Friedrich Bleicher - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11992910B2 ## CPC - B23Q 17/0952: {during machining} - B23Q 11/127: {for cooling motors or spindles} - B23B 2260/128: Sensors - B23Q: DETAILS, COMPONENTS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR MACHINE TOOLS, e.g. ARRANGEMENTS FOR COPYING OR CONTROLLING (tools of the kind used in lathes or boring machines B23B27/00); MACHINE TOOLS IN GENERAL CHARACTERISED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF PARTICULAR DETAILS OR COMPONENTS; COMBINATIONS OR ASSOCIATIONS OF METAL-WORKING MACHINES, NOT DIRECTED TO A PARTICULAR RESULT - B23B: TURNING; BORING (arrangements for copying or controlling B23Q) ## Abstract The invention relates to: sensor modules for e.g. a tool holder, wherein the sensor unit is integrated as a structural entity; tool or machine elements designed with such sensor modules; and a machining/machine tool comprising such a sensor module. The sensor modules have a sensor system for detecting system states or operating states which occur during the machining of a workpiece. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A sensor module for a machine tool or machining unit, comprising a sensor system for detecting system states or operating states which occur during the machining of a workpiece and having a data transmission device for transmitting measurement signals of the sensor system to an evaluation unit, wherein the sensor module, which is designed as a structural unit, is cartridge-shaped, and is configured to be inserted into a recess of a tool holder, or of a tool body of a lathing or milling tool, or of a tool of a forming technology, such as a roller, a deep-drawing tool or a punching tool. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The sensor module according to claim 1, in which the sensor system, a sensor electronics, the data transmission device, and a power supply are integrated. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The sensor module according to claim 2, wherein the cartridge-shaped sensor module has an outer shell which encases the sensor system, the sensor electronics, the transmission device, and the power supply. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) The sensor module according to claim 3, wherein the power supply is an accumulator. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) The sensor module according to claim 1, in which a channel is formed for conducting cooling lubricant from a mechanical interface to a clamping device. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The sensor module according to claim 5, wherein the sensor system is at least partially arranged in a rotation axis and the channel is designed to be circumferential to the sensor system. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) The sensor module according to claim 6, wherein the channel is designed as two opposite channels arranged circumferentially to the sensor system. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) The sensor module according to claim 7, wherein the two opposite channels are arranged in an arc or an S shape. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) The sensor module according to claim 7, wherein the two opposite channels are symmetrical. ### Claim 10 (depends on 6) The sensor module according to claim 6, wherein the channel is U shaped or double-S shaped. ### Claim 11 (depends on 5) The sensor module according to claim 5, wherein the cartridge-shaped sensor module is equipped with a connection, which is in fluid connection with a tube containing a cooling lubricant. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module is configured to be inserted into the recess of: the tool holder, or; the tool body of the lathing or milling tool, or; the tool of the forming technology, such as the roller, the deep-drawing tool or the punching tool. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge-shaped sensor module is provided with an index projection, which fits into a corresponding index clearance of the recess. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) The sensor module according to claim 13, wherein the index projection is positioned axially on a side of an exit terminal and is radially spaced to a center axis of the sensor module. ### Claim 15 (depends on 1) The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge-shaped sensor module is a closed structural unit with a closed surface. ### Claim 16 (depends on 1) The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein an axial length of the cartridge-shaped sensor module is approximately same as a diameter of the cartridge-shaped sensor module. ### Claim 17 (depends on 1) The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein a cavity is formed in the cartridge-shaped sensor module, in which the sensor system is positioned. ### Claim 18 (depends on 1) The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the sensor system is pre-assembled with the sensor module prior to being inserted into the recess. ### Claim 19 (depends on 1) The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module is configured to be exchangeable. ### Claim 20 (depends on 1) The sensor module according to claim 1, wherein the sensor module is configured to be inserted into the recess in a form fit or force fit manner.