Radio antenna module and radio system

Abstract

To provide a wireless antenna module and a wireless system capable of easily achieving wireless communication between various devices, reducing the number of cables, and improving productivity.SOLUTION: In a wireless GW unit (130), a wireless antenna module (100) includes a housing, and at least a wireless antenna (122), a main controller (40E), and an external connection connector, which are provided in the housing. The main controller (40E) has an arithmetic section that exchanges information with a GW unit (20) connected through at least the external connection connector.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless antenna module, and more particularly to a wireless antenna module and a wireless system capable of achieving wireless communication between various devices in an FA (Factory Automation) environment. [Background technology]

[0002] The invention described in Patent Document 1 aims to provide a wireless module and wireless device that can realize stable wireless communication using any antenna while satisfying explosion-proof standards. To solve this problem, the wireless device described in Patent Document 1 includes a wireless module and an antenna connection module to which multiple external antennas can be connected and which is connected to the wireless module via a coaxial cable. The wireless module selects an external antenna connected to the antenna connection module, receives a signal from the outside, converts it into a wireless signal from the selected external antenna, and transmits the processed signal received by the selected external antenna to the outside. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2015-70450 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the wireless device described in Patent Document 1 has a wireless module connected to a signal processing module via a cable, and an antenna connection module connected to the wireless module via a coaxial cable. Therefore, when connecting a wireless module, it is necessary to prepare and connect a cable, a coaxial cable, and an antenna connection module separately. Moreover, there is a problem that the overall length including the cable becomes large, making it difficult to route the cable. There is also a problem that a separate means for fixing the wireless module and the antenna connection module is required.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of these problems, and aims to provide a wireless antenna module and wireless system that can easily realize wireless communication between various devices, for example in an FA environment, thereby reducing the number of cables and improving productivity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] [1] A wireless antenna module according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a housing, at least a wireless antenna provided in the housing, a controller, and an external connection connector; The controller has a calculation unit that exchanges information with other devices connected at least through the external connection connector.

[0007] By having a wireless antenna, the device can function as a wireless device with other devices, for example by connecting to other devices on a network.

[0008] The wireless antenna module also functions as a wireless device capable of independently outputting a voltage via an external connection connector.

[0009] The device can independently transmit and receive diagnostic information from other devices and diagnostic information about the wireless antenna module, and can also function as a wireless device capable of monitoring the wireless communication state in real time.

[0010] As a result, for example in an FA environment, wireless communication between various devices can be easily achieved, reducing the number of cables and improving productivity.

[0011] [2] In the first aspect of the present invention, the device is started up when the other device is connected and power is supplied, outputs a confirmation signal to the other connected device, and functions as a master device or slave device on the network together with the other device based on information output from the other device in response to the input of the confirmation signal.

[0012] In other words, by connecting a wireless antenna module to a master device, it can function as a master device capable of wireless communication, and similarly, by connecting a wireless antenna module to a slave device, it can function as a slave device (wireless slave device) capable of wireless communication.

[0013] [3] In the first aspect of the present invention, the other device is a gateway unit on a network. By connecting to the gateway unit on the network, a master side wireless device (wireless master device) can be configured together with the gateway unit.

[0014] [4] In the first aspect of the present invention, the other device may be an input / output unit on a network. By connecting to the input / output unit on the network, the input / output unit and the other device can form a slave wireless device.

[0015] [5] In the first aspect of the present invention, the other device may be a device unit on a network. By connecting to the device unit on the network, it is possible to configure a slave wireless device together with the device unit.

[0016] [6] In the first aspect of the present invention, the device further includes NFC, which makes it possible to access a device using only the wireless antenna module.

[0017] As a result, the following effects are achieved. -Direct communication with various sensors is possible. - It is possible to set the modes and parameters of other devices without contact.

[0018] [7] In the first aspect of the present invention, a display unit is further provided. This allows the wireless antenna module to be capable of monitoring the input signal to the device by itself. Of course, the output voltage and input voltage can be monitored by itself. Furthermore, the input signal to the sensor and the detection result of the sensor can be monitored through the display unit. The display unit can be configured with an LED or the like provided on the housing.

[0019] [8] In the first aspect of the present invention, a memory is further provided, which enables error logging of other installed wireless devices.

[0020] [9] In the first aspect of the present invention, a wireless power supply unit and a battery are provided. This eliminates the need for a power line in the cable connected between another device and the wireless antenna module, simplifying the wiring structure in the cable and reducing its weight, while also increasing the freedom of layout of the device (including the actuator) in which the wireless antenna module is mounted.

[0021]

[10] In the first aspect of the present invention, the controller includes a timing generator, which can automatically change the transmission timing when clear channel assessment (CCA) is activated.

[0022]

[11] In the first aspect of the present invention, the device is started up when another device is connected and power is supplied, and outputs a confirmation signal to the other connected device. Based on information output from the other device in response to the input of the confirmation signal, the other device is made to function as a master device or a slave device.

[0023] Thus, by connecting a wireless antenna module to a master device, it can function as a master device capable of wireless communication. Similarly, by connecting a wireless antenna module to a slave device, it can function as a slave device capable of wireless communication.

[0024]

[12] In the first aspect of the present invention, when another device functions as a master device or a slave device, pairing with another external device is performed to establish wireless communication between the devices.

[0025] In other words, for example, when a master device functions as a wireless master device and a slave device functions as a wireless slave device, the wireless master device pairs with the wireless slave device, thereby enabling wireless communication between the wireless master device and the wireless slave device.

[0026]

[13] A second wireless system according to the present invention is a wireless system having a plurality of networks connected to a computer, each of the networks having at least one master device connected to the computer and at least one slave device connected to the master device, the master device and the slave device each having a wireless antenna module connected thereto, the wireless antenna module having a housing, at least a wireless antenna provided in the housing, a controller, and an external connection connector, the controller having a calculation unit that exchanges information with at least the master device or the slave device connected via the external connection connector.

[0027] This allows at least the exchange of information between the master device and the slave device to be carried out wirelessly. As a result, for example in an FA environment, wireless communication between various devices can be easily achieved, reducing the number of cables and improving productivity.

[0028]

[14] A wireless antenna module according to a third aspect of the present invention comprises a power supply case accommodating a power supply, at least one module body connected to the power supply and having a housing, at least a wireless antenna provided in the housing, and a controller having a computing unit that exchanges information with at least other devices, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the module body to an apparatus.

[0029] This allows the module body of the wireless antenna module to be attached to the device via the attachment mechanism together with the power source. As a result, an output signal from the device can be output as a wireless signal, for example, onto a network, via the wireless antenna module. Also, a control signal for controlling the device, for example, can be received by the module body from a master on the network and output to the device, thereby controlling the device.

[0030] In other words, it is possible to realize wireless signals between, for example, a master and a device on a network. As a result, it is possible to omit the input / output unit that was connected between the device and the master. This leads to a reduction in the number of input / output units connected to the network, and depending on the network configuration, it is also possible to increase the communication speed.

[0031]

[15] A wireless antenna module of a fourth invention includes a power supply case that houses a battery, at least one module body connected to the battery and having a housing, at least a wireless antenna provided in the housing, and a controller having a processing unit that exchanges information with at least another device, a wireless power supply unit that supplies power from an equipment to the battery, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the module body to the equipment.

[0032] This allows the module body of the wireless antenna module to be attached to the device via the attachment mechanism together with the battery and the wireless power supply unit. As a result, an output signal from the device can be output as a wireless signal, for example, onto a network, via the wireless antenna module. Also, a control signal for controlling the device, for example, from a master on the network can be received by the module body and output to the device, thereby controlling the device. That is, it is possible to realize wireless transmission of signals between, for example, a master and a device on the network. Moreover, the wireless power supply unit eliminates the need for a power line connected between the device and the wireless antenna module, which simplifies and reduces the weight of the wiring structure, and also increases the freedom of layout of the device equipped with the wireless antenna module.

[0033]

[16] In the third or fourth invention, the mounting mechanism for the equipment has a band that fastens a part of the power supply case to a part of the equipment, and the band is fixed to the part of the power supply case.

[0034] The band serving as the attachment mechanism is fixed to a part of the power supply case, so the wireless antenna module can be easily attached to the device using the band.

[0035]

[17] In the third or fourth invention, the mounting mechanism for the equipment has a fastener having a spiral groove that fastens a part of the power supply case to the equipment, and the fastener is screwed into the equipment through a through hole formed in a protrusion provided on the part of the power supply case.

[0036] The wireless antenna module can be easily attached to the device by screwing a fastener (such as a screw) into the device through a through hole formed in a protrusion provided on a part of the power supply case.

[0037]

[18] In the third or fourth invention, the device has at least one device main body that handles signal input and output to the device, and an device power supply that supplies power to the device main body, and the module main body and the device main body are electrically connected.

[0038] This allows an output signal from the device to be output as a wireless signal, for example, onto a network, via the wireless antenna module. Also, a control signal for controlling the device, for example, can be received by the module body from a master on the network and output to the device, thereby controlling the device.

[0039] In other words, it is possible to realize wireless communication of signals between, for example, a master and a device on a network.

[0040]

[19] In the third or fourth invention, the module has a first module body and a second module body connected to the power source or the battery housed in the power source case, and the first module body and the second module body are installed in the power source case.

[0041] By installing the first module body and the second module body in the power supply case, the wiring for supplying power from the power supply to the first module body and the second module can be shortened, making the wireless antenna module more compact.

[0042]

[20] In the third or fourth invention, the power supply case is fixed onto the equipment by the mounting mechanism, and each protrusion provided at both longitudinal ends of the power supply case is fixed to the equipment.

[0043] This allows the wireless antenna module to be fixed to the device using the power supply case, which means that the wireless antenna module can be stably fixed to the device.

[0044]

[21] In the third or fourth invention, the device has the first module body and the second module body connected to the power source or the battery housed in the power supply case, and the device has a first device body and a second device body, the first device body has a first sensor and a first solenoid, the second device body has a second sensor and a second solenoid, the first module body and the first device body are electrically connected, and the second module body and the second device body are electrically connected.

[0045] This allows output signals from the first and second sensors to be output as wireless signals, for example, onto a network, via the wireless antenna module, and also allows control signals, for example, for controlling the first and second solenoids, etc., to be received by the first and second module bodies from a master on the network and output to the device, thereby controlling the device.

[0046] In other words, it is possible to realize wireless signals between, for example, the master and devices on the network. As a result, it is possible to omit the input / output unit that was connected between the master and the device. This leads to a reduction in the number of input / output units connected to the network, and depending on the network configuration, it is also possible to increase the communication speed.

[0047]

[22] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a wireless system having a plurality of networks connected to a computer, each of which has at least one other device connected to the computer, the other device being connected to a wireless antenna module, the wireless antenna module having a power supply case housing a power source, at least one module body connected to the power source and having a housing, at least a wireless antenna provided in the housing, and a controller having a computing unit that exchanges information with at least the other device, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the module body to an equipment.

[0048] This makes it possible to realize wireless signals between, for example, the master and devices on the network. As a result, the input / output unit connected between the master and the device can be omitted. This leads to a reduction in the number of input / output units connected to the network, and depending on the network configuration, it may be possible to increase the communication speed.

[0049]

[23] A sixth wireless system according to the present invention is a wireless system having a plurality of networks connected to a computer, each of the networks having at least one other device connected to the computer, the other device being connected to a wireless antenna module, the wireless antenna module having a power supply case housing a battery, at least one module body connected to the battery and having a housing, at least a wireless antenna provided in the housing, and a controller having a calculation unit for exchanging information with at least the other device, a wireless power supply unit supplying power from the other device to the battery, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the module body to the other device.

[0050] This makes it possible to realize wireless transmission of signals between, for example, a master and a device on the network. As a result, it is possible to omit the input / output unit connected between the device and the master. This leads to a reduction in the number of input / output units connected to the network, and depending on the network configuration, it is possible to increase the communication speed. Furthermore, the wireless power supply unit eliminates the need for a power line connected between the device and the wireless antenna module, which simplifies and reduces the weight of the wiring structure and increases the freedom of layout of the device equipped with the wireless antenna module 100. Effect of the Invention

[0051] According to the wireless antenna module and wireless system of the present invention, for example in an FA environment, wireless communication between various devices can be easily realized, the number of cables can be reduced, and productivity can be improved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0052] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram showing a wireless system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a state in which a wireless antenna module is connected to a gateway unit (hereinafter referred to as a "GW unit") that is connected to a PLC (programmable logic controller). [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a GW unit and a wireless antenna module. [Figure 4] FIG. 4A is a perspective view showing an input / output unit (hereinafter, referred to as an "IO unit") and a wireless antenna module, and FIG. 4B is a perspective view showing a state in which the wireless antenna module is connected to the IO unit. [Diagram 5] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an IO unit, a wireless antenna module, and an extension unit. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which a wireless antenna module is connected to a valve serial input unit (hereinafter, referred to as a “valve SI unit”). [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a valve SI unit and a wireless antenna module. [Figure 8] 11 is a plan view showing a state in which an extension unit is connected in series to an IO unit to which a wireless antenna module is connected. FIG. [Figure 9] 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a main controller of the wireless antenna module. FIG. [Figure 10] 4 is a functional block diagram showing a calculation unit of a main controller in the wireless antenna module. FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a typical processing operation of a calculation unit when used as a wireless GW unit (wireless master). [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a typical processing operation of a calculation unit when used as a wireless IO unit (wireless slave) or a wireless valve SI unit (wireless slave). [Figure 13]FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a typical processing operation of a calculation unit in a wireless device unit (wireless slave). [Figure 14] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of associating with a wireless antenna module until a GW unit can be set as a wireless GW unit. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing a process of linking with a wireless antenna module until an IO unit can be set as a wireless IO unit. [Figure 16] 13 is a flowchart showing a process of linking with a wireless antenna module until the valve SI unit can be set as a wireless valve SI unit. [Figure 17] 11 is a flowchart showing a synchronization process between the wireless antenna modules in the wireless GW unit, the wireless IO unit, and the wireless valve SI unit. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a wireless antenna module according to a modified example together with a GW unit. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing a wireless system according to another embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20A is a perspective view showing an example of fixing a wireless antenna module to a device (including an actuator), and FIG. 20B is a perspective view showing an example of fixing a wireless antenna module to a device. [Figure 21] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a device and a wireless antenna module; FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of a device and a wireless antenna module. [Figure 23] FIG. 23A is a perspective view showing an example of fixing a wireless antenna module to a device, and FIG. 23B is a perspective view showing an example of fixing a wireless antenna module to a device. [Figure 24] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a configuration of a device and a wireless antenna module; FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a first sensor, a second sensor, a first solenoid, and a second solenoid of the device together with a wireless antenna module. [Figure 26]FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing another example of the configuration of a device and a wireless antenna module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0053] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of a wireless system and a wireless antenna module according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0054] As shown in Fig. 1, a wireless system 10 according to this embodiment includes a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) 12 that at least monitors the inside of an industrial facility, and a plurality of networks 14 connected to the PLC 12. In Fig. 1, wired connections are indicated by solid lines, and wireless connections are indicated by dashed lines.

[0055] Each network 14 is provided with a gateway unit 20 (hereinafter referred to as "GW unit 20") as at least one master M connected to the PLC 12 via a field bus 16, an input / output unit 22 (hereinafter referred to as "IO unit 22") as at least one slave S, and a valve serial input unit 24 (hereinafter referred to as "valve SI unit 24") as at least one slave S. Examples of devices in which a slave S is provided include a movable part at the tip of a robot hand (such as a welding gun), an assembly jig, a rotary table, etc.

[0056] Depending on the network 14, an expansion input / output unit 26 (hereinafter, referred to as an “expansion unit 26”) serving as at least one slave S may be connected to the IO unit 22, or a valve SI unit 24 may be connected instead of the IO unit 22.

[0057] In addition, there are cases where at least one IO unit 22 and at least one device 28 (including an actuator having a sensor 68, a valve, etc.) are connected to the GW unit 20.

[0058] 2, the GW unit 20 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 30A, and two input / output terminals 32a and 32b are provided on, for example, one surface of the housing 30A, and the PLC 12 is connected to one of the input / output terminals, 32a, via a field bus 16. In addition, one module connection connector 34A is provided on the other surface of the housing 30A. Furthermore, a power supply connection terminal 54A is provided in a location of the housing 30A away from the module connection connector 34A.

[0059] 3, the circuit configuration of the GW unit 20 includes a main controller 40A equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Components connected to this main controller 40A include, for example, a display unit 42A (such as an LED), a memory 44A, a clock signal generator 46A (such as a crystal oscillator), an internal power supply generating circuit 48A, an upper communication interface 50 (hereinafter referred to as "upper communication I / F 50"), a module I / F 52A, and the like.

[0060] Of these, a power supply 56A is connected to the internal power supply generating circuit 48A via a power supply connection terminal 54A, and the upper communication I / F 50 is connected to the PLC 12. A wireless antenna module 100 according to this embodiment is connected to the module I / F 52A. The wireless antenna module 100 will be described later. The functions of the main controller 40A include at least upper communication control with the PLC 12, display control for the display unit 42A, and read / write control for the memory 44A.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 4A, the IO unit 22 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 30B, a plurality of tubular IO connection connectors 60B installed on one surface of the housing 30B, one tubular module connection connector 34B, and one tubular power supply connection terminal 54B.

[0062] 5, the circuit configuration of the IO unit 22 includes a main controller 40B equipped with a CPU. Components connected to this main controller 40B include, for example, a display unit 42B (such as an LED), a memory 44B, a clock signal generator 46B, an internal power supply generating circuit 48B, an external input / output interface 62B (hereinafter referred to as "external input / output I / F 62B"), an expansion unit interface 64B (hereinafter referred to as "expansion unit I / F 64B"), and a module I / F 52B.

[0063] Among these, a power supply 56B is connected to the internal power supply generating circuit 48B via a power supply connection terminal 54B, and a plurality of sensors 68 are connected to the external input / output I / F 62B via IO connection connectors 60B. An expansion unit 26, which will be described later, is connected to the expansion unit I / F 64B, and a wireless antenna module 100, which will be described later, is connected to the module I / F 52B. The functions of the main controller 40B include at least input / output control for external devices (e.g., the sensor 68), input / output control for the expansion unit 26, which will be described later, display control for the display unit 42B, and access control for the memory 44B (read / write control, etc.).

[0064] As shown in FIG. 6, the valve SI unit 24 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 30C, a holder 80 installed to the side of the housing 30C, a valve manifold 82 installed on the holder 80, and a module connection connector 34C and a power supply connection terminal 54C installed on one surface of the housing 30C.

[0065] 7, the circuit configuration of the valve SI unit 24 has a main controller 40C equipped with a CPU. Components connected to this main controller 40C include, for example, a display unit 42C (such as an LED), a memory 44C, a clock signal generator 46C, an internal power supply generating circuit 48C, a valve I / F 84, and a module I / F 52C.

[0066] Among these, power supply power is supplied to the internal power generation circuit 48C from a power supply 56C, and a valve manifold 82 is connected to the valve I / F 84. A wireless antenna module 100, which will be described later, is connected to the module I / F 52C. Note that the functions of the main controller 40C include at least valve control for the valve manifold 82, display control for the display unit 42C, and access control for the memory 44C.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 8 (along with the IO unit 22), the expansion unit 26 has, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 30D, a plurality of tubular IO connectors 60D installed on one surface of the housing 30D, and an expansion connection port 70 to which the IO unit 22 or another expansion unit 26 is connected. The expansion units 26 can increase the number of input / output points of the IO unit 22 without using the wireless antenna module 100 by sequentially connecting through the expansion connection port 70. That is, a disadvantage of increasing the number of wireless devices is that the communication load increases. Therefore, the number of input / output points of the IO unit 22 can be increased by wired connection of the expansion units 26 through the expansion connection port 70 without using the wireless antenna module 100.

[0068] 5, the circuit configuration of the expansion unit 26 includes a main controller 40D equipped with a CPU. Components connected to this main controller 40D include, for example, a display unit 42D (such as an LED), a memory 44D, a clock signal generator 46D, an internal power supply generating circuit 48D, an external input / output I / F 62D, an expansion unit I / F 64Da, and an expansion unit I / F 64Db.

[0069] Among these, the internal power supply generating circuit 48D is supplied with power supply power from the internal power supply generating circuit 48B of the IO unit 22, and a plurality of devices (e.g., sensors, etc.) not shown are connected to the external input / output I / F 62D. The IO unit 22 or the preceding expansion unit 26 is connected to the expansion unit I / F 64Da, and the following expansion unit 26 is connected to the expansion unit I / F 64Db. The functions of the main controller 40D include at least input / output control for external devices (e.g., sensors, etc.), input / output control for the IO unit 22 and other expansion units 26, display control for the display unit 42D, and access control for the memory 44D.

[0070] As shown in, for example, FIGS. 2, 4A, and 4B, the wireless antenna module 100 is prepared in two types depending on the type of the connector to which it is to be connected.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 2, the wireless antenna module 100A of the first embodiment includes, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 102A, a connector 104A provided on one surface of the housing 102A, and the like.

[0072] Moreover, the wireless antenna module 100A of the first embodiment is directly connected to, for example, a module connecting connector 34A provided on a housing 30A of the GW unit 20. The housing 102A and the connector 104A of the wireless antenna module 100A are rotatable about a support shaft 108, and when the connector 104A is inserted into the module connecting connector 34A of the GW unit 20 as shown in FIG. 2, for example, the housing 102A (module) can be rotated about the support shaft 108 to freely change the tilt direction with respect to the GW unit 20, for example, from -90° to +90°. The range of this tilt angle is not limited to this, and may be wider or narrower than -90° to +90°. The same applies below.

[0073] The same is true for the valve SI unit 24 shown in Figure 6, and when the connector 104A is inserted into the module connection connector 34C of the valve SI unit 24, the housing 102A (module) can be rotated around a support axis (not shown) to freely change the tilt direction relative to the housing 30C of the valve SI unit 24, for example, from -90° to +90°.

[0074] 4A, the wireless antenna module 100B of the second embodiment includes, for example, a rectangular parallelepiped housing 102B, a connector 104B provided on one surface of the housing 102B, and a display unit 42B (LED) and the like provided on a side surface of the housing 102B. Note that a magnet 110 (see FIG. 4B) is attached to the side surface of the housing 102B for fixing the wireless antenna module 100B to a side surface of the housing 30B of the IO unit 22 with one touch.

[0075] Moreover, the wireless antenna module 100B of the second embodiment has a configuration in which the connector 104B is fixed to the housing 102B (module). In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4B, the connector 104B of the wireless antenna module 100B is connected to a tubular module-connecting connector 34B, and the module-connecting connector 34B is further flexed to position the wireless antenna module 100B on a side surface of the housing 30B of the IO unit 22. At this time, the housing 102B of the wireless antenna module 100B is fixed to the side surface of the IO unit 22 by the attraction of the magnet 110 attached to the side surface of the housing 102B (module).

[0076] The circuit configuration of the wireless antenna module 100 includes a main controller 40E equipped with a CPU, as shown in, for example, Figures 3 and 7. Components connected to this main controller 40E include, for example, a display unit 42E (such as an LED), a memory 44E, a clock signal generator 46E, an internal power supply generating circuit 48E, a module I / F 52E, a wireless amplifier (AMP) 120, a high-frequency antenna (for example, 2.4 GHz) 122, an NFC (Near Field Communication) 124, and an NFC antenna 126. The NFC 124 can be configured by a semiconductor chip or a card that houses the semiconductor chip.

[0077] The functions of the main controller 40E include at least display control for the display unit 42E, access control (read / write control, etc.) for the memory 44E, frequency control for the high frequency antenna 122 and the NFC antenna 126, and the like.

[0078] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, by connecting the connector 104A of this wireless antenna module 100 (100A) to the module connection connector 34A of the GW unit 20, it functions as a GW unit capable of wireless communication, i.e., a wireless GW unit 130, and becomes a wireless master on the network 14.

[0079] Similarly, as shown in Figures 1, 4B, and 5, by connecting the connector 104B of this wireless antenna module 100 (100B) to the module connection connector 34B of the IO unit 22, it functions as an IO unit capable of wireless communication, i.e., a wireless IO unit 132 (see Figure 5), and becomes a wireless slave on the network 14.

[0080] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, by connecting the connector 104A of this wireless antenna module 100 (100A) to the module connection connector 34C of the valve SI unit 24, it functions as a valve SI unit capable of wireless communication, i.e., a wireless valve SI unit 134, and becomes a wireless slave on the network 14.

[0081] Here, the configuration and various processing operations of the wireless antenna module 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0082] 9, the main controller 40E of the wireless antenna module 100 has an input / output unit 140, a calculation unit 142, and a storage unit 144. The calculation unit 142 includes a central processing unit (CPU), and operates by executing a program stored in the storage unit 144.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 10, the calculation unit 142 has an application processing unit 150, a master processing unit 152, a slave processing unit 154, a wireless protocol processing unit 156, a hopping timing generation unit 158, a transmission / reception data control unit 160, a hopping control unit 162, a wireless communication IC control unit 164, a module I / F protocol processing unit 166, a module I / F control unit 168, a display control unit 170, a memory control unit 172, an NFC processing unit 174, and an NFC control unit 176.

[0084] The module I / F control unit 168 mainly performs the following processes. The received data from the module I / F 52E (see FIG. 3) is output to the module I / F protocol processing unit 166. Transmission data from the module I / F protocol processing unit 166 is output to an external device (such as the GW unit 20) via the module I / F 52E.

[0085] The above-mentioned module I / F 52E wirelessly receives data from an external device (such as the GW unit 20) and transmits data from the module I / F control unit 168 to an external device (such as the GW unit 20). These operations are similar to those in the processing between the module I / F 52B in the IO unit 22 and between the module I / F 52C in the valve SI unit 24.

[0086] The module I / F protocol processing unit 166 demodulates (restores) input data in accordance with a preset communication protocol to generate received data. For example, it modulates transmission data from the application processing unit 150 or the like in accordance with a preset communication protocol to generate a transmission signal.

[0087] The memory control unit 172 writes data to the memory 44E connected to the outside or inside of the CPU in accordance with an instruction from the application processing unit 150. Also, the memory control unit 172 reads data from the memory 44E and outputs it to the application processing unit 150.

[0088] The display control unit 170 converts, for example, output data from the application processing unit 150 into a data format compatible with a display unit 42E connected to the outside of the CPU, and outputs the converted data to the display unit 42E.

[0089] The NFC control unit 176 receives near field wireless communication from the NFC reader / writer and outputs the received signal to the NFC processing unit 174. The NFC control unit 176 also transmits a transmission signal from the NFC processing unit 174 to the NFC reader / writer located in close proximity.

[0090] The NFC processing unit 174 demodulates (restores) a signal received from the NFC control unit 176 according to the NFC protocol to generate received data. For example, it modulates transmission data from the application processing unit 150 or the like according to the NFC protocol to generate a transmission signal for near field communication. That is, the NFC processing unit 174 can transmit and receive parameters of the wireless antenna module 100, download and upload data, and perform settings for wireless connection between an external reading and writing device such as a PC (personal computer) through an NFC reader / writer.

[0091] The application processing unit 150 mainly performs the following processes. Performs various processes according to the wireless antenna module 100. Various data from the module I / F protocol processing unit 166, the master processing unit 152, the slave processing unit 154, the module I / F protocol processing unit 166, the NFC processing unit 174, etc. are stored in the memory 44E via the memory control unit 172. The various data in the memory 44E are output to the module I / F protocol processing unit 166, the master processing unit 152, the slave processing unit 154, the module I / F protocol processing unit 166, the NFC processing unit 174, and the like. Various data are output to the display unit 42E via the display control unit 170. The master processing unit 152 mainly performs the following processes. The wireless antenna module 100 is activated by being connected to the GW unit 20. Generates the master side synchronization signal. Generates data to be sent to the slave device. The received data (decoded) from the slave device is output to the application processing unit 150.

[0092] The slave processing unit 154 mainly performs the following processes. The wireless antenna module 100 is started up by being connected to a slave device (IO unit, valve unit, etc.). Generates the slave side synchronization signal. Generates data to be sent to the master device. The received data (decoded) from the master device is output to the application processing unit 150.

[0093] The wireless protocol processing unit 156 mainly performs the following processes. Following instructions from the application processing unit 150, the synchronization signal for pairing is output to the hopping timing generation unit 158. The transmission data from the master processing unit 152 and the slave processing unit 154 is modulated in accordance with a preset communication protocol to generate transmission data, and is output to the transmission / reception data control unit 160. The input data from the transmission / reception data control unit 160 is demodulated (restored) in accordance with a preset communication protocol to generate reception data, and output the data to the master processing unit 152 and the slave processing unit 154.

[0094] Next, various processing operations of the wireless antenna module 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0095] First, a typical processing operation when the wireless antenna module 100 is connected to the GW unit 20 to serve as a wireless GW unit 130 (wireless master) will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Note that the following numbers (1), (2), etc. correspond to the numbers (1), (2), etc. of the information transmission path shown in Fig. 11. This also applies to Figs. 12 and 13 described later.

[0096] (1) The application processing unit 150 outputs an individual identification signal to the GW unit 20 via the module I / F protocol processing unit 166, the module I / F control unit 168, and the module I / F 52E (see FIG. 3).

[0097] (2) A master data map (PID (product ID) or DD file, etc.) from the GW unit 20 is input via the module I / F 52E, and the master data map is further stored in the memory 44E via the memory control unit 172.

[0098] (3) Hopping synchronization signal processing (wireless output) is performed through the master processing unit 152.

[0099] (4) An input signal received from a higher-level device (such as the PLC 12) is output to the wireless slave via the master processing unit 152.

[0100] (5) An input signal received by wireless signal from the wireless IO unit 132 (wireless slave) is stored in the memory 44E via the memory control unit 172.

[0101] Next, a processing operation in the case where the wireless antenna module 100 is connected to the IO unit 22 or the valve SI unit 24 to form a wireless IO unit 132 (wireless slave) or a wireless valve SI unit 134 (wireless slave) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0102] (1) The application processing unit 150 outputs an individual identification signal to the wireless GW unit 130 via the module I / F protocol processing unit 166, the module I / F control unit 168, and the module I / F 52E.

[0103] (2) A slave data map (PID or DD file, etc.) from the IO unit 22 or the valve SI unit 24 is input via the module I / F 52E, and the slave data map is further stored in the memory 44E via the memory control unit 172.

[0104] (3) The hopping synchronization signal processing is performed based on the hopping synchronization signal output from the wireless GW unit 130.

[0105] (4) An output signal received from the higher-level device (wireless GW unit 130) is stored in the memory 44E via the slave processing unit 154 and the memory control unit 172.

[0106] (5) An input signal from the sensor 68 or the valve manifold 82 is wirelessly transmitted to a higher-level device (wireless GW unit 130).

[0107] Next, a processing operation in the case where the wireless antenna module 100 is connected to a device 28 (see FIG. 1) such as a sensor or a solenoid valve to form a wireless device unit 136 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0108] (1) The application processing unit 150 outputs an individual identification signal to the device via the module I / F protocol processing unit 166, the module I / F control unit 168, and the module I / F 52E. Since the device 28 does not have information such as a PID or a DD file, it enters a no-response state.

[0109] (2) The hopping synchronization signal processing is performed based on the hopping synchronization signal output from the wireless GW unit 130.

[0110] (3) An output signal received from the higher-level device (wireless GW unit 130) is stored in the memory 44E via the slave processing unit 154 and the memory control unit 172.

[0111] (4) An input signal from the device 28 is wirelessly transmitted to a higher-level device (wireless GW unit 130).

[0112] Next, the cooperation process between the GW unit 20, the IO unit 22, and the valve SI unit 24 and the corresponding wireless antenna modules 100 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0113] First, the cooperation process with the wireless antenna module 100 until the GW unit 20, the IO unit 22 and the valve SI unit 24 can be set as the wireless GW unit 130 (wireless master), the wireless IO unit 132 (wireless slave) and the wireless valve SI unit 134 (wireless slave), respectively, will be described with reference to Figures 14 to 16.

[0114] In step S1 of FIG. 14, the GW unit 20 is started up by being connected to the power supply 56A (see FIG. 3).

[0115] In step S2, the wireless antenna module 100 is connected to the GW unit 20.

[0116] In step S3, as shown in FIG. 3, power supply is supplied from the internal power generation circuit 48A of the GW unit 20 to the wireless antenna module 100 via the module I / F 52A and the module I / F 52E, and in step S4, the wireless antenna module 100 starts up.

[0117] In step S5, the wireless antenna module 100 transmits an individual identification signal to the GW unit 20.

[0118] In step S6, the GW unit 20 transmits (returns) the master data map (PID or DD file, etc.) to the wireless antenna module 100.

[0119] In step S7, the wireless antenna module 100 recognizes that the connection destination is the GW unit 20 based on the received master data map.

[0120] In step S8, the wireless antenna module 100, together with the GW unit 20, can be set as the wireless GW unit 130 (wireless master).

[0121] Next, a process of linking with the wireless antenna module 100 until the IO unit 22 becomes configurable as a wireless slave will be described with reference to FIG.

[0122] In step S101 of FIG. 15, the IO unit 22 is started up by being connected to the power supply 56B (see FIG. 5).

[0123] In step S102, the wireless antenna module 100 is connected to the IO unit 22.

[0124] In step S103, as shown in FIG. 5, power is supplied from the internal power generation circuit 48B of the IO unit 22 to the wireless antenna module 100 via the module I / F 52B and the module I / F 52E, and in step S104, the wireless antenna module 100 starts up.

[0125] In step S 105 , the wireless antenna module 100 transmits an individual identification signal to the IO unit 22 .

[0126] In step S106, the IO unit 22 transmits (returns) the slave data map (PID or DD file, etc.) to the wireless antenna module 100.

[0127] In step S107, the wireless antenna module 100 recognizes that the connection destination is the IO unit 22 based on the received slave data map.

[0128] In step S108, the wireless antenna module 100, together with the IO unit 22, can be set as a wireless IO unit 132 (wireless slave).

[0129] Next, a process of linking with the wireless antenna module 100 until the valve SI unit 24 can be set as a wireless slave will be described with reference to FIG.

[0130] In step S201 of FIG. 16, the valve SI unit 24 is started up by connecting the power supply 56C.

[0131] In step S202, the wireless antenna module 100 is connected to the valve SI unit 24.

[0132] In step S203, power is supplied from the internal power generation circuit 48C of the valve SI unit 24 to the wireless antenna module 100 via the module I / F 52C and the module I / F 52E, and in step S204, the wireless antenna module 100 starts up.

[0133] In step S205, the wireless antenna module 100 transmits an individual identification signal to the valve SI unit 24.

[0134] In step S206, the valve SI unit 24 transmits (returns) the slave data map (such as a PID or DD file) to the wireless antenna module 100.

[0135] In step S207, the wireless antenna module 100 recognizes that the connection destination is the valve SI unit 24 based on the received slave data map.

[0136] In step S208, the wireless antenna module 100 together with the valve SI unit 24 can be configured as a wireless valve SI unit 134 (wireless slave).

[0137] Next, a synchronization process between the wireless antenna modules 100 in the wireless GW unit 130, the wireless IO unit 132, and the wireless valve SI unit 134 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0138] First, in steps S301 and S302 in FIG. 17, for example, pairing settings between the wireless antenna module 100 of the wireless GW unit 130 and the wireless antenna module 100 of the wireless IO unit 132 are performed.

[0139] In steps S303 and S304, for example, pairing settings between the wireless antenna module 100 of the wireless GW unit 130 and the wireless antenna module 100 of the wireless valve SI unit 134 are performed.

[0140] Thereafter, in step S305, the process waits for a synchronization signal from, for example, the wireless IO unit 132, and in step S306, the process waits for a synchronization signal from, for example, the wireless valve SI unit 134.

[0141] In step S307, the wireless antenna module 100 in the wireless GW unit 130 transmits a synchronization signal to the wireless antenna module 100 in the wireless IO unit 132 and the wireless antenna module 100 in the wireless valve SI unit 134.

[0142] In step S308, for example, the wireless antenna module 100 of the wireless IO unit 132 transmits an answer signal to the wireless antenna module 100 of the wireless GW unit 130, the answer signal indicating that the synchronization signal has been received.

[0143] Thereafter, the wireless antenna module 100 of the wireless GW unit 130 receives the answer signal from the wireless antenna module 100 of the wireless IO unit 132, for example, in step S309.

[0144] Also, in step S310, for example, the wireless antenna module 100 of the wireless valve SI unit 134 transmits to the wireless antenna module 100 of the wireless GW unit 130 an answer signal indicating that the synchronization signal has been received.

[0145] Thereafter, the wireless antenna module 100 of the wireless GW unit 130 receives the answer signal from the wireless antenna module 100 of the wireless valve SI unit 134, for example, in step S311.

[0146] From this stage, exchange of instruction data, detection data, correction data, etc. between the wireless GW unit 130, the wireless IO unit 132, and the wireless valve SI unit 134 starts by frequency hopping.

[0147] Next, a radio antenna module 100C according to a modified example will be described with reference to FIG.

[0148] For example, as shown in Fig. 18, the supply of power from the GW unit 20 to the wireless antenna module 100C may be performed wirelessly. In this case, the following configuration may be adopted.

[0149] A power output unit 180 that outputs the power supply power supplied from the internal power supply generation circuit 48A to the outside is installed in the GW unit 20. A power input unit 182 (wireless power supply unit) that receives the power supply power output from the GW unit 20, and a battery 184 that accumulates the power received by the power input unit 182 are installed in the wireless antenna module 100C. In addition, wiring is connected so that the power from the battery 184 is supplied to the internal power supply generation circuit 48E.

[0150] When an electromagnetic induction method using a coil is adopted as the wireless power supply method, for example, the power output unit 180 may be configured with a primary coil, and the power input unit 182 may be configured with a secondary coil.

[0151] Furthermore, if the wireless power supply method is a wireless power transmission technology that utilizes magnetic field resonance, the power output unit 180 may be configured with an LC resonator, and the power input unit 182 may be configured with a coil or the like that converts the electromagnetic energy generated by the power output unit 180 into electric power energy by electromagnetic induction.

[0152] This eliminates the need for a power line in the cable connected between the GW unit 20 and the wireless antenna module 100C, simplifying the wiring structure in the cable and reducing its weight. Moreover, it also increases the degree of freedom in the layout of the device in which the wireless antenna module 100 is mounted.

[0153] It goes without saying that the above-mentioned configuration can be similarly adopted in the wireless IO unit 132, the wireless valve SI unit 134, and the like.

[0154] Next, a configuration example in which the wireless antenna module 100 is connected to a device 28 such as a sensor or a solenoid valve (see FIGS. 1 and 19) to form a wireless device unit 136 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 19 to 26.

[0155] As shown in Figures 1 and 19, a wireless antenna module 100 is connected to each of various devices 28, and signals are exchanged wirelessly with a master device (GW unit 20) as a wireless device unit 136 without going through a slave device (input / output unit, etc.).

[0156] In this case, the wireless antenna module 100 may be provided with a mechanism 200 for attaching it to the various devices 28 (see FIGS. 20A and 20B).

[0157] 20A, for example, when the device 28 is a fluid device (hereinafter, referred to as a first fluid device 210A) in which a piston rod 204 moves inside a cylindrical cylinder 202, a band 212 is fixed in advance to the wireless antenna module 100 as the attachment mechanism 200. As the band 212, for example, a metal band made of stainless steel or the like can be used.

[0158] As also shown in FIG. 21, the wireless antenna module 100 has a module body 100a and a power supply case 216 that houses a power supply 214 (eg, a secondary battery or the like) that supplies power to the module body 100a.

[0159] The module body 100a includes a housing 102 (see FIG. 20A), a wireless antenna 122 provided in the housing 102, a controller 40E, an external connection connector, and the like. In the example of FIG. 20A, the module body 100a is attached to one end in the longitudinal direction of a power supply case 216 formed, for example, in a box shape. The band 212 is fixed, for example, to one surface of the power supply case 216. Of course, it may be fixed to multiple surfaces.

[0160] As shown in Fig. 21, the circuit configuration of the wireless antenna module 100 is almost the same as that of the wireless antenna module shown in Fig. 3 described above, but since the wireless antenna module 100 has its own power supply 214, no power supply line is connected between the wireless antenna module 100 and the device 28. As shown in Fig. 21, the device 28 has, for example, a device power supply 218, an internal power generation circuit 48D, a device main body 220 such as a sensor, and a module I / F 52D.

[0161] Since the wireless antenna module 100 is connected to the device body 220 of the device 28 through the module I / F 52D and the module I / F 52E, it is possible to store information from the device body, for example, about the position of a piston, in the memory 44E through the module I / F 52D and the module I / F 52E. In addition, the piston position stored in the memory 44E can be transmitted to the GW unit 20, which is a master device, through the main controller 40E and the high frequency antenna 122.

[0162] When attaching the wireless antenna module 100 to the first fluid device 210A, the power supply case 216 of the wireless antenna module 100 is placed on the cylinder 202 of the first fluid device 210A, and the band 212 is further wrapped and fixed around the cylinder 202. Examples of a method for fixing the band 212 include screwing the ends of the band 212 together.

[0163] 20B, when the device 28 is a fluid device such as a solenoid valve having a flat surface 230 (hereinafter referred to as the second fluid device 210B), a protrusion 232 with a screw hole formed in advance is provided on a side surface or the like of the wireless antenna module 100 as the attachment mechanism 200. When attaching the wireless antenna module 100 to the second fluid device 210B, the power supply case 216 of the wireless antenna module 100 is placed on or abutted against the flat surface 230 of the second fluid device 210B. Thereafter, a screw 234 is screwed through the screw hole of the protrusion 232 into the flat surface 230 of the second fluid device 210B to fix the wireless antenna module 100 to the second fluid device 210B.

[0164] In the example of Figure 21 described above, a power source 214 such as a secondary battery is housed in power source case 216 to supply power to module main body 100a. Alternatively, power may be supplied to module main body 100a wirelessly, as shown in Figure 22.

[0165] That is, a power output unit 180 that outputs the power supply power supplied from the internal power supply generation circuit 48D to the outside is provided in the device 28. A power input unit 182 (wireless power supply unit) that receives the power supply power output from the device 28, and a battery 184 that accumulates the power received by the power input unit 182 are provided in the wireless antenna module 100. In addition, wiring is connected so that power from the battery 184 is supplied to the internal power supply generation circuit 48E.

[0166] In this case as well, when an electromagnetic induction method using a coil is adopted as the wireless power supply method, the power output unit 180 may be configured with a primary coil, and the power input unit 182 may be configured with a secondary coil.

[0167] Furthermore, if the wireless power supply method is a wireless power transmission technology that utilizes magnetic field resonance, the power output unit 180 may be configured with an LC resonator, and the power input unit 182 may be configured with a coil or the like that converts the electromagnetic energy generated by the power output unit 180 into electric power energy by electromagnetic induction.

[0168] This eliminates the need for a power line in the cable connected between the device 28 and the wireless antenna module 100, simplifying the wiring structure within the cable and reducing its weight, while also increasing the freedom of layout of the device 28 equipped with the wireless antenna module 100.

[0169] In the above example, a wireless antenna module 100 having one module main body 100a is fixed to one device 28, but a wireless antenna module 100 having a plurality of module main bodies may be fixed to one device 28. Representative examples thereof will be described with reference to Figs. 23A to 26.

[0170] First, as shown in Fig. 23A and Fig. 23B, the device 28 may be a fluid device (a third fluid device 210C and a fourth fluid device 210D) in which a piston rod 204 (see Fig. 25) moves in a cylindrical cylinder 202, and a device body (a first device body 220a and a second device body 220b) is installed near the longitudinal end of the cylinder 202. As shown in Fig. 24 and Fig. 25, the first device body 220a may be a first sensor 250a and a first solenoid 252a, and the second device body 220b may be a second sensor 250b and a second solenoid 252b. The first sensor 250a and the second sensor 250b may be, for example, an auto switch or a magnet sensing switch as a cylinder sensor.

[0171] For the third fluid device 210C and the fourth fluid device 210D, two module bodies (the first module body 100a and the second module body 100b) are installed corresponding to the first device body 220a and the second device body 220b, for example, in the longitudinal center of the cylinder 202. Also, one power supply case 216 shared by the two module bodies 100a and 100b is installed, for example, in the longitudinal center of the cylinder 202.

[0172] 23A and 23B, the first module body 100a is installed closer to the first device body 220a in the power supply case 216 in an upright state relative to the power supply case 216, and the second module body 100b is installed closer to the second device body 220b in an almost upright state relative to the power supply case 216. Of course, the first module body 100a and the second module body 100b do not necessarily have to be installed in an upright state, and may be installed in a horizontal state or in an inclined state.

[0173] When attaching the wireless antenna module 100 to, for example, the third fluid device 210C, as shown in Fig. 23A, the common power supply case 216 is placed on the cylinder 202 of the third fluid device 210C, and then each of the projections 236 provided at both longitudinal ends of the power supply case 216 and the cylinder 202 are wrapped and fixed with a band 238. As a method for fixing the band 238, for example, the ends of the band 238 may be screwed together.

[0174] On the other hand, when attaching the wireless antenna module 100 to, for example, the fourth fluid device 210D, for example, as shown in Figure 23B, the plate-shaped fixing portions 240 protruding laterally from both sides of the power supply case 216 can be screwed to the top surface of the fourth fluid device 210D.

[0175] The third fluid device 210C and the fourth fluid device 210D each have an actuator 242 such as a fluid pressure cylinder, and a directional control valve 244 that switches the direction of the pressure fluid supplied to or discharged from the actuator 242, as shown in FIG.

[0176] Then, by electrically connecting the first device body 220a and the first module body 100a, a detection signal from the first sensor 250a is supplied to the first module body 100a, and a control signal from the first module body 100a is supplied to the first solenoid 252a. Similarly, by electrically connecting the second device body 220b and the second module body 100b, a detection signal from the second sensor 250b is supplied to the second module body 100b, and a control signal from the second module body 100b is supplied to the second solenoid 252b.

[0177] The wireless antenna module 100 wirelessly transmits detection signals from the first device body 220a and the second device body 220b to the master M (the GW unit 20: see Figs. 1 and 19). The transmission signals are transmitted to the PLC 12 (see Figs. 1 and 19). The wireless antenna module 100 also receives an instruction signal wirelessly transmitted from the PLC 12 via the master M. Based on the received instruction signal, the wireless antenna module 100 excites the first solenoid 244a or the second solenoid 244b to move the directional control valve 244 in the first direction or the second direction, thereby driving and controlling the actuator 242.

[0178] In the above example, a secondary battery is used to supply power to the wireless antenna module 100. However, as shown in FIG. 26, a wireless power supply method using the above-mentioned power output unit 180, power input unit 182 (wireless power supply unit), and battery 184 may also be adopted.

[0179] [Invention Obtained from the Embodiments] The invention that can be understood from the above-mentioned embodiment will be described below. When referring to the housing 102A of the first form and the housing 102B of the second form collectively, they will be simply referred to as "housing 102". Similarly, when referring to the connector 104A of the first form and the connector 104B of the second form collectively, they will be simply referred to as "connector 104".

[0180] [1] The wireless antenna module 100 of this embodiment has a housing 102, at least a wireless antenna 122 provided in the housing 102, a controller 40E, and an external connection connector 104, and the controller 40E has a calculation unit 142 that exchanges information with other devices connected at least through the external connection connector 104.

[0181] By having the wireless antenna 122, for example by connecting to other devices on the network 14, the wireless device functions as a wireless device (wireless GW unit 130, wireless IO unit 132, etc.) together with other devices (GW unit 20, IO unit 22, etc.).

[0182] Moreover, the wireless antenna module 100 also functions as a wireless device capable of independently outputting a voltage via the external connection connector 104 .

[0183] By itself, it is possible to transmit and receive diagnostic information (such as limit input signals, control input / output signals, and pulse output signals) from other devices (such as the GW unit 20 and the IO unit 22) and diagnostic information about the wireless antenna module 100. In addition, it can also function as a wireless device capable of monitoring the wireless communication state, for example, in real time, by itself.

[0184] As a result, for example in an FA environment, wireless communication between various devices can be easily achieved, reducing the number of cables and improving productivity.

[0185] [2] In this embodiment, the device is started up when another device is connected and supplied with power, outputs a confirmation signal (such as an individual identification signal) to the other connected devices, and functions as a master device or slave device on network 14 together with the other devices based on information output from the other devices in response to the input of the confirmation signal.

[0186] In other words, by connecting the wireless antenna module 100 to a master device, it can function as a master device (wireless master device) capable of wireless communication, and similarly, by connecting the wireless antenna module 100 to a slave device, it can function as a slave device (wireless slave device) capable of wireless communication.

[0187] [3] In this embodiment, the other device may be a gateway unit (GW unit 20) on the network 14. By connecting to the GW unit 20 on the network 14, a master-side wireless device (wireless master device) can be configured together with the GW unit 20.

[0188] [4] In this embodiment, the other device may be an input / output unit (IO unit 22) on the network 14. By connecting to the IO unit 22 on the network 14, a slave side wireless device (wireless IO unit 132) can be configured together with the IO unit 22.

[0189] [5] In this embodiment, the other device may be an equipment unit (e.g., valve SI unit 24) on the network 14. By connecting to the equipment unit 24 on the network 14, it is possible to configure a slave-side wireless device (wireless valve SI unit 134) together with the equipment unit 24.

[0190] [6] In this embodiment, the wireless antenna module 100 further includes an NFC 124. This allows the wireless antenna module 100 to access devices (such as the sensor 68 and the valve manifold 82) by itself.

[0191] As a result, the following effects are achieved. Direct communication with various sensors 68 is possible via an NFC reader / writer. - It is possible to set the modes and parameters of other devices without contact.

[0192] [7] In this embodiment, the wireless antenna module 100 further includes a display unit 42E. This allows the wireless antenna module 100 to monitor input signals to devices (such as the sensor 68 and the valve manifold 82) by itself. Of course, the wireless antenna module 100 can monitor output voltages and input voltages by itself. Furthermore, the input signal to the sensor 68, the detection results of the sensor 68, and the like can be monitored through the display unit 42E. The display unit 42E can be configured with an LED or the like provided in the housing 102.

[0193] [8] This embodiment further includes a memory 44E, which allows error logging of other installed wireless devices.

[0194] [9] In this embodiment, the wireless power supply unit (power input unit 182) and the battery 184 are provided. This eliminates the need for a power line in the cable connected between another device and the wireless antenna module 100, making it possible to simplify the wiring structure in the cable, reduce weight, and increase the degree of freedom in the layout of the device in which the wireless antenna module 100 is mounted.

[0195]

[10] In this embodiment, the controller 40E has a hopping timing generation unit 158. This makes it possible to automatically change the transmission timing when clear channel assessment (CCA) is activated.

[0196]

[11] In this embodiment, the unit is started up when another device (such as the GW unit 20 or the IO unit 22) is connected and power is supplied to it, and outputs a confirmation signal (individual identification signal) to the other connected device. Based on information output from the other device in response to the input of the confirmation signal, the other device functions as a master device or a slave device.

[0197] Thereby, by connecting the wireless antenna module 100 to a master device (GW unit 20), it can function as a master device (e.g., wireless GW unit 130) capable of wireless communication. Similarly, by connecting the wireless antenna module 100 to a slave device (IO unit 22, etc.), it can function as a slave device (e.g., wireless IO unit 132, etc.) capable of wireless communication.

[0198]

[12] In this embodiment, when another device functions as a master device or a slave device, pairing with another external device is performed to perform wireless communication between the devices.

[0199] That is, for example, when the GW unit 20 functions as the wireless GW unit 130 and the IO unit 22 functions as the wireless IO unit 132, the wireless GW unit 130 pairs with the wireless IO unit 132, thereby enabling wireless communication between the wireless GW unit 130 and the wireless IO unit 132. Of course, wireless communication between the wireless GW unit 130 and the wireless valve SI unit 134 is also possible.

[0200]

[13] In a wireless system 10 according to the present embodiment, the wireless system 10 has a plurality of networks 14 connected to a PLC 12, and each network 14 has at least one master device (GW unit 20) connected to the PLC 12 and at least one slave device (IO unit 22, valve SI unit 24, etc.) connected to the master device, and each of the master device and the slave device is connected to a wireless antenna module 100. Here, the wireless antenna module 100 has a housing 102, at least a wireless antenna 122 provided in the housing 102, a controller 40E, and an external connection connector 104, and the controller 40E has a calculation unit 142 that exchanges information with the master device or the slave device connected through at least the external connection connector 104.

[0201] This allows at least the exchange of information between the master device and the slave device to be carried out wirelessly. As a result, for example in an FA environment, wireless communication between various devices can be easily achieved, reducing the number of cables and improving productivity.

[0202]

[14] The wireless antenna module 100 of this embodiment includes a power supply case 216 that houses a power supply 214, at least one module body 100a connected to the power supply 214 and having a housing 102, at least a wireless antenna 122 provided in the housing 102, and a controller 40E having a calculation unit 142 that exchanges information with at least other devices, and an attachment mechanism 200 for attaching the module body 100a to an apparatus 28.

[0203] This allows the module body 100a of the wireless antenna module 100 to be attached to the device 28 via the attachment mechanism 200 together with the power source 214. As a result, an output signal from the device 28 can be output as a wireless signal, for example, onto the network 14, via the wireless antenna module 100. Also, for example, a control signal for controlling the device 28 can be received by the module body 100a from the master M on the network 14 and output to the device 28, thereby controlling the device 28.

[0204] That is, it is possible to realize wireless transmission of signals between, for example, the master M and the device 28 on the network 14. As a result, it is possible to omit the input / output unit that was connected between the device 28 and the master M. This leads to a reduction in the number of input / output units connected to the network 14, and depending on the network configuration, it is also possible to increase the communication speed.

[0205]

[15] In this embodiment, the module includes a power supply case 216 that houses a battery 184, at least one module body 100a connected to the battery 184 and having a housing 102, at least a wireless antenna 122 provided in the housing 102, and a controller 40E having a calculation unit 142 that exchanges information with at least other devices, a wireless power supply unit 186 that supplies power from a device 28 to the battery 184, and an attachment mechanism 200 for attaching the module body 100a to the device 28.

[0206] This allows the module body 100a of the wireless antenna module 100 to be attached to the device 28 via the attachment mechanism 200 together with the battery 184 and the wireless power supply unit 186. As a result, an output signal from the device 28 can be output as a wireless signal, for example, onto the network 14, via the wireless antenna module 100. Also, for example, a control signal for controlling the device 28 can be received by the module body 100a from the master M on the network 14 and output to the device 28, thereby controlling the device 28.

[0207] That is, it is possible to realize wireless communication of signals between, for example, the master M and the device 28 on the network 14.

[0208]

[16] In this embodiment, the attachment mechanism 200 for the device 28 has a band 212 that fastens a part of the power supply case 216 and a part of the device 28, and the band 212 is fixed to the part of the power supply case 216. Because the band 212 as the attachment mechanism 200 is fixed to the part of the power supply case 216, the wireless antenna module 100 can be easily attached to the device 28 using the band 212.

[0209]

[17] In this embodiment, the attachment mechanism 200 for the device 28 has a fastener 234 having a spiral groove that fastens a part of the power supply case 216 to the device 28, and the fastener 234 is screwed into the device 28 through a through hole formed in a protrusion 232 provided on the part of the power supply case 216. By screwing the fastener 234 such as a screw into the device 28 through the through hole formed in the protrusion 232 provided on the part of the power supply case 216, the wireless antenna module 100 can be easily attached to the device 28.

[0210]

[18] In this embodiment, device 28 has at least one device body 220 which is responsible for inputting and outputting signals to device 28, and a device power supply 218 which supplies power to device body 220, and module body 100a and device body 220a are electrically connected.

[0211] This allows an output signal from the device 28 to be output as a wireless signal, for example, onto the network 14, via the wireless antenna module 100. Also, a control signal for controlling the device 28, for example, from the master M on the network 14 can be received by the module body 100a and output to the device 28, thereby controlling the device 28. In other words, it is possible to realize wireless transmission of signals between, for example, the master M and the device 28 on the network 14.

[0212]

[19] In this embodiment, the module has a first module body 100a and a second module body 100b connected to a power source 214 or a battery 184 housed in a power source case 216, and the first module body 100a and the second module body 100b are installed in the power source case 216.

[0213] By installing the first module body 100a and the second module body 100b in the power supply case 216, the wiring for supplying power from the power source 214 or the battery 184 to the first module body 100a and the second module body 100b can be shortened, and the wireless antenna module 100 can be made more compact.

[0214]

[20] In this embodiment, the power supply case 216 is fixed onto the device 28 by the mounting mechanism 200, and the protrusions 236 provided at both longitudinal ends of the power supply case 216 are fixed to the device 28. This allows the wireless antenna module 100 to be stably fixed to the device 28 using the power supply case 216.

[0215]

[21] In this embodiment, the device 28 has a first module body 100a and a second module body 100b connected to a power source 214 or a battery 184 housed in a power source case 216, and the device 28 has a first device body 220a and a second device body 220b, the first device body 220a has a first sensor 250a and a first solenoid 252a, and the second device body 220b has a second sensor 250b and a second solenoid 252b, the first module body 100a and the first device body 220a are electrically connected, and the second module body 100b and the second device body 220b are electrically connected.

[0216] This allows output signals from the first sensor 250a and the second sensor 250b to be output as wireless signals, for example, onto the network 14, via the wireless antenna module 100. Also, control signals for controlling, for example, the first solenoid 252a and the second solenoid 252b from the master M on the network 14 can be received by the first module body 100a and the second module body 100b and output to the device 28, thereby controlling the device 28.

[0217] That is, it is possible to realize wireless transmission of signals between, for example, the master M and the device 28 on the network 14. As a result, it is possible to omit the input / output unit that was connected between the device 28 and the master M. This leads to a reduction in the number of input / output units connected to the network 14, and depending on the network configuration, it is also possible to increase the communication speed.

[0218]

[22] The wireless system 10 of this embodiment is a wireless system having a plurality of networks 14 connected to a PLC 12, each network 14 having at least one other device (device 28) connected to the PLC 12, and the device 28 having a wireless antenna module 100 connected to the wireless antenna module 100, the wireless antenna module 100 having a power supply case 216 accommodating a power supply 214, at least one module body 100a connected to the power supply 214 and having a housing 102, at least a wireless antenna 122 provided in the housing 102, and a controller 40E having a calculation unit 142 that exchanges information with at least the device 28, and an attachment mechanism 200 for attaching the module body 100a to the device 28.

[0219] This makes it possible to realize wireless transmission of signals between, for example, the master M and the device 28 on the network 14. As a result, it is possible to omit the input / output unit that was connected between the master M and the device 28. This leads to a reduction in the number of input / output units connected to the network 14, and depending on the network configuration, it may be possible to increase the communication speed.

[0220]

[23] In the wireless system 10 according to this embodiment, a plurality of networks 14 are connected to a PLC 12, each of which has at least one other device (device 28) connected to the PLC 12. The device 28 is connected to a wireless antenna module 100, which has a power supply case 216 housing a battery 184, at least one module body 100a connected to the battery 184 and having a housing 102, at least a wireless antenna 122 provided in the housing 102, and a controller 40E having a processing unit 142 for exchanging information with at least the device 28, a wireless power supply unit 186 for supplying power from the device 28 to the battery 184, and an attachment mechanism 200 for attaching the module body 100a to the device 28.

[0221] This makes it possible to realize wireless transmission of signals between, for example, the master M and the device 28 on the network 14. As a result, it is possible to omit the input / output unit connected between the master M and the device 28. This leads to a reduction in the number of input / output units connected to the network 14, and depending on the network configuration, it is also possible to increase the communication speed. Furthermore, the wireless power supply unit 186 makes it unnecessary to have a power line connected between the device 28 and the wireless antenna module 100, which makes it possible to simplify and reduce the weight of the wiring structure and also increases the degree of freedom in the layout of the device in which the wireless antenna module 100 is mounted.

[0222] The wireless antenna module and wireless system according to the present invention are not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may of course be configured in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0223] 10...Wireless system 12...PLC (computer) 14…Network 28…Equipment 40...Controller 100...Wireless antenna module 102... Housing 104... Connector 122...antenna 142...calculation unit 184... battery 186... wireless power supply unit 200...Attachment mechanism 212...Band 214…Power supply 216…Power supply case 218…Device power supply 220…Device body 232 ... projection 234 ... fastener 236…Protrusion

Claims

1. A power supply case (216) containing a power supply (214); At least one module body (100a) connected to the power source (214) and having a housing (102), at least a wireless antenna (122) provided in the housing (102), and a controller (40E) having a calculation unit (142) that exchanges information with a device body (220) including at least sensors (220, 250a, 250b); and an attachment mechanism (200) for attaching the module body (100a) to an equipment (28) having the equipment body (220), The device (28) has a device main body (220) that handles input and output of signals to and from the device (28) and a device power source (218) that supplies power to the device main body (220); The wireless antenna module (100) is electrically connected to the module body (100a) and the device body (220).

2. a power supply case (216) containing a battery (184); At least one module body (100a) connected to the battery (184) and having a housing (102), at least a wireless antenna (122) provided in the housing (102), and a controller (40E) having a calculation unit (142) that exchanges information between the housing (102), and a device body (220, 250a, 250b) including at least a sensor; a wireless power supply unit (186) that supplies power from the device (28) to the battery (184); A wireless antenna module (100) having a mounting mechanism (200) for mounting the module body (100a) to the device (28) having the device body (220).

3. A radio antenna module (100) according to claim 2, The device (28) has a device main body (220) that handles input and output of signals to and from the device (28) and a device power source (218) that supplies power to the device main body (220); The wireless antenna module (100) is electrically connected to the module body (100a) and the device body (220).

4. A radio antenna module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The attachment mechanism (200) for the device (28) includes a band (212) that fastens a portion of the power supply case (216) and a portion of the device (28); The band (212) is fixed to a portion of the power supply case (216), the wireless antenna module (100).

5. A radio antenna module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the attachment mechanism (200) to the device (28) includes a fastener (234) having a spiral groove that fastens a portion of the power supply case (216) to the device (28); The fastener (234) is screwed into the device (28) through a through hole formed in a protrusion (232) provided on a portion of the power supply case (216).

6. A radio antenna module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The power supply case (216) includes a first module body (100a) and a second module body (100b) connected to a power source (214) or a battery (184) housed therein, The first module body (100a) and the second module body (100b) are installed in the power supply case (216), forming a wireless antenna module (100).

7. 7. A radio antenna module (100) according to claim 6, comprising: the power supply case (216) is secured onto the equipment (28) by the mounting mechanism (200); The radio antenna module (100) has projections (236) provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the power supply case (216) and the device (28) fixed thereto.

8. A radio antenna module (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The power supply case (216) includes a first module body (100a) and a second module body (100b) connected to a power source (214) or a battery (184) housed therein, The device (28) has a first device body (220a) and a second device body (220b); The first device body (220a) has a first sensor (250a) and a first solenoid (252a), The second device body (220b) has a second sensor (250b) and a second solenoid (252b), The first module body (100a) and the first device body (220a) are electrically connected to each other, The second module body (100b) and the second device body (220b) are electrically connected to each other.

9. In a wireless system (10) having a plurality of networks (14) connected to a computer (12), Each of said networks (14) At least one other device connected to the computer (12); The other device includes a device (28) to which a wireless antenna module (100) is connected, The wireless antenna module (100) comprises: A power supply case (216) containing a power supply (214); At least one module body (100a) connected to the power source (214) and having a housing (102), at least a wireless antenna (122) provided in the housing (102), and a controller (40E) having a calculation unit (142) that exchanges information with a device body (220) including at least sensors (220, 250a, 250b); and an attachment mechanism (200) for attaching the module body (100a) to the device (28) having the device body (220).

10. In a wireless system (10) having a plurality of networks (14) connected to a computer (12), Each of said networks (14) At least one other device connected to the computer (12); The other device includes a device (28) to which a wireless antenna module (100) is connected, The wireless antenna module (100) comprises: a power supply case (216) containing a battery (184); At least one module body (100a) connected to the battery (184) and having a housing (102), at least a wireless antenna (122) provided in the housing (102), and a controller (40E) having a calculation unit (142) that exchanges information between the housing (102), and a device body (220, 250a, 250b) including at least a sensor; a wireless power supply unit (186) that supplies power from the device (28) having the device body (220) to the battery (184); and an attachment mechanism (200) for attaching the module body (100a) to the device (28).

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