Patent Description:
The invention described in <CIT> has an object to provide a wireless module and a wireless device capable of realizing stable wireless communication using arbitrary antennas, while satisfying explosion-proof standards. To achieve this object, the wireless device described in <CIT> includes a wireless module, and an antenna connection module to which a plurality of external antennas can be connected and which is connected to the wireless module through a coaxial cable. The wireless module selects one or ones of the external antennas connected to the antenna connection module, and receives a signal from an external device, and transmits the signal from the selected external antenna(s) as a wireless signal. Also, the wireless module processes a wireless signal received at selected external antenna(s) and transmits the processed signal externally.

Documents <CIT> and <CIT> disclose an antenna module for automation systems that comprises an antenna that is configured to transmit and receive a wireless signal, a circuit part connected to the antenna, and a tubular casing that houses the circuit part. Signals may be converted distributed to external devices through a connector of the circuit part that is joined to the casing.

<CIT> discloses a self-contained radio frequency wireless communication device that comprises an explosion-proof housing, an internal electronic circuit for converting and processing signals, and an internal antenna system located within a non-metallic portion of the housing.

However, the wireless device described in <CIT> includes the wireless module connected to a signal processing module through a cable, and the antenna connection module connected to the wireless module through the coaxial cable. Accordingly, making a connection with the wireless module necessitates separately preparing and connecting the cable, the coaxial cable, and the antenna connection module. Furthermore, the entire length including the cable etc. is large and routing the cable etc. is troublesome. Further, a separate unit is needed in order to fix the wireless module and the antenna connection module.

The present invention has been devised taking such a problem into consideration, and an object of the invention is to provide a wireless antenna module and a wireless system that can, for example in an FA environment, easily realize wireless communications among various kinds of devices and reduce the number of cables and improve productivity.

This problem is solved by the wireless antenna module according to claim <NUM> and the wireless system according to claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments of the invention are evident from the dependent claims.

By being connected to another device on a network, for example, the wireless antenna module having the wireless antenna functions as a wireless device together with the another device.

Further, the wireless antenna module functions also as a wireless device that can output voltage independently through the external connection connector.

For example, the wireless antenna module can independently send and receive diagnostic information from another device and diagnostic information of the wireless antenna module. Furthermore, it can also function as a wireless device that can independently monitor the condition of wireless communication, for example, in real time.

As a result, in an FA environment, for example, it is possible to easily realize wireless communications between various kinds of devices and reduce the number of cables and improve productivity.

In the invention, the wireless antenna module is configured to: start by being connected to another device and supplied with electric power; output a confirmation signal to the another device connected thereto; and function as a master device or a slave device on the network together with the another device, based on information that has been output from the another device in response to input of the confirmation signal.

That is, the wireless antenna module can function as a master device capable of wireless communication by being connected to a master device, and similarly, function as a slave device capable of wireless communication (wireless slave device) by being connected to a slave device.

In the invention, the another device is a gateway unit on the network. The wireless antenna module can, by being connected to a gateway unit on the network, constitute a master-side wireless device (wireless master device) together with the gateway unit.

In the invention, the another device may be an input/output unit on the network. The wireless antenna module can, by being connected to an input/output unit on the network, constitute a slave-side wireless device together with the input/output unit.

In the invention, the another device may be a device unit on the network. The wireless antenna module can, by being connected to a device unit on the network, constitute a slave-side wireless device together with the device unit.

In the invention, the wireless antenna module further includes an NFC. This enables the wireless antenna module to access devices independently.

In the invention, the wireless antenna module further includes an indicator. This enables the wireless antenna module to operate independently as a wireless antenna module capable of monitoring of input signals to a device. Needless to say, it is possible to monitor output voltage and input voltage independently. Further, input signals to a sensor, the results detected by the sensor, etc., can be monitored through the indicator. The indicator may be formed of LEDs provided in the casing, for example.

In the invention, the wireless antenna module further includes a memory. This enables error logging of another wireless device.

In the invention, the wireless antenna module further includes a wireless power transfer unit, and a battery. This eliminates the need for a power-supply line in the cable connected between another device and the wireless antenna module, which allows the wiring configuration in the cable to be made simpler and lighter and improves the freedom of layout of the device (including an actuator) to which the wireless antenna module is attached.

In the invention, the controller includes a timing generating unit. This enables the transmission timing to be automatically changed when CCA (clear channel assessment) acts.

In the invention, the wireless antenna module is configured to: start by being connected to another device and supplied with electric power; output a confirmation signal to the another device connected thereto; and make the another device function as a master device or a slave device, based on information that has been output from the another device in response to input of the confirmation signal.

Thus, by connecting the wireless antenna module to a master device, it is possible to make the master device function as a master device capable of wireless communication. In the same way, by connecting the wireless antenna module to a slave device, it is possible to make the slave device function as a slave device capable of wireless communication.

In the invention, the wireless antenna module performs pairing with another external device at a stage where the another device functions as a master device or slave device, and performs wireless communication between the devices.

That is, at the stage where a master device functions as a wireless master device and a slave device functions as a wireless slave device, for example, the wireless master device performs pairing with the wireless slave device to enable wireless communication between the wireless master device and the wireless slave device.

A wireless system according the invention includes a plurality of networks connected to a computer. Each network includes at least one master device connected to the computer, and at least one slave device connected to the master device, and the master device and the slave device are connected with wireless antenna modules, respectively. The wireless antenna modules each include a casing, and at least a wireless antenna, a controller, and an external connection connector that are provided in and on the casing, and the controller includes an operation unit configured to exchange information at least with the master device or slave device connected through the external connection connector.

It is thus possible to exchange information wirelessly at least between the master device and the slave device. As a result, in an FA environment, for example, it is possible to easily realize wireless communications between various kinds of devices and reduce the number of cables and improve productivity.

A wireless antenna module according the invention includes: a power supply case configured to accommodate a power supply; at least one module body connected to the power supply, and including a casing, and at least a wireless antenna and a controller that are provided in the casing, the controller including an operation unit configured to exchange information at least with another device; and a mounting mechanism configured to mount the module body to a device.

It is thus possible to mount the module body of the wireless antenna module, together with the power supply, to the device through the mounting mechanism. It is then possible to output an output signal from the device, as a wireless signal through the wireless antenna module, for example onto the network. It is also possible to receive, at the module body, a control signal etc., e.g., for controlling the device, from a master on the network, and output the control signal etc. to the device to control the device.

That is, it is possible to realize communication of wireless signals, for example between a master and a device on the network. This eliminates the need for an input/output unit connected between the device and the master. This reduces the number of input/output units connected to the network, and, depending on the network configuration, improves communication speed.

A wireless antenna module according the invention includes: a power supply case configured to accommodate a battery; at least one module body connected to the battery, and including a casing, and at least a wireless antenna and a controller that are provided in the casing, the controller including an operation unit configured to exchange information at least with another device; a wireless power transfer unit configured to supply electric power from a device to the battery; and a mounting mechanism configured to mount the module body to the device.

It is thus possible to mount the module body of the wireless antenna module, together with the battery and the wireless power transfer unit, to the device through the mounting mechanism. It is then possible to output an output signal from the device, as a wireless signal through the wireless antenna module, for example onto the network. It is also possible to receive, at the module body, a control signal etc., e.g., for controlling the device, from a master on the network, and output the control signal etc. to the device to control the device. That is, it is possible to realize communication of wireless signals, for example between a master and a device on the network. Moreover, the wireless power transfer unit eliminates the need for a power-supply line connected between the device and the wireless antenna module, which enables the wiring configuration to be made simpler and lighter, and improves the freedom of layout of the device to which the wireless antenna module is attached.

In the invention, the mounting mechanism configured to mount to the device includes a band configured to fasten a part of the power supply case and a part of the device, and the band is fixed to the part of the power supply case.

Since the band as the mounting mechanism is fixed on a part of the power supply case, the wireless antenna module can be easily mounted on the device using the band.

In the invention, the mounting mechanism configured to mount to the device includes a fastener including a helical groove configured to fasten a part of the power supply case to the device, and the fastener is screwed into the device through a through hole formed in a protrusion provided at the part of the power supply case.

The wireless antenna module can be easily mounted on the device by screwing the fastener (screw etc.) into the device through the through hole formed in the protrusion provided at a part of the power supply case.

In the invention, the device includes at least one device body configured to perform input and output of signals to and from the device, and a device power supply configured to supply electric power to the device body, and the module body and the device body are electrically connected to each other.

It is then possible to output an output signal from the device, as a wireless signal through the wireless antenna module, for example onto the network. It is also possible to receive, at the module body, a control signal etc., e.g., for controlling the device, from a master on the network, and output the control signal etc. to the device to control the device.

That is, it is possible to realize communication of wireless signals, for example between a master and a device on the network.

In the invention, the module body comprises a first module body and a second module body connected to the power supply or the battery accommodated in the power supply case, and the first module body and the second module body are attached to the power supply case.

By attaching the first module body and the second module body to the power supply case, it is possible to shorten the wiring for supplying electric power from the power supply to the first module body and the second module body, enabling the wireless antenna module to be made more compact.

In the invention, the power supply case is fixed on the device by the mounting mechanism, and protrusions provided at both ends of the power supply case in a longitudinal direction thereof and the device are fixed to each other.

The wireless antenna module can thus be fixed on the device by utilizing the power supply case. That is, the wireless antenna module can be fixed stably on the device.

In the invention, the module body comprises the first module body and a second module body connected to the power supply or the battery accommodated in the power supply case, and the device includes a first device body and a second device body. The first device body includes a first sensor and a first solenoid, and the second device body includes a second sensor and a second solenoid. The first module body and the first device body are electrically connected to each other, and the second module body and the second device body are electrically connected to each other.

It is then possible to output output signals from the first sensor and the second sensor, as wireless signals through the wireless antenna module, for example onto the network. It is also possible to receive, at the first module body and the second module body, control signals etc., e.g., for controlling the first solenoid and the second solenoid, from a master on the network, and output the control signals etc. to the device to control the device.

That is, it is possible to realize communication of wireless signals, for example between a master and a device on the network. This eliminates the need for an input/output unit connected between the master and the device. This reduces the number of input/output units connected to the network, and, depending on the network configuration, improves communication speed.

A wireless system according to the invention includes a plurality of networks connected to a computer. Each network includes at least one other device connected to the computer, and the other device is connected with a wireless antenna module. The wireless antenna module includes: a power supply case configured to accommodate a power supply; at least one module body connected to the power supply, and including a casing, and at least a wireless antenna and a controller that are provided in the casing, the controller including an operation unit configured to exchange information at least with the other device; and a mounting mechanism configured to mount the module body to a device.

It is then possible to realize communication of wireless signals, for example between a master and a device on the network. This eliminates the need for an input/output unit connected between the master and the device. This reduces the number of input/output units connected to the network, and, depending on the network configuration, improves communication speed.

A wireless system according to the invention includes a plurality of networks connected to a computer. Each network includes at least one other device connected to the computer, and the other device is connected with a wireless antenna module. The wireless antenna module includes: a power supply case configured to accommodate a battery; at least one module body connected to the battery, and including a casing, and at least a wireless antenna and a controller that are provided in the casing, the controller including an operation unit configured to exchange information at least with the other device; a wireless power transfer unit configured to supply electric power from the other device to the battery; and a mounting mechanism configured to mount the module body to the other device.

It is then possible to realize communication of wireless signals, for example between a master and a device on the network. This eliminates the need for an input/output unit connected between the device and the master. This reduces the number of input/output units connected to the network, and, depending on the network configuration, improves communication speed. Furthermore, the wireless power transfer unit eliminates the need for a power-supply line connected between the device and the wireless antenna module, which allows the wiring configuration to be made simpler and lighter and improves the freedom of layout of the device to which the wireless antenna module <NUM> is attached.

According to the present invention, the wireless antenna module and the wireless system can, for example in an FA environment, easily realize wireless communications among various kinds of devices and reduce the number of cables and improve productivity.

Preferred embodiments of the wireless system and the wireless antenna module of the present invention will be described below while referring to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, the wireless system <NUM> of this embodiment includes a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) <NUM> that at least monitors industrial facilities, and a plurality of networks <NUM> connected to the PLC <NUM>. In <FIG>, solid lines show wired connections and broken lines show wireless connections.

Each network <NUM> includes a gateway unit <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "GW unit <NUM>") as at least one master M connected to the PLC <NUM> through fieldbus <NUM>, input/output unit(s) <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "IO units <NUM>") as at least one slave S, and a valve serial input unit <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "valve SI unit <NUM>") as at least one slave S. The slaves S may be attached to devices such as the movable tips of robot hands (e.g. welding guns), assembly jigs, turntables, and so on, for example.

In some networks <NUM>, expansion input/output unit(s) <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "expansion units <NUM>") as at least one slave S may be connected to the IO unit <NUM>, or the valve SI unit <NUM> may be connected in place of the IO unit <NUM>.

Further, at least one IO unit <NUM> and at least one device <NUM> (including actuators having sensors <NUM>, valves, etc.) may be connected to the GW unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the GW unit <NUM> has a casing 30A that is shaped, for example like a cuboid. Two input/output terminals 32a, 32b are provided, for example in one surface of the casing 30A, and the PLC <NUM> is connected to one of the input/output terminals, 32a, through the fieldbus <NUM>. Another surface of the casing 30A has formed therein one module connection connector 34A. Further, a power-supply connection terminal 54A is provided on the casing 30A in a position apart from the module connection connector 34A.

As shown in <FIG>, a circuit configuration of the GW unit <NUM> includes a main controller 40A having a CPU (Central Processing Unit). Components connected to the main controller 40A include an indicator 42A (e.g., LEDs), a memory 44A, a clock signal generator 46A (e.g., a quartz oscillator), an internal power-supply generating circuit 48A, a host communication interface <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as "host communication I/F <NUM>"), and a module I/F 52A, for example.

Among these components, a power supply 56A is connected to the internal power-supply generating circuit 48A through the power-supply connection terminal 54A, and the PLC <NUM> is connected to the host communication I/F <NUM>. Further, a wireless antenna module <NUM> of this embodiment is connected to the module I/F 52A. The wireless antenna module <NUM> will be described later. The functions of the main controller 40A at least include a host communication control function for communication with the PLC <NUM>, an indication control function for the indicator 42A, a read/write control function for the memory 44A, and so on.

As shown in <FIG>, the IO unit <NUM> includes a casing 30B that is shaped, for example like a cuboid, a plurality of tubular IO connection connectors 60B provided at one surface of the casing 30B, a single, tubular, module connection connector 34B, and a single, tubular, power-supply connection terminal 54B.

As shown in <FIG>, a circuit configuration of the IO unit <NUM> includes a main controller 40B having a CPU. Components connected to the main controller 40B include an indicator 42B (e.g., LEDs), 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, for example.

Among these components, a power supply 56B is connected to the internal power-supply generating circuit 48B through the power-supply connection terminal 54B, and a plurality of sensors <NUM> are connected to the external input/output I/F 62B respectively through the IO connection connectors 60B. An expansion unit <NUM>, which will be described later, is connected to the expansion unit I/F 64B, and the wireless antenna module <NUM>, described later, is connected to the module I/F 52B. The functions of the main controller 40B at least include an input/output control function for external devices (e.g., the sensors <NUM>), an input/output control function for the expansion unit <NUM> described later, an indication control function for the indicator 42B, and an access control function (read/write control etc.) for the memory 44B.

As shown in <FIG>, the valve SI unit <NUM> includes a casing 30C that is shaped, for example like a cuboid, a holder <NUM> disposed at the side of the casing 30C, a valve manifold <NUM> attached to the holder <NUM>, and a module connection connector 34C and a power-supply connection terminal 54C provided on one surface of the casing 30C.

As shown in <FIG>, a circuit configuration of the valve SI unit <NUM> includes a main controller 40C having a CPU. Components connected to the main controller 40C include an indicator 42C (e.g., LEDs), a memory 44C, a clock signal generator 46C, an internal power-supply generating circuit 48C, a valve I/F <NUM>, and a module I/F 52C, for example.

Among these components, power supplied from a power supply 56C is supplied to the internal power-supply generating circuit 48C, and the valve manifold <NUM> is connected to the valve I/F <NUM>. The wireless antenna module <NUM>, described later, is connected to the module I/F 52C. The functions of the main controller 40C at least include a valve control function for the valve manifold <NUM>, an indication control function for the indicator 42C, and an access control function for the memory 44C.

As shown in <FIG>, each expansion unit <NUM> (shown together with the IO unit <NUM>) includes a casing 30D that is shaped, for example like a cuboid, a plurality of tubular IO connection connectors 60D provided at one surface of the casing 30D, and expansion connection ports <NUM> to which the IO unit <NUM> or another expansion unit <NUM> is connected. The expansion units <NUM> are sequentially connected to each other through the expansion connection ports <NUM>, whereby the number of input/output points of the IO unit <NUM> can be increased without using wireless antenna modules <NUM>. That is, using an increased number of wireless devices has the demerit of increased communication loads. Accordingly, the number of input/output points of the IO unit <NUM> can be increased by making wired connections with the expansion units <NUM> through the expansion connection ports <NUM>, without using the wireless antenna modules <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, a circuit configuration of the expansion unit <NUM> includes a main controller 40D having a CPU. Components connected to the main controller 40D include an indicator 42D (e.g., LEDs), 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, for example.

Among these components, power supplied from the internal power-supply generating circuit 48B of the IO unit <NUM> is supplied to the internal power-supply generating circuit 48D, and a plurality of devices (e.g., sensors), which are not shown, are connected to the external input/output I/F 62D. The IO unit <NUM> or the preceding expansion unit <NUM> is connected to the expansion unit I/F 64Da, and the following expansion unit <NUM> is connected to the expansion unit I/F 64Db. The functions of the main controller 40D at least include an input/output control function for external devices (e.g., the sensors etc.), an input/output control function for the IO unit <NUM> and other expansion units <NUM>, an indication control function for the indicator 42D, and an access control function for the memory 44D.

Then, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, for example, two types of wireless antenna modules <NUM>, for example, are prepared in correspondence with the configurations of the connectors to which the wireless antenna modules <NUM> are connected.

As shown in <FIG>, a wireless antenna module 100A of a first configuration includes a casing 102A that is shaped, for example like a cuboid, and a connector 104A provided at one surface of the casing 102A, for example.

The wireless antenna module 100A of the first configuration is directly connected to the module connection connector 34A of the casing 30A of the GW unit <NUM>, for example. The casing 102A and the connector 104A of the wireless antenna module 100A can be turned around a support shaft <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, for example, when the connector 104A is inserted in the module connection connector 34A of the GW unit <NUM>, the casing 102A (module) can be turned around the support shaft <NUM> to freely vary its direction of inclination with respect to the GW unit <NUM> within a range from -<NUM>° to +<NUM>°, for example. The range of inclination is not limited to this example but can be larger or smaller than the range from -<NUM>° to +<NUM>°. The same applies below.

This applies also to the valve SI unit <NUM> shown in <FIG>, and when the connector 104A is inserted in the module connection connector 34C of the valve SI unit <NUM>, the casing 102A (module) can be turned around a support shaft (not shown) to freely vary its direction of inclination with respect to the casing 30C of the valve SI unit <NUM>, for example, within a range from -<NUM>° to +<NUM>°.

As shown in <FIG>, a wireless antenna module 100B of a second configuration includes a casing 102B that is shaped, for example like a cuboid, a connector 104B provided at one surface of the casing 102B, and an indicator 42E (LEDs) provided in side surfaces of the casing 102B, for example. A magnet <NUM> (see <FIG>) is attached at a side surface of the casing 102B so as to fix the wireless antenna module 100B on a side surface of the casing 30B of the IO unit <NUM> with a single touch.

In the wireless antenna module 100B of the second configuration, the connector 104B is fixed to the casing 102B (module). In this embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, the connector 104B of the wireless antenna module 100B is connected to the tubular module connection connector 34B, and the module connection connector 34B is bent so that the wireless antenna module 100B is positioned on the side surface of the casing 30B of the IO unit <NUM>. Then, the casing 102B of the wireless antenna module 100B is fixed on the side surface of the IO unit <NUM> by the attraction of the magnet <NUM> attached on the side surface of the casing 102B (module).

As shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, etc., for example, a circuit configuration of the wireless antenna module <NUM> includes a main controller 40E having a CPU. Components connected to the main controller 40E include an indicator 42E (e.g., LEDs), a memory 44E, a clock signal generator 46E, an internal power-supply generating circuit 48E, a module I/F 52E, a wireless amplifier (AMP) <NUM>, a high-frequency antenna (e.g., <NUM>) <NUM>, an NFC (Near Field Communication) <NUM>, and an NFC antenna <NUM>, for example. The NFC <NUM> may be formed of a semiconductor chip, or a card containing a semiconductor chip.

The functions of the main controller 40E at least include an indication control function for the indicator 42E, an access control function (read/write control etc.) for the memory 44E, a frequency control function for the high-frequency antenna <NUM> and the NFC antenna <NUM>, and so on.

Then, as shown in <FIG>, the connector 104A of the wireless antenna module <NUM> (100A) is connected to the module connection connector 34A of the GW unit <NUM>, to thereby constitute a GW unit capable of wireless communication, i.e., a wireless GW unit <NUM>, as a wireless master on the network <NUM>.

In the same way, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the connector 104B of the wireless antenna module <NUM> (100B) is connected to the module connection connector 34B of the IO unit <NUM>, to thereby constitute an IO unit capable of wireless communication, i.e., a wireless IO unit <NUM> (see <FIG>), as a wireless slave on the network <NUM>.

Further, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the connector 104A of the wireless antenna module <NUM> (100A) is connected to the module connection connector 34C of the valve SI unit <NUM>, to thereby constitute a valve SI unit capable of wireless communication, i.e., a wireless valve SI unit <NUM>, as a wireless slave on the network <NUM>.

Now, the configuration and various processing operations of the wireless antenna module <NUM> will be described referring to <FIG>.

First, as shown in <FIG>, the main controller 40E of the wireless antenna module <NUM> includes an input/output unit <NUM>, an operation unit <NUM>, and a storage unit <NUM>. The operation unit <NUM> includes a Central Processing Unit (CPU) and operates by executing programs stored in the storage unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the operation unit <NUM> includes an application processing unit <NUM>, a master processing unit <NUM>, a slave processing unit <NUM>, a wireless protocol processing unit <NUM>, a hopping timing generating unit <NUM>, a send/receive data control unit <NUM>, a hopping control unit <NUM>, a wireless communication IC control unit <NUM>, a module I/F protocol processing unit <NUM>, a module I/F control unit <NUM>, an indication control unit <NUM>, a memory control unit <NUM>, an NFC processing unit <NUM>, and an NFC control unit <NUM>.

The module I/F control unit <NUM> mainly performs the operations below:.

The module I/F 52E receives data wirelessly from an external device (GW unit <NUM> etc.), and sends transmission data from the module I/F control unit <NUM> to an external device (GW unit <NUM> etc.). These operations are performed in the same way also with the module I/F 52B of the IO unit <NUM> and the module I/F 52C of the valve SI unit <NUM>.

The module I/F protocol processing unit <NUM> generates reception data by demodulating (restoring) input data according to a preset communication protocol. The module I/F protocol processing unit <NUM> generates a transmission signal by modulating transmission data, for example transmitted from the application processing unit <NUM>, according to a preset communication protocol.

The memory control unit <NUM> writes data into the memory 44E connected internally or externally to the CPU, according to instructions from the application processing unit <NUM>. The memory control unit <NUM> also reads data from the memory 44E and outputs the data to the application processing unit <NUM>.

The indication control unit <NUM> converts output data, for example output from the application processing unit <NUM>, into data format adapted to the indicator 42E connected externally to the CPU, and outputs the resulting data to the indicator 42E.

The NFC control unit <NUM> performs near field wireless communication from an NFC reader/writer and outputs the received signal to the NFC processing unit <NUM>. The NFC control unit <NUM> also sends a transmission signal from the NFC processing unit <NUM> to the NFC reader/writer placed in close proximity.

The NFC processing unit <NUM> demodulates (restores) a reception signal from the NFC control unit <NUM> according to the NFC protocol to generate reception data. The NFC processing unit <NUM> modulates transmission data, for example, transmitted from the application processing unit <NUM> etc., according to the NFC protocol to generate a near field communication transmission signal. That is, the NFC processing unit <NUM> can carry out transmission/ reception of parameters of the wireless antenna module <NUM>, data downloading/ uploading, and setting for wireless connection, with an external read/write device such as a PC (Personal Computer) through the NFC reader/writer.

The application processing unit <NUM> mainly performs the operations below:.

The master processing unit <NUM> mainly performs the operations below:.

The slave processing unit <NUM> mainly performs the operations below:.

The wireless protocol processing unit <NUM> mainly performs the operations below:.

Next, various processing operations of the wireless antenna module <NUM> will be described referring to <FIG>.

First, main processing operations in the case where the wireless antenna module <NUM> is connected to the GW unit <NUM> to constitute the wireless GW unit <NUM> (wireless master) will be explained referring to <FIG>. The numerals below such as (<NUM>), (<NUM>), etc., correspond to the numerals (<NUM>), (<NUM>), etc. attached to the information transfer paths shown in <FIG>. This also applies to the descriptions that will be given later referring to <FIG> and <FIG>.

Next, as shown in <FIG>, -processing operations in the case where the wireless antenna module <NUM> is connected to the IO unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) or the valve SI unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) to constitute the wireless IO unit <NUM> (wireless slave: see <FIG>) or the wireless valve SI unit <NUM> (wireless slave: see <FIG>) will be explained referring to <FIG>.

Next, processing operations in the case where the wireless antenna module <NUM> is connected to the device <NUM> (see <FIG>) such as a sensor or an electromagnetic valve to constitute a wireless device unit <NUM> will be explained referring to <FIG>.

Next, coordinated processes performed by the GW unit <NUM>, the IO unit <NUM> and the valve SI unit <NUM>, and the corresponding wireless antenna modules <NUM>, will be described referring to <FIG>.

First, coordinated processes that the GW unit <NUM>, the IO unit <NUM> and the valve SI unit <NUM> perform respectively with the wireless antenna modules <NUM> until the GW unit <NUM>, the IO unit <NUM>, and the valve SI unit <NUM> are made settable respectively as the wireless GW unit <NUM> (wireless master), the wireless IO unit <NUM> (wireless slave), and the wireless valve SI unit <NUM> (wireless slave) will be described referring to <FIG>.

At step S1 in <FIG>, the GW unit <NUM> starts when the power supply 56A (see <FIG>) is connected thereto.

At step S2, the wireless antenna module <NUM> is connected to the GW unit <NUM>.

At step S3, as shown in <FIG>, power is supplied from the internal power-supply generating circuit 48A of the GW unit <NUM> to the wireless antenna module <NUM> through the module I/F 52A and the module I/F 52E, and the wireless antenna module <NUM> starts at step S4.

At step S5, an individual identification signal is sent from the wireless antenna module <NUM> to the GW unit <NUM>.

At step S6, the GW unit <NUM> sends (replies with) a master data map (PID or DD file etc.) to the wireless antenna module <NUM>.

At step S7, the wireless antenna module <NUM> recognizes that the connection destination is the GW unit <NUM>, on the basis of the master data map received.

At step S8, the wireless antenna module <NUM>, together with the GW unit <NUM>, becomes settable as the wireless GW unit <NUM> (wireless master).

Next, a coordinated process performed by the IO unit <NUM> and the wireless antenna module <NUM> until the IO unit <NUM> is made settable as a wireless slave will be described referring to <FIG>.

At step S101 in <FIG>, the IO unit <NUM> starts when the power supply 56B (see <FIG>) is connected thereto.

At step S102, the wireless antenna module <NUM> is connected to the IO unit <NUM>.

At step S103, as shown in <FIG>, power is supplied from the internal power-supply generating circuit 48B of the IO unit <NUM> to the wireless antenna module <NUM> through the module I/F 52B and the module I/F 52E, and the wireless antenna module <NUM> starts at step S104.

At step S105, an individual identification signal is sent from the wireless antenna module <NUM> to the IO unit <NUM>.

At step S106, the IO unit <NUM> sends (replies with) a slave data map (PID or DD file etc.) to the wireless antenna module <NUM>.

At step S107, the wireless antenna module <NUM> recognizes that the connection destination is the IO unit <NUM>, on the basis of the slave data map received.

At step S108, the wireless antenna module <NUM>, together with the IO unit <NUM>, becomes settable as the wireless IO unit <NUM> (wireless slave).

Next, a coordinated process performed by the valve SI unit <NUM> and the wireless antenna module <NUM> until the valve SI unit <NUM> is made settable as a wireless slave will be described referring to <FIG>.

At step S201 in <FIG>, the valve SI unit <NUM> starts when the power supply 56C is connected thereto.

At step S202, the wireless antenna module <NUM> is connected to the valve SI unit <NUM>.

At step S203, power is supplied from the internal power-supply generating circuit 48C of the valve SI unit <NUM> to the wireless antenna module <NUM> through the module I/F 52C and the module I/F 52E, and the wireless antenna module <NUM> starts at step S204.

At step S205, an individual identification signal is sent from the wireless antenna module <NUM> to the valve SI unit <NUM>.

At step S206, the valve SI unit <NUM> sends (replies with) a slave data map (PID or DD file etc.) to the wireless antenna module <NUM>.

At step S207, the wireless antenna module <NUM> recognizes that the connection destination is the valve SI unit <NUM>, on the basis of the slave data map received.

At step S208, the wireless antenna module <NUM>, together with the valve SI unit <NUM>, becomes settable as the wireless valve SI unit <NUM> (wireless slave).

Next, a synchronization process between the wireless antenna modules <NUM> of the wireless GW unit <NUM>, the wireless IO unit <NUM>, and the wireless valve SI unit <NUM>, will be described referring to the flowchart of <FIG>.

First, at steps S301 and S302 in <FIG>, pairing setting is performed between the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless GW unit <NUM> and the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless IO unit <NUM>, for example.

At steps S303 and S304, pairing setting is performed between the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless GW unit <NUM> and the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless valve SI unit <NUM>, for example.

Then, at step S305, the wireless IO unit <NUM>, for example, waits for a synchronization signal, and at step S306, the wireless valve SI unit <NUM>, for example, waits for a synchronization signal.

At step S307, the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless GW unit <NUM> transmits a synchronization signal to the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless IO unit <NUM> and the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless valve SI unit <NUM>.

At step S308, the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless IO unit <NUM>, for example, transmits an answer signal, indicating reception of the synchronization signal, to the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless GW unit <NUM>.

Subsequently, for example at step S309, the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless GW unit <NUM> receives the answer signal from the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless IO unit <NUM>.

Further, at step S310, the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless valve SI unit <NUM>, for example, transmits an answer signal, indicating reception of the synchronization signal, to the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless GW unit <NUM>.

Subsequently, for example at step S311, the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless GW unit <NUM> receives the answer signal from the wireless antenna module <NUM> of the wireless valve SI unit <NUM>.

From this stage, exchange of instruction data, detection data, correction data, etc. is started by frequency hopping between the wireless GW unit <NUM>, the wireless IO unit <NUM>, and the wireless valve SI unit <NUM>.

Next, a wireless antenna module 100C of a modification will be described referring to <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, for example, the power supply from the GW unit <NUM> to the wireless antenna module 100C may be achieved by wireless power transfer. In this case, the configuration as shown below can be adopted.

The GW unit <NUM> is provided with a power output unit <NUM> that externally outputs power supplied from the internal power-supply generating circuit 48A. The wireless antenna module 100C is provided with a power input unit <NUM> (wireless power transfer unit) that receives the power supply output from the GW unit <NUM>, and a battery <NUM> for storing the power received at the power input unit <NUM>. Further, wiring and connections are made so that the electric power from the battery <NUM> can be supplied to the internal power-supply generating circuit 48E.

Then, if the wireless power transfer adopts the electromagnetic induction method using coils, for example, the power output unit <NUM> is formed of a primary coil and the power input unit <NUM> is formed of a secondary coil, for example.

If the wireless power transfer adopts the wireless power transmission technology utilizing resonance of a magnetic field, the power output unit <NUM> may be formed as an LC resonator, and the power input unit <NUM> may be formed of a coil etc. that converts the electromagnetic energy generated at the power output unit <NUM> into electric energy by electromagnetic induction.

This eliminates the need for a power-supply line in the cable connected between the GW unit <NUM> and the wireless antenna module 100C, allowing the wiring configuration in the cable to be made simpler and lighter. Furthermore, this improves the freedom of layout of the device to which the wireless antenna module <NUM> is attached.

Needless to say, the configurations described above can be similarly adopted for the wireless IO unit <NUM>, the wireless valve SI unit <NUM>, etc..

Next, example configurations of wireless device units <NUM> will be described referring to <FIG>, <FIG>, where the wireless antenna module <NUM> is connected to a device <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) including a sensor, electromagnetic valve, or the like, to constitute a wireless device unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, wireless antenna modules <NUM> are connected respectively to various devices <NUM>, and the wireless device units <NUM> exchange signals wirelessly with the master devices (GW units <NUM>) without through slave devices (input/output units etc.).

In this case, the wireless antenna modules <NUM> may each be equipped with a mounting mechanism <NUM> for mounting to the device <NUM> (see <FIG>).

As shown in <FIG>, for example, when the device <NUM> is a fluid device in which a piston rod <NUM> moves in a cylindrical cylinder <NUM> (hereinafter referred to as a first fluid device 210A), then a band <NUM> is previously fixed to the wireless antenna module <NUM> as the mounting mechanism <NUM>. The band <NUM> may be a metal band made of stainless steel, for example.

As shown in <FIG>, the wireless antenna module <NUM> includes a module body 100a and a power supply case <NUM> that accommodates a power supply <NUM> (e.g., a secondary battery) for supplying electric power to the module body 100a.

The module body 100a includes a casing <NUM> (see <FIG>), and a wireless antenna <NUM>, a controller 40E, an external connection connector, and the like, which are provided in and on the casing <NUM>. The example of <FIG> has a configuration in which the module body 100a is attached at one end in the longitudinal direction of the power supply case <NUM> that is shaped, for example like a box. The band <NUM> is fixed, for example on one surface of the power supply case <NUM>. Needless to say, the band <NUM> may be fixed on a plurality of surfaces.

As shown in <FIG>, the circuit configuration of the wireless antenna module <NUM> is almost the same as that of the above-described wireless antenna module shown in <FIG>, but this wireless antenna module <NUM> has the power supply <NUM> individually, and so no power-supply line is connected between the wireless antenna module <NUM> and the device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the device <NUM> includes a device power supply <NUM>, an internal power-supply generating circuit 48D, a device body <NUM> including a sensor and the like, and a module I/F 52D, for example.

Since the wireless antenna module <NUM> is connected to the device body <NUM> of the device <NUM> through the module I/F 52D and the module I/F 52E, the wireless antenna module <NUM> can store information from the device body, for example about the position of the piston, into the memory 44E through the module I/F 52D and the module I/F 52E. Further, the information about the position of the piston stored in the memory 44E can be transmitted to the GW unit <NUM>, which is a master device, through the main controller 40E and high-frequency antenna <NUM>.

When attaching the wireless antenna module <NUM> to the first fluid device 210A, the power supply case <NUM> of the wireless antenna module <NUM> is placed on the cylinder <NUM> of the first fluid device 210A, and the band <NUM> is wound and fixed around the cylinder <NUM>. The band <NUM> may be fixed by screwing both ends of the band <NUM>, for example.

Further, as shown in <FIG>, for example, if the device <NUM> is a fluid device having a flat surface <NUM>, such as an electromagnetic valve (hereinafter referred to as a second fluid device 210B), for example, protrusions <NUM> having threaded holes previously formed therein are provided as the mounting mechanism <NUM>, for example at a side surface of the wireless antenna module <NUM>. Then, when attaching the wireless antenna module <NUM> to the second fluid device 210B, the power supply case <NUM> of the wireless antenna module <NUM> is placed on, or made to abut on, the flat surface <NUM> of the second fluid device 210B. Subsequently, screws <NUM> are screwed into the flat surface <NUM> of the second fluid device 210B through the threaded holes of the protrusions <NUM>, to thereby fix the wireless antenna module <NUM> on the second fluid device 210B.

In the example of <FIG>, the power supply case <NUM> accommodates the power supply <NUM>, such as a secondary battery etc., so as to supply electric power to the module body 100a. However, as shown in <FIG>, electric power may be supplied to the module body 100a by wireless power transfer.

That is, the device <NUM> is provided with a power output unit <NUM> that externally outputs power supplied from the internal power-supply generating circuit 48D. The wireless antenna module <NUM> is provided with a power input unit <NUM> (wireless power transfer unit) for receiving the power supply output from the device <NUM>, and a battery <NUM> for storing the electric power received at the power input unit <NUM>. Further, wiring and connections are made so that the electric power from the battery <NUM> can be supplied to the internal power-supply generating circuit 48E.

In this case, too, if the wireless power transfer adopts the electromagnetic induction method using coils, for example, the power output unit <NUM> is formed of a primary coil and the power input unit <NUM> is formed of a secondary coil.

This eliminates the need for a power-supply line in the cable connected between the device <NUM> and the wireless antenna module <NUM>, allowing the wiring configuration in the cable to be made simpler and lighter. Furthermore, this improves the freedom of layout of the device <NUM> to which the wireless antenna module <NUM> is attached.

The above example has shown a configuration in which the wireless antenna module <NUM> having one module body 100a is fixed to one device <NUM>, but a wireless antenna module <NUM> having a plurality of module bodies may be fixed to one device <NUM>. Typical examples thereof will be described referring to <FIG>.

First, as shown in <FIG>, the device <NUM> can be a fluid device in which a piston rod <NUM> moves in a cylindrical cylinder <NUM> (see <FIG>: a third fluid device 210C and a fourth fluid device 210D), and in which device bodies (a first device body 220a and a second device body 220b) are attached respectively near the ends in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the first device body 220a may include a first sensor 250a and a first solenoid 252a, and the second device body 220b may include a second sensor 250b and a second solenoid 252b. The first sensor 250a and the second sensor 250b may be automatic switches, magnetic sensitive switches, or the like, as cylinder sensors, for example.

Then, for the third fluid device 210C and the fourth fluid device 210D, two module bodies (a first module body 100a and a second module body 100b) are placed, for example in a center area in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder <NUM>, in correspondence with the first device body 220a and the second device body 220b. Further, one power supply case <NUM>, which is shared by the two module bodies 100a and 100b, is placed in a center area in the longitudinal direction of the cylinder <NUM>, for example.

As shown also in <FIG>, the first module body 100a is placed upright on the power supply case <NUM> in a position closer to the first device body 220a, and the second module body 100b is placed approximately upright on the power supply case <NUM> in a position closer to the second device body 220b. Needless to say, the first module body 100a and the second module body 100b may be placed not upright but horizontally or obliquely.

Then, when attaching the wireless antenna module <NUM> to the third fluid device 210C, for example, as shown in <FIG>, the shared power supply case <NUM> is placed on the cylinder <NUM> of the third fluid device 210C, and bands <NUM> are wound and fixed respectively around protrusions <NUM> provided respectively at both ends of the power supply case <NUM> in the longitudinal direction thereof and the cylinder <NUM>. Each band <NUM> may be fixed by screwing both ends of the band <NUM>, for example.

On the other hand, when attaching the wireless antenna module <NUM> to the fourth fluid device 210D, for example, as shown in <FIG>, for example, plate-like fixing members <NUM> laterally protruding from both side surfaces of the power supply case <NUM> may be screwed on the top surface of the fourth fluid device 210D.

As shown in <FIG>, for example, the third fluid device 210C and the fourth fluid device 210D each include an actuator <NUM> such as a fluid pressure cylinder etc., and a directional control valve <NUM> for switching the direction of the pressurized fluid that is supplied to or discharged from the actuator <NUM>.

Then, the first device body 220a and the first module body 100a are electrically connected to each other, whereby a detection signal at 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, the second device body 220b and the second module body 100b are electrically connected to each other, whereby a detection signal at 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.

The wireless antenna module <NUM> wirelessly transmits the detection signals from the first device body 220a and the second device body 220b to the master M (GW unit <NUM>: see <FIG> and <FIG>). The transmitted signals are sent to the PLC <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>). Further, the wireless antenna module <NUM> receives an instruction signal that is wirelessly transmitted from the PLC <NUM> via the master M. On the basis of the instruction signal received, the wireless antenna module <NUM> drives and controls the actuator <NUM> by exciting the first solenoid 252a or second solenoid 252b so as to move the directional control valve <NUM> in a first direction or second direction.

The examples above have shown a configuration using a secondary battery as the power supply for the wireless antenna module <NUM>, but, as shown in <FIG>, the configuration may adopt a wireless power transfer method using the power output unit <NUM>, the power input unit <NUM> (wireless power transfer unit), and the battery <NUM> as described earlier.

The invention that can be obtained from the above-described embodiments will be recited below. The casing 102A of the first configuration and the casing 102B of the second configuration may collectively be referred to simply as "casing <NUM>". In the same way, the connector 104A of the first configuration and the connector 104B of the second configuration may collectively be referred to simply as "connector <NUM>".

By being connected to another device on the network <NUM>, for example, the wireless antenna module <NUM> having the wireless antenna <NUM> functions as a wireless device (wireless GW unit <NUM>, wireless IO unit <NUM>, or the like) together with the another device (GW unit <NUM>, IO unit <NUM>, or the like).

Further, the wireless antenna module <NUM> functions also as a wireless device that can output voltage independently through the external connection connector <NUM>.

For example, the wireless antenna module <NUM> can independently send and receive diagnostic information (e.g., limit input signals, control input/output signals, pulse output signals, etc.) from another device (GW unit <NUM>, IO unit <NUM>, or the like), and diagnostic information of the wireless antenna module <NUM>. Furthermore, it can also function as a wireless device that can independently monitor the condition of wireless communication, for example, in real time.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the wireless antenna module <NUM> is configured to: start by being connected to another device and supplied with electric power; output a confirmation signal (individual identification signal etc.) to the another device connected thereto; and function as a master device or a slave device on the network <NUM> together with the another device, based on information that has been output from the another device in response to input of the confirmation signal.

That is, the wireless antenna module <NUM> can function as a master device capable of wireless communication (wireless master device) by being connected to a master device, and similarly, function as a slave device capable of wireless communication (wireless slave device) by being connected to a slave device.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the another device may be a gateway unit (GW unit <NUM>) on the network <NUM>. The wireless antenna module <NUM> can, by being connected to the GW unit <NUM> on the network <NUM>, constitute a master-side wireless device (wireless master device) together with the GW unit <NUM>.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the another device may be an input/output unit (IO unit <NUM>) on the network <NUM>. The wireless antenna module <NUM> can, by being connected to the IO unit <NUM> on the network <NUM>, constitute a slave-side wireless device (wireless IO unit <NUM>) together with the IO unit <NUM>.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the another device may be a device unit (e.g., valve SI unit <NUM>) on the network <NUM>. The wireless antenna module <NUM> can, by being connected to the device unit <NUM> on the network <NUM>, constitute a slave-side wireless device (wireless valve SI unit <NUM>) together with the device unit <NUM>.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the wireless antenna module <NUM> further includes an NFC <NUM>. This enables the wireless antenna module <NUM> to independently access devices (sensors <NUM>, valve manifold <NUM>, etc.).

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the wireless antenna module <NUM> further includes an indicator 42E. This enables the wireless antenna module <NUM> to independently monitor input signals to a device (sensors <NUM>, valve manifold <NUM>, etc.). Needless to say, it is possible to monitor output voltage and input voltage independently. Further, input signals to the sensor <NUM>, the results detected by the sensor <NUM>, etc., can be monitored through the indicator 42E. The indicator 42E may be formed of LEDs provided in the casing <NUM>, for example.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the wireless antenna module <NUM> further includes a memory 44E. This enables error logging of another wireless device.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the wireless antenna module <NUM> further includes a wireless power transfer unit (power input unit <NUM>), and a battery <NUM>. This eliminates the need for a power-supply line in the cable connected between another device and the wireless antenna module <NUM>, which allows the wiring configuration in the cable to be made simpler and lighter and improves the freedom of layout of the device to which the wireless antenna module <NUM> is attached.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the controller 40E includes a hopping timing generating unit <NUM>. This enables the transmission timing to be automatically changed when clear channel assessment (CCA) acts.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the wireless antenna module <NUM> is configured to: start by being connected to another device (GW unit <NUM>, IO unit <NUM>, or the like) and supplied with electric power; output a confirmation signal (individual identification signal) to the another device connected thereto; and make the another device function as a master device or a slave device, based on information that has been output from the another device in response to input of the confirmation signal.

Thus, by connecting the wireless antenna module <NUM> to a master device (GW unit <NUM>), it is possible to make the master device function as a master device capable of wireless communication (e.g., wireless GW unit <NUM>). In the same way, by connecting the wireless antenna module <NUM> to a slave device (e.g., IO unit <NUM>), it is possible to make the slave device function as a slave device capable of wireless communication (e.g., wireless IO unit <NUM> etc.).

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the wireless antenna module <NUM> performs pairing with another external device at a stage where the another device functions as a master device or slave device, and performs wireless communication between the devices.

That is, at the stage where the GW unit <NUM> functions as the wireless GW unit <NUM> and the IO unit <NUM> functions as the wireless IO unit <NUM>, for example, the wireless GW unit <NUM> performs pairing with the wireless IO unit <NUM> to enable wireless communication between the wireless GW unit <NUM> and the wireless IO unit <NUM>. Needless to say, wireless communication is also possible between the wireless GW unit <NUM> and the wireless valve SI unit <NUM>.

[<NUM>] A wireless system <NUM> according to an embodiment includes a plurality of networks <NUM> connected to a PLC <NUM>. Each network <NUM> includes at least one master device (GW unit <NUM>) connected to the PLC <NUM>, and at least one slave device (IO unit <NUM>, valve SI unit <NUM>, etc.) connected to the master device, and the master device and the slave device are connected with wireless antenna modules <NUM>, respectively. The wireless antenna modules <NUM> each include a casing <NUM>, and at least a wireless antenna <NUM>, a controller 40E, and an external connection connector <NUM> that are provided in and on the casing <NUM>, and the controller 40E includes an operation unit <NUM> configured to exchange information at least with the master device or slave device connected through the external connection connector <NUM>.

[<NUM>] A wireless antenna module <NUM> according to an embodiment includes: a power supply case <NUM> accommodating a power supply <NUM>; at least one module body 100a connected to the power supply <NUM>, and including a casing <NUM>, and at least a wireless antenna <NUM> and a controller 40E that are provided in the casing <NUM>, the controller 40E including an operation unit <NUM> configured to exchange information at least with another device; and a mounting mechanism <NUM> for mounting the module body 100a to the device <NUM>.

It is thus possible to mount the module body 100a of the wireless antenna module <NUM>, together with the power supply <NUM>, to the device <NUM> through the mounting mechanism <NUM>. It is then possible to output an output signal from the device <NUM>, as a wireless signal through the wireless antenna module <NUM>, for example onto the network <NUM>. It is also possible to receive, at the module body 100a, a control signal etc., e.g., for controlling the device <NUM>, from a master M on the network <NUM>, and output the control signal etc. to the device <NUM> to control the device <NUM>.

That is, it is possible to realize communication of wireless signals, for example between the master M and the device <NUM> on the network <NUM>. This eliminates the need for an input/output unit connected between the device <NUM> and the master M. This reduces the number of input/output units connected to the network <NUM>, and, depending on the network configuration, improves communication speed.

[<NUM>] A wireless antenna module <NUM> according to an embodiment includes: a power supply case <NUM> accommodating a battery <NUM>; at least one module body 100a connected to the battery <NUM>, and including a casing <NUM>, and at least a wireless antenna <NUM> and a controller 40E that are provided in the casing <NUM>, the controller 40E including an operation unit <NUM> configured to exchange information at least with another device; a wireless power transfer unit <NUM> for supplying electric power from the device <NUM> to the battery <NUM>; and a mounting mechanism <NUM> for mounting the module body 100a to the device <NUM>.

It is thus possible to mount the module body 100a of the wireless antenna module <NUM>, together with the battery <NUM> and the wireless power transfer unit <NUM>, to the device <NUM> through the mounting mechanism <NUM>. It is then possible to output an output signal from the device <NUM>, as a wireless signal through the wireless antenna module <NUM>, for example onto the network <NUM>. It is also possible to receive, at the module body 100a, a control signal etc., e.g., for controlling the device <NUM>, from a master M on the network <NUM>, and output the control signal etc. to the device <NUM> to control the device <NUM>.

That is, it is possible to realize communication of wireless signals, for example between the master M and the device <NUM> on the network <NUM>.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the mounting mechanism <NUM> for mounting to the device <NUM> includes a band <NUM> for fastening a part of the power supply case <NUM> and a part of the device <NUM>, and the band <NUM> is fixed to the part of the power supply case <NUM>. Since the band <NUM> as the mounting mechanism <NUM> is fixed on a part of the power supply case <NUM>, the wireless antenna module <NUM> can be easily mounted on the device <NUM> using the band <NUM>.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the mounting mechanism <NUM> for mounting to the device <NUM> includes a fastener <NUM> including a helical groove for fastening a part of the power supply case <NUM> to the device <NUM>, and the fastener <NUM> is screwed into the device <NUM> through a through hole formed in a protrusion <NUM> provided at the part of the power supply case <NUM>. The wireless antenna module <NUM> can be easily mounted on the device <NUM> by screwing the fastener <NUM>, e.g., a screw etc., into the device <NUM> through the through hole formed in the protrusion <NUM> provided at a part of the power supply case <NUM>.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the device <NUM> includes at least one device body <NUM> that performs input and output of signals to and from the device <NUM>, and a device power supply <NUM> for supplying electric power to the device body <NUM>, and the module body 100a and the device body 220a are electrically connected to each other.

It is then possible to output an output signal from the device <NUM>, as a wireless signal through the wireless antenna module <NUM>, for example onto the network <NUM>. It is also possible to receive, at the module body 100a, a control signal etc., e.g., for controlling the device <NUM>, from a master M on the network <NUM>, and output the control signal etc. to the device <NUM> to control the device <NUM>. That is, it is possible to realize communication of wireless signals, for example between the master M and the device <NUM> on the network <NUM>.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the module body 100a comprises a first module body 100a and a second module body 100b connected to the power supply <NUM> or the battery <NUM> accommodated in the power supply case <NUM>, and the first module body 100a and the second module body 100b are attached to the power supply case <NUM>.

By attaching the first module body 100a and the second module body 100b to the power supply case <NUM>, it is possible to shorten the wiring for supplying electric power from the power supply <NUM> or the battery <NUM> to the first module body 100a and the second module body 100b, enabling the wireless antenna module <NUM> to be made more compact.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the power supply case <NUM> is fixed on the device <NUM> by the mounting mechanism <NUM>, and protrusions <NUM> provided at both ends of the power supply case <NUM> in a longitudinal direction thereof and the device <NUM> are fixed to each other. The wireless antenna module <NUM> can thus be stably fixed on the device <NUM> by utilizing the power supply case <NUM>.

[<NUM>] In the embodiment, the module body 100a comprises a first module body 100a and a second module body 100b connected to the power supply <NUM> or the battery <NUM> accommodated in the power supply case <NUM>, and the device <NUM> includes a first device body 220a and a second device body 220b. The first device body 220a includes a first sensor 250a and a first solenoid 252a, and the second device body 220b includes 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, and the second module body 100b and the second device body 220b are electrically connected to each other.

It is then possible to output output signals from the first sensor 250a and the second sensor 250b, as wireless signals through the wireless antenna module <NUM>, for example onto the network <NUM>. It is also possible to receive, at the first module body 100a and the second module body 100b, control signals etc., e.g., for controlling the first solenoid 252a and the second solenoid 252b, from a master M on the network <NUM>, and output the control signals etc. to the device <NUM> to control the device <NUM>.

[<NUM>] A wireless system <NUM> of an embodiment includes a plurality of networks <NUM> connected to a PLC <NUM>. Each network <NUM> includes at least one other device (device <NUM>) connected to the PLC <NUM>, and the device <NUM> is connected with a wireless antenna module <NUM>. The wireless antenna module <NUM> includes: a power supply case <NUM> accommodating a power supply <NUM>; at least one module body 100a connected to the power supply <NUM>, and including a casing <NUM>, and at least a wireless antenna <NUM> and a controller 40E that are provided in the casing <NUM>, the controller 40E including an operation unit <NUM> configured to exchange information at least with the device <NUM>; and a mounting mechanism <NUM> for mounting the module body 100a to the device <NUM>.

It is then possible to realize communication of wireless signals, for example between the master M and the device <NUM> on the network <NUM>. This eliminates the need for an input/output unit connected between the master M and the device <NUM>. This reduces the number of input/output units connected to the network <NUM>, and, depending on the network configuration, improves communication speed.

[<NUM>] A wireless system <NUM> of an embodiment includes a plurality of networks <NUM> connected to a PLC <NUM>. Each network <NUM> includes at least one other device (device <NUM>) connected to the PLC <NUM>, and the device <NUM> is connected with a wireless antenna module <NUM>. The wireless antenna module <NUM> includes: a power supply case <NUM> accommodating a battery <NUM>; at least one module body 100a connected to the battery <NUM>, and including a casing <NUM>, and at least a wireless antenna <NUM> and a controller 40E that are provided in the casing <NUM>, the controller 40E including an operation unit <NUM> configured to exchange information at least with the device <NUM>; a wireless power transfer unit <NUM> for supplying electric power from the device <NUM> to the battery <NUM>; and a mounting mechanism <NUM> for mounting the module body 100a to the device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A wireless antenna module (<NUM>) comprising at least one module body (100a) that includes a casing (<NUM>) and at least a wireless antenna (<NUM>) that is provided in the casing (<NUM>),
characterized in that
the wireless antenna module (<NUM>) further comprises a power supply case (<NUM>) configured to accommodate a power supply (<NUM>);
the at least one module body (100a) connected to the power supply (<NUM>), and at least a controller (40E) that is provided in the casing (<NUM>), the controller (40E) including an operation unit (<NUM>) configured to exchange information at least with another device; and
a mounting mechanism (<NUM>) configured to mount the module body (100a) to a device (<NUM>).