JP2004159456A - Energy supplier - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide such an energy supplier as can efficiently supply energy in noncontact to an apparatus no matter direction the apparatus may be in. <P>SOLUTION: This energy supplier is equipped with a plurality of primary coils (11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b) which are installed to generate magnetic fields each in different direction, and power units (15 and 16) which supply the above plural primary coils with voltage changing in specified cycles, and electric energy is induced in the secondary coil (101) installed in an apparatus (100) by the magnetic field generated by the above plural primary coils. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an energy supply device and a method for supplying electric energy to a predetermined device in a non-contact manner, and more particularly, to an electric power supply to a secondary coil provided in the device by supplying a current to a primary coil. The present invention relates to an energy supply device and a method for inducing static energy.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an energy supply device that supplies energy from outside a body using electromagnetic waves to a capsule-shaped medical device inserted into a patient's body has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 1). This conventional energy supply device radiates an electromagnetic wave from a radiation antenna formed of a loop coil to the entire body of a patient in which a medical device is inserted into the body. The medical device staying in the body receives the electromagnetic wave irradiated to the patient by an antenna, and stores electric energy obtained from the received electromagnetic wave in a storage battery.
[0003]
Conventionally, another energy supply device that supplies energy to a medical device inserted into a body using electromagnetic waves has been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 2). This conventional energy supply device supplies power without perforating the skin using a wire coil (telemetry) that is electromagnetically coupled to a wire coil (telemetry) provided in a medical device that stays in the body. is there.
[0004]
According to each of the energy supply devices as described above, it is possible to supply energy to medical devices staying in the body in a non-contact manner. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a special power supply to the medical device to be inserted into the body, and the size of the medical device can be reduced.
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-9-135832 (page 5, left column, paragraph 0046 to page 6, left column, paragraph 0059, FIGS. 7 and 8)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent Publication No. 9-503933 (page 20, FIG. 1)
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, the antenna provided in the medical device that receives the supply of energy from the former energy supply device has some directivity. For this reason, in the energy supply device configured to induce electric energy in an antenna provided in a medical device that stays in the body by using an electromagnetic wave generated from a single fixedly provided radiation antenna, In some cases, energy cannot be efficiently supplied to a device (antenna) whose direction can change three-dimensionally.
[0007]
Also, in the latter energy supply device described above, when the medical device changes its direction in the body three-dimensionally, the wire coil (telemeter) provided on the energy supply device side and the medical device side are provided. There is a case where the electromagnetic coupling relationship of the wire coil (telemeter) changes and energy cannot be supplied efficiently.
[0008]
The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and an energy supply device that can efficiently supply energy to a device in a non-contact manner regardless of the orientation of the device. To provide.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An energy supply device according to the present invention includes a plurality of primary coils installed so as to generate magnetic fields in different directions, and a power supply device that supplies a voltage that changes at a predetermined cycle to the plurality of primary coils. And a magnetic field generated from the plurality of primary coils to induce electric energy in a secondary coil provided in the device.
[0010]
According to such a configuration, each of the plurality of primary coils is magnetically coupled to the secondary coil with a degree corresponding to the direction of the generated magnetic field and the direction of the secondary coil provided in the device. This will induce electrical energy in the secondary coil.
[0011]
Further, the energy supply device according to the present invention is configured such that the plurality of primary coils include three primary coils installed so as to generate a magnetic field parallel to each axis of a predetermined three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. be able to.
[0012]
With such a configuration, electric energy is induced in the secondary coil provided in the device by three magnetic fields parallel to each axis of the predetermined three-dimensional orthogonal coordinates set in the space where the device stays. become.
[0013]
The energy supply device according to the present invention may be configured such that the plurality of primary coils are connected in series, and the power supply device supplies a voltage to the plurality of primary coils connected in series. it can.
[0014]
With such a configuration, a single voltage from the power supply device is supplied to a plurality of primary coils.
[0015]
In the energy supply device according to the present invention, the plurality of primary coils are connected in parallel to the power supply device, and a voltage is supplied from the power supply device to the plurality of primary coils in parallel. It can be set as the structure made.
[0016]
With such a configuration, the power supply device can supply each of the plurality of primary coils with a voltage in consideration of the inductance of the primary coil.
[0017]
Furthermore, the energy supply device according to the present invention may be configured such that the power supply device includes a plurality of power supply units that individually supply voltages to the plurality of primary coils.
[0018]
With such a configuration, voltage is individually supplied from each power supply unit to the corresponding primary coil. Thereby, it is possible to individually control the voltage to be supplied to each of the plurality of primary coils.
[0019]
The energy supply device according to the present invention includes: an energy supply amount detection unit that detects an amount of energy supplied from each of the plurality of primary coils; and the power supply device based on a detection result of the energy supply amount detection unit. And control means for controlling the voltage supplied to the plurality of primary coils.
[0020]
With such a configuration, efficient voltage supply control can be performed for each of the plurality of primary coils according to the amount of energy supply. Thereby, energy can be more efficiently supplied to the device from the plurality of primary coils.
[0021]
Further, in the energy supply device according to the present invention, the energy supply amount detection unit may be configured to supply each of the plurality of primary coils with a predetermined voltage being supplied from the power supply device to each of the plurality of primary coils. A configuration may be provided that includes current detection means for detecting a flowing current value as an amount of supplied energy.
[0022]
With such a configuration, a predetermined voltage is applied to each of the plurality of primary coils by utilizing that the current flowing through the primary coil increases as the degree of magnetic coupling with the secondary coil provided in the device increases. Is supplied, the current value flowing through each of the plurality of primary coils is detected as the energy supply amount.
[0023]
Furthermore, the energy supply device according to the present invention may be configured such that the energy supply detection means repeatedly detects the amount of energy supplied from each of the plurality of primary coils at a predetermined cycle. .
[0024]
With this configuration, even if the amount of energy supplied from each of the plurality of primary coils changes according to the change in the direction of the device (secondary coil), the amount of energy supplied from each of the plurality of primary coils can be accurately determined. Can be detected.
[0025]
The predetermined cycle can be appropriately determined according to the assumed change in the orientation of the device.
[0026]
An energy supply device according to the present invention, wherein the control means detects a primary coil having a maximum energy supply amount among the plurality of primary coils based on a detection result by the energy supply amount detection means. And a selective voltage supply control means for cutting off voltage supply to a primary coil other than the primary coil detected by the detection means.
[0027]
According to such a configuration, the voltage is supplied from the power supply device to only the primary coil having the largest energy supply amount. Therefore, more efficient energy supply to the device can be performed.
[0028]
In the energy supply device according to the present invention, the selective voltage supply control means switches whether or not to supply a voltage to each of the plurality of primary coils, and a detection result of the detection means. And switching control means for controlling the switching means based on the above.
[0029]
With such a configuration, the switching control means controls the switch means so as to cut off the voltage supply to the primary coils other than the primary coil in which the supply amount of the energy detected by the detection means is maximum. As a result, the voltage is supplied from the power supply device only to the primary coil having the maximum energy supply amount.
[0030]
Further, in the energy supply device according to the present invention, the control means may control the voltage supplied from the power supply device to the primary coil having the maximum amount of energy detected by the energy supply amount detection means to a first value. , And the voltage supplied from the power supply device to the other primary coil is controlled to a second value smaller than the first value.
[0031]
With such a configuration, the value of the voltage supplied from the power supply to the primary coil having the largest amount of energy supply becomes larger than the value of the voltage supplied from the power supply to the other primary coils. Thereby, more efficient energy supply to the device can be performed from the plurality of primary coils.
[0032]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0033]
The plurality of primary coils of the energy supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention are arranged as shown in FIGS. This energy supply device supplies energy to a small medical device (endoscope or the like) staying in the abdomen of the body.
[0034]
FIG. 1 shows the arrangement of the primary coils as viewed from the front of the body B. In FIG. 1, this energy supply device includes a set of z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b having a Helmholtz structure, a set of x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b having a Helmholtz structure, and a set of y having a Helmholtz structure. And a directional primary coil. The z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b are wound around a body part across the abdomen where the small medical device 100 is expected to stay. The x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b are arranged on the right and left sides of the abdomen where the small medical device 100 is expected to stay. The y-direction primary coils 13a and 13b are arranged before and after the abdomen where the small medical device 100 is expected to stay. Each of the primary coil pairs (11a, 11b), (12a, 12b), (13a, 13b) having the Helmholtz structure has a diameter of the coil (annular coil) equal to the distance between the two coils forming the pair. Designed to be.
[0035]
Due to such arrangement of the primary coils 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b, in the region (abdominal region) surrounded by the primary coils, the z-axis extending from the toes of the body B to the head, the right side of the body B A magnetic field parallel to each axis (x, y, z) of a three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system composed of an x-axis extending to the left from and a y-axis extending from the front to the back of the body B can be generated. That is, as shown in FIG. 2, a magnetic field can be formed in a direction parallel to the z-axis by the z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b, and a magnetic field can be formed in a direction parallel to the x-axis by the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b. In addition, a magnetic field can be formed in a direction parallel to the y-axis from the y-direction primary coils 13a and 13b.
[0036]
Note that, instead of the z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b having the Helmholtz structure, as shown in FIG. 3, a solenoid-type primary coil 11 wound around an abdomen where small medical equipment 100 is expected to stay may be used. it can. The arrangement of the primary coils as viewed from directly above the body B is as shown in FIG. 4A, and the direction of the magnetic field that can be generated from each of the primary coils is as shown in FIG. 4B. Further, the arrangement of the primary coils as viewed from the left side of the body B is as shown in FIG. 5A, and the direction of the magnetic field that can be generated from each primary coil is as shown in FIG. 5B.
[0037]
The small medical device 100 that stays in the abdomen of the body B has an energy receiving unit having a structure including a secondary coil 101 having a predetermined number of turns and a core 102 inserted into the secondary coil 101. The core 102 is preferably formed of a magnetic material such as ferrite having a high magnetic permeability (preferably 1000 or more). The integrated secondary coil 101 and core 102 can be provided inside the housing of the small medical device 100, or can be provided outside thereof. Further, the secondary coil 101 may be wound around the housing of the small medical device 100 without providing the core 102.
[0038]
FIG. 6 shows a first configuration example of a power supply device that supplies a voltage to each of the primary coils arranged as described above.
[0039]
6, this power supply device includes a DC power supply 15 such as a battery and a switching circuit 16. The switching circuit 16 performs an on / off operation at a predetermined frequency in a range of several kHz to several MHz with respect to a DC voltage from the DC power supply 15, and generates a voltage (hereinafter, referred to as a high-frequency voltage) that changes with the frequency. I do. The primary coils 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b and the resonance capacitor 17 arranged as described above are connected in series, and the primary coils 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a connected in series are connected. , 13b and the resonance capacitor 17 are applied with a high-frequency voltage output from the switching circuit 16. The capacitance value of the resonance capacitor 17 is set so that when the high-frequency voltage is applied, series resonance occurs between the primary coils 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b and the resonance capacitor 17. . This makes it possible to transmit large energy efficiently.
[0040]
On the other hand, in the small medical device 100 that stays in the abdomen of the body B, the secondary coil 101 and the resonance capacitor 103 are connected in series, and the secondary coil 101 and the resonance capacitor 103 that are connected in series are four. It is connected to a rectifier circuit 104 composed of diodes D1 to D4, an inductance L and a capacitor C. With such a configuration, the AC current induced in the secondary coil 101 is converted into DC by the rectifier circuit 104, and the DC current is used as electrical energy in the small medical device 100. The capacitance value of the resonance capacitor 103 is set such that series resonance occurs between the secondary coil 101 and the resonance capacitor 103 as in the case of the primary coil. As a result, large energy can be efficiently extracted.
[0041]
From the energy supply device including the primary coils 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b (see FIGS. 1 to 5) and the power supply device (see FIG. 6) arranged as described above, to the abdomen of the body B Energy is supplied to the staying small medical device 100 as follows.
[0042]
When a high-frequency voltage from the switching circuit 16 is applied to the series circuit of the primary coils 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b and the resonance capacitor 17, they are in a series resonance state, and the respective primary coils 11a, 11b , 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b form a magnetic field in a direction parallel to each axis of the three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system (x, y, z) (FIGS. 2, 4B, and 5B). reference). In this state, the secondary coil 101 of the small medical device 100 staying in the abdomen of the body B in an arbitrary direction depends on the degree of magnetic coupling between the secondary coil 101 and the z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b. The amount of current, the amount of current according to the degree of magnetic coupling between the secondary coil 101 and the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b, and the amount of magnetic coupling between the secondary coil 101 and the y-direction primary coils 13a and 13b A current is generated by superimposing the current with an amount corresponding to the degree. The current induced in the secondary coil 101 as described above is converted into direct current by the rectifier circuit 104 and used as energy of the small medical device 100.
[0043]
According to such an energy supply device, a magnetic field formed in three directions always acts on the secondary coil 101 in a superimposed manner regardless of the orientation of the small medical device 100 (secondary coil 101). A current is induced in the secondary coil 101 by the magnetic fields in the three directions. Therefore, regardless of the orientation of the small medical device 100, energy can be efficiently supplied to the small medical device 100 without interruption.
[0044]
FIG. 7 shows a second configuration example of a power supply device that supplies a voltage to each primary coil (see FIGS. 1 to 5) arranged as described above. The second configuration example is different from the first embodiment in that voltage is supplied in parallel to the z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b, the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b, and the y-direction primary coils 13a and 13b. Is different from the above configuration example.
[0045]
7, this power supply device has a first switching circuit 21, a second switching circuit 23, and a third switching circuit 25. The DC power from the DC power supply 15 is applied to each of the switching circuits 21, 23, 25. Voltage is supplied in parallel. Each of the switching circuits 21, 23, and 25 outputs a high-frequency voltage based on the DC voltage from the DC power supply 15, similarly to the switching circuit 16 in the first configuration example described above. The z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b and the resonance capacitor 22 connected in series are connected to a first switching circuit 21, and the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b and the resonance capacitor 24 connected in series are connected to a second switching circuit. The third switching circuit 25 is connected to the circuit 23, and further, the y-direction primary coils 13 a and 13 b and the resonance capacitor 26 are connected to the third switching circuit 25.
[0046]
In the energy supply device having such a configuration, when the high-frequency voltage from the first switching circuit 21 is applied to the series circuit of the z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b and the resonance capacitor 22, they are in a series resonance state. , A magnetic field in the direction parallel to the z-axis is generated from the z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b (see FIGS. 2, 4 (b) and 5 (b)). When a high-frequency voltage from the second switching circuit 23 is applied to the series circuit of the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b and the resonance capacitor 24, they enter a series resonance state, and the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b , A magnetic field in a direction parallel to the x-axis is generated (see FIGS. 2, 4B and 5B). Further, when a high-frequency voltage from the third switching circuit 25 is applied to the series circuit of the y-direction primary coils 13a and 13b and the resonance capacitor 26, they enter a series resonance state, and the y-direction primary coils 13a and 13b , A magnetic field is generated in a direction parallel to the y-axis (see FIGS. 2, 4B, and 5B).
[0047]
Also in this case, similarly to the first configuration example described above, regardless of the orientation of the small medical device 100 (secondary coil 101), the magnetic fields formed in three directions are always superimposed on the secondary device. Acting on the coil 101, a current is induced in the secondary coil 101 by the magnetic field in the three directions. Therefore, as in the first configuration example, energy can be efficiently supplied to the small medical device 100 without interruption regardless of the orientation of the small medical device 100.
[0048]
In the energy supply device according to the second configuration example of the above-described structure, the self-inductance of the primary coil connected to each of the switching circuits 21, 23, and 25 is connected to the switching circuit 16 in the first configuration example. Therefore, the output voltage of the DC power supply 15 can be relatively reduced. Therefore, the DC power supply 15 can be downsized.
[0049]
FIG. 8 shows a third configuration example of a power supply device that supplies a voltage to each primary coil (see FIGS. 1 to 5) arranged as described above. The third configuration example is different from the first and second configuration examples in that the voltage applied to each primary coil is controlled according to the amount of energy supplied from each primary coil.
[0050]
8, the z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b, the resonance capacitor 22, and the current detection resistor 27 connected in series are connected to the first switching circuit 21. The x-direction primary coils 12 a and 12 b, the resonance capacitor 24, and the current detection resistor 29 connected in series are connected to the second switching circuit 23. Further, the y-direction primary coils 13a and 13b, the resonance capacitor 26, and the current detection resistor 31 connected in series are connected to the third switching circuit 25. The first switching circuit 21 is supplied with a DC voltage from the DC power supply 15 via a switch SW1, the second switching circuit 23 is supplied with a DC voltage from the DC power supply 15 via a switch SW2, and A DC voltage is supplied to the third switching circuit 25 from the DC power supply 15 via the switch SW3.
[0051]
The power supply further includes current detectors 28, 30, 32, a timer 35, and a comparator 36. The current detector 28 detects the voltage between both ends of the current detecting resistor 27 as a current value flowing through the z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b. The current detector detects the voltage between both ends of the current detecting resistor 29 as a current value flowing through the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b. Further, the current detector 32 detects the voltage between both ends of the current detecting resistor 31 as a current value flowing through the y-direction primary coils 13a and 13b. Detection signals (corresponding to detected current values) from the current detectors 28, 30, and 32 are supplied to a comparator 36.
[0052]
Assuming that the load has a constant resistance, the amount of energy that can be supplied to the load depends on the degree of matching between the primary coil and the secondary circuit. Then, when the matching is achieved (when the degree of matching is the maximum), the primary coil current also becomes maximum, and the amount of supplied energy also becomes maximum. For this reason, the value of the current flowing through the primary coil represents the amount of energy supplied from the primary coil. That is, the detection signals from the current detectors 28, 30, and 32 indicate the amount of energy supplied from the primary coils (11a, 11b), (12a, 12b), and (13a, 13b).
[0053]
The comparator 36 receives the detection signals from the current detectors 28, 30, and 32 and outputs three control signals (1), (2), and (3) according to the states of the input detection signals. . The control signal {circle around (1)} performs on / off control of the switch SW1, the control signal {circle around (2)} controls on / off of the switch SW2, and the control signal {3} controls on / off of the switch SW3. The comparator 36 compares the detection signals from the current detectors 28, 30, and 32, and when the detection signal from the current detector 28 indicates the largest detection current value, a control signal for turning on the switch SW1. 1) and outputs control signals (2) and (3) for turning off the other switches SW2 and SW3. When the detection signal from the current detector 30 indicates the largest detection current value, the comparator 36 outputs a control signal {circle around (2)} for turning on the switch SW2 and switches the other switches SW1 and SW3. Control signals (1) and (3) for turning off are output. Further, when the detection signal from the current detector 32 indicates the largest detected current value, the comparator 3 outputs a control signal (3) for turning on the switch SW3, and switches the other switches SW1 and SW2. Control signals (1) and (2) for turning off are output.
[0054]
The timer 35 outputs an ON control signal for a predetermined time t ′ every predetermined period t. The ON control signal from the timer 35 is supplied to each of the switches SW1, SW2, and SW3. The switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 are forcibly turned on by the ON control signal from the timer 35 every predetermined period t regardless of the control signals (1), (2), and (3) from the comparator 36 described above. The ON state is maintained for a fixed time t '.
[0055]
The operation of the energy supply device having the power supply device configured as described above will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG.
[0056]
Each of the switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 is turned on for a predetermined time period t 'every predetermined period t by an on control signal (timer output) from the timer 35. At this time, a DC voltage is applied from the DC power supply 15 to each of the switching circuits 21, 23, 25. By applying the DC voltage, a high-frequency voltage is applied from each of the switching circuits 21, 23, 25 to each of the primary coils 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, 13b. As a result, a magnetic field parallel to the z-axis is generated by the z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b during the certain time t ', and a magnetic field parallel to the x-axis is generated by the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b. A magnetic field parallel to the y-axis is generated by the coils 13a and 13b.
[0057]
In this state, the detection signal corresponding to the current value flowing from the current detector 28 to the z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b is the detection signal corresponding to the current value flowing to the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b from the current detector 30. Are supplied from the current detector 32 to the comparator 36 with detection signals corresponding to the current values flowing through the y-direction primary coils 13a and 13b. The comparator 36 compares these detection signals. For example, when the detection signal from the current detector 30 (corresponding to the current flowing through the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b) indicates the maximum current, the switch SW2 is turned on. , And control signals (1) and (3) for turning off the switches SW1 and SW3 are output (see the comparator output in FIG. 9).
[0058]
As a result, after the elapse of the predetermined time t ', the switch SW2 is kept on, and the switches SW1 and SW3 are turned off (see SW1, SW2, SW3 in FIG. 9). This state is maintained until the next predetermined period t starts. As a result, only the magnetic field parallel to the x-axis generated from the x-direction coils 12a and 12b at which the flowing current value becomes maximum, that is, the energy supply amount becomes maximum, stays at the abdomen of the body B. Act on the secondary coil 101. The current induced in the secondary coil 101 by the magnetic field is used as electrical energy of the small medical device 100.
[0059]
The above-described operation is repeatedly performed at every predetermined period t. In the process, for example, the comparator 36 determines that the detection signal (corresponding to the current flowing through the y-direction primary coils 13a and 13b) from the current detector 32 at the certain time t 'from the time T1 indicates the maximum current. Is determined, the comparator 36 outputs a control signal (3) for turning on the switch SW3 and outputs control signals (1) and (2) for turning off the switches SW1 and SW2 (see FIG. 9). See comparator output). As a result, the switch SW3, which has been switched to the ON state by the ON control signal from the timer 35 at the time T1, maintains the ON state even after the predetermined time t ', and the switch SW2, which has been maintained in the ON state, turns OFF. State, and the switch SW1 switches to the off state in the same manner as the operation described above.
[0060]
As a result, only the magnetic field parallel to the y-axis generated from the y-direction coils 13a and 13b at which the flowing current value becomes maximum, that is, the energy supply amount becomes maximum, stays in the abdomen of the body B. Act on the secondary coil 101. The current induced in the secondary coil 101 by the magnetic field is used as electrical energy of the small medical device 100.
[0061]
According to the energy supply device having the power supply device of the third configuration example as described above, the amount of energy supply from each of the primary coils 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b is detected at every predetermined period t. Based on the detection result, a magnetic field is generated from the primary coil which always supplies the maximum energy. As a result, the generation of a magnetic field from the primary coil having a large loss in energy supply is stopped, so that more efficient energy supply to the small medical device 100 can be performed.
[0062]
The predetermined period t, which is a period for measuring the amount of energy supply from each primary coil, is determined based on the expected behavior of the small medical device 100 in the body B. Further, the certain time t ′, which is a measurement time of the energy supply amount (current value), can be determined based on a processing capability of the power supply device, a relationship with the predetermined cycle t, and the like. For example, the predetermined period t can be determined to be approximately several seconds, and the predetermined time can be determined to be approximately several milliseconds.
[0063]
A fourth configuration example of the power supply device is as shown in FIG. This fourth configuration example is common to the third configuration example in that the voltage applied to each primary coil is controlled in accordance with the amount of energy supplied from each primary coil, but continuously from each primary coil. The difference is that a magnetic field is generated.
[0064]
In FIG. 10, this power supply device includes a first switching circuit 21, a second switching circuit 23, and a third switching circuit 25, as in the third configuration example described above. The DC voltage from the first DC power supply 15a is applied to the first switching circuit 21 via the switch SW1, and the DC voltage from the second DC power supply 15b is applied to the second switching circuit 23 via the switch SW2. Further, the DC voltage from the third DC power supply 15c is applied to the third switching circuit 25 via the switch SW3.
[0065]
The first switching circuit 21, the connection relationship between the z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b, the resonance capacitor 22, the current detection resistor 27, and the current detector 28, the second switching circuit 23, the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b, Connection relationship between the resonance capacitor 24, the current detection resistor 29 and the current detector 28, and the third switching circuit 25, the y-direction primary coils 13a and 13b, the resonance capacitor 26, the current detection resistor 31, and the current The connection relationship of the detectors 32 is the same as that of the above-described third configuration example. The timer 35 also supplies an ON control signal for a predetermined time period t ′ to each of the switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 every predetermined period t, as in the case of the above-described third configuration example.
[0066]
A first control element 42 is connected in parallel to the switch SW1, a second control element 43 is connected in parallel to the switch SW2, and a third control element 44 is connected in parallel to the switch SW3. I have. This power supply device further has a control unit 41. The control unit 41 receives the detection signals (1), (2), and (3) from the current detectors 28, 30, and 32, and responds to the detection signals (1), (2), and (3). And outputs control signals (1) ', (2)', and (3) '. The control signal (1) 'is supplied to a first control element 42, the control signal (1)' is supplied to a second control element 43, and the control signal (3) 'is supplied to a third control element (43). It is supplied to the element 44. Each of the control elements 42, 43, and 44 sends each of the switching circuits 21, 23, and 25 from each of the DC power supplies 15a, 15b, and 15c in accordance with the supplied control signals (1) ', (2)', and (3) '. Controls the applied DC voltage.
[0067]
The control unit 41 sets the control signal corresponding to the detection signal representing the maximum current value among the detection signals (1), (2), and (3) input from the current detectors 28, 30, and 32 to level 1. , And the other control signal is set to level 2 (for example, １ ／ · L1) lower than the level 1. When the control signal of the level 1 is supplied, each of the control elements 42, 43, and 44 causes the DC voltage from the corresponding DC power supply to be applied to the switching circuit as it is, and the control signal of the level 2 is supplied. Then, an operation is performed so as to apply a DC voltage (for example, 1/2 DC voltage) smaller than the DC voltage from the corresponding DC power supply to the switching circuit.
[0068]
The operation of the energy supply device having the power supply device configured as described above will be described with reference to a timing chart shown in FIG.
[0069]
Each of the switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 is turned on for a predetermined time period t 'every predetermined period t by an on control signal (timer output) from the timer 35. At this time, the DC voltage from each DC power supply 15a, 15b, 15c is applied as it is to each switching circuit 21, 23, 25 via each switch SW1, SW2, SW3. In this state, the amount of energy supplied from each primary coil is detected as in the third configuration example described above. That is, detection signals (1), (2), and (3) corresponding to the current values flowing from the respective current detectors 28, 30, and 32 to the corresponding primary coils are input to the control unit 41 (the control in FIG. 11). Input). Then, the control section 41 outputs control signals (1) ', (2)', and (3) 'corresponding to the input detection signals (1), (2), and (3) (control in FIG. 11). Output).
[0070]
For example, when the effect signal {circle around (2)} from the current detector 30 represents the maximum current value, the controller 41 controls the level L1 control signal {2} ′ and the level L2 control signals {1} ′ and {3}. ▼ 'is output. When the control signals (1) ', (2)', and (3) 'having such levels are supplied to the first control element 41, the second control element 42, and the third control element 43, The second control element 42 operates to directly apply the DC voltage from the second DC power supply 15b to the second switching circuit 23, and the first and third control elements 41 and 43 It operates to apply a DC voltage smaller than the DC voltage from the three DC power supplies 15a and 15c to the first and third switching circuits 21 and 25.
[0071]
Thus, when the switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 are turned off after the elapse of the predetermined time t ', the DC voltage applied to the first switching circuit 21 and the third switching circuit 25 decreases, while the The DC voltage applied to the second switching circuit 23 is maintained (see the switching circuit input in FIG. 11). This state is maintained until the next predetermined period t starts. As a result, a high-frequency voltage corresponding to the DC voltage from the second DC power supply 15b is applied to the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b in which the flowing current value is the maximum, that is, the energy supply amount is the maximum. A high-frequency voltage corresponding to a DC voltage smaller than the DC voltage from the first and third DC power supplies 15a and 15b is applied to the primary coils (11a, 11b) and (13a, 13b).
[0072]
In such a situation, the magnetic field parallel to the x-axis generated from the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b is changed to the magnetic field parallel to the z-axis generated from the z-direction primary coils 11a and 11b and the y-direction primary coils 13a and 13b. From the magnetic field parallel to the y-axis generated from A magnetic field parallel to each of the z-axis, the x-axis, and the y-axis having such a size relationship acts superimposedly on the secondary coil 101 of the small medical device 100 staying in the abdomen of the body B. The current induced in the secondary coil 101 by the magnetic field is used as electrical energy in the small medical device 100.
[0073]
The above-described operation is repeatedly performed at every predetermined period t. In the process, for example, when the detection signal (3) from the current detector 32 indicates the maximum current value at the predetermined time t ′ from the time T1, the control unit 41 changes the control signal (3) ′. At the same time as switching from level 2 to level 1, the control signal (2) 'is switched from level 1 to level 2 and the control signal (1)' is maintained at level 1. The operation of the control elements 41, 42, and 43 based on these control signals (1) ', (2)', and (3) 'causes the DC voltage applied to the third switching circuit 25 to change to the third DC power supply. While the DC voltage is increased to the DC voltage supplied from 15c, the DC voltage applied to the second switching circuit 23 is decreased from the DC voltage supplied from the second DC power supply 15b. Further, the first switching circuit 21 is maintained in a state where a DC voltage lower than the DC voltage supplied from the first DC power supply 15a is applied.
[0074]
As a result, a magnetic field parallel to the y-axis generated from the y-direction primary coils 13a and 13b at which the flowing current value is maximum, that is, the energy supply amount is maximum, is generated from the z-direction primary coils 11a and 11bk. Magnetic field parallel to the z-axis and the magnetic field parallel to the x-axis generated from the x-direction primary coils 12a and 12b. Therefore, the magnetic field parallel to each of the z-axis, the x-axis, and the y-axis whose magnitude relationship has changed as described above at time T1 is superimposed on the secondary coil 101 of the small medical device 100 that stays in the abdomen of the body B. The current induced in the secondary coil 101 by the respective magnetic fields is used as electrical energy in the small medical device 100.
[0075]
According to the energy supply device having the power supply device according to the fourth configuration example described above, the amount of energy supply from each of the primary coils 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 13a, and 13b is detected at every predetermined period t. On the basis of the detection result, the maximum magnetic field is generated from the primary coil which always supplies the maximum energy, and a smaller magnetic field is generated from the other primary coils. As a result, energy is supplied while maintaining a state in which three magnetic fields parallel to three axes (z-axis, x-axis, and y-axis) always act on the secondary coil 101 of the small-sized medical device 100 in a superimposed manner. The supply voltage to the primary coil having a large loss in is suppressed, so that more efficient energy supply to the small medical device 100 can be performed.
[0076]
In the power supply device of the fourth configuration example described above, the voltage applied to each primary coil is controlled in two stages according to the amount of energy supplied from each primary coil. Can be controlled in three or more stages or in an analog manner according to the amount of energy supplied from each primary coil.
[0077]
In each of the power supply devices of the third configuration example and the fourth configuration example, a current detection resistor is inserted between each of the switches SW1, SW2, and SW3 and the corresponding switching circuit, and the DC power supply 15 (15a , 15b, 15c) to the switching circuits 21, 23, 25 as the amount of energy supplied from the primary coils (11a, 11b), (12a, 12b), (13a, 13b). May be.
[0078]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, each of the plurality of primary coils is magnetically coupled to the secondary coil with a degree corresponding to the direction of the generated magnetic field and the direction of the secondary coil provided in the device. As a result, electric energy is induced in the secondary coil, so that energy can be efficiently supplied to the device in a non-contact manner regardless of the orientation of the device.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an arrangement of each primary coil in an energy supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed from the front of a body.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing directions of magnetic fields that can be generated by each primary coil arranged as in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the arrangement of each primary coil when a solenoid-type coil is used as the z-direction primary coil, as viewed from the front of the body.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an arrangement of each primary coil in the energy supply device as viewed from directly above a body, and a direction of a magnetic field that can be generated by each of the primary coils so arranged.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the arrangement of each primary coil in the energy supply device as viewed from the left side of the body, and the direction of a magnetic field that can be generated by each primary coil so arranged.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a first configuration example of a power supply device in the energy supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a second configuration example of the power supply device in the energy supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a third configuration example of the power supply device in the energy supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
9 is a timing chart illustrating the operation of the power supply device illustrated in FIG.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a fourth configuration example of the power supply device in the energy supply device according to the embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a timing chart illustrating an operation of the power supply device illustrated in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
11, 11a, 11b Primary coil in z direction
12a, 12b x-direction primary coil
13a, 13by y-direction primary coil
15, 15a, 15b, 15c DC power supply
16 Switching circuit
17 Capacitor for resonance
21, 23, 25 switching circuit
22, 24, 26 Resonant capacitor
27, 29, 31 Current detection resistors
28, 30, 32 Current value detector
35 timer
36 Comparator
41 Control unit
42 First control element
43 Second control element
44 Third control element
SW1, SW2, SW3 switch

Claims (11)

A plurality of primary coils installed to generate magnetic fields in different directions,
A power supply device that supplies a voltage that changes at a predetermined cycle to the plurality of primary coils,
An energy supply device configured to induce electric energy in a secondary coil provided in a device by a magnetic field generated from the plurality of primary coils. The energy supply device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of primary coils include three primary coils installed so as to generate a magnetic field parallel to each axis of a predetermined three-dimensional orthogonal coordinate system. The plurality of primary coils are connected in series,
The energy supply device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply device supplies a voltage to the plurality of primary coils connected in series. 3. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of primary coils are connected in parallel to the power supply device, and a voltage is supplied from the power supply device to the plurality of primary coils in parallel. An energy supply device according to claim 1. The energy supply device according to claim 4, wherein the power supply device includes a plurality of power supply units that individually supply voltages to the plurality of primary coils. Energy supply amount detection means for detecting the amount of energy supplied from each of the plurality of primary coils,
The energy supply device according to claim 4, further comprising: a control unit configured to control a voltage supplied to the plurality of primary coils from the power supply device based on a detection result of the energy supply amount detection unit. . The energy supply amount detection unit is configured to supply an electric current value flowing through each of the plurality of primary coils in a state where a predetermined voltage is supplied from the power supply device to each of the plurality of primary coils. The energy supply device according to claim 6, further comprising a current detection unit that detects current. The energy supply device according to claim 6, wherein the energy supply detection unit repeatedly detects an amount of energy supplied from each of the plurality of primary coils at a predetermined cycle. The control means, based on the detection result of the energy supply amount detection means, detection means for detecting a primary coil of the plurality of primary coils, the supply amount of energy is maximum,
9. The energy supply device according to claim 6, further comprising: a selective voltage supply control unit that cuts off voltage supply to a primary coil other than the primary coil detected by the detection unit. 10. Switch means for switching whether to supply a voltage to each of the plurality of primary coils, the selective voltage supply control means,
10. The energy supply device according to claim 9, further comprising: switching control means for controlling said switch means based on a detection result of said detection means. The control unit controls a voltage supplied from the power supply device to a first value for a primary coil in which an energy amount detected by the energy supply amount detection unit is maximum, and controls a voltage for the other primary coil. The energy supply device according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the voltage supplied from the power supply device is controlled to a second value smaller than the first value.

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