JP7546902B2 - Sensor system, sensor and machine control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sensor placed on a machine tool, a child tag that collects detection results from the sensor, a computer that outputs the detection results, and a machine control method that controls the machine tool based on the detection results. The present invention relates to a sensor system having a child tag, a sensor, and a computer.

In the field of machine tools, sensors are placed at various locations. The results of the sensor detection are input to a dedicated controller or computer via a switchboard equipped with a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller). In recent years, there has been a demand to use a variety of sensors to collect data that changes from moment to moment in real time (see Patent Document 1).

JP 2019-46293 A

For example, it is desirable to collect data on high-speed spindles inside machine tools, reduce maintenance costs and downtime, optimize maintenance cycles, and manage service life. However, there are some issues, such as the following, when collecting data on spindles inside machine tools and linking it to machine control.

(1) It is physically difficult to output information via a wired connection from a sensor installed inside a rotating spindle (inside the rotating main shaft or inside the spindle body). (2) There is no system for stably collecting information inside the spindle and for automatically collecting and filing the information. (3) Even if the sensor were made wireless, there is no system for directly linking the information from the wireless sensor to a machine tool. (4) Even if a sensor is retrofitted to an old spindle, the dedicated controller cannot be used with the old machine and sensor.

In light of the above, the object of the present invention is to build a system that wirelessly collects information from within the rotating main shaft and the spindle body, obtains detailed data about the spindle, and enables linkage with a dedicated controller that controls the machine tool.

A sensor system according to one aspect of the present invention includes:
a plurality of first connection parts to which a plurality of sensors disposed on the machine tool controlled by a dedicated controller having a machine control part and a first memory are respectively connected;
A wireless interface;
A second memory; and
a processor that compiles a plurality of detection results output from the plurality of sensors connected to the plurality of first connection parts and written to the second memory, creates a message, and outputs the message via the wireless interface;
and a child tag having
a computer having a conversion unit that converts the detection results included in the message output by the child tag into a communication standard that can be received by the dedicated controller, and writes the converted detection results into the first memory of the dedicated controller;
Equipped with
The machine control unit of the dedicated controller controls the machine tool based on the plurality of detection results written to the first memory by the computer.

According to the present invention, the child tag wirelessly outputs a message summarizing multiple detection results output by multiple sensors arranged in the machine tool. The computer converts the multiple detection results included in the wirelessly output message and writes them to the first memory of the dedicated controller. This allows the dedicated controller to control the machine tool based on the detection results output by the multiple sensors.

The sensor system may further include a first parent tag that receives the message output by the child tag and transfers it to the computer.

As a result, the wireless sensor system of the present invention can achieve the transmission and reception of messages from multiple child tags to a first parent tag with a simple configuration.

The sensor system may further include a trend value management device that calculates and outputs a trend value of the machine tool based on the multiple detection results included in the message output by the child tag.

As a result, the wireless sensor system of the present invention can increase the versatility of the trend values calculated by the trend value management device. This makes it possible to manage the lifespan of machine tool spindles, find optimal spindle operation methods, and analyze that information, accelerating the improvement and evolution of spindles.

The trend value management device may further receive and output data related to machine control from a dedicated controller of the machine tool.

As a result, the wireless sensor system of the present invention can increase the versatility of data related to machine control from a dedicated controller. This makes it even more possible to manage the lifespan of machine tool spindles, find optimal spindle operation methods, and analyze that information, accelerating the improvement and evolution of spindles.

The sensor system may further include a second parent tag that receives the message output by the child tag and transfers it to the trend value management device.

As a result, the wireless sensor system of the present invention can realize the transmission and reception of messages from multiple child tags to multiple parent tags (first parent tag and second parent tag) with a simple configuration.

The machine tool may have a spindle, and the multiple sensors may be disposed on the spindle.

According to the present invention, the child tag is made wireless, so that a sensor and child tag can be placed on a rotating part such as a spindle of a machine tool, and the vibration and/or acceleration and temperature of the spindle can be detected.

The sensor system is
The method further includes the step of:
A sensor body;
a first switch for switching between supplying power to the sensor body and cutting off the power;
a second connection portion connected to the first connection portion of the child tag;
the first switch repeatedly supplies power to the sensor body for a predetermined period and cuts off the power for other periods at regular intervals;
Each time power is supplied to the sensor main body, the sensor main body writes the detection result acquired by the sensor main body into the second memory of the child tag.

The sensor body is supplied with power for a specified period of time, but the rest of the time it is powered off and in sleep mode, which saves energy and extends the life of the power supply. Also, the sensor body does not repeatedly supply and cut off power as controlled by the child tag, but instead spontaneously repeats power supply and cut off, which reduces the amount of communication with the child tag, saves energy, and extends the life of the power supply.

the child tag further includes a second switch for switching between supplying power to the processor body and cutting off the power;
the second switch repeatedly supplies power to the processor for a predetermined period and cuts off the power for other periods at regular intervals;
The processor reads the detection results written in the second memory and creates and outputs the electronic message every time power is supplied.

The child tag is powered for a specified period of time and is otherwise in a sleep state with the power cut off, thereby saving energy and extending the life of the power supply. The child tag reads out the detection results that the sensor has written to the second memory when creating and outputting a message. As a result, the child tag does not need to request the sensor to send the detection results, so the amount of communication with the sensor is reduced, further saving energy and extending the life of the power supply. In addition, because the child tag does not need to be constantly on standby to receive detection results, the period during which the child tag's power is cut off and it is in sleep can be extended, further saving energy and extending the life of the power supply.

the plurality of sensors includes one or more first sensors;
Each of the one or more first sensors has a first sensor body that detects vibration and/or acceleration as the sensor body,
When the first sensor body detects vibration and/or acceleration greater than a threshold, the first switch of the first sensor initiates supplying and cutting off power to the first sensor body.

The threshold value is, for example, a value equivalent to the weak vibrations that occur when a machine tool starts operating, and is smaller than the vibrations that occur when the machine tool is operated automatically. During sleep, a weak current needs to be supplied to the first sensor body so that the first sensor body can detect weak vibrations and/or acceleration, thereby saving energy and extending the life of the power supply. The first sensor body does not start supplying power under the control of the child tag, but rather starts supplying power spontaneously when triggered by the detection of vibration, so that less communication with the child tag is required, further saving energy and extending the life of the power supply.

When the first sensor body detects vibration and/or acceleration greater than the threshold, the first sensor body transmits a first signal to the child tag;
When the processor of the child tag receives the first signal, the second switch begins supplying and cutting off power to the processor.

The child tag does not need to constantly monitor the detection results of the first sensor body in order to start the power supply, and the child tag spontaneously starts the power supply and power cut-off when triggered by the first signal from the first sensor body, so the amount of communication with the first sensor is small, energy is saved, and the life of the power supply is extended.

the plurality of sensors includes one or more second sensors;
Each of the one or more second sensors has a second sensor body that detects an element other than vibration and/or acceleration as the sensor body,
When the processor of the child tag receives the first signal, the processor transmits a second signal to the second sensor;
When the second sensor receives the second signal, the first switch of the second sensor starts supplying and cutting off power to the second sensor body.

The second sensor autonomously starts supplying and cutting off power when triggered by a second signal from the child tag, which is triggered by a first signal from the first sensor body. This reduces the amount of communication with the child tag, saves energy, and extends the life of the power supply.

If the first sensor body does not detect vibrations and/or accelerations greater than the threshold value for a predetermined period of time or longer, the first switch of the first sensor stops the supply of power to the first sensor body.

The first sensor body does not stop the power supply under the control of the child tag, but rather stops the power supply on its own when it detects no vibration for a specified period of time or more. This reduces the amount of communication with the child tag, saves energy, and extends the life of the power supply.

When the first sensor body does not detect vibration and/or acceleration greater than the threshold value for a predetermined time or longer, the first sensor body transmits a third signal to the child tag;
When the processor of the child tag receives the third signal, the second switch stops the power supply to the processor.

The child tag does not need to constantly monitor the detection results of the first sensor body in order to stop the power supply, and the child tag spontaneously stops the power supply when triggered by the third signal from the first sensor body, which reduces the amount of communication with the first sensor, saves energy, and extends the life of the power supply.

when the processor of the child tag receives the third signal, the processor transmits a fourth signal to the second sensor;
When the second sensor receives the fourth signal, the first switch of the second sensor stops supplying power to the second sensor body.

The second sensor voluntarily stops the power supply when triggered by a fourth signal from the child tag, which is triggered by a third signal from the first sensor body. This reduces the amount of communication with the child tag, saves energy, and extends the life of the power supply.

The sensor system may further include the dedicated controller.

A child tag according to one embodiment of the present invention is
a plurality of first connection parts to which a plurality of sensors disposed on the machine tool controlled by a dedicated controller having a machine control part and a first memory are respectively connected;
A wireless interface;
A second memory; and
a processor that compiles a plurality of detection results output from the plurality of sensors connected to the plurality of first connection parts and written to the second memory, creates a message, and outputs the message via the wireless interface;
and a child tag having
a computer having a conversion unit that converts the detection results included in the message output by the child tag into a communication standard that can be received by the dedicated controller, and writes the converted detection results into the first memory of the dedicated controller;
Equipped with
The machine control unit of the dedicated controller is a child tag included in a sensor system that controls the machine tool based on the plurality of detection results written to the first memory by the computer.

A sensor according to one aspect of the present invention includes:
a plurality of first connection parts to which a plurality of sensors disposed on the machine tool controlled by a dedicated controller having a machine control part and a first memory are respectively connected;
A wireless interface;
A second memory; and
a processor that compiles a plurality of detection results output from the plurality of sensors connected to the plurality of first connection parts and written to the second memory, creates a message, and outputs the message via the wireless interface;
and a child tag having
a computer having a conversion unit that converts the detection results included in the message output by the child tag into a communication standard that can be received by the dedicated controller, and writes the converted detection results into the first memory of the dedicated controller;
Equipped with
The machine control unit of the dedicated controller controls the machine tool based on the plurality of detection results written in the first memory by the computer.
A sensor body;
a first switch for switching between supplying power to the sensor body and cutting off the power;
a second connection portion connected to the first connection portion of the child tag;
the first switch repeatedly supplies power to the sensor body for a predetermined period and cuts off the power for other periods at regular intervals;
Each time power is supplied to the sensor main body, the sensor main body writes the detection result acquired by the sensor main body into the second memory of the child tag.

A computer according to one aspect of the present invention includes:
a plurality of first connection parts to which a plurality of sensors disposed on the machine tool controlled by a dedicated controller having a machine control part and a first memory are respectively connected;
A wireless interface;
A second memory; and
a processor that compiles a plurality of detection results output from the plurality of sensors connected to the plurality of first connection parts and written to the second memory, creates a message, and outputs the message via the wireless interface;
a conversion unit that converts the plurality of detection results included in the message output by a child tag having the above-mentioned function into a communication standard that can be received by the dedicated controller, and writes the plurality of detection results after conversion into the first memory of the dedicated controller.

A machine control method according to one aspect of the present invention includes:
a child tag having a plurality of first connection parts to which a plurality of sensors arranged on the machine tool controlled by a dedicated controller having a machine control part and a first memory are respectively connected, a wireless interface, and a second memory, creates a telegram by compiling a plurality of detection results output from the plurality of sensors connected to the plurality of first connection parts and written to the second memory, and outputs the telegram via the wireless interface;
a computer converting the plurality of detection results included in the message output by the child tag into a communication standard receivable by the dedicated controller, and writing the plurality of detection results after conversion into the first memory of the dedicated controller;
The machine control unit of the dedicated controller controls the machine tool based on the plurality of detection results written to the first memory by the computer.

According to the present invention, it is possible to construct a system that wirelessly collects information from within the rotating main shaft and the spindle body, obtains detailed data about the spindle, and enables linkage with a dedicated controller that controls the machine tool.

Note that the effects described here are not necessarily limited to those described herein and may be any of the effects described in this disclosure.

1 shows a configuration of a sensor system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a number of sensors arranged on a machine tool; 1 shows the configuration of a sensor and a child tag. 4 shows an operation flow of the vibration sensor. The operation flow of the child tag is shown below. 4 shows the operation flow of the temperature sensor.

The following describes an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings.

1. Sensor system configuration

Figure 1 shows the configuration of a sensor system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

The sensor system 1 includes a plurality of sensors 10, one or more child tags 20, a first parent tag 30, a computer 40, a dedicated controller 50, a second parent tag 60, and a trend value management device 70.

The multiple sensors 10 are installed on a machine tool 80. The machine tool 80 has a spindle 81 and a motor 82 for rotating the spindle 81 at high speed. More specifically, the multiple sensors 10 are installed on the spindle 81, which is a rotating body. The multiple sensors 10 have one or more first sensors 10A and one or more second sensors 10B. The first sensor 10A detects vibrations and/or acceleration in three axial directions. The second sensor 10B detects temperature, for example. The second sensor 10B may detect elements other than vibration and/or acceleration, and may be a sensor that detects humidity, pressure, rotation speed, etc., for example. Hereinafter, the first sensor 10A is referred to as the vibration sensor 10A, and the second sensor 10B is referred to as the temperature sensor 10B. The vibration sensor 10A outputs the vibration detection result to the child tag 20, for example, once per second. The temperature sensor 10B outputs the temperature detection result to the child tag 20, for example, once every five seconds.

One or more child tags 20 are each connected to multiple sensors 10, for example by wires. Each child tag 20 compiles the detection results of the multiple connected sensors 10 to create a message and transmits the message wirelessly. For example, once per second, the child tag 20 compiles the detection results from one or more vibration sensors 10A and one or more temperature sensors 10B to create a message and output it.

The first parent tag 30 is connected to the computer 40, for example, via a USB interface. The first parent tag 30 receives the message output by the child tag 20 and transfers it to the computer 40 each time it is received.

The computer 40 is connected to the first parent tag 30, for example, via a USB interface, and is connected to the dedicated controller 50 via a network such as a LAN. The conversion unit 41 of the computer 40 receives the message output by the child tag 20 from the first parent tag 30. The conversion unit 41 of the computer 40 converts the multiple detection results included in the received message into a communication standard that can be received by the dedicated controller 50. The conversion unit 41 of the computer 40 writes the multiple detection results after conversion into the memory 51 (first memory) of the dedicated controller 50 via the network and files them.

The machine control unit 52 realized by the processor 55 of the dedicated controller 50 feedback-controls the machine tool 80 based on a plurality of detection results written to the memory 51 by the computer 40. For example, the machine control unit 52 determines the rotation speed of the spindle 81 based on a plurality of detection results indicating the vibration and temperature of the spindle 81, and feedback-controls the spindle 81 via the motor 82. Also, the display control unit 53 realized by the processor 55 of the dedicated controller 50 displays the plurality of detection results written to the memory 51 by the computer 40 on the display 54. For example, the display control unit 53 creates a graph of the vibration and temperature and displays it on the display 54.

The configuration and functions of the second parent tag 60 are similar to those of the first parent tag 30. The second parent tag 60 is connected to the trend value management device 70, for example, via a USB interface. The second parent tag 60 receives messages output by the child tag 20 (the same messages as those received by the first parent tag 30) and transfers them to the trend value management device 70 each time it receives them.

The trend value management device 70 is connected to the second parent tag 60 via, for example, a USB interface, and is connected to the cloud server 90 via a network N such as the Internet. The trend value management device 70 receives the message output by the child tag 20 from the second parent tag 60. The trend value management device 70 calculates the trend value of the machine tool 80 based on the multiple detection results included in the received message. The trend value is, for example, a value related to maintenance cost, downtime, maintenance cycle, life management, part replacement timing, traceability, trouble, etc. The trend value management device 70 displays the trend value on a display and outputs it to the cloud server 90 in, for example, CSV format. The trend value management device 70 further receives data related to machine control of the machine tool 80 from the dedicated controller 50 and outputs it to the cloud server 90 in, for example, CSV format. The cloud server 90 receives and accumulates the data output by the trend value management device 70. By storing the trend values calculated by the trend value management device 70 and data related to machine control from the dedicated controller 50 in CSV format, the versatility of this data can be increased.

2. Sensor type and placement

Figure 2 shows a schematic of multiple sensors placed on a machine tool.

One vibration sensor 10A and four temperature sensors 10B are arranged on the front side 81F of the spindle 81. The vibration sensor 10A is arranged, for example, on the front side of the rotation axis of the spindle 81. The four temperature sensors 10B are arranged, for example, in such a way that one contact type temperature sensor is arranged in front of the front inner wheel, a separate contact type temperature sensor is arranged behind the front inner wheel, one non-contact type temperature sensor is arranged in front of the front outer wheel, and a separate non-contact type temperature sensor is arranged behind the front outer wheel. These five sensors 10 are connected to one child tag 20A, for example, by wires. The arrangement of the child tag 20A is not limited to the position shown in the figure.

One vibration sensor 10A and four temperature sensors 10B are arranged on the rear side 81R of the spindle 81. The vibration sensor 10A is arranged, for example, on the rear side of the rotation axis of the spindle 81. The four temperature sensors 10B are arranged, for example, one contact type temperature sensor on the front side of the rear inner wheel, a separate contact type temperature sensor on the rear side of the rear inner wheel, one non-contact type temperature sensor on the front side of the rear outer wheel, and a separate non-contact type temperature sensor on the rear side of the rear outer wheel. These five sensors 10 are connected to separate child tags 20B, for example, by wires. The arrangement of the child tags 20B is not limited to the positions shown in the figure.

The sensor 10 is typically a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems). In this embodiment, the sensor 10 is constructed from a MEMS and the child tag 20 is made wireless, so that the sensor 10 and the child tag 20 can be placed on a rotating part such as the spindle 81 of the machine tool 80 to detect the vibration and/or acceleration and temperature of the spindle 81.

Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the vibration sensors 10A, they will simply be referred to as vibration sensors 10A. When there is no need to distinguish between the temperature sensors 10B, they will simply be referred to as temperature sensors 10B. When there is no need to distinguish between the vibration sensors 10A and the temperature sensors 10B, they will simply be referred to as sensors 10. When there is no need to distinguish between the child tags 20A and 20B, they will simply be referred to as child tags 20.

3. Sensor configuration

Figure 3 shows the configuration of the sensor and child tag.

The sensor 10 has a sensor body 11, a timer 12, an ID setting unit 13, a connection unit 14 (second connection unit), wiring 15, and a switch 16 (first switch).

The sensor body 11 is a part that corresponds to an element that detects vibration and/or acceleration, or temperature, and outputs, for example, an analog voltage signal according to the detection result. The sensor body 11 may also output a digital voltage signal. The sensor body 11 of the vibration sensor 10A is a vibration sensor body 11A (first sensor body) that detects vibration and/or acceleration. On the other hand, the sensor body 11 of the temperature sensor 10B is a temperature sensor body 11B (second sensor body) that detects temperature.

The ID setting unit 13 sets a unique ID for the sensor 10.

The connection portion 14 is a portion for connecting to the child tag 20 via wiring 15. A specific portion of the sensor 10 exchanges signals with the child tag 20 via the connection portion 14, and is supplied with power from the child tag 20.

The timer 12 is set to a time for switching between supplying power (wake-up) and cutting off power (sleep) to the sensor body 11. This time may be set in advance or may be configurable by the processor 24 of the child tag 20.

For example, the timer 12 of the vibration sensor 10A is set to supply power to the vibration sensor body 11A for 2 milliseconds and cut off the power for the rest of the time every second (in other words, the vibration sensor body 11A wakes up for 2 milliseconds and then goes to sleep for (=1 second - 2 milliseconds)). On the other hand, the timer 12 of the temperature sensor 10B is set to supply power to the temperature sensor body 11B for 2 milliseconds and then goes to sleep for (=5 seconds - 2 milliseconds) every 5 seconds (in other words, the sensor body 11 wakes up for 2 milliseconds and then goes to sleep for (=5 seconds - 2 milliseconds)). The above values (2 milliseconds, 1 second, 5 seconds) are merely examples, and other values may be used.

During sleep, a weak current is supplied to the vibration sensor body 11A so that the vibration sensor body 11A can detect weak vibrations and/or acceleration.

The switch 16 repeatedly supplies power (wakes up) and cuts off power (sleep) to the sensor body 11 from a harvest-type external power source (not shown) at regular intervals according to the time set in the timer 12. Every time power is supplied to the sensor body 11 via the switch 16, the sensor body 11 operates based on the supplied power and outputs a voltage signal related to the detection result (hereinafter simply referred to as the "detection result"). Specifically, every time power is supplied to the sensor body 11, the sensor body 11 writes the detection result into the memory 25 (second memory) of the child tag 20 via the connection part 14 and the wiring 15.

4. Child tag configuration

The child tag 20 has multiple (five in this example) connection parts 21 (first connection parts), an amplifier 22 and an A/D converter 23 for each connection part 21, a processor 24 (microcomputer), a memory 25 (second memory), a wireless interface 26, an ID setting part 27 in which a unique ID is set, a timer 28, a switch 29 (second switch), and a harvest-type battery B.

The sensor 10 is connected to the connection unit 21 via wiring 15. The connection unit 21 is typically configured as a micro USB terminal.

The amplifier 22 amplifies the signal input from the sensor 10 via the connection part 21. The amplification factor of the amplifier 22 may be a fixed value, or may be configured to be self-adjustable according to the signal level, or may be configured to be adjustable via the processor 24.

The A/D converter 23 converts the signal amplified by the amplifier 22 from an analog signal to a digital signal. The A/D converter 23 may be configured to pass the signal through if the input signal is a digital signal. For example, the A/D converter 23 may be configured to determine whether the input signal is a digital signal or not, and if it is a digital signal, to pass the signal through autonomously, or may be configured to pass the signal through via the processor 24.

The processor 24 identifies the sensor 10 when the sensor 10 is connected to the connection unit 21. Specifically, when the sensor 10 is connected to the connection unit 21, the processor 24 reads the unique ID set in the sensor 10 from the sensor 10 and identifies the sensor 10.

The detection results from the sensor body 11 are written to the memory 25. The memory 25 further stores a correspondence list that contains data relating to the unique ID of the sensor 10 that may be connected to the child tag 20, the type of each sensor 10 (temperature sensor or vibration sensor), the relationship between the signal level and the measured value (for example, the relationship between voltage and temperature for a temperature sensor), the manufacturer, etc.

The processor 24 identifies the type of the sensor 10 based on the unique ID read above and the correspondence list stored in the memory 25. The child tag 20 may identify the sensor 10 based on the state of the output signal, which is the detection result by the sensor 10, when the sensor 10 is connected to the connection section 21. The state of the output signal is, for example, the waveform of the output signal. The waveform of the output signal differs depending on the type of the sensor 10 (temperature sensor or vibration sensor). The processor 24 identifies the sensor 10 based on the relationship between the waveform of the signal and the waveform of each sensor pre-stored in the memory 25. The state of the output signal may be not only the waveform but also the magnitude or period of the signal.

The timer 28 is set with a time for switching between supplying power (wake-up) and cutting off power (sleep) to the processor 24. This time may be set in advance, or may be set by the processor 24 of the child tag 20. For example, the timer 28 is set so that the processor 24 is supplied with power for 2 milliseconds and then cut off for the rest of the time every second (in other words, the processor 24 wakes up for 2 milliseconds and then goes to sleep for (=1 second - 2 milliseconds)). The above values (2 milliseconds, 1 second) are merely examples, and other values may be used.

The switch 29 repeats the supply of power (wake-up) and the cut-off of power (sleep) from the battery B to the processor 24 at regular intervals according to the time set in the timer 28. When power is supplied to the processor 24 via the switch 29, the processor 24 operates based on the supplied power. Specifically, each time power is supplied, the processor 24 reads from the memory 25 multiple detection results output from the multiple sensors 10 connected to the multiple connection parts 21. The processor 24 compiles the multiple detection results it has read to create one telegram. The processor 24 outputs the created telegram via the wireless interface 26.

5. Operation flow of vibration sensor, temperature sensor and child tag

The operation of the vibration sensor 10A, temperature sensor 10B, and child tag 20 will now be described in more detail. As a premise, the machine tool 80 is not operating, and the vibration sensor 10A, temperature sensor 10B, and child tag 20 are in a sleep state.

Figure 4 shows the operation flow of the vibration sensor.

The vibration sensor body 11A of the vibration sensor 10A detects vibration and/or acceleration greater than the threshold during sleep (step S101, YES). Then, the switch 16 of the vibration sensor 10A starts supplying power (wake-up) to the vibration sensor body 11A for a predetermined time (step S102). When the vibration sensor body 11A detects vibration and/or acceleration greater than the threshold, it transmits a first signal to the child tag 20 via the connection part 14 (step S103).

The threshold value is, for example, a value equivalent to the weak vibrations that occur when the machine tool 80 starts operating, and is smaller than the vibrations that occur when the spindle 81 is operating automatically. During sleep mode, a weak current needs to be supplied to the vibration sensor body 11A so that the vibration sensor body 11A can detect weak vibrations and/or acceleration, thereby saving energy and extending the life of the power supply. The vibration sensor body 11A does not start the power supply under the control of the child tag 20, but instead starts the power supply spontaneously when the detection of vibration is used as a trigger, so the amount of communication with the child tag 20 is small, and further energy is saved and the life of the power supply is extended.

Then, the switch 16 of the vibration sensor 10A repeats the supply of power to the vibration sensor body 11A for a predetermined time (2 milliseconds) and the cutoff of power for the other period (=1 second-2 milliseconds) at regular intervals (every second). The vibration sensor body 11A acquires a detection result every time power is supplied, and writes the acquired detection result to the memory 25 of the child tag 20. Specifically, the vibration sensor body 11A wakes up for 2 milliseconds every second, and detects vibration data 100 times (i.e., 100 pieces of vibration data) during these 2 milliseconds. The vibration sensor body 11A extracts a predetermined value (e.g., maximum value, median value, average value, etc.) from the 100 pieces of vibration data, and writes the extracted value as the detection result to the memory 25 of the child tag 20. The vibration sensor body 11A repeats this operation (wake up, detect, write, sleep) every second (step S104).

In other words, the vibration sensor body 11A wakes up for 2 milliseconds every second, and the rest of the time it is in a sleep state with the power cut off, which saves energy and extends the life of the power supply. Also, the vibration sensor body 11A does not repeatedly supply and cut off power as controlled by the child tag 20, but instead spontaneously repeats power supply and cut-off based on the built-in timer 12, so the amount of communication with the child tag 20 is small, which saves energy and extends the life of the power supply.

Figure 5 shows the operation flow of child tags.

During sleep, the processor 24 of the child tag 20 receives a first signal (step S103) from the vibration sensor 10A via the connection unit 21 (step S201, YES). The switch 29 of the child tag 20 then starts supplying power (wake-up) to the processor 24 for a predetermined period of time (step S202). Upon receiving the first signal, the processor 24 transmits a second signal to the temperature sensor 10B via the connection unit 21 (step S203).

The child tag 20 does not need to constantly monitor the detection results of the vibration sensor body 11A in order to wake up. Instead, it uses the first signal from the vibration sensor body 11A as a trigger to autonomously start supplying and cutting off power, so the amount of communication with the vibration sensor 10 is reduced, energy is saved, and the life of the power supply is extended.

Figure 6 shows the operation flow of the temperature sensor.

During sleep, the temperature sensor 10B receives a second signal (step S203) from the child tag 20 via the connection unit 14 (step S301, YES). Then, the switch 16 of the temperature sensor 10B starts supplying power (wake-up) to the temperature sensor main body 11B for a predetermined period of time (step S302).

The temperature sensor 10B starts supplying and cutting off power autonomously when triggered by a second signal from the child tag 20, which is triggered by a first signal from the vibration sensor body 11A. This reduces the amount of communication with the child tag 20, saves energy, and extends the life of the power supply.

Then, the switch 16 of the temperature sensor 10B repeats supplying power to the temperature sensor body 11B for a predetermined time (2 milliseconds) and cutting off power for the rest of the time (=5 seconds - 2 milliseconds) at regular intervals (every 5 seconds). The temperature sensor body 11B acquires a detection result every time power is supplied, and writes the acquired detection result to the memory 25 of the child tag 20. Specifically, the temperature sensor body 11B wakes up for 2 milliseconds every 5 seconds, and detects temperature data once (i.e., one piece of temperature data) during these 2 milliseconds. The temperature sensor body 11B writes the one piece of detected temperature data as the detection result to the memory 25 of the child tag 20. The temperature sensor body 11B repeats this operation (wake up, detect, write, sleep) every 5 seconds (step S303).

In other words, the temperature sensor body 11B wakes up for 2 milliseconds every 5 seconds, and the rest of the time it is in a sleep state with the power cut off, which saves energy and extends the life of the power supply. Also, the temperature sensor body 11B does not repeatedly supply and cut off power as controlled by the child tag 20, but instead spontaneously repeats power supply and power cut based on the built-in timer 12, so the amount of communication with the child tag 20 is small, which saves energy and extends the life of the power supply.

The switch 29 of the child tag 20 repeatedly supplies power to the processor 24 for a predetermined time (2 milliseconds) and cuts off power for the rest of the time (= 1 second - 2 milliseconds) at regular intervals (every second). Each time power is supplied, the processor 24 reads the detection results of the multiple sensors 10 from the memory 25. The processor 24 compiles the multiple detection results it has read to create one telegram. The processor 24 outputs the created telegram via the wireless interface 26. The processor 24 repeats this operation (wake up, read, create telegram, send, sleep) every second (step S204).

In other words, the processor 24 wakes up for 2 milliseconds every second, and the rest of the time it is in sleep mode with the power cut off, thereby saving energy and extending the life of the power supply. The processor 24 reads the detection results that the sensor has written in the memory 25 when creating and outputting a message. As a result, the processor 24 does not need to request the sensor 10 to send the detection results, so the amount of communication with the sensor 10 is reduced, further saving energy and extending the life of the power supply. Also, since the processor 24 does not need to be constantly on standby to receive detection results, the period during which the processor 24 is in sleep mode with the power cut off can be extended, further saving energy and extending the life of the power supply.

Let us assume that the vibration sensor body 11A of the vibration sensor 10A does not detect vibrations and/or accelerations greater than the threshold value (step S101) for a predetermined time or longer (step S105, YES). This means that the machine tool 80 has stopped operating. The predetermined time is, for example, two seconds. Then, the vibration sensor body 11A transmits a third signal to the child tag 20 via the connection unit 14 (step S106). The switch 16 of the vibration sensor 10A stops the power supply to the vibration sensor body 11A. In other words, the switch 16 cuts off the power supply to the vibration sensor body 11A, putting the vibration sensor body 11A into a sleep state (step S107).

The vibration sensor body 11A does not stop the power supply under the control of the child tag 20, but rather stops the power supply spontaneously when it detects no vibration for a specified period of time or more. This reduces the amount of communication with the child tag, saves energy, and extends the life of the power supply.

The processor 24 of the child tag 20 receives the third signal (step S106) from the vibration sensor 10A via the connection unit 21 (step S205, YES). Upon receiving the third signal, the processor 24 transmits a fourth signal to the temperature sensor 10B via the connection unit 21 (step S206). The switch 29 of the child tag 20 stops the power supply to the processor 24. In other words, the switch 29 cuts off the power supply to the processor 24, putting the processor 24 into a sleep state (step S207).

The child tag 20 does not need to constantly monitor the detection results of the vibration sensor body 11A in order to stop the power supply. The child tag 20 stops the power supply spontaneously when triggered by the third signal from the vibration sensor body 11A, so the amount of communication with the vibration sensor 10A is reduced, energy is saved, and the life of the power supply is extended.

The temperature sensor 10B receives the fourth signal (step S206) from the child tag 20 via the connection section 14 (step S304, YES). Then, the switch 16 of the temperature sensor 10B stops the power supply to the temperature sensor main body 11B. In other words, the switch 16 cuts off the power supply to the temperature sensor main body 11B, putting the temperature sensor main body 11B into a sleep state (step S305).

The temperature sensor 10B voluntarily stops the power supply when triggered by a fourth signal from the child tag 20, which is triggered by a third signal from the vibration sensor body 11A. This reduces the amount of communication with the child tag 20, saves energy, and extends the life of the power supply.

7. Conclusion

According to the present invention, the child tag 20 wirelessly outputs a message summarizing multiple detection results output by multiple sensors 10 arranged on the machine tool 80. The computer 40 converts the multiple detection results included in the wirelessly output message and writes them to the memory 51 of the dedicated controller 50. This allows the dedicated controller 50 to control the machine tool 80 based on the detection results output by the multiple sensors 10.

According to the present invention, the trend value management device 70 calculates the trend value of the machine tool 80 based on multiple detection results included in the message output by the child tag 20. The trend value is, for example, a value related to maintenance cost, downtime, maintenance cycle, life management, part replacement timing, traceability, trouble, etc. The trend value management device 70 outputs the trend value to the cloud server 90, for example, in CSV format. The trend value management device 70 further receives data related to machine control of the machine tool 80 from the dedicated controller 50 and outputs the data to the cloud server 90, for example, in CSV format. The cloud server 90 receives and accumulates the data output by the trend value management device 70. This makes it possible to manage the life of the spindle 81 of the machine tool 80, find an appropriate operation method for the spindle 81, and analyze the information, thereby accelerating the improvement and evolution of the spindle 81.

Although the embodiments and variations of the present technology have been described above, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can of course be made without departing from the spirit of the present technology.

1 Sensor system 10 Sensor 10A Vibration sensor (first sensor)
10B Temperature sensor (second sensor)
LIST OF SYMBOLS 11 Sensor body 11A Vibration sensor body 11B Temperature sensor body 12 Timer 13 ID setting section 14 Connection section 15 Wiring 16 Switch 20, 20A, 20B Child tag 21 Connection section 22 Amplifier 23 A/D converter 24 Processor 25 Memory 26 Wireless interface 27 ID setting section 28 Timer 29 Switch 30 First parent tag 40 Computer 41 Conversion section 50 Dedicated controller 51 Memory 52 Machine control section 53 Display control section 54 Display 60 Second parent tag 70 Trend value management device 80 Machine tool 81 Spindle 82 Motor 90 Cloud server B Battery

Claims (16)

A plurality of sensors;
a plurality of first connection parts to which the plurality of sensors, which are disposed on a machine tool controlled by a dedicated controller having a machine control part and a first memory, are respectively connected;
A wireless interface;
A second memory; and
a processor that compiles a plurality of detection results output from the plurality of sensors connected to the plurality of first connection parts and written to the second memory, creates a message, and outputs the message via the wireless interface;
and a child tag having
a computer having a conversion unit that converts the detection results included in the message output by the child tag into a communication standard that can be received by the dedicated controller, and writes the converted detection results into the first memory of the dedicated controller;
Equipped with
the machine control unit of the dedicated controller controls the machine tool based on the plurality of detection results written in the first memory by the computer;
Each of the plurality of sensors includes:
A sensor body;
a first switch for switching between supplying power to the sensor body and cutting off the power;
a second connection portion connected to the first connection portion of the child tag;
the first switch repeatedly supplies power to the sensor body for a predetermined period and cuts off the power for other periods at regular intervals;
The sensor main body writes the detection result acquired by the sensor main body into the second memory of the child tag every time power is supplied to the sensor main body.
Sensor system. 2. The sensor system of claim 1,
The sensor system further comprises a first parent tag which receives the message output from the child tag and transfers it to the computer. 3. The sensor system according to claim 1,
a trend value management device that calculates and outputs a trend value of the machine tool based on the plurality of detection results included in the message output by the child tag. The sensor system according to claim 3,
The trend value management device further includes a sensor system that receives data relating to machine control from a dedicated controller of the machine tool and outputs the data. The sensor system according to claim 3 or 4,
The sensor system further comprises a second parent tag which receives the message output by the child tag and transfers it to the trend value management device. A sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The machine tool has a spindle,
The plurality of sensors are disposed on the spindle. A sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 6 ,
the child tag further includes a second switch for switching between supplying power to the processor and cutting off the power;
the second switch repeatedly supplies power to the processor for a predetermined period and cuts off the power for other periods at regular intervals;
The processor reads the plurality of detection results written in the second memory and creates and outputs the electronic message every time power is supplied to the sensor system. The sensor system according to claim 7 ,
the plurality of sensors includes one or more first sensors;
Each of the one or more first sensors has a first sensor body that detects vibration and/or acceleration as the sensor body,
When the first sensor body detects vibration and/or acceleration greater than a threshold, the first switch of the first sensor starts supplying and cutting off power to the first sensor body. 9. The sensor system of claim 8 ,
When the first sensor body detects vibration and/or acceleration greater than the threshold, the first sensor body transmits a first signal to the child tag;
When the processor of the child tag receives the first signal, the second switch begins supplying and cutting off power to the processor. 10. The sensor system of claim 9 ,
the plurality of sensors includes a second sensor ;
The second sensor has a second sensor body that detects an element other than vibration and/or acceleration as the sensor body,
When the processor of the child tag receives the first signal, the processor transmits a second signal to the second sensor;
When the second sensor receives the second signal, the first switch of the second sensor starts supplying and cutting off power to the second sensor body. The sensor system of claim 10 ,
When the first sensor body does not detect vibration and/or acceleration greater than the threshold value for a predetermined period of time or longer, the first switch of the first sensor stops supplying power to the first sensor body. The sensor system of claim 11 ,
When the first sensor body does not detect vibration and/or acceleration greater than the threshold value for a predetermined time or longer, the first sensor body transmits a third signal to the child tag;
When the processor of the child tag receives the third signal, the second switch stops supplying power to the processor. 13. The sensor system of claim 12 ,
when the processor of the child tag receives the third signal, the processor transmits a fourth signal to the second sensor;
When the second sensor receives the fourth signal, the first switch of the second sensor stops supplying power to the second sensor body. A sensor system according to any one of claims 1 to 13 ,
The sensor system further comprising the dedicated controller. A plurality of sensors;
a plurality of first connection parts to which the plurality of sensors, which are disposed on a machine tool controlled by a dedicated controller having a machine control part and a first memory, are respectively connected;
A wireless interface;
A second memory; and
a processor that compiles a plurality of detection results output from the plurality of sensors connected to the plurality of first connection parts and written to the second memory, creates a message, and outputs the message via the wireless interface;
and a child tag having
a computer having a conversion unit that converts the detection results included in the message output by the child tag into a communication standard that can be received by the dedicated controller, and writes the converted detection results into the first memory of the dedicated controller;
Equipped with
The machine control unit of the dedicated controller controls the machine tool based on the plurality of detection results written in the first memory by the computer.
A sensor body;
a first switch for switching between supplying power to the sensor body and cutting off the power;
a second connection portion connected to the first connection portion of the child tag;
the first switch repeatedly supplies power to the sensor body for a predetermined period and cuts off the power for other periods at regular intervals;
The sensor main body writes the detection result acquired by the sensor main body to the second memory of the child tag every time power is supplied to the sensor main body. a child tag having a plurality of first connection parts to which a plurality of sensors arranged in a machine tool controlled by a dedicated controller having a machine control part and a first memory are respectively connected, a wireless interface, and a second memory, compiles a plurality of detection results output from the plurality of sensors connected to the plurality of first connection parts and written to the second memory, creates a telegram, and outputs the telegram via the wireless interface;
a computer converting the plurality of detection results included in the message output by the child tag into a communication standard receivable by the dedicated controller, and writing the plurality of detection results after conversion into the first memory of the dedicated controller;
A machine control method in which the machine control unit of the dedicated controller controls the machine tool based on the plurality of detection results written to the first memory by the computer, comprising:
Each of the plurality of sensors includes:
A sensor body;
a first switch for switching between supplying power to the sensor body and cutting off the power;
a second connection portion connected to the first connection portion of the child tag;
The machine control method further comprises:
the first switch repeatedly supplies power to the sensor body for a predetermined period and cuts off the power for other periods at regular intervals;
The sensor main body writes the detection result acquired by the sensor main body into the second memory of the child tag every time power is supplied to the sensor main body.
Machine control methods.

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