Optical power supply system and light projection module

Abstract

This optical power supply system comprises: a light projection module that emits light; and a light reception module that is disposed at an interval from the light projection module and that receives the light emitted from the light projection module. The light projection module includes: a first emission unit that emits power supply light; a second emission unit that emits detection light for detecting a light reception state in the light reception module; and a multiplexing unit that multiplexes the power supply light and the detection light. The light reception module includes: a detection unit that detects a surrounding state; and a first light reception unit that receives the power supply light emitted from the light projection module. The power supply light received by the first light reception unit is converted into power and used to operate the detection unit.

Description

Optical power supply system and light-emitting module

[0001] This disclosure relates to an optical power supply system and a light projection module. This application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-148305, filed on September 13, 2023, and incorporates by reference all of the contents of that application.

[0002] Techniques relating to an optical transmitting / receiving module including a light emitting element that emits laser light and a light receiving element that receives the laser light have been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). Also, techniques relating to a distance measuring device that measures distance using modulated light have been disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

[0003] JP-A-9-191125 JP-A-9-251119 JP-A-2022-158571

[0004] An optical power supply system according to the present disclosure includes a light-projecting module that emits light and a light-receiving module that is spaced apart from the light-projecting module and receives the light emitted from the light-projecting module. The light-projecting module includes a first light-emitting unit that emits power supply light, a second light-emitting unit that emits detection light that detects the light reception status of the light-receiving module, and a multiplexing unit that multiplexes the power supply light and the detection light. The light-receiving module includes a detection unit that detects the surrounding conditions and a first light-receiving unit that receives the power supply light emitted from the light-projecting module. The power supply light received by the first light-receiving unit is converted into electricity and used to operate the detection unit.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an overview of an optical power supply system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a detection unit included in a light-receiving module. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the detection unit illustrated in FIG. 2 with a portion of an upper cover removed. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a first light-receiving unit included in a light-receiving module. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the first light-receiving unit illustrated in FIG. 4 with a cover removed. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view illustrating the appearance of a portion of a light-projecting module. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a portion of the light-projecting module illustrated in FIG. 6 with a cap removed. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the light-projecting module illustrated in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a light-projecting module including a drive unit. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a light-projecting module including a drive unit. FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view of the light-projecting module illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a portion of a light-projecting module included in an optical power supply system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view illustrating a portion of the light-projecting module illustrated in FIG. 12. Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a portion of a light projection module included in an optical power supply system according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a schematic plan view illustrating a portion of the light projection module illustrated in Fig. 14 .

[0006] [Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure] In an optical power supply system including a light-projecting module and a light-receiving module, the surrounding conditions may be detected by a sensor or the like provided in the light-receiving module. In such cases, it is required to efficiently detect the position of the light-receiving module that receives the power supply light emitted from the light-projecting module.

[0007] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide an optical power supply system that can efficiently detect the position of a light-receiving module that receives power supply light emitted from a light-projecting module.

[0008] Effect of the Present Disclosure According to such an optical power supply system, it is possible to efficiently detect the position of the light receiving module that receives the power supply light emitted from the light projecting module.

[0009] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] (1) An optical power supply system according to the present disclosure includes a light-projecting module that emits light, and a light-receiving module that is spaced apart from the light-projecting module and receives the light emitted from the light-projecting module. The light-projecting module includes a first light-emitting unit that emits power-supply light, a second light-emitting unit that emits detection light that detects the light-receiving status of the light-receiving module, and a multiplexing unit that multiplexes the power-supply light and the detection light. The light-receiving module includes a detection unit that detects the surrounding conditions, and a first light-receiving unit that receives the power-supply light emitted from the light-projecting module. The power-supply light received by the first light-receiving unit is converted into electricity and used to operate the detection unit.

[0010] According to the optical power supply system disclosed herein, the power supply light emitted from the first light-emitting unit of the light-projecting module is received by the first light-receiving unit included in the light-receiving module, and the power supply light is converted into electricity for use. This allows the detection unit in the light-receiving module to detect the surrounding conditions. In this case, the detection unit detects the surrounding conditions by converting the power supply light received by the first light-receiving unit into electricity for use, and therefore does not require a battery. Furthermore, the second light-emitting unit emits detection light for detecting the position of the light-receiving module, allowing the light reception status of the light-receiving module to be confirmed, thereby enabling reliable detection by the detection unit. In this case, because the power supply light and detection light are combined by the multiplexing unit, power supply by the power supply light and detection by the detection light can be performed more efficiently than if the power supply light and detection light were emitted separately. Therefore, this optical power supply system allows efficient detection of the position of the light-receiving module that receives the power supply light emitted from the light-projecting module.

[0011] (2) In the above (1), the multiplexing unit may include a filter that transmits the power supply light and reflects the detection light. In such an optical power supply system, multiplexing is possible using a filter in the light-projecting module. This allows the power supply light and the detection light to be easily multiplexed without providing a lens or other mechanism. In this case, loss of the amount of detection light reflected by the filter can be reduced, and detection of the light-receiving module using the detection light can be more reliably performed.

[0012] (3) In the above (1) or (2), the light-projecting module may further include a second light-receiving unit that receives the detection light emitted by the second light-emitting unit and reflected by the light-receiving module. The position of the light-receiving module may be detected using the reflected light of the detection light. In this manner, the light-projecting module receives the detection light reflected by the second light-receiving unit, thereby reliably detecting the position of the light-receiving module. Therefore, the power supply light can be more reliably emitted to the light-receiving module. Note that the position of the light-receiving module refers to the direction of the light-receiving module as seen from the light-projecting module.

[0013] (4) In any of (1) to (3) above, a plurality of light-receiving modules may be included. The light-projecting module may include a mirror and may further include a driver that scans the mirror so as to emit the combined light combined by the combiner to each light-receiving module. This allows the plurality of light-receiving modules to periodically detect the surrounding conditions at the locations where each light-receiving module is located. Therefore, the surrounding conditions at the locations where each light-receiving module is located can be detected efficiently.

[0014] (5) In the above (4), the scanning unit may include at least one of a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) mirror, a coil mirror, and a motor mirror. Such a scanning unit can scan the combined light at a relatively high speed. Therefore, the surrounding conditions around each light receiving module can be detected more efficiently.

[0015] (6) In any of the above (1) to (5), the detection light may include visible light. This allows the detection light to be easily recognized, and it is possible to visually confirm that light has reached the light-receiving module. Therefore, the surrounding conditions can be detected more reliably by each light-receiving module.

[0016] (7) In any of the above (1) to (6), the power supply light may include infrared light. This allows power to be supplied using light with a relatively long wavelength. This type of power supply is effective, for example, from the viewpoint of eye safety. Therefore, power can be supplied to the light receiving module more appropriately.

[0017] (8) In any of the above (1) to (7), the light-receiving module may be provided with a mark for identifying the light-receiving module. The light-projecting module may further include an imaging unit that captures an image of the mark illuminated by the detection light emitted by the second emission unit. This allows the mark on the light-receiving module to be recognized by the imaging unit, thereby more reliably determining the location of the light-receiving module. This allows more reliably supplying power to the light-receiving module and detecting the surrounding conditions.

[0018] (9) In any of the above (1) to (8), the detection light may include a predetermined digital signal. The first light-receiving unit may be capable of receiving the detection light emitted from the light-emitting module. The light-receiving module may change the usage conditions of the detection unit based on the digital signal included in the detection light received by the first light-receiving unit. In this way, the usage conditions can be changed based on the digital signal included in the detection light. This makes it easier for the detection unit to perform detection according to the user's requests. Therefore, convenience can be improved.

[0019] (10) The light-projecting module according to the present disclosure is a light-projecting module that emits light, and includes a first emission section that emits power supply light, a second emission section that emits detection light that detects the light-receiving status in a light-receiving module that receives the light emitted from the light-projecting module, and a multiplexing section that multiplexes the power supply light and the detection light.

[0020] This type of light transmitter module converts the power supply light emitted from the first emitter of the light transmitter module into electricity and uses it to enable the light receiver module to detect the surrounding conditions. Furthermore, the second emitter emits detection light for detecting the position of the light receiver module, allowing the light reception status of the light receiver module to be confirmed, thereby enabling reliable detection. In this case, because the power supply light and detection light are multiplexed by the multiplexer, power supply using the power supply light and detection using the detection light can be performed more efficiently than if the power supply light and detection light were emitted separately. Therefore, this type of light transmitter module can efficiently detect the position of the light receiver module that receives the power supply light emitted from the light transmitter module.

[0021] [Details of the embodiment of the present disclosure] Next, an embodiment of the optical power supply system of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference characters, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0022] (Embodiment 1) An optical power supply system according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the optical power supply system according to embodiment 1. Note that in Fig. 2 and subsequent figures, the axes indicated by X, Y, and Z are axes assigned to each part, and the axes do not necessarily point in the same direction between the figures.

[0023] 1, an optical power supply system 10a according to the first embodiment includes a light-projecting module 11a that emits light, and light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c that receive the light emitted from the light-projecting module 11a. In this embodiment, the optical power supply system 10a includes a plurality of modules, specifically, for example, three light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c. The three light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c are each arranged at intervals from the light-projecting module 11a. For example, the optical power supply system 10a includes the light-projecting module 11a attached to the center of the ceiling of a room, and the three light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c that are respectively arranged near the corners of the room. The optical power supply system 10a receives power supply light D sequentially emitted from the light-projecting module 11a. １ , power supply light D ２ , power supply light D ３ The optical power supply system 10a receives the power supply light received by the first light receiving unit 14a and uses the power supply light to operate the detector 13a. The optical power receiving module 12a includes a detector 13a and a first light receiving unit 14a. The detector 13a and the first light receiving unit 14a are configured separately and connected by a cable or the like. The optical power supply system 10a converts the power supply light received by the first light receiving unit 14a into electric power and uses the power supply light to operate the detector 13a. The optical power receiving module 12b includes a detector 13b and a first light receiving unit 14b. The optical power receiving module 12c includes a detector 13c and a first light receiving unit 14c. The configurations of the optical power receiving modules 12b and 12c are similar to those of the optical power receiving module 12a, and therefore their description will be omitted. The detector 13a and the first light receiving unit 14a may be configured as an integrated unit.

[0024] First, the configuration of the light-receiving module 12a will be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a detection unit 13a included in the light-receiving module. FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view showing the detection unit 13a shown in FIG. 2 with a portion of an upper cover (described later) removed. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the detection unit 13a included in the light-receiving module 12a is also called an IoT (Internet of Things) sensor. The detection unit 13a included in the light-receiving module 12a includes a substrate 21a, a housing 22a, and a sensor 23a. The sensor 23a can detect ambient conditions, such as temperature and humidity, around the light-receiving module 12a including the sensor 23a. The housing 22a includes a lower cover 24a covering the lower side of the sensor 23a and an upper cover 25a covering the upper side of the sensor 23a. The upper cover 25a has a window 26a through which the internal conditions can be viewed. The sensor 23a is attached to the substrate 21a. The substrate unit 21a, on which the sensor 23a is attached, is disposed within the housing 22a so as to be sandwiched vertically between a lower cover 24a and an upper cover 25a. The detecting unit 13a detects, for example, the ambient conditions around the light receiving module 12a, specifically, the temperature and humidity. That is, the detecting unit 13a detects the temperature and humidity using the sensor 23a.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view showing a first light receiving unit 14a included in the light receiving module 12a. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the first light receiving unit 14a shown in FIG. 4 with a cover unit, which will be described later, removed. Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the light receiving module 12a includes the first light receiving unit 14a, a base unit 31a, and a cover unit 32a. The base unit 31a is provided with a plurality of lead pins 33a, three in this embodiment. The first light receiving unit 14a is attached to the base unit 31a. The cover unit 32a is attached to the base unit 31a so as to cover the first light receiving unit 14a attached to the base unit 31a. The cover unit 32a is provided with a window 34a that allows light to pass through.

[0026] The first light receiving unit 14a is composed of a plurality of light receiving elements, eight in this embodiment: light receiving elements 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, and 35h. The light receiving elements 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, and 35h are each thin plate-shaped and stacked. The light receiving surfaces of the light receiving elements 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, and 35h are each flat and perpendicular to the direction indicated by the arrow X. Light from outside passes through a window 34a provided in the cover portion 32a and reaches the light receiving surfaces of the light receiving elements 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, and 35h that make up the first light receiving unit 14a. Whether light is being properly received by the first light receiving unit 14a can be determined based on the unevenness in the amount of light received by the light receiving elements 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, and 35h.

[0027] The cover portion 32a may also be provided with a mark 36a. The mark 36a is attached by being stuck on the outside of the cover portion 32a. The mark 36a is attached to the cover portion 32a, next to the window 34a.

[0028] Next, the configuration of the light-projecting module 11a will be described. Fig. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the appearance of a portion of the light-projecting module 11a. Fig. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a cap, which will be described later, has been removed from a portion of the light-projecting module 11a shown in Fig. 6. Fig. 8 is a schematic plan view of a portion of the light-projecting module 11a shown in Fig. 7.

[0029] 6, 7, and 8, the light-projecting module 11a includes a laser emitter 40a that emits a laser. The laser emitter 40a included in the light-projecting module 11a includes a plate-like base 41a and a cap 42a. The base 41a has a rectangular shape with rounded corners when viewed in the thickness direction (Z direction), and multiple lead pins 43a extending in the thickness direction are attached at intervals in the X and Y directions. The cap 42a is attached to the base 41a so as to cover the space above the base 41a. For example, the cap 42a is hermetically sealed to the base 41a. The cap 42a is provided with a window 44a that transmits combined light obtained by combining the power supply light and the detection light. For example, glass is fitted into the window 44a.

[0030] The laser emitter 40a includes a first emitter 15a that emits power supply light and a second emitter 16a that emits detection light. In this embodiment, both the first emitter 15a and the second emitter 16a are composed of semiconductor lasers. The power supply light emitted by the first emitter 15a includes infrared light. In this embodiment, the power supply light emitted by the first emitter 15a is infrared light with a central wavelength of 1.3 μm (micrometers). The detection light emitted by the second emitter 16a uses light with a different wavelength from the power supply light, such as visible light. In this embodiment, the detection light emitted by the second emitter 16a is blue light with a central wavelength of 620 nm (nanometers) to 750 nm. Note that the detection light does not necessarily have to be visible light.

[0031] A base portion 45a is provided in a raised position in the center of the base portion 41a. Two rectangular parallelepiped block portions 46a and 46b are provided on the base portion 45a. A submount 47a is provided on the block portion 46a, and the first emission portion 15a is provided on the submount 47a. A submount 47b is provided on the block portion 46b, and the second emission portion 16a is provided on the submount 47b. The first emission portion 15a is in the direction indicated by the dashed arrow L １As shown in FIG. 1, the second light emitting portion 16a emits the power supply light in the direction opposite to the direction indicated by the arrow Y. ２ As shown in FIG. 1, the detection light is emitted in the direction indicated by the arrow X.

[0032] The laser emitter 40a included in the light-projecting module 11a includes a filter 17a as a multiplexer that multiplexes the power supply light and the detection light. The filter 17a is plate-shaped and is attached to the base 45a with adhesive. The filter 17a is attached so that the reflecting surface 48a is inclined at 45 degrees. That is, the reflecting surface 48a is inclined at 45 degrees with respect to both the direction indicated by X and the direction indicated by Y. The filter 17a reflects the power supply light emitted by the first emitter 15a at the reflecting surface 48a in the direction indicated by arrow L. ３ The filter 17a is configured to reflect the power supply light emitted by the first emitting portion 15a and the detection light emitted by the second emitting portion 16a as indicated by the arrow and transmit the detection light emitted by the second emitting portion 16a. By providing such a filter 17a, it is possible to multiplex the power supply light emitted by the first emitting portion 15a and the detection light emitted by the second emitting portion 16a and output the multiplexed light from the window portion 44a without providing a lens, for example. In other words, it is possible to output the power supply light and the detection light coaxially.

[0033] The laser emitter 40a included in the light projecting module 11a further includes a second light receiving unit 18a, a filter 19a, and an imaging unit 27a. The filter 19a has a reflecting surface 49a. The second light receiving unit 18a as a light receiving element receives light reflected by the light receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c. The filter 19a reflects the light reflected by the light receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c through the window 44a. ４The filter 19a is mounted on the base 45a at an inclination of 45 degrees in the thickness direction so that the reflected light indicated by the arrow L is reflected by the reflecting surface 49a in the direction where the second light receiving unit 18a is located. That is, the reflecting surface 49a is inclined by 45 degrees in both the direction indicated by X and the direction indicated by Y. The filter 19a transmits the combined light combined by the filter 17a. That is, the filter 19a does not prevent the combined light combined by the filter 17a from being emitted from the light projecting module 11a. The second light receiving unit 18a is disposed on a submount 47c mounted on the base 41a. The reflected light of the combined light incident from the window 44a side is reflected by the reflecting surface 49a of the filter 19a in the direction indicated by the arrow L. ５ The reflected light is reflected as shown by the arrow and received by the second light receiving unit 18a. Based on the amount of reflected light received by the second light receiving unit 18a, the light receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c can be appropriately detected, and it can be determined whether or not the power supply light has been received. The imaging unit 27a captures an image of the mark 36a illuminated by the detection light emitted by the second emission unit 16a. The imaging unit 27a is schematically illustrated by a dashed line in FIG. 1.

[0034] 9 and 10 are schematic perspective views showing the light-projecting module 11a including the drive unit. Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 are views seen from different directions. Fig. 11 is a schematic plan view of the light-projecting module 11a shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. 10.

[0035] 9, 10, and 11, the light-projecting module 11a includes a motorized mirror 20a as a drive unit. The motorized mirror 20a includes a mirror 50a, and scans the mirror 50a so that multiplexed light, which is multiplexed by the filter 17a serving as a multiplexing unit, is emitted to the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c.

[0036] The motor mirror 20a includes a first rotating portion 51a, a second rotating portion 52a, a bottom wall portion 53a, a side wall portion 54a, a first support portion 55a, a second support portion 56a, and a lens 57a. The components constituting the motor mirror 20a are arranged on the disk-shaped bottom wall portion 53a. The side wall portion 54a is hollow and extends upward from the edge of the bottom wall portion 53a. The light-projecting module 11a is attached to the bottom wall portion 53a so as to emit combined light in the direction indicated by arrow Z. A mirror 50a is attached to the first rotating portion 51a. The first rotating portion 51a is rotatably supported by the first support portion 55a. The first rotating portion 51a is configured to be able to reciprocate within a predetermined angular range around a virtual first rotation axis extending in the direction indicated by arrow Y. The second rotation portion 52a is rotatably supported by the second support portion 56a and is configured to be capable of reciprocating motion within a predetermined angular range around a virtual second rotation axis extending in the direction indicated by the arrow Z.

[0037] The combined light emitted from the light-projecting module 11a is reflected by the mirror 50a. The combined light reflected by the mirror 50a is scanned by rotation of the first rotation unit 51a and the second rotation unit 52a included in the motor mirror 20a, and reaches each of the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c. Note that the positions at which the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c are disposed are known in advance and input as data, so it is known how much the mirror 50a should be tilted by the first rotation unit 51a and the second rotation unit 52a so that the combined light can be projected onto each of the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c.

[0038] Here, a brief description of the operation of the optical power supply system 10a will be given. The light-transmitting module 11a included in the optical power supply system 10a is attached, for example, to the center of the ceiling of a room. Meanwhile, the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c included in the optical power supply system 10a are attached at intervals in the corners of the room. The sensors 23a included in the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c each use power to detect the temperature and humidity at the location where the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c are located. First, the motorized mirror 20a adjusts the angle of the mirror 50a so that the reflected light of the combined light reaches the light-receiving module 12a. The combined light emitted from the light-transmitting module 11a and reflected by the mirror 50a reaches the light-receiving module 12a and is received by the first light-receiving unit 14a. In this way, the motorized mirror 20a scans the mirror 50a, and the combined light is emitted sequentially to the light receiving modules 12b and 12c. This process is repeated to obtain temperature and humidity data from each sensor 23a.

[0039] Here, when a portion of the combined light is reflected by the first light-receiving unit 14a, the reflected light reaches the light-projecting module 11a. The reflected light is then received by the second light-receiving unit 18a. Depending on the amount of reflected light received by the second light-receiving unit 18a and the time it takes for the reflected light to reach the light-receiving module 11a, the light-receiving module 12a can be appropriately detected and it can be determined whether the power supply light is being received. That is, because the power supply light and the detection light are combined, if it can be determined that the detection light has reached the light-receiving module, it can also be determined that the power supply light has reached the light-receiving module.

[0040] In the optical power supply system 10a, the power supply light emitted from the first light emitter 15a of the light-projecting module 11a is received by the first light-receiving unit 14a included in the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c. This power supply light is converted into electricity and used to detect the surrounding conditions using the sensors 23a serving as detectors in the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c. In this case, the sensors 23a detect the surrounding conditions using the power supply light received by the first light-receiving unit 14a, so a battery is not necessarily required, enabling the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c to be miniaturized and have a long life. The light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c may each be provided with a battery for powering the sensors 23a, or the battery may be charged using the power supply light. Furthermore, since the second emitter 16a emits detection light for detecting the positions of the light receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c, and the light reception status of the light receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c can be confirmed, the surrounding conditions can be reliably detected by the sensor 23a. Therefore, with this optical power supply system 10a, the positions of the light receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c that receive the power supply light emitted from the light transmitter module 11a can be efficiently detected, and as a result, power can be reliably supplied in a short time and the surrounding conditions around the light receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c can be detected.

[0041] In this embodiment, the multiplexing unit includes a filter 17a that transmits the power supply light and reflects the detection light. In this optical power supply system 10a, multiplexing is possible using the filter 17a in the light-projecting module 11a. This makes it possible to easily multiplex the power supply light and the detection light without providing a lens or other mechanism. In this case, loss of the amount of detection light reflected by the filter 17a is reduced, and detection by the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c using the detection light can be more reliably performed.

[0042] In this embodiment, a plurality of light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c are included, and light-projecting module 11a includes mirror 50a and motor mirror 20a as a driving unit that scans mirror 50a so that multiplexed light generated by filter 17a is emitted toward each of light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c. Therefore, the plurality of light-receiving modules can periodically detect the surrounding conditions at the locations where each of light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c is located. Therefore, the surrounding conditions at the locations where each of light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c is located can be efficiently detected.

[0043] In this embodiment, the light-projecting module 11a includes a second light-receiving unit 18a that receives light reflected by the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c. Therefore, by receiving the reflected light with the second light-receiving unit 18a, it is possible to more reliably determine whether the light has reached the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably detect the surrounding conditions around the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c.

[0044] In the present embodiment, when visible light is used as the detection light, the detection light can be easily seen, and it can be recognized by visual inspection that the light has reached the light-receiving modules 12 a, 12 b, and 12 c. Furthermore, when the positions of the light-receiving modules 12 a, 12 b, and 12 c are detected using the imaging unit 27 a, such as a camera, rather than detecting the light-receiving modules 12 a, 12 b, and 12 c using light reflected from the light-receiving modules 12 a, 12 b, and 12 c in the light-projecting module 11 a, the marks 36 a attached to the light-receiving modules 12 a, 12 b, and 12 c can be recognized by the imaging unit 27 a even at night or in an indoor space without lighting, by irradiating the marks 36 a with visible light for detection, and the light-receiving modules 12 a, 12 b, and 12 c can be detected more reliably. Therefore, the state of the surroundings around which the light receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c are disposed can be detected more reliably.

[0045] In addition, laser safety is usually defined by exposure time and light intensity. However, in the case of infrared laser light, it is transparent to the eye, and unlike visible light, the exposure time cannot be limited by the blink rate of approximately 0.2 seconds, so it is defined and limited using light intensity. Here, even when infrared laser light is used as the power supply light, by providing a detection light that is visible light emitted coaxially with the power supply light, a person can recognize the emitted combined light and can utilize the shutter function of the eye (i.e., closing the eyes), and infrared lasers can also be defined by exposure time and light intensity, just like visible light lasers.

[0046] In this embodiment, the power supply light includes infrared light. Therefore, power can be supplied using light with a relatively long wavelength. This type of power supply is effective, for example, from the viewpoint of eye safety. Therefore, power can be supplied more appropriately to the light receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c.

[0047] Alternatively, a predetermined digital signal may be transmitted using the detection light emitted from the second light emitter 16a. The detection light containing the digital signal is multiplexed with the power supply light by a multiplexer and then emitted from the light-projecting module 11a. The detection light emitted from the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c may be received (a module for receiving the detection light is required), and the received predetermined digital signal may be written to a setting memory provided in advance in the IoT sensor or the like, thereby changing the operating conditions of the IoT sensor or the like. That is, the detection light may contain a predetermined digital signal. The first light-receiving module 14a may be capable of receiving the detection light emitted from the light-projecting module 11a. The light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c may change the operating conditions of the sensor 23a as a detector based on the digital signal included in the detection light received by the first light-receiving module 14a. By doing so, the use conditions can be changed based on the digital signal contained in the detection light. This makes it easier for the detection unit to detect in accordance with the user's request. Therefore, convenience can be improved. Here, changing the use conditions refers to, for example, changing the sensitivity of the sensor, changing the range of the sensor, or changing the averaging function of the sensor, but needless to say, is not limited to these.

[0048] In the above-described embodiment, the case where both the power supply light and the detection light are emitted is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the detection light may be emitted first, and then the power supply light may be emitted after detecting that there is no obstruction in the optical path based on the received light state of the reflected light.

[0049] In addition, the light-projecting module according to the present disclosure is a light-projecting module that emits light, and includes a first emission section that emits power supply light, a second emission section that emits detection light that detects the light-receiving status in a light-receiving module that receives the light emitted from the light-projecting module, and a multiplexing section that multiplexes the power supply light and the detection light.

[0050] This type of light transmitter module converts the power supply light emitted from the first emitter of the light transmitter module into electricity and uses it to enable the light receiver module to detect the surrounding conditions. Furthermore, the second emitter emits detection light for detecting the position of the light receiver module, allowing the light reception status of the light receiver module to be confirmed, thereby enabling reliable detection. In this case, because the power supply light and detection light are multiplexed by the multiplexer, power supply using the power supply light and detection using the detection light can be performed more efficiently than if the power supply light and detection light were emitted separately. Therefore, this type of light transmitter module can efficiently detect the position of the light receiver module that receives the power supply light emitted from the light transmitter module.

[0051] (Embodiment 2) Another embodiment, embodiment 2, will now be described. Fig. 12 is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of a light projector module included in an optical power supply system according to embodiment 2 of the present disclosure. Fig. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of the light projector module shown in Fig. 12. The optical power supply system according to embodiment 2 basically has the same configuration as that of embodiment 1 and achieves the same effects. However, the light projector module included in the optical power supply system according to embodiment 2 differs from that of embodiment 1 in that it includes a MEMS mirror instead of a motor mirror as a drive unit.

[0052] 12 and 13 , the light projecting module 11b of the optical power supply system according to the second embodiment includes a MEMS mirror 20b as a drive unit. The MEMS mirror 20b includes a support 51b that supports a mirror 50a so that the mirror 50a can swing about two intersecting rotation axes, a base plate 52b, a plurality of piezoelectric elements (not shown), and a lens 57b. The angle of inclination of the mirror 50a can be changed by controlling the voltage supplied to the piezoelectric elements. The mirror 50a is scanned by the MEMS mirror 20b to supply power to each of the light receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c.

[0053] With this configuration, for example, resonance can be utilized to scan the MEMS mirror 20b at high speed, allowing power to be supplied to each of the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c at high frequency. The detector 13 acquires temperature and humidity data when power is supplied to each of the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c. Therefore, it is possible to acquire a large amount of temperature and humidity data at the locations where each of the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c is located in a short period of time.

[0054] Furthermore, during the scanning of the MEMS mirror 20b, the MEMS mirror 20b is not directed toward the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c. During this period, the detection light may not be emitted, and the detection light may be emitted after the MEMS mirror 20b is directed toward the light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c.

[0055] (Embodiment 3) Another embodiment, embodiment 3, will now be described. Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a portion of a light projector module included in an optical power supply system according to embodiment 3 of the present disclosure. Fig. 15 is a schematic plan view showing a portion of the light projector module shown in Fig. 14. The optical power supply system according to embodiment 3 basically has the same configuration as that of embodiment 1 and achieves the same effects. However, the light projector module included in the optical power supply system according to embodiment 3 differs from that of embodiment 1 in that it includes a coil mirror instead of a motor mirror as a drive unit.

[0056] 14 and 15 , light-projecting module 11c of the optical power supply system according to the third embodiment includes coil mirror 20c as a driving unit. Coil mirror 20c includes support 51c that supports mirror 50a and lens 57c. The angle of tilt of mirror 50a can be changed by control. Such mirror 50a can be scanned by coil mirror 20c to supply power to each of light-receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c.

[0057] With this configuration, power can be supplied to each of the light receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c by controlling the operation of the mirror 50a using the coil, and therefore temperature and humidity data can be more reliably obtained at the locations where each of the light receiving modules 12a, 12b, and 12c is located.

[0058] Other Embodiments In the above embodiment, the light projecting module includes the second light receiving unit, but this is not limiting, and the light projecting module may have a configuration that does not include the second light receiving unit.

[0059] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, each light receiving module is provided with a mark for identifying the light receiving module, but this is not limiting, and the light receiving module may be configured without a mark.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the light-projecting module includes a filter as a multiplexing section that reflects the power supply light and transmits the detection light, but this is not limited to this, and the light-projecting module may include a filter that transmits the power supply light and reflects the detection light, or multiple filters may be used to multiplex the power supply light and the detection light.

[0061] In the above embodiment, blue visible light is used as the detection light, but this is not a limitation. Green visible light may be used, or other visible light, such as red visible light, may also be used. Furthermore, the detection light does not have to be visible light. In the above embodiment, infrared light with a wavelength of 1.3 μm is used as the power supply light. However, this is not a limitation. Infrared light with another wavelength may also be used, or light other than infrared light may also be used as the power supply light.

[0062] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not limiting in any respect. The scope of the present invention is defined not by the above description but by the claims, and it is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims.

[0063] 10a Optical power supply system, 11a, 11b, 11c Light-emitting module, 12a, 12b, 12c Light-receiving module, 13a, 13b, 13c Detection unit, 14a, 14b, 14c First light-receiving unit, 15a First light-emitting unit, 16a Second light-emitting unit, 17a Filter, 18a Second light-receiving unit, 19a Filter, 20a Motor mirror, 20b MEMS mirror, 20c Coil mirror, 21a Substrate unit, 22a Housing, 23a Sensor, 24a Lower cover, 25a Upper cover, 26a Window unit, 27a Imaging unit, 31a Base unit, 32a Cover unit, 33a Lead pin, 34a Window, 35a, 35b, 35c, 35d, 35e, 35f, 35g, 35h Light receiving element, 36a mark, 40a laser emission portion, 41a base portion, 42a cap, 43a lead pin, 44a window portion, 45a base portion, 46a, 46b block portion, 47a, 47b, 47c submount, 48a, 49a reflecting surface, 50a mirror, 51a first rotation portion, 51b, 51c support portion, 52a second rotation portion, 52b base plate, 53a bottom wall portion, 54a side wall portion, 55a first support portion, 56a second support portion, 57a, 57b, 57c lens, L １ , L ２ , L ３ , L ４ , L ５ Arrow.

Claims

1. An optical power supply system comprising: a light-projecting module that emits light; and a light-receiving module that is arranged at an interval from the light-projecting module and receives the light emitted from the light-projecting module, wherein the light-projecting module includes: a first emission section that emits power supply light; a second emission section that emits detection light that detects the light reception status of the light-receiving module; and a multiplexing section that multiplexes the power supply light and the detection light, and the light-receiving module includes: a detection section that detects the surrounding conditions; and a first light-receiving section that receives the power supply light emitted from the light-projecting module, and the power supply light received by the first light-receiving section is converted into electricity and used to operate the detection section.

2. The optical power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the multiplexing section includes a filter that transmits the power supply light and reflects the detection light to multiplex the power supply light and the detection light.

3. The optical power supply system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the light-projecting module further includes a second light-receiving unit that receives the detection light emitted by the second emission unit and reflected by the light-receiving module, and the position of the light-receiving module is detected using the reflected light of the detection light.

4. An optical power supply system as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the light receiving modules are included in plurality, the light projecting module includes a mirror, and further includes a drive unit that scans the mirror so as to emit the combined light combined by the combination unit to each of the light receiving modules.

5. The optical power supply system according to claim 4, wherein the driving section includes at least one of a MEMS mirror, a coil mirror, and a motor mirror.

6. An optical power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the detection light includes visible light.

7. An optical power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power supply light includes infrared light.

8. An optical power supply system as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the light receiving module is provided with a mark for identifying the light receiving module, and the light projecting module further includes an imaging unit for imaging the mark illuminated by the detection light emitted by the second emission unit.

9. An optical power supply system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the detection light includes a predetermined digital signal, the first light receiving unit is capable of receiving the detection light emitted from the light emitting module, and the light receiving module changes the usage conditions of the detection unit based on the digital signal included in the detection light received by the first light receiving unit.

10. A light-projecting module that emits light, comprising: a first emission section that emits power supply light; a second emission section that emits detection light that detects a light-receiving state in a light-receiving module that receives the light emitted from the light-projecting module; and a multiplexing section that multiplexes the power supply light and the detection light.

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