Power supply control system and control system

Abstract

To provide a measuring system capable of simply and safely charging a power supply of a sensor installed in a machine tool.SOLUTION: A power supply control system 1 for supplying power to an electronic device 30 comprises the electronic device 30 and a power supply control unit 44. The electronic device comprises: a battery 33 which drives the electronic device 30; a power receiving antenna 31 which acquires a radio wave for transmitting electric power to the electronic device 30; a conversion unit 34 which converts the radio wave received by the power receiving antenna 31 to electric power; and a charging unit 35 which charges the battery 33 with the electric power converted by the conversion unit 34. The power supply control unit controls conditions for transmitting electric power to the power receiving antenna 31 so as not to influence operation of the electronic device 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply control system and a control system. [Background technology]

[0002] Wireless communication sensors used in conventional machine tools, such as touch probes and tool length setters, consist of a battery-operated sensor (transmitter) and a receiver that acquires the measurement values ​​sensed by the sensor and obtains power from the machine tool.

[0003] The batteries in the sensors 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 an estimate for when they should be replaced.

[0004] In this regard, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique relating to a battery charging device for charging the battery of a touch probe. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Publication No. 61-109664 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, whether it is a conventional wireless communication sensor that requires a battery or a touch probe with a battery charging device as described in Patent Document 1, they are not maintenance-free, and the machine tool must be stopped every time the battery is replaced or charged. Since multiple machine tools are installed, the more sensors are installed, the more frequent battery replacement and wired charging are required, making the work more complicated. As a result, the machine tool must be stopped frequently, reducing productivity.

[0007] In addition, battery replacement is often performed inside the machine tool, and if cutting fluid or chips get into the sensor during this procedure, the sensor may malfunction. If the sensor needs to be replaced, it takes time to resume production.

[0008] Furthermore, when an operator enters the machine tool to perform maintenance on the machine tool, set up processing, attach or detach workpieces, etc., the safety of the battery charging device, for example the battery charging device described in Patent Document 1, may be compromised if it is installed inside the machine tool.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a measurement system that can simply and safely charge the power supply of a sensor installed in a machine tool. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply control system for supplying power to an electronic device, the power supply control system comprising: an electronic device having a battery for driving the electronic device, a power receiving antenna for acquiring radio waves for transmitting power to the electronic device, a conversion unit for converting the radio waves received by the power receiving antenna into electric power, and a charging unit for charging the battery with the power converted by the conversion unit; and a power supply control unit for controlling conditions for transmitting power to the power receiving antenna so as not to affect operation of the electronic device. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a measurement system that can simply and safely charge the power supply of a sensor installed in a machine tool. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1B] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 1C]1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 11 is a diagram showing a manner of time division when switching between communication and power supply in a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 5A] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5B.

[0014] [Configuration of one embodiment] [1.1 Overall structure] 1A is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a 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 receiver 40.

[0015] The electronic device 30 is installed inside or near the machine tool 10, and the machine tool 10, the numerical control device 20, and the receiver 40 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other. In Fig. 1A, only one electronic device 30 is installed in the machine tool 10, but this is not limiting, and any number of electronic devices 30 may be installed.

[0016] Machine tool 10 is a device that performs predetermined machining such as cutting. Machine tool 10 includes a motor that drives the workpiece to machine it, a main shaft and a feed shaft attached to the motor, and jigs and tools corresponding to each of these shafts. Machine tool 10 performs the predetermined machining by driving the motor based on an operation command.

[0017] Here, the content of the predetermined machining is not particularly limited. That is, in addition to cutting, other machining such as grinding, polishing, rolling, or forging may be performed. Furthermore, the machining may involve machining of a workpiece, but may not involve machining of a workpiece.

[0018] The present embodiment can be widely applied not only to machine tools but also to industrial machines in general. Industrial machines include various machines such as machine tools, machining centers, industrial robots, and service robots. The industrial machines do not need to be specific to the present embodiment, and can be realized by general industrial machines.

[0019] The numerical control device 20 controls the spindle and drive axes of the machine tool 10 in accordance with a machining program. The numerical control device 20 can be realized by causing a computer device having, for example, a CPU, a memory, an input / output interface, etc., to execute an appropriate control program.

[0020] In particular, the numerical control device 20 is capable of acquiring ON-OFF signals and measurement values ​​from the electronic device 30 described below via a receiver 40 described below, and performing numerical control using the acquired ON-OFF signals and measurement values.

[0021] The numerical control device 20 also sends a control signal to a receiver 40 described below, and based on this, the receiver 40 switches the state of the electronic device 30 described below between "standby" and "measuring".

[0022] The electronic device 30 is a device capable of wireless communication, and is provided inside or in the vicinity of the machine tool 10. The electronic device 30 may be a position sensor, such as a touch probe, that detects the position of a tool or workpiece. In this case, the position of the tool or workpiece detected by the electronic device 30 as a position sensor is used as position feedback (position FB).

[0023] Alternatively, the electronic device 30 may be a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a tool or a workpiece, for example. 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).

[0024] In the following, a case where the electronic device 30 is a touch probe will be described, but the aspects of the embodiment of the present invention are not limited to this.

[0025] 1A, the electronic device 30 includes a power receiving antenna 31 and a first communication antenna 32. As will be described in detail later, the power receiving antenna 31 is an antenna that receives radio waves for transmitting power from the receiver 40. The first communication antenna 32 is an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves for communicating with the receiver 40.

[0026] The receiver 40 is a receiver that receives an ON-OFF signal of a switch as a result of comparing a measured voltage with a threshold voltage from the electronic device 30 serving as a touch probe, and wirelessly supplies power to the electronic device 30. Note that, in the case where the electronic device 30 is, for example, a tool length setter, the receiver 40 receives a measured value from the electronic device 30 and wirelessly supplies power to the electronic device 30.

[0027] 1A, the receiver 40 includes a power supply antenna 41, a second communication antenna 42, and a power transmitting unit 43. As will be described in detail later, the power supply antenna 41 is an antenna that transmits radio waves for transmitting power to the electronic device 30. The second communication antenna 42 is an antenna that transmits and receives radio waves for communicating with the electronic device 30.

[0028] 1A, the power transmitting unit 43 is installed outside the housing of the receiver 40, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the power transmitting unit 43 may be installed inside the housing of the receiver 40, so that the two are integrated. When the power transmitting unit 43 is installed outside the housing of the receiver 40, the power transmitting unit 43 may be installed inside the machine tool 10 or outside the machine tool 10.

[0029] The pair of the electronic device 30 and the receiver 40 wirelessly supplies power from the receiver 40 to the electronic device 30 by using the power receiving antenna 31 of the electronic device 30 and the power supplying antenna 41 of the receiver 40. In parallel with this, the pair of the electronic device 30 and the receiver 40 communicate with each other by using the first communication antenna 32 of the electronic device 30 and the second communication antenna 42 of the receiver 40 to obtain ON-OFF signals and measured values ​​from the electronic device 30 and to control the electronic device 30.

[0030] For example, a 920 MHz band, a 2.4 GHz band, or a 5.7 GHz band may be used as the radio frequency band of radio waves used for wireless power supply between the electronic device 30 and the receiver 40. When using a radio frequency band of each frequency, a channel of a predetermined frequency near the frequency is used.

[0031] In this case, radio wave transmission may be started after checking for interference by carrier sense. Here, "carrier sense" refers to a mechanism for avoiding interference by checking whether another radio station is using the radio channel (own channel) from which the other radio station is about to start transmission before starting radio wave transmission, and not transmitting on the same frequency if the other radio station is using the own channel.

[0032] On the other hand, as the radio frequency band of radio waves used for communication between the electronic device 30 and the receiver 40, it is preferable to use radio waves in the 2.4 GHz band, for example.

[0033] 1A, the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 of the receiver 40 are provided inside the housing of the machine tool 10, while a main body having a control function of the receiver 40 (a power supply control unit 44, a second communication unit 45, and an operation control unit 46 described below) and the power transmission unit 43 are provided outside the housing of the machine tool 10. In more detail, for example, a hole is provided in the housing of the machine tool 10, and the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 are connected to the power transmission unit 43 by cables that transmit and receive signals through the hole.

[0034] If the entire receiver 40 is installed outside the housing of the machine tool 10, radio waves transmitted and received between the receiver 40 and the electronic device 30 are blocked by the housing of the machine tool 10, reducing power transmission efficiency, but by separating the power feeding antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 from the power transmitting unit 43 and the main body of the receiver 40, it is possible to suppress the reduction in power feeding efficiency. Furthermore, by separating the power feeding antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 from the power transmitting unit 43 and the main body of the receiver 40, the freedom of installation location is increased.

[0035] Furthermore, the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 are covered with a resin case (cover). This prevents chips generated during cutting by the machine tool 10 from adhering to the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42.

[0036] Furthermore, there may be provided a plurality of each of the power feeding antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42. By providing a plurality of each of the antennas, the power transmission efficiency and the communication efficiency are improved.

[0037] As described above, FIG. 1A shows an example in which the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 of the receiver 40 are provided within the housing of the machine tool 10, while the main body having the control function of the receiver 40 is provided outside the housing of the machine tool 10, but this is just one example and is not limited to this.

[0038] 1B and 1C show control systems 1A and 1B according to other embodiments. As shown in Fig. 1B, only the power supply antenna 41 may be installed inside the housing of the machine tool 10, and other elements of the receiver 40 including the second communication antenna 42 may be installed outside the housing of the machine tool 10. Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 1C, an integrated antenna 47 in which the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 are integrated may be installed inside the housing of the machine tool 10, and other components of the receiver 40 may be installed outside the housing of the machine tool 10.

[0039] As described above, the radio frequency band of radio waves used for wireless power supply between the electronic device 30 and the receiver 40 may be, for example, 2.4 GHz radio waves or 5.7 GHz radio waves, while the radio frequency band of radio waves used for communication may be, for example, 920 MHz radio waves.

[0040] In this regard, when the radio frequency band of the radio waves used for wireless power supply is different from the radio frequency band of the radio waves used for communication, it is preferable to make the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 separate antennas, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B.

[0041] On the other hand, when the radio frequency band of the radio waves used for wireless power supply and the radio frequency band of the radio waves used for communication are the same radio frequency band, for example, the 2.4 GHz band, it is preferable to use an integrated antenna 47 in which the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 are integrated, as shown in Fig. 1C. In this case, as will be described in detail later, the integrated antenna 47 is used in a time-sharing manner for a time period in which the radio waves for wireless power supply are transmitted and a time period in which the radio waves for communication are transmitted and received.

[0042] Even if the radio frequency band of the radio waves used for wireless power supply is different from the radio frequency band of the radio waves used for communication, it is possible to realize the embodiment shown in Figure 1C by using, for example, an array antenna as the integrated antenna 47.

[0043] In the following description, the combination of the electronic device 30 and the receiver 40 may be referred to as a "measurement system."

[0044] [1.2 Electronic Device Configuration] Fig. 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device 30. As shown in Fig. 2, the electronic device 30 includes a battery 33, a conversion unit 34, a charging unit 35, a remaining charge detection unit 36, and a first communication unit 37 in addition to the power receiving antenna 31 and the first communication antenna 32.

[0045] In addition to the components shown in FIG. 2, the electronic device 30 includes components that are essential for sensing or outputting an ON-OFF signal based on a comparison between a measured value and a threshold value, which are well known to those skilled in the art, but are not shown in the figure.

[0046] The battery 33 is a rechargeable secondary battery for driving the electronic device 30. The battery 33 may be, for example, a lithium ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0047] The converter 34 converts radio waves for transmitting power received by the power receiving antenna 31 into electric power. The converter 34 may be, for example, a rectifier circuit that converts radio waves into a direct current circuit, but is not limited thereto.

[0048] The charging unit 35 charges the battery 33 with the power converted by the conversion unit 34 .

[0049] The remaining charge detection unit 36 ​​detects the remaining charge of the battery 33. For example, the remaining charge detection unit 36 ​​can detect the remaining charge of the battery 33 by detecting the power used from the battery 33 every moment and subtracting the integrated value of the power used from the capacity of the battery 33 every moment.

[0050] The first communication unit 37 communicates with the receiver 40 via radio waves transmitted and received using the first communication antenna 32, sending information such as an ON-OFF signal and the remaining charge of the battery 33 to the receiver 40, and also receiving control signals for the electronic device 30 from the receiver 40.

[0051] The electronic device 30 has a built-in battery 33, particularly as a rechargeable secondary battery, for storing electricity, thereby ensuring the stability of operation of the electronic device 30 during measurement.

[0052] [1.2 Receiver configuration] Fig. 3 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the receiver 40. As shown in Fig. 3, the receiver 40 includes a power supply control unit 44, a second communication unit 45, and an operation control unit 46 in addition to the power supply antenna 41, the second communication antenna 42, and the power transmission unit 43.

[0053] The power supply control unit 44 controls the transmission of power by transmitting radio waves using the power supply antenna 41. In particular, the power supply control unit 44 controls the conditions for transmitting power to the power receiving antenna 31 of the electronic device 30 so as not to affect the operation of the electronic device 30. At this time, the power supply control unit 44 may control the above conditions based on information about the electronic device 30 included in the communication by the second communication unit 45 described later. Alternatively, the power supply control unit 44 may control the above conditions based on a control content set in advance. The "control content" may be, for example, a control content for supplying power outside the operation time of the electronic device 30 or a control content for supplying power by selecting a frequency different from the communication frequency of the electronic device 30. The power supply control unit 44 also controls the transmission of the above power by controlling at least one of the power supply interval and the power supply output.

[0054] The second communication unit 45 communicates with the electronic device 30 by radio waves transmitted and received by the second communication antenna 42. In particular, the second communication unit 45 acquires an ON-OFF signal and a remaining charge value of the battery 33 from the electronic device 30, and transmits a control signal to the electronic device 30.

[0055] The operation control unit 46 comprehensively controls the power transmission by the power supply control unit 44 and the communication with the electronic device 30 by the second communication unit 45. In particular, the operation control unit 46 controls the timing of the power supply and communication.

[0056] As described above, in the receiver 40, the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 are separate from the main body (that is, the power supply control unit 44, the second communication unit 45, and the operation control unit 46).

[0057] [Operation of the second embodiment] Hereinafter, the operations of the control systems 1 to 1B according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 5B.

[0058] [2.1 First operation example] As described above, in the electronic device 30 , the remaining charge detection unit 36 ​​detects the remaining charge of the battery 33 , and the first communication unit 37 transmits the remaining charge of the battery 33 to the receiver 40 .

[0059] In the receiver 40, the second communication unit 45 acquires the remaining charge 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 the power supply output by radio waves that transmit power, depending on the remaining charge of the battery 33 acquired by the second communication unit 45.

[0060] In particular, when the battery 33 of the electronic device 30 is a lithium ion battery, it is preferable that the power supply control unit 44 starts transmitting power by transmitting radio waves using the power supply antenna 41 when the remaining charge of the battery 33 falls below a threshold. Note that this threshold corresponds to the power required for the electronic device 30 to operate stably.

[0061] Alternatively, the power supply control unit 44 may transmit the amount of power used by transmitting radio waves from the power supply antenna 41 according to the amount of power used from the battery 33 of the electronic device 30 .

[0062] [2.2 Second operation example] As described above, when the radio frequency band of the radio waves used for wireless power supply and the radio frequency band of the radio waves used for communication are a common radio frequency band, for example, the 2.4 GHz band or the 5.7 GHz band, the operation control unit 46 of the receiver 40 controls the operation timing of each so that power transmission by the power supply control unit 44 and communication with the electronic device 30 by the second communication unit 45 are not performed simultaneously.

[0063] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of control of the operation timing of power supply and communication by the operation control unit 46. In the example shown in Fig. 4, the timing at which communication with the electronic device 30 is started by the second communication unit 45 is set to a constant interval, and power supply is performed by the power supply control unit 44 in an available time after each communication ends. That is, in each pair consisting of communication and power supply, the total time ti of the time tc for performing communication and the time tp for performing power supply is always a constant time, but each of the time tc for performing communication and the time tp for performing power supply is not necessarily constant.

[0064] [2.3 Third operation example] As described above, in the control systems 1 to 1B, the numerical control device 20 numerically controls the machine tool 10, and also communicates with the receiver 40 to obtain an ON-OFF signal or a measured value from the electronic device 30 via the receiver 40.

[0065] Here, the numerical control device 20 generates control information including a power supply permission signal and sends it to the receiver 40. Furthermore, based on this control information, the receiver 40 sends a control signal to the electronic device 30. In this way, the receiver 40 controls the charging timing of the battery 33.

[0066] For example, the control signal may include charging timing to charge the battery 33 while the electronic device 30 is in standby and to stop charging the battery 33 while the electronic device 30 is being measured.

[0067] Alternatively, the control signal may include an instruction to move the electronic device 30 to an area within the machine tool 10 where charging efficiency is high.

[0068] Fig. 5A is a diagram showing an operation of the numerical control device 20 to move the position of the electronic device 30 in the machine tool 10 to an area with high charging efficiency. As shown in Fig. 5A, the numerical control device 20 transmits a position control signal to the machine tool 10, whereby the electronic device 30 moves to an area with high charging efficiency in the machine tool 10. Note that, in the example shown in Fig. 5A, an example is shown in which the electronic device 30 is moved so as to approach the power feeding antenna 41, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any area with high charging efficiency may be used.

[0069] Alternatively, the control information may include an instruction to move the power supply antenna 41 to an area in the machine tool 10 where power supply efficiency is high.

[0070] Fig. 5B is a diagram showing an operation of the numerical control device 20 moving the position of the power supply antenna 41 in the machine tool 10 to an area with high power supply efficiency. As shown in Fig. 5B, the numerical control device 20 transmits a position control signal to the machine tool 10, whereby the power supply antenna 41 moves to an area with high power supply efficiency in the machine tool 10. Note that, in the example shown in Fig. 5B, an example is shown in which the power supply antenna 41 is moved so as to approach the electronic device 30, but the present invention is not limited to this, and any area with high power supply efficiency may be used.

[0071] In particular, when a drive mechanism for the power supply antenna 41 is provided inside the receiver 40 , a position control signal may be transmitted from the numerical control device 20 to the receiver 40 .

[0072] [3 Effects] The power supply control system 1 of this embodiment is a power supply control system 1 that supplies power to an electronic device 30, and includes the electronic device 30, which includes a battery 33 for driving the electronic device 30, a receiving antenna 31 that acquires radio waves for transmitting power to the electronic device 30, a conversion unit 34 that converts the radio waves received by the receiving antenna 31 into electric power, and a charging unit 35 that charges the battery 33 with the power converted by the conversion unit 34, and a power supply control unit 44 that controls the conditions for transmitting power to the receiving antenna 31 so as not to affect the operation of the electronic device 30.

[0073] This makes it possible to charge the power supply of the electronic device 30 installed on the machine tool 10 simply and safely.

[0074] Furthermore, since the battery 33 of the electronic device 30 can be charged without limiting the position of the electronic device 30 during power supply, a decrease in power transmission efficiency is suppressed.

[0075] In addition, the power supply control system 1 of this embodiment further includes a receiver 40, and the electronic device 30 includes a first communication antenna 32 that transmits and receives radio waves for communicating with the receiver 40, and a first communication unit 37 that communicates with the receiver 40 via the radio waves transmitted and received using the first communication antenna 32. The receiver 40 includes a power supply antenna 41 that transmits radio waves for transmitting power to the electronic device 30, a second communication antenna 42 that transmits and receives radio waves for communicating with the electronic device 30, and a second communication unit 45 that communicates with the electronic device 30 via 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 power receiving antenna 31 based on information about the electronic device 30 included in the communication by the second communication unit 45.

[0076] This allows power supply and communication to be performed in parallel between the electronic device 30 and the receiver 40.

[0077] Furthermore, in the power supply control system according to this embodiment, the electronic device 30 further includes a remaining charge detection unit 36 ​​that detects the remaining charge of the battery 33, the first communication unit 37 transmits the remaining charge detected by the remaining charge detection unit 36 ​​to the receiver 40, the second communication unit 45 acquires the remaining charge from the electronic device 30, and the power supply control unit 44 may control at least one of the power supply interval and the power supply output by radio waves that transmit power according to the remaining charge acquired by the second communication unit 45.

[0078] This makes it possible to supply power according to the remaining charge of the battery 33.

[0079] In the measurement system according to this embodiment, the receiver 40 may further include an operation control unit 46 that controls the timing of communication by the second communication unit 45 and power transmission by the power supply control unit 44.

[0080] This makes it possible to suppress interference between radio waves used for communication between the electronic device 30 and the receiver 40 and radio waves used for power supply, for example.

[0081] In addition, the operation control unit 46 may cause the second communication unit 45 to start communication at regular intervals, and after the communication is completed, control the power supply control unit 44 to transmit radio waves for transmitting power during the free time until the next communication.

[0082] This makes it possible to carry out both power supply and communication while avoiding radio wave interference, even when the radio wave frequencies used for power supply and communication are the same.

[0083] Moreover, the control systems 1 to 1B according to the present embodiment are control systems including the above-mentioned measurement system, a machine tool 10, and a numerical control device 20 that numerically controls the machine tool 10, and the electronic device 30 is provided within the machine tool 10.

[0084] This makes it possible to supply power from the battery 33 to the electronic device 30 while the machine tool 10 is being controlled by the numerical control device 20.

[0085] In the control systems 1 to 1B according to the present 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.

[0086] This makes it possible to define the timing of charging the battery 33 of the electronic device 30 within the numerical control by the numerical control device 20.

[0087] In the control systems 1 to 1B according to the present embodiment, the control information generated by the numerical control device 20 may include an instruction to move the electronic device 30 to an area with high charging efficiency.

[0088] This enables control that enhances the efficiency of charging the electronic device 30 during numerical control by the numerical control device 20.

[0089] In the control systems 1 to 1B according to the present embodiment, the control information generated by the numerical control device 20 may include an instruction to move the power feeding antenna 41 to an area with high power transmission efficiency.

[0090] This makes it possible to perform control to improve the efficiency of power supply from the receiver 40 during numerical control by the numerical control device 20.

[0091] Furthermore, in the control systems 1 to 1B according to this embodiment, the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 are separate from the power supply control unit 44 and the second communication unit 45, and at least the power supply antenna 41 may be provided within the housing of the machine tool 10, and at least the power supply control unit 44 and the second communication unit 45 may be provided outside the housing of the machine tool 10.

[0092] This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in power supply efficiency compared to a case in which the power supply efficiency is decreased due to blocking of radio waves transmitted and received between the receiver 40 and the electronic device 30 by the housing of the machine tool 10. In addition, by making the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 separate from the receiver 40 main body, the degree of freedom in the installation location is increased.

[0093] 4. Modifications The above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the present invention can be implemented in various modified forms without departing from the gist of the present invention.

[0094] [4.1 Variation 1] For example, in the above embodiment, the machine tool 10 and the numerical control device 20 are separate entities, but this is not limiting. For example, the machine tool 10 and the numerical control device 20 may be integrated in the same housing.

[0095] [4.2 Variation 2] Alternatively, multiple power supply modes from the receiver 40 to the electronic device 30 may be prepared in advance, and one of the power supply modes may be selected while the electronic device 30 is in standby mode depending on the purpose of use of the electronic device 30 and the environment surrounding the electronic device 30.

[0096] [4.3 Variation 3] Alternatively, in the above second operation example, the timing for starting communication with the electronic device 30 by the second communication unit 45 is set to a fixed interval, and power supply by the power supply control unit 44 is performed in an available time after each communication is completed, but this is not limited thereto. For example, if communication is successful, power supply by the power supply control unit 44 may be performed in an available time, whereas if communication is unsuccessful, power supply may not be performed and may be skipped.

[0097] [4.4 Variation 4] The receiver 40 may also include a frequency switching means for switching the frequency of radio waves used for power supply. This is because which frequency of radio waves is more likely to reach the receiver 40 varies depending on the environment. By using the frequency switching means, the receiver 40 can smoothly supply power by switching to another frequency when power transmission at a certain frequency does not go well. Furthermore, by using the frequency switching means, the receiver 40 can pick up the frequency with the best power supply efficiency and supply power.

[0098] Each of the components included in the above control systems 1 to 1B can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of these. In addition, the control method performed by the cooperation of each of the components included in the above control systems 1 to 1B can also be realized by hardware, software, or a combination of these. Here, being realized by software means being realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

[0099] The program can be stored and provided to the computer using various types of non-transitory computer readable media. The non-transitory computer readable media includes various types of tangible storage media. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R / W, semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, and RAM). The program may also be provided to the computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of the transitory computer readable media include electric signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer readable media can provide the program to the computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire and an optical fiber, or via a wireless communication path. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1,1A,1B Control System 10 Machine tools 20 Numerical Control Device 30 Electronic Devices 31 Receiving antenna 32 First Communication Antenna 33 Battery 34 Conversion section 35 Live parts 36 Remaining amount detection unit 37 First Communications Department 40 Receiver 41 Power supply antenna 42 Second Communication Antenna 43 Power Transmission Section 44 Power supply control section 45 2nd Communications Department 46 Motion control section

Claims

1. A power supply control system for supplying power to an electronic device, comprising: a battery for powering the electronic device; a power receiving antenna for receiving radio waves for transmitting power to the electronic device; A conversion unit that converts the radio waves received by the power receiving antenna into electric power; a charging unit that charges the battery with the power converted by the conversion unit; and a power supply control unit that controls a condition for transmitting power to the power receiving antenna so as not to affect the operation of the electronic device; A power supply control system comprising:

2. It also has a receiver, The electronic device comprises: a first communication antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves for communicating with the receiver; a first communication unit that communicates with the receiver by radio waves transmitted and received using the first communication antenna; The receiver includes: a power supply antenna that transmits radio waves for transmitting power to the electronic device; a second communication antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves for communicating with the electronic device; a second communication unit that communicates with the electronic device by radio waves transmitted and received by the second communication antenna; The power supply control system according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply control unit controls a condition for transmitting power to the power receiving antenna based on information about the electronic device included in the communication by the second communication unit.

3. The electronic device further includes a remaining charge detection unit that detects a remaining charge of the battery, The first communication unit transmits the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection unit to the receiver, The second communication unit acquires the remaining amount from the electronic device, The power supply control system according to claim 2 , wherein the power supply control unit controls at least one of an interval between power supply by radio waves that transmit the power and a power supply output, depending on the remaining amount acquired by the second communication unit.

4. The power supply control system according to claim 2 , wherein the receiver further comprises an operation control unit that controls a timing of the communication by the second communication unit and the power supply by the power supply control unit.

5. 5. The power supply control system according to claim 4, wherein the operation control unit causes the second communication unit to start the communication at regular intervals, and after the communication is completed, controls the power supply control unit to transmit radio waves for transmitting the power during a vacant time until the next communication.

6. A control system comprising: the power supply control system according to any one of claims 2 to 5; a machine tool; and a numerical control device that numerically controls the machine tool, The electronic device is included in the machine tool, a control system.

7. The control system according to claim 6 , wherein the control information generated by the numerical control device includes a charging timing for the battery of the electronic device.

8. The control system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the control information generated by the numerical control device includes an instruction to move the electronic device to an area with high charging efficiency.

9. 9. The control system according to claim 6, 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.

10. The power supply antenna and the second communication antenna are separate from the power supply control unit and the second communication unit, At least the feeding antenna is provided within a housing of the machine tool, The control system according to claim 6 , wherein at least the power supply control unit and the second communication unit are provided outside a housing of the machine tool.

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