Cutting system, machine tool, and shielding member

Abstract

A cutting system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises: a cutting tool having a tool body that is disposed in a machining space of a machine tool, a sensor provided in the tool body, and a wireless communication unit that transmits an output of the sensor; a power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to the cutting tool in the machining space; and a shielding member that is attached to a window part of a cover defining the machining space. The shielding member comprises a shield for shielding radio waves radiated into the machining space, and a communication antenna for communicating with the wireless communication unit.

Description

Cutting system, machine tool, and shielding member

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cutting system, a machine tool, and a shielding member.

[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 cutting tool having a tool body arranged in a machining space of a machine tool, a sensor provided on the tool body, and a wireless communication unit that transmits the output of the sensor, a power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to the cutting tool in the machining space, and a shielding member attached to a window of a cover that defines the machining space. The shielding member includes a shield that blocks radio waves radiated into the machining space and a communication antenna for communicating with the wireless communication unit.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a cutting system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a cutting tool. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of a cover of a machine tool to which a shielding member is attached. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of a window portion. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 4. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a shielding member according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of a shielding member according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a shielding member according to a third modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a window portion according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of a window portion according to a third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 11.

[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] When power is supplied wirelessly to the sensor, it is necessary to take measures to prevent radio waves from being emitted by the wireless power supply from leaking to the outside, for example, through a viewing window in a cover that defines the machining space. However, if measures are taken to prevent radio waves from leaking to the outside through a viewing window, etc., the leakage of radio waves emitted by the wireless communication unit to the outside may also be prevented, which may make it impossible to obtain the output of the sensor from outside the machine tool. For this reason, a technology is desired that can obtain the output of the sensor outside the machining space while preventing radio waves from leaking outside the machining space.

[0009] Effect of the Present Disclosure According to the present disclosure, the output of the sensor can be acquired outside the machining space while suppressing leakage of radio waves outside the machining space.

[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 cutting tool having a tool body arranged in a machining space of a machine tool, a sensor provided on the tool body, and a wireless communication unit that transmits the output of the sensor, a power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to the cutting tool in the machining space, and a shielding member attached to a window portion of a cover that defines the machining space. The shielding member includes a shield that blocks radio waves radiated into the machining space and a communication antenna for communicating with the wireless communication unit.

[0011] According to the above configuration, since the shielding member attached to the window portion for blocking radio waves is provided, leakage of radio waves from the window portion can be suppressed. Furthermore, since the shielding member is provided with a communication antenna for communicating with the wireless communication unit, transmission and reception of radio waves can be performed between the communication antenna and the wireless communication unit in the machining space. As a result, leakage of radio waves outside the machining space can be suppressed, and the output of the sensor can be acquired outside the machine tool.

[0012] (2) In the cutting processing system described in (1) above, when the shielding member has a facing surface facing the outer surface of the window portion and an opening penetrating between the facing surface and the surface opposite the facing surface, and the shielding member further includes a case made of a material capable of blocking radio waves and covering the opening, the case may include a holding member that holds the communication antenna between the case and the outer surface of the window portion. In this case, the window portion is exposed at the opening. The communication antenna is held between the case and the exposed portion of the window portion by the holding member. Therefore, the communication antenna is positioned facing the window portion without a shielding member. Therefore, radio waves transmitted and received between the communication antenna and the wireless communication unit are not blocked by the shielding member. Therefore, by extracting the signal received by the communication antenna to the outside via a wired connection, the sensor output can be obtained outside the machine tool. Furthermore, since the case covering the opening is made of a material capable of blocking radio waves, leakage of radio waves from the opening can be suppressed.

[0013] (3) In the cutting system of (2), the shielding member may further include a substrate member having a layering surface on which the shielding body is layered. In this case, even if the shielding body is in a sheet shape, the substrate member holds the shielding body, making it easy to handle the shielding member.

[0014] (4) In the cutting processing system of (1) above, when the shielding body has a facing surface that is disposed opposite the outer surface of the window portion, the communication antenna may be provided between the outer surface of the window portion and the facing surface. In this case, the shielding body is not interposed between the communication antenna and the outer surface of the window portion. Therefore, the radio waves transmitted and received between the communication antenna and the wireless communication unit are not blocked by the shielding body. Therefore, if the signal received by the communication antenna is taken out via a wire, the output of the sensor can be obtained outside the machine tool.

[0015] (5) In any one of the cutting processing systems (1) to (4) above, when the shielding body includes a radio wave absorber that absorbs radio waves in a predetermined frequency band, the predetermined frequency band may include the frequency band of radio waves emitted by the power supply device. In this case, the radio waves from the power supply device are absorbed by the shielding body, and leakage outside the machining space is suppressed. On the other hand, if the frequency band of the radio waves from the wireless communication unit is outside the predetermined frequency band, radio waves can be transmitted and received between the communication antenna and the wireless communication unit. As a result, leakage of radio waves from the power supply device outside the machining space is suppressed, and the output of the sensor can be obtained outside the machine tool.

[0016] (6) In the cutting processing system of any one of (1) to (4) above, when the shielding body is formed of a conductive metal plate and has a monitoring window penetrating between the opposing surface and the surface opposite the opposing surface, the shielding member may further have an opening / closing door that covers the monitoring window. In this case, the shielding body made of a conductive metal plate does not have transparency. However, since the shielding body has a monitoring window that can be opened and closed by the opening / closing door, it is possible to monitor the inside of the machining space from a window portion of the machine tool through the monitoring window as needed.

[0017] (7) In the cutting processing system of any one of (1) to (4) above, when the shielding body is formed of a conductive metal plate, the shielding member may further include an imaging unit that captures an image of the inside of the processing space and an output unit that outputs the image captured by the imaging unit. In this case, the shielding body made of a conductive metal plate is not transparent. However, the imaging unit and the output unit allow the inside of the processing space to be monitored from the outside.

[0018] (8) An embodiment from another viewpoint is a machine tool using a cutting tool having a tool body arranged in a machining space, a sensor provided on the tool body, and a wireless communication unit that transmits an output of the sensor, and also provided with a power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to the cutting tool. The machine tool includes a cover having a window and defining the machining space, and a shielding member attached to the window. The shielding member includes a shield that blocks radio waves radiated into the machining space and a communication antenna for communicating with the wireless communication unit.

[0019] (9) Another embodiment is a shielding member attached to a window of a cover that defines the machining space of a machine tool that uses a cutting tool having a tool body arranged in a machining space, a sensor provided on the tool body, and a wireless communication unit that transmits an output of the sensor, the machine tool being provided with a power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to the cutting tool. The shielding member includes a shield that blocks radio waves radiated into the machining space and a communication antenna for communicating with the wireless communication unit.

[0020] [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.

[0021] The machine tool 2 is, for example, an NC milling machine. The machine tool 2 has a column 8 and a spindle 10. The column 8 supports the spindle 10 above a table (not shown). The spindle 10 holds the cutting tool 4 with a chuck or the like. The spindle 10 is rotated by a motor around a rotation axis that extends in the vertical direction.

[0022] The machine tool 2 rotates the spindle 10 to rotate the cutting tool 4. A cutting tip is fixed to the lower end of the cutting tool 4. A workpiece fixed to a table is positioned at the machining position by moving the table, and is cut by the cutting tool 4. The cutting is performed within the machining space S of the machine tool 2. The cutting tool 4, column 8, spindle 10, table, etc. are arranged within the machining space S. The machining space S is defined by a cover 12 made of metal, resin, etc. In other words, the machining space S is a space closed by the cover 12. Cutting oil (coolant) is supplied during cutting. To prevent this cutting oil from scattering, the cutting is performed within the closed machining space S.

[0023] The cutting tool 4 is a tool for performing cutting on a workpiece. More specifically, the cutting tool 4 is a tool for performing milling, a type of cutting. Milling is a type of machining performed by pressing a tool against a fixed workpiece while rotating it.

[0024] The cutting tool 4 includes a rotating shaft 14 and a case 15. The rotating shaft 14 is a member that is gripped and rotated by the spindle 10. The upper end of the rotating shaft 14 is gripped by the spindle 10. A cutting tip is provided at the lower end of the rotating shaft 14. In other words, the rotating shaft 14 is the tool body of the cutting tool 4. The case 15 is an annular member that is fixed integrally to the rotating shaft 14. A sensor is housed inside the case 15. The sensor has the function of detecting the state of the cutting tool 4. The case 15 also houses a circuit that transmits output information indicating the output of the sensor to the outside and a circuit that receives power wirelessly supplied from the outside. The configuration of the cutting tool 4 will be described in detail later.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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, and may be, for example, another frequency band permitted by law, such as a frequency band including 2.4 GHz.

[0027] The external device 7 is a device that is placed outside the machine tool 2 (the machining space S thereof). The external device 7 is given output information transmitted by the cutting tool 4. The external device 7 is composed of a computer or the like. The external device 7 includes a processing unit, a memory unit, an input / output unit, etc. The external device 7 has the function of processing the output information. The external device 7 extracts information indicating the detection results by the sensor from the output information, stores the information in the memory unit, and outputs the detection results to the outside via the input / output unit.

[0028] The cover 12 is provided with a window 16. A shielding member 30 is attached to the window 16. The shielding member 30 has the function of blocking radio waves emitted into the machining space S. The shielding member 30 is equipped with a communication device 32 that performs wireless communication with the cutting tool 4. The communication device 32 is connected to an external device 7, and is capable of sending and receiving information to and from the cutting tool 4. The external device 7 can obtain output information from the cutting tool 4 and provide necessary information to the cutting tool 4 via the communication device 32.

[0029] [Regarding the Cutting Tool] Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the cutting tool 4. As shown in Fig. 2, the cutting tool 4 includes the rotating shaft 14 and case 15 described above, as well as a sensor 20, a wireless communication unit 22, a charge control unit 24, a power storage unit 26, and a rectenna 28. The sensor 20, the wireless communication unit 22, the charge control unit 24, the power storage unit 26, and the rectenna 28 are housed inside the case 15. The sensor 20, the wireless communication unit 22, the charge control unit 24, the power storage unit 26, and the rectenna 28 may be provided directly on the rotating shaft 14 or may be provided on the rotating shaft 14 via the case 15.

[0030] The rectenna 28 receives the transmitted power from the transmitting antenna 6a of the power feeding device 6. The rectenna 28 has a receiving antenna 28a and a rectifier circuit 28b. The receiving antenna 28a receives radio waves for power feeding from the power feeding device 6. The receiving antenna 28a provides an electrical signal corresponding to the received radio waves to the rectifier circuit 28b. The rectifier circuit 28b rectifies the electrical signal provided from the receiving antenna 28a, converts it into DC power, and outputs it. In other words, the rectenna 28 forms a receiving antenna circuit having a receiving antenna 30a that receives the transmitted power from the transmitting antenna 6a. The DC power output by the rectifier circuit 28b is provided to the charging control unit 24.

[0031] The charging control unit 24 has the functions of converting the DC power provided from the rectenna 28 to a predetermined voltage, controlling the charging and discharging of the power storage unit 26, and providing the DC power from the rectenna 28 and the DC power from the power storage unit 26 to the four sensors 20 and the wireless communication unit 22. Furthermore, when DC power is provided from the rectenna 28, the charging control unit 24 can also provide DC power only to the power storage unit 26. In this case, the sensors 20 and the wireless communication unit 22 are provided with DC power from the power storage unit 26. Furthermore, when DC power is not provided from the rectenna 28, the charging control unit 24 can provide the DC power stored in the power storage unit 26 to the four sensors 20 and the wireless communication unit 22.

[0032] The power storage unit 26 includes, for example, a battery or a capacitor. The power storage unit 26 stores DC power provided via the charge control unit 24. The power storage unit 26 also discharges the stored power based on the control of the charge control unit 24.

[0033] The sensor 20 is a sensor for detecting the state of the rotating shaft 14. More specifically, the sensor 20 includes a strain sensor, a temperature sensor, an acceleration sensor, etc. The sensor 20 has the function of detecting strain, temperature, and acceleration (vibration), which are states of the rotating shaft 14. When DC power is provided from the charging control unit 24, the sensor 20 provides an output indicating the result of the detection of the state of the rotating shaft 14 to the wireless communication unit 22.

[0034] The wireless communication unit 22 is provided with a communication antenna 23. The wireless communication unit 22 has a function of performing wireless communication with the communication device 32 via the communication antenna 23. The wireless communication unit 22 performs wireless communication with the communication device 32 using, for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark). Therefore, the wireless communication unit 22 performs wireless communication using a frequency band including 2.4 GHz.

[0035] The wireless communication unit 22 wirelessly transmits the output provided from the sensor 20 as output information. When the wireless communication unit 22 receives DC power from the charging control unit 24, it establishes a communication connection with the external device 7 and starts wireless transmission of the output information.

[0036] When performing cutting using the cutting system 1, first, the operator of the system 1 attaches the cutting tool 4 to the spindle 10. Furthermore, the operator attaches a workpiece to the table of the machine tool 2. The operator then 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 from 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 four sensors 20 of the cutting tool 4 begin detecting the state of the rotating shaft 14 and outputting the detection results. Furthermore, the wireless communication unit 22 establishes a communication connection with the communication device 32 and starts wireless transmission of output information. The operator then operates the machine tool 2 to start cutting.

[0037] At this time, the sensor 20 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 22. The wireless communication unit 22 wirelessly transmits the output provided from the sensor 20 as output information. The output information transmitted by the wireless communication unit 22 is received by the communication device 32 and provided to the external device 7. The external device 7, which has been provided with the output information, obtains information indicating the state of the rotating shaft 14 from the output information. The external device 7 outputs the obtained information indicating the state of the rotating shaft 14. This allows the external device 7 to output the machining state during cutting (the state of the cutting tool 4) to the operator. The operator can monitor the machining state during cutting via the output of the external device 7.

[0038] Regarding the Shielding Member of the First Embodiment As described above, the cutting system 1 of the present embodiment includes the shielding member 30. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the appearance of the cover 12 of the machine tool 2 to which the shielding member 30 is attached. The cover 12 has a cover main body 12a and an opening / closing door 12b.

[0039] The cover body 12a accommodates the column 8, spindle 10, and cutting tool 4 therein. The opening / closing door 12b is provided on the cover body 12a so as to be slidable laterally as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3 . The opening / closing door 12b is in a closed state when in the position shown in FIG. 3 . The opening / closing door 12b moves laterally (toward the left in the drawing in the example) from the closed state to an open state. When the opening / closing door 12b 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 12b is in an open state. When the opening / closing door 12b is in a closed state, the machining space S is closed. Therefore, the operator of the machine tool 2 cannot access the machining space S. When the machine tool 2 is machining, the opening / closing door 12b is in a closed state.

[0040] The window portion 16 is provided in the opening / closing door 12b. The window portion 16 is a peephole for monitoring the inside of the machining space S from outside the cover 12. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the window portion 16. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 4. The window portion 16 has a window opening 16a and a window plate 16b. The window opening 16a is provided in the opening / closing door 12b. The window opening 16a is a rectangular opening that penetrates the inner and outer surfaces of the opening / closing door 12b. The window plate 16b is a transparent plate material such as a glass plate or an acrylic plate. The window plate 16b is fitted and fixed to an edge surface 16a1 of the window opening 16a.

[0041] As described above, the shielding member 30 is attached to the window 16. In addition to the communication device 32, the shielding member 30 includes a shield 34 and a case 36. The shield 34 may be, for example, a see-through mesh sheet coated with a conductive metal or a resin sheet including such a mesh sheet. In this case, the shield 34 is see-through and blocks radio waves in a relatively wide frequency band. The shield 34 of this embodiment blocks radio waves for power supply emitted by the power supply device 6 and radio waves used in wireless communication between the wireless communication unit 22 and the communication device 32. Since the shield 34 is see-through as described above, the operator can monitor the inside of the machining space S through the shielding member 30 and the window 16.

[0042] The sheet-like shield 34 is laminated on the outer surface 16b1 of the window plate 16b. The shield 34 has an opposing surface 34a, an opposite surface 34b, and an opening 34c. The opposing surface 34a faces the outer surface 16b1 of the window portion 16. Therefore, when the shielding member 30 is attached to the window portion 16, the opposing surface 34a faces the machining space S. The opposite surface 34b is the surface of the shield 34 opposite the opposing surface 34a. The opening 34c is a portion that penetrates between the opposing surface 34a and the opposite surface 34b. Note that in FIG. 5, the thickness of each part of the shield 34, etc., is exaggerated for ease of understanding.

[0043] The case 36 is formed of a material capable of blocking radio waves and closes the opening 34c. Materials capable of blocking radio waves include conductive metals such as steel plates and copper plates. By closing the opening 34c, the case 36 prevents radio waves from leaking from within the machining space S to the outside through the opening 34c.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 5 , the case 36 has a rectangular tube portion 36a and a lid portion 36b. The outer surface of the rectangular tube portion 36a has a rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the opening 34c. Therefore, the outer surface of the rectangular tube portion 36a contacts the edge surface 34c1 of the opening 34c. A first end 36a1 of the rectangular tube portion 36a contacts the outer surface 16b1 of the window plate 16b. A second end 36a2 of the rectangular tube portion 36a is closed by the lid portion 36b. The case 36 may be inserted into the opening 34c and held and fixed to the shield 34 by the edge surface 34c1. Alternatively, the case 36 may be fixed to the window plate 16b via an adhesive layer or the like.

[0045] The communication device 32 is disposed in the space between the case 36 and the outer surface 16b1. The communication device 32 includes a communication antenna 32a and a communication circuit 32b. The communication circuit 32b is connected to the external device 7 via a wire. The external device 7 exchanges transmission and reception signals with the communication circuit 32b. The communication antenna 32a emits transmission signals provided by the communication circuit 32b, receives ambient signals, and provides the received signals to the communication circuit 32b. In this way, the external device 7 can perform wireless communication via the communication device 32.

[0046] The case 36 further includes a holding member 38. The holding member 38 is a member for holding the communication device 32 inside the case 36. The holding member 38 is a member that protrudes from the inner surface of the case 36. The communication device 32 is fixed to the holding member 38 with screws, an adhesive layer, or the like. As a result, the communication device 32 is held in the space provided between the case 36 and the outer surface 16b1.

[0047] According to the above configuration, the shielding member 30 that is attached to the window 16 and blocks radio waves is provided, thereby making it possible to prevent radio waves from leaking from the window 16. Furthermore, the shielding member 30 is provided with a communication antenna 32a (communication device 32) for communicating with the wireless communication unit 22, making it possible to transmit and receive radio waves between the communication antenna 32a and the wireless communication unit 22 in the machining space S. As a result, the output of the sensor 20 can be acquired by an external device 7 located outside the machine tool 2, while preventing radio waves from leaking from the window 16 to outside the machining space S.

[0048] More specifically, in this embodiment, the shield 34 has an opening 34c, and the case 36 closing the opening 34c includes a holding member 38 that holds the communication device 32 between the case 36 and the outer surface 16b1 of the window 16. Therefore, the outer surface 16b1 of the window 16 is exposed at the opening 34c. The communication antenna 32a is held between the case 36 and the exposed portion of the outer surface 16b1 by the holding member 38. Therefore, the communication antenna 32a is disposed facing the outer surface 16b1 without the shield 34. Therefore, radio waves transmitted and received between the communication antenna 32a and the wireless communication unit 22 are not blocked by the shield 34. Therefore, a signal received by the communication antenna 32a (communication device 32) can be extracted to the outside via a wire, and the output of the sensor 20 can be acquired outside the machine tool 2. Furthermore, because the case closing the opening 34c is made of a material that can block radio waves, leakage of radio waves from the opening 34c can be suppressed.

[0049] 6 is a cross-sectional view of a shielding member 30 according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. The shielding member 30 of this modified example differs from the above embodiment in that it includes a substrate member 40 on the window plate 16b side.

[0050] The substrate member 40 is a transparent plate material such as a glass plate or an acrylic plate. The shielding body 34 is laminated on the substrate member 40. The substrate member 40 has a lamination surface 40b and an opposite surface 40a. The lamination surface 40b is the surface on which the shielding body 34 is laminated. The lamination surface 40b and the opposing surface 34a of the shielding body 34 abut against each other. The opposite surface 40a is the surface of the substrate member 40 opposite to the lamination surface 40b. The opposite surface 40a is laminated on the window plate 16b. Therefore, when the shielding member 30 is attached to the window portion 16, the opposite surface 40a faces the machining space S. In this way, the shielding member 30 is laminated with the substrate member 40 and the shielding body 34 in this order from the window plate 16b side.

[0051] The substrate member 40 may be laminated on the window plate 16b and fixed to the window plate 16b, or may be fitted into the edge surface 16a1 and fixed. The case 36 may be fixed to the substrate member 40 via an adhesive layer or the like.

[0052] In this modified example, the shielding member 30 further includes a substrate member 40, so that even if the shielding body 34 is sheet-shaped, the substrate member 40 holds the shielding body 34, making it easy to handle the shielding member 30.

[0053] 7 is a cross-sectional view of a shielding member 30 according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. The shielding member 30 of this modified example differs from the first modified example in that a shielding body 34 and a substrate member 40 are stacked in this order from the window plate 16b side. In this modified example, the stacked surface 40b abuts against the opposite surface 34b of the shielding body 34. Therefore, when the shielding member 30 is attached to the window portion 16, the stacked surface 40b faces the machining space S.

[0054] An opening 40c is provided in the substrate member 40. The opening 40c is a portion that penetrates between the stacking surface 40b and the opposite surface 40a. The opening 40c is formed to match the shape of the opening 34c of the shield 34. Therefore, the openings 34c and 40c penetrate between the opposing surface 34a and the opposite surface 40a. The rectangular tube portion 36a of the case 36 is inserted into the openings 34c and 40c. The case 36 is fixed to the substrate member 40 by being inserted into the openings 40c.

[0055] In this case as well, the shielding member 30 can be easily handled by the substrate member 40. Furthermore, in this modified example, the case 36 is inserted into the substrate member 40, so that the case 36 can be easily fixed.

[0056] 8 is a cross-sectional view of a shielding member 30 according to a third modification of the first embodiment. The shielding member 30 of this modification includes a communication antenna 32a, but differs from the first embodiment in that it does not include a communication circuit. In this case, the communication circuit is disposed outside the case 36, and the communication circuit and the communication antenna 32a are connected by wire. Alternatively, the communication antenna 32a may be directly connected by wire to the external device 7, so that the external device 7 has the function of a communication circuit.

[0057] Furthermore, in the present embodiment and the modified example, a see-through mesh sheet coated with a conductive metal is used as the shielding body 34. However, a radio wave absorber having a frequency-selective function for absorbing radio waves in a predetermined frequency band can also be used as the shielding body 34. The radio wave absorber is a sheet-like member including a transparent dielectric sheet and a plurality of predetermined conductor patterns arranged on the surface of the dielectric sheet. The frequency band of radio waves absorbed by the radio wave absorber is determined by the shapes of the plurality of conductor patterns, etc.

[0058] When the frequency band of radio waves absorbed by the shielding body 34 (predetermined frequency band) includes the frequency band of radio waves emitted by the power supply device 6 (predetermined frequency band including 5.7 GHz), the radio waves from the power supply device 6 are absorbed by the shielding body, and leakage of the radio waves from the power supply device 6 outside the machining space S is suppressed. On the other hand, since the frequency band of the radio waves from the wireless communication unit 22 is outside the predetermined frequency band, transmission and reception of radio waves is possible between the communication antenna 32a and the wireless communication unit 22. As a result, the output of the sensor 20 can be acquired by the external device 7 while suppressing leakage of the radio waves from the power supply device 6 outside the machining space S. Note that when a radio wave absorber having a frequency selection function is used for the shielding body 34, there is no need to provide the opening 34c in the shielding body 34, and the communication device 32 can be provided on the opposite surface 34b of the shielding body 34.

[0059] [Shielding Member of Second Embodiment] Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of the window portion 16 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 9. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the shielding body 34 is formed from a conductive metal plate.

[0060] The shield 34 in this embodiment has a rectangular shape that is larger than the window opening 16a of the window portion 16. Therefore, the shield 34 is fixed in place with the edge of the shield 34 abutting against the edge of the window opening 16a on the outer surface 12b1 of the door 12b. This allows the shield 34 to block the entire window opening 16a. Furthermore, the outer surface 16b1 of the window plate 16b and the opposing surface 34a of the shield 34 are spaced apart. In other words, a small space is provided between the outer surface 16b1 and the opposing surface 34a.

[0061] As described above, the shield 34 is formed of a conductive metal plate such as a steel plate or a copper plate. Therefore, the shield 34 of this embodiment does not have see-through properties. For this reason, the shield 34 is provided with a monitoring window 34d. The shielding member 30 also includes an opening / closing door 42. The monitoring window 34d is a rectangular opening. The monitoring window 34d penetrates between the opposing surface 34a and the opposite surface 34b. Like the shield 34, the opening / closing door 42 is formed of a conductive metal plate such as a steel plate or a copper plate. The opening / closing door 42 has a rectangular shape that is larger than the monitoring window 34d. The opening / closing door 42 is attached to the shield 34 via a hinge portion 44. The opening / closing door 42 is attached to the shield 34 so as to completely cover the monitoring window 34d. The opening / closing door 42 can be opened and closed using the hinge portion 44. An operator can open and close the opening / closing door 42 by holding a handle portion 45.

[0062] 9 and 10 , when the opening / closing door 42 is closed, the edge of the opening / closing door 42 abuts against the edge of the observation window 34d in the shield 34. By opening the opening / closing door 42, the operator can access the window portion 16 through the observation window 34d.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, the shield 34 is formed from a conductive metal plate and has a monitoring window 34d, and the shielding member 30 further has an opening / closing door 42 that covers the monitoring window 34d. The shield 34 made of a conductive metal plate is not see-through. However, because the shield 34 has the monitoring window 34d that can be opened and closed by the opening / closing door 42, the operator can monitor the inside of the machining space S through the monitoring window 34d and the window portion 16 as needed.

[0064] 9, a proximity switch 46 is provided on the edge of the monitoring window 34d in the shield 34. The proximity switch 46 is connected to the power transmission unit 6b (FIG. 1) of the power supply device 6. The proximity switch 46 outputs to the power transmission unit 6b according to the open / closed state of the opening / closing door 42.

[0065] If the proximity switch 46 outputs an output indicating that the door 42 is closed while the power transmitter 6b is sending a power supply signal to the power transmitting antenna 6a, the power transmitter 6b continues to send the power supply signal to the power transmitting antenna 6a. On the other hand, if the proximity switch 46 outputs an output indicating that the door 42 is open while the power transmitter 6b is sending a power supply signal to the power transmitting antenna 6a, the power transmitter 6b stops generating the power supply signal or reduces the power of the signal below normal. This makes it possible to suppress radio waves leaking from the monitoring window 34d even if the operator opens the door 42 during power supply.

[0066] [Regarding the Shielding Member of the Third Embodiment] Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of the window portion 16 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC in Fig. 11. This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the shielding body 34 is not provided with a monitoring window 34d, and the shielding member 30 has an imaging unit 50 that images the interior of the machining space S.

[0067] The shielding member 30 of this embodiment includes, in addition to the imaging unit 50 described above, an output unit 52 that outputs images captured by the imaging unit 50. The imaging unit 50 includes, for example, a digital camera having an imaging element such as a CCD element or a CMOS element and an optical mechanism such as a lens. The imaging unit 50 is fixed to the opposing surface 34a of the shielding body 34. Thus, the imaging unit 50 is housed in the space between the opposing surface 34a and the outer surface 16b1. The imaging unit 50 is fixed at a position facing the window portion 16 and can capture images of the machining space S through the window portion 16. The imaging unit 50 is connected to the output unit 52. The imaging unit 50 provides data of the captured moving images to the output unit 52.

[0068] The output unit 52 is a device having a screen 52a, such as a monitor or a touch panel, that outputs moving images. When moving image data is provided from the imaging unit 50, the output unit 52 outputs the provided moving image data as a moving image on the screen 52a. In this embodiment, the shield 34 made of a conductive metal plate is not transparent. However, the imaging unit 50 and the output unit 52 allow the interior of the machining space S to be monitored from the outside.

[0069] In addition, the communication device 32 (communication antenna 32a) of this embodiment is fixed to the facing surface 34a together with the imaging unit 50. Therefore, the communication device 32 is accommodated in the space between the facing surface 34a and the outer surface 16b1. The communication device 32 is connected to the external device 7 by wire.

[0070] In this case, the shield 34 is not interposed between the communication device 32 (communication antenna 32a) and the outer surface 16b1 of the window portion 16. This prevents the shield from blocking radio waves transmitted and received between the communication device 32 and the wireless communication unit 22 (FIG. 2).

[0071] [Others] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. In the above embodiments, the cutting tool 4 is a tool for performing a milling process, but the cutting tool 4 may be a tool for performing a turning process. The turning process is a process performed by pressing a tool against a rotating workpiece.

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 8 Column 10 Spindle 12 Cover 12a Cover body 12b Openable door 12b1 Outer surface 14 Rotating shaft 15 Case 16 Window 16a Window opening 16a1 Edge surface 16b Window plate 16b1 Outer surface 20 Sensor 22 Wireless communication unit 23 Communication antenna 24 Charging control unit 26 Power storage unit 28 Rectenna 28a Power receiving antenna 28b Rectifier circuit 30 Shielding member 30a Power receiving antenna 32 Communication device 32a Communication antenna 32b Communication circuit 34 Shield 34a Opposite surface 34b Opposite surface 34c Opening 34c1 Edge surface 34d Monitoring window 36 Case 36a Square tube portion 36a1 First end portion 36a2 Second end portion 36b Lid portion 38 Holding member 40 Base member 40a Opposite surface 40b Stacking surface 40c Opening portion 42 Opening / closing door 44 Hinge portion 45 Handle portion 46 Proximity switch 50 Imaging portion 52 Output portion 52a Screen 100 Power supply S Machining space

Claims

1. A cutting processing system comprising: a cutting tool having a tool body placed in a machining space of a machine tool, a sensor provided on the tool body, and a wireless communication unit that transmits the output of the sensor; a power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to the cutting tool in the machining space; and a shielding member attached to a window of a cover that defines the machining space, wherein the shielding member comprises: a shield that blocks radio waves radiated into the machining space; and a communication antenna for communicating with the wireless communication unit.

2. The cutting processing system described in claim 1, wherein the shielding body has an opposing surface facing the outer surface of the window portion and an opening penetrating between the opposing surface and the opposite surface of the opposing surface, the shielding member further comprises a case for closing the opening made of a material capable of blocking radio waves, and the case comprises a holding member for holding the communication antenna between itself and the outer surface of the window portion.

3. The cutting system according to claim 2, wherein the shielding member further comprises a substrate member having a layering surface on which the shielding body is layered.

4. The cutting processing system according to claim 1, wherein the shield has an opposing surface arranged opposite to the outer surface of the window portion, and the communication antenna is provided between the outer surface of the window portion and the opposing surface.

5. A cutting processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shielding body includes a radio wave absorber that absorbs radio waves in a predetermined frequency band, and the predetermined frequency band includes the frequency band of radio waves radiated by the power supply device.

6. A cutting processing system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shielding body is formed from a conductive metal plate and has a monitoring window penetrating between the opposing surface and the surface opposite the opposing surface, and the shielding member further has an opening / closing door that covers the monitoring window.

7. A cutting processing system as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the shielding body is formed of a conductive metal plate, and the shielding member further comprises: an imaging unit that images the inside of the machining space; and an output unit that outputs the image captured by the imaging unit.

8. A machine tool in which a cutting tool having a tool body placed in a machining space, a sensor provided on the tool body, and a wireless communication unit that transmits the output of the sensor is used, and which is provided with a power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to the cutting tool, the machine tool comprising: a cover having a window portion and defining the machining space; and a shielding member attached to the window portion, the shielding member comprising: a shielding body that blocks radio waves radiated into the machining space; and a communication antenna for communicating with the wireless communication unit.

9. A shielding member attached to a window of a cover that defines the machining space of a machine tool using a cutting tool having a tool body placed in a machining space, a sensor provided on the tool body, and a wireless communication unit that transmits the output of the sensor, the machine tool being provided with a power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to the cutting tool, the shielding member comprising: a shielding body that blocks radio waves radiated into the machining space; and a communication antenna for communicating with the wireless communication unit.

Images