Wireless system

Abstract

A wireless system (10) is provided with: a base wireless device (14); a remote wireless device (16) in wireless communication with the base wireless device; a sensing device (18) for wirelessly transmitting a signal to the remote wireless device; and a wireless power supply device (20) for wirelessly supplying power to at least the sensing device.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the following patent application:

[0002] Application Number: 202280093942.1

[0003] Application date: March 25, 2022

[0004] Invention Title: Wireless System Technical Field

[0005] This invention relates to a wireless system. Background Technology

[0006] Japanese Patent No. 5497730 discloses a FA system in which a PC and a controller are connected via a field network. Japanese Patent No. 5497730 describes wireless message transmission and reception.

[0007] Recently, there has been a desire to provide a better system. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0009] One aspect of the wireless system of the present invention comprises: a basic wireless device; a remote wireless device that wirelessly communicates with the basic wireless device; a sensing device that wirelessly transmits signals to the remote wireless device; and a wireless power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to at least the sensing device.

[0010] Another aspect of the wireless system of the present invention comprises: a computer; a first basic wireless device connected to the computer via a fieldbus; a first remote wireless device wirelessly communicating with the first basic wireless device; a first sensing device transmitting signals to the first remote wireless device; a second basic wireless device connected to the computer via the fieldbus; a second sensing device wirelessly transmitting signals to the second basic wireless device; a wireless power supply device wirelessly supplying power to at least the first sensing device; and other wireless power supply devices wirelessly supplying power to the second sensing device.

[0011] According to the present invention, a good wireless system can be provided. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the wireless system according to the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the wireless system of the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of production equipment.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the wireless system according to the second embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the wireless system of the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the structure of the wireless system according to the third embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing a portion of the wireless system according to the third embodiment.

[0019] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a portion of the wireless system according to the fourth embodiment.

[0020] Figure 9 This is a diagram showing the structure of the wireless system according to the fifth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0021] [First Implementation]

[0022] use Figures 1-3 The wireless system of the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the structure of the wireless system in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the wireless system of this embodiment. Figure 3 This is a diagram showing an example of production equipment.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the wireless system 10 of this embodiment may include a computer 12, basic wireless devices 14, remote wireless devices 16, a sensing device 18, and a wireless power supply device 20. The wireless system 10 may include multiple basic wireless devices 14. A computer 12 and multiple basic wireless devices 14 can be connected via a fieldbus 21. Figure 1 Two of the multiple basic wireless devices 14 are shown in the figure.

[0024] The basic wireless device 14 and the remote wireless device 16 can be pre-paired. Synchronous connections can be established between the paired basic wireless device 14 and the remote wireless device 16. One basic wireless device 14 can be synchronously connected to multiple remote wireless devices 16. The basic wireless device 14 can wirelessly transmit and receive signals with multiple remote wireless devices 16.

[0025] The remote wireless device 16 and the sensing device 18 can be pre-paired. The paired remote wireless device 16 and sensing device 18 can then establish a synchronous connection. One remote wireless device 16 can be synchronously connected to multiple sensing devices 18. The remote wireless device 16 and the multiple sensing devices 18 can wirelessly transmit and receive signals.

[0026] By synchronously connecting the basic wireless device 14 to the remote wireless device 16, and synchronously connecting the remote wireless device 16 to the sensing device 18, a network 22 can be formed. The wireless system 10 can be composed of multiple networks 22. Figure 1 Two of the multiple networks 22 are shown in the figure.

[0027] Computer 12 is capable of operating production equipment (industrial equipment) 70 (refer to) Figure 3 The monitoring of the computer 12 can be performed, for example, by a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), but it is not limited to this. Figure 2 As shown, the computer 12 may include, for example, an arithmetic unit 24 and a storage unit 26.

[0028] The arithmetic unit 24 may include, for example, a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit). That is, the arithmetic unit 24 may include processing circuitry. The arithmetic unit 24 may include a control unit 30. The arithmetic unit 24 may also include structural elements other than the control unit 30, but for the sake of simplicity, structural elements other than the control unit 30 are omitted here. The control unit 30 is responsible for the overall control of the computer 12. The control unit 30 is capable of monitoring the production equipment 70. The control unit 30 can be implemented by the arithmetic unit 24 executing a program stored in the storage unit 26. Alternatively, at least a portion of the control unit 30 may be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays). Alternatively, at least a portion of the control unit 30 may be an electronic circuit including discrete devices.

[0029] Storage unit 26 may include volatile memory (not shown) and non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of volatile memory include RAM (Random Access Memory). Volatile memory is used as the processor's working memory, temporarily storing data required for processing or computation. Examples of non-volatile memory include ROM (Read Only Memory) and flash memory. Non-volatile memory is used as storage memory, storing programs, tables, maps, etc. Alternatively, at least a portion of storage unit 26 may be housed in a processor, integrated circuit, or similar device as described above. Storage unit 26 may also include HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0030] Computer 12 may also have an input / output interface 28 for implementing fieldbus connection. Computer 12 can communicate with basic wireless device 14 via fieldbus 21.

[0031] The basic wireless device 14 may include, for example, a computing unit 32 and a storage unit 34.

[0032] The arithmetic unit 32 may include a processor, such as a CPU. That is, the arithmetic unit 32 may include processing circuitry. The arithmetic unit 32 may include a control unit 36 ​​and a transmission / reception processing unit 38. The arithmetic unit 32 may also include structural elements other than these, but for the sake of simplicity, structural elements other than these are omitted here. The control unit 36 ​​and the transmission / reception processing unit 38 can be implemented by the arithmetic unit 32 executing a program stored in the storage unit 34. The control unit 36 ​​is responsible for the overall control of the basic wireless device 14. Alternatively, at least a portion of the control unit 36 ​​and the transmission / reception processing unit 38 may be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. Alternatively, at least a portion of the control unit 36 ​​and the transmission / reception processing unit 38 may also be electronic circuits including discrete devices.

[0033] The storage unit 34 may include volatile memory (not shown) and non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of volatile memory include RAM. Volatile memory serves as the processor's working memory, temporarily storing data required for processing or computation. Examples of non-volatile memory include ROM and flash memory. Non-volatile memory serves as storage memory, storing programs, tables, maps, etc. Alternatively, at least a portion of the storage unit 34 may be housed in a processor, integrated circuit, or similar device as described above.

[0034] The basic wireless device 14 may also include an input / output interface 40 for enabling fieldbus connectivity. As described above, the basic wireless device 14 can be connected to the computer 12 via the fieldbus 21.

[0035] The basic wireless device 14 may also include a communication unit 42 for wireless communication. The basic wireless device 14 can use the communication unit 42 to communicate wirelessly with the remote wireless device 16.

[0036] The remote wireless device 16 may include, for example, a computing unit 44 and a storage unit 46.

[0037] The arithmetic unit 44 may include a processor, such as a CPU. That is, the arithmetic unit 44 may include processing circuitry. The arithmetic unit 44 may include a control unit 48 and a transmission / reception processing unit 50. The arithmetic unit 44 may also include structural elements other than these, but for the sake of brevity, structural elements other than these are omitted here. The control unit 48 and the transmission / reception processing unit 50 can be implemented by the arithmetic unit 44 executing a program stored in the storage unit 46. The control unit 48 is responsible for the overall control of the remote wireless device 16. Alternatively, at least a portion of the control unit 48 and the transmission / reception processing unit 50 may be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. Alternatively, at least a portion of the control unit 48 and the transmission / reception processing unit 50 may be electronic circuits including discrete components.

[0038] Storage unit 46 may include volatile memory (not shown) and non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of volatile memory include RAM. Volatile memory serves as the processor's working memory, temporarily storing data required for processing or computation. Examples of non-volatile memory include ROM and flash memory. Non-volatile memory serves as storage memory, storing programs, tables, maps, etc. Alternatively, at least a portion of storage unit 46 may be disposed within a processor, integrated circuit, or similar device as described above.

[0039] The remote wireless device 16 may also include communication units 52A and 52B for wireless communication. The remote wireless device 16 can use communication unit 52A to communicate wirelessly with the basic wireless device 14. Additionally, the remote wireless device 16 can use communication unit 52B to communicate wirelessly with the sensor device 18. The wireless communication between the basic wireless device 14 and the remote wireless device 16 does not need to be synchronized with the wireless communication between the remote wireless device 16 and the sensor device 18. The protocol for wireless communication between the basic wireless device 14 and the remote wireless device 16 can be the same as or different from the protocol for wireless communication between the remote wireless device 16 and the sensor device 18. Using a different protocol for wireless communication between the basic wireless device 14 and the remote wireless device 16 compared to the protocol for wireless communication between the remote wireless device 16 and the sensor device 18 helps to reduce the amount of data transmitted during wireless communication. Furthermore, the frequency band used in the wireless communication between the basic wireless device 14 and the remote wireless device 16 can be the same as or different from the frequency band used in the wireless communication between the remote wireless device 16 and the sensor device 18. Making the frequency band used in wireless communication between the basic wireless device 14 and the remote wireless device 16 different from the frequency band used in wireless communication between the remote wireless device 16 and the sensing device 18 can help reduce the reduction in the amount of data in wireless communication.

[0040] The sensing device 18 may include, for example, an arithmetic unit 56, a storage unit 58, and a sensing element 60.

[0041] The arithmetic unit 56 may include a processor such as a CPU. That is, the arithmetic unit 56 may include processing circuitry. The arithmetic unit 56 may include a control unit 62 and a transmission / reception processing unit 64. The arithmetic unit 56 may also include structural elements other than these, but for the sake of brevity, structural elements other than these are omitted here. The control unit 62 and the transmission / reception processing unit 64 can be implemented by the arithmetic unit 56 executing a program stored in the storage unit 58. The control unit 62 is responsible for the overall control of the sensing device 18. Alternatively, at least a portion of the control unit 62 and the transmission / reception processing unit 64 may be implemented using integrated circuits such as ASICs or FPGAs. Alternatively, at least a portion of the control unit 62 and the transmission / reception processing unit 64 may be electronic circuits including discrete devices.

[0042] Storage unit 58 may include volatile memory (not shown) and non-volatile memory (not shown). Examples of volatile memory include RAM. Volatile memory serves as the processor's working memory, temporarily storing data required for processing or computation. Examples of non-volatile memory include ROM and flash memory. Non-volatile memory serves as storage memory, storing programs, tables, maps, etc. At least a portion of storage unit 58 is disposed in a processor, integrated circuit, or the like described above.

[0043] The sensing element 60 is, for example, a magnetic sensor, but is not limited thereto.

[0044] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of production equipment. Production equipment 70 may include an actuator 72. A sensing device 18 may be provided in the actuator 72, but is not limited thereto. Examples of actuators 72 include cylinder devices, but are not limited thereto. The sensing device 18 may output a signal corresponding to the stroke position of the actuator 72, but is not limited thereto. The actuator 72 may have one or more sensing devices 18.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the sensing device 18 may also include a communication unit 66 for wireless communication. The sensing device 18 can use the communication unit 66 to communicate wirelessly with the remote wireless device 16.

[0046] The sensing device 18 may also include a wireless power receiver 68. The wireless power receiver 68 can receive power supplied wirelessly from the wireless power supply device 20. The wireless power receiver 68 receives power supplied from the wireless power supply device 20 via an antenna (not shown). The wireless power receiver 68 may include a rectifier circuit (not shown). This rectifier circuit rectifies the AC power received from the wireless power supply device 20 and generates DC power. The wireless power receiver 68 can supply DC power to various structural elements of the sensing device 18.

[0047] The wireless power supply device 20 is capable of providing wireless power. The wireless power supply device 20 can wirelessly power multiple sensing devices 18, but is not limited to this. The wireless power supply device 20 can provide power via antenna 74 (see reference). Figure 7 The wireless power supply device 20 can provide wireless power using electromagnetic waves. Microwaves, for example, can be used as such electromagnetic waves. The frequency band of the microwaves used for wireless power supply is, for example, the 920MHz band, but it is not limited to this. For example, microwaves in the 2.4GHz band can also be used for wireless power supply. Additionally, microwaves in the 5.7GHz band, for example, can also be used for wireless power supply.

[0048] As described above, wireless communication can be performed between the sensing device 18 and the remote wireless device 16. The frequency band used in the wireless communication between the sensing device 18 and the remote wireless device 16 is, for example, the Industry-Science-Medical Band (ISM band).

[0049] As described above, wireless communication can be performed between the remote wireless device 16 and the basic wireless device 14. The frequency band used in the wireless communication between the remote wireless device 16 and the basic wireless device 14 is, for example, an industrial, scientific, or medical frequency band.

[0050] The computer 12, the basic wireless device 14, and the remote wireless device 16 can be powered via a wired connection.

[0051] Thus, the wireless system 10 of this embodiment is formed.

[0052] In this embodiment, the power supply to the sensing device 18 can be provided by the wireless power supply device 20. Furthermore, the sensing device 18 can communicate wirelessly with the remote wireless device 16. Therefore, in this embodiment, wiring for powering the sensing device 18 is not required. Thus, in this embodiment, no wire breakage occurs. Furthermore, since such wiring is not required, the flexibility in configuring the sensing device 18, etc., is increased. In this way, a good wireless system 10 can be provided according to this embodiment.

[0053] [Second Implementation]

[0054] use Figure 4 The wireless system of the second embodiment will be described. Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the structure of the wireless system in this embodiment. Figure 5 This is a block diagram illustrating the wireless system of this embodiment. Regarding... Figures 1-3 The wireless system of the first embodiment shown has the same structural elements, is labeled with the same symbols, and descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0055] In this embodiment, not only the sensing device 18 can be wirelessly powered, but the remote wireless device 16 can also be wirelessly powered.

[0056] like Figure 5As shown, the remote wireless device 16 may include a wireless power receiver 54. The wireless power receiver 54 can receive power wirelessly supplied from the wireless power supply device 20. The wireless power receiver 54 receives power supplied from the wireless power supply device 20 via an antenna (not shown). The wireless power receiver 54 may include a rectifier circuit (not shown). This rectifier circuit rectifies the AC power received from the wireless power supply device 20 and generates DC power. The wireless power receiver 54 can supply DC power to various structural elements of the remote wireless device 16.

[0057] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the wireless power supply device 20 can wirelessly supply power to either the remote wireless device 16 or the sensing device 18.

[0058] The computer 12 and the basic wireless device 14 can be powered via a wired connection.

[0059] Thus, the wireless system 10 of this embodiment is formed.

[0060] In this way, according to this embodiment, wireless power can be supplied not only to the sensing device 18 but also to the remote wireless device 16. According to this embodiment, since wireless power can also be supplied to the remote wireless device 16, wiring for supplying power to the remote wireless device 16 is not required. Therefore, according to this embodiment, no wire breaks occur in the wiring for supplying power to the remote wireless device 16. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the flexibility in configuring the remote wireless device 16 can be increased. In this way, according to this embodiment, a better wireless system 10 can be provided.

[0061] [Third Implementation]

[0062] use Figure 6 and Figure 7 The wireless system of the third embodiment will be described. Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the wireless system according to this embodiment. (Regarding...) Figures 1-5 The wireless systems of the first or second embodiment shown have the same structural elements, are labeled with the same symbols, and descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0063] In this embodiment, the remote wireless device 16 can be wirelessly powered by a wireless power supply device 20B that is different from the wireless power supply device 20A that wirelessly powers the sensor device 18.

[0064] like Figure 6As shown, the wireless system 10 may include a wireless power supply device 20A and a wireless power supply device 20B. The wireless power supply device 20A can wirelessly power the sensing device 18. The wireless power supply device 20B can wirelessly power the remote wireless device 16. When describing the wireless power supply devices without distinguishing between them, the symbol 20 is used; when describing the wireless power supply devices separately, the symbols 20A and 20B are used.

[0065] Figure 7 This is a diagram illustrating a portion of the wireless system according to this embodiment. Figure 7 An example of antenna connection is shown in the figure.

[0066] like Figure 7 As shown, the wireless power supply device 20A may include antenna 74A. The wireless power supply device 20B may include antenna 74B. Antennas 74A and 74B are used for wireless power supply. When describing the antennas without distinguishing between them, the symbol 74 is used; when describing the antennas separately, the symbols 74A and 74B are used. Figure 7 As shown, alternatively, different antennas 74A and 74B can be installed on wireless power supply devices 20A and 20B, respectively.

[0067] In this way, the remote wireless device 16 can also be wirelessly powered by a wireless power supply device 20B, which is different from the wireless power supply device 20A that wirelessly powers the sensing device 18.

[0068] [Fourth Implementation]

[0069] use Figure 8 The wireless system of the fourth embodiment will be described. Figure 8 This is a diagram illustrating a portion of the wireless system according to this embodiment. Figure 8 An example of antenna connection is shown. For... Figures 1 to 7 The wireless systems of the first to third embodiments shown have the same structural elements, are labeled with the same symbols, and are described in a simplified or omitted manner.

[0070] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the wireless power supply device 20 is connected to a plurality of antennas 74. The wireless power supply device 20 can provide wireless power via the plurality of antennas 74. For example, one of the plurality of antennas 74 may be used to wirelessly power the sensing device 18, and another of the plurality of antennas 74 may be used to wirelessly power the remote wireless device 16, but this is not a limitation. Alternatively, three or more antennas 74 may be connected to the wireless power supply device 20.

[0071] Alternatively, multiple antennas 74 can be connected to the wireless power supply device 20.

[0072] [Fifth Implementation]

[0073] use Figure 9 The wireless system of the fifth embodiment will be described. Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the wireless system according to this embodiment. (Regarding...) Figures 1 to 8 The wireless systems of the first to fourth embodiments shown have the same structural elements, are labeled with the same symbols, and descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0074] In this embodiment, wireless communication can be performed between the basic wireless device 14B and the sensing device 18B without passing through the remote wireless device 16.

[0075] exist Figure 9 As shown, in network 22A, wireless communication is possible between the basic wireless device 14A and the remote wireless device 16. Furthermore, in network 22A, wireless communication is possible between the remote wireless device 16 and the sensing device 18A. When describing without distinguishing between the individual basic wireless devices, the symbol 14 is used; when describing with distinction between the individual basic devices, the symbols 14A and 14B are used. Similarly, when describing without distinguishing between the individual sensing devices, the symbol 18 is used; when describing with distinction between the individual sensing devices, the symbols 18A and 18B are used.

[0076] In network 22B, wireless communication can be conducted between basic wireless device 14B and sensing device 18B without passing through remote wireless device 16.

[0077] The wireless power supply device 20C can wirelessly power the sensor device 18A constituting network 22A. The wireless power supply device 20C can wirelessly power not only the sensor device 18A constituting network 22A, but also the remote wireless device 16 constituting network 22A. Alternatively, a different wireless power supply device (not shown) can also wirelessly power the remote wireless device 16 constituting network 22A.

[0078] The wireless power supply device 20D can wirelessly power the sensing device 18B that constitutes the network 22B.

[0079] Thus, according to this embodiment, in network 22B, wireless communication between the basic wireless device 14B and the sensing device 18B can be performed without via the remote wireless device 16. According to this embodiment, since wireless communication between the basic wireless device 14B and the sensing device 18B can be performed without via the remote wireless device 16, the remote wireless device 16 is not required in network 22B. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the cost of the wireless system 10 can be reduced.

[0080] The invention that can be mastered according to the above-described embodiments is described below.

[0081] A wireless system 10 includes: a basic wireless device 14; a remote wireless device 16 that wirelessly communicates with the basic wireless device; a sensing device 18 that wirelessly transmits signals to the remote wireless device; and a wireless power supply device 20 that wirelessly supplies power to at least the sensing device. With this structure, wiring for supplying power to the sensing device is unnecessary. Therefore, this structure prevents wire breaks. Furthermore, since no wiring is required, this structure increases the flexibility in configuring the sensing device, etc. This structure provides a superior wireless system.

[0082] In the aforementioned wireless system, the remote wireless device can also be wirelessly powered by the wireless power supply device. With this structure, even the remote wireless device can be wirelessly powered, thus eliminating the need for wiring to power it. Therefore, this structure also prevents wire breaks in the wiring used to power the remote wireless device. Furthermore, this structure increases the flexibility in configuring the remote wireless device. This structure provides a superior wireless system.

[0083] In the aforementioned wireless system, there may also be other wireless power supply devices 20B that provide wireless power to the remote wireless device.

[0084] In the aforementioned wireless system, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves used in the wireless power supply provided by the wireless power supply device may also be the same as the frequency of the electromagnetic waves used in the wireless power supply provided by the other wireless power supply devices.

[0085] In the aforementioned wireless system, the frequency of the electromagnetic waves used in the wireless power supply provided by the wireless power supply device may be different from the frequency of the electromagnetic waves used in the wireless power supply provided by the other wireless power supply devices.

[0086] In the aforementioned wireless system, the wireless power supply device may also use multiple antennas 74 to provide wireless power.

[0087] In the aforementioned wireless system, there may be multiple basic wireless devices, and also a computer 12 connected to the multiple basic wireless devices via a fieldbus 21. At least one of the multiple basic wireless devices 14B receives signals transmitted from other sensing devices 18B wirelessly without passing through a remote wireless device, and the other sensing devices are wirelessly powered by other wireless power supply devices 20D. With this structure, signals transmitted from other sensing devices can be received wirelessly by the basic wireless devices without passing through a remote wireless device, thus contributing to cost reduction.

[0088] In the aforementioned wireless system, the sensing device may also detect the state of the actuator 72. Since there is no need for wiring between the sensing device that detects the actuator's state and the remote wireless device, the risk of failure due to wire breakage can be significantly reduced.

[0089] In the aforementioned wireless system, the actuator may also be located on the production equipment 70. This configuration contributes to increased productivity.

[0090] In the aforementioned wireless system, it is also possible to provide multiple sensing devices for one actuator.

[0091] In the aforementioned wireless system, one of the remote wireless devices may wirelessly receive signals transmitted from multiple of the sensing devices.

[0092] In the aforementioned wireless system, one of the basic wireless devices may also communicate wirelessly with multiple of the remote wireless devices.

[0093] In the aforementioned wireless system, the protocol for wireless communication between the basic wireless device and the remote wireless device may also be different from the protocol for wireless communication between the remote wireless device and the sensing device.

[0094] In the aforementioned wireless system, the frequency band used in the wireless communication between the basic wireless device and the remote wireless device may be different from the frequency band used in the wireless communication between the remote wireless device and the sensing device.

[0095] The wireless system 10 includes: a computer 12; a first basic wireless device 14A connected to the computer via a fieldbus 21; a first remote wireless device 16 wirelessly communicating with the first basic wireless device; a first sensing device 18A transmitting signals to the first remote wireless device; a second basic wireless device 14B connected to the computer via the fieldbus; a second sensing device 18B wirelessly transmitting signals to the second basic wireless device; a wireless power supply device 20C wirelessly powering at least the first sensing device; and other wireless power supply devices 20D wirelessly powering the second sensing device. With this structure, signals transmitted from the second sensing device can be wirelessly received by the second basic wireless device without passing through the remote wireless device, thus contributing to the cost reduction of the wireless system.

[0096] Symbol Explanation

[0097] 10: Wireless System 12: Computer

[0098] 14, 14A, 14B: Basic wireless devices; 16: Long-range wireless devices

[0099] 18, 18A, 18B: Sensing devices; 20, 20A-20D: Wireless power supply devices.

[0100] 21: Fieldbus; 22, 22A, 22B: Network

[0101] 24, 32, 44, 56: Arithmetic unit; 26, 34, 46, 58: Storage unit

[0102] 28, 40: Input / output interfaces; 30, 36, 48, 62: Control unit

[0103] 38, 50, 64: Transmitting and receiving processing unit; 42, 52A, 52B, 66: Communication unit

[0104] 54, 68: Wireless power receiving unit; 60: Sensing element

[0105] 70: Production equipment; 72: Actuator

[0106] 74, 74A, 74B: Antennas.

Claims

1. A wireless system, characterized in that, have: The first basic wireless device; A first sensing device, which wirelessly communicates with the first basic wireless device; and A first wireless power supply device, which uses microwaves to wirelessly power the first sensing device. A pre-paired wireless communication connection is established between the first basic wireless device and the first sensing device. The first sensing device outputs a signal corresponding to the stroke position of the actuator. The first sensing device includes a magnetic sensor as its sensing element.

2. The wireless system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: A computer connected to the first basic wireless device via a fieldbus; A second basic wireless device, which is connected to the computer via the fieldbus; A remote wireless device that communicates wirelessly with the second basic wireless device; A second sensing device, which communicates wirelessly with the remote wireless device; as well as A second wireless power supply device, which uses microwaves to wirelessly power the second sensing device. A pre-paired wireless communication connection is established between the second basic wireless device and the remote wireless device, and between the remote wireless device and the second sensing device.

3. The wireless system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The remote wireless device is wirelessly powered by the second wireless power supply device.

4. The wireless system according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also has a third wireless power supply device, which provides wireless power to the remote wireless device.

5. The wireless system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The microwave frequency used in the wireless power supply from the second wireless power supply device to the second sensor device is different from the microwave frequency used in the wireless power supply from the third wireless power supply device to the remote wireless device.

6. The wireless system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The remote wireless device wirelessly receives signals transmitted from multiple second sensing devices.

7. The wireless system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second basic wireless device communicates wirelessly with the plurality of said remote wireless devices.

8. The wireless system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The protocol for wireless communication between the second basic wireless device and the remote wireless device is different from the protocol for wireless communication between the remote wireless device and the second sensing device.

9. The wireless system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The frequency band used in the wireless communication between the second basic wireless device and the remote wireless device is different from the frequency band used in the wireless communication between the remote wireless device and the second sensing device.

10. The wireless system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first wireless power supply device uses multiple antennas to provide wireless power.

11. The wireless system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The actuator is installed in the production equipment.

12. The wireless system according to claim 1, characterized in that, A plurality of the first sensing devices are provided for one of the actuators.

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