Cutting work system and power supply device

Abstract

To provide a cutting work system and a power supply device that can appropriately monitor a state of a cutting tool during working and wirelessly supplies electric power to the cutting tool.SOLUTION: A cutting work system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, comprises: a body part that is disposed in a processing space S of a machine tool device; a cutting tool 4 that has a sensor provided at the body part and a wireless transmission unit for transmitting detection information indicating an output of the sensor; and a power supply device 6 that supplies electric power to the cutting tool. The power supply device comprises: a power transmission antenna 8 provided in the processing space; and a control device 10 that controls the power supply via the power transmission antenna. The cutting tool further includes a power reception antenna circuit that receives the electric power transmitted wirelessly from the power transmission antenna.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cutting system and a power supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a cutting tool including a main body, a sensor disposed in the main body, a wireless communication unit that transmits information indicating the output of the sensor to the outside, and a battery that supplies power to each of the components. The battery is accommodated in a battery housing, which is a space provided in the main body. This cutting tool is capable of monitoring the state of the cutting tool during machining using a sensor and transmitting the state to the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2022 / 230149 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional cutting tools described above, when the battery power is consumed and depleted, it is necessary to replace the battery with a new one. In this case, the old battery must be removed from the battery housing and a new battery must be installed, making it difficult to replace the battery during processing. Therefore, if the machining time becomes long and the battery power runs out during machining, there is a risk that it will no longer be possible to monitor the state of the cutting tool thereafter. Even when machining times are long like this, it is desirable to appropriately monitor the condition of the cutting tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A cutting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cutting tool having a main body arranged in a machining space of a machine tool, a sensor provided in the main body, and a wireless transmitter that transmits detection information indicating an output of the sensor, and a power supply device that supplies power to the cutting tool. The power supply device includes a power transmission antenna provided in the machining space, and a control device that controls power supply by the power transmission antenna. The cutting tool further includes a power receiving antenna circuit that receives power wirelessly transmitted from the power transmission antenna. Effect of the Invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, the state of the cutting tool during processing can be appropriately monitored. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a cutting system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cutting tool. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power supply device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power supply control process executed by the processing unit. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a pointing direction control process executed by the processing unit. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a power transmitting antenna according to a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a power transmitting antenna according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0008] First, the contents of the embodiment will be listed and described. [Overview of the embodiment] (1) A cutting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a cutting tool having a main body disposed in a machining space of a machine tool, a sensor provided in the main body, and a wireless transmitter for transmitting detection information indicating an output of the sensor, and a power supply device for supplying power to the cutting tool. The power supply device includes a power transmitting antenna provided in the machining space, and a control device for controlling power supply by the power transmitting antenna. The cutting tool further includes a power receiving antenna circuit for receiving power wirelessly transmitted from the power transmitting antenna.

[0009] According to the above configuration, since the power transmitting antenna is provided in the machining space and the cutting tool has a power receiving antenna, it is possible to wirelessly supply power to the cutting tool in the machining space. Therefore, it is possible to supply power to the cutting tool during machining, and even if the machining time becomes long, it is possible to continuously detect the cutting tool by the sensor and transmit the detection information. As a result, it is possible to appropriately monitor the state of the cutting tool during machining.

[0010] (2) In the cutting processing system of (1) above, the control device may include a processing unit that executes a power supply control process that controls power supply based on at least one of information indicating a state of the machine tool and the detection information output from a receiver that is communicatively connected to the wireless transmission unit.

[0011] (3) In the cutting system described above in (2), the information indicating the state of the machine tool may include door information indicating the state of an open / close door of a housing that defines the machining space. When power supply is controlled based on door information, power transmission can be controlled when the opening and closing door is in a closed state, so that power can be supplied while machining is being performed by the machine tool. Furthermore, when controlling the power supply based on the detection information, the processing unit can perform the power supply control process based on the detection information.

[0012] (4) In the cutting processing system described above in (1), if the cutting tool further includes a storage battery that stores the power, the detection information may include remaining amount information indicating a remaining amount of power in the storage battery. In this case, the processing unit can control the power supply based on the remaining amount information.

[0013] (5) In the cutting processing system of (1) above, the control device may be provided with a processing unit that executes a process of receiving connection information indicating whether a receiver capable of communicating with the wireless transmission unit is communicatively connected to the wireless transmission unit, and a process of outputting to permit or restrict the start of machining by the machine tool based on the connection information. In this case, the control device can prevent processing from being started in a state in which the wireless transmission unit cannot transmit the detection information to the receiver.

[0014] (6) In the cutting processing system of (1) above, when the power transmission antenna further includes an antenna body and a direction changing unit that changes the direction of orientation of the antenna body, the control device may include a processing unit that executes a process of controlling the direction changing unit in accordance with the position of the cutting tool in the processing space. In this case, the radio waves for power supply can be transmitted toward the cutting tool, allowing efficient power supply and preventing the radio waves for power supply from being emitted in unnecessary directions.

[0015] (7) In the cutting processing system of (1) above, if the cutting tool further includes a storage battery that stores the power, the detection information includes charging information indicating whether the storage battery is charging or not, and the power transmitting antenna further includes an antenna body and a pointing direction changing unit that changes the pointing direction of the antenna body, the control device may include a processing unit that executes processing to control the pointing direction changing unit based on the charging information output from a receiver that is communicatively connected to the wireless transmitting unit. In this case, the processing unit can repeatedly change the pointing direction until the charging information indicates that charging is in progress, thereby allowing the processing unit to search for a pointing direction in which the storage battery can be charged.

[0016] (8) In the cutting processing system of (1) above, the power transmission antenna may further include a plurality of antenna bodies arranged at different positions from each other, and a switching unit that switches between the antennas that wirelessly transmit the power from among the plurality of antenna bodies. In this case, an antenna body capable of appropriately transmitting radio waves for power supply to the cutting tool can be selected from a plurality of antenna bodies.

[0017] (9) In any one of the cutting processing systems described above in (1) to (8), the frequency of the transmission wave from the wireless transmission unit and the frequency of the radio wave for power supply from the power transmission antenna may be different from each other. In this case, interference between the transmission wave from the wireless transmission unit and the electric power supply radio wave can be suppressed.

[0018] (10) In the cutting processing system of (9) above, the frequency of the radio waves for power supply may be higher than the frequency of the transmission waves. In this case, it is possible to suppress the influence of harmonics of the radio waves for power supply on the transmission waves, and it is possible to perform communication by the wireless transmission unit more stably.

[0019] (11) Another embodiment from another viewpoint is a power supply device. The power supply device supplies power to a cutting tool having a main body disposed in a machining space of a machine tool, a sensor provided in the main body, and a wireless transmitter that transmits information detected by the sensor. The power supply device includes a power transmitting antenna provided in the machining space, and a control device that controls power supply by the power transmitting antenna.

[0020] [Details of the embodiment] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. At least a part of each of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner. [Overall structure] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a cutting system according to an embodiment. In FIG. 1, the cutting system 1 includes a machine tool 2, a cutting tool 4, and a power supply device 6.

[0021] The machine tool 2 is, for example, an NC lathe. The machine tool 2 has a bed 2a and a housing 2b. The housing 2b is disposed above the bed 2a. The inside of the housing 2b is a machining space S. That is, the housing 2b defines the machining space S above the bed 2a.

[0022] In the machining space S, a headstock, a chuck for gripping a workpiece, and the like (not shown) are arranged. Furthermore, a turret 2c is disposed within the machining space S. A cutting tool 4 is held by the turret 2c. The cutting tool 4 is a tool for performing cutting on a workpiece held by a chuck. More specifically, the cutting tool 4 is a tool for performing turning, which is a type of cutting. Turning is a process performed by pressing a tool against a rotating workpiece. The cutting tool 4 in this embodiment has a sensor, and is capable of monitoring the state of the cutting tool 4 and transmitting the state to the outside. The cutting tool 4 will be described in detail later.

[0023] The housing 2b has a housing main body 2b1 and an opening / closing door 2b2. The housing main body 2b1 is fixed to the upper surface of the bed 2a. Meanwhile, the opening / closing door 2b2 is movable laterally relative to the bed 2a as shown by the arrow in FIG. The opening / closing door 2b2 is in a closed state in the position shown in Fig. 1. The opening / closing door 2b2 moves laterally from the closed position to an open state. When the opening / closing door 2b2 is in an open state, each element arranged in the machining space S is exposed to the outside. When an operator prepares for machining or removes a machined workpiece, the opening / closing door 2b2 is in an open state. When the opening / closing door 2b2 is in the closed state, the operator of the machine tool 2 cannot access the machining space S. Therefore, when the machine tool 2 is performing machining, the opening / closing door 2b2 is in the closed state.

[0024] The power supply device 6 has a function of wirelessly supplying power to the cutting tool 4. The power supply device 6 includes a power transmitting antenna 8 and a control device 10. The control device 10 has a function of controlling power feeding by the power transmitting antenna 8. The control device 10 generates a power feeding signal based on the power fed from the power source 100, and feeds the signal to the power transmitting antenna 8. The power transmission antenna 8 is provided in the machining space S. The power transmission antenna 8 transmits a power supply signal provided from the control device 10 to the cutting tool 4 as a power supply radio wave.

[0025] [About cutting tools] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cutting tool 4. As shown in FIG. 2, the cutting tool 4 has a main body 12, a temperature sensor 14, a strain sensor 16, a wireless transmitter 18, a rectenna 20, and a battery 22. The main body 12 has a shank 12a and a cutting tip 12b. The shank 12a is a metal rectangular columnar member held by a turret 2c of the machine tool 2. The cutting tip 12b is a blade that cuts a workpiece by contacting the workpiece. The cutting tip 12b is detachably attached to the tip of the shank 12a.

[0026] Temperature sensor 14, strain sensor 16, wireless transmitter 18, rectenna 20, and battery 22 are mounted on shank 12a. The temperature sensor 14 is attached to the shank 12a and detects the temperature of the shank 12a. The temperature sensor 14 includes a thermistor, a thermocouple, etc. When DC power is provided from a power control unit 24, which will be described later, the temperature sensor 14 provides an output according to the current temperature of the temperature sensor 14 to the wireless transmission unit 18. In other words, the output of the temperature sensor 14 indicates the temperature of the shank 12a.

[0027] The strain sensor 16 is attached to the shank 12a and detects the strain of the shank 12a. The strain sensor 16 includes a strain gauge, etc. When DC power is applied from the power control unit 24, the strain sensor 16 provides an output corresponding to the current strain of the shank 12a to the wireless transmission unit 18. In other words, the output of the strain sensor 16 indicates the strain of the shank 12a.

[0028] The rectenna 20 has a power receiving antenna 20a and a rectifier circuit 20b. The power receiving antenna 20a receives radio waves from the power feeding device 6. The power receiving antenna 20a provides an electrical signal based on the received radio waves to the rectifier circuit 20b. The rectifier circuit 20b rectifies the electrical signal provided by the power receiving antenna 20a, converts it into DC power, and outputs it. The DC power output by the rectifier circuit 20b is provided to the sensors 14, 16 and the wireless transmitter 18. In other words, the rectenna 20 is a power receiving antenna circuit that receives power wirelessly transmitted from the power transmitting antenna 8. The DC power output by rectenna 20 is provided to a power control unit 24 .

[0029] The power control unit 24 has the function of converting the DC power output by the rectenna 20 to a predetermined voltage, controlling the charging and discharging of the battery 22, and providing the DC power from the rectenna 20 and the DC power from the battery 22 to the sensors 14, 16 and the wireless transmitting unit 18. When DC power is provided from the rectenna 20 , the power control unit 24 can provide DC power to the sensors 14 , 16 , the wireless transmission unit 18 , and the battery 22 . Furthermore, when DC power is provided from the rectenna 20, the power control unit 24 can provide DC power only to the battery 22. In this case, the sensors 14, 16 and the wireless transmission unit 18 are provided with DC power from the battery 22. Furthermore, when DC power is not provided from the rectenna 20, the power control unit 24 can provide DC power stored in the battery 22 to the sensors 14, 16 and the wireless transmission unit 18. The battery 22 stores DC power provided via the power control unit 24. The battery 22 also discharges the stored power based on the control of the power control unit 24.

[0030] The power control unit 24 also has a function of detecting the remaining charge of the battery 22. The power control unit 24 detects the voltage of a line 24a connecting the power control unit 24 and the battery 22 as the remaining charge of the battery 22. In other words, the power control unit 24 has a function as a sensor that detects the remaining charge of the battery 22. The power control unit 24 provides information indicating the voltage of the line 24a to the wireless transmission unit 18. In this manner, the output of the power control unit 24 acting as a sensor indicates the remaining amount of charge in the battery 22.

[0031] The wireless transmission unit 18 has a transmission antenna 18a and has a function of performing wireless communication with a receiver or the like outside the processing space S. The wireless transmission unit 18 performs wireless communication with the receiver by, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark). Therefore, the wireless transmission unit 18 performs wireless transmission using a frequency band including 2.4 GHz. The wireless transmission unit 18 wirelessly transmits detection information indicating the output of each sensor. The detection information includes temperature information based on the output of the temperature sensor 14, strain information based on the output of the strain sensor 16, and remaining amount information based on the output of the power control unit 24. The remaining amount information is information indicating the remaining amount of stored power in the battery 22. The remaining amount of stored power is expressed as a numerical value. The temperature information, strain information, and remaining amount information are stored in the same packet, for example, and transmitted as detection information at predetermined time intervals. When DC power is provided from power control unit 24, wireless transmission unit 18 establishes a communication connection with the receiver and starts wireless transmission.

[0032] As described above, the cutting tool 4 operates the sensor and the wireless transmitter 18 based on the power supplied from the power supply device 6, and transmits the detection information. Therefore, when there is no power supply from the power supply device 6 and the power stored in the battery 22 is depleted, the cutting tool 4 cannot perform detection by the sensor or transmit the detection information.

[0033] [About the power supply device] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power supply device 6. As shown in FIG. As described above, the power supply device 6 includes the power transmitting antenna 8 and the control device 10. The power transmitting antenna 8 includes an antenna main body 26 and an antenna driving unit 27 . The antenna body 26 is an antenna having directivity in a certain direction. The antenna driving unit 27 includes a motor for changing the attitude of the antenna body 26. The antenna driving unit 27 has a function of changing the attitude of the antenna body 26 and changing the directivity direction of the antenna body 26. The antenna driving unit 27 is controlled by the control device 10.

[0034] The control device 10 includes a power transmitting unit 28 and a control unit 30. The power transmitting unit 28 generates a signal for power supply based on the power provided from the power source 100 (FIG. 1), and provides the signal to the power transmitting antenna 8. The power transmitting unit 28 of the present embodiment generates a signal in a frequency band including 5.7 GHz. Therefore, radio waves in a frequency band including 5.7 GHz are emitted from the power transmitting antenna 8. In other words, the frequency of the radio waves for power supply from the power transmitting antenna 8 is higher than the frequency of the transmission wave from the wireless transmitting unit 18. The frequency band of the radio waves emitted by the power transmitting unit 28 is not particularly limited, but may be a frequency band including 2.4 GHz or 5.7 GHz from the viewpoint of regulations, etc. However, if the frequency of the wave transmitted by the wireless transmitting unit 18 and the frequency of the radio wave for power supply by the power transmitting antenna 8 are different from each other as in the present embodiment, interference between the two radio waves can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the frequency of the radio waves for power supply by the power transmitting antenna 8 is higher than the frequency of the transmission wave by the wireless transmission unit 18, the influence of the harmonics of the radio waves for power supply on the transmission wave can be suppressed, and communication by the wireless transmission unit can be performed more stably.

[0035] The control unit 30 is configured by a computer or the like that includes a processing unit 32, a storage unit , an output unit , and a receiving unit . The processing unit 32 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a quantum processor, or any other processor suitable for computer control.

[0036] The storage unit 34 is, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), or the like. The storage unit 34 stores computer programs and necessary information to be executed by the processing unit 32. The processing unit 32 executes computer programs stored in a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as the storage unit 34 to realize various processing functions possessed by the processing unit 32.

[0037] The output unit 36 ​​has a function of outputting various information related to the processing by the processing unit 32 to the outside. The output unit 36 ​​has a monitor unit 36a. The monitor unit 36a is provided on the housing 2b of the machine tool 2 (see FIG. 1). Thus, the output unit 36 ​​can output various information to an operator of the machine tool 2 via the monitor unit 36a. Furthermore, the output unit 36 ​​may include other monitors, indicators, and speakers in addition to the monitor unit 36a. In this case, the output unit 36 ​​outputs various information by these devices. Furthermore, the output unit 36 ​​may include a wireless communication device. In this case, the output unit 36 ​​can output various information by wireless communication.

[0038] The reception unit 38 is an interface for receiving various information from the machine tool 2 and the receiver 40. The control unit 2d and the receiver 40 of the machine tool 2 are connected to the reception unit 38. The control unit 2d and the receiver 40 are connected to the control unit 30 so as to be able to communicate with each other via wire or wirelessly. The control unit 30 receives various types of information from the control unit 2d and the receiver 40 via the reception unit 38.

[0039] The control unit 2d has a function of controlling the position and operation of each part of the machine tool 2 to perform cutting. The control unit 2d provides position information of the cutting tool 4 to the control unit 30. The position information is information that indicates the position of the cutting tool 4 within the machining space S. Further, the control unit 2d is connected to a detection sensor 2e that detects whether the opening / closing door 2b2 is closed or not. The control unit 2d can determine whether the opening / closing door 2b2 is closed or not based on the output of the detection sensor 2e. The control unit 2d provides door information to the control unit 30. The door information is information indicating whether the opening / closing door 2b2 is closed or not. Control unit 2d may also provide operation information indicating whether or not machine tool 2 is in the middle of machining to control unit 30. In this manner, control unit 2d provides information indicating the state of machine tool 2 to control unit 30.

[0040] The receiver 40 has a function of performing wireless communication with the wireless transmission unit 18 of the cutting tool 4. The receiver 40 includes a wireless communication unit 40a and a control unit 40b. The wireless communication unit 40a performs wireless communication with the wireless transmission unit 18. The control unit 40b controls the wireless communication unit 40a and performs necessary information processing. The control unit 40b receives the detection information transmitted from the wireless transmission unit 18 via the wireless communication unit 40a. The control unit 40b accumulates the detection information. The detection information accumulated by the control unit 40b is used to monitor the state of the cutting tool 4.

[0041] Moreover, the control unit 40b provides the reception information to the control unit 30. The reception information includes the detection information and the connection information. The detection information is information provided by the cutting tool 4 . The connection information is information indicating whether or not a communication connection has been established between the wireless communication unit 40a and the wireless transmission unit 18. A state in which a communication connection has been established means that the wireless communication unit 40a and the wireless transmission unit 18 exchange information necessary for communication between them, and information (user data) can be exchanged between the wireless communication unit 40a and the wireless transmission unit 18. The control unit 40b may provide the detection information as connection information to the control unit 30. In this case, the detection information indicates that a communication connection has been established between the wireless communication unit 40a and the wireless transmission unit 18.

[0042] The processing unit 32 controls the power transmitting unit 28 based on information provided from the machine tool 2 and the receiver 40, and controls power feeding by the power transmitting antenna 8. The processing unit 32 has a function of executing a power feeding control process 32a and a pointing direction control process 32b.

[0043] [Power supply control process] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the power supply control process executed by the processing unit 32. 4, first, in step S1, the processing unit 32 determines whether the opening / closing door 2b2 is in a closed state or not (step S1 in FIG. 4). The processing unit 32 determines whether the opening / closing door 2b2 is in a closed state or not based on door information provided from the control unit 2d of the machine tool 2.

[0044] The processor 32 repeats step S1 until it determines that the opening and closing door 2b2 is in the closed state. When it is determined in step S1 that the opening / closing door 2b2 is in the closed state, the processing unit 32 proceeds to step S2 and starts supplying power to the cutting tool 4 (step S2 in FIG. 4). When power supply starts, the processing unit 32 proceeds to step S3 and determines whether or not a communication connection has been established between the wireless transmission unit 18 of the cutting tool 4 and the receiver 40 (step S3 in FIG. 4). The processing unit 32 determines whether or not a communication connection has been established between the wireless transmission unit 18 and the receiver 40 based on the connection information provided by the receiver 40.

[0045] When it is determined that a communication connection has not been established between the wireless transmission unit 18 and the receiver 40, the processing unit 32 proceeds to step S4, and outputs a standby display to the monitor unit 36a of the output unit 36. The standby display output to the monitor unit 36a is a display for requesting the operator to wait for the start of cutting processing. By outputting a wait display to monitor unit 36a, processing unit 32 can output the wait display to the operator, and can cause the operator to wait for the start of machining by machine tool 2. In other words, the wait display is an output for restricting the start of machining by machine tool 2. After outputting the standby display, the processing unit 32 returns to step S3 again. The processing unit 32 repeats steps S3 and S4 until it determines that the wireless transmission unit 18 and the receiver 40 are communicatively connected.

[0046] When it is determined in step S3 that a communication connection has been established between the wireless transmission unit 18 and the receiver 40, the processing unit 32 proceeds to step S5, and outputs a permission indication to the monitor unit 36a of the output unit 36. The permission indication output to the monitor unit 36a is an indication for notifying the operator that cutting processing may be started. By outputting the permission display to the monitor unit 36a, the processing unit 32 can output the permission display to the operator and can prompt the operator to start machining. In other words, the permission display is an output for permitting the machine tool 2 to start machining. In this manner, processing unit 32 receives connection information and executes processing for outputting permission or restriction for starting machining by machine tool 2 based on the connection information (steps S3 and S4 in FIG. 4).

[0047] Here, the processor 32 starts supplying power when the opening / closing door 2b2 changes from the open state to the closed state. On the other hand, as described above, when there is no power supply from the power supply device 6 and the power stored in the battery 22 is exhausted, the cutting tool 4 cannot perform detection by the sensor and cannot transmit the detection information. Therefore, immediately after power supply is started, the power of the battery 22 of the cutting tool 4 may be depleted, and a communication connection may not be established between the wireless transmitter 18 and the receiver 40. If machining is started in a state in which a communication connection is not established, the cutting tool 4 cannot transmit detection information to the receiver 40.

[0048] In this regard, in this embodiment, after starting power supply, processing unit 32 outputs a standby display while a communication connection is not established, and outputs a permission display when a communication connection is established. Thus, processing unit 32 can prevent machine tool 2 from starting machining in a state in which wireless transmission unit 18 cannot transmit detection information to receiver 40.

[0049] After outputting the permission indication in step S5, the processing unit 32 proceeds to step S6 and determines whether the remaining charge of the battery 22 is greater than the upper threshold TU (step S6 in FIG. 4). The processing unit 32 refers to the remaining charge information included in the detection information provided by the receiver 40, and makes the determination based on the remaining charge indicated by the remaining charge information. When it is determined in step S6 that the remaining amount of stored power is greater than the upper threshold value TU, the processing unit 32 stops the supply of power to the cutting tool 4 (step S7 in FIG. 4). The upper threshold value TU is set to a value slightly smaller than the remaining charge amount at which the battery 22 is fully charged. The upper threshold value TU is a threshold value for preventing overcharging of the battery 22. Therefore, when it is determined that the remaining charge amount is larger than the upper threshold value TU, the processing unit 32 stops supplying power to the cutting tool 4 and proceeds to step S11.

[0050] When it is determined in step S6 that the remaining amount of charged power is not greater than the upper threshold value TU (is equal to or less than the upper threshold value TU), the processing unit 32 proceeds to step S8 and determines whether the remaining amount of charged power is smaller than the lower threshold value TL (step S8 in FIG. 4). When it is determined that the remaining amount of stored power is less than the lower threshold value TL, the processing unit 32 determines whether or not power supply to the cutting tool 4 is currently stopped (step S9 in FIG. 4). When it is determined that power supply is stopped, the processing unit 32 resumes power supply (step S10 in FIG. 4) and proceeds to step S11. In other words, the lower threshold TL is a threshold that defines the remaining amount of stored electricity when the power supply stopped in step S7 is resumed.

[0051] If it is determined in step S8 that the remaining amount of stored power is not smaller than the lower threshold value TL (equal to or greater than the lower threshold value TL), and if it is determined in step S9 that power is being supplied, the processing unit 32 proceeds to step S11. In step S11, the processing unit 32 judges whether the opening / closing door 2b2 is closed or not (step S11 in FIG. 4). If it is judged that the opening / closing door 2b2 is closed, the processing unit 32 returns to step S6.

[0052] Therefore, after the power supply is started (step S2 in FIG. 4), if the opening and closing door 2b2 is maintained in the closed state, the processing unit 32 repeatedly performs the processes from step S6 to step S11 in FIG. As a result, the processing unit 32 repeatedly stops and resumes the power supply based on the remaining amount information, and controls the power supply so that the remaining amount of stored power in the battery 22 is maintained.

[0053] If it is determined in step S11 that the opening and closing door 2b2 is open, the processing unit 32 proceeds to step S12, stops the power supply, and returns to step S1. When the opening / closing door 2b2 is opened, the machining by the machine tool 2 is completed. Therefore, in step S11, the processing unit 32 can determine whether or not the machining by the machine tool 2 is completed.

[0054] According to the above configuration, the power supply device 6 has the power transmitting antenna 8 for transmitting radio waves for power supply within the machining space S, and the cutting tool 4 has the power receiving antenna 20a for receiving radio waves for power supply, so that wireless power supply to the cutting tool 4 is possible within the machining space S. Therefore, power can be supplied to the cutting tool 4 during machining, and even if the machining time becomes long, the sensor can continuously detect and transmit detection information. As a result, the state of the cutting tool 4 during machining can be appropriately monitored.

[0055] The control device also includes a processing unit 32 that executes a power supply control process to control power supply based on information indicating the state of the machine tool 2. More specifically, the information indicating the state of the machine tool 2 includes door information. The processing unit 32 executes a power supply control process to control power supply according to the state (door information) of the opening and closing door 2b2, and therefore, by controlling power supply to be performed when the opening and closing door 2b2 is in a closed state, power can be supplied while machining is being performed by the machine tool 2.

[0056] Furthermore, the processing unit 32 receives door information from the machine tool 2 and received information output by the receiver 40, and controls power supply based on the door information and the received information. The received information also includes detection information. Therefore, the processing unit 32 can control the power supply based on the detection information in addition to the door information. More specifically, the detection information included in the received information includes remaining amount information indicating the remaining amount of stored power in the battery 22 of the cutting tool 4. Therefore, the processing unit 32 can control the power supply based on the door information and the remaining amount information.

[0057] [Regarding pointing direction control processing] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a pointing direction control process executed by the processing unit 32. As shown in FIG. The processing unit 32 executes a directivity control process in parallel with the power supply control process. In FIG. 5, first, in step S21, the processing unit 32 determines whether or not the opening / closing door 2b2 is in a closed state (step S21 in FIG. 5).

[0058] The processor 32 repeats step S21 until it determines that the door 2b2 is in the closed state. When it is determined in step S21 that the opening and closing door 2b2 is in the closed state, the processing unit 32 proceeds to step S22 and refers to the position information (step S22 in FIG. 5). As described above, the position information is information that indicates the position of the cutting tool 4 in the machining space S. When the position information is referred to, the processing unit 32 proceeds to step S23 and controls the antenna driving unit 27 based on the position information (step S23 in FIG. 5). The processing unit 32 controls the antenna driving unit 27 so that the direction of orientation of the antenna body 26 faces as close as possible to the direction in which the cutting tool 4 is located. In other words, the antenna driving unit 27 constitutes a direction changing unit that changes the direction of orientation of the antenna body 26.

[0059] After completing step S23, the processing unit 32 returns to step S21 again to repeat the above-mentioned process, thereby enabling the processing unit 32 to change the orientation of the antenna body 26 in accordance with the position of the cutting tool 4, which changes over time. In this case, the radio waves for power supply are transmitted toward the cutting tool 4, so that power can be supplied efficiently and radiation of the radio waves for power supply in unnecessary directions can be suppressed.

[0060] 〔others〕 It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. For example, in the above embodiment, an example was given of changing the direction of orientation of the antenna main body 26 by controlling the antenna driving unit 27, but as shown in Figure 6, the power transmitting antenna 8 may be equipped with a radio wave transmission processing circuit 50 instead of the antenna driving unit 27, and the antenna main body 26 may be equipped with multiple antenna elements 26a. When a power supply signal is given to the radio wave transmission processing circuit 50, the signal is distributed to the multiple antenna elements 26a. The radio wave transmission processing circuit 50 can also adjust the amplitude and phase of each of the multiple signals to be distributed. This allows the radio wave transmission processing circuit 50 to form a beam in the antenna main body 26, and change the direction of the antenna main body 26. In other words, the radio wave transmission processing circuit 50 constitutes a direction change unit that changes the direction of the antenna main body 26. The processing unit 32 controls the direction of the antenna main body 26 by controlling the radio wave transmission processing circuit 50.

[0061] Furthermore, the power transmitting antenna 8 may include a plurality of antenna bodies 26 and a switching unit 52, as shown in FIG. The multiple antenna bodies 26 are disposed at different positions from each other in the machining space S. The movement range of the cutting tool 4 in the machining space S is shared by the transmission / reception ranges of the multiple antenna bodies 26. Therefore, the multiple antenna bodies 26 include the antenna body 26 in which the cutting tool 4 is located within the transmission / reception range. The switching unit 52 has a function of switching the antenna that emits the power supply radio waves from among the multiple antenna bodies 26. The switching unit 52 is controlled by the processing unit 32.

[0062] In this case, the processing unit 32 may control the switching unit 52 based on position information of the cutting tool 4, or may control the switching unit 52 based on charging information, which will be described later. In this case, an antenna body capable of appropriately transmitting radio waves for power supply to the cutting tool can be selected from a plurality of antenna bodies.

[0063] In addition, in the above embodiment, a case has been exemplified in which the wireless transmitter 18 of the cutting tool 4 communicates wirelessly with the receiver 40 and the power supply device 6 does not have the function of wirelessly communicating with the cutting tool 4, but the power supply device 6 may have the function of the receiver 40.

[0064] Also, in the above embodiment, the case has been exemplified where the processing unit 32 executes the power supply control process based on the received information including the door information and the detection information, which is information indicating the state of the machine tool 2. However, the processing unit 32 may be configured to execute the power supply control process based on at least one of the information indicating the state of the machine tool 2 and the received information including the detection information. For example, if the control device 10 has a power supply start switch, the processing unit 32 can perform power supply control processing based on the received information without using door information. The power supply start switch is a switch that can accept an operation by an operator. When the power supply start switch accepts an operation by the operator, the processing unit 32 starts power supply. In this case, the processing unit 32 can control the power supply based on the remaining amount information included in the detection information.

[0065] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was given of the case where the processing unit 32 used door information as information indicating the status of the machine tool 2, but it may also be configured to perform power supply control processing using operation information of the machine tool 2 in place of or in combination with the door information.

[0066] In addition, in the above embodiment, a case has been exemplified in which a wait display is output while a communication connection has not been established between the wireless transmitting unit 18 and the receiver 40, and a permission display is output when a connection is established. However, instead of the wait display and the permission display, the processing unit 32 may give a command to the control unit 2d of the machine tool 2 to permit or restrict machining. In this case, the processing unit 32 can directly control the machine tool 2 and permit or restrict the start of machining.

[0067] In the above embodiment, the temperature information, distortion information, and remaining amount information included in the detection information are stored in the same packet and transmitted, but this is not limited to the above. Also, the fluctuation of the remaining amount information is smaller than the fluctuation of the temperature information and the fluctuation of the distortion information. Therefore, the transmission frequency of the remaining amount information may be set lower than the transmission frequency of the temperature information and the transmission frequency of the distortion information. The detection information may also include charging information indicating whether the battery 22 is being charged.

[0068] When the detection information includes charging information, the processing unit 32 controls the antenna driving unit 27 based on the charging information included in the received information, and can change the direction of the antenna main body 26. In this case, the processing unit 32 can repeatedly change the pointing direction until the charging information indicates that charging is in progress. This allows the processing unit 32 to search for a pointing direction in which the battery 22 can be charged.

[0069] In the above embodiment, the case where the power supply is stopped and resumed is controlled based on the remaining amount information has been exemplified. However, for example, when the reception information and the detection information include the communication quality (e.g., BER (Bit Error Rate) or the like) of the wireless communication between the wireless transmission unit 18 and the receiver 40, the processing unit 32 may change the power supply (signal strength) during power supply based on the communication quality. The radio waves for power supply may cause interference with the wireless communication between the wireless transmission unit 18 and the receiver 40. Therefore, the power supply is controlled to be reduced according to the deterioration of the communication quality. As a result, the power supply is adjusted to a value that allows wireless communication between the wireless transmission unit 18 and the receiver 40 to be performed while power is being supplied to the cutting tool 4.

[0070] In the above embodiment, the cutting tool 4 is a tool for performing turning, but the cutting tool 4 may be a tool for performing a milling process, which is a type of cutting process. The milling process is a process in which a tool is pressed against a fixed workpiece while rotating.

[0071] In the above embodiment, the temperature sensor 14 and the strain sensor 16 are used as sensors provided on the cutting tool 4, but other sensors such as an acceleration sensor may be used. In the above embodiment, the cutting tool 4 includes the battery 22 (secondary battery), but the battery 22 may be replaced with a capacitor.

[0072] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above meaning, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Cutting processing system 2 Machine tools 2a Bed 2b Case 2b1 Main unit 2b2 Opening and closing door 2c Turret 2d Control section 2e Detection sensor 4 cutting tools 6 Power supply equipment 8. Transmission antenna 10 Control device 12 Main body 12a shank 12b Cutting tip 14 Temperature Sensor 16 Strain Sensor 18 Radio transmitter 18a Transmitting antenna 20 Rectenna (receiving antenna circuit) 20a Receiving antenna 20b rectifier circuit 22 Battery 24 Power Control Unit 24a track 26 Antenna body 26a Antenna element 27 Antenna driver (direction changer) 28 Power Transmission Section 30 Control section 32 Processing section 32a Power supply control processing 32b Pointing direction control processing 34 Storage section 36 Output section 36a Monitor section 38 Reception Department 40 Receiver 40a Wireless communication section 40b Control section 50 Transmission wave processing circuit (direction change section) 52 Switching section 100 power supply S machining space

Claims

1. a cutting tool including a main body disposed in a machining space of a machine tool, a sensor provided on the main body, and a wireless transmission unit that transmits detection information indicating an output of the sensor; a power supply device that supplies power to the cutting tool, The power supply device includes: A power transmission antenna provided in the machining space; A control device that controls power supply by the power transmitting antenna, The cutting tool further includes a power receiving antenna circuit that receives the power wirelessly transmitted from the power transmitting antenna. Cutting processing system.

2. The control device includes a processing unit that executes a power supply control process that controls power supply based on at least one of information indicating a state of the machine tool and the detection information output from a receiver that is communicatively connectable to the wireless transmission unit. The cutting system according to claim 1 .

3. The information indicating the state of the machine tool includes door information indicating the state of an open / close door of a housing that defines the machining space. The cutting system according to claim 2 .

4. The cutting tool further includes a storage battery that stores the power. The detection information includes remaining amount information indicating a remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery. The cutting system according to claim 1 .

5. The control device includes: receiving connection information indicating whether a receiver communicatively connectable to the wireless transmission unit is communicatively connected to the wireless transmission unit; and performing an output process for permitting or restricting the start of machining by the machine tool based on the connection information. The cutting system according to claim 1 .

6. The power transmitting antenna is The antenna body, A directivity direction changing unit that changes the directivity direction of the antenna body, The control device includes a processing unit that executes a process of controlling the orientation direction changing unit in accordance with a position of the cutting tool in the machining space. The cutting system according to claim 1 .

7. The cutting tool further includes a storage battery that stores the power. the detection information includes charging information indicating whether the storage battery is being charged, The power transmitting antenna is The antenna body, A directivity direction changing unit that changes the directivity direction of the antenna body, The control device includes a processing unit that executes a process of controlling the directivity direction changing unit based on the charging information output from a receiver that is communicatively connectable to the wireless transmission unit. The cutting system according to claim 1 .

8. The power transmitting antenna is A plurality of antenna bodies arranged at different positions; A switching unit that switches an antenna that wirelessly transmits the power from among the plurality of antenna bodies. The cutting system according to claim 1 .

9. The cutting system according to claim 1 , wherein a frequency of the wave transmitted by the wireless transmitting section and a frequency of the radio wave for power supply by the power transmitting antenna are different from each other.

10. The cutting system according to claim 9 , wherein a frequency of the electric wave for power supply is higher than a frequency of the transmission wave.

11. A power supply device that supplies power to a cutting tool having a main body that is placed in a machining space of a machine tool, a sensor provided on the main body, and a wireless transmission unit that transmits detection information by the sensor, A power transmission antenna provided in the machining space; A control device for controlling power supply by the power transmitting antenna. Power supply device.

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