Cutting system and cutting tool

Abstract

A cutting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a power transfer device having a power transmission antenna provided in a machining space of a machine tool; and a cutting tool which is installed in the machining space and which has a power reception antenna circuit that receives transmitted power from the power transmission antenna. The cutting tool comprises: a first tool body provided with a first sensor; and a housing, separate from the first tool body, which is connected to the first tool body via a first power line for providing power to the first sensor and inside which the power reception antenna circuit is housed.

Description

Cutting systems and cutting tools

[0001] The present disclosure relates to cutting systems and cutting tools.

[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 an external device, and a battery that supplies power to each device. The battery is housed 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 the sensor and transmitting the state to an external device.

[0003] International Publication No. 2022 / 230149

[0004] A cutting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a power supply device having a power transmitting antenna provided in a machining space of a machine tool, and a cutting tool disposed in the machining space and having a power receiving antenna circuit that receives transmitted power from the power transmitting antenna. The cutting tool includes a first tool body provided with a first sensor, and a housing separate from the first tool body, the housing connected to the first tool body via a first power line for supplying power to the first sensor and housing the power receiving antenna circuit therein.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a cutting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is an external view of the end face of a turret to which a cutting tool according to a first embodiment is attached, as viewed from the front. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the cutting tool. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a housing. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the board surface of the circuit board in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a cutting tool according to a modified example. FIG. 7 is an external view of the end face of a turret to which multiple cutting tools are attached, as viewed from the front. FIG. 8 is an external view of the end face of a turret to which a cutting tool according to a second embodiment is attached, as viewed from the front. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is an external view of the end face of a turret to which a cutting tool according to a third embodiment is attached, as viewed from the front. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a cutting tool according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a power receiving antenna circuit according to a fourth embodiment.

[0006] [Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure] In the conventional cutting tools described above, when the battery power is consumed and depleted, it is necessary to replace it with a new battery. 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 machining. Therefore, if the machining time is long and the battery power is depleted during machining, there is a risk that it will become impossible to monitor the state of the cutting tool thereafter.

[0007] One solution is to wirelessly supply power to the cutting tool sensor. By wirelessly supplying power to the cutting tool sensor, it becomes possible to supply power to the cutting tool during machining, and it becomes possible to continuously monitor the state of the cutting tool even if the machining time is long.

[0008] To wirelessly supply power to the sensor, a power receiving antenna circuit for receiving the transmitted power must be provided in the cutting tool. For example, instead of a battery, the power receiving antenna circuit can be built into the body (shank) of the cutting tool. However, in this case, the power receiving antenna circuit must be placed in a limited space, such as the space provided in the body of the cutting tool. This limits the placement of the power receiving antenna circuit and also limits the circuit scale of the power receiving antenna circuit, such as the size and number of power receiving antenna elements.

[0009] Effect of the Present Disclosure According to the present disclosure, it is possible to increase the degree of freedom in the layout of the power receiving antenna circuit and the degree of freedom in the circuit size.

[0010] First, the contents of the embodiments will be listed and described. [Outline of the Embodiments] (1) A cutting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a power supply device having a power transmitting antenna provided in a machining space of a machine tool, and a cutting tool disposed in the machining space and having a power receiving antenna circuit that receives transmitted power from the power transmitting antenna. The cutting tool includes a first tool body provided with a first sensor, and a housing separate from the first tool body that is connected to the first tool body via a first power line for supplying power to the first sensor and that houses the power receiving antenna circuit therein.

[0011] According to the above configuration, since the power receiving antenna circuit is housed in a housing that is separate from the first tool body, there is no need to incorporate the power receiving antenna circuit into the first tool body, which results in the power receiving antenna circuit being not limited by the first tool body in terms of its layout and circuit size, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the layout and circuit size of the power receiving antenna circuit.

[0012] (2) In the cutting processing system of (1) above, when the machine tool has a turret that grips the tool body, the housing may include a housing body and a fixing portion that fixes the housing body to an axial end face of the turret. In this case, the housing can be fixed to the turret together with the tool body.

[0013] (3) In the cutting processing system of (2) above, when the housing body has an opposing surface that faces the end surface when fixed to the end surface, the fixing portion may include an adhesive portion that bonds the end surface and the opposing surface. In this case, the housing body can be fixed to the end surface of the turret by the adhesive portion. Note that a magnet, adhesive, or the like can be used as the adhesive portion.

[0014] (4) In the cutting processing system of (2) above, when the fixing unit includes a gripped portion gripped in the tool mounting groove of the turret and an arm portion extending from the gripped portion and having the housing body attached to its tip, the arm portion may extend along the end face of the turret toward the rotation axis of the turret with the gripped portion gripped in the tool mounting groove. In this case, the housing body can be fixed to the end face of the turret by utilizing the tool mounting groove of the turret. This makes it possible to easily fix the housing body to the turret. Also, it makes it possible to easily fix the housing body near the rotation axis of the turret.

[0015] (5) In the cutting processing system according to any one of (2) to (4), the housing body may be fixed to an end face of the turret so that the rotation axis of the turret passes through the center of the antenna element of the power receiving antenna circuit. This suppresses changes in the relative position of the antenna element with respect to the power transmitting antenna even when the turret rotates, thereby enabling stable reception of transmitted power from the power transmitting antenna.

[0016] (6) In the cutting system of (5), the antenna element may be a loop element. In this case, if the housing body is fixed so that the rotation axis of the turret passes through the center of the loop element, the relative position of the antenna element with respect to the power transmitting antenna does not change significantly even if the turret rotates.

[0017] (7) In the cutting processing system according to any one of (1) to (6), a power storage unit may be provided in either the first tool body or the housing, and configured to store the power received by the power receiving antenna circuit. In this case, even when the power receiving antenna circuit does not receive transmitted power, the power stored in the power storage unit can be provided to the first sensor.

[0018] (8) In the cutting processing system of any one of (1) to (7), the cutting tool may further include a second tool body provided with a second sensor and connected to the housing via a second power line for supplying power to the second sensor, and a power supply control unit that supplies the power received by the power receiving antenna circuit to the first sensor and the second sensor. In this case, the power received by one power receiving antenna circuit can be supplied to multiple sensors.

[0019] (9) In the cutting processing system of (8) above, if the cutting tool further includes an external device that is installed outside the processing space and controls the power supply control unit, and the cutting tool further includes a communication unit that is capable of communicating with the external device, the power supply control unit may be configured to control the power supplied to the first sensor and the power supplied to the second sensor based on a control command from the external device that is provided via the communication unit. In this case, the power supply to the first sensor and the second sensor can be controlled from outside the processing space.

[0020] (10) In the cutting processing system of (9) above, the control command may be generated based on at least one of information indicating the status of the machine tool and output information including the output of the first sensor and the output of the second sensor transmitted from the communication unit. By referring to the information indicating the status of the machine tool, it is possible to identify which of the first and second tool bodies is currently in use. Furthermore, by referring to the output information, it is possible to identify which of the first and second tool bodies is currently in use. Therefore, by outputting a control command to an external device that prioritizes power supply to the sensor of the tool body currently in use, efficient power supply is possible.

[0021] (11) In the cutting processing system of any one of (1) to (10), the power receiving antenna circuit may include a plurality of circuit units each having a power receiving antenna that receives power transmitted from the power transmitting antenna, and a combining circuit that combines the power output from the plurality of circuit units. In this case, each of the plurality of circuit units has a power receiving antenna, and the plurality of circuit units each output power. Therefore, by combining the power output from the plurality of circuit units, it is possible to receive more power.

[0022] (12) Another embodiment is a cutting tool arranged in a machining space of a machine tool, the cutting tool including: a power receiving antenna circuit that receives power transmitted from a power feeding device, the power being transmitted by a power transmitting antenna provided in the machining space; a tool body provided with a sensor; and a housing separate from the tool body, the housing connected to the tool body via a power line for supplying power to the sensor, and housing the power receiving antenna circuit therein.

[0023] [Details of the embodiment] Preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner. [Overall configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the 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, a power supply device 6, and an external device 7.

[0024] The machine tool 2 is, for example, a turret lathe. The machine tool 2 has a turret 8, a drive unit 10, and a movement unit 12. The cutting tool 4 is attached to the turret 8. A plurality of cutting tools 4 can be attached to the turret 8. The drive unit 10 is a device that drives the turret 8 to rotate around the rotation axis C. The movement unit 12 is a device that moves the turret 8 along the axial direction. The machine tool 2 also has a spindle unit (not shown) that grips and rotates a workpiece.

[0025] The machine tool 2 rotates and moves the turret 8, moves the cutting tool 4 attached to the turret 8 to a machining position, and performs cutting on the workpiece. The cutting is performed within the machining space S of the machine tool 2. The cutting tool 4, turret 8, drive unit 10, movement unit 12, spindle unit, etc. are arranged within the machining space S. The machining space S is defined by a cover made of metal, resin, etc. In other words, the machining space S is a space closed by the cover. Cutting oil (coolant) is supplied during cutting. To prevent this cutting oil from scattering, cutting is performed within the closed machining space S.

[0026] The cutting tool 4 is a tool for performing cutting on a workpiece. More specifically, the cutting tool 4 is a tool for performing turning, a type of cutting. Turning is a type of machining performed by pressing a tool against a rotating workpiece. The cutting tool 4 includes a first tool body 20 and a housing 22 that is separate from the first tool body 20. The first tool body 20 and the housing 22 are attached to the end face 8a of the turret 8. The end face 8a is the end face on the opposite side of the drive unit 10, of the end faces on both axial sides of the turret 8.

[0027] The cutting tool 4 of this embodiment has a sensor. The sensor has a function of detecting the state of the cutting tool 4. The cutting tool 4 also has a function of transmitting output information indicating the output of the sensor to the outside. The configuration of the cutting tool 4 will be described in detail later.

[0028] The power supply device 6 has a function of wirelessly supplying power to the cutting tool 4 in the machining space S. The power supply device 6 includes a power transmitting antenna 6a and a power transmitting unit 6b. The power transmitting unit 6b generates a power supply signal based on power supplied from the power source 100 and provides the signal to the power transmitting antenna 6a. The power transmitting antenna 6a is fixed at a position in the machining space S where power can be wirelessly supplied to the cutting tool 4. The power transmitting antenna 6a transmits the power supply signal to the cutting tool 4 as a power supply radio wave. The power transmitted from the power supply device 6 to the cutting tool 4 is used as operating power for a sensor of the cutting tool 4 and power for transmitting output information.

[0029] The power supply device 6 of this embodiment generates and transmits a signal in a frequency band including 5.7 GHz. That is, radio waves in a frequency band including 5.7 GHz are emitted from the power transmission antenna 6a. The frequency band of the radio waves emitted by the power supply device 6 is not particularly limited, but may be a frequency band including 2.4 GHz from the viewpoint of regulations, etc.

[0030] The external device 7 is a device that is placed outside the machine tool 2 (the machining space S thereof). The external device 7 has a function of performing wireless communication with the cutting tool 4. The external device 7 receives output information transmitted by the cutting tool 4 via wireless communication. The external device 7 is configured by a computer or the like. The external device 7 includes a processing unit 7a, a memory unit 7b, an input / output unit 7c, and a communication unit 7d.

[0031] The processing unit 7a 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 of various other processors suitable for computer control.

[0032] The storage unit 7b is, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The storage unit 7b stores computer programs to be executed by the processing unit 7a and necessary information. The processing unit 7a realizes various processing functions of the processing unit 7a by executing computer programs stored in a computer-readable non-transitory recording medium such as the storage unit 7b.

[0033] The input / output unit 7c has a function of outputting various information to the outside and a function of accepting operation input by an operator. The input / output unit 7c includes devices such as a monitor, a touch panel, a keyboard, and a mouse. The communication unit 7d has a function of performing wireless communication with the cutting tool 4. The communication unit 7d performs wireless communication with the cutting tool 4, for example, by Bluetooth (registered trademark). Therefore, the communication unit 7d performs wireless communication using a frequency band including 2.4 GHz.

[0034] The processing unit 7a of the external device 7 has a function of receiving output information transmitted from the cutting tool 4 via the communication unit 7d and performing processing on the output information. The processing unit 7a extracts information indicating the detection results of the sensors from the output information, stores the information in the memory unit 7b, and outputs the detection results to the outside via the input / output unit 7c.

[0035] [Regarding the Cutting Tool According to the First Embodiment] FIG. 2 is a front view of the end face 8a of the turret 8 to which the cutting tool 4 according to the first embodiment is attached. As shown in FIG. 2, the turret 8 is a member having a substantially polygonal (octagonal) outer shape. The turret 8 is formed from a steel material such as a steel for machine structural use. The end face 8a of the turret 8 has a plurality of (eight) tool mounting grooves 9a, a circular surface portion 9b, and an outer surface portion 9c. The eight tool mounting grooves 9a are provided corresponding to each side of the octagon. The eight tool mounting grooves 9a are recessed in the axial direction relative to the outer surface portion 9c. The eight tool mounting grooves 9a extend radially about the rotation axis C. The eight tool mounting grooves 9a are connected to each other by an annular groove 9d that surrounds the circular surface portion 9b. The circular surface portion 9b is a surface provided in the center of the end face 8a of the turret 8. The axial position of the circular surface portion 9b may or may not coincide with the axial position of the outer surface portion 9c.

[0036] As described above, the cutting tool 4 according to the first embodiment includes the first tool body 20 and the housing 22. The first tool body 20 has a shank 20a and a cutting tip 20b. The shank 20a is a rectangular prism-shaped member made of metal. The cutting tip 20b is a cutting tool for cutting a workpiece. The cutting tip 20b is detachably attached to the tip of the shank 20a. The first tool body 20 is attached to the tool attachment groove 9a of the turret 8.

[0037] In this embodiment, the first tool body 20 is attached to one of the eight tool attachment grooves 9a. The shank 20a of the first tool body 20 is attached to the tool attachment groove 9a together with a fixing plate 21. The fixing plate 21 is a jig for holding the shank 20a in the tool attachment groove 9a. The shank 20a is held between the fixing plate 21 and the wall surface of the tool attachment groove 9a.

[0038] The housing 22 is fixed to the circular surface portion 9b. The housing 22 is fixed on the rotation axis C. Therefore, it is fixed to the center of the end face 8a of the turret 8. The first tool body 20 and the housing 22 are connected to each other via a first power line 24. The first power line 24 is a power line for supplying power from the housing 22 side to the first tool body 20 side. The first tool body 20 is provided with a sensor and a wireless communication unit (described later). The housing 22 houses a rectenna (described later). The first power line 24 is a power line for supplying power output by the rectenna to the sensor and wireless communication unit.

[0039] Fig. 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the cutting tool 4. As shown in Fig. 3, the cutting tool 4 includes the first tool body 20 and the housing 22 described above, as well as a first sensor 26, a wireless communication unit 28, a power control unit 30, a power storage unit 32, and a power receiving antenna circuit 33.

[0040] The first sensor 26, the wireless communication unit 28, the power control unit 30, and the power storage unit 32 are provided on the shank 20a. The first sensor 26, the wireless communication unit 28, the power control unit 30, and the power storage unit 32 are housed in a space provided inside the shank 20a. On the other hand, the power receiving antenna circuit 33 is housed inside the housing 22.

[0041] The power receiving antenna circuit 33 receives transmitted power from the power transmitting antenna 6a of the power supply device 6. The power receiving antenna circuit 33 has one rectenna 34. The rectenna 34 has a power receiving antenna 34a and a rectifier circuit 34b. The power receiving antenna 34a receives radio waves for power supply from the power supply device 6. The power receiving antenna 34a provides an electrical signal corresponding to the received radio waves to the rectifier circuit 34b. The rectifier circuit 34b rectifies the electrical signal provided by the power receiving antenna 34a, converts it into DC power, and outputs it. The DC power output by the rectifier circuit 34b is provided to the power control unit 30 of the first tool body 20 via the first power line 24.

[0042] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the housing 22. Fig. 4 shows a cross section along a vertical plane including the rotation axis C. The housing 22 has a box-shaped housing main body 22a, a partition plate 22b, and a waterproof connector 22c.

[0043] The housing body 22a is a hollow box-shaped member made of resin or the like. The internal space of the housing body 22a is sealed. This prevents cutting oil from entering the internal space of the housing body 22a. The waterproof connector 22c is a connector for connecting the first power line 24 to the rectenna 34 (power receiving antenna circuit 33) inside the housing 22. The waterproof connector 22c prevents cutting oil from entering the housing 22 from the connection between the first power line 24 and the rectenna 34.

[0044] The outer plate 40 on the turret 8 side of the housing body 22a is disposed along the circular surface portion 9b of the end face 8a of the turret 8. The outer plate 40 has an opposing surface 40a that faces the circular surface portion 9b. A fixing portion 42 is fixed to the inner surface 40b of the outer plate 40. The fixing portion 42 functions to fix the housing body 22a to the turret 8. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 42 includes a plate-shaped magnet 48. The magnet 48 is fixed to the inner surface 40b with an adhesive or the like. In other words, the magnet 48 is fixed within the space inside the housing body 22a.

[0045] Here, the circular surface portion 9b and the opposing surface 40a are adhered to each other by the magnetic force of the magnet 48. As a result, the housing main body 22a is fixed to the circular surface portion 9b. In other words, the magnet 48 constitutes an adhesive portion that adheres the circular surface portion 9b and the opposing surface 40a. Furthermore, because the housing main body 22a is fixed to the circular surface portion 9b of the turret 8 by magnetic force, it is easy to attach and detach the housing main body 22a to the turret 8, and the fixed position can also be easily changed.

[0046] Furthermore, since the magnet 48 is fixed within the space inside the housing body 22a, it is possible to prevent metal powder and chips generated by cutting processing from directly adhering to the magnet 48 due to magnetic force, making it easier to remove metal powder and chips that adhere to the housing body 22a after processing.

[0047] Partition plate 22b is a plate-like member made of resin or the like. Partition plate 22b is provided inside housing main body 22a, facing outer plate 40. Rectenna 34 is provided on plate surface 22b1 of partition plate 22b, which faces the opposite side from outer plate 40. Rectenna 34 has a circuit board 34c.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the board surface of the circuit board 34c in FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 5, a power receiving antenna 34a and a circuit chip 35 are mounted on a board surface 34c1 of the circuit board 34c. The power receiving antenna 34a includes a C-shaped loop element 34a1 and a pair of lines 34a2. The loop element 34a1 and the pair of lines 34a2 are metal foils, such as copper foils, patterned on the board surface 34c1. The loop element 34a1 is an antenna element for receiving power transmitted from the power supply device 6. The pair of lines 34a2 connect both ends of the loop element 34a1 to the circuit chip 35. The circuit chip 35 includes a rectifier circuit 34b. The first power line 24 is connected to the circuit chip 35.

[0049] The housing body 22a in this embodiment is fixed to the circular surface 9b of the turret 8 so that the rotation axis C passes through the center P of the loop element 34a1 (antenna element). The position of the power receiving antenna 34a can be changed by moving the housing 22 (housing body 22a) on the circular surface 9b. Even if the power receiving antenna 34a is fixed to a position where the rotation axis C does not pass through the center of the loop element 34a1, the power receiving antenna 34a is fixed to a position closer to the rotation axis C on the end surface 8a of the turret 8 because it is fixed to the circular surface 9b. Therefore, the power receiving antenna 34a can properly receive radio waves from the power transmitting antenna 6a even when the turret 8 rotates.

[0050] However, it is preferable that the power receiving antenna 34a be fixed to the turret 8 so that the rotation axis C passes through the center P of the loop element 34a1. This suppresses changes in the relative position of the power receiving antenna 34a (loop element 34a1) with respect to the power transmitting antenna 6a in the machining space S, even when the turret 8 rotates around the rotation axis C, and allows the power transmitting antenna 6a to be received more stably.

[0051] Although the present embodiment illustrates the case where the housing body 22 a is made of resin, the housing body 22 a may be made of metal such as a steel plate. In this case, a window made of resin or the like is provided in a part of the housing body 22 a to allow radio waves from the power transmitting antenna 6 a to pass through.

[0052] 3 , the power control unit 30 provided in the first tool body 20 receives DC power from the rectenna 34 (power receiving antenna circuit 33) via the first power line 24, as described above. The power control unit 30 converts the DC power received from the rectenna 34 to a predetermined voltage, controls the charging and discharging of the power storage unit 32, and provides the DC power from the rectenna 34 and the DC power from the power storage unit 32 to the first sensor 26 and the wireless communication unit 28. When DC power is received from the rectenna 34, the power control unit 30 can also provide DC power only to the power storage unit 32. In this case, the first sensor 26 and the wireless communication unit 28 receive DC power from the power storage unit 32. Furthermore, when DC power is not received from the rectenna 34, the power control unit 30 can provide the DC power stored in the power storage unit 32 to the first sensor 26 and the wireless communication unit 28.

[0053] The power storage unit 32 includes, for example, a battery or a capacitor. The power storage unit 32 stores DC power provided via the power control unit 30. The power storage unit 32 also discharges the stored power based on the control of the power control unit 30.

[0054] The first sensor 26 is a sensor for detecting the state of the shank 20a. More specifically, the first sensor 26 includes a strain sensor, a temperature sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc. The first sensor 26 has the function of detecting the strain, temperature, and acceleration (vibration), which are the states of the shank 20a. When DC power is provided from the power control unit 30, the first sensor 26 provides an output indicating the result of the detection of the state of the shank 20a to the wireless communication unit 28.

[0055] The wireless communication unit 28 has an antenna 28a and has a function of performing wireless communication with the external device 7. The wireless communication unit 28 wirelessly transmits the output provided from the first sensor 26 as output information. When DC power is provided from the power control unit 30, the wireless communication unit 28 establishes a communication connection with the external device 7 and starts wireless transmission of the output information.

[0056] When performing cutting using the cutting system 1, first, the operator of the system 1 attaches the necessary cutting tool 4 to the turret 8. Furthermore, the operator attaches a workpiece to the spindle portion. After that, the operator closes the cover of the machine tool 2 to close the machining space S. Next, the operator starts wireless power supply to the cutting tool 4 by the power supply device 6. As a result, the cutting tool 4 receives power transmitted from the power supply device 6. With power supplied from the power supply device 6, the first sensor 26 of the cutting tool 4 starts detecting the state of the shank 20a and outputting the detection results. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 28 establishes a communication connection with the external device 7 and starts wireless transmission of output information. After that, the operator operates the machine tool 2 to start cutting.

[0057] At this time, the first sensor 26 of the cutting tool 4 provides an output indicating the result of detecting the state of the cutting tool 4 to the wireless communication unit 28. The wireless communication unit 28 wirelessly transmits the output provided from the first sensor 26 as output information. The output information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 28 is received by the external device 7. Having received the output information, the external device 7 obtains information indicating the state of the shank 20a from the output information. The external device 7 outputs the obtained information indicating the state of the shank 20a from the input / output unit 7c. This allows the external device 7 to output the machining state (state of the cutting tool 4) during cutting to the operator.

[0058] According to the above configuration, the power receiving antenna circuit 33 (rectenna 34) is housed in the housing 22 that is separate from the first tool body 20, so there is no need to incorporate the power receiving antenna circuit 33 into the first tool body 20. As a result, the degree of freedom in the arrangement of the power receiving antenna circuit 33 and the degree of freedom in the circuit size can be increased.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the machine tool 2 has a turret 8, and the housing 22 includes the housing main body 22a and the fixing portion 42 (magnet 48) that fixes the housing main body 22a to the circular surface portion 9b of the turret 8, so that the housing 22 can be fixed to the turret 8 together with the first tool body 20. Furthermore, the magnet 48 can magnetically bond and fix the circular surface portion 9b to the opposing surface 40a of the housing main body 22a. Note that, although the present embodiment illustrates a case in which the circular surface portion 9b and the opposing surface 40a are bonded together by the magnetic force of the magnet 48, an adhesive layer made of adhesive or adhesive tape or the like may be provided between the circular surface portion 9b and the opposing surface 40a, and the circular surface portion 9b and the opposing surface 40a may be bonded together by this adhesive layer.

[0060] While the present embodiment illustrates the case where the power control unit 30 and the power storage unit 32 are provided on the shank 20a, as shown in FIG. 6 , the power control unit 30 and the power storage unit 32 may be housed in the housing 22. Because the housing 22 is fixed on the circular surface portion 9b, it is relatively easy to ensure space in the housing 22 for housing the power control unit 30 and the power storage unit 32. Furthermore, there is no need to provide space in the shank 20a for housing the power control unit 30 and the power storage unit 32. Furthermore, by minimizing the space provided in the shank 20a, the strength of the shank 20a can be maintained at a high level.

[0061] Furthermore, although the present embodiment illustrates the case where one cutting tool 4 is attached to the turret 8, two or more cutting tools 4 may be attached as shown in Fig. 7 . In this case, it is not possible to position all of the housings 22 of the cutting tools 4 at positions where the rotation axis C passes. However, the housings 22 can be freely positioned on the circular surface portion 9b by the magnets 48. Therefore, by arranging the housings 22 around the rotation axis C as shown in Fig. 7 , it is possible to position the housings 22 (power receiving antenna circuit 33) so that they do not move as much as possible relative to the power transmitting antenna 6a even when the turret 8 rotates.

[0062] 8 is a front view of the end surface 8a of a turret 8 to which a cutting tool 4 according to a second embodiment is attached. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the fixed portion 42 of the housing 22 has a gripped portion 50 and an arm portion 52 instead of the magnet 48. The housing 22 may or may not have a partition plate 22b.

[0063] The gripped part 50 and the arm part 52 are resin members that are integrally provided with the housing main body 22a. The gripped part 50 is a rectangular member that is gripped in the tool attachment groove 9a of the turret 8. The tool attachment groove 9a in which the gripped part 50 is gripped is located on the opposite side of the rotation axis C from the tool attachment groove 9a in which the first tool main body 20 is gripped.

[0064] Similar to the shank 20a, the gripped part 50 is attached to the tool attachment groove 9a together with the fixing plate 51. The gripped part 50 is gripped between the fixing plate 51 and the wall surface of the tool attachment groove 9a.

[0065] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in Figure 8. In Figure 9, the turret 8 is shown in cross section, and the housing 22 is shown in external view. As shown in Figure 9, the arm 52 extends from the gripped part 50. The housing main body 22a is provided at the tip 52a of the arm 52. Thus, the arm 52 connects the gripped part 50 and the housing main body 22a.

[0066] Furthermore, with the gripped portion 50 gripped in the tool attachment groove 9a, the arm portion 52 is aligned along the circular surface portion 9b (end surface 8a) of the turret 8. Furthermore, the arm portion 52 extends toward the rotation axis C of the turret 8. Therefore, by placing the casing 22 on the turret 8 so that the gripped portion 50 is gripped in the tool attachment groove 9a and the arm portion 52 is aligned along the circular surface portion 9b, the casing main body 22a can be easily fixed near the rotation axis C of the turret 8.

[0067] A spacer 54 is provided on the inner surface 50a of the gripped portion 50. The inner surface 50a is the surface of the gripped portion 50 that faces the rotation axis C. The spacer 54 is interposed between the inner surface 50a and the outer peripheral surface 9d1 of the annular groove 9d. By placing the housing 22 on the turret 8 with the spacer 54 abutting against the outer peripheral surface 9d1, the housing main body 22a can be positioned at a fixed position on the circular surface portion 9b. Furthermore, by adjusting the thickness of the spacer 54, the position of the housing main body 22a on the circular surface portion 9b can be adjusted. By adjusting the thickness of the spacer 54, the housing main body 22a of this embodiment is fixed to the circular surface portion 9b so that the rotation axis C passes through the center of the loop element 34a1.

[0068] 10 is a front view of the end surface 8 a of a turret 8 to which a cutting tool 4 according to a third embodiment is attached. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the cutting tool 4 includes a second tool body 60 in addition to the first tool body 20.

[0069] The second tool body 60 has a shank 60a and a cutting tip 60b, similar to the first tool body 20. The second tool body 60 is held in a tool mounting groove 9a that is circumferentially adjacent to the tool mounting groove 9a in which the first tool body 20 is held. The second tool body 60 is held between a fixing plate 61 and the wall surface of the tool mounting groove 9a. The second tool body 60 is connected to the housing 22 by a second power line 62. The second power line 62 is a power line for supplying power from the housing 22 side to the second tool body 60 side.

[0070] 11 is a block diagram of a cutting tool 4 according to a third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11 , the shank 20a of the first tool body 20 is provided with a first sensor 26, a power control unit 30, and a power storage unit 32. The shank 60a of the second tool body 60 is provided with a second sensor 66, a power control unit 70, and a power storage unit 72. The second sensor 66, the power control unit 70, and the power storage unit 72 have the same configurations as the first sensor 26, the power control unit 30, and the power storage unit 32. In other words, the second tool body 60 has the same configuration as the first tool body 20.

[0071] Furthermore, cutting tool 4 of the present embodiment includes, in addition to rectenna 34, a power supply control unit 76 and a wireless communication unit 78 within housing 22. Power supply control unit 76 has a function of supplying power received by rectenna 34 (power receiving antenna circuit 33) to first sensor 26, second sensor 66, and wireless communication unit 78.

[0072] The power supply control unit 76 and the power control unit 30 of the first tool body 20 are connected to each other by the first power line 24. The power supply control unit 76 provides power to the first sensor 26 via the first power line 24 and the power control unit 30. The power supply control unit 76 and the power control unit 70 of the second tool body 60 are connected to each other by the second power line 62. The power supply control unit 76 provides power to the second sensor 66 via the second power line 62 and the power control unit 70. When DC power is provided from the rectenna 34, the power supply control unit 76 provides power to both sensors 26, 66 and the wireless communication unit 78.

[0073] The wireless communication unit 78 has an antenna 78a and has a function of performing wireless communication with the external device 7. In the cutting tool 4 of this embodiment, the first tool body 20 and the second tool body 60 do not have a function of communicating with the external device 7, and the wireless communication unit 78 is provided in the housing 22, and a configuration is adopted in which the communication function with the external device 7 is integrated.

[0074] The wireless communication unit 78 and both sensors 26, 66 are connected to each other. The outputs of both sensors 26, 66 are provided to the wireless communication unit 78. The wireless communication unit 78 wirelessly transmits the outputs provided from both sensors 26, 66 as output information. The wireless communication unit 78 transmits the output information of the first sensor 26 and the output information of the second sensor 66 to the external device 7 in an identifiable manner. When DC power is provided from the power supply control unit 76, the wireless communication unit 78 establishes a communication connection with the external device 7 and starts wirelessly transmitting the output information.

[0075] Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 78 has a function of receiving a control command transmitted from the external device 7 and providing the control command to the power supply control unit 76. The power supply control unit 76 controls the power provided to the first sensor 26 and the power provided to the second sensor 66 based on the control command from the external device 7 provided via the wireless communication unit 78. More specifically, the control command includes information indicating either the first sensor 26 or the second sensor 66. The power supply control unit 76 supplies more power to the sensor indicated by the control command.

[0076] The processing unit 7a (see FIG. 1) of the external device 7 generates a control command based on the output information transmitted from the wireless communication unit 78. The processing unit 7a compares the output information of the first sensor 26 with the output information of the second sensor 66 to determine which of the first tool body 20 and the second tool body 60 is in use (currently machining). The processing unit 7a then includes, in the control command, information indicating the sensor of the tool body determined to be in use. This causes the power supply control unit 76 to supply more power to the sensor of the tool body that is in use.

[0077] In this embodiment, the cutting tool 4 is equipped with a power supply control unit 76 that supplies the power received by the rectenna 34 to the first sensor 26 and the second sensor 66, so that the power received by one rectenna 34 can be supplied to multiple sensors.

[0078] In addition, in this embodiment, the cutting tool 4 is equipped with a wireless communication unit 78 capable of communicating with the external device 7, and the power supply control unit 76 is configured to control the power supplied to the first sensor 26 and the power supplied to the second sensor 66 based on a control command from the external device 7 given via the wireless communication unit 78, so that the power supply to the first sensor 26 and the second sensor 66 can be controlled from outside the machining space S.

[0079] Furthermore, the control command is generated based on output information transmitted from the wireless communication unit 78. By referring to the output information, it is possible to identify which of the first tool body 20 and the second tool body 60 is currently in use. The external device 7 generates a control command to supply more power to the sensor of the tool body currently in use. In other words, the external device 7 generates a control command to preferentially supply power to the sensor of the tool body currently in use, thereby enabling efficient power supply.

[0080] In the present embodiment, an example has been given in which a control command is generated based on output information. However, if the external device 7 is capable of acquiring information indicating the state of the machine tool 2, the control command may be generated based on the information indicating the state of the machine tool 2. The information indicating the state of the machine tool 2 includes information indicating which of the tool bodies attached to the turret 8 is being used. Therefore, by referring to the information indicating the state of the machine tool 2, it is possible to determine which of the first tool body 20 and the second tool body 60 is being used. Therefore, the external device 7 can generate a control command to supply more power to the sensor of the tool body being used, based on the information indicating the state of the machine tool 2.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the first tool body 20 and the second tool body 60 do not have a function for communicating with the external device 7, and the wireless communication unit 78 is provided in the housing 22 to aggregate the communication function with the external device 7. However, the first tool body 20 and the second tool body 60 may each be provided with a communication unit for communicating with the external device 7, and each of the first tool body 20 and the second tool body 60 may be configured to transmit output information from the sensor.

[0082] In addition, in this embodiment, the power control units 30, 70 and the power storage units 32, 72 are provided on the shanks 20a, 60a, but the power control units 30, 70 and the power storage units 32, 72 may also be housed in the housing 22.

[0083] 12 is a diagram showing a power receiving antenna circuit 33 according to a fourth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the power receiving antenna circuit 33 includes two rectennas 34.

[0084] The power receiving antenna circuit 33 of this embodiment includes two rectennas 34 and a combining circuit 84. The two rectennas 34 receive power supply radio waves from the power supply device 6 and output DC power. The combining circuit 84 combines the DC power output by the two rectennas 34. The combined DC power is provided to the power control unit 30 of the first tool body 20 via the first power line 24.

[0085] The two rectennas 34 included in the power receiving antenna circuit 33 of this embodiment each constitute a circuit section having a power receiving antenna 34a that receives transmitted power from the power transmitting antenna 6a. That is, in this embodiment, the two rectennas 34 each have a power receiving antenna 34a, and each of the two rectennas 34 outputs power. Therefore, by combining the power output by the two rectennas 34, it is possible to receive more power.

[0086] In this embodiment, the power receiving antenna circuit 33 includes two rectennas 34, but a greater number of rectennas may be included. The power receiving antenna circuit 33 shown in Fig. 12 can be applied not only to the cutting tool 4 of the first embodiment, but also to the cutting tools 4 of the other embodiments.

[0087] [Others] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In the above embodiment, the power receiving antenna 34a includes a loop element 34a1 as an antenna element, thereby constituting a loop antenna. However, the power receiving antenna 34a may be a dipole antenna having a pair of linear elements or a patch antenna having a patch element, in addition to a loop antenna. In a dipole antenna, the center of the antenna element is the pair of base ends of the pair of linear elements or the midpoint of the pair of base ends. In a patch antenna, the center of the antenna element is the center of the radiation surface of the patch element.

[0088] 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 milling, which is a type of cutting. Milling is a type of cutting performed by pressing a tool against a fixed workpiece while rotating it.

[0089] The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the meaning described above, and is intended to include meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope thereof.

[0090] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Cutting processing system 2 Machine tool 4 Cutting tool 6 Power supply device 6a Power transmission antenna 6b Power transmission unit 7 External device 7a Processing unit 7b Memory unit 7c Input / output unit 7d Communication unit 8 Turret 8a End face 9a Tool mounting groove 9b Circular surface portion 9c Outer surface portion 9d Annular groove 9d1 Outer circumferential surface 10 Drive unit 12 Moving device 20 First tool body 20a Shank 20b Cutting tip 21 Fixing plate 22 Housing 22a Housing body 22b Partition plate 22b1 Plate surface 22c Waterproof connector 24 First power line 26 First sensor 28 Wireless communication unit 28a Antenna 30 Power control unit 32 Power storage unit 33 Power receiving antenna circuit 34 Rectenna (circuit unit) 34a Power receiving antenna 34a1 Loop element 34a2 Line 34b Rectifier circuit 34c Circuit board 34c1 Board surface 35 Circuit chip 40 Outer plate 40a Opposing surface 40b Inner surface 42 Fixing portion 48 Magnet 50 Gripped portion 50a Inner surface 51 Fixing plate 52 Arm portion 52a Tip 54 Spacer 60 Second tool body 60a Shank 60b Cutting tip 61 Fixing plate 62 Second power line 66 Second sensor 70 Power control unit 72 Power storage unit 76 Power supply control unit 78 Wireless communication unit 78a Antenna 84 Combining circuit 100 Power source C Rotation axis P Center S Machining space

Claims

1. A cutting processing system comprising: a power supply device having a power transmitting antenna provided in a machining space of a machine tool; and a cutting tool disposed in the machining space and having a power receiving antenna circuit that receives transmitted power from the power transmitting antenna, wherein the cutting tool comprises: a first tool body provided with a first sensor; and a housing separate from the first tool body, connected to the first tool body via a first power line for supplying power to the first sensor, and accommodating the power receiving antenna circuit therein.

2. The cutting processing system according to claim 1, wherein the machine tool has a turret that holds the tool body, and the housing comprises a housing body and a fixing portion that fixes the housing body to an axial end face of the turret.

3. The cutting processing system according to claim 2, wherein the housing body has an opposing surface that faces the end surface when fixed to the end surface, and the fixing portion includes an adhesive portion that bonds the end surface and the opposing surface.

4. The cutting processing system described in claim 2, wherein the fixed portion includes a gripped portion that is gripped in the tool mounting groove of the turret, and an arm portion that extends from the gripped portion and has the housing body provided at its tip, and the arm portion extends along the end face of the turret toward the rotation axis of the turret with the gripped portion gripped in the tool mounting groove.

5. A cutting processing system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the housing body is fixed to an end face of the turret so that the rotation axis of the turret passes through the center of the antenna element of the power receiving antenna circuit.

6. The cutting processing system according to claim 5, wherein the antenna element is a loop element.

7. A cutting processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a power storage unit provided in either the first tool body or the housing, for storing the power received by the power receiving antenna circuit.

8. A cutting processing system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the cutting tool further comprises: a second tool body provided with a second sensor and connected to the housing via a second power line for supplying power to the second sensor; and a power supply control unit that supplies the power received by the power receiving antenna circuit to the first sensor and the second sensor.

9. The cutting processing system according to claim 8, further comprising an external device installed outside the machining space and controlling the power supply control unit, wherein the cutting tool further comprises a communication unit capable of communicating with the external device, and the power supply control unit controls the power supplied to the first sensor and the power supplied to the second sensor based on a control command from the external device provided via the communication unit.

10. The cutting processing system described in claim 9, wherein the control command is generated based on at least one of information indicating the state of the machine tool and output information including the output of the first sensor and the output of the second sensor transmitted from the communication unit.

11. A cutting processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the receiving antenna circuit comprises: a plurality of circuit units having a receiving antenna that receives transmitted power from the transmitting antenna; and a combining circuit that combines the power output by the plurality of circuit units.

12. A cutting tool arranged in a machining space of a machine tool, comprising: a receiving antenna circuit that receives transmitted power from a power supply device transmitted by a transmitting antenna provided in the machining space; a tool body provided with a sensor; and a housing separate from the tool body that is connected to the tool body via a power line for supplying power to the sensor and that houses the receiving antenna circuit therein.

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