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-powered sensor (transmitter) and a receiver that acquires the measurements sensed by the sensor and obtains power from the machine tool.

[0003] The battery in the sensor needs to be replaced, and its lifespan varies greatly depending on the frequency of use and the environment in which it is used, making it difficult to set a target replacement time.

[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 disclosed 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, resulting in reduced productivity.

[0007] Furthermore, battery replacement is often performed inside the machine tool, and if cutting fluid or chips get into the sensor during this process, it can cause the sensor to malfunction, requiring replacement, which can take time before production can be resumed.

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

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a measurement system that can easily 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 electric 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 the operation of the electronic device. [Effects 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 explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1A] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1B] 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 1C]1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a time division manner when switching between communication and power supply in the control system according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5A] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5B] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the operation of a control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[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 that they can communicate with each other. In Fig. 1A, only one electronic device 30 is installed inside 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 spindle and a feed axis attached to the motor, and jigs and tools corresponding to each of these axes. 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, and other machining processes such as grinding, polishing, rolling, or forging may be performed in addition to cutting. Furthermore, the machining may involve machining of a workpiece, but may also involve no machining of a workpiece.

[0018] The present embodiment is not limited to machine tools, but can be widely applied to industrial machinery in general. Industrial machinery includes various types of machinery such as machine tools, machining centers, industrial robots, and service robots. The industrial machinery does not need to be specific to the present embodiment, and can be realized by general industrial machinery.

[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 can acquire ON-OFF signals and measurement values ​​from the electronic device 30 described below via the receiver 40 described below, and perform numerical control using the acquired ON-OFF signals and measurement values.

[0021] The numerical control device 20 also sends a control signal to the 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 near 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 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 acquires 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 also wirelessly supplies power to the electronic device 30. Note that if the electronic device 30 is, for example, a tool length setter, the receiver 40 acquires a measured value from the electronic device 30 and also wirelessly supplies power to the electronic device 30.

[0027] 1A, the receiver 40 includes a power feeding antenna 41, a second communication antenna 42, and a power transmitting unit 43. As will be described in detail later, the power feeding 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] Power transmitting unit 43 is a unit that transmits power to power feeding antenna 41. Note that, although power transmitting unit 43 is installed outside the housing of receiver 40 in FIG. 1A , this is not limiting, and power transmitting unit 43 may be installed inside the housing of receiver 40, so that the two are integrated. Furthermore, when power transmitting unit 43 is installed outside the housing of receiver 40, it may be installed inside machine tool 10 or outside 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 supply 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] 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, a 920 MHz band, a 2.4 GHz band, or a 5.7 GHz band. 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 that checks whether another radio station is using the radio channel (own channel) from which the radio station is about to start transmitting radio waves before starting radio wave transmission, and if another radio station is using the own channel, does not transmit on the same frequency to avoid interference.

[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, power supply antenna 41 and second communication antenna 42 of receiver 40 are provided inside the housing of machine tool 10, while a main body having control functions of receiver 40 (power supply control unit 44, second communication unit 45, and operation control unit 46, which will be described later) and power transmission unit 43 are provided outside the housing of machine tool 10. More specifically, for example, a hole is provided in the housing of machine tool 10, and power supply antenna 41 and second communication antenna 42 are connected to power transmission unit 43 by cables that transmit and receive signals and pass through the hole.

[0034] If the entire receiver 40 were installed outside the housing of the machine tool 10, radio waves transmitted and received between the receiver 40 and the electronic device 30 would be 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 degree of freedom in installation location is increased.

[0035] Furthermore, the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 are covered with a resin case (cover), which 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 antenna, the power transmission efficiency and communication efficiency are improved.

[0037] As mentioned above, Figure 1A shows an example in which 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 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 of other embodiments. As shown in Fig. 1B, only the power feeding 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 that integrates the power feeding antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 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 feeding 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 feeding 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-shared manner between the time period for transmitting radio waves for wireless power feeding and the time period for transmitting and receiving radio waves for communication.

[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] 2 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the electronic device 30. As shown in FIG. 2, the electronic device 30 includes the above-mentioned power receiving antenna 31 and first communication antenna 32, as well as a battery 33, a conversion unit 34, a charging unit 35, a remaining power detection unit 36, and a first communication unit 37.

[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 the 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 the radio waves into a direct current circuit, but is not limited to this.

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

[0049] The remaining charge detecting unit 36 ​​detects the remaining charge of the battery 33. For example, the remaining charge detecting 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 every moment from the capacity of the battery 33.

[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 ON-OFF signals and the remaining charge of the battery 33 to the receiver 40, and also obtaining control signals for the electronic device 30 from the receiver 40.

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

[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 feeding control unit 44, a second communication unit 45, and an operation control unit 46 in addition to the above-mentioned power feeding antenna 41, second communication antenna 42, and power transmitting 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. In this case, the power supply control unit 44 may control the above conditions based on information about the electronic device 30 included in communication by the second communication unit 45 (described later). Alternatively, the power supply control unit 44 may control the above conditions based on preset control content. This "control content" may be, for example, power supply outside the operating hours of the electronic device 30 or power supply by selecting a frequency different from the communication frequency of the electronic device 30. Furthermore, the power supply control unit 44 controls the transmission of 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 sends 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 feeding antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 are separate from the main body (that is, the power feeding control unit 44, the second communication unit 45, and the operation control unit 46).

[0057] [2. Operation of the embodiment] Hereinafter, the operation 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 the 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 only the amount of power used by transmitting radio waves using the power supply antenna 41 in accordance with 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 the same 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] 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 the free 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 the time tc for performing communication and the time tp for performing power supply are 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 measurement 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 such that charging of the battery 33 is performed while the electronic device 30 is in standby and charging of the battery 33 is stopped 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 in which the numerical control device 20 moves the position of the electronic device 30 within the machine tool 10 to an area with high charging efficiency. As shown in Fig. 5A, by transmitting a position control signal from the numerical control device 20 to the machine tool 10, the electronic device 30 moves to an area with high charging efficiency within the machine tool 10. Note that, although the example shown in Fig. 5A shows an example in which the electronic device 30 is moved so as to approach the power feeding antenna 41, the present invention is not limited to this, and the electronic device 30 may be moved to any area with high charging efficiency.

[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 to move the position of the power supply antenna 41 within 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, causing the power supply antenna 41 to move to an area with high power supply efficiency within the machine tool 10. Note that, although the example shown in Fig. 5B illustrates an example in which the power supply antenna 41 is moved so as to approach the electronic device 30, 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 power 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 power receiving antenna 31 into electric power, and a charging unit 35 that charges the battery 33 with the electric power converted by the conversion unit 34, and a power supply control unit 44 that controls the conditions for transmitting power to the power 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 may further include a remaining charge detection unit 36 ​​that detects the remaining charge of the battery 33, the first communication unit 37 may send the remaining charge detected by the remaining charge detection unit 36 ​​to the receiver 40, the second communication unit 45 may acquire 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 allows power to be supplied according to the remaining capacity 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, may control the power supply control unit 44 to send out 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] Furthermore, the control systems 1 to 1B according to this embodiment are control systems that include 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 allows power to be supplied 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 timing of charging 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 where charging efficiency is high.

[0088] This enables control that improves the charging efficiency of 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 that improves 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 inside 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 radio waves transmitted and received between the receiver 40 and the electronic device 30 are blocked by the housing of the machine tool 10, resulting in a decrease in power supply efficiency. Furthermore, by separating the power supply antenna 41 and the second communication antenna 42 from the receiver 40 main body, the degree of freedom in 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 within the scope that does not deviate 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 into 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 second operation example described above, 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 the free time after each communication is completed, but this is not limiting. For example, if communication is successful, power supply by the power supply control unit 44 may be performed in the free time, while 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 the frequency at which radio waves are most easily received varies depending on the environment. By using the frequency switching means, the receiver 40 can switch to another frequency when power transmission at a certain frequency fails, thereby enabling smooth power supply. Furthermore, by using the frequency switching means, the receiver 40 can select and supply power at the frequency with the highest power supply efficiency.

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

[0099] The program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs. The program may also be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer-readable medium can supply the program to a computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire or 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 unit 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 unit 45 Second Communications Department 46 Motion control section

Claims

1. A receiver provided in a machine tool that is numerically controlled by a numerical control device, for supplying power to a sensor used in the numerical control, comprising: The receiver is a power supply control unit; a power supply antenna that transmits radio waves for transmitting power to the sensor; a communication antenna for transmitting and receiving radio waves for communicating with the sensor; a communication unit that communicates with the sensor by radio waves transmitted and received by the communication antenna, The receiver is configured to acquire signals or measurement values ​​of the sensors for the numerical control via the communication antenna and the communication unit, and to send the acquired signals or measurement values ​​to the numerical control device.

2. A receiver as described in claim 1, wherein the power supply control unit controls the conditions for transmitting the power so as not to affect the operation of the sensor.

3. The receiver according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply control unit controls the conditions for transmitting the power based on information about the sensor included in the communication by the communication unit.

4. The sensor includes a battery for driving the sensor; the sensor further includes a remaining charge detection unit that detects a remaining charge of the battery, the communication unit acquires the remaining amount detected by the remaining amount detection unit from the sensor; The receiver according to claim 3 , 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 communication unit.

5. The receiver according to claim 1 , further comprising an operation control unit that controls timing of the communication by the communication unit and the power supply by the power supply control unit.

6. 6. The receiver according to claim 5, wherein the operation control unit causes the 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 spare time until the next communication.

7. A control system comprising: the receiver according to any one of claims 1 to 6; the sensor; the machine tool; and the numerical control device.

8. The control system according to claim 7 , wherein the control information generated by the numerical control device includes a charging timing for a battery included in the sensor.

9. 9. The control system according to claim 7, wherein the control information generated by the numerical control device includes an instruction to move the sensor to an area where charging efficiency is high.

10. 10. The control system according to claim 7, wherein the control information generated by the numerical control device includes an instruction to move the power feeding antenna to an area where power feeding efficiency is high.

11. The power feeding antenna and the communication antenna are separate from the power feeding control unit and the communication unit, At least the feeding antenna is provided inside a housing of the machine tool, The control system according to claim 7 , wherein at least the power supply control unit and the communication unit are provided outside a housing of the machine tool.

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