Power supply control system and control system

Abstract

The present application provides a power supply control system and control system capable of simply and safely charging the power supply of a sensor provided in a machine tool. A power supply control system (1) that supplies power to an electronic device (30), the power supply control system (1) having the electronic device (30) and a power supply control section (44), the electronic device (30) having a battery (33) for driving the electronic device (30), a power receiving antenna (31) that acquires an electric wave for transmitting power to the electronic device (30), a conversion section (34) that converts the electric wave received by the power receiving antenna (31) into power, and a charging section (35) that charges the battery (33) with the power converted by the conversion section (34), the power supply control section (44) controlling the conditions for transmitting power to the power receiving antenna (31) in a manner that does not affect the operation of the electronic device (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to power supply control systems and control systems. Background Technology

[0002] Wireless communication sensors used in existing machine tools, such as contact probes and tool length adjusters, consist of: a battery-powered sensor (transmitter); and a receiving device (receiver) that acquires the measured values ​​sensed by the sensor and obtains power from the machine tool.

[0003] The sensors have batteries that need to be replaced, and their lifespan varies greatly depending on the frequency of use and the environment in which they are used, making it difficult to set a standard for replacement time.

[0004] In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses technology related to a battery charging device for charging a battery of a contact probe.

[0005] Existing technical documents

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 61-109664. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0009] However, neither existing battery-powered wireless communication sensors nor the contact probe with a battery charging device described in Patent Document 1 are maintenance-free; each battery replacement or charging requires stopping the machine tool. Since multiple machine tools are used, the more sensors installed, the more frequently batteries need to be replaced and wired charging becomes, making the operation cumbersome. Consequently, frequent machine tool stops are required, leading to decreased productivity.

[0010] In addition, battery replacement is mostly carried out inside the machine tool. During operation, cutting fluid and chips may enter the sensor and cause sensor failure. When the sensor needs to be replaced, it will take time to resume production.

[0011] Furthermore, when operators enter the machine tool during maintenance, processing, or disassembly / assembly of the workpiece, the installation of a battery charging device, such as that in Patent Document 1, inside the machine tool can sometimes compromise the safety of the battery charging device.

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide a power supply control system and a control system that can easily and safely charge the power supply of sensors installed on machine tools.

[0013] Solution for solving the problem

[0014] According to one aspect of the present invention, a power supply control system is provided for supplying power to an electronic device. The power supply control system has an electronic device and a power supply control unit. The electronic device includes: a battery for driving the electronic device; a receiving antenna for acquiring radio waves for transmitting power to the electronic device; a conversion unit for converting the radio waves received by the receiving antenna into power; and a charging unit for charging the battery with the power converted by the conversion unit. The power supply control unit controls the conditions for transmitting power to the receiving antenna in a manner that does not affect the operation of the electronic device.

[0015] Invention Effects

[0016] According to the present invention, a power supply control system and a control system are provided that can easily and safely charge the power supply of a sensor installed on a machine tool. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1A This diagram illustrates the overall structure of the control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Figure 1B This diagram illustrates the overall structure of the control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 1C This diagram illustrates the overall structure of the control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the structure of a receiving device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates the time-sharing method for switching communication and power supply in the control system of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5A A diagram illustrating the operation of the control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 5B A diagram illustrating the operation of the control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following is for reference Figures 1A to 5B The embodiments of the present invention will be described below.

[0026] [1: Structure of the implementation method]

[0027] [1.1 Overall Structure]

[0028] Figure 1A This diagram illustrates the overall structure of the control system 1 according to this embodiment. The control system 1 includes a machine tool 10, a numerical control device 20, an electronic device 30, and a receiving device 40.

[0029] Additionally, the electronic device 30 is located inside or near the machine tool 10, and the machine tool 10, the numerical control device 20, and the receiving device 40 are communicatively connected to each other. Furthermore, in Figure 1A In this case, only one electronic device 30 is set in the machine tool 10, but it is not limited to this and any number of electronic devices 30 can be set.

[0030] Machine tool 10 is a device capable of performing prescribed machining operations such as cutting. Machine tool 10 includes an electric motor that drives the machined workpiece, a spindle mounted on the motor, a feed axis, fixtures corresponding to these axes, tools, etc. Furthermore, machine tool 10 drives the electric motor based on work commands to perform prescribed machining operations.

[0031] The specific machining operations specified here are not particularly limited. That is, in addition to cutting, other machining operations such as grinding, polishing, rolling, or forging may also be performed.

[0032] Furthermore, machining can be performed simultaneously with workpiece machining, or it can be performed separately.

[0033] Furthermore, this embodiment is not limited to machine tools and can be widely applied to all industrial machinery. Industrial machinery refers to various machines such as machine tools, machining centers, industrial robots, and service robots. Moreover, the industrial machinery need not be unique to this embodiment and can be achieved using conventional industrial machinery.

[0034] The numerical control unit 20 controls the spindle and drive axis of the machine tool 10 according to the machining program. This numerical control unit 20 can be implemented by having a computer device, such as one with a CPU, memory, input / output interface, etc., execute an appropriate control program.

[0035] In particular, the numerical control device 20 acquires the ON-OFF signal and measured value obtained from the electronic device 30 (described later) via the receiving device 40 (described later), and can use the acquired ON-OFF signal and measured value to perform numerical control.

[0036] In addition, the numerical control device 20 sends a control signal to the receiving device 40 described later, and the receiving device 40 controls the electronic device 30 described later to switch the state of the electronic device 30 to "standby" or "measurement".

[0037] Electronic device 30 is a device capable of wireless communication and is located inside or near machine tool 10.

[0038] Electronic device 30 can be a position sensor, such as a contact probe, for detecting the position of a tool or workpiece. In this case, the position of the tool or workpiece detected by electronic device 30 as a position sensor is used as position feedback (position FB).

[0039] Alternatively, the electronic device 30 can be, for example, a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a tool or workpiece. In this case, the temperature of the tool or workpiece detected by the electronic device 30 as a temperature sensor is used as temperature feedback (temperature FB).

[0040] Furthermore, the following description addresses the case where the electronic device 30 is a contact probe, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0041] like Figure 1A As shown, the electronic device 30 has a receiving antenna 31 and a first communication antenna 32. As detailed later, the receiving antenna 31 is an antenna for acquiring radio waves from the receiving device 40 for transmitting power. Furthermore, the first communication antenna 32 is an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves for communicating with the receiving device 40.

[0042] The receiving device 40 is a receiver that acquires, for example, an ON-OFF signal of a switch as a comparison result between a measured voltage and a threshold voltage from the electronic device 30, which is a contact probe, and wirelessly powers the electronic device 30. Alternatively, in the case where the electronic device 30 is, for example, a tool length adjuster, the receiving device 40 acquires the measured value from the electronic device 30 and wirelessly powers the electronic device 30.

[0043] like Figure 1A As shown, the receiving device 40 includes a power supply antenna 41, a second communication antenna 42, and a power transmission unit 43. Details will be described later. The power supply antenna 41 is an antenna for transmitting radio waves for power transmission to the electronic device 30. The second communication antenna 42 is an antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves for communication with the electronic device 30.

[0044] The power transmission section 43 is a unit that supplies power to the power supply antenna 41. Additionally, in Figure 1A In this case, the power transmission unit 43 is disposed outside the housing of the receiving device 40, but it is not limited thereto. The power transmission unit 43 can also be disposed inside the housing of the receiving device 40, making the two integrated. Furthermore, when disposed outside the housing of the receiving device 40, the power transmission unit 43 can be disposed inside the machine tool 10 or outside the machine tool 10.

[0045] The combination of electronic device 30 and receiving device 40 wirelessly supplies power to electronic device 30 from receiving device 40 using receiving antenna 31 of electronic device 30 and power supply antenna 41 of receiving device 40. Furthermore, in parallel, the combination of electronic device 30 and receiving device 40 communicates with each other using first communication antenna 32 of electronic device 30 and second communication antenna 42 of receiving device 40 for acquiring ON-OFF signals, measuring values, or controlling electronic device 30.

[0046] Furthermore, as for the radio frequency band used to wirelessly power the electronic device 30 and the receiving device 40, for example, radio waves in the 920MHz band, radio waves in the 2.4GHz band, or radio waves in the 5.7GHz band can be used. When using radio frequency bands of various frequencies, a channel with a specified frequency near that frequency is used.

[0047] At this point, radio wave transmission can begin after interference confirmation based on carrier sense. "Carrier sense" here refers to the mechanism of confirming whether other radio stations are using the desired radio channel (self-sense channel) before transmission begins. If other radio devices are using the self-sense channel, transmission on the same frequency is not performed, thus avoiding interference.

[0048] On the other hand, as an example, the radio frequency band used for communication between the electronic device 30 and the receiving device 40 can be a 2.4 GHz band radio wave.

[0049] In addition, such as Figure 1A As shown, the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 of the receiving device 40 are housed inside the machine tool 10 housing. On the other hand, the main body of the receiving device 40 with control functions (the power supply control unit 44, the second communication unit 45, and the operation control unit 46 described later) and the power transmission unit 43 are housed outside the machine tool 10 housing. More specifically, for example, a hole is provided in the machine tool 10 housing, and the power supply antenna 41, the second communication antenna 42, and the power transmission unit 43 are connected using a signal transmission and reception cable passing through the hole.

[0050] When the receiving device 40 is entirely mounted outside the housing of the machine tool 10, the radio waves transmitted and received by the receiving device 40 and the electronic device 30 are blocked by the housing of the machine tool 10, resulting in a decrease in power transmission efficiency. However, by separately mounting the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 from the power transmission unit 43 and the main body of the receiving device 40, the decrease in power transmission efficiency can be suppressed. Furthermore, by separately mounting the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 from the power transmission unit 43 and the main body of the receiving device 40, the degree of freedom in mounting position can be increased.

[0051] Furthermore, the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 are covered by a resin shell (cap). This prevents chips generated during machine tool 10 cutting from adhering to the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42.

[0052] Furthermore, the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 can each have multiple antennas. By having multiple antennas, the power transmission efficiency and communication efficiency are improved.

[0053] In addition, as mentioned above, Figure 1A An example is shown in which the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 of the receiving device 40 are disposed inside the housing of the machine tool 10, but the main body of the receiving device 40 with control functions is disposed outside the housing of the machine tool 10. This is only an example and is not limited thereto.

[0054] Figure 1B and Figure 1C This indicates other control systems 1A and 1B. For example... Figure 1B As shown, only the power supply antenna 41 is housed inside the machine tool 10 housing; other components of the receiving device 40, including the second communication antenna 42, can also be housed outside the machine tool 10 housing. Alternatively, as... Figure 1C As shown, the integrated antenna 47, which integrates the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42, is installed inside the housing of the machine tool 10. Other structural elements of the receiving device 40 can also be installed outside the housing of the machine tool 10.

[0055] Furthermore, as mentioned above, as an example, the radio frequency band used for wireless power supply between the electronic device 30 and the receiving device 40 can be a 2.4 GHz band or a 5.7 GHz band. On the other hand, as an example, the radio frequency band used for communication can be a 920 MHz band.

[0056] In this respect, when the radio frequency bands used for wireless power supply are different from those used for communication, such as Figure 1A and Figure 1B As shown, it is preferable to use an antenna in which the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 are separately configured.

[0057] On the other hand, when the radio frequency band used for wireless power supply and the radio frequency band used for communication are the same, for example, the 2.4 GHz band, such as... Figure 1C As shown, it is preferable to use an integrated antenna 47 that combines the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42. Furthermore, as detailed later, in this case, the integrated antenna 47 is used in a time-division multiplexing manner during the time periods for transmitting radio waves for wireless power supply and for receiving and transmitting radio waves for communication.

[0058] Furthermore, when the radio frequency band used for wireless power supply differs from the radio frequency band used for communication, it is possible to achieve, for example, by using an array antenna as an integrated antenna 47. Figure 1C As shown in the diagram.

[0059] Furthermore, the combination of electronic device 30 and receiving device 40 is sometimes referred to below as a "measurement system".

[0060] [1.2 Structure of Electronic Equipment]

[0061] Figure 2 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the structure of electronic device 30. (Example:) Figure 2 As shown, in addition to the aforementioned receiving antenna 31 and first communication antenna 32, the electronic device 30 also includes a battery 33, a conversion unit 34, a charging unit 35, a reserve detection unit 36, and a first communication unit 37.

[0062] In addition, electronic device 30 Figure 2 In addition to the structural elements shown, there are structural elements that are well known to those skilled in the art and necessary for outputting an ON-OFF signal based on a comparison of a sensed or measured value with a threshold, but these are omitted from the illustration.

[0063] Battery 33 is a rechargeable secondary battery used to drive electronic device 30. Battery 33 can be, for example, a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0064] The conversion unit 34 converts the radio waves received by the receiving antenna 31 for power transmission into electrical power. The conversion unit 34 may be, for example, a rectifier circuit that converts radio waves into DC circuits, but is not limited thereto.

[0065] The charging unit 35 charges the battery 33 with the power converted by the conversion unit 34.

[0066] The remaining power detection unit 36 ​​detects the remaining power of the battery 33. For example, the remaining power detection unit 36 ​​detects the power used by the battery 33 at every moment, and can detect the remaining power of the battery 33 by subtracting the cumulative value of the power used at every moment from the capacity of the battery 33.

[0067] The first communication unit 37 communicates with the receiving device 40 by using radio waves transmitted and received by the first communication antenna 32, sends ON-OFF signals, the remaining value of the battery 33 and other information to the receiving device 40, and obtains control signals for the electronic device 30 from the receiving device 40.

[0068] In particular, the electronic device 30 has a built-in battery 33 that acts as a rechargeable secondary battery, which ensures the stability of the electronic device 30's measurement operation by storing electricity.

[0069] [1.2 Structure of the receiving device]

[0070] Figure 3 This is a functional block diagram illustrating the structure of the receiving device 40. (Example:) Figure 3 As shown, in addition to the power supply antenna 41, the second communication antenna 42, and the power transmission unit 43 mentioned above, the receiving device 40 also has a power supply control unit 44, a second communication unit 45, and an operation control unit 46.

[0071] The power supply control unit 44 controls the transmission of power based on the transmission of radio waves using the power supply antenna 41. Specifically, the power supply control unit 44 controls the conditions for transmitting power to the receiving antenna 31 of the electronic device 30 in a manner that does not affect the operation of the electronic device 30. In this case, the power supply control unit 44 can control the aforementioned conditions based on information related to the electronic device 30 contained in the communication of the second communication unit 45 (described later). Alternatively, the power supply control unit 44 can also control the aforementioned conditions based on pre-set control parameters. These "control parameters" may include, for example, supplying power outside the operating hours of the electronic device 30, or selecting a frequency different from the communication frequency of the electronic device 30 for power supply. Furthermore, the power supply control unit 44 controls the aforementioned power transmission by controlling at least one of the power supply interval and the power supply power.

[0072] The second communication unit 45 communicates with the electronic device 30 via radio waves transmitted and received by the second communication antenna 42. Specifically, the second communication unit 45 obtains the ON-OFF signal and the remaining value of the battery 33 from the electronic device 30, and sends control signals to the electronic device 30.

[0073] The operation control unit 46 comprehensively controls the power transmission of the power supply control unit 44 and the communication between the second communication unit 45 and the electronic equipment 30. In particular, the operation control unit 46 controls the timing of the aforementioned power supply and communication.

[0074] Furthermore, as described above, in the receiving device 40, the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 are separately provided from the main body (i.e., the power supply control unit 44, the second communication unit 45, and the operation control unit 46).

[0075] [2. Implementation Method]

[0076] The following is based on reference Figures 4-5B The operation of the control systems 1 to 1B in this embodiment will be explained.

[0077] [2.1 First Working Example]

[0078] As described above, in the electronic device 30, the remaining amount detection unit 36 ​​detects the remaining amount of the battery 33, and the first communication unit 37 transmits the remaining amount of the battery 33 to the receiving device 40.

[0079] In the receiving device 40, the second communication unit 45 obtains the remaining power of the battery 33 from the electronic device 30, and the power supply control unit 44 controls at least one of the power supply interval and power supply power of the radio waves transmitting power based on the remaining power of the battery 33 obtained by the second communication unit 45.

[0080] Especially when the battery 33 of the electronic device 30 is a lithium-ion battery, preferably, the power supply control unit 44 starts power transmission by transmitting radio waves through the power supply antenna 41 when the remaining power of the battery 33 is lower than a threshold. Furthermore, this threshold refers to the threshold corresponding to the power required for stable operation of the electronic device 30.

[0081] Alternatively, depending on the amount of power used by the battery 33 of the electronic device 30, the power supply control unit 44 can transmit only the power corresponding to the amount used by sending radio waves through the power supply antenna 41.

[0082] [2.2 Second Working Example]

[0083] As described above, when the radio frequency band used for wireless power supply and the radio frequency band used for communication are the same radio frequency band, such as the 2.4 GHz band or the 5.7 GHz band, the operation control unit 46 of the receiving device 40 controls the timing of each operation in such a way that the power supply control unit 44 transmits power and the second communication unit 45 communicates with the electronic device 30 at different times.

[0084] Figure 4 This diagram illustrates an example of how the operation control unit 46 controls power supply and communication. Figure 4 In the example shown, the timing of initiating communication between the second communication unit 45 and the electronic device 30 is set to a fixed interval, and the power supply control unit 44 supplies power during the idle time after each communication ends. That is, in each group consisting of communication and power supply, the total time ti of the communication time tc and the power supply time tp is always a fixed time, but the communication time tc and the power supply time tp are not necessarily fixed individually.

[0085] [2.3 Third Working Example]

[0086] As described above, in control systems 1 to 1B, the numerical control device 20 performs numerical control on the machine tool 10, and obtains ON-OFF signals or measured values ​​from the electronic device 30 via the receiving device 40 through communication with the receiving device 40.

[0087] Here, the numerical control device 20 generates control information including a power supply permission signal and sends it to the receiving device 40. Then, based on this control information, the receiving device 40 sends a control signal to the electronic device 30. Thus, the receiving device 40 controls the charging timing of the battery 33.

[0088] For example, the control signal may include charging timing such as performing battery 33 charging when electronic device 30 is in standby mode, and stopping battery 33 charging when electronic device 30 is measuring.

[0089] Alternatively, the control signal may include an instruction to move the electronic device 30 within the machine tool 10 to a region with high charging efficiency.

[0090] Figure 5A This diagram illustrates the operation of the numerical control device 20, which moves the position of the electronic equipment 30 within the machine tool 10 towards a region with high charging efficiency. (See diagram for example.) Figure 5A As shown, by sending a position control signal from the numerical control device 20 to the machine tool 10, the electronic device 30 moves within the machine tool 10 towards an area with high charging efficiency. Additionally, in Figure 5A The example shown illustrates moving the electronic device 30 close to the power supply antenna 41, but it is not limited to this; it can be done anywhere in areas with high charging efficiency.

[0091] Alternatively, the control information may include an instruction to move the power supply antenna 41 within the machine tool 10 to an area with high power supply efficiency.

[0092] Figure 5B This diagram illustrates the operation of the numerical control device 20, which moves the position of the power supply antenna 41 within the machine tool 10 towards an area with high power supply efficiency. (See diagram for example.) Figure 5B As shown, by sending a position control signal from the numerical control device 20 to the machine tool 10, the power supply antenna 41 moves within the machine tool 10 to an area with high power supply efficiency. Additionally, in Figure 5B The example shown illustrates moving the power supply antenna 41 in a manner close to the electronic device 30, but it is not limited to this and can be done anywhere in areas with high power supply efficiency.

[0093] In addition, especially when the receiving device 40 has a drive mechanism for the power supply antenna 41, the position control signal can also be sent from the numerical control device 20 to the receiving device 40.

[0094] [3 Effects]

[0095] The power supply control system 1 of this embodiment is a power supply control system 1 for supplying power to an electronic device 30. It has an electronic device 30 and a power supply control unit 44. The electronic device 30 has: a battery 33 for driving the electronic device 30; a receiving antenna 31 for acquiring radio waves for transmitting power to the electronic device 30; a conversion unit 34 for converting the radio waves received by the receiving antenna 31 into power; and a charging unit 35 for charging the battery 33 with the power converted by the conversion unit 34. The power supply control unit 44 controls the conditions for transmitting power to the receiving antenna 31 in a manner that does not affect the operation of the electronic device 30.

[0096] Therefore, it is possible to easily and safely charge the power supply of the electronic equipment 30 installed in the machine tool 10.

[0097] Furthermore, the battery 33 of the electronic device 30 can be charged without limiting the position of the electronic device 30 when it is powered on, thus suppressing the decrease in power transmission efficiency.

[0098] Furthermore, the power supply control system 1 of this embodiment also includes a receiving device 40, and the electronic device 30 includes: a first communication antenna 32, which transmits and receives radio waves for communicating with the receiving device 40; and a first communication unit 37, which communicates with the receiving device 40 by using the radio waves transmitted and received by the first communication antenna 32. The receiving device 40 includes: a power supply antenna 41, which transmits radio waves for transmitting power to the electronic device 30; a second communication antenna 42, which transmits and receives radio waves for communicating with the electronic device 30; and a second communication unit 45, which communicates with the electronic device 30 by using the radio waves transmitted and received by the second communication antenna 42. The power supply control unit 44 controls the conditions for transmitting power to the receiving antenna 31 based on the information related to the electronic device 30 contained in the communication of the second communication unit 45.

[0099] Thus, power supply and communication can be performed in parallel between the electronic device 30 and the receiving device 40.

[0100] Alternatively, in the power supply control system of this embodiment, the electronic device 30 also has a balance detection unit 36 ​​for detecting the balance of the battery 33, a first communication unit 37 for sending the balance detected by the balance detection unit 36 ​​to the receiving device 40, a second communication unit 45 for obtaining the balance from the electronic device 30, and a power supply control unit 44 for controlling at least one of the power supply interval and power supply power of the radio waves transmitting power, based on the balance obtained by the second communication unit 45.

[0101] Therefore, power can be supplied based on the remaining capacity of battery 33.

[0102] Furthermore, in the measurement system of this embodiment, the receiving device 40 may also have a working control unit 46 that controls the timing of power transmission of the communication and power supply control unit 44 of the second communication unit 45.

[0103] Thus, for example, it is possible to suppress interference between radio waves used for communication between electronic device 30 and receiving device 40 and radio waves used for power supply.

[0104] In addition, the operation control unit 46 can perform the following control: cause the second communication unit 45 to start communication at fixed intervals, and during the idle time between the end of communication and the next communication, cause the power supply control unit 44 to send radio waves for power transmission.

[0105] Therefore, even when the frequencies of the radio waves used for power supply and communication are the same, it is possible to perform both power supply and communication while avoiding interference from the radio waves.

[0106] Furthermore, the control system 1 to 1B of this embodiment is a control system having the above-described measurement system, machine tool 10, and numerical control device 20 for numerical control of machine tool 10, and electronic device 30 is installed inside machine tool 10.

[0107] Thus, in the control of the machine tool 10 by the numerical control device 20, the electronic device 30 can be powered by the battery 33.

[0108] Furthermore, in the control systems 1 to 1B of this embodiment, the control information generated by the numerical control device 20 may include the charging timing of the battery 33 of the electronic device 30.

[0109] Therefore, the timing for charging the battery 33 of the electronic device 30 can be specified in the numerical control of the numerical control device 20.

[0110] Furthermore, in the control systems 1 to 1B of this embodiment, the control information generated by the numerical control device 20 may include an instruction to move the electronic device 30 to a region with high charging efficiency.

[0111] Therefore, in the numerical control of the numerical control device 20, it is possible to improve the charging efficiency of the electronic device 30.

[0112] Furthermore, in the control systems 1 to 1B of this embodiment, the control information generated by the numerical control device 20 may include an instruction to move the power supply antenna 41 to a region with high power transmission efficiency.

[0113] Therefore, in the numerical control of the numerical control device 20, it is possible to improve the power supply efficiency from the receiving device 40.

[0114] Furthermore, in the control system 1 to 1B of this embodiment, the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 are separately provided from the power supply control unit 44 and the second communication unit 45. At least the power supply antenna 41 is provided inside the housing of the machine tool 10, and at least the power supply control unit 44 and the second communication unit 45 are provided outside the housing of the machine tool 10.

[0115] Therefore, compared to the situation where the power supply efficiency decreases due to the shielding of radio waves transmitted and received by the receiving device 40 and electronic device 30 by the housing of the machine tool 10, the decrease in power supply efficiency can be suppressed. Furthermore, by separately installing the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 from the main body of the receiving device 40, the flexibility in their installation position can be increased.

[0116] [4. Variations]

[0117] The above-described embodiments are preferred embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various modified ways without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0118] [4.1 Variation Example 1]

[0119] For example, in the above-described embodiment, the machine tool 10 and the numerical control device 20 are separate units, but this is not a limitation. For example, the machine tool 10 and the numerical control device 20 can be integrated within the same housing.

[0120] [4.2 Variation Example 2]

[0121] Alternatively, the following approach can be adopted: prepare multiple power supply modes from the receiving device 40 to the electronic device 30 in advance, and select any power supply mode when the electronic device 30 is in standby mode, based on the purpose of use of the electronic device 30, the environment in which the electronic device 30 is located, etc.

[0122] [4.3 Variation Example 3]

[0123] Alternatively, in the second example described above, the timing of initiating communication between the second communication unit 45 and the electronic device 30 is set to a fixed interval, and power supply to the power control unit 44 is performed during the idle time after each communication ends, but this is not limited to this. For example, if communication is successful, power supply to the power control unit 44 is performed during the idle time, but if communication fails, power supply is skipped instead of being performed.

[0124] [4.4 Variation Example 4]

[0125] Furthermore, the receiving device 40 may have a frequency switching unit that switches the frequency of the radio waves used for power supply. This is because the frequency of radio waves that are easily reached varies depending on the environment. By using this frequency switching unit, the receiving device 40 can perform smooth power supply even when it is impossible to supply power smoothly at a certain frequency, by switching to other frequencies. In addition, by using this frequency switching unit, the receiving device 40 can use the frequency with the best power supply efficiency for power supply.

[0126] The various structural components included in the aforementioned control systems 1-1B can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Furthermore, the control method achieved through the cooperation of the various structural components included in the aforementioned control systems 1-1B can also be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, "implemented using software" means that it is achieved by having a computer read and execute a program.

[0127] Programs can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read-Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash memory ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). In addition, programs can also be supplied to a computer using various types of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transitory computer-readable media can supply programs to a computer via wired communication paths such as wires and optical fibers, or via wireless communication paths.

[0128] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0129] 1, 1A, 1B: Control System

[0130] 10: Machine tools

[0131] 20: Numerical control device

[0132] 30: Electronic devices

[0133] 31: Receiving Antenna

[0134] 32: First communication antenna

[0135] 33: Battery

[0136] 34: Conversion Section

[0137] 35: Charging Unit

[0138] 36: Balance Inspection Department

[0139] 37: First Ministry of Communications

[0140] 40: Receiving device

[0141] 41: Power supply antenna

[0142] 42: Second communication antenna

[0143] 43: Ministry of Power Transmission

[0144] 44: Power Supply Control Department

[0145] 45: Second Department of Communications

[0146] 46: Work Control Department

Claims

1. A control system comprising a power supply control system, a machine tool, and a numerical control device for performing numerical control on the machine tool, wherein, The power supply control system includes electronic equipment, a receiving device, and a power supply control unit. The electronic device has: The battery, which powers the electronic device; A receiving antenna that acquires radio waves used to transmit power to the electronic device; A converter that converts radio waves received by the powered antenna into electrical power; and The charging unit charges the battery with the power converted by the conversion unit. The power supply control unit controls the conditions for transmitting power to the powered antenna in a manner that does not affect the operation of the electronic device. The electronic device has: A first communication antenna, which transmits and receives radio waves for communicating with the receiving device; as well as The first communication unit communicates with the receiving device by transmitting and receiving radio waves using the first communication antenna. The receiving device has: A power supply antenna that transmits radio waves to the electronic device for power transmission; The second communication antenna transmits and receives radio waves used for communication with the electronic device; as well as The second communication unit communicates with the electronic device via radio waves transmitted and received by the second communication antenna. The power supply control unit controls the conditions for transmitting power to the powered antenna based on information related to the electronic device contained in the communication of the second communication unit. The electronic equipment is installed inside the machine tool. The numerical control device is configured to acquire an ON-OFF signal or a measured value from the electronic device via the receiving device, and use the ON-OFF signal or the measured value to perform numerical control on the machine tool.

2. The control system according to claim 1, wherein, The electronic device also includes a balance detection unit for detecting the remaining amount of the battery. The first communication unit sends the margin detected by the margin detection unit to the receiving device. The second communication unit obtains the remaining capacity from the electronic device. The power supply control controls at least one of the power supply interval and power supply power of the radio waves transmitting the power, based on the margin obtained by the second communication unit.

3. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The receiving device also has an operation control unit that controls the timing of communication of the second communication unit and power supply of the power supply control unit.

4. The control system according to claim 3, wherein, The operation control unit performs the following control: it causes the second communication unit to start the communication at fixed intervals, and during the idle time between the end of the communication and the next communication, it causes the power supply control unit to send radio waves for transmitting the power.

5. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control information generated by the numerical control device includes the charging timing of the battery in the electronic device.

6. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control information generated by the numerical control device includes instructions to move the electronic device toward an area with high charging efficiency.

7. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control information generated by the numerical control device includes an instruction to move the power supply antenna to an area with high power supply efficiency.

8. The control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The power supply antenna and the second communication antenna are integrally disposed with the power supply control unit and the second communication unit. At least the power supply antenna is disposed within the housing of the machine tool. At least the power supply control unit and the second communication unit are disposed outside the housing of the machine tool.

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