Position detection device and actuator

Abstract

The invention provides a position detection device and an actuator. A position detection device (20) is provided with: a first sensor (70) that outputs a first detection signal when a piston (50) is located within a first detection range (R1); a detection unit (76) that detects the piston position (P) on the basis of the first detection signal; an antenna (72) that wirelessly receives power; a power supply wiring (Wp1) that supplies power from the antenna to the first sensor when the piston is located within the first detection range; and a power output wiring (Wpo) capable of externally outputting power to a sensor module (30) for detecting the position of the piston when the piston is outside the first detection range.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a position detection device and an actuator. Background Art

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-78294 discloses a wireless antenna module for communication. A battery storing wirelessly powered power supplies power to a first module body and a second module body, which serve as two wireless antenna modules. The first module body wirelessly transmits sensor detection signals from a first device body to a host device (GW unit). The second module body wirelessly transmits sensor detection signals from a second device body to the host device (GW unit). Summary of the Invention

[0003] In most cases, the power of wireless power supply is weak. Therefore, if weak power is supplied to both wireless antenna modules, either wireless antenna module will be short of power.

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] A first embodiment of the present invention is a position detection device, which is installed in a cylinder and detects the piston position of a piston moving in the cylinder. The position detection device comprises: a first sensor, which outputs a first detection signal when the piston is within a first detection range; a detection unit, which detects the piston position based on the first detection signal; a communicator, which sends the piston position detected by the detection unit to an external device; an antenna, which receives power wirelessly; a power supply wiring, which supplies the power from the antenna to the first sensor when the piston is within the first detection range; and a power output wiring, which can output the power externally to a sensor module used to detect the piston position when the piston is outside the first detection range.

[0006] A second aspect of the present invention is an actuator including: the position detection device according to the first aspect; the sensor module; the cylinder; and the piston.

[0007] According to the present invention, the possibility of insufficient power in wireless power supply can be reduced.

[0008] The above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages will become more apparent from the following description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating an actuator.

[0010] Figure 2This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a first sensor and a second sensor, and power supply to the first sensor and the second sensor according to a piston position.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a first sensor and a second sensor, and power supply to the first sensor and the second sensor according to a piston position.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a diagram for explaining another configuration example of the first sensor and the second sensor, and the supply of power to the first sensor and the second sensor according to the position of the piston.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a diagram for explaining another configuration example of the first sensor and the second sensor, and the supply of power to the first sensor and the second sensor according to the position of the piston. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Figure 1 1 is a diagram illustrating an actuator 10. The actuator 10 is used for conveying a workpiece, and includes a position detection device 20, a sensor module 30, a cylinder 40, and a piston 50. The position detection device 20 and the sensor module 30 are both mounted on the outer surface of the cylinder 40 and connected to each other by a cable Cb.

[0015] The piston 50 moves in the X direction in the cylinder 40. That is, the moving direction of the piston 50 is the X direction. The position detection device 20 detects the piston position P of the piston 50 in the X direction. The piston 50 is provided with a magnet Mg. Figure 1 In the example shown, the piston position P corresponds to the position of the magnet Mg.

[0016] The position detection device 20 receives power wirelessly from the wireless power supply device 60. The position detection device 20 and the sensor module 30 are used to detect the piston position P. When the piston 50 moves in the X direction within the cylinder 40, the position detection device 20 or the sensor module 30 may output a first detection signal or a second detection signal related to the piston position P of the piston 50. The first detection signal or the second detection signal is output using the power wirelessly received by the position detection device 20. The position detection device 20 detects the piston position P based on the first detection signal or the second detection signal.

[0017] The position detection device 20 transmits the detected piston position P to the external device 62. The external device 62 is, for example, a management device that manages the position detection device 20 or the actuator 10. The piston position P is transmitted from the position detection device 20 to the external device 62 by wireless communication or wired communication.

[0018] use Figure 1The structures of the position detection device 20 and the sensor module 30 will be further described. The position detection device 20 includes a first sensor 70, an antenna 72, a power conversion circuit 74, a detection unit 76, a communicator 78, an indicator 80, and a connector 82. The first sensor 70, antenna 72, power conversion circuit 74, detection unit 76, communicator 78, and indicator 80 are housed within the housing 20h of the position detection device 20. The connector 82 is provided in the housing 20h so that a portion of the connector 82 is exposed on the outer surface of the housing 20h.

[0019] The sensor module 30 includes a second sensor 90 and a connector 92. The second sensor 90 is housed in the housing 30h of the sensor module 30. The connector 92 is provided in the housing 30h so that a portion of the connector 92 is exposed to the outer surface of the housing 30h.

[0020] The sensor module 30 includes significantly fewer components than the position detection device 20. Therefore, the sensor module 30 is significantly smaller than the position detection device 20. Therefore, the area occupied by the sensor module 30 when mounted on the cylinder 40 can be significantly smaller than that of the position detection device 20.

[0021] The antenna 72 of the position detection device 20 receives power from the wireless power supply device 60 via wireless. The power conversion circuit 74 converts the power received by the antenna 72. The power conversion circuit 74 converts AC power into DC power, for example. The power converted by the power conversion circuit 74 is supplied to the first sensor 70, the detection unit 76, the communicator 78, and the indicator 80. Figure 1 Schematically shows wiring connections for power supply to each of the detection unit 76 , the communicator 78 , and the indicator 80 .

[0022] The position detection device 20 also includes a power supply wiring Wp1. The power supply wiring Wp1 connects the power conversion circuit 74 and the first sensor 70. When the piston 50 moves in the X direction and the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is located within the first detection range R1, the piston position P is located within the first detection range R1. In this case, the first sensor 70 is turned on. Regarding the structure of the first sensor 70, Figures 2 to 5 Provide a description.

[0023] When the first sensor 70 is turned on, power is supplied to the first sensor 70 from the antenna 72 via the power supply wiring Wp1 and the power conversion circuit 74. The power supplied to the first sensor 70 is consumed by the load resistor Rs. Consequently, the voltage output from the first sensor 70 is obtained as the first detection signal output by the first sensor 70. Specifically, the first sensor 70 outputs the first detection signal when the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is within the first detection range R1.

[0024] The detection unit 76 includes, for example, an electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The detection unit 76 receives the first detection signal output from the first sensor 70. Based on the first detection signal, the detection unit 76 detects the piston position P. Specifically, the detection unit 76 detects that the piston position P is within the first detection range R1. The communicator 78 transmits the piston position P detected by the detection unit 76 to the external device 62. Communication between the communicator 78 and the external device 62 may be wireless or wired.

[0025] The indicator 80 includes a first lamp 80a and a second lamp 80b that illuminate in different colors. The power wirelessly supplied from the wireless power supply device 60 may be weak. To minimize power consumption, the first and second lamps 80a, 80b illuminate intermittently. When the piston position P is detected by the detection unit 76 based on the first detection signal, the indicator 80 illuminates the first lamp 80a and then extinguishes it. By repeatedly illuminating and extinguishing the first lamp 80a, the indicator 80 flashes the first lamp 80a. In other words, the first lamp 80a illuminates intermittently.

[0026] The position detection device 20 also includes a power output wiring Wpo. One end of the power output wiring Wpo is connected to the power conversion circuit 74, and the other end of the power output wiring Wpo is connected to the connector 82. The cable Cb connecting the position detection device 20 and the sensor module 30 can be mounted on the connector 82. When the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is outside the first detection range R1 and the second sensor 90 in the sensor module 30 is turned on, the power output wiring Wpo can output the power received by the antenna 72 and converted by the power conversion circuit 74 to the outside of the sensor module 30. As described later, the power output can be supplied to the second sensor 90.

[0027] As described above, when the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is within the first detection range R1, the power received by the antenna 72 is supplied to the first sensor 70 via the power supply wiring Wp1. When the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is outside the first detection range R1 and the second sensor 90 is turned on, the power received by the antenna 72 is output to the outside of the sensor module 30 via the power output wiring Wpo and can be supplied to the second sensor 90.

[0028] That is, it is possible to prevent the wirelessly supplied power from being excessively supplied to both the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 90. This can reduce the possibility of insufficient wirelessly supplied power.

[0029] The above-mentioned cable Cb can be connected to the connector 92 of the sensor module 30. Figure 1In the example shown, one end of the cable Cb is attached to the connector 82 of the position detection device 20, and the other end of the cable Cb is attached to the connector 92 of the sensor module 30. The cable Cb houses an output line Cbo from the position detection device 20 to the sensor module 30, and an input line Cbi from the sensor module 30 to the position detection device 20. The power output wiring Wpo is connected to the output line Cbo in the cable Cb via the connector 82.

[0030] The sensor module 30 also includes a power supply wiring Wp2. The power supply wiring Wp2 connects the connector 92 and the second sensor 90. The power supply wiring Wp2 is connected to the output line Cbo in the cable Cb via the connector 92. When the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is located within the second detection range R2 due to the movement of the piston 50 in the X direction, the piston position P is located within the second detection range R2. In this case, the second sensor 90 is turned on. Regarding the structure of the second sensor 90, the following is used Figures 2 to 5 Provide a description.

[0031] When the second sensor 90 is turned on, power is supplied from the antenna 72 of the position detection device 20 to the second sensor 90 via the power output wiring Wpo and connector 82 of the position detection device 20, the output line Cbo within the cable Cb, the connector 92 of the sensor module 30, and the power supply wiring Wp2 via the power conversion circuit 74. The voltage output from the second sensor 90 is obtained as the aforementioned second detection signal output by the second sensor 90. That is, the second sensor 90 outputs the second detection signal when the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is within the second detection range R2.

[0032] The sensor module 30 further includes a signal output wiring Wso. The signal output wiring Wso connects the second sensor 90 and the connector 92. The signal output wiring Wso can output the second detection signal to the outside of the position detection device 20 via the connector 92 and the cable Cb. The signal output wiring Wso is connected to the input line Cbi in the cable Cb via the connector 92.

[0033] The position detection device 20 further includes a signal input wiring Wsi. The signal input wiring Wsi connects the connector 82 and the detection unit 76. The signal input wiring Wsi is connected to the input line Cbi in the cable Cb via the connector 82. The second detection signal output from the second sensor 90 of the sensor module 30 is supplied to the detection unit 76 via the signal input wiring Wsi.

[0034] The detection unit 76 receives the second detection signal output from the second sensor 90. Based on the second detection signal, the detection unit 76 detects the piston position P. Specifically, the detection unit 76 detects that the piston position P is within the second detection range R2. The communicator 78 transmits the piston position P detected by the detection unit 76 to the external device 62. When the detection unit 76 detects the piston position P based on the second detection signal, the indicator 80 illuminates and then extinguishes the second lamp 80b. The indicator 80 repeatedly illuminates and extinguishes the second lamp 80b, causing it to flash. In other words, the second lamp 80b illuminates intermittently.

[0035] The signal input wiring Wsi is also connected to the load resistor Rs. Therefore, the power supplied to the second sensor 90 is consumed by the load resistor Rs.

[0036] The first sensor 70 is, for example, located at a position corresponding to one end of the stroke of the piston 50 moving in the X direction. The second sensor 90 is, for example, located at a position corresponding to the other end of the stroke of the piston 50. Specifically, the first sensor 70 of the position detection device 20 is attached to the cylinder 40 at a position separated from the second sensor 90 of the sensor module 30 along the X direction. The first sensor 70 and the second sensor 90 are located at positions where the first detection range R1 of the position detection device 20 and the second detection range R2 of the sensor module 30 do not overlap in the X direction.

[0037] Therefore, when the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is within the first detection range R1, the first sensor 70 is turned on. On the other hand, when the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is not within the second detection range R2, the second sensor 90 is turned off. In this case, the first sensor 70 outputs the first detection signal, while the second sensor 90 does not output the second detection signal. This prevents unnecessary power supply to the second sensor 90.

[0038] Furthermore, when the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is within the second detection range R2, the second sensor 90 is turned on. On the other hand, since the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is not within the first detection range R1, the first sensor 70 is turned off. In this case, the second sensor 90 outputs the second detection signal, while the first sensor 70 does not output the first detection signal. This prevents unnecessary power supply to the first sensor 70. Therefore, both the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 90 are not turned on. This further reduces the possibility of power shortage during wireless power supply.

[0039] Furthermore, when the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is located outside the first detection range R1 and outside the second detection range R2, both the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 90 are turned off.

[0040] When the first sensor 70 outputs the first detection signal, the detection unit 76 detects the piston position P based on the first detection signal. When the detection unit 76 detects the piston position P based on the first detection signal, the indicator 80 turns on the first lamp 80a. In this case, since the second detection signal is not output, the second lamp 80b does not turn on.

[0041] When the second sensor 90 outputs the second detection signal, the detection unit 76 detects the piston position P based on the second detection signal. When the detection unit 76 detects the piston position P based on the second detection signal, the indicator 80 illuminates the second lamp 80b. In this case, since the first detection signal is not output, the first lamp 80a does not illuminate. This allows for simple detection of the piston position P and notification of the piston position P to an operator performing work using the actuator 10.

[0042] Figure 2 and Figure 3 This figure is used to explain the configuration examples of the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 90 and the power supply to the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 90 according to the piston position P. In addition, the wiring connection for the power supply to the detection unit 76, the communicator 78, the indicator 80, etc. are omitted from the illustration. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first sensor 70 and the second sensor 90 shown are both reed switches. Specifically, the first sensor 70 is a reed switch Sw1 , and the second sensor 90 is a reed switch Sw2 . The reed switches Sw1 and Sw2 are opened and closed by the magnetic force of the magnet Mg provided on the piston 50 .

[0043] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the first detection range R1 includes the piston position P of the piston 50. The first detection range R1 of the first sensor 70 is determined based on the piston position P when the reed switch Sw1 is closed by the magnetic force of the magnet Mg of the piston 50. When the piston 50 is within the first detection range R1, the reed switch Sw1 is closed and turned on.

[0044] As a result, power is supplied from the antenna 72 to the reed switch Sw1 via the power conversion circuit 74 and the power supply wiring Wp1. The power supplied to the reed switch Sw1 is consumed by the load resistor Rs. The turned-on reed switch Sw1 outputs a voltage. In other words, the reed switch Sw1 outputs a first detection signal. The detection unit 76 detects the piston position P based on the first detection signal output from the reed switch Sw1.

[0045] The first detection range R1 of the first sensor 70 of the position detection device 20 and the second detection range R2 of the second sensor 90 of the sensor module 30 do not overlap in the X direction. Figure 2In the example shown, the second detection range R2 does not include the piston position P. The reed switch Sw2, which can be closed by the magnetic force of the magnet Mg of the piston 50, is not closed. In other words, when the piston 50 is outside the second detection range R2, the reed switch Sw2 is open. Therefore, no power is supplied to the reed switch Sw2 from the antenna 72. The reed switch Sw2 does not output the second detection signal.

[0046] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the second detection range R2 includes the piston position P of the piston 50. The second detection range R2 of the second sensor 90 is determined based on the piston position P when the reed switch Sw2 is closed by the magnetic force of the magnet Mg of the piston 50. When the piston 50 is within the second detection range R2, the reed switch Sw2 is closed and turned on.

[0047] As a result, power is supplied from the antenna 72 to the reed switch Sw2 via the power conversion circuit 74, the power output wiring Wpo, and the power supply wiring Wp2. The power supplied to the reed switch Sw2 is consumed by the load resistor Rs. The turned-on reed switch Sw2 outputs a voltage. In other words, the reed switch Sw2 outputs a second detection signal. The detection unit 76 detects the piston position P based on the second detection signal output from the reed switch Sw2.

[0048] exist Figure 3 In the example shown, the piston position P is not included in the first detection range R1. The reed switch Sw1, which can be closed by the magnetic force of the magnet Mg of the piston 50, is not closed. In other words, when the piston 50 is outside the first detection range R1, the reed switch Sw1 is open and disconnected. Therefore, no power is supplied to the reed switch Sw1 from the antenna 72. The reed switch Sw1 does not output the first detection signal.

[0049] As described above, when the piston 50 is within the first detection range R1, the reed switch Sw1 turns on and outputs the first detection signal. When the piston 50 is outside the first detection range R1, the reed switch Sw1 turns off and does not output the first detection signal. This makes it possible to easily detect whether the piston position P is within the first detection range R1.

[0050] As described above, when the piston 50 is within the second detection range R2, the reed switch Sw2 turns on and outputs the second detection signal. When the piston 50 is outside the second detection range R2, the reed switch Sw2 turns off and does not output the second detection signal. This makes it possible to easily detect whether the piston position P is within the second detection range R2.

[0051] In addition, switches other than the reed switch Sw1 and the reed switch Sw2 may be used as the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 90 . Figure 4 and Figure 5 This figure is used to explain another configuration example of the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 90 and the power supply to the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 90 according to the piston position P. In addition, the wiring connection for the power supply to the detection unit 76, the communicator 78, the indicator 80, etc. are omitted from the illustration.

[0052] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The first sensor 70 and the second sensor 90 shown in the figure both include magnetic sensors and semiconductor switches. Specifically, the first sensor 70 includes a magnetic sensor Ms1 and a semiconductor switch Ss1. The second sensor 90 includes a magnetic sensor Ms2 and a semiconductor switch Ss2. The magnetic sensors Ms1 and Ms2 output electrical signals corresponding to current or voltage based on the magnetic force of the magnet Mg provided on the piston 50. The magnetic sensors Ms1 and Ms2 are, for example, MR (Magneto-Resistive) elements or Hall effect elements.

[0053] The semiconductor switch Ss1 is turned on by inputting the electric signal output from the magnetic sensor Ms1 to the semiconductor switch Ss1, and the semiconductor switch Ss2 is turned on by inputting the electric signal output from the magnetic sensor Ms2 to the semiconductor switch Ss2.

[0054] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the first detection range R1 includes the piston position P of the piston 50. The first detection range R1 of the first sensor 70 is determined based on the piston position P when the magnetic force of the magnet Mg of the piston 50 causes the magnetic sensor Ms1 to output an electrical signal. When the piston 50 is within the first detection range R1, the magnetic sensor Ms1 outputs an electrical signal, turning on the semiconductor switch Ss1.

[0055] As a result, power is supplied from antenna 72 to semiconductor switch Ss1 via power conversion circuit 74 and power supply wiring Wp1. The power supplied to semiconductor switch Ss1 is consumed by load resistor Rs. When semiconductor switch Ss1 is turned on, a voltage is output. In other words, semiconductor switch Ss1 outputs a first detection signal. Detection unit 76 detects piston position P based on the first detection signal output from semiconductor switch Ss1.

[0056] The first detection range R1 of the first sensor 70 of the position detection device 20 and the second detection range R2 of the second sensor 90 of the sensor module 30 do not overlap in the X direction. Figure 4 In the example shown, the second detection range R2 does not include the piston position P. The electrical signal that can be output from the magnetic sensor Ms2 to the semiconductor switch Ss2 due to the magnetic force of the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is not output.

[0057] Specifically, when the piston 50 is outside the second detection range R2, no electrical signal is input from the magnetic sensor Ms2 to the semiconductor switch Ss2, and the semiconductor switch Ss2 is turned off. Consequently, no power is supplied from the antenna 72 to the semiconductor switch Ss2, and the semiconductor switch Ss2 does not output the second detection signal.

[0058] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the second detection range R2 includes the piston position P of the piston 50. The second detection range R2 of the second sensor 90 is determined based on the piston position P when the magnetic sensor Ms2 outputs an electrical signal due to the magnetic force of the magnet Mg of the piston 50. When the piston 50 is within the second detection range R2, the magnetic sensor Ms2 outputs an electrical signal, and the semiconductor switch Ss2 is turned on.

[0059] As a result, power is supplied from antenna 72 to semiconductor switch Ss2 via power conversion circuit 74, power output wiring Wpo, and power supply wiring Wp2. The power supplied to semiconductor switch Ss2 is consumed by load resistor Rs. When semiconductor switch Ss2 is turned on, a voltage is output. In other words, semiconductor switch Ss2 outputs a second detection signal. Detection unit 76 detects piston position P based on the second detection signal output from semiconductor switch Ss2.

[0060] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the piston position P is not included in the first detection range R1. The electrical signal that can be output from the magnetic sensor Ms1 to the semiconductor switch Ss1 due to the magnetic force of the magnet Mg of the piston 50 is not output. In other words, when the piston 50 is outside the first detection range R1, no electrical signal is input from the magnetic sensor Ms1 to the semiconductor switch Ss1, and the semiconductor switch Ss1 is turned off. Consequently, no power is supplied from the antenna 72 to the semiconductor switch Ss1. The semiconductor switch Ss1 does not output the first detection signal.

[0061] As described above, when the piston 50 is within the first detection range R1, the magnetic sensor Ms1 outputs an electrical signal, and the semiconductor switch Ss1 turns on, outputting the first detection signal. When the piston 50 is outside the first detection range R1, the magnetic sensor Ms1 does not output an electrical signal, and the semiconductor switch Ss1 turns off, and does not output the first detection signal. This makes it possible to easily detect whether the piston position P is within the first detection range R1.

[0062] As described above, when the piston 50 is within the second detection range R2, the magnetic sensor Ms2 outputs an electrical signal, the semiconductor switch Ss2 turns on, and the second detection signal is output. When the piston 50 is outside the second detection range R2, the magnetic sensor Ms2 does not output an electrical signal, the semiconductor switch Ss2 turns off, and the second detection signal is not output. This makes it possible to easily detect whether the piston position P is within the second detection range R2.

[0063] The following supplementary notes are further disclosed regarding the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0064] (Note 1)

[0065] A position detection device 20 is mounted on a cylinder 40 and detects the piston position P of a piston 50 moving within the cylinder. The position detection device comprises: a first sensor 70 that outputs a first detection signal when the piston is within a first detection range R1; a detection unit 76 that detects the piston position based on the first detection signal; a communicator 78 that transmits the piston position detected by the detection unit to an external device 62; an antenna 72 that wirelessly receives power; a power supply wiring Wp1 that supplies power from the antenna to the first sensor when the piston is within the first detection range; and a power output wiring Wpo that externally outputs the power to a sensor module 30 used for detecting the piston position when the piston is outside the first detection range. This configuration reduces the possibility of insufficient power during wireless power supply.

[0066] (Note 2)

[0067] In the position detection device described in Supplementary Note 1, the piston may be provided with a magnet Mg, and the first sensor may be a reed switch Sw1. The reed switch is turned on when the piston is within the first detection range and outputs the first detection signal, and is turned off when the piston is outside the first detection range and does not output the first detection signal. With this configuration, it is possible to easily detect whether the piston position is within the first detection range.

[0068] (Note 3)

[0069] In the position detection device described in Supplementary Note 1, the piston may be provided with a magnet, and the first sensor may include: a magnetic sensor Ms1 that outputs an electrical signal when the piston is within the first detection range; and a semiconductor switch Ss1 that is turned on by input of the electrical signal and outputs the first detection signal; and when the piston is outside the first detection range, the magnetic sensor does not output the electrical signal, and the semiconductor switch is turned off by the lack of input of the electrical signal and does not output the first detection signal. With this configuration, it is possible to easily detect whether the piston position is within the first detection range.

[0070] (Note 4)

[0071] In the position detection device described in Supplement 1, the sensor module may include a second sensor 90 that outputs a second detection signal when the piston is within a second detection range R2, the first sensor being mounted on the cylinder at a position separated from the second sensor along the piston's movement direction X, and the first sensor and the second sensor being positioned so that the first detection range and the second detection range do not overlap in the movement direction. This configuration further reduces the possibility of insufficient power during wireless power supply.

[0072] (Note 5)

[0073] The position detection device described in Supplementary Note 1 may further include a connector 82 capable of receiving a cable Cb connecting the position detection device and the sensor module, wherein the power output wiring is connected to the connector. With such a configuration, wirelessly supplied power can be externally output to the sensor module.

[0074] (Note 6)

[0075] The position detection device described in Supplementary Note 5 may further include a signal input wiring Wsi connecting the connector and the detection unit, wherein the sensor module includes a second sensor that outputs a second detection signal when the piston is within a second detection range. The second detection signal output from the second sensor is supplied to the detection unit via the signal input wiring, and the detection unit detects the piston position based on the second detection signal. With this configuration, it is possible to detect whether the piston position is within the second detection range.

[0076] (Note 7)

[0077] In the position detection device described in Supplementary Note 4, when the first sensor outputs the first detection signal, the detection unit may detect the piston position based on the first detection signal, and when the second sensor outputs the second detection signal, the detection unit may detect the piston position based on the second detection signal. With such a configuration, the piston position can be detected simply.

[0078] (Note 8)

[0079] The position detection device according to Supplementary Note 7 may further include an indicator 80 having a first lamp 80a and a second lamp 80b that emit light in different colors. When the piston position is detected by the detection unit based on the first detection signal, the indicator lights up the first lamp, and when the piston position is detected by the detection unit based on the second detection signal, the indicator lights up the second lamp. In this way, the piston position can be notified to an operator performing work using the actuator.

[0080] (Note 9)

[0081] An actuator 10 includes: the position detection device described in Supplementary Note 4; the sensor module; the cylinder; and the piston. With such a configuration, the possibility of insufficient power for wireless power supply during operation using the actuator can be reduced.

[0082] Although the present invention has been described in detail, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. These embodiments can be variously added, replaced, changed, partially deleted, etc. without departing from the scope of the present invention, or without departing from the scope of the present invention derived from the contents recorded in the scope of the claims and their equivalents. In addition, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the order of each action and the order of each processing are shown as an example and are not limited to this. In addition, the same applies when using numerical values ​​or formulas in the description of the above-mentioned embodiment.

Claims

1. A position detection device, mounted on a cylinder, for detecting a piston position of a piston moving in the cylinder, characterized in that: have: a first sensor configured to output a first detection signal when the piston is within a first detection range; a detection unit configured to detect a position of the piston based on the first detection signal; a communicator for transmitting the piston position detected by the detection portion to an external device; an antenna that receives power wirelessly; a power supply wiring for supplying the power from the antenna to the first sensor when the piston is within the first detection range; as well as The power output wiring is configured to externally output the power to a sensor module for detecting the position of the piston when the piston is located outside the first detection range.

2. The position detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that A magnet is provided on the piston. The first sensor is a reed switch that is turned on to output the first detection signal when the piston is within the first detection range, and is turned off to not output the first detection signal when the piston is outside the first detection range.

3. The position detection device according to claim 1, wherein: A magnet is provided on the piston. The first sensor comprises: a magnetic sensor that outputs an electrical signal when the piston is within the first detection range; and a semiconductor switch that is turned on by input of the electrical signal and outputs the first detection signal, When the piston is outside the first detection range, the magnetic sensor does not output the electrical signal, and the semiconductor switch is turned off due to the absence of the electrical signal, and does not output the first detection signal.

4. The position detection device according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor module includes a second sensor, which outputs a second detection signal when the piston is within a second detection range. The first sensor is mounted on the cylinder at a position separated from the second sensor along the moving direction of the piston. The first sensor and the second sensor are arranged at positions where the first detection range and the second detection range do not overlap in the moving direction.

5. The position detection device according to claim 1, wherein: A connector is further provided to which a cable connecting the position detection device and the sensor module can be attached, and the power output wiring is connected to the connector.

6. The position detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: further comprising a signal input wiring connecting the connector and the detection unit, The sensor module includes a second sensor, which outputs a second detection signal when the piston is within a second detection range. The second detection signal output from the second sensor is supplied to the detection unit through the signal input wiring. The detection unit detects the piston position based on the second detection signal.

7. The position detection device according to claim 4, characterized in that: When the first detection signal is output from the first sensor, the detection unit detects the piston position based on the first detection signal. When the second detection signal is output from the second sensor, the detection unit detects the piston position based on the second detection signal.

8. The position detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The device further includes an indicator having a first lamp and a second lamp that emit light in different colors. When the piston position is detected by the detection unit based on the first detection signal, the indicator turns on the first lamp. The indicator turns on the second lamp when the piston position is detected by the detection unit based on the second detection signal.

9. An actuator, characterized in that: have: The position detection device according to claim 4; the sensor module; the cylinder; and The piston.

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