Abstract: In a device for protecting a work spindle (2) that is rotatably supported in a spindle head (4A, 4B) of a processing machine and/or a tool (3) clamped in the work spindle (2) from collisions with obstacles in the processing chamber (1) of the processing machine, a plurality of distance sensor modules (6) are arranged on or in a spindle nose (4B) that forms the termination of the spindle head (4A, 4B) toward the processing chamber (1) such that they point toward the processing chamber (1) and are connected to a common signal processing unit (8). When an obstacle is present in a predetermined area of the processing chamber (1), this signal processing unit generates a warning signal based on the measuring signals delivered by the individual distance sensor modules (6). An output (15) of the signal processing unit, at which the warning signal is generated, is connected to the machine control (16) of the processing machine. The distance sensor modules (6) preferably consist of radar or ultrasonic sensor modules.

Abstract: In the case of a tool clamping device, in particular, for an operating spindle of a processing machine, with an activation element (3) that can be moved by a drive between a first position, in which the tool clamping device is located in a clamped position, and a second position, in which the tool clamping device is located in a released position, a sensor is present in the form of at least one electrical component for detecting a position of the activation element (3). The sensor is integrated structurally into the tool clamping device and at least one section of the activation element (3) directly forms a component of the one or more electrical components, wherein its position influences an electrical property of this component. The component can be an electrical switch whose closed state depends on the position of the activation element (3) in that at least one section of the activation element (3) is electrically conductive and forms a contact electrode of the switch or a part of such an electrode.

Abstract: In a device for monitoring the position of a tool or machine element on or in a work spindle or tool chuck, in particular, in a machining apparatus, the work spindle or tool chuck has at least one channel that defines a waveguide, which is suitable for propagating electromagnetic waves, that leads from an external surface of the work spindle or tool chuck to the tool or machine element. At least one radar system is provided and arranged outside the work spindle or tool chuck in such a manner that it is capable of irradiating a radar signal from the outer surface into the channel and or receiving a radar signal reflected back from the channel. The radar signal is connected to a signal-processing device that determines a measure of the position of the tool or machine element relative to the work spindle or tool chuck based on at least one radar signal irradiated into the channel and reflected back from the channel.

Abstract: In a device for protecting a work spindle (2) that is rotatably supported in a spindle head (4A, 4B) of a processing machine and/or a tool (3) clamped in the work spindle (2) from collisions with obstacles in the processing chamber (1) of the processing machine, a plurality of distance sensor modules (6) are arranged on or in a spindle nose (4B) that forms the termination of the spindle head (4A, 4B) toward the processing chamber (1) such that they point toward the processing chamber (1) and are connected to a common signal processing unit (8). When an obstacle is present in a predetermined area of the processing chamber (1), this signal processing unit generates a warning signal based on the measuring signals delivered by the individual distance sensor modules (6). An output (15) of the signal processing unit, at which the warning signal is generated, is connected to the machine control (16) of the processing machine. The distance sensor modules (6) preferably consist of radar or ultrasonic sensor modules.

Abstract: In a device for monitoring the position of a tool or machine element on or in a work spindle or tool chuck, in particular, in a machining apparatus, the work spindle or tool chuck has at least one channel that defines a waveguide, which is suitable for propagating electromagnetic waves, that leads from an external surface of the work spindle or tool chuck to the tool or machine element. At least one radar system is provided and arranged outside the work spindle or tool chuck in such a manner that it is capable of irradiating a radar signal from the outer surface into the channel and or receiving a radar signal reflected back from the channel. The radar signal is connected to a signal-processing device that determines a measure of the position of the tool or machine element relative to the work spindle or tool chuck based on at least one radar signal irradiated into the channel and reflected back from the channel.

Abstract: In the case of a tool clamping device, in particular, for an operating spindle of a processing machine, with an activation element (3) that can be moved by a drive between a first position, in which the tool clamping device is located in a clamped position, and a second position, in which the tool clamping device is located in a released position, a sensor is present in the form of at least one electrical component for detecting a position of the activation element (3). The sensor is integrated structurally into the tool clamping device and at least one section of the activation element (3) directly forms a component of the one or more electrical components, wherein its position influences an electrical property of this component. The component can be an electrical switch whose closed state depends on the position of the activation element (3) in that at least one section of the activation element (3) is electrically conductive and forms a contact electrode of the switch or a part of such an electrode.

Abstract: In a device for wireless transmission of signals between two parts (17, 23) of a processing machine, wherein, when the processing machine is operating, one of these parts rotates relative to the other part about an axis (18), several antennas (8A, 8B, 8C; 108A, 108B, 108C; 13A, 13B, 13C) are arranged on at least one of the two parts (17, 23) in an at least approximately regular distribution with respect to the peripheral direction of rotation. The antennas (8A, 8B, 8C; 108A, 108B, 108C; 13A, 13B, 13C) are connected in parallel to a transmit device (7) and/or receive device (12) allocated to each part (17, 23). The lengths of the individual antennas (8A, 8B, 8C) overlap in the peripheral direction of rotation, and the antennas are arranged at least partially offset radially and/or in the longitudinal direction of the rotational axis (18).