Polishing tool holder, polishing device and polishing system

Abstract

A polishing device (1) stores and maintains a reference dimension (M), which is an initial dimension of linear grinding elements (2), a polishing operation count, and a wear pattern (P), in which the amount of wear expended by a single polishing operation is associated with the polishing operation count, in a storage unit (52) of a polishing tool holder (4). When a rotation detection device (53) detects a rotation state, a control unit (51) of the polishing tool holder (4) updates the polishing operation count by adding 1 to the polishing operation count, obtaining the wear amount by referring to the wear pattern (P) based on the updated polishing operation count.When the end of the rotation state is detected, the control unit (51) performs a grinding element feed operation, which drives a motor and operates a movement mechanism (22) to move the polishing brush (3) in an axial direction by a distance corresponding to the amount of wear.

Description

Area

[0001] The present invention relates to a polishing tool holder that holds a polishing tool, such as a polishing brush, in a removable manner. The present invention also relates to a polishing device comprising a polishing tool and a polishing tool holder. The present invention further relates to a polishing system comprising a polishing device and a cloud computer connected to the polishing device via a network. background

[0002] A polishing tool holding device that removably holds a polishing brush is described in patent document 1. In this document, the polishing tool holding device has a plug end, a sleeve positioned in front of the plug end in the axial direction of the sleeve, and a shaft extending coaxially with the plug end within the sleeve. The shaft is rotatable about an axis of the plug end relative to the plug end and the sleeve. The polishing tool holding device has a bolt section provided in the shaft inside the sleeve and a nut screwed onto the bolt section.The polishing tool is a polishing brush comprising a plurality of linear abrasive elements arranged in parallel, with one associated length direction aligned with the axial direction of the insertion end, and an abrasive element holder that axially supports one end of each of the linear abrasive elements. The polishing tool has the abrasive element holder connected to the nut and is held in the polishing tool holder. When the polishing tool is held in the polishing tool holder, the other ends of the linear abrasive elements protrude forward from the sleeve.

[0003] The polishing tool holding device in this publication has a nut movement mechanism configured to move the nut axially along the bolt section. The nut movement mechanism includes a nut rotation regulating mechanism configured to regulate the rotation of the nut relative to the sleeve, and an actuating element configured to rotate the shank relative to the sleeve. The actuating element is a gear fixed coaxially to the shank. The gear includes a gear section exposed outward from the polishing tool holding device.

[0004] When a workpiece is polished, the polishing attachment is connected to the spindle of a machine tool. The machine tool moves the polishing attachment closer to the workpiece while rotating it, bringing the abrasive elements into contact with the surface of the workpiece to be polished. Once polishing is complete, the machine tool moves the polishing attachment away from the workpiece and stops its rotation.

[0005] In this publication, the machine tool performs a grinding element protrusion or grinding element feed operation when the grinding elements are worn from polishing. In the grinding element feed operation, the machine tool moves the polishing attachment, in a rotational stop state, to a position for adjusting the protrusion amount of the grinding elements. The machine tool moves the polishing attachment by a predetermined amount by allowing a rack, located at the adjustment position for the grinding element protrusion amount, to engage with the gear section of the gear exposed by the polishing tool holder. As a result, the shank of the polishing tool holder rotates, causing the nut to move forward in the axial direction.Thus, the polishing tool, which is connected to the nut, moves forward, with the grinding elements protruding forward from the sleeve. Citation list Patent publication

[0006] Patent Publication 1: WO 2015 / 178273 Brief summary: Technical problem

[0007] In a production line for manufacturing objects, a polishing operation is sometimes performed to polish a large number of identical parts (workpieces) in succession, one after the other. In other words, in a production line, a polishing operation is sometimes performed to repeatedly execute an identical polishing process as parts (workpieces) are replaced.

[0008] When such a polishing operation is performed with the polishing device described above, a first workpiece is initially positioned in a predetermined processing position, and a polishing operation is performed on the first workpiece. During the polishing operation, the machine tool brings the polishing device 1 and the first workpiece closer together while the polishing device is rotated, such that the distance between the spindle of the machine tool and the first workpiece is a setting distance. The setting distance is the distance at which the abrasive element of the polishing tool, held in the polishing tool holder, is in contact with the surface of the workpiece to be polished at a predetermined cutting depth.The machine tool moves the polishing attachment along a predetermined polishing path while maintaining the distance between the spindle and the first workpiece at the initial setting distance. Then, once the polishing operation for the first workpiece is complete, the machine tool moves the polishing tool holder away from the first workpiece and replaces the first workpiece in the processing position with a second workpiece. The machine tool also performs a grinding element extension or grinding element feed operation. In other words, the machine tool moves the polishing attachment to the position for adjusting the grinding element extension, allows the rack to engage with the gear section of the polishing tool holder's gear to move the polishing attachment, and rotates the gear.As a result, the shaft of the polishing tool holder rotates, causing the polishing tool to move in the axial direction by the amount corresponding to the rotation of the gear, thus causing the grinding element to protrude forward.

[0009] Next, the polishing operation for the second workpiece is performed. In other words, the machine tool brings the polishing attachment and the second workpiece closer together while rotating the polishing attachment, so that the distance between the machine tool spindle and the second workpiece is the setting distance. The machine tool then moves the polishing attachment along a predetermined polishing path while maintaining the setting distance between the spindle and the first workpiece. Afterward, when the polishing operation for the second workpiece is complete, the machine tool moves the polishing tool holder away from the second workpiece and replaces the second workpiece in the processing position with a third workpiece. The machine tool also performs the grinding element feed operation.In other words, the machine tool moves the polishing attachment to the position for adjusting the protrusion of the grinding element. It allows the rack to engage with the gear section of the polishing tool holder's gear to move the polishing attachment, and it rotates the gear. As a result, the shank of the polishing tool holder rotates, causing the polishing tool to move axially by the amount corresponding to the rotation of the gear, thus extending the grinding element forward. The polishing operation for the third workpiece is then performed. In the polishing process, this sequence of operations is repeated until there are no more workpieces to be polished.

[0010] In this way, when a conventional polishing device is used in a polishing process, it is necessary to move the polishing device to a position for adjusting the protrusion of the abrasive element and to perform the abrasive element feed operation each time the polishing operation for a workpiece is completed. Thus, the cycle time required to polish a workpiece is long.

[0011] For example, in a case where the abrasive element consists of linear abrasive elements, the amount of wear on the abrasive element in a single polishing operation differs depending on the bristle length of the abrasive element (the length dimension of the linear abrasive element), even if an identical polishing operation is performed to polish parts of identical shape. Therefore, in the polishing process described above, each time the polishing operation for a workpiece is completed, the amount by which the abrasive element is advanced must be changed based on the length dimension of the abrasive elements at the start of polishing that workpiece.In other words, the grinding element must be advanced by the amount corresponding to the amount of wear by adjusting the amount of rotation by which the gear is turned, based on the length dimension of the linear grinding element at the start of polishing the workpiece.

[0012] In this case, if the protrusion of the grinding element due to the grinding element feed operation does not correspond to the wear amount of the grinding element caused by the polishing operation on the preceding workpiece, and if the distance between the machine tool spindle and the second workpiece is set to the distance used at the start of polishing the next workpiece, the cutting depth of the grinding element for the next workpiece will differ from the cutting depth of the grinding element for the preceding workpiece. This causes variations in polishing accuracy between a large number of workpieces polished in the polishing process.

[0013] In light of the aforementioned problem, a polishing tool holder is provided that can automatically extend or advance an abrasive element and prevent or suppress variations in polishing accuracy for each workpiece when a polishing operation is performed several times in succession to execute an identical polishing operation while workpieces are replaced. A polishing device comprising such a polishing tool holder and a polishing tool is also provided. Furthermore, a polishing system is provided that can automatically extend or advance an abrasive element of a polishing device and prevent or suppress variations in polishing accuracy for each workpiece when a polishing operation is performed several times in succession to execute an identical polishing operation while workpieces are replaced. Solution to the problem

[0014] To solve the aforementioned problem, the present invention provides a polishing tool holding device comprising a plug-in end connectable to a spindle of a machine tool, a holding mechanism configured to hold a polishing tool comprising an abrasive holder and an abrasive held in the abrasive holder such that the polishing tool is movable in an axial direction of the plug-in end, a drive source, and a motion mechanism configured to move the polishing tool in the axial direction. The polishing tool holding device includes a control unit configured to drive and control the drive source, a storage unit connected to the control unit, a rotation detection device configured to detect a rotational state during rotation by the machine tool, and a power supply.which is configured to supply power to the drive source and the control unit. The storage unit stores and maintains a reference dimension, a polishing operation count, and a wear pattern. The reference dimension is a dimension of the abrasive element at a given time when the polishing tool is held by the holding mechanism. The polishing operation count is the number of times the rotation sensing device detects the rotation state. The wear pattern correlates the amount of wear by which the abrasive element with the reference dimension is worn by a single polishing operation of a workpiece to the polishing operation count. The control unit includes: a polishing operation count update unit, which is configured, when the rotation sensing device detects the rotation state, to calculate a new polishing operation count by adding 1 to the polishing operation count.and to update the polishing operation count in the storage unit; a wear amount procurement unit that is configured, when the polishing operation count is calculated, to procure the wear amount by referencing the wear pattern based on the polishing operation count; and a drive control unit that is configured, when a termination of the rotation state is detected based on an output from the rotation detection device, to execute a grinding element feed operation that drives the drive source and operates the motion mechanism to move the polishing tool to an opposite side of the shank end by a distance equal to the wear amount.

[0015] According to the present invention, the polishing tool holding device comprises the drive source, the movement mechanism that moves the polishing tool held by the holding mechanism, the control unit that drives and controls the drive source, and the power supply that provides power to the drive source and the control unit. Thus, the polishing tool holding device can move the polishing tool in the axial direction by driving the movement mechanism through the drive control of the drive source via the control unit. As a result, the polishing tool holding device can automatically perform the abrasive element feed operation to advance the abrasive element to the opposite side of the insertion end by moving the polishing tool in the axial direction.

[0016] According to the present invention, the storage unit stores and retains the reference dimension, which is a dimension of the abrasive element at a time when the polishing tool is held by the holding mechanism; the polishing operation count, which is the number of times the rotation detection device detects the rotation state; and the wear pattern, in which the amount of wear by which the abrasive element with the reference dimension is worn by a single polishing operation for polishing a workpiece is related to the polishing operation count. When the rotation detection device detects the rotation state, the control unit updates the polishing operation count by adding 1 to the polishing operation count, obtaining the wear amount by referring to the wear pattern based on the updated polishing operation count.When the termination of the rotation state is detected based on an output from the rotation detection device, the control unit performs the grinding element feed operation to advance the grinding element by driving the drive source and operating the movement mechanism to move the polishing tool in the axial direction by a distance equal to the amount of wear.

[0017] In this context, for example, in a case where the grinding element consists of linear grinding elements, the amount of wear on the grinding element in a single polishing operation varies depending on the length of the grinding element at the start of the polishing operation, even if an identical polishing operation is performed to polish parts with an identical shape. In other words, in a case where the grinding element consists of linear grinding elements, the shorter the length of the grinding element at the start of the polishing operation, the stiffer the grinding element and the greater the amount of wear from a single polishing operation.Thus, if the feed rate of the abrasive element advanced by the abrasive element feed operation (the amount of movement of the polishing tool) is constant, the cutting depth of the abrasive element changes for the next workpiece, causing variations in polishing accuracy among a large number of workpieces polished successively. In contrast, the polishing tool holding device according to the present invention obtains the wear rate of the abrasive element from the wear pattern stored and retained in the memory unit each time an individual polishing operation is completed. The wear pattern links the wear rate expended by a single polishing operation to the polishing operation count for the abrasive element with the reference dimension at a time when the polishing tool is held by the holding mechanism.Thus, when the wear amount is determined by referring to the wear pattern based on the polishing operation count, the determined wear amount reflects the wear amount of the grinding element, which varies with the length dimension of the linear grinding elements at the start of the polishing operation. As a result, the feed rate of the grinding element in the grinding element feed operation can be aligned with the wear rate by which the grinding element is worn by polishing the preceding workpiece.Thus, by allowing the polishing tool holding device according to the present invention to hold the polishing tool, an automatic advancement of the grinding element can be performed, whereby variations in polishing accuracy for each workpiece in a polishing operation can be prevented or suppressed to perform the identical polishing operation several times in succession while the workpieces are replaced.

[0018] In the present invention, the drive control unit can execute the grinding element feed operation when a cessation of the rotation state is detected. In other words, when the polishing operation for a workpiece is finished, the grinding element feed operation can be executed sequentially.

[0019] In the present invention, when the end of the rotation state is detected, the drive control unit can execute the grinding element feed operation the next time the rotation detection device detects the rotation state. In other words, the grinding element feed operation can be executed after the polishing operation for one workpiece has ended and when the machine tool rotates the polishing device for the polishing operation for the next workpiece.

[0020] In the present invention, the polishing tool holding device can further comprise a notification unit. The control unit can include: an abrasive element length dimension calculation unit, which is configured, when the wear amount is first obtained, to calculate an abrasive element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the reference dimension, and to store and retain the calculated abrasive element length dimension in the storage unit, and thereafter, each time the wear amount is obtained, to calculate a new abrasive element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the abrasive element length dimension, and to update the abrasive element length dimension in the storage unit;A replacement determination unit configured to determine, each time the abrasive element length dimension is calculated, whether the polishing tool needs to be replaced, based on the abrasive element length dimension and the reference dimension; and a replacement notification unit configured, when the replacement determination unit determines that the polishing tool needs to be replaced, to trigger the notification unit to indicate that the polishing tool needs to be replaced. In other words, the control unit calculates the abrasive element length dimension at the end of the polishing operation each time the polishing operation is completed, determining, based on the abrasive element length dimension and the reference dimension, whether a replacement is necessary. If it is determined that a replacement is necessary, the control unit triggers the notification unit to indicate that the polishing tool needs to be replaced.

[0021] In the present invention, the polishing tool holding device can further comprise a communication unit configured to communicate with an external device. The reference dimension and the wear pattern can be entered into the control unit via the communication unit and stored and retained in the memory unit. In this case, the communication unit can perform wireless communication with an external device. Furthermore, the communication unit can perform wired communication with an external device.

[0022] In the present invention, the rotation detection device can be an accelerometer.

[0023] The rotation detection device can be a vibration sensor. When the polishing tool holder is rotated by the machine tool, a vibration is generated in the polishing tool holder. The rotational state of the polishing tool holder can thus be detected by recording this vibration.

[0024] In the present invention, the rotation detection device can be a switch comprising a conductive element that is movable by a centrifugal force, wherein the conductive element connects or disconnects a circuit.

[0025] In the present invention, the holding mechanism can comprise a connecting element having a through-hole extending axially, and a shaft element that passes through the through-hole coaxially with the insertion end and extends axially. The drive source can be a motor.The motion mechanism may include a rotary mounting mechanism configured to hold the shaft element such that the shaft element is rotatable about an axis of the insertion end, an internal thread on an inner peripheral surface of the through-hole, an external thread on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft element, the external thread being screwed into the internal thread, a drive force transmission mechanism configured to transmit rotation of the motor to the shaft element, a sleeve configured to guide the connecting element in the axial direction on an outer peripheral side of the connecting element and the shaft element, and a rotation regulating mechanism configured to regulate synchronous rotation of the connecting element and the shaft element.The polishing tool can have the abrasive element holder connected to the connecting part, with the abrasive element partially protruding outwards from the sleeve. The control unit can drive the motor to rotate the shaft element in order to move the connecting element axially.

[0026] A polishing device according to the present invention comprises the polishing tool holder described above and a polishing tool comprising an abrasive element holder and an abrasive element held in the abrasive element holder. The abrasive element comprises a plurality of linear abrasive elements arranged in parallel, with one longitudinal direction aligned axially. The abrasive element holder holds one end axially of each of the linear abrasive elements. The polishing tool is held by the polishing tool holder to polish a workpiece by bringing another end of each of the linear abrasive elements into contact with the workpiece.

[0027] A polishing device according to the present invention comprises the polishing tool holder described above and a polishing tool comprising an abrasive element holder and an abrasive element held in the abrasive element holder. The abrasive element is an elastic abrasive. The abrasive element holder holds one end of the elastic abrasive in the axial direction. The polishing tool is held by the polishing tool holder to polish a workpiece by bringing another end of the elastic abrasive into contact with the workpiece. In this case, the elastic abrasive comprises an elastic foam, a polymer, and abrasive grains.

[0028] A polishing device according to the present invention comprises the polishing tool holder described above and a polishing tool comprising an abrasive holder and an abrasive held in the abrasive holder. The abrasive is a rigid abrasive. The abrasive holder holds one end of the abrasive in the axial direction. The polishing tool is held by the polishing tool holder to polish a workpiece by bringing another end of the abrasive into contact with the workpiece.

[0029] The present invention provides a polishing tool comprising: a polishing device comprising a polishing tool, which includes an abrasive holder and an abrasive held in the abrasive holder, and a polishing tool holding device comprising a plug-in end connectable to a spindle of a machine tool, a holding mechanism configured to hold the polishing tool such that the polishing tool is movable in an axial direction of the plug-in end, a drive source and a movement mechanism configured to move the polishing tool in the axial direction; and a cloud computer that is communicatively connected to the polishing tool holding device via a network.The polishing tool holder comprises a control unit configured to drive and control the drive source based on a drive command, a rotation sensing device configured to detect a rotation state as the machine tool rotates, a power supply configured to provide power to the drive source and the control unit, and a communication unit configured to communicate with the cloud computer. The communication unit transmits an output from the rotation sensing device to the cloud computer, receives the drive command from the cloud computer, and inputs the drive command into the control unit. The cloud computer comprises a memory unit and a polishing tool control unit. The memory unit is configured to store and retain a reference dimension, a polishing operation count, and a wear pattern.The reference dimension is a dimension of the abrasive element at a specific point in time when the polishing tool is held by the holding mechanism. The polishing operation count is the number of times the rotation detection device detects the rotation state. The wear pattern relates the amount of wear by which the abrasive element with the reference dimension is worn by a single polishing operation to polish a workpiece to the polishing operation count.

[0030] The polishing device control unit comprises: a polishing operation counter update unit, which is configured, when the rotation detection device detects the rotation state, to calculate a new polishing operation counter by adding 1 to the polishing operation counter and to update the polishing operation counter in the memory unit; a wear amount procurement unit, which is configured, when the polishing operation counter is calculated, to procure the wear amount by referencing the wear pattern based on the polishing operation counter;a drive command output unit configured, when a termination of the rotation state is detected based on an output from the rotation detection device, to issue the drive command to perform a grinding element feed operation, which drives the drive source and operates the motion mechanism to move the polishing tool to the opposite side of the shank end by a distance equal to the amount of wear; and a command transmission unit configured, when the drive command is issued, to transmit the drive command to the polishing tool holding device.

[0031] The polishing system according to the present invention comprises the polishing device, which includes the polishing tool holder and the polishing tool, and the cloud computer, which is connected to the polishing tool holder via the network. The polishing tool control unit of the cloud computer includes the drive command output unit, which issues a drive command. The polishing tool holder comprises the drive source, the motion mechanism that moves the polishing tool held by the holder mechanism, the control unit that drives and controls the drive source based on a drive command, and the power supply that provides power to the drive source under the control unit. Thus, the polishing system can drive the motion mechanism of the polishing tool holder based on a drive command from the cloud computer and move the polishing tool in the axial direction.As a result, the polishing device can automatically perform the grinding element feed operation to advance the grinding element to the opposite side of the insertion end by moving the polishing tool in the axial direction.

[0032] In the present invention, the cloud computer, which can communicate with the polishing tool holder, retrieves the wear amount of the abrasive element from the wear pattern stored and retained in the cloud computer's memory unit each time a single polishing operation is completed in the polishing device. Furthermore, once the wear amount is retrieved, the cloud computer issues a drive command to execute the abrasive element feed operation, which drives the drive source of the polishing device and operates the movement mechanism to move the polishing tool to the opposite side of the shank end by a distance corresponding to the wear amount, transmitting the drive command to the polishing tool holder. Upon receiving the drive command, the polishing device drives the drive source to execute the abrasive element feed operation.Here, the wear pattern links the amount of wear inflicted by a single polishing operation to the polishing operation count for the abrasive element with the reference dimension at a time when the polishing tool is held by the holding mechanism. Thus, when the wear amount is obtained by referencing the wear pattern based on the polishing operation count, the obtained wear amount reflects the wear amount of the abrasive element, which varies with the length dimension of the linear abrasive elements at the start of the polishing operation. As a result, the protrusion of the abrasive element during the abrasive element feed operation can be adjusted to the wear amount by which the abrasive element is worn by polishing the preceding workpiece.Thus, according to the present invention, the polishing system can automatically advance the grinding element and prevent or suppress variations in the accuracy of polishing for each workpiece in a polishing operation to perform the identical polishing operation several times in succession while the workpieces are exchanged.

[0033] In the present invention, the drive command output unit can issue the drive command when a termination of the rotation state is detected. In other words, when the polishing operation for a workpiece is completed, the cloud computer issues and transmits a drive command to cause the polishing device to perform the grinding element feed operation.

[0034] In the present invention, when the end of the rotation state is detected, the drive command output unit can issue the drive command the next time the rotation detection device detects the rotation state. In other words, after the polishing operation for one workpiece has been completed and when the machine tool rotates the polishing device for the polishing operation for the next workpiece, the cloud computer can issue and transmit a drive command to cause the polishing device to perform the grinding element feed operation.

[0035] In the present invention, the polishing tool holding device can include a notification unit. The polishing device control unit can include: an abrasive element length dimension calculation unit, which is configured, when the wear amount is first obtained, to calculate an abrasive element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the reference dimension, and to store and retain the calculated abrasive element length dimension in the storage unit, and thereafter, each time the wear amount is obtained, to calculate a new abrasive element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the abrasive element length dimension, and to update the abrasive element length dimension in the storage unit;A substitute determination unit configured to determine, each time the grinding element length dimension is calculated, whether the polishing tool needs to be replaced, based on the grinding element length dimension and the reference dimension; and a notification command output unit configured, when the substitute determination unit determines that the polishing tool needs to be replaced, to instruct the notification unit to issue a notification command indicating that the polishing tool needs to be replaced. When the notification command is issued, the command transmission unit can transmit the notification command to the polishing tool holding device.

[0036] In the present invention, the holding mechanism can comprise a connecting element having a through-hole extending axially, and a shaft element that passes through the through-hole coaxially with the insertion end and extends axially. The drive source can be a motor.The motion mechanism may include a rotary mounting mechanism configured to hold the shaft element such that the shaft element is rotatable about an axis of the insertion end, an internal thread on an inner peripheral surface of the through-hole, an external thread on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft element, the external thread being screwed into the internal thread, a drive force transmission mechanism configured to transmit rotation of the motor to the shaft element, a sleeve configured to guide the connecting element in the axial direction on an outer peripheral side of the connecting element and the shaft element, and a rotation regulating mechanism configured to regulate synchronous rotation of the connecting element and the shaft element.The polishing tool can have the abrasive element holder connected to the connecting part, with the abrasive element partially protruding outwards from the sleeve. The control unit can drive the motor to rotate the shaft element in order to move the connecting element in the axial direction.

[0037] In the present invention, the polishing system, as the polishing device, can comprise a first polishing device and a second polishing device, which are communicatively connected to the cloud computer via a network. The cloud computer, as the polishing device control unit, can comprise a first polishing device control unit configured to receive an output from the rotation detection device of the first polishing device and transmit the drive command to the first polishing device, and a polishing device control unit configured to receive an output from the rotation detection device of the second polishing device and transmit the drive command to the second polishing device.With this configuration, in a case where a first and a second machine tool, both performing the identical polishing operation, are provided, the first polishing device is connected to the first machine tool, and the second polishing device is connected to the second machine tool. These polishing devices can be driven and controlled by a cloud computer. The abrasive element feed operation for each polishing device can be performed by obtaining the abrasive element wear rate based on a polishing pattern stored and maintained in the cloud computer's storage unit. Furthermore, the wear pattern for each polishing device can be changed collectively by updating the wear pattern in the storage unit.This configuration allows the wear condition of the grinding elements of numerous polishing fixtures to be monitored on the cloud computer. This enables the centralized control of multiple polishing fixtures connected to their respective machine tools. With this configuration, outputs from the rotation sensors of numerous polishing fixtures are collected on the cloud computer. This allows the operating status of each machine tool to be monitored on the cloud computer based on the rotation status of each polishing fixture. Brief description of the drawing Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a polishing device in an example 1 in which the present invention is applied. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a polishing brush, which is a polishing tool of the polishing device in Example 1. Fig. Figure 3 shows an illustration of the complete setup of the polishing device in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 shows an illustration of a polishing operation using the polishing device. Fig. Figure 5 shows a graph of a wear pattern that is stored and held in a memory unit in a polishing tool holding device. Fig. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a polishing process. Fig. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of the operation of the polishing tool holding device in the polishing process. Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a polishing device in Example 2, in which the present invention is applied. Fig. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a polishing tool of the polishing device in Example 2. Fig. Figure 10 shows a graph of a wear pattern stored by the polishing device in Example 2. Fig. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a polishing device in an example 3 in which the present invention is applied. Fig. Figure 12 shows a graph of a wear pattern stored by the polishing device in Example 3. Fig. Figure 13 shows an illustration of a polishing system in which the present invention is applied. Fig. Figure 14 shows a flowchart of the operation of the polishing system during a polishing process. Fig. Figure 15 shows an illustration of a polishing system with a variety of polishing devices. Description of the exemplary implementations

[0038] A polishing device according to exemplary embodiments of the present invention is described below with reference to the drawing. (Example 1)

[0039] Fig. Figure 1 shows an external perspective view of a polishing device in an example 1 in which the present invention is applied. Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a polishing brush included in the polishing device. The polishing brush in Fig. 2 is unused. Fig. Figure 3 shows an illustration of the complete setup of the polishing device in Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the polishing device, which is cut open along an axis. Fig. Figure 4 shows an illustration of a polishing operation using the polishing device. (Polishing device)

[0040] As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, a polishing device 1 comprises a polishing brush 3 (a polishing tool) which includes a plurality of linear abrasive elements 2 (an abrasive element), and a polishing tool holder 4 which removably holds the polishing brush 3. The polishing tool holder 4 includes a plug end 6 which is connected to a machine tool 5, and a sleeve 7 which is coaxial with the plug end 6. A large-diameter section 8 is provided between the plug end 6 and the sleeve 7, having a larger diameter than the plug end 6 and the sleeve 7. The sleeve 7 has a flange 7a at an associated rear end. The flange 7a extends to the outer peripheral side. The flange 7a defines a front end surface of the large-diameter section 8.The polishing brush 3 is held in the polishing tool holder 4, with end sections of the linear grinding elements 2 protruding forward from the sleeve 7.

[0041] As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the polishing device 1 is used with the insertion end 6 of the polishing tool holder 4, which is connected to a spindle 5a of the machine tool 5. When a polishing operation is performed on a workpiece W, the machine tool 5 rotates the polishing device 1 about the axis of the insertion end 6. The machine tool 5 brings the polishing device 1 closer to the workpiece W, such that the distance between the spindle 5a and a surface S of the workpiece W to be polished is a setting distance D. The setting distance D is the distance at which the linear abrasive elements 2 of the polishing brush 3 are in contact with the surface S of the workpiece W to be polished at a predetermined cutting depth E.The machine tool 5 performs a polishing operation for a predetermined duration while moving the polishing device 1 along a predetermined polishing path across the surface S to be polished, while maintaining the distance between the spindle 5a and the workpiece W at the set distance D. When the polishing operation for the workpiece W is complete, the machine tool 5 moves the polishing device 1 away from the workpiece W, stopping the rotation of the polishing device 1.

[0042] In the following description, the direction along the axis L of the insertion end 6 is defined as the axial direction X of the polishing device 1. In the axial direction X, the front side of the polishing device 1 on the side where the sleeve 7 is located is defined as a first direction X1, and the rear side of the polishing device, where the insertion end 6 is located, is defined as a second direction X2 of the polishing device 1. (Polishing brush)

[0043] As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the polishing brush 3 has a plurality of linear abrasive elements 2 arranged in parallel and an abrasive element holder 11 that holds one end of each of the linear abrasive elements 2. The linear abrasive elements each extend in the axial direction X. The linear abrasive elements 2 are manufactured by impregnating and curing an accumulated filament of inorganic fibers, such as aluminum oxide fibers, with a bonding resin.

[0044] As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the grinding element holder 11 is an annular element having a holder through-hole 12 extending in the axial direction X. As shown in Figure 3, the grinding element holder is an annular element with a holder through-hole 12 extending in the axial direction X. Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the grinding element holder 11 has a plurality of grinding element retaining holes 13 at an associated end surface 11a in the first direction X1. Each of the grinding element retaining holes 13 is circular. A plurality of grinding element retaining holes 13 is provided at equiangular intervals around the axis L. A plurality of grinding element retaining holes 13 surrounds the holder through-hole 12. A plurality of linear grinding elements 12 are divided into groups of several grinding elements that are bundled together. Each of the grinding element bundles 14 has a rear end section that is inserted into the corresponding grinding element retaining hole 13 and fixed to the grinding element holder 11 by an adhesive.

[0045] As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the grinding element holder 11 has a recess at its associated rear end surface. The recess is coaxial with the holder through-hole 12 and has a larger inner diameter than the holder through-hole 12. The recess is a connecting element 15 for holding the polishing brush 3 in the polishing tool holder 4. (Polishing tool holder)

[0046] As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the polishing tool holding device 4 comprises the insertion end 6, a holding mechanism 21 that holds the polishing brush 3 such that the polishing brush 3 is movable in the axial direction X, and a movement mechanism 22 that moves the polishing brush 3 in the axial direction X. The movement mechanism 22 includes a motor 35 as an associated drive source. The motor 35 in this example is a geared motor and includes an encoder 35a.

[0047] The mounting mechanism 21 comprises a connecting element 24, to which the polishing brush 3 is connected, and a shaft element 36 that extends coaxially with the insertion end 6. The connecting element 24 has a through-hole 28 extending in the axial direction X. The through-hole 28 has an inner peripheral surface that has an internal thread 29. The shaft element 36 passes through the through-hole 28. The sleeve 7 is arranged on the outer peripheral side of the connecting element 24 and the shaft element 36. The connecting element 24 can move axially within the sleeve 7 while being held by the shaft element 36.

[0048] The connecting element 24 comprises a disc part 25 and a projecting part 26, which projects in the first direction X1 from the center of the disc part 25. The disc part 25 has an annular outer surface 25a, which faces an inner peripheral surface 7b of the sleeve 7 with a small gap. The projecting part 26 has a shape that fits into the connecting part 15 of the polishing brush 3. The projecting part 26 is a connecting element on the connecting element side that connects the polishing brush 3 to the connecting element 24.

[0049] The polishing brush 3 is connected to the connecting element 24 by a corresponding connecting part 15, which fits onto the projecting part 26 of the connecting element 24. When the polishing brush 3 is connected to the connecting element 24, the through-hole 28 of the connecting element 24 is articulated with the mounting through-hole 12. The inner diameter of the mounting through-hole 12 is larger than the inner diameter of the through-hole 28 of the connecting element 24. In the connected state, the polishing brush 3 and the connecting element 24 are integrated. The polishing brush 3 is therefore held movably in the axial direction X by the mounting mechanism 21. In this state, the polishing brush 3 and the connecting element 24 do not rotate relative to each other about the axis.

[0050] The motion mechanism 22 comprises the motor 35. The motion mechanism 22 also comprises a rotary mounting mechanism 37, which holds the shaft element 36 such that the shaft element 36 is rotatable about the axis, the internal thread 29, which is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the through-hole 28 of the connecting element 24, and an external thread 36a, which is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft element 36. The motion mechanism 22 further comprises a drive force transmission mechanism 44, which transmits the rotation of the motor 35 to the shaft element 36, and a rotation regulating mechanism 40, which regulates the synchronous rotation of the sleeve 7 with the connecting element 24 and the shaft element 36 about the axis L.

[0051] The rotary mounting mechanism 37 comprises a radial mounting element 38, which holds a section of the shaft element 36 in the second direction X2 from the outer peripheral side such that the section is rotatable, and a sliding mounting element 39, which holds the shaft element 36 in the second direction X2. The radial mounting element 38 is disk-shaped and has a shaft hole 41 at an associated center to allow the shaft element 36 to pass through it in the axial direction X. The radial mounting element 38 is arranged between the drive force transmission mechanism 44 and the connecting element 24 in the axial direction X. The rotary mounting mechanism 37 includes a preloading element 47, which preloads the shaft element 36 against the sliding mounting element 39.The preload element 47 is a coil spring and is arranged between the radial retaining element 38 and a second gear 46, which is fixed at a rear end of the shaft element 36, while allowing the shaft element 36 to pass through the center of the preload element 47. The preload element 47 presses the shaft element 36 against the thrust retaining element 39 by biasing the second gear 46 in the second direction X2.

[0052] Here, the large-diameter section 8 of the polishing tool holder 4 has a housing 18 comprising a tubular part 16 and a sealing plate part 17, which seals an opening in the second direction X2 of the tubular part 16. The plug end 6 projects in the second direction X2 from a central section of the sealing plate part 17. The radial retaining element 38 is fixed to the tubular part 16 from the first direction X1 to seal an opening in the first direction X1 of the tubular part 16. The flange 7a of the sleeve 7 is fixed to an end surface in the first direction X1 of the radial retaining element 38. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 1, an annular outer peripheral surface 38a, which faces radially outward in the radial support element 38, and an outer peripheral surface of the tubular part 16 form an outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter section 8. As shown in Figure 1, an annular outer peripheral surface 38a, which faces radially outward in the radial support element 38, and an outer peripheral surface of the tubular part 16 form an outer peripheral surface of the large-diameter section 8. Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the motor 35, the thrust support element 39 and the drive force transmission mechanism 44 are housed in an interior of the large diameter section 8, which is defined by the housing 18 and the radial support element 38.

[0053] In the shaft element 36, the external thread 36a is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft section in the first direction X1, which is arranged in the first direction X1 relative to the radial retaining element 38. The external thread 36a can be screwed onto the internal thread 29 of the connecting element 24. The connecting element 24 is held on the shaft element 36 by the associated internal thread 29, which is screwed onto the external thread 36a of the shaft element 36.

[0054] The drive force transmission mechanism 44 comprises a first gear 45, which is mounted on an output shaft of the motor 35, and a second gear 46, which meshes with the first gear 45. The second gear 46 is coaxially fixed to the shaft element 36 at an end section in the second direction X2 of the shaft element 36. The rotation of the motor 35 is transmitted to the shaft element 36 via the first gear 45 and the second gear 46.

[0055] The sleeve 7 has a groove 31 extending in the axial direction X at the inner peripheral surface 7b. The connecting element 24 has a projection 32 at a circumferential section of the annular outer surface 25a. The projection 32 extends toward the outer peripheral side and in the axial direction X. The connecting element 24 is arranged in the sleeve 7, with the projection 32 being inserted into the groove 31 of the sleeve 7. Thus, when the connecting element 24 moves in the axial direction X, it is guided along the groove 31. The groove 31 on the inner peripheral surface 7b of the sleeve 7 and the projection 32 on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting element 24 constitute the rotation regulating mechanism 40, which regulates the synchronous rotation of the connecting element 24 and the shaft element 36 about the axis L.

[0056] Here, the polishing brush 3 is inserted into the sleeve 7 and held in the polishing tool holder 4 after the abrasive element holder 11 has been connected to the connecting element 24. When the polishing brush 3 is held in the polishing tool holder 4, the external thread 36a of the shaft element 36 is screwed onto the internal thread 29 of the connecting element 24. The shaft element 36 passes through the through-hole 28 of the connecting element 24 and then extends in the axial direction X within the holder through-hole 12 of the abrasive element holder 11 of the polishing brush 3. In a state where the polishing brush 3 is held in the polishing tool holder 4, the abrasive element holder 11 is arranged in the sleeve 7, with the end sections (the free ends) of the linear abrasive elements 2 projecting from the sleeve 7 in the first direction X1. (Control system)

[0057] As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, a control system for the polishing tool holder 4 comprises a control unit 51, which includes a CPU, and a memory unit 52 connected to the control unit 51. The memory unit 52 is a rewritable non-volatile memory. A rotation detection device 53 is connected to the input side of the control unit 51. The rotation detection device 53 detects a rotational state in which the polishing tool holder 4 is rotated by the machine tool 5. In this example, the rotation detection device 53 is an accelerometer. The motor 35 is connected to the output side of the control unit 51. An output signal from the encoder 35a of the motor 35 is fed back to the control unit 51. A light emission device 54 (a notification unit) is connected to the output side of the control unit 51. The light emission device 54 includes an LED.Additionally, a communication unit 55 is connected to the control unit 51. The communication unit 55 enables communication between the control unit 51 and an external device.

[0058] The storage unit 52 stores and retains a reference dimension M, which is a dimension of the linear abrasive elements 2 at a time when the polishing brush 3 is held by the holding mechanism 21, and a polishing operation count, which is the number of times the rotation detection device 53 detects the rotation state. In this example, the reference dimension M is the length dimension (bristle length) of the linear abrasive elements 2 of the unused polishing brush 3 (see Figure 1). Fig. 2) Here, the length dimension of the linear grinding elements 2 is a dimension from the end surface 11a in the first direction X1 of the grinding element holder 11 to a distant end 2a of the linear grinding element 2. The initial value of the polishing operation count is "0". The machine tool 5 rotates the polishing device 1 to bring the linear grinding elements 2 into contact with the workpiece W when the workpiece W is being polished. When polishing of the workpiece W is complete, the machine tool 5 stops the rotation of the polishing device 1. Thus, the number of times the polishing device 1 is rotated by the machine tool 5 is the polishing operation count of the executed polishing operation.

[0059] The storage unit 52 also stores and maintains a wear pattern P in which the wear amount expended by a single polishing operation is associated with the polishing operation count for the linear grinding elements 2 (the linear grinding elements 2 of the unused polishing brush 3) with the reference dimension M. Fig. Figure 5 illustrates the wear pattern P of the linear grinding elements 2 when the identical polishing operation is performed several times by the polishing device 1 in this example, while the workpieces W are replaced. Fig. In 5, the horizontal axis represents the polishing operation count (count value), and the vertical axis represents the wear amount (mm). The wear pattern P was obtained by performing the identical polishing operation several times consecutively using the unused polishing brush 3, while replacing the workpieces W, and by measuring the wear amount of the linear grinding elements 2 that are worn by each polishing operation. The wear pattern P is stored and retained in memory unit 52 in the form of a mathematical equation. Alternatively, the wear pattern P is stored and retained in memory unit 52 in the form of a table.

[0060] In this process, even when an identical polishing operation is performed on parts of identical shape, the amount of wear on the abrasive element in the polishing brush 3 varies depending on the length dimension of the linear abrasive elements 2 at the start of the polishing operation. The wear pattern P, which is described in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, such a variation in the amount of wear is reflected as a function of the bristle length of the linear abrasive elements 2. In other words, when the dimension of the linear abrasive elements 2 of the polishing brush 3 is close to the reference dimension M (when the polishing operation count is small), the linear abrasive elements 2 bend easily during polishing. Thus, when the polishing operation count is small, the amount of wear on the linear abrasive elements 2 from a single polishing operation is relatively small. Subsequently, as the polishing operation count increases and the linear abrasive elements 2 become shorter, the bending of the linear abrasive elements 2 during polishing becomes constant, and the amount of wear on the linear abrasive elements 2 from a single polishing operation remains unchanged.Subsequently, as the number of polishing operations increases and the linear grinding elements 2 become much shorter, the stiffness of the linear grinding elements 2 increases and the linear grinding elements 2 do not bend. Thus, if the number of polishing operations exceeds a certain value, the amount of wear on the linear grinding elements 2 from a single polishing operation tends to increase.

[0061] As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 3, the control unit 51 comprises a polishing operation counter value update unit 61, a wear amount procurement unit 62, and a drive control unit 63. The control unit 51 also comprises a grinding element length dimension calculation unit 64, a replacement determination unit 65, and a replacement notification unit 66.

[0062] When the rotation detection device 53 detects the rotation state, the polishing operation counter update unit 61 calculates a new polishing operation counter by adding 1 to the polishing operation counter stored and held in the memory unit 52, thereby updating the polishing operation counter in the memory unit 52. When the polishing operation counter is calculated, the wear amount procurement unit 62 procures the wear amount by referencing the wear pattern P based on the calculated polishing operation counter.

[0063] When the rotation of the polishing device 1 is terminated based on an output from the rotation detection device 53, the drive control unit 63 performs an abrasive element extension operation or an abrasive element feed operation. In other words, when a state in which the rotation detection device 53 detects the rotation state transitions to a state in which the rotation state is not detected, the drive control unit 63 operates the motion mechanism 22 by driving the drive source to move the polishing tool in the first direction X1 by a distance corresponding to the amount of wear resulting from the wear pattern P. As a result, the linear abrasive elements 2 are advanced in the first direction X1 by the amount of wear.In this example, the drive control unit 63 performs the grinding element feed operation when the end of the rotation state is detected.

[0064] When the wear amount procurement unit 62 procures the wear amount for the first time, the grinding element length dimension calculation unit 64 calculates the grinding element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the reference dimension M, storing and retaining the calculated grinding element length dimension in the memory unit 52. Thereafter, each time the wear amount procurement unit 62 procures the wear amount, the grinding element length dimension calculation unit 64 calculates a new grinding element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the grinding element length dimension, updating the grinding element length dimension in the memory unit 52.

[0065] Each time the abrasive element length dimension is calculated, the substitute determination unit 65 determines whether the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced, based on the abrasive element length dimension and the reference dimension M. For example, the substitute determination unit 65 determines that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced if the value obtained by subtracting the abrasive element length dimension from the reference dimension M is shorter than a predetermined threshold. When the substitute determination unit 65 determines that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced, the substitute notification unit 66 controls the light emission device 54 to indicate, by means of a light, that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced.

[0066] The communication unit 55 uses a wireless network to establish communication between an external device and the control unit 51. This wireless network is defined, for example, by standards such as IEEE 802.11. The initial values ​​of the reference dimension M, the wear pattern P, and the polishing operation count are input to the control unit 51 from an external device via the communication unit 55. The control unit 51 stores and retains the input reference dimension M, the input wear pattern P, and the input polishing operation count in the memory unit 52.

[0067] The polishing tool holder 4 comprises a power supply 59, which supplies power to the motor 35, the control unit 51, the rotation sensing device 53, and the light emission device 54 within the large-diameter section 8. The power supply 59 is a battery. The battery is externally rechargeable by connecting it to a power cable. The polishing tool holder 4 has a connection device (not illustrated) for connecting the power supply cable 59. (Operation of the polishing tool holder in a polishing process)

[0068] Fig. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of a polishing process. Fig. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of the operation of the polishing tool holding device in the polishing process described in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates this.

[0069] In a production line for manufacturing objects, a polishing process is performed to repeat an identical polishing operation for identical workpieces W several times in succession, while the workpieces W are replaced. The polishing device 1 in this example is suitable for use in such a polishing process.

[0070] If such a polishing process is carried out using the polishing device 1, as described in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the operation allows an operator to hold the polishing brush 3 (unused polishing brush 3) with reference dimension M in the polishing tool holder 4 (step ST1). The memory unit 52 of the polishing tool holder 4 stores and retains the bristle length value of the unused polishing brush 3 as the reference dimension M in advance. The memory unit 52 of the polishing tool holder 4 also stores and retains the polishing operation count (0) in advance. Furthermore, the memory unit 52 of the polishing tool holder 4 stores and retains the wear pattern P (see Figure 4). Fig. 4) in advance, in which the wear amount that is worn down by a single polishing operation is related to the polishing operation count value for the linear grinding elements 2 with the reference dimension M (the linear grinding elements 2 of the unused polishing brush 3).

[0071] Next, the operator connects the insertion end of the polishing tool holder 4 to the spindle 5a of the machine tool 5 (step ST2). The machine tool 5 then positions a first workpiece W in a predetermined processing position (step ST3). The machine tool 5 then starts the polishing operation for the first workpiece W(1) (step ST4).

[0072] In the polishing operation, the machine tool 5 moves the polishing device 1 closer to the workpiece W(1) while rotating the polishing device 1, such that the distance between the spindle 5a of the machine tool 5 and the surface S of the workpiece W(1) to be polished is the setting distance D. The setting distance D is the distance at which the linear abrasive elements 2 of the polishing brush 3, which is held in the polishing tool holder 4 connected to the spindle 5a, are in contact with the surface S of the workpiece W(1) to be polished at a predetermined cutting depth E. The machine tool 5 polishes the workpiece W(1) for a predetermined duration while the polishing device 1 moves along a predetermined polishing path along the surface S to be polished, while the distance between the polishing tool holder 4 and the surface S to be polished is maintained at the setting distance D.

[0073] This calculates how it works in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates that when the rotation detection device 53 detects the rotation state at step ST4, the control unit 51 of the polishing tool holder 4 calculates a new polishing operation count by adding 1 to the polishing operation count stored and held in the memory unit 52, updating the polishing operation count in the memory unit 52 with the calculated polishing operation count (step ST21). Once the polishing operation count is calculated, the control unit 51 obtains the wear amount by referencing the wear pattern P in the memory unit 52 based on the calculated polishing operation count (step ST22).Furthermore, when the wear amount is procured, the control unit 51 calculates the grinding element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the reference dimension M, storing and holding the calculated grinding element length dimension in the storage unit 52 (step ST23).

[0074] Then it moves, as it is in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates that when the polishing operation for workpiece W(1) is completed, the machine tool 5 moves the polishing device 1 away from workpiece W(1), stopping the rotation of the polishing device 1 (step ST5). The machine tool 5 then positions a next workpiece W in the processing position in place of the first workpiece W(1) (step ST6).

[0075] When the end of the rotation state of the polishing device 1 is detected based on an output from the rotation detection device 53 at step ST5, the control unit 51 of the polishing tool holder 4 initiates the abrasive element feed operation (step ST24). In the abrasive element feed operation, the control unit 51 drives the motor 35 to move the polishing brush 3 in the first direction X1 by a distance corresponding to the amount of wear on the linear abrasive elements 2 caused by the polishing operation on the first workpiece W. As a result, the polishing tool holder 4 advances the linear abrasive elements 2 in the first direction X1. The control unit 51 also determines whether the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced, based on the abrasive element length dimension and the reference dimension M, which are stored and retained in the memory unit 52 (step ST25).Since steps ST1 to ST5 are the polishing operation for the first workpiece W1, the linear abrasive elements 2 of the polishing brush 3 are sufficiently long at step ST25. Therefore, step ST25 determines that the polishing brush 3 does not need to be replaced.

[0076] Then it starts, as it goes in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the machine tool 5 performs the polishing operation for the next workpiece W(n), which is positioned in the processing position (step ST7). In other words, the machine tool 5 moves the polishing attachment 1 closer to the workpiece W(n) while rotating the polishing attachment 1, such that the distance between the spindle 5a and the workpiece W(n) is the setting distance D. As a result, the linear grinding elements 2 of the polishing brush 3 are in contact with the surface S of the workpiece W(n) to be polished at the predetermined cutting depth E. The machine tool 5 performs polishing for a predetermined duration while moving the polishing attachment 1 along a predetermined polishing path along the surface S to be polished, while maintaining the distance between the polishing tool holder 4 and the surface S to be polished at the setting distance D.

[0077] This calculates how it works in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates that when the rotation detection device 53 detects the rotation state at step ST7, the control unit 5 of the polishing tool holder 4 calculates a new polishing operation count by adding 1 to the polishing operation count stored and held in the memory unit 52, thereby updating the polishing operation count in the memory unit 52 (step ST31). When the polishing operation count is calculated, the control unit 51 obtains the wear amount by referencing the wear pattern P based on the calculated polishing operation count (step ST32). Furthermore, when the wear amount is obtained, the control unit 51 calculates a new grinding element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the grinding element length dimension stored in the memory unit 52, thereby updating the grinding element length dimension in the memory unit 52 (step ST33).

[0078] Then, when the polishing operation for workpiece W(n) is finished, it moves, as described in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the machine tool 5 moving the polishing device 1 away from the workpiece W(n), stopping the rotation of the polishing device 1 (step ST8).

[0079] Here, the machine tool 5 determines whether there is a workpiece to be polished (step ST9).

[0080] If there is a workpiece to be polished (step ST9: Yes), the machine tool 5 positions the next workpiece W in the processing position in place of workpiece W(n) (step ST10). If there is no workpiece to be polished (step ST9: No), the polishing process ends.

[0081] This leads, as it is in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates that when the termination of the rotation state of the polishing device 1 is detected based on an output from the rotation detection device 53 at step ST8, the control unit 51 of the polishing tool holder 4 initiates the grinding element feed operation (step ST34). In the grinding element feed operation, the control unit 51 moves the polishing brush 3 in the first direction X1 by a distance corresponding to the amount of wear on the linear grinding elements 2 caused by the polishing operation on the workpiece W. As a result, the polishing tool holder 4 extends the linear grinding elements 2 in the first direction X1. The control unit 51 also determines whether the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced, based on the grinding element length dimension and the reference dimension M, which are stored and retained in the memory unit 52 (step ST35).When it is determined that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced, the control unit 51 activates the light-emitting device 54 to indicate by means of a light that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced (step ST36). When the light-emitting device 54 emits a light, the operator stops the machine tool 5 and replaces the polishing brush 3.

[0082] Then, as it says in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the machine tool 5 initiates the polishing operation for the next workpiece W, which is positioned at the processing position (steps ST7 and ST8). In the polishing process, steps ST8 to ST11 are repeated until there is no further workpiece W to be polished (step ST9: No).

[0083] When the light emitted by the light emission device 54 indicates that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced (step ST36), the operator stops the machine tool 5 and replaces the polishing brush 3 with a new polishing brush 3. Afterwards, the next workpiece W to be polished is set as the first workpiece W, and steps ST7 to ST10 are repeated until there is no further workpiece W to be polished. (Operating effects)

[0084] According to this example, the polishing tool holder 4 comprises the movement mechanism 22, which moves the polishing brush 3 held by the holder mechanism 21; the control unit 51, which drives and controls the motor 35, a drive source for the movement mechanism 22; and the power supply 59, which supplies power to the motor 35 and the control unit 51. Thus, the polishing tool holder 4 can move the polishing brush 3 in the axial direction X by driving the movement mechanism 22 through the drive control of the motor 35 by the control unit 51. As a result, the polishing tool holder 4 can automatically perform the abrasive element feed operation to advance or extend the linear abrasive elements 2 in the first direction X by moving the polishing brush 3 in the axial direction X.

[0085] The storage unit 52 of the polishing tool holder 4 stores and retains the reference dimension M, which is the dimension of the linear abrasive elements 2 at the time the polishing brush 3 is held by the holder mechanism 21; the polishing operation count, which is the number of times the rotation detection device 53 detects the rotation state; and the wear pattern P, in which the amount of wear by which the linear abrasive elements 2 with reference dimension M are worn by a single polishing operation to polish the workpiece W is related to the polishing operation count. When the rotation detection device 53 detects the rotation state, the control unit 51 updates the polishing operation count by adding 1 to the polishing operation count, obtaining the wear amount by referring to the wear pattern P based on the updated polishing operation count.When the termination of the rotation state of the polishing device 1 is detected based on an output from the rotation detection device 53, the control unit 51 executes the grinding element feed operation to advance the linear grinding elements 2 by driving the motor 35 and operating the movement mechanism 22 to move the polishing brush 3 in the axial direction X by a distance corresponding to the amount of wear.

[0086] In a case where the abrasive element of the polishing tool, which is attached to the polishing tool holder 4, is the linear abrasive element 2, even when an identical polishing operation is performed to polish parts with an identical shape, the amount of wear on the linear abrasive element 2 caused by a single polishing operation differs depending on the length dimension of the linear abrasive element 2 at the start of the polishing operation. In other words, if the abrasive element is the linear abrasive element 2, the shorter the length dimension of the linear abrasive element 2 at the start of the polishing operation, the stiffer the linear abrasive element 2 is and the greater the amount of wear caused by a single polishing operation.Thus, if the protrusion amount of the linear grinding elements 2, which are advanced by the grinding element feed operation (the amount of a movement of the polishing brush 3), is constant, the cutting depth E of the linear grinding elements 2 changes for the next workpiece W, causing variations in polishing accuracy among a large number of workpieces W that are polished successively.

[0087] In contrast, the polishing tool holder 4 obtains the wear amount of the linear abrasive elements 2 from the wear pattern P, which is stored and retained in the memory unit 52, each time a single polishing operation is completed. The wear pattern P links the wear amount expended by a single polishing operation to the polishing operation count for the linear abrasive elements 2 with reference dimension M at a time when the polishing brush 3 is held by the holder mechanism 21. The variation in the wear amount, which depends on the bristle length of the linear abrasive elements 2, is taken into account in the wear pattern P.Thus, if the wear amount is determined by referring to the wear pattern P based on the polishing operation count, the determined wear amount reflects the wear amount of the linear grinding elements 2, which varies with the length dimension of the linear grinding elements 2 at the start of the polishing operation. As a result, in the polishing tool holder 4, according to this example, the protrusion amount of the linear grinding elements 2 in the grinding element feed operation can be adjusted to the wear amount by which the linear grinding elements 2 are worn by polishing the preceding workpiece W.Thus, by enabling the polishing tool holder 4 to hold the polishing brush 3, the linear grinding elements 2 can be automatically advanced, preventing or suppressing variations in polishing accuracy for each workpiece W in a polishing operation to perform the identical polishing operation several times in succession while the workpieces W are replaced.

[0088] The polishing tool holding device 4 includes the light emission device 54. The control unit 51 includes the abrasive element length dimension calculation unit 64, which calculates an abrasive element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the reference dimension M and stores the calculated abrasive element length dimension in the storage unit 52 when the wear amount is first obtained. Subsequently, it calculates a new abrasive element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the abrasive element length dimension and updates the abrasive element length dimension in the storage unit 52 each time the wear amount is obtained. The control unit also includes the replacement determination unit 65, which determines, based on the abrasive element length dimension and the reference dimension M, whether the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced each time the abrasive element length dimension is calculated.When the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced, the replacement determination unit 65 activates the light emission device 54 to indicate that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced. In other words, the control unit 51 calculates the abrasive element length dimension of the linear abrasive elements 2 at the end each time the polishing operation is completed, determining whether a replacement is necessary based on the abrasive element length dimension and the reference dimension M. If a replacement is determined to be necessary, the control unit 51 activates the light emission device 54 to indicate that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced. Thus, the operator can easily recognize when to replace the polishing brush 3 using the polishing tool holder 4.

[0089] The wear pattern P of the linear grinding elements 2, which is in Fig. Figure 5 illustrates an example. Therefore, the wear pattern P, which is stored and retained in memory unit 52, is not limited to this. In other words, the wear pattern P differs depending on the material of the linear grinding elements 2. (Modifications)

[0090] The rotation detection device 53 can be a vibration sensor. When the polishing tool holder 4 is rotated by the machine tool 5, a vibration is generated in the polishing tool holder 4. Thus, the rotational state of the polishing tool holder 4 can be detected by a vibration sensor that detects this vibration.

[0091] The rotation sensing device 53 can be a switch comprising a conductive element that is movable by a centrifugal force, wherein the conductive element connects or disconnects a circuit. In other words, the rotation sensing device 53 can be a switch in which, when a centrifugal force occurs, the conductive element moves towards the outer peripheral side and comes into contact with a contact of a circuit to electrically connect the circuit.

[0092] As a notification unit to indicate that the polishing brush needs to be replaced, a tone generation unit comprising a buzzer or the like can be provided instead of the light emission device 54. In this case, when it is determined that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced, the replacement determination unit 65 controls the tone generation unit to indicate, by means of a tone, that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced.

[0093] The power supply battery 59 can be wirelessly rechargeable. Furthermore, the power supply battery 59 can be removable from the polishing tool holder 4 and replaceable. A single battery can supply power to the motor 35 and the control unit 51. Alternatively, two batteries can be provided: one battery for powering the motor 35 and one battery for powering the control unit 51.

[0094] Furthermore, the communication unit 55 can establish communication between an external device and the control unit 51 via infrared communication or Bluetooth (registered trademark). The communication unit 55 can include a connection device to which a communication cable is detachably attached to enable wired communication between an external device and the control unit 51.

[0095] A direct drive mechanism can be used in which the motor 35 directly drives the shaft element 36. In this case, the drive force transmission mechanism 44 is a connecting element that connects the output shaft of the motor 35 to the shaft element 36. (Example 2)

[0096] Fig. Figure 8 shows an external perspective view of a polishing device in Example 2, in which the present invention is applied. Fig. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a polishing tool included in the polishing device in Example 2. Fig. Figure 10 shows a graph of a wear pattern that is stored and retained in the polishing tool holder in the polishing device in Example 2. As shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 9, a polishing tool 70 of a polishing device 1A in Example 2 comprises an elastic abrasive 71 as the abrasive element. Since the polishing device 1A has a configuration that corresponds to that of the polishing device 1A in Example 1, the corresponding configuration is denoted by the same symbol, without further elaboration.

[0097] As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, the polishing device 1A includes the polishing tool 70 and the polishing tool holder 4, which holds the polishing tool 70 removably. As shown in Figure 8, the polishing device 1A comprises the polishing tool 70 and the polishing tool holder 4, which holds the polishing tool 70 in a removable manner. Fig. As illustrated in Figure 9, the polishing tool 70 has the grinding element holder 11 and the elastic abrasive 71, which is held in the grinding element holder 11. The polishing tool holder 4 is identical to the polishing tool holder 4 of the polishing device 1A in Example 1, except that a wear pattern P1, which is stored and held in the storage unit 52, differs from the wear pattern P of the polishing device 1A in Example 1. (Polishing tool)

[0098] As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, the polishing tool 70 includes the elastic abrasive 71 as the abrasive element. The elastic abrasive 71 has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X. The abrasive element holder 11 holds one end of the elastic abrasive 71 in the axial direction X. The elastic abrasive 71 comprises an elastic foam, a polymer, and abrasive grains. In this example, the elastic foam is a melamine resin foam. Specifically, the elastic foam is an anisotropic elastic foam, compressed in one direction to impart anisotropy to an elastic force.

[0099] The base material of the elastic grinder 71 is obtained by impregnating an anisotropic elastic foam with a dispersion containing a polymer and abrasive grains, and then curing the impregnated elastic foam. In an anisotropic elastic foam, the direction of greatest elastic force is the compression direction. The elastic grinder 71 is designed such that the compression direction of the anisotropic elastic foam coincides with the axial direction X when the polishing tool 7 is held in the polishing tool holder 4.

[0100] The polymer acts as a binder. The polymer can be any of the following: epoxy resins, urethane resins, polyester resins, or polyrotaxane. In this example, the polymer is polyrotaxane. The abrasive grains are selected appropriately depending on the type of workpiece W. Diamond, aluminum oxide, quartz, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, boron carbide, titanium dioxide, cerium oxide, or zirconium oxide can be used as the abrasive grains. The abrasive element is an organic substance, such as walnut, and a synthetic resin. In this example, the abrasive grains are aluminum oxide.

[0101] As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 8, the grinding element holder 11 is an annular element having a holder through-hole 12 extending in the axial direction X. The grinding element holder 11 has a single circular grinding element retaining hole 13 at an associated front end surface. The grinding element retaining hole 13 surrounds the holder through-hole 12. An opening in the first direction of the holder through-hole 12 opens at the center of a circular base surface of the grinding element retaining hole 13. An end section in the second direction X2 of the elastic grinder 71 is inserted into the grinding element retaining hole 13 and fixed to the grinding element holder 11 by an adhesive. The grinding element holder 11 has a recess at an associated rear end surface. The recess is coaxial with the holder through-hole 12 and has a larger inner diameter than the holder through-hole 12.The recess is the connecting part 15 for holding the polishing tool 70 in the polishing tool holding device 4.

[0102] The polishing tool 70 is connected to the connecting element 24 by an associated connecting part 15, which fits onto the projecting part 26 of the connecting element 24. When the polishing tool 70 is connected to the connecting element 24, the through-hole 28 of the connecting element 24 is articulated with the mounting through-hole 12. In a state where the polishing brush 3 is connected to the connecting element 24, the polishing brush 3 and the connecting element 24 are integrated. In this state, the connecting element 24 is held on the shaft element 36 by the associated internal thread 29, which is screwed onto the external thread 36a of the shaft element. With this configuration, the polishing tool 70 is held movably in the axial direction by the mounting mechanism 21.The polishing tool 70 is held in a position by the holding mechanism 21 in which the grinding element holder 11 is arranged in the sleeve 7 and an end section protrudes from the sleeve 7 in the first direction of the elastic grinder 71.

[0103] In this process, the storage unit 52 of the polishing tool holding device 4 stores and retains the reference dimension M, which is a dimension of the elastic grinder 71 at a time when the polishing tool 70 is held by the holding mechanism 21, the polishing operation count, which is the number of times the rotation detection device 53 detects the rotation state, and the wear pattern P1, in which the wear amount that is worn down by a single polishing operation is related to the polishing operation count for the elastic grinder 71 (unused elastic grinder 71) with the reference dimension M. Fig. Figure 10 illustrates the wear pattern P1 of the elastic grinder 71. According to the wear pattern P1 of the elastic grinder 71, as the wear of the elastic grinder 71 decreases (as the polishing operation count increases), the amount of wear taken off by a single polishing operation increases linearly.

[0104] The polishing device 1A in this example can achieve operating effects similar to those of the polishing device 1 in Example 1. In other words, the polishing device 1A can automatically advance the elastic grinder 71 and adjust the protrusion amount of the elastic grinder 71 to the wear amount of the elastic grinder 71 caused by the polishing operation on the preceding workpiece W in a single polishing operation to perform the identical polishing operation several times consecutively while the workpieces W are replaced. This configuration can prevent or suppress variations in polishing accuracy for each workpiece W. In the polishing device 1A in this example, the polishing tool 70 can be replaced at a suitable time. (Example 3)

[0105] Fig. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a polishing device in Example 3. A polishing tool 80 of a polishing device 1B in this example has a configuration in which the elastic grinder 71 of the polishing tool 70 in Example 2 is changed to a rigid grinder 81. In other words, the configuration of the polishing tool 80 is identical to that of the polishing tool 70 except for the grinding element.

[0106] As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 9, the polishing device 1B comprises the polishing tool 80 and the polishing tool holder 4, which holds the polishing tool 80 removably. The polishing tool 80 includes the abrasive holder 11 and the rigid grinder 81, which is held in the abrasive holder 11. The grinder 81 is made of abrasive grains bonded with a bonding agent, such as sinter, or of a natural grinding stone. The grinder 81 has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction X.

[0107] In polishing device 1B, the polishing tool holder 4 is identical to the polishing tool holder 4 of polishing device 1 in Example 1 and polishing device 1A in Example 2, with the exception of the wear pattern P2, which is stored and retained in the storage unit 52. Therefore, the configuration of polishing device 1B, which corresponds to that of polishing devices 1 and 1A, is designated by the same reference numerals and is not elaborated further.

[0108] The storage unit 52 of the polishing tool holding device 4 stores and retains the reference dimension M, which is a dimension of the grinder 81 at a time when the polishing tool 1 is held at the holding mechanism 21, the polishing operation count, which is the number of times the rotation detection device 53 detects the rotation state, and the wear pattern P2, in which the wear amount that is worn down by a single polishing operation is related to the polishing operation count for the grinder 81 (unused grinder 81) with the reference dimension M. Fig. Figure 12 illustrates the wear pattern P2 of the grinder 81. According to the wear pattern P2 of the grinder 81, the amount of wear caused by a single polishing operation is constant, regardless of the dimensions of the grinder 81 at the start of the polishing operation (regardless of the polishing operation count).

[0109] The polishing device 1B in this example can achieve operating effects similar to those of the polishing device 1A in Example 1. In other words, the polishing device 1A can automatically advance the grinder 81 and adjust the protrusion of the grinder 81 to the wear caused by the polishing operation on the preceding workpiece W in a single polishing operation, repeatedly performing the identical polishing operation as the workpieces W are replaced. This configuration can prevent or suppress variations in polishing accuracy for each workpiece W. In the polishing device 1B in this example, the polishing tool 80 can be replaced at a suitable time. (Polishing system)

[0110] With reference to Fig. In section 13, a polishing system is now described in this example. As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 13, a polishing system 100 in this example comprises a polishing device 101 and a cloud computer 103, which is communicatively connected to the polishing device 101 via a network 102. The polishing device 101 includes a polishing tool and the polishing tool holder 4, which holds the polishing tool. In this example, the polishing tool is the polishing brush 3. Thus, the abrasive element of the polishing tool is the linear abrasive element 2. The polishing device 101 has a configuration that corresponds to the polishing device 1 in Example 1. Therefore, the corresponding configuration is designated by the same reference numeral and will not be elaborated further. (Polishing brush)

[0111] The polishing brush 3 is in Fig. 2 illustrates. As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 13, the abrasive element holder 11 of the polishing brush 3 is an annular element having a holder through-hole 12 extending in the axial direction X. The abrasive element holder 11 has a plurality of abrasive element retaining holes 13 at an associated end surface 11A in the first direction X1. A plurality of linear abrasive elements 2 are divided into groups of several abrasive elements that are bundled together. Each of the abrasive element bundles 14 has a rear end section that is inserted into the corresponding abrasive element retaining hole 13 and is fixed to the abrasive element holder 11 by an adhesive. The abrasive element holder 11 has a recess in an associated rear end surface. The recess is a connecting part 15 for holding the polishing brush 13 in the polishing tool holder 4.

[0112] The polishing tool holder 4 has a plug-in end 6 that is to be connected to a spindle 5a of a machine tool 5. The polishing tool holder 4 comprises a holding mechanism 21 that holds the polishing brush 3 such that the polishing brush 3 is movable in the axial direction X of the plug-in end 6, and a movement mechanism 22 that includes a motor 35 (a drive source) for moving the polishing brush 3 in the axial direction X. The polishing tool holder 4 further comprises a light emission device 54 (a notification unit). The polishing tool holder 4 has a control unit 51, a rotation detection device 53 that detects the rotational state of being rotated by the machine tool, and a power supply 59 that supplies power to the motor 35 under the control unit 51.These configurations are identical to those of the polishing tool holder 4 of the polishing device 1 in Example 1.

[0113] The polishing tool holder 4 further comprises a control unit 51 and a communication unit 55, which is connected to the control unit 51. The control unit 51 drives and controls the motor 35 based on a drive command. The control unit 51 also drives and controls the light emission device 54 based on a notification command. The communication unit 55 communicates with the cloud computer 103 via the network 102. The communication unit 55 transmits an output from the rotation detection device 53 to the cloud computer 103 and receives a drive command and a notification command from the cloud computer 103, which it then inputs into the control unit 51.

[0114] In this example, the control unit 51 does not include the polishing operation counter value update unit 61 and the wear amount procurement unit 62. The control unit 51 does not include the grinding element length dimension calculation unit 64 and the replacement determination unit 65. Furthermore, the polishing tool holding device 4 does not include the storage unit 52.

[0115] In contrast, the cloud computer 103 includes a storage unit 52. The storage unit 52 stores and retains the reference dimension M, which is a dimension of the abrasive element at a time when the polishing brush 3 is held by the mounting mechanism 21 of the polishing tool holder 4; the polishing operation count, which is the number of times the rotation detection device 53 detects the rotation state; and the wear pattern P, in which the amount of wear by which the abrasive element with reference dimension M is worn by a single polishing operation to polish a workpiece is related to the polishing operation count. The initial values ​​of the reference dimension M, the wear pattern P, and the polishing operation count are input into the cloud computer 103 from an external device via the network 102 and stored and retained in the storage unit 52.

[0116] The cloud computer 103 comprises a cloud-computer-side control unit 104 and a cloud-computer-side communication unit 105, which is connected to the cloud-computer-side control unit 104. The cloud-computer-side control unit 104 is communicatively connected to the storage unit 52. The cloud-computer-side communication unit 105 communicates with an external device via the network 102. The cloud-computer-side communication unit 105 enables communication between an external device and the cloud-computer-side control unit 104.

[0117] The cloud-based computer control unit 104 includes a polishing fixture control unit 106. The polishing fixture control unit 106 includes a polishing operation counter update unit 61 and a wear amount procurement unit 62. The polishing operation counter update unit 61 monitors an output from the rotation detection device 53 of the polishing tool holder 4. When the rotation detection device 53 detects the rotation state, the polishing operation counter update unit 61 calculates a new polishing operation counter by adding 1 to the polishing operation counter, updating the polishing operation counter in the memory unit 52. When the polishing operation counter is calculated, the wear amount procurement unit 62 procures the wear amount by referencing the wear pattern P in the memory unit 52 based on the calculated polishing operation counter.

[0118] The polishing device control unit 106 also includes a drive command output unit 107 and a command transmission unit 108. The drive command output unit 107 monitors an output from the rotation detection device 53 of the polishing tool holder 4 and issues a drive command when the termination of the rotation state is detected based on an output from the rotation detection device 53. The drive command is a command to execute an abrasive element feed operation, which drives the motor 35 of the polishing device 101 and operates the movement mechanism 22 to move the polishing brush 3 to the opposite side of the insertion end 6 by a distance corresponding to the amount of wear. When a drive command is issued, the command transmission unit 108 transmits the drive command to the polishing tool holder 4.In this example, the drive command output unit 107 issues a drive command when the end of the rotation state is detected based on an output from the rotation detection unit 53. When a drive command is issued, the command transmission unit 108 transmits the drive command to the polishing device 1 without delay.

[0119] The polishing device control unit 106 further comprises an abrasive element length dimension calculation unit 64 and a replacement determination unit 65. When the wear amount is first procured, the abrasive element length dimension calculation unit 64 calculates the abrasive element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the reference dimension M, storing and retaining the calculated abrasive element length dimension in the memory unit 52. Thereafter, each time the wear amount is procured, the abrasive element length dimension calculation unit 64 calculates a new abrasive element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the abrasive element length dimension, updating the abrasive element length dimension in the memory unit 52.Each time the grinding element length dimension is calculated, the replacement determination unit 65 determines whether the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced, based on the grinding element length dimension and the reference dimension.

[0120] The polishing device control unit 106 also includes a notification command output unit 109. When the replacement determination unit 65 determines that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced, the notification command output unit 109 issues a notification command. The notification command is a command to control the light emission device 54. When a notification command is issued, the command transmission unit 108 transmits the notification command to the polishing tool holding device 4. (Operation of the polishing system in one polishing process)

[0121] Fig. Figure 14 shows a flowchart of the operation of the polishing device 1 and the cloud computer 103 in the polishing process described in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the polishing process flowchart when using polishing system 100. The flowchart of the polishing process shown in Figure 6 is identical to the polishing process flowchart shown in Figure 6. Fig. Figure 6 illustrates this. In the polishing system 100, the polishing device 1 (the polishing tool holder 4) transmits an output from the rotation detection device 53 to the cloud computer 103. The polishing device control unit 106 of the cloud computer 103 monitors an output from the rotation detection device 53.

[0122] As it is in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, when the polishing process is performed, an operator is permitted to hold the polishing brush 3 (unused polishing brush 3) with reference dimension M in the polishing tool holder 4 (step ST1). In this process, the memory unit 52 of the cloud computer 103 stores and retains the bristle length value of the unused polishing brush 3 as the reference dimension M in advance. The memory unit 52 of the cloud computer 103 also stores and retains the polishing operation count (0) in advance. Furthermore, the memory unit 52 of the cloud computer 103 stores and retains the wear pattern P (see Figure 6). Fig. 4) in advance, in which the wear amount that is worn down by a single polishing operation is linked to the polishing operation count value for the linear grinding elements 2 with the reference dimension M (the linear grinding elements 2 of the unused polishing brush 3).

[0123] Next, the operator connects the insertion end of the polishing tool holder 4 to the spindle 5a of the machine tool 5 (step ST2). The machine tool 5 then positions a first workpiece W in a predetermined processing position (step ST3). The machine tool 5 then starts the polishing operation for the first workpiece W(1) (step ST4).

[0124] In the polishing operation, the machine tool 5 moves the polishing device 1 closer to the workpiece W(1) while rotating the polishing device 1, such that the distance between the spindle 5a of the machine tool 5 and the surface S of the workpiece W(1) to be polished is the setting distance D. The setting distance D is the distance at which the linear abrasive elements 2 of the polishing brush 3, which are held in the polishing tool holder 4 connected to the spindle 5a, are in contact with the surface of the workpiece W(1) to be polished at a predetermined cutting depth E. The machine tool 5 polishes the workpiece W(1) for a predetermined duration while the polishing device 1 is moved along a predetermined polishing path along the surface S to be polished, while the distance between the polishing tool holder 4 and the surface S to be polished is maintained at the setting distance D.

[0125] In step ST4, the polishing device control unit 106 detects the rotational state of the polishing device 1 based on an output from the rotation detection device 53. As described in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 14, when the rotational state of the polishing device 1 is detected, the polishing device control unit 106 calculates a new polishing operation count by adding 1 to the polishing operation count stored and held in the memory unit 52, updating the polishing operation count in the memory unit 52 with the calculated polishing operation count (step ST41). Once the polishing operation count is calculated, the polishing device control unit 106 obtains the wear amount by referencing the wear pattern P in the memory unit 52 based on the calculated polishing operation count (step ST42).Furthermore, when the wear amount is procured, the polishing device control unit 106 calculates the grinding element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the reference dimension M, storing and holding the calculated grinding element length dimension in the storage unit 52 (step ST43).

[0126] Then it moves, as it is in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates that when the polishing operation for workpiece W(1) is completed, the machine tool 5 moves the polishing device 1 away from workpiece W(1), stopping the rotation of the polishing device 1 (step ST5). The machine tool 5 then positions a next workpiece W in the processing position in place of the first workpiece W(1) (step ST6).

[0127] In step ST5, the polishing device control unit 106 detects that the rotation state of the polishing device 1 has ended, based on an output from the rotation detection device 53. As described in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 14, when the end of the rotation state of the polishing device 1 is detected, the polishing device control unit 106 issues a drive command and transmits it to the polishing device 1. The drive command is a command to drive the motor 35 of the polishing tool holder 4 to move the polishing brush 3 in the first direction X1 by a distance corresponding to the amount of wear on the linear abrasive elements 2 caused by the polishing operation on the first workpiece W (step ST44). The polishing device control unit 106 also determines whether the polishing brush needs to be replaced, based on the abrasive element length dimension and the reference dimension M, which is stored and held in the memory unit 52 (step ST45).Since steps ST1 to ST5 are the polishing operation for the first workpiece W1, the linear abrasive elements 2 of the polishing brush 3 are sufficiently long at step ST45. Therefore, step ST25 determines that the polishing brush 3 does not need to be replaced.

[0128] Here, the polishing device 1, which receives the drive command, performs the grinding element feed operation (step ST46). In the grinding element feed operation, the polishing device control unit 106 drives the motor 35 to move the polishing brush 3 in the first direction X1 by a distance corresponding to the amount of wear on the linear grinding elements 2 caused by the polishing operation on the first workpiece W. As a result, the polishing device control unit 106 advances the linear grinding elements 2 in the first direction X1.

[0129] Then begins, as it goes in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the machine tool 5 performs the polishing operation for the next workpiece W(n), which is positioned at the processing position (step ST7). In other words, the machine tool 5 moves the polishing attachment 1 closer to the workpiece W(n) while rotating the polishing attachment 1, such that the distance between the spindle 5a and the workpiece W(n) is the setting distance D. As a result, the linear grinding elements 2 of the polishing brush 3 are in contact with the surface S of the workpiece W(n) to be polished at a predetermined cutting depth E. The machine tool 5 performs polishing for a predetermined duration while moving the polishing attachment 1 along a predetermined polishing path along the surface S to be polished, while maintaining the distance between the polishing attachment control unit 106 and the surface S to be polished at the setting distance D.

[0130] In step ST7, the polishing device control unit 106 detects the rotation state of the polishing device 1 based on an output from the rotation detection device 53. As described in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 14, when the rotational state of the polishing device 1 is detected, the polishing device control unit 106 calculates a new polishing operation count by adding 1 to the polishing operation count stored and held in the memory unit 52, thereby updating the polishing operation count in the memory unit 52 (step ST51). Once the polishing operation count is calculated, the polishing device control unit 106 obtains the wear amount by referencing the wear pattern P based on the calculated polishing operation count (step ST52). Furthermore, once the wear amount is obtained, the polishing device control unit 106 calculates a new abrasive element length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the abrasive element length dimension stored in the memory unit 52, thereby updating the abrasive element length dimension in the memory unit 52 (step ST53).

[0131] Then, when the polishing operation for workpiece W(n) is finished, it moves, as described in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the machine tool 5 moving the polishing device 1 away from the workpiece W(n), stopping the rotation of the polishing device 1 (step ST8).

[0132] Here, machine tool 5 determines whether there is a workpiece to be polished (step ST9). If there is a workpiece to be polished (step ST9: Yes), machine tool 5 positions the next workpiece W at the processing position in place of workpiece W(n) (step ST10). If there is no workpiece to be polished (step ST9: No), the polishing process ends.

[0133] In step ST8, the polishing device control unit 106 detects that the rotation state of the polishing device 1 has ended, based on an output from the rotation detection device 53. As described in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 14, when the end of the rotation state of the polishing device 1 is detected, the polishing device control unit 106 issues and transmits a drive command to the polishing device 1. The drive command is a command to drive the motor 35 of the polishing tool holder 4 to move the polishing brush 3 in the first direction X1 by a distance corresponding to the amount of wear on the linear abrasive elements 2 caused by the polishing operation on the first workpiece W (step ST54). The polishing device control unit 106 also determines whether the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced, based on the abrasive element length dimension and the reference dimension M, which is stored and held in the memory unit 52 (step ST55).If it is determined that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced (step ST55: Yes), the polishing device control unit 106 issues a notification command to the polishing device 1 and transmits it (step ST56).

[0134] Upon receiving the drive command at step ST54, the polishing device 1 executes the grinding element feed operation (step ST57). In the grinding element feed operation, the polishing device control unit 106 drives the motor 35 to move the polishing brush 3 in the first direction X1 by a distance corresponding to the amount of wear on the linear grinding elements 2 caused by the polishing operation on the first workpiece W. As a result, the polishing device control unit 106 advances the linear grinding elements 2 in the first direction X1. When the notification command is received at step ST56, the polishing device 1 controls the light emission device 54 to indicate, by emitting a light, that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced (step ST58). When the light emission device 54 emits a light, the operator stops the machine tool 5 and replaces the polishing brush 3.

[0135] Then, as it says in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the machine tool 5 initiates the polishing operation for the next workpiece W, which is positioned at the processing position (steps ST7 and ST8). In the polishing process, steps ST8 to ST11 are repeated until there are no more workpieces W to be polished (step ST9: No).

[0136] When the light emitted by the light emission device 54 indicates that the polishing brush 3 needs to be replaced (step ST58), the operator stops the machine tool 5 and replaces the polishing brush 3 with a new polishing brush 3. Afterwards, the next workpiece W to be polished is set as the first workpiece W, with steps ST7 to ST10 being repeated until there are no more workpieces W to be polished. (Operating effects)

[0137] The polishing system 100 according to the present invention comprises the polishing device 1, which includes the polishing tool holder 4 and the polishing brush 3, and the cloud computer 103, which is connected to the polishing device 1 (the polishing tool holder 4) via the network 102. The polishing device control unit 106 of the cloud computer 103 comprises the drive command output unit 107, which issues a drive command. The polishing tool holder 4 comprises the motor 35 (the drive source), the movement mechanism 22, which moves the polishing brush 3, which is held by the holder mechanism 21, the control unit 51, which drives and controls the motor 35 based on a drive command, and the power supply 59, which supplies power to the motor 35 and the control unit 51.Thus, the polishing system 100 can drive the movement mechanism 22 of the polishing tool holder 4 based on a drive command from the cloud computer 103 and move the polishing brush 3 in the axial direction X. As a result, the polishing device 101 can automatically perform the abrasive element feed operation to advance or extend the linear abrasive elements 2 to the opposite side of the insertion end 6 by moving the polishing brush 3 in the axial direction X.

[0138] In this example, the cloud computer 103, which can communicate with the polishing tool holder 4, obtains the wear amount by referencing the wear pattern P, which is stored and retained in the memory unit 52 of the cloud computer 103, each time a single polishing operation is completed in the polishing device 101. Furthermore, once the wear amount is obtained, the cloud computer 103 issues a drive command to execute the abrasive feed operation, which drives the motor 35 of the polishing device 101 and operates the movement mechanism 22 to move the polishing brush 3 to the opposite side of the insertion end by a distance equal to the wear amount, transmitting the drive command to the polishing tool holder 4. Upon receiving the drive command, the polishing device 101 drives the motor 35 to execute the abrasive feed operation.Here, the wear pattern P links the amount of wear inflicted by a single polishing operation to the polishing operation count for the linear grinding elements 2 with reference dimension M at a time when the polishing brush 3 is held by the holding mechanism 21. Thus, when the amount of wear is obtained by referencing the wear pattern P based on the polishing operation count, the obtained amount of wear reflects the wear of the grinding element, which varies with the length dimension of the linear grinding elements 2 at the start of the polishing operation. As a result, the protrusion of the linear grinding elements 2 in the grinding element feed operation can be adjusted to the amount of wear by which the grinding element is worn by polishing the preceding workpiece W.Thus, the polishing system 100 can automatically advance the grinding element and prevent or suppress variations in polishing accuracy for each workpiece in a polishing operation to perform the identical polishing operation several times in succession while the workpieces are replaced.

[0139] When the termination of the rotation state is detected based on an output from the rotation detection device 53, the drive command output unit 107 can issue a drive command the next time the rotation detection device 53 detects the rotation state. In other words, after the polishing operation for one workpiece W is completed and when the machine tool 5 rotates the polishing brush 3 for the polishing operation for the next workpiece W, the cloud computer 103 can issue and transmit a drive command to cause the polishing device 101 to perform the grinding element feed operation.

[0140] The rotation detection device 53 can be a vibration sensor. The rotation detection device 53 can also be a switch comprising a conductive element that is movable by a centrifugal force, wherein the conductive element connects or disconnects a circuit.

[0141] Similarly, in this example, the polishing tool holder 4 can hold the polishing tool 70, which has the elastic grinder 71 as the grinding element. The polishing tool holder 4 can also hold the polishing tool 80, which has the rigid grinder 81 as the grinding element. (Other examples)

[0142] The polishing system 100 can include a variety of polishing devices 101 that are connected to the cloud computer 103 via communication. Fig. Figure 15 shows an illustration of a polishing system 100' with a plurality of polishing devices 101. Since the polishing system 100', which is in Fig. Figure 15 illustrates a configuration that corresponds to that of the polishing system 100; the corresponding communication is designated by the same symbol and is not elaborated further.

[0143] The polishing system 100' in this example comprises, as the polishing device 101, a first polishing device 101A and a second polishing device 101B, which are communicatively connected to the cloud computer 103 via the network 102. The cloud computer 103 comprises the cloud-side control unit 104, the storage unit 52, and the cloud-side communication unit 105. The cloud-side control unit 104 comprises, as the polishing device control unit 106, a first polishing device control unit 106A and a second polishing device control unit 106B. The first polishing device control unit 106A receives an output from the rotation detection device 53 of the first polishing device 101A. The first polishing device control unit 106A issues and transmits a drive command and a notification command to the first polishing device 101A.The second polishing device control unit 106B receives an output from the rotation detection device 53 of the second polishing device 101B. The second polishing device control unit 106B issues and transmits a drive command and a notification command to the second polishing device 101B. The first polishing device control unit 106A and the second polishing device control unit 106B each refer to the same wear pattern P, which is stored and retained in the memory unit 52 when the wear amount is obtained.

[0144] Cloud computer 103 can identify the first polishing device 101A and the second polishing device 101B by assigning individual identification codes or similar identifiers. Alternatively, cloud computer 103 can identify the first polishing device 101A and the second polishing device 101B by their respective addresses on network 102.

[0145] In this example, a production line for performing a polishing operation comprises, as machine tool 5, a first machine tool 5A and a second machine tool 5B, which perform the identical polishing operation. The first polishing device 101A is connected to the first machine tool 5A, and the second polishing device 101B is connected to the second machine tool 5B. When using the polishing system 100' in such a case, these polishing devices 101 can be driven and controlled by a cloud computer 103.

[0146] In the polishing system 100', the grinding element feed operation for each of a plurality of polishing devices 101 can be performed by procuring the wear amount of the linear grinding elements 2 based on a wear pattern P, which is stored and maintained in the storage unit 52 of the cloud computer 103. Furthermore, the wear pattern P of a plurality of polishing devices 101 can be changed collectively by updating the wear pattern P in the storage unit 52.

[0147] According to this example, the wear condition of the grinding elements of a multitude of polishing devices 101 can be recorded on the cloud computer 103. Thus, a multitude of polishing devices 101 connected to the respective machine tools can be centrally controlled. Furthermore, the cloud computer 103 records outputs from the rotation detection devices of a multitude of polishing devices 101. Therefore, the operating status of each machine tool 5 can be recorded on the cloud computer 103 based on the rotation status of each polishing device 101.

[0148] If the first machine tool 5A and the second machine tool 5B perform different polishing operations, the first polishing device 101A and the second polishing device 101B can have different polishing tools. In this case, a first wear pattern and a second wear pattern are stored and retained in the storage unit 52 of the cloud computer 103. The first polishing device control unit 106A, which transmits a drive command to the first polishing device 101A, can obtain the wear amount by reference to the first wear pattern, while the second polishing device control unit 106B, which transmits a drive command to the second polishing device 101B, can obtain the wear amount by reference to the second wear pattern. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. 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

[0000] WO 2015 / 178273

[0006]

Claims

[1] A polishing tool holding device comprising an insertion end connectable to a spindle of a machine tool, a holding mechanism configured to hold a polishing tool comprising a grinding element holder and a grinding element held in the grinding element holder such that the polishing tool is movable in an axial direction of the insertion end, a drive source, and a moving mechanism configured to move the polishing tool in the axial direction, wherein the polishing tool holding device comprises a control unit configured to drive and control the drive source, a storage unit connected to the control unit, a rotation detecting device configured to detect a rotation state of being rotated by the machine tool, and a power supply configured to supply power to the drive source and the control unit, wherein the storage unit stores and holds a reference dimension, a polishing operation count, and a wear pattern, wherein the reference dimension is a dimension of the grinding element at a time when the polishing tool is held on the holding mechanism, the polishing operation count being a number of times the rotation detecting means detects the rotation state, the wear pattern linking a wear amount by which the grinding element having the reference dimension is worn by a single polishing operation for polishing a workpiece to the polishing operation count, and The control unit includes: a polishing operation count update unit configured, when the rotation detection device detects the rotation state, to calculate a new polishing operation count by adding 1 to the polishing operation count and update the polishing operation count in the storage unit; a wear amount acquisition unit configured, when the polishing operation count is calculated, to acquire the wear amount by referring to the wear pattern based on the polishing operation count;and a drive control unit configured, when a completion of the rotation state is detected based on an output from the rotation detecting means, to perform a grinding member feeding operation that drives the drive source and operates the moving mechanism to move the polishing tool to an opposite side of the shank end by a distance corresponding to the wear amount.; [2] The polishing tool holding device according to claim 1, wherein the drive control unit executes the grinding member feeding operation when a completion of the rotation state is detected. [3] The polishing tool holding device according to claim 1, wherein, when a completion of the rotation state is detected, the drive control unit executes the grinding member feeding operation the next time the rotation detecting means detects the rotation state. [4] The polishing tool holding device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit, wherein the control unit comprises: a grinding member length dimension calculation unit configured to, when the wear amount is acquired for the first time, calculate a grinding member length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the reference dimension, and store and hold the calculated grinding member length dimension in the storage unit, and thereafter, each time the wear amount is acquired, calculate a new grinding member length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the grinding member length dimension and update the grinding member length dimension in the storage unit;a replacement determination unit configured to determine, each time the grinding element length dimension is calculated, whether the polishing tool needs to be replaced based on the grinding element length dimension and the reference dimension; and a replacement notification unit configured, when the replacement determination unit determines that the polishing tool needs to be replaced, to drive the notification unit to indicate that the polishing tool needs to be replaced. [5] The polishing tool holding device according to claim 1, further comprising a communication unit configured to perform communication with an external device, wherein the reference dimension and the wear pattern are input to the control unit via the communication unit and stored and held in the storage unit. [6] The polishing tool holding device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation detecting means is an accelerometer. [7] The polishing tool holding device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation detecting means is a vibration sensor. [8] The polishing tool holding device according to claim 1, wherein the rotation detecting means is a switch including a conductive member movable by a centrifugal force, the conductive member connecting or disconnecting a circuit. [9] Polishing tool holding device according to claim 1, wherein the retaining mechanism comprises a connecting member having a through hole extending in the axial direction and a shaft member passing through the through hole coaxially with the insertion end and extending in the axial direction, the drive source is a motor, The movement mechanism includes a rotation support mechanism configured to support the shaft member such that the shaft member is rotatable about an axis of the insertion end, an internal thread on an inner peripheral surface of the through hole, an external thread on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft member, the external thread being screwed into the internal thread, a drive force transmission mechanism configured to transmit rotation of the motor to the shaft member, a sleeve configured to guide the connecting member in the axial direction on an outer peripheral side of the connecting member and the shaft member, and a rotation regulating mechanism configured to regulate synchronous rotation of the connecting member and the shaft member. The polishing tool includes the grinding member holder connected to the connecting part.wherein the grinding element partially protrudes outward from the sleeve, and the control unit drives the motor to rotate the shaft element to move the connecting element in the axial direction., [10] Polishing device with: the polishing tool holding device according to claim 1; and a polishing tool comprising a grinding element holder and a grinding element held in the grinding element holder, wherein the grinding element comprises a plurality of linear grinding elements arranged in parallel with a length direction aligned with the axial direction, the grinding element holder holds one end in the axial direction of each of the linear grinding elements and the polishing tool is held by the polishing tool holder device to polish a workpiece by bringing a different end of each of the linear grinding elements into contact with the workpiece. [11] Polishing device with: the polishing tool holding device according to claim 1, and a polishing tool comprising a grinding element holder and a grinding element held in the grinding element holder, wherein the grinding element is an elastic grinder, the grinding element holder holds one end in the axial direction of the elastic grinder and the polishing tool is held by the polishing tool holding device to polish a workpiece by bringing another end of the elastic grinder into contact with the workpiece. [12] Polishing device with: the polishing tool holding device according to claim 1, and a polishing tool comprising a grinding element holder and a grinding element held in the grinding element holder, wherein the grinding element is a rigid grinder, the grinding element holder holds one end in the axial direction of the grinder and the polishing tool is held by the polishing tool holding device to polish a workpiece by bringing another end of the grinder into contact with the workpiece. [13] A polishing system comprising: a polishing device including a polishing tool comprising a grinding member holder and a grinding member held by the grinding member holder, and a polishing tool holder having a shank connectable to a spindle of a machine tool, a holder mechanism configured to hold the polishing tool such that the polishing tool is movable in an axial direction of the shank, a drive source, and a moving mechanism configured to move the polishing tool in the axial direction; and a cloud computer communicatively connected to the polishing tool holder via a network, wherein the polishing tool holding device comprises a control unit configured to drive and control the drive source based on a drive command, a rotation detecting device configured to detect a rotation state of being rotated by the machine tool, a power supply configured to supply power to the drive source and the control unit, and a communication unit configured to perform communication with the cloud computer, the communication unit transmits an output from the rotation detection device to the cloud computer, receives the drive command from the cloud computer, and inputs the drive command to the control unit, the cloud computer comprises a storage unit and a polishing device control unit, wherein the storage unit is configured to store and hold a reference dimension, a polishing operation count, and a wear pattern, wherein the reference dimension is a dimension of the grinding member at a time when the polishing tool is held on the holding mechanism, wherein the polishing operation count is a number of times the rotation detecting device detects the rotation state, wherein the wear pattern links a wear amount by which the grinding member having the reference dimension is worn by a single polishing operation for polishing a workpiece to the polishing operation count, and The polishing device control unit includes: a polishing operation count update unit configured, when the rotation detection device detects the rotation state, to calculate a new polishing operation count by adding 1 to the polishing operation count and update the polishing operation count in the storage unit; a wear amount acquisition unit configured, when the polishing operation count is calculated, to acquire the wear amount by referring to the wear pattern based on the polishing operation count;a drive command output unit configured, when termination of the rotation state is detected based on an output from the rotation detecting device, to output the drive command to perform a grinding member feed operation that drives the drive source and operates the moving mechanism to move the polishing tool to an opposite side of the insertion end by a distance corresponding to the amount of wear; and a command transmission unit configured, when the drive command is output, to transmit the drive command to the polishing tool holder. [14] The polishing system according to claim 13, wherein the drive command output unit outputs the drive command when a completion of the rotation state is detected. [15] The polishing system according to claim 13, wherein, when a completion of the rotation state is detected, the drive command output unit outputs the drive command the next time the rotation detecting means detects the rotation state. [16] Polishing system according to claim 13, wherein the polishing tool holding device comprises a notification unit, The polishing device control unit includes: a grinding member length dimension calculation unit configured to calculate, when the wear amount is first acquired, a grinding member length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the reference dimension, and to store and retain the calculated grinding member length dimension in the storage unit, and thereafter, each time the wear amount is acquired, calculate a new grinding member length dimension by subtracting the wear amount from the grinding member length dimension, and update the grinding member length dimension in the storage unit; a replacement determination unit configured to determine, based on the grinding member length dimension and the reference dimension, each time the grinding member length dimension is calculated, whether the polishing tool needs to be replaced;and a notification command output unit configured to, when the replacement determination unit determines that the polishing tool needs to be replaced, drive the notification unit to output a notification command to indicate that the polishing tool needs to be replaced, and, ; when the notification command is issued, the command transmission unit transmits the notification command to the polishing tool holding device. [17] Polishing system according to claim 13, wherein the retaining mechanism comprises a connecting member having a through hole extending in the axial direction and a shaft member passing through the through hole coaxially with the insertion end and extending in the axial direction, the drive source is a motor, The movement mechanism includes a rotation support mechanism configured to hold the shaft member such that the shaft member is rotatable about an axis of the insertion end, an internal thread on an inner peripheral surface of the through hole, an external thread on an outer peripheral surface of the shaft member, the external thread being screwed into the internal thread, a drive force transmission mechanism configured to transmit rotation of the motor to the shaft member, a sleeve configured to guide the connecting member in the axial direction on an outer peripheral side of the connecting member and the shaft member, and a rotation regulating mechanism configured to regulate synchronous rotation of the connecting member and the shaft member. the polishing tool has the grinding element holder which is connected to the connecting part, wherein the grinding element partially protrudes outwards from the sleeve, and the control unit drives the motor to rotate the shaft member to move the connecting member in the axial direction. [18] The polishing system according to claim 13, comprising, as the polishing apparatus, a first polishing apparatus and a second polishing apparatus communicatively connected to the cloud computer via a network, wherein the cloud computer comprises, as the polishing apparatus control unit, a first polishing apparatus control unit configured to receive an output from the rotation detecting means of the first polishing apparatus and transmit the drive command to the first polishing apparatus, and the polishing apparatus control unit configured to receive an output from the rotation detecting means of the second polishing apparatus and transmit the drive command to the second polishing apparatus.

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