Patent Description:
PTL <NUM> (<CIT>) discloses a cutting tool described below. That is, the cutting tool includes an edge-processed portion having a region that connects a flank face and a rake face and that has undergone an edge process, and a cutting-edge ridge formed at a boundary between the edge-processed portion and the flank face. The cutting tool includes a groove along the cutting-edge ridge concerned with cutting. The groove is located, in the edge-processed portion, in a region extending from a boundary between the edge-processed portion and the rake face to <NUM>% of a width of the edge-processed portion, the width of the edge-processed portion being the shortest distance between the cutting-edge ridge and the boundary between the edge-processed portion and the rake face, when the cutting tool is viewed in plan view from the rake face side.

<CIT> discloses a tool holder which is embodied for rotation around a tool holder rotation axis and which comprises at its one axial longitudinal end a tool segment for receiving a tool, and at its other axial longitudinal end a coupling segment for torque-transferring coupling to a machine tool, a measurement apparatus for sensing data relating to the operation of the tool holder and being provided on the tool holder, which apparatus encompasses at least the following components:-at least one sensor supplying a sensed signal; -a signal transfer apparatus for transferring a measured signal;-an electrical circuit connected in signal transferring fashion to the sensor and to the signal transfer apparatus; and-an energy supply apparatus that is connected to the signal transfer apparatus and to the electrical circuit.

<CIT> discloses a sensor system for a cutting machine tool with an energy supply unit, which inductively provides energy for the supply of at least one sensor arrangement of the cutting machine tool out of a magnetic alternating field, at least one sensor arrangement which measures a force, appearing within the cutting machine tool and/or a torque and/or the body sound within the cutting machine tool, and a data transmitting unit, which wirelessly transmits data, which relate to a value, which is measured by the at least one sensor arrangement of the cutting machine tool.

An aspect of the present disclosure may be implemented as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or whole of a cutting tool. An aspect of the present disclosure may be implemented as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or whole of a tool system. An aspect of the present disclosure may be implemented as a program for causing a computer to execute steps of a process in a communication method. An aspect of the present disclosure may be implemented as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or whole of a cutting tool holder.

Cutting tools excellent in tool life have been developed.

Estimating of the life of a cutting tool makes it possible to replace a tool such as a cutting insert at an appropriate timing. A technique capable of implementing an excellent function for such estimation is desired.

The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described issue, and an object thereof is to provide a cutting tool, a cutting tool holder, a tool system, and a communication method that are capable of implementing an excellent function related to estimation of the life of the cutting tool.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to implement an excellent function related to estimation of the life of a cutting tool.

First, the contents of embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in order.

With this configuration, even when the contents of the acquired parameter information are insufficient, the operation of the sensor can be controlled by using the information stored in the storage unit.

In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated. At least parts of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a tool system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, a tool system <NUM> includes a cutting tool <NUM>, a management device <NUM>, and a wireless base unit <NUM>. The cutting tool <NUM> includes a cutting insert <NUM> having a cutting edge, a cutting tool holder <NUM>, and a sensor module <NUM>. The sensor module <NUM> includes a sensor. Hereinafter, the cutting tool holder <NUM> will be simply referred to as a holder <NUM>.

The wireless base unit <NUM> is connected to the management device <NUM>, for example, in a wired manner. The wireless base unit <NUM> is, for example, an access point.

The cutting tool <NUM> is, for example, a tool for turning, and is to be attached to a turning machine. The holder <NUM> holds the cutting insert <NUM> having a cutting edge. The sensor module <NUM> is provided in the holder <NUM>.

The holder <NUM> includes fixing members 3A and 3B. The fixing members 3A and 3B hold the cutting insert <NUM>. The fixing members 3A and 3B are examples of a holding portion.

The cutting insert <NUM> is, for example, polygonal, such as triangular, square, rhombic, or pentagonal, as viewed from the top. For example, the cutting insert <NUM> has a through hole at the center of a top surface, and is fixed to the holder <NUM> by the fixing members 3A and 3B.

The tool system <NUM> is not limited to the configuration including a single cutting tool <NUM>, and may have a configuration including a plurality of cutting tools <NUM>. Also, the tool system <NUM> is not limited to the configuration including a single management device <NUM>, and may have a configuration including a plurality of management devices <NUM>.

The management device <NUM> transmits, to the cutting tool <NUM>, parameter information related to measurement by the sensor of the sensor module <NUM> of the cutting tool <NUM>. The management device <NUM> is provided outside the cutting tool <NUM>.

More specifically, for example, the cutting tool <NUM> wirelessly transmits, to the wireless base unit <NUM>, a parameter information request that includes a sensor ID, which is an ID of the sensor in the sensor module <NUM> of the cutting tool <NUM>, and that is for inquiring for parameter information related to measurement by the sensor.

The wireless base unit <NUM> acquires the parameter information request from a radio signal received from the cutting tool <NUM> and transmits the parameter information request to the management device <NUM>.

Upon receiving the parameter information request from the cutting tool <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>, the management device <NUM> transmits, as a response to the received parameter information request, parameter information addressed to the cutting tool <NUM> and having contents based on the parameter information request to the wireless base unit <NUM>.

More specifically, the management device <NUM> transmits, as parameter information related to measurement by the sensor, information including a measurement operation, a measurement setting range, and so forth to the wireless base unit <NUM>.

Here, the measurement operation includes, for example, a sampling period of the sensor, and a sampling period of an analog-to-digital (AD) converter that AD converts an analog signal indicating a physical amount measured by the sensor. The measurement setting range includes, for example, a measurement range of the sensor, and information indicating whether a frequency divider circuitry or a frequency multiplier circuitry is used in a preceding stage of the AD converter. Hereinafter, the frequency divider circuitry and frequency multiplier circuitry in the preceding stage of the AD converter will be referred to as a preceding-stage circuitry.

The wireless base unit <NUM> transmits a radio signal including the parameter information received from the management device <NUM> to the cutting tool <NUM>.

The cutting tool <NUM> acquires the parameter information from the radio signal received from the wireless base unit <NUM>, performs measurement by the sensor in the sensor module <NUM> in accordance with the acquired parameter information, and wirelessly transmits, to the wireless base unit <NUM>, measurement information including a measurement result or measurement information including information based on a measurement result, and the sensor ID.

For example, the cutting tool <NUM> wirelessly transmits a sensor packet including measurement information to the wireless base unit <NUM> on a regular or irregular basis.

The cutting tool <NUM> and the wireless base unit <NUM> perform wireless communication using a communication protocol such as, for example, ZigBee conforming to IEEE <NUM>. <NUM>, Bluetooth (registered trademark) conforming to IEEE <NUM>. <NUM>, or an ultra wide band (UWB) conforming to IEEE <NUM>. A communication protocol other than the foregoing protocols may be used between the cutting tool <NUM> and the wireless base unit <NUM>.

The wireless base unit <NUM> relays the sensor packet received from the cutting tool <NUM> to the management device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a sensor packet transmitted by a cutting tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the sensor module <NUM> in the cutting tool <NUM> creates a sensor packet <NUM> having a "sensor data" field storing measurement information and a sensor ID, which is the ID of the sensor.

Here, in a "synchronization header" field in the sensor packet <NUM>, for example, a predetermined preamble is stored. In a "media access control (MAC) header" field, for example, a MAC address or the like of the sensor module <NUM> is stored. The "sensor data" field has a data length of <NUM> octets in <FIG>. However, the data length can be changed in accordance with the type of physical amount included in measurement information, the number of physical amounts, and so forth.

The wireless base unit <NUM> acquires the sensor packet included in a radio signal received from the cutting tool <NUM> and transmits the sensor packet to the management device <NUM>.

<FIG> is a sectional view illustrating another example of the configuration of the cutting tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the cutting tool <NUM> may be a tool for milling that is to be attached to a milling machine. More specifically, the cutting tool <NUM> for milling includes a holder 2A holding a plurality of cutting inserts 1A each having a cutting edge, and the sensor module <NUM> provided in the holder 2A and including a sensor. The holder 2A includes fixing members 3C. The fixing members 3C hold the cutting inserts 1A. The cutting inserts 1A are fixed to the holder 2A by the fixing members 3C, for example. The fixing members 3C correspond to an example of the holding portion.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the management device <NUM> includes a communication unit <NUM>, a processing unit <NUM>, a storage unit <NUM>, and an acceptance unit <NUM>. The storage unit <NUM> is, for example, a flash memory.

The communication unit <NUM> receives a sensor packet from the cutting tool <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>, acquires measurement information and a sensor ID from the received sensor packet, and outputs the acquired measurement information and sensor ID to the processing unit <NUM>.

Upon receiving the measurement information and the sensor ID from the communication unit <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> stores the measurement information in the storage unit <NUM> in association with the sensor ID.

On the basis of the measurement information in the storage unit <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> estimates the life of the cutting insert <NUM> in the cutting tool <NUM> associated with the relevant sensor ID. On the basis of a result of the estimation, the processing unit <NUM> makes a notification prompting a user to replace the cutting insert <NUM>.

For example, the storage unit <NUM> stores parameter information for each of cutting tools <NUM>.

More specifically, the acceptance unit <NUM> accepts, from the user, setting of parameter information related to measurement by the sensor in the sensor module <NUM> of the cutting tool <NUM>. For example, the acceptance unit <NUM> accepts, from the user, setting of parameter information associated with the sensor ID of the sensor in each cutting tool <NUM> and including a measurement parameter, which includes the above-described sampling frequency and measurement range, a measurement start timing, and a measurement period.

The acceptance unit <NUM> outputs the parameter information accepted through an operation or the like of the user to the processing unit <NUM>.

Upon receiving the parameter information from the acceptance unit <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> stores the received parameter information in the storage unit <NUM> in units of cutting tools <NUM>. Specifically, the processing unit <NUM> stores the parameter information in the storage unit <NUM> in association with the sensor ID of the sensor.

Upon receiving a parameter information request from the cutting tool <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>, the communication unit <NUM> outputs the received parameter information request to the processing unit <NUM>.

Upon receiving the parameter information request from the communication unit <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> acquires parameter information associated with the sensor ID included in the parameter information request from the storage unit <NUM>. The processing unit <NUM> transmits, as a response to the parameter information request received from the cutting tool <NUM>, the parameter information acquired from the storage unit <NUM> to the cutting tool <NUM>.

For example, the processing unit <NUM> transmits a plurality of chronological pieces of parameter information to the relevant cutting tool <NUM>.

Specifically, the processing unit <NUM> transmits a plurality of chronological pieces of parameter information that are set in accordance with the types of machining operations performed by a single cutting tool <NUM> attached to a machining device, to the relevant cutting tool <NUM>. Here, the types of machining operations mean a machining schedule including rough machining, semi-finish machining, finish machining, and the like, or the types of workpiece to be cut.

Alternatively, the processing unit <NUM> transmits a plurality of chronological pieces of parameter information that are set in accordance with the types of machining operations chronologically performed by a plurality of cutting tools <NUM> attached to a single machining device, to the individual relevant cutting tools <NUM>.

If the storage unit <NUM> does not hold parameter information associated with the cutting tool <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> transmits, as a response to the parameter information request received from the cutting tool <NUM>, setting-undone information indicating that parameter information has not been set to the cutting tool <NUM>.

Alternatively, if the storage unit <NUM> does not hold parameter information associated with the cutting tool <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> controls displaying a configuration screen prompting setting of parameter information on the management device <NUM> or a display device that is not illustrated.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration screen displayed on the management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. <FIG> illustrates a screen prompting setting of parameter information of an acceleration sensor, which is an example of the sensor.

Referring to <FIG>, for example, the processing unit <NUM> displays a configuration screen prompting setting of a sampling frequency and an acceleration range of the acceleration sensor having a sensor ID "0123A".

Upon accepting input of parameter information to the configuration screen from the user, the processing unit <NUM> transmits, as a response to the parameter information request received from the cutting tool <NUM>, the input parameter information to the cutting tool <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sensor module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the sensor module <NUM> includes a sensor <NUM>, a data generation unit <NUM>, a control unit <NUM>, a battery <NUM>, a storage unit <NUM>, and an information communication unit <NUM>. The storage unit <NUM> is, for example, a flash memory. The information communication unit <NUM> includes a transmission unit <NUM> and a reception unit <NUM>. The information communication unit <NUM> is implemented by, for example, a wireless communication chip.

The battery <NUM> is, for example, a primary battery, a secondary battery, a solar battery, or a power storage device including a capacitor or the like. The battery <NUM> stores energy, and supplies power to individual circuitries in the sensor module <NUM>, such as the control unit <NUM> and the information communication unit <NUM>, by using the stored energy.

More specifically, for example, upon the sensor module <NUM> being switched on, the power of the battery <NUM> is supplied to the individual circuitries in the sensor module <NUM>, and the individual circuitries in the sensor module <NUM> start up.

The sensor <NUM> is, for example, an acceleration sensor, a strain sensor, a pressure sensor, a sound sensor, or a temperature sensor.

The sensor <NUM> measures at least any one of physical amounts such as an acceleration, a strain, a pressure, a sound, and a temperature, and outputs an analog signal indicating the measured physical amount to the data generation unit <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is driven by, for example, power supplied from the battery <NUM>.

The data generation unit <NUM> creates measurement information including a measurement result of the sensor <NUM> or information based on the measurement result. More specifically, the data generation unit <NUM> receives an analog signal from the sensor <NUM>, and creates measurement information including a sensor measurement value obtained by AD converting the received analog signal, or measurement information including a value obtained by performing computation such as averaging on the sensor measurement value.

The control unit <NUM> performs connection processing of establishing a communication connection with the management device <NUM>. The control unit <NUM> is, for example, a processor such as a central processing unit (CPU).

For example, in the tool system <NUM>, the management device <NUM> transmits an advertising packet to the cutting tool <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>.

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a format of an advertising packet transmitted by the management device in the tool system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, the advertising packet is constituted by a PHY header, a MAC header, and a field corresponding to a message type, arranged in this order from the top.

The management device <NUM> generates an advertising packet in which a broadcast address is set as a destination in the MAC header, an ID such as a MAC address of the management device <NUM> is set as a source in the MAC header, and an identifier identifying the packet as an advertising packet is set to the field corresponding to a message type, and transmits the generated advertising packet to the wireless base unit <NUM>.

The wireless base unit <NUM> transmits a radio signal including the advertising packet received from the management device <NUM>.

The reception unit <NUM> in the information communication unit <NUM> receives the radio signal from the wireless base unit <NUM> and acquires the advertising packet included in the received radio signal. The reception unit <NUM> outputs the acquired advertising packet to the control unit <NUM>.

Upon receiving the advertising packet from the reception unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> performs connection processing, that is, sets the management device <NUM> having the MAC address of the source included in the received advertising packet as a communication target. Specifically, the control unit <NUM> registers the MAC address in the storage unit <NUM> as the MAC address of the management device <NUM> as a communication target.

In addition, in the connection processing, the control unit <NUM> generates a response packet, which is a response to the received advertising packet, and outputs the generated response packet to the transmission unit <NUM> in the information communication unit <NUM>. The format of the response packet generated by the control unit <NUM> is, for example, the same as the format of the advertising packet illustrated in <FIG>.

For example, the control unit <NUM> generates a response packet in which the MAC address of the management device <NUM> is set as a destination in the MAC header, the MAC address of the sensor module <NUM> of the cutting tool <NUM>, for example, is set as a source in the MAC header, and an identifier identifying the packet as a response packet is set to the field corresponding to a message type, and outputs the generated response packet to the transmission unit <NUM>.

The transmission unit <NUM> transmits a radio signal including the response packet received from the control unit <NUM>.

Upon receiving the response packet from the sensor module <NUM> of the cutting tool <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>, the management device <NUM> sets the sensor module <NUM> corresponding to the MAC address of the source included in the received response packet as a communication target.

Specifically, upon receiving the response packet from the sensor module <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM> and the communication unit <NUM>, the processing unit <NUM> in the management device <NUM> registers the MAC address of the source included in the received response packet in the storage unit <NUM> as the MAC address of the sensor module <NUM> as a communication target.

Upon establishing the communication connection with the management device <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> generates a parameter information request including the sensor ID of the sensor and addressed to the management device <NUM>, and outputs the generated parameter information request to the transmission unit <NUM>.

For example, every time the control unit <NUM> is started up, the control unit <NUM> establishes a communication connection with the management device <NUM>, generates a parameter information request addressed to the management device <NUM>, and outputs the generated parameter information request to the transmission unit <NUM>.

The transmission unit <NUM> transmits an inquiry for parameter information related to measurement by the sensor <NUM> to the management device <NUM>. More specifically, the transmission unit <NUM> transmits a parameter information request to the management device <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>.

For example, the transmission unit <NUM> wirelessly transmits, upon startup, a parameter information request received from the control unit <NUM> to the wireless base unit <NUM>. More specifically, the transmission unit <NUM> wirelessly transmits, upon startup of the transmission unit <NUM>, a parameter information request received from the control unit <NUM> to the wireless base unit <NUM>. Alternatively, the transmission unit <NUM> wirelessly transmits, upon startup of the individual circuitries in the sensor module <NUM>, a parameter information request received from the control unit <NUM> to the wireless base unit <NUM>.

The reception unit <NUM> acquires parameter information related to measurement by the sensor <NUM> from the management device <NUM> outside the cutting tool <NUM>. For example, the reception unit <NUM> receives parameter information including a measurement parameter, a measurement start timing, and a measurement period.

More specifically, the reception unit <NUM> receives parameter information from the management device <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>.

For example, the reception unit <NUM> receives, upon startup, parameter information from the management device <NUM>. More specifically, the reception unit <NUM> receives, upon startup of the reception unit <NUM>, parameter information from the management device <NUM>. Alternatively, the reception unit <NUM> receives, upon startup of the individual circuitries in the sensor module <NUM>, parameter information from the management device <NUM>.

For example, the reception unit <NUM> receives parameter information that varies according to the type of machining operation.

Upon receiving the parameter information from the management device <NUM>, the reception unit <NUM> outputs the received parameter information to the control unit <NUM>.

The control unit <NUM> waits until receiving parameter information from the reception unit <NUM> after outputting a parameter information request to the transmission unit <NUM>. Upon receiving parameter information from the reception unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> stores the received parameter information in the storage unit <NUM>. In addition, the control unit <NUM> controls an operation of at least either one of the sensor <NUM> and the data generation unit <NUM> in accordance with the received parameter information.

For example, the control unit <NUM> controls, in accordance with the received parameter information, at least either one of a sampling period and measurement range of the sensor <NUM>; and a sampling period of AD conversion in the data generation unit <NUM> and whether a preceding-stage circuit is used.

Specifically, the control unit <NUM> generates, in accordance with the received parameter information, setting information A indicating a sampling period and a measurement range of the sensor <NUM>, and outputs the generated setting information A to the sensor <NUM>.

Also, the control unit <NUM> generates, in accordance with the received parameter information, setting information B indicating a sampling period of the AD converter in the data generation unit <NUM> and whether a preceding-stage circuit is used, and outputs the generated setting information B to the data generation unit <NUM>.

Upon receiving the setting information A from the control unit <NUM>, the sensor <NUM> performs measurement in accordance with the received setting information A, and outputs an analog signal indicating a measured physical amount to the data generation unit <NUM>.

Upon receiving the setting information B from the control unit <NUM>, the data generation unit <NUM> generates measurement information in accordance with the received setting information B. The data generation unit <NUM> also generates a sensor packet storing the generated measurement information and the sensor ID of the sensor <NUM>, and outputs the generated sensor packet to the transmission unit <NUM> on a regular or irregular basis.

The transmission unit <NUM> wirelessly transmits measurement information to the management device <NUM> outside the cutting tool <NUM> on a regular or irregular basis. More specifically, the transmission unit <NUM> wirelessly transmits the sensor packet received from the data generation unit <NUM> and storing the measurement information and the sensor ID to the wireless base unit <NUM>. The transmission unit <NUM> is driven by, for example, power supplied from the battery <NUM>.

For example, the reception unit <NUM> receives a plurality of chronological pieces of parameter information from the management device <NUM>. More specifically, the reception unit <NUM> receives, from the management device <NUM>, a plurality of chronological pieces of parameter information that are set in accordance with the types of machining operations chronologically performed by the cutting tool <NUM>.

For example, the reception unit <NUM> receives, from the management device <NUM>, a plurality of chronological pieces of parameter information that are set in accordance with the types of machining operations chronologically performed by a single cutting tool <NUM>.

In the case of performing measurement by using an acceleration sensor, which is an example of the sensor <NUM>, a wider measurement range is set at the time of rough machining whereas a narrower measurement range is set at the time of finish machining, for example.

Specifically, the reception unit <NUM> receives, from the management device <NUM>, parameter information related to measurement by an acceleration sensor, which is an example of the sensor <NUM>. The parameter information indicates that the measurement range is -<NUM> to <NUM> for a period of one minute during which rough machining is performed, that the measurement range is -<NUM> to <NUM> for a period of three minutes during which semi-finish machining after rough machining is performed, and that the measurement range is -<NUM> to <NUM> for a period of five minutes during which finish machining after semi-finish machining is performed.

Alternatively, for example, each of reception units <NUM> in a plurality of cutting tools <NUM> attached to a single machining device receives, from the management device <NUM>, parameter information that is set in accordance with the type of a machining operation performed by using a corresponding one of the plurality of cutting tools <NUM> among the types of machining operations chronologically performed by using the plurality of cutting tools <NUM>.

More specifically, for example, a case is assumed in which cutting tools 100A, 100B, and 100C are attached to a single machining device, and rough machining using the cutting tool 100A, semi-finish machining using the cutting tool 100B, and finish machining using the cutting tool 100C are chronologically performed.

The reception unit <NUM> in the cutting tool 100A receives, from the management device <NUM>, parameter information related to measurement by an acceleration sensor, which is an example of the sensor <NUM>. The parameter information indicates that the measurement range of the sensor <NUM> in the cutting tool 100A is set to -<NUM> to <NUM> for a period of one minute during which rough machining is performed.

The reception unit <NUM> in the cutting tool 100B receives, from the management device <NUM>, parameter information related to measurement by an acceleration sensor. The parameter information indicates that the measurement range of the sensor <NUM> in the cutting tool 100B is set to -<NUM> to <NUM> for a period of three minutes during which semi-finish machining is performed.

The reception unit <NUM> in the cutting tool 100C receives, from the management device <NUM>, parameter information related to measurement by an acceleration sensor. The parameter information indicates that the measurement range of the sensor <NUM> in the cutting tool 100C is set to -<NUM> to <NUM> for a period of five minutes during which finish machining is performed.

On the other hand, upon receiving from the management device <NUM> setting-undone information indicating that parameter information has not been set in the management device <NUM>, the reception unit <NUM> outputs the received setting-undone information to the control unit <NUM>.

For example, initial parameter information, which is initially set parameter information, is stored in the storage unit <NUM>.

If the control unit <NUM> does not receive parameter information from the reception unit <NUM> within a predetermined time after outputting a parameter information request to the transmission unit <NUM>, or if the control unit <NUM> receives setting-undone information from the reception unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> controls an operation of at least either one of the sensor <NUM> and the data generation unit <NUM> in accordance with the initial parameter information in the storage unit <NUM> or the latest parameter information stored in the storage unit <NUM>.

Alternatively, for example, if the parameter information received from the reception unit <NUM> does not include at least any one of a measurement parameter, a measurement start timing, and a measurement period related to measurement by the sensor <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> controls an operation of at least either one of the sensor <NUM> and the data generation unit <NUM> by using information on a corresponding one of the measurement parameter, the measurement start timing, and the measurement period stored in the storage unit <NUM>.

The individual devices in the tool system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure each include a computer including a memory. An arithmetic processing unit, such as a CPU, in the computer reads out a program including some or all of steps in the following flowchart or sequence from the memory, and executes the program. The programs for the plurality of devices can be installed from the outside. The programs for the plurality of devices are each circulated in the state of being stored in a recording medium.

<FIG> is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure in which the cutting tool in the tool system transmits a sensor packet to the management device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, first, the sensor module <NUM> in the cutting tool <NUM> is started up, and the individual circuitries in the sensor module <NUM>, such as the control unit <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM>, and the reception unit <NUM>, start up (step S102).

Subsequently, the cutting tool <NUM> establishes a communication connection with the management device <NUM> (step S104).

Subsequently, the cutting tool <NUM> transmits a parameter information request to the management device <NUM> (step S106).

Subsequently, if the cutting tool <NUM> receives parameter information from the management device <NUM> within a predetermined time from the transmission of the parameter information request to the management device <NUM> (YES in step S <NUM>), the cutting tool <NUM> stores the received parameter information in the storage unit <NUM> (step S110).

Subsequently, the cutting tool <NUM> controls an operation of at least either one of the sensor <NUM> and the data generation unit <NUM> in accordance with the received parameter information to generate measurement information, and transmits a sensor packet including the generated measurement information to the management device <NUM>, on a regular or irregular basis (step S112).

On the other hand, if the cutting tool <NUM> does not receive parameter information from the management device <NUM> within the predetermined time from the transmission of the parameter information request to the management device <NUM>, or receives setting-undone information from the management device <NUM> (NO in step S108), the cutting tool <NUM> controls an operation of at least either one of the sensor <NUM> and the data generation unit <NUM> in accordance with the initial parameter information or the latest parameter information in the storage unit <NUM> to generate measurement information, and transmits a sensor packet including the generated measurement information to the management device <NUM>, on a regular or irregular basis (step S114).

<FIG> is a flowchart defining an example of an operation procedure in which the management device in the tool system transmits parameter information to the cutting tool according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, first, the management device <NUM> establishes a communication connection with the cutting tool <NUM> (step S202).

Subsequently, the management device <NUM> waits for a parameter information request from the cutting tool <NUM> (NO in step S204). If the management device <NUM> receives a parameter information request from the cutting tool <NUM> (YES in step S204), the management device <NUM> determines whether parameter information is stored in the storage unit <NUM> (step S206).

Subsequently, if the parameter information associated with the sensor ID included in the received parameter information is stored in the storage unit <NUM> (YES in step S206), the management device <NUM> transmits, as a response to the received parameter information request, the parameter information to the cutting tool <NUM> (step S208).

On the other hand, if the parameter information associated with the sensor ID included in the received parameter information is not stored in the storage unit <NUM> (NO in step S206), the management device <NUM> controls displaying a configuration screen prompting setting of parameter information (step S210).

Subsequently, if the management device <NUM> accepts input of parameter information to the configuration screen from a user within a predetermined period (YES in step S212), the management device <NUM> transmits, as a response to the parameter information request received from the cutting tool <NUM>, the input parameter information to the cutting tool <NUM> (step S214).

On the other hand, if the management device <NUM> does not accept input of parameter information to the configuration screen from the user within the predetermined period (NO in step S212), the management device <NUM> transmits setting-undone information indicating that parameter information has not been set to the cutting tool <NUM> (step S216).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication processing sequence in the tool system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, first, the sensor module <NUM> in the cutting tool <NUM> is started up, and the individual circuitries in the sensor module <NUM>, such as the control unit <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM>, and the reception unit <NUM>, start up (step S302).

Subsequently, the management device <NUM> and the cutting tool <NUM> establish a communication connection with each other (step S304).

Subsequently, the cutting tool <NUM> transmits a parameter information request to the management device <NUM> (step S306).

Subsequently, the management device <NUM> transmits, as a response to the received parameter information request, parameter information to the cutting tool <NUM> (step S308).

Subsequently, the cutting tool <NUM> generates measurement information in accordance with the received parameter information and transmits a sensor packet including the generated measurement information to the management device <NUM> on a regular or irregular basis (step S310).

<FIG> is a diagram illustrating another example of a communication processing sequence in the tool system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Referring to <FIG>, first, the sensor module <NUM> in the cutting tool 100A, which is an example of the cutting tool <NUM>, is started up, and the individual circuitries in the sensor module <NUM>, such as the control unit <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM>, and the reception unit <NUM>, start up (step S402).

Also, the sensor module <NUM> in the cutting tool 100B, which is an example of the cutting tool <NUM>, is started up, and the individual circuitries in the sensor module <NUM>, such as the control unit <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM>, and the reception unit <NUM>, start up (step S404).

Also, the sensor module <NUM> in the cutting tool 100C, which is an example of the cutting tool <NUM>, is started up, and the individual circuitries in the sensor module <NUM>, such as the control unit <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM>, and the reception unit <NUM>, start up (step S406).

Subsequently, the cutting tool 100A establishes a communication connection with the management device <NUM> (step S408).

Also, the cutting tool 100B establishes a communication connection with the management device <NUM> (step S410).

Also, the cutting tool 100C establishes a communication connection with the management device <NUM> (step S412).

Subsequently, the cutting tool 100A transmits a parameter information request to the management device <NUM> (step S414).

Also, the cutting tool 100B transmits a parameter information request to the management device <NUM> (step S416).

Also, the cutting tool 100C transmits a parameter information request to the management device <NUM> (step S418).

Subsequently, the management device <NUM> transmits, as a response to the parameter information request received from the cutting tool 100A, parameter information that is set in accordance with rough machining performed by using the cutting tool 100A among the types of machining operations chronologically performed by using the cutting tools 100A, 100B, and 100C, to the cutting tool 100A (step S420).

Also, the management device <NUM> transmits, as a response to the parameter information request received from the cutting tool 100B, parameter information that is set in accordance with semi-finish machining performed by using the cutting tool 100B among the types of machining operations chronologically performed by using the cutting tools 100A, 100B, and 100C, to the cutting tool 100B (step S422).

Also, the management device <NUM> transmits, as a response to the parameter information request received from the cutting tool 100C, parameter information that is set in accordance with finish machining performed by using the cutting tool 100C among the types of machining operations chronologically performed by using the cutting tools 100A, 100B, and 100C, to the cutting tool 100C (step S424).

Subsequently, the cutting tool 100A starts rough machining (step S426).

Subsequently, the cutting tool 100A generates measurement information in accordance with the received parameter information and transmits a sensor packet including the generated measurement information to the management device <NUM> on a regular or irregular basis (step S428).

Subsequently, the cutting tool 100B starts semi-finish machining (step S430).

Subsequently, the cutting tool 100B generates measurement information in accordance with the received parameter information and transmits a sensor packet including the generated measurement information to the management device <NUM> on a regular or irregular basis (step S432).

Subsequently, the cutting tool 100C starts finish machining (step S434).

Subsequently, the cutting tool 100C generates measurement information in accordance with the received parameter information and transmits a sensor packet including the generated measurement information to the management device <NUM> on a regular or irregular basis (step S436).

In the tool system <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the management device <NUM> has a configuration of transmitting an advertising packet to the cutting tool <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>, and the cutting tool <NUM> has a configuration of transmitting a response packet to the management device <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>, but the configurations are not limited thereto. The cutting tool <NUM> may have a configuration of transmitting an advertising packet to the management device <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>, and the management device <NUM> may have a configuration of transmitting a response packet to the cutting tool <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>.

More specifically, the control unit <NUM> in the sensor module <NUM> generates an advertising packet in which a broadcast address is set as a destination in the MAC header, the MAC address of the sensor module <NUM> of the cutting tool <NUM> is set as a source in the MAC header, and an identifier identifying the packet as an advertising packet is set to the field corresponding to a message type, and outputs the generated advertising packet to the transmission unit <NUM>.

The transmission unit <NUM> in the sensor module <NUM> transmits a radio signal including the advertising packet received from the control unit <NUM>.

Upon receiving the advertising packet from the sensor module <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>, the management device <NUM> sets, as a communication target, the sensor module <NUM> having the MAC address of the source included in the received advertising packet.

In addition, the management device <NUM> generates a response packet, which is a response to the received advertising packet, and transmits the generated response packet to the wireless base unit <NUM>.

For example, the management device <NUM> generates a response packet in which the MAC address of the sensor module <NUM> is set as a destination in the MAC header, the MAC address of the management device <NUM> is set as a source in the MAC header, and an identifier identifying the packet as a response packet is set to the field corresponding to a message type, and transmits the generated response packet to the wireless base unit <NUM>.

The wireless base unit <NUM> transmits a radio signal including the response packet received from the management device <NUM>.

Upon receiving the response packet from the management device <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>, the transmission unit <NUM> in the sensor module <NUM> outputs the received response packet to the control unit <NUM>.

Upon receiving the response packet from the transmission unit <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> in the sensor module <NUM> sets, as a communication target, the management device <NUM> having the MAC address of the source included in the received advertising packet.

In the tool system <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the cutting tool <NUM> has a configuration of transmitting a parameter information request to the management device <NUM>, and the management device <NUM> has a configuration of transmitting, as a response to the received parameter information request, parameter information to the cutting tool <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>, but the configurations are not limited thereto. The cutting tool <NUM> may have a configuration of not transmitting a parameter information request to the management device <NUM>. In this case, the management device <NUM> transmits parameter information addressed to one or more cutting tools <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM> on a regular or irregular basis regardless of whether a parameter information request has been received.

In the tool system <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the storage unit <NUM> in the management device <NUM> has a configuration of storing parameter information for individual cutting tools <NUM>, but the configuration is not limited thereto. The storage unit <NUM> may have a configuration of storing parameter information of a single cutting tool <NUM>.

In the cutting tool <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the reception unit <NUM> has a configuration of newly receiving parameter information from the management device <NUM> upon being started up, but the configuration is not limited thereto. The reception unit <NUM> may have a configuration of not newly receiving parameter information upon being restarted up after receiving parameter information from the management device <NUM>. In this case, the control unit <NUM> controls an operation of at least either one of the sensor <NUM> and the data generation unit <NUM> in accordance with past parameter information stored in the storage unit <NUM>. In addition, the reception unit <NUM> may have a configuration of newly receiving parameter information form the management device <NUM> every time the cutting tool <NUM> starts up. In this specification, startup of the cutting tool <NUM> means that a workpiece starts being rotated in turning or a tool starts being rotated in milling, before machining on one workpiece starts.

In the cutting tool <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the reception unit <NUM> has a configuration of receiving a plurality of chronological pieces of parameter information, but the configuration is not limited thereto. The reception unit <NUM> may have a configuration of receiving parameter information that does not temporally change.

In the cutting tool <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the reception unit <NUM> has a configuration of receiving a plurality of chronological pieces of parameter information that are set in accordance with the types of machining operations chronologically performed by the cutting tool <NUM>, but the configuration is not limited thereto. The reception unit <NUM> may have a configuration of receiving a plurality of chronological pieces of parameter information that are set in accordance with the same type of machining operation performed by the cutting tool <NUM>.

In the cutting tool <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the reception unit <NUM> has a configuration of receiving parameter information including a measurement parameter, a measurement start timing, and a measurement period, but the configuration is not limited thereto. The reception unit <NUM> may have a configuration of receiving parameter information that does not include at least any one of a measurement parameter, a measurement start timing, and a measurement period.

In the cutting tool <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the transmission unit <NUM> has a configuration of wirelessly transmitting measurement information to the management device <NUM>, but the configuration is not limited thereto. The transmission unit <NUM> may have a configuration of transmitting measurement information to the management device <NUM> in a wired manner.

In the cutting tool <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the reception unit <NUM> has a configuration of receiving parameter information from the management device <NUM> via the wireless base unit <NUM>, but the configuration is not limited thereto. The reception unit <NUM> may have a configuration of receiving parameter information from the management device <NUM> via a wired transmission path.

A technique capable of implementing an excellent function related to estimation of the life of a cutting tool is desired.

For example, a technique capable of mounting a sensor in the cutting tool <NUM> and estimating the life of a tool such as a cutting insert on the basis of a measurement result of the sensor is desired.

In the technique as described above, an optimum parameter related to measurement by the sensor varies according to a machining condition, such as a rotation speed of a workpiece or a cutting tool, and a machining step. However, in the case of continuously performing a plurality of types of machining operations in a machining device, it is difficult to stop the machining device and optimize a parameter related to measurement by the sensor for the cutting tool <NUM> during the machining operations.

If an optimum parameter related to measurement by the sensor is uniformly set to the sensor of each cutting tool <NUM>, a case may occur in which measurement is performed with an excessive sampling period and an excessive measurement range. As a result, current consumption of the sensor increases. In addition, in the system of wirelessly transmitting a measurement result, radio traffic may increase.

In contrast, in the cutting tool <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cutting insert <NUM> has a cutting edge. The holder <NUM> holds the cutting insert <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is provided in the holder <NUM>. The information communication unit <NUM> is provided in the holder <NUM>. The information communication unit <NUM> transmits an inquiry for parameter information related to measurement by the sensor <NUM> to the management device <NUM> provided outside the cutting tool <NUM>, and acquires the parameter information from the management device <NUM>.

With this configuration of transmitting an inquiry for parameter information related to measurement by the sensor <NUM> to the management device <NUM> provided outside the cutting tool <NUM> and acquiring the parameter information from the management device <NUM>, for example, measurement by the sensor <NUM> can be performed in accordance with the parameter information that is set in accordance with details of machining using the cutting tool <NUM>. Thus, an increase in current consumption of the sensor <NUM> can be suppressed while highly accurate measurement is performed using the sensor <NUM>. As a result, for example, the frequency of replacing a battery and performing charging can be decreased in the sensor <NUM>. In addition, in a system of wirelessly transmitting a measurement result of the sensor <NUM>, an increase in data amount of the measurement result can be suppressed, and thus, for example, interference of radio signals caused by an increase in radio traffic can be suppressed.

Thus, in the cutting tool <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, an excellent function related to estimation of the life of the cutting tool can be implemented.

In the cutting tool <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the information communication unit <NUM> acquires the parameter information upon being started up.

With this configuration, for example, in the cutting tool <NUM> that is to perform a different type of machining operation every time the cutting tool <NUM> is started up, parameter information that is set in accordance with details of the machining operation can be acquired.

In the cutting tool <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the information communication unit <NUM> acquires a plurality of chronological pieces of parameter information.

With this configuration, for example, a measurement parameter of the sensor <NUM> can be chronologically changed, and measurement by the sensor <NUM> can be appropriately performed when the cutting tool <NUM> performs various types of machining operations.

In the cutting tool <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the information communication unit <NUM> acquires the plurality of chronological pieces of parameter information that are set in accordance with types of machining operations chronologically performed by the cutting tool <NUM>.

With this configuration, when the type of machining operation using the cutting tool <NUM> chronologically changes, parameter information that is set in accordance with each type of machining operation can be acquired, and measurement by the sensor <NUM> can be appropriately performed.

In the cutting tool <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the information communication unit <NUM> acquires the parameter information including a measurement parameter, a measurement start timing, and a measurement period.

With this configuration, the measurement parameter, the measurement start timing, and the measurement period of the sensor <NUM> can be controlled on the basis of the parameter information, and thus an increase in current consumption of the sensor <NUM>, an increase in data amount of a measurement result, and the like can be suppressed more reliably.

In the cutting tool <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit <NUM> is provided in the holder <NUM> and controls an operation of the sensor <NUM>. The storage unit <NUM> is provided in the holder <NUM>. In response to the parameter information acquired by the information communication unit <NUM> does not include at least any one of a measurement parameter, a measurement start timing, and a measurement period related to the measurement by the sensor <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> controls the operation of the sensor <NUM> by using information on a corresponding one of the measurement parameter, the measurement start timing, and the measurement period stored in the storage unit <NUM> in advance.

With this configuration, even when the contents of the acquired parameter information are insufficient, the operation of the sensor <NUM> can be controlled by using the information stored in the storage unit <NUM>.

In the cutting tool <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cutting insert <NUM> has a cutting edge. The holder <NUM> holds the cutting insert <NUM>. The sensor <NUM> is provided in the holder <NUM> and includes at least either one of an acceleration sensor and a strain sensor. The information communication unit <NUM> provided in the holder <NUM> transmits an inquiry for parameter information related to measurement by the sensor <NUM> to the management device <NUM> provided outside the cutting tool <NUM>, and acquires the parameter information. The storage unit <NUM> provided in the holder <NUM> stores the parameter information. The control unit <NUM> is provided in the holder <NUM>. The information communication unit <NUM> transmits the inquiry for the parameter information to the management device <NUM> and acquires the parameter information having contents that are based on the inquiry from the management device <NUM>, upon being started up.

With this configuration of transmitting an inquiry for parameter information related to measurement by the sensor <NUM> including an acceleration sensor or a strain sensor to the management device <NUM> provided outside the cutting tool <NUM> and acquiring the parameter information from the management device <NUM>, for example, measurement by the sensor <NUM> can be performed in accordance with the parameter information that is set in accordance with details of machining using the cutting tool <NUM>. Thus, an increase in current consumption of the sensor <NUM> can be suppressed while highly accurate measurement is performed using the sensor <NUM>. As a result, for example, the frequency of replacing a battery and performing charging can be decreased in the sensor <NUM>. In addition, in a system of wirelessly transmitting a measurement result of the sensor <NUM>, an increase in data amount of the measurement result can be suppressed, and thus, for example, interference of radio signals caused by an increase in radio traffic can be suppressed. Furthermore, in the cutting tool <NUM> that is to perform a different type of machining operation every time the cutting tool <NUM> is started up, parameter information that is set in accordance with details of the machining operation can be acquired by transmitting an inquiry for the parameter information to the management device <NUM> every time the cutting tool <NUM> is started up.

In the tool system <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the cutting tool <NUM> includes the cutting insert <NUM> having a cutting edge, the holder <NUM> holding the cutting insert <NUM>, the sensor <NUM> provided in the holder <NUM>, and the information communication unit <NUM> provided in the holder <NUM>. The management device <NUM> provided outside the cutting tool <NUM> transmits, to the information communication unit <NUM>, parameter information related to measurement by the sensor <NUM>.

With this configuration in which the management device <NUM> provided outside the cutting tool <NUM> transmits parameter information related to measurement by the sensor <NUM> to the information communication unit <NUM> in the cutting tool <NUM>, for example, measurement by the sensor <NUM> can be performed in accordance with the parameter information that is set in accordance with details of machining using the cutting tool <NUM>. Thus, an increase in current consumption of the sensor <NUM> can be suppressed while highly accurate measurement is performed using the sensor <NUM>. As a result, for example, the frequency of replacing a battery and performing charging can be decreased in the sensor <NUM>. In addition, in the system of wirelessly transmitting a measurement result of the sensor <NUM>, an increase in data amount of the measurement result can be suppressed, and thus, for example, interference of radio signals caused by an increase in radio traffic can be suppressed.

Thus, in the tool system <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, an excellent function related to estimation of the life of the cutting tool can be implemented.

In the tool system <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the information communication unit <NUM> transmits an inquiry for the parameter information to the management device <NUM> upon being started up. The management device <NUM> transmits, to the information communication unit <NUM>, the parameter information having contents that are based on the inquiry from the information communication unit <NUM>.

With this configuration, for example, in the tool system <NUM> including the cutting tool <NUM> that is to perform a different type of machining operation every time the cutting tool <NUM> is started up, the information communication unit <NUM> transmits an inquiry for parameter information to the management device <NUM> every time the information communication unit <NUM> is started up, and thus parameter information that is set in accordance with details of a machining operation in the cutting tool <NUM> can be transmitted from the management device <NUM> to the cutting tool <NUM>.

In the tool system <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, in response to the management device <NUM> does not include the parameter information for the cutting tool <NUM>, the management device <NUM> controls displaying a configuration screen prompting setting of the parameter information.

With this configuration, even when the management device <NUM> does not hold parameter information for the cutting tool <NUM>, setting of parameter information by a user can be prompted, and the set parameter information can be transmitted to the cutting tool <NUM>.

The tool system <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a plurality of cutting tools <NUM>. The management device <NUM> holds, for each of the plurality of cutting tools <NUM>, the parameter information including a measurement parameter, a measurement start timing, and a measurement period.

With this configuration, various machining operations can be appropriately performed by using the plurality of cutting tools <NUM>, and the measurement parameter, the measurement start timing, and the measurement period of the sensor <NUM> in each cutting tool <NUM> can be controlled on the basis of the parameter information. Thus, an increase in current consumption of the sensor <NUM> in each cutting tool <NUM>, an increase in data amount of a measurement result, and the like can be suppressed more reliably.

In the tool system <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the cutting tool <NUM> further includes the control unit <NUM> that controls an operation of the sensor <NUM>, and the storage unit <NUM>. In response to the parameter information transmitted from the management device <NUM> to the information communication unit <NUM> does not include at least any one of a measurement parameter, a measurement start timing, and a measurement period related to the measurement by the sensor <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> controls the operation of the sensor <NUM> by using information on a corresponding one of the measurement parameter, the measurement start timing, and the measurement period stored in the storage unit <NUM> in advance.

With this configuration, even when the contents of the parameter information transmitted from the management device <NUM> to the reception unit <NUM> in the cutting tool <NUM> are insufficient, the operation of the sensor <NUM> can be controlled in the cutting tool <NUM> by using the information stored in the storage unit <NUM>.

A communication method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a communication method for the tool system <NUM> including the cutting tool <NUM> and the management device <NUM>, the cutting tool <NUM> including the holder <NUM> holding the cutting insert <NUM> having a cutting edge, and the sensor <NUM> provided in the holder <NUM>. In this communication method, first, the management device <NUM> and the cutting tool <NUM> establish a communication connection with each other. Subsequently, the management device <NUM> transmits parameter information related to measurement by the sensor <NUM> to the cutting tool <NUM>.

With this method of transmitting parameter information related to measurement by the sensor <NUM> from the management device <NUM> to the cutting tool <NUM>, for example, measurement by the sensor <NUM> can be performed in accordance with the parameter information that is set in accordance with details of machining using the cutting tool <NUM>. Thus, an increase in current consumption of the sensor <NUM> can be suppressed while highly accurate measurement is performed using the sensor <NUM>. As a result, for example, the frequency of replacing a battery and performing charging can be decreased in the sensor <NUM>. In addition, in the system of wirelessly transmitting a measurement result of the sensor <NUM>, an increase in data amount of the measurement result can be suppressed, and thus, for example, interference of radio signals caused by an increase in radio traffic can be suppressed.

Thus, in the communication method according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, an excellent function related to estimation of the life of the cutting tool can be implemented.

In the holder <NUM> according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the fixing members 3A, 3B, and 3C hold the cutting insert <NUM>. The information communication unit <NUM> transmits an inquiry for parameter information related to measurement by the sensor <NUM> to the management device <NUM> provided outside the cutting tool <NUM> and acquires the parameter information from the management device <NUM>.

Thus, in the holder <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, an excellent function related to estimation of the life of the cutting tool can be implemented.

In the holder <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the information communication unit <NUM> acquires the parameter information upon being started up.

In the holder <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the information communication unit <NUM> acquires a plurality of chronological pieces of parameter information.

In the holder <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the information communication unit <NUM> acquires the plurality of chronological pieces of parameter information that are set in accordance with types of machining operations chronologically performed by the cutting tool <NUM>.

In the holder <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the information communication unit <NUM> acquires the parameter information including a measurement parameter, a measurement start timing, and a measurement period.

In the holder <NUM> according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the control unit <NUM> controls an operation of the sensor <NUM>. In response to the parameter information acquired by the information communication unit <NUM> does not include at least any one of a measurement parameter, a measurement start timing, and a measurement period related to the measurement by the sensor <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> controls the operation of the sensor <NUM> by using information on a corresponding one of the measurement parameter, the measurement start timing, and the measurement period stored in the storage unit <NUM> in advance.

Claim 1:
A cutting tool (<NUM>) comprising:
a cutting insert (<NUM>) having a cutting edge;
a holder (<NUM>) holding the cutting insert;
a sensor (<NUM>) provided in the holder; and
an information communication unit (<NUM>) provided in the holder, configured to transmit an inquiry for parameter information related to measurement by the sensor, the inquiry including a sensor ID, to a management device (<NUM>) provided outside the cutting tool, and acquire the parameter information from the management device.