Power supply device

Abstract

The power supply device disclosed in the present specification is a control console (10) mounted on a vehicle (C), and is configured to include: a power transmission panel (40) for transmitting microwaves that can be received by a built-in power receiving antenna (3) provided in an electronic device (1); and a wireless power supply unit (20) capable of accommodating the electronic device with the power transmission panel (40) provided inside, wherein the bottom wall (23) and side walls (24) and the cover (30) of the wireless power supply unit (20) include a radio wave blocking body (37) for blocking microwaves.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a power supply device that wirelessly supplies power to an electronic device. Background Art

[0002] For example, as a non-contact power transmission device for supplying power to electronic devices such as mobile phones and smart phones, there is a device described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-121036 (hereinafter referred to as Patent Document 1). The non-contact power transmission device includes a power receiving coil provided on the electronic device and a power transmission coil provided on a substrate, and the power transmission coil and the power receiving coil are arranged facing each other in a non-contact manner, and power is supplied to the electronic device through electromagnetic induction of the facing coils.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-121036 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, for this type of power supply device, if the power transmission and receiving coils are misaligned, the efficiency of power transmission and power reception will be significantly reduced. Therefore, the above-mentioned non-contact power transmission device sets the length dimension of the long side direction of the power transmission coil to be more than twice the length dimension of the side of the power receiving coil, and does not require precise alignment of the power receiving coil and the power transmission coil.

[0008] However, when the area where the power transmission coil is arranged is limited, the power transmission coil cannot be enlarged, resulting in the inability to suppress the reduction in the efficiency of power transmission and power reception.

[0009] This specification discloses a technology for wirelessly powering an electronic device without performing position alignment.

[0010] Technical solutions to solve problems

[0011] The technology disclosed in this specification is a power supply device mounted on a vehicle, and is configured to include: a transmission unit that transmits microwaves that can be received by a receiving unit installed in an electronic device; and a storage unit that can accommodate at least one of the above-mentioned electronic devices in a state where the above-mentioned transmission unit is installed inside, and the wall portion constituting the above-mentioned storage unit includes a blocking body that blocks the above-mentioned microwaves.

[0012] According to the power supply device of such a structure, the electronic device can be wirelessly powered by so-called microwave power transmission in which the power receiving unit of the electronic device receives the microwaves transmitted from the power transmission unit. In other words, it is not necessary to arrange the electronic device so that the power transmission coil and the power receiving coil are arranged opposite to each other without positional deviation as in the electromagnetic induction method, and it is not necessary to enlarge the power transmission unit, so the power supply device can be arranged in a limited area in the vehicle.

[0013] Furthermore, since the wall portion constituting the storage portion has the blocking body for blocking microwaves, it is possible to prevent microwaves from leaking from the storage portion.

[0014] The power supply device disclosed in this specification may also have the following structure.

[0015] It can also be constructed so that the cover portion as a part of the above-mentioned wall portion can be displaced between a closed position in which the opening of the above-mentioned housing portion for accommodating the above-mentioned electronic device is set to a closed state and an open position in which the above-mentioned opening is set to an open state, and further includes a switching mechanism, which switches the above-mentioned power transmission portion from an off state to an on state when the above-mentioned cover portion is arranged in the closed position, and switches the above-mentioned power transmission portion from an on state to an off state when the above-mentioned cover portion is displaced from the closed position to the open position.

[0016] According to such a structure, when the cover reaches the closed position, the switch mechanism switches the power transmission unit to the on state, and the electronic device can be automatically powered. In addition, when the cover moves from the closed position to the open position, the switch mechanism switches the power transmission unit to the off state to stop the transmission of microwaves, so that microwaves can be reliably prevented from leaking from the opening of the storage portion when the cover is opened and closed.

[0017] The structure may be such that a shielding member is provided between an opening edge of the accommodating portion and the lid, and the shielding member is in close contact with the opening edge of the accommodating portion and the lid to block the microwaves when the lid is arranged in a closed position.

[0018] According to such a configuration, since the shielding member that blocks microwaves is provided between the opening edge of the housing portion and the cover portion, it is possible to reliably prevent microwaves from leaking from between the opening of the housing portion and the cover portion.

[0019] The power transmission unit may be mounted on an upper wall constituting an upper portion of the housing portion or a lower wall constituting a lower portion of the housing portion among the wall portions.

[0020] According to such a structure, when a power transmission unit is installed on the upper wall or the lower wall of the storage unit, for example, compared with the case where the power transmission unit is installed on the wall arranged on the side of the storage unit, it is possible to prevent microwaves sent from the power transmission unit from being blocked by other electronic devices, etc., and microwaves can be sent to all electronic devices accommodated in the storage unit to perform wireless power supply.

[0021] The device is configured to further include a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with the electronic device, wherein the communication unit is attached to a wall portion of the storage portion.

[0022] In the case where the electronic device is capable of wireless communication, if the electronic device is housed in the housing, there is a concern that the wireless communication may be blocked by the blocking body of the wall of the housing. However, according to such a structure, since the communication unit capable of wireless communication with the electronic device is installed on the wall of the housing, it is possible to prevent the electronic device from being unable to communicate wirelessly while wirelessly powering the electronic device.

[0023] The storage section may be configured such that a plurality of the electronic devices can be stored in the storage section, and the storage section may include a restriction section that prevents the electronic devices from being arranged side by side in a transmission direction of the microwaves transmitted from the power transmission section.

[0024] For example, if a plurality of electronic devices are arranged in a direction in which microwaves are transmitted, there is a concern that the microwaves may be absorbed and blocked by electronic devices near the power transmission unit, thereby reducing the propagation of microwaves to electronic devices far from the power transmission unit.

[0025] However, according to such a structure, multiple electronic devices can be arranged so as not to be arranged side by side in the transmission direction of the microwaves of the power transmission unit. In other words, the microwaves output from the power transmission unit can be prevented from being blocked by other electronic devices, and the propagation of microwaves to each electronic device can be suppressed.

[0026] A part of the blocking body may be formed as an artificial magnetic conductor that reflects incident electromagnetic waves with a phase rotation of 0°.

[0027] According to such a configuration, by forming a part of the blocking body as an artificial magnetic conductor, the storage portion can be miniaturized without changing the distribution of microwaves in the storage portion.

[0028] The blocking body may be configured as an electromagnetic shielding member that selectively blocks a predetermined frequency.

[0029] According to such a configuration, the blocking body made of the electromagnetic blocking material selectively blocks microwaves, thereby allowing radio waves used in wireless communication to pass through. This prevents the electronic device from being unable to communicate wirelessly while wirelessly powering the electronic device.

[0030] The transmission unit may also be configured to have at least two output units for outputting the microwaves, and further have a phase shifter, wherein the phase shifter controls the phase of the microwaves output from at least one of the two or more output units to increase the intensity of the microwaves at a predetermined position, and the phase shifter moves the position where the intensity of the microwaves increases by controlling the phase of the microwaves.

[0031] For example, in order to increase the intensity of the microwaves in the entire housing section, a method of increasing the size of the power transmission section may be considered. However, if the location for arranging the power transmission section is limited, it is impossible to transmit high-intensity microwaves to the entire housing section.

[0032] However, according to such a configuration, since the phase unit moves the position where the microwave intensity becomes high in the housing portion, microwaves with high intensity can be transmitted to the entire housing portion, thereby uniformly wirelessly powering the electronic equipment arranged in the housing portion.

[0033] The blocking body may be a radio wave reflector for reflecting the microwaves, a radio wave concentration region for concentrating the microwaves reflected by the radio wave reflector may be formed in the housing portion, and the housing portion may include a configuration portion for configuring the electronic device in the radio wave concentration region.

[0034] According to such a configuration, when the electronic device is accommodated in the accommodating portion, the electronic device is naturally arranged in the radio wave concentration region where microwaves are concentrated by the arrangement portion. This can improve the power supply efficiency of the electronic device.

[0035] The storage section may be configured such that a plurality of the electronic devices can be stored in the storage section, and the storage section may include a limiting section for arranging the plurality of electronic devices side by side in the radio wave concentrated area.

[0036] According to such a configuration, the limiting unit can be used to arrange a plurality of electronic devices housed in the housing unit side by side in the radio wave concentration region, thereby improving the power supply efficiency of each electronic device and uniformly supplying wireless power to each electronic device.

[0037] The restriction unit may prevent the electronic devices from being arranged side by side in a transmission direction of the microwaves transmitted from the power transmission unit.

[0038] According to such a configuration, the restricting unit for arranging a plurality of electronic devices side by side can also serve as a restricting unit for restricting the arrangement of electronic devices so as to prevent the electronic devices from being arranged side by side in the transmission direction of microwaves.

[0039] The storage portion may also be arranged on an armrest, a console, or a door storage slot of the vehicle.

[0040] There are restrictions on the installation areas of the vehicle's armrests, consoles, door storage slots, etc.

[0041] However, this structure does not require the electronic device to be arranged so that the power transmission coil and the power receiving coil are not misaligned, as in the electromagnetic induction method, and does not require the power transmission unit to be enlarged. In other words, this structure is very effective when applied to vehicle armrests, consoles, door storage slots, etc.

[0042] Effects of the Invention

[0043] According to the technology disclosed in this specification, it is possible to wirelessly power an electronic device without performing positional alignment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a state where the console according to the first embodiment is installed in a vehicle.

[0045] Figure 2 It is a perspective view of the console in a state where the cover is arranged in a closed position.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a front view of the console in a state where the cover is arranged in a closed position.

[0047] Figure 4 It is a top view of the console in a state where the cover is arranged in a closed position.

[0048] Figure 5 It is a side view of the console in a state where the cover is arranged in a closed position.

[0049] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 A partial enlarged cross-sectional view of line AA.

[0050] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the console in a state where the cover is arranged in an open position, as seen from the oblique front.

[0051] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of the console in a state where the cover is arranged in an open position, as seen from an oblique rear.

[0052] Fig. 9 This is a front view of the console with the cover arranged in the open position.

[0053] Fig.10 It is a top view of the console in a state where the cover is arranged in the open position.

[0054] Fig.11 It is a side view of the console in a state where the cover is arranged in the open position.

[0055] Fig.12 yes Fig.10 A partial enlarged cross-sectional view of line BB.

[0056] Fig.13 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical structure of the console in a state where the cover is arranged in a closed position.

[0057] Fig.14 This is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a state in which electronic devices are arranged on an arrangement member in a console according to the second embodiment.

[0058] Fig.15 This is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a state in which electronic devices are arranged on an arrangement member in a console according to a third embodiment.

[0059] Fig.16 This is a plan view showing a state in which electronic devices are arranged on an arrangement member in a console according to a fourth embodiment.

[0060] Fig.17 This is a conceptual cross-sectional view showing a state in which electronic devices are arranged on an arrangement member in a console.

[0061] Fig.18 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state where electronic equipment is arranged on the cover portion of the console according to the fifth embodiment.

[0062] Fig.19 This is a cross-sectional view showing a state where electronic equipment is arranged in a rear storage portion of a console according to a sixth embodiment.

[0063] Fig. 20 This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the arrival position of microwaves is moved by a phase shifter in a console according to a seventh embodiment.

[0064] Fig.21 This is a schematic diagram of the electrical structure of the console involved in the eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] <Implementation method 1>

[0066] Reference Figures 1 to 13 Embodiment 1 of the technology disclosed in this specification will be described.

[0067] This embodiment is a console (an example of a "power supply device") 10 mounted on a vehicle C. Figure 1 As shown in FIG. 1 , a console 10 capable of accommodating a plurality of electronic devices 1 is illustrated. Figure 3 and Figure 5 The up and down direction is based on Figure 4 and Figure 5 In addition, the left and right directions are based on Figure 4 The up and down directions are used as reference, and the description is given with the top in the illustration as the right and the bottom in the illustration as the left.

[0068] The electronic device 1 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet computer, a small personal computer, etc. The electronic device 1 in the present embodiment is a smartphone.

[0069] like Fig.13 As shown, the electronic device 1 is configured to include a built-in communication antenna 2 for communication, a built-in power receiving antenna (an example of a “power receiving unit”) 3 for receiving microwaves, a power receiving module 4 having a rectifier circuit 5 , and a battery 6 connected to the power receiving module 4 .

[0070] The built-in communication antenna 2 is used as an antenna for LTE and Wi-Fi wireless communications, and the electronic device 1 can perform external communications via the built-in communication antenna 2 .

[0071] The built-in power receiving antenna 3 can receive microwaves. The built-in power receiving antenna 3 is connected to the power receiving module 4, and the power receiving module 4 converts the microwaves received by the built-in power receiving antenna 3 into direct current through the rectifier circuit 5.

[0072] The power receiving module 4 is connected to the battery 6 , and the power receiving module 4 can supply the direct current converted by the rectifier circuit 5 to the battery 6 .

[0073] like Figure 2 to Figure 6 As shown, the console 10 is in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape that is long in the front-rear direction, and is provided between a driver's seat and a passenger seat (not shown) of the vehicle C.

[0074] The front portion of the console 10 is formed of two drink holders 11 that are recessed in a circular hole shape in a plan view, and the area from the center to the rear of the console 10 is formed as a wireless power supply unit (an example of a “housing unit”) 20 .

[0075] The wireless power supply unit 20 is configured to include: a storage recess 21 capable of storing multiple electronic devices 1; and a cover (an example of a “wall” and an “upper wall”) 30 assembled on the upper part of the storage recess 21 and forming a storage space S together with the storage recess 21.

[0076] like Figure 7 to Figure 12 As shown, the accommodating recess 21 has an upper end opening 22 that opens upward in a roughly rectangular shape, and is composed of a roughly rectangular bottom wall (an example of a "wall portion") 23 that is longer in the front-to-back direction and four side walls (an example of a "wall portion") 24 connected to the side edges of the bottom wall 23.

[0077] The vertical depth of the storage recess 21 is about 2 / 3 of the vertical height of the console 10 , and the horizontal length of the storage recess 21 is slightly smaller than the horizontal length of the console 10 .

[0078] A communication antenna (an example of a “communication unit”) T1 connected to an external antenna C1 of the vehicle C is mounted on a rear wall (rear side wall 24 ) 24B of the housing recess 21 .

[0079] The communication antenna T1 is formed in a substantially rectangular flat plate shape and is mounted on the front inner surface of the rear wall 24B by any known method such as double-sided tape, adhesive, resin clip, self-tapping screws, etc. Fig.13 As shown, the communication antenna T1 is connected to a communication line W1, and the communication line W1 is connected to the external antenna C1 via a relay connector CN1 buried in the rear wall 24B. Therefore, the electronic device 1 accommodated in the accommodation recess 21 can communicate wirelessly with the communication antenna T1, and can perform external communication through the communication antenna T1 and the external antenna C1.

[0080] like Figure 7 , Figure 8 , Fig.10 and Fig.12 As shown, an assembly groove 26 that is recessed downward is provided at the outer peripheral edge of the upper end opening 22 of the receiving recess 21 of the wireless power supply unit 20. The assembly groove 26 is formed into a substantially rectangular frame shape along the upper end opening 22, and a shielding filler (an example of a "shielding member") 27 is installed in the assembly groove 26. The shielding filler 27 is formed in a manner capable of blocking microwaves by, for example, a mixed material of ferrite and synthetic rubber, and is formed into a substantially rectangular frame plate with flexibility.

[0081] On the other hand, Figure 7 to Figure 12 As shown, the cover 30 is a rectangular plate having a slight thickness and being long in the front-to-back direction. The length dimension of the cover 30 in the front-to-back direction is set to be slightly larger than half of the length dimension of the console 10 in the front-to-back direction, and the length dimension of the cover 30 in the left-to-right direction is set to be slightly larger than the length dimension of the receiving recess 21 in the left-to-right direction.

[0082] Therefore, if the cover 30 is placed on the upper part of the receiving recess 21, Figures 4 to 6 As shown, the upper end opening 22 of the receiving recess 21 is completely covered from above by the cover 30 .

[0083] In addition, the cover 30 is fixed to the receiving recess 21 by a hinge 32 connecting the rear end 30A of the cover 30 and the rear wall 24B of the receiving recess 21. The cover 30 can be in a closed position (see Figure 5 and Figure 6) and open position (refer to Fig.10 and Fig.12 ), the closed position is a position where a cover portion 30 is provided on the upper portion of the receiving recess 21 to close the upper end opening 22 of the receiving recess 21, and the open position is a position where the cover portion 30 extends upward from the rear wall 24B of the receiving recess 21 to open the upper end opening 22 of the receiving recess 21.

[0084] like Figure 7 , Fig. 9 and Fig.12 As shown, a substantially rectangular frame-shaped protruding rib 34 is provided on the inner surface 33 of the cover 30 on the side of the housing recess 21 .

[0085] The protruding rib 34 protrudes from the inner surface 33 of the cover 30 along the outer peripheral edge of the cover 30. When the cover 30 is arranged in the closed position, Figure 6 As shown, the protruding rib 34 enters the assembly groove 26 of the receiving recess 21. When the protruding rib 34 enters the assembly groove 26, the protruding rib 34 presses the shielding filler 27 in the assembly groove 26 from above, and the protruding rib 34 and the shielding filler 27 surround and fit closely to the upper end opening 22 of the receiving recess 21 throughout the entire circumference.

[0086] In other words, if the cover 30 is configured in the closed position, the upper end opening 22 of the receiving recess 21 is covered by the cover 30, and the receiving space S formed by the four side walls 24 and the bottom wall 23 of the receiving recess 21 and the cover 30 is completely sealed. In other words, inside the wireless power supply unit 20, the receiving space S is formed by six walls, namely, the four side walls 24, the bottom wall 23, and the cover 30.

[0087] In addition, if Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, a locking piece 35 is provided on the inner surface (lower surface) 33 of the front end of the cover 30 at a position inside the protruding rib 34 to be engaged with the lock receiving portion 28 provided in the receiving recess 21. Figure 6 and Figure 8 As shown, the lock receiving portion 28 of the receiving recess 21 is protruded from the front wall (front side wall 24) 24F of the receiving recess 21. The lock receiving portion 28 is formed in a horizontally long block shape, and the lower surface of the lock receiving portion 28 is set as a locking surface 28A.

[0088] The locking piece 35 is formed into a plate-like shape extending downward from the inner surface 33 of the cover 30 and having a large width in the left-right direction, and is elastically displaceable in the front-back direction. The front end (lower end) of the locking piece 35 is provided as a locking portion 36 bent forward.

[0089] like Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown in FIG. 1 , the locking piece 35 is elastically displaced rearward by the locking portion 36 contacting the rear surface of the lock receiving portion 28 before the cover 30 reaches the closed position from the open position. When the cover 30 reaches the closed position, the locking portion 36 passes over the lock receiving portion 28, so that the locking piece 35 elastically recovers. Figure 6 As shown in the figure, the cover 30 is held in the closed position by the locking portion 36 of the locking piece 35 and the locking surface 28A of the lock receiving portion 28 being locked in the up-down direction. In addition, for the cover 30, by pushing up the front end of the cover 30 when the cover 30 is arranged in the closed position, the locking piece 35 is elastically displaced backward, and by releasing the locking of the locking portion 36 and the locking surface 28A of the lock receiving portion 28, the cover 30 can be rotated and displaced from the closed position to the open position.

[0090] Then, in the area inside the protruding rib 34 of the inner surface 33 of the cover portion 30, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, a power transmission panel (an example of a "power transmission unit") 40 for transmitting microwaves that can be received by a built-in power receiving antenna 3 provided in the electronic device 1 is installed, and four side walls 24, a bottom wall 23, and a cover 30 constituting a storage space S of the wireless power supply unit 20 are provided. Figure 6 and Fig.12 As shown, a radio wave blocking body (an example of a "blocking body") 37 for blocking microwaves is included. In this embodiment, a radio wave blocking body 37 is installed on the inner surface (lower surface) of the upper wall body 38U of the cover 30, and a radio wave blocking body 37 is installed on the inner surface of the lower wall body 38D of the four side walls 24 and the bottom wall 23.

[0091] The radio wave blocking body 37 is formed by, for example, processing a radio wave absorber composed of a mixture of ferrite and synthetic rubber, or a radio wave reflector composed of metal plates such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, copper, and copper alloy into a flat plate shape, and is installed on the entire inner surface of the upper wall body 38U and the lower wall body 38D by any of the well-known methods such as adhesives, double-sided tapes, and resin clips.

[0092] Therefore, the inner surface of the receiving recess 21 and the cover 30 is covered by the radio wave blocking body 37. Figure 6 As shown, when the cover 30 is in the closed position, the storage space S is completely covered and sealed by the six radio wave blocking bodies 37 and the shielding filler 27 , thereby preventing microwaves from leaking out of the wireless power supply unit 20 .

[0093] like Figure 7 and Fig. 9As shown, the power transmission panel 40 includes a panel body 41 having a substantially rectangular flat plate shape and a plurality of antenna elements 43 mounted on the surface of the panel body 41. On the back surface of the panel body 41, output wires W2 connected to the antenna elements 43 are connected.

[0094] Each antenna element 43 can radiate microwaves. The radiated microwaves have a frequency band of about 0.1 GHz to 100 GHz, and the antenna element 43 of this embodiment can radiate and transmit microwaves in a band of 2.40 GHz to 2.45 GHz.

[0095] Then, when microwaves are output from all the antenna elements 43 attached to the panel body 41 , the microwaves are radiated in the entire accommodation space S.

[0096] In addition, if Figure 7 to Figure 10 As shown, the microwave output from the antenna element 43 is switched on / off by the switch mechanism 50 provided over the cover portion 30 and the lock receiving portion 28 of the housing recess 21 .

[0097] The switch mechanism 50 is configured to include a female connector 39 provided on the inner surface 33 of the cover 30 and a male connector portion 29 provided on the lock receiving portion 28 so as to be fittable with the female connector 39 .

[0098] like Figure 7 and Fig. 9 As shown, the female connector 39 protrudes downward from the inner surface 33 of the cover 30 when the cover 30 is in the closed position. A fitting recess 39A into which the male connector part 29 can fit is provided at the lower end of the female connector 39, and a plurality of cover-side contact points 39B are provided in the left-right direction on the deep surface of the fitting recess 39A.

[0099] like Figure 8 and Fig.10 As shown, the convex connector portion 29 of the locking receiving portion 28 is formed in a protruding shape at the upper portion of the locking receiving portion 28, and on the protruding surface of the convex connector portion 29, that is, the upper surface 29A, a plurality of accommodating portion side contact portions 29B corresponding to the cover side contact portions 39B of the concave connector 39 are arranged side by side in the left-right direction.

[0100] like Figure 6 As shown, when the cover 30 is arranged in the closed position, the female connector 39 is fitted with the male connector part 29, and the cover side contact part 39B is connected to the storage part side contact part 29B by fitting the female connector 39 with the male connector part 29.

[0101] Therefore, when the cover 30 is in the closed position, the female connector 39 and the male connector 29 are fitted to connect the cover-side contact 39B and the housing-side contact 29B, and the switch mechanism 50 is turned on. Thus, the power transmission panel 40 is turned on to radiate microwaves.

[0102] On the other hand, when the cover 30 is displaced from the closed position to the open position, the female connector 39 is separated from the male connector 29, and the connection between the cover side contact 39B and the housing side contact 29B is released, and the switch mechanism 50 is turned off. As a result, the power transmission panel 40 is turned off and the transmission of microwaves is stopped.

[0103] Next, refer to Fig.13 The electrical structure of the console 10 will be described.

[0104] The console 10 is provided with a microwave standard signal generator (hereinafter also referred to as "SG") 12 for emitting a microwave standard signal and an amplifier 13 connected to the SG 12 below the wireless power supply unit 20. The SG 12 is connected to the power transmission panel 40 via the output line W2 via the amplifier 13. The output line W2 connected to the amplifier 13 is introduced into the inner surface 33 of the cover 30 via the relay connector CN2 provided on the cover 30, and is connected to the power transmission panel 40.

[0105] Therefore, for the electronic device 1 capable of receiving microwaves as in the present embodiment, when it is housed in the housing recess 21 of the wireless power supply unit 20 and the cover 30 is closed and arranged in the closed position, the microwaves radiated from the power transmission panel 40 of the cover 30 are received and the battery 6 is powered.

[0106] As described above, the console 10 of this embodiment is Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Fig.13 As shown, a control console (power supply device) 10 is mounted on a vehicle C and comprises: a power transmission panel (power transmission unit) 40, which transmits microwaves that can be received by a built-in power receiving antenna (power receiving unit) 3 provided in the electronic device 1; and a wireless power supply unit (housing unit) 20, which can accommodate the electronic device 1 when the power transmission panel 40 is provided inside. The bottom wall 23 and side walls 24 (wall portions) and the cover portion 30 constituting the wireless power supply unit 20 include a radio wave blocking body (blocking body) 37 for blocking microwaves.

[0107] That is, according to the console 10 of the present embodiment, the electronic device 1 can be powered by so-called microwave power transmission in which the built-in power receiving antenna 3 of the electronic device 1 receives microwaves transmitted from the power transmission panel 40 .

[0108] In other words, it is not necessary to arrange the electronic device such that the power transmission coil and the power receiving coil are arranged opposite to each other without positional deviation as in the electromagnetic induction method, and it is not necessary to enlarge the power transmission panel 40, so the wireless power supply unit 20 can be set in a preferred area (a narrow area between the driver's seat and the front passenger seat) in the vehicle C. In addition, the bottom wall 23 and the side wall 24 (wall portion) and the cover portion 30 of the receiving recess 21 constituting the wireless power supply unit 20 include a radio wave blocking body 37 that blocks microwaves, so that microwaves can be prevented from leaking from the wireless power supply unit (the receiving space S formed by the receiving recess 21 and the cover portion 30) 20.

[0109] In addition, the cover 30 as a part of the wall of the wireless power supply unit 20 can be Figure 5 and Figure 6 The closed position in which the upper end opening (opening) 22 of the wireless power supply unit 20 for accommodating the electronic device 1 is set to a closed state is similar to the closed position in FIG. Fig.10 and Fig.12 As shown, the upper end opening 22 is set to be displaced between the open position in the open state, and there is also a switch mechanism 50. The above-mentioned switch mechanism 50 switches the power transmission panel (power transmission part) 40 from the disconnected state to the connected state when the cover part 30 is arranged in the closed position, and switches the power transmission panel 40 from the connected state to the disconnected state when the cover part 30 is displaced from the closed position to the open position.

[0110] In other words, according to the present embodiment, when the cover 30 reaches the closed position, the switch mechanism 50 switches the power transmission panel 40 to the on state and transmits microwaves from the power transmission panel 40, so that the electronic device 1 can be automatically powered. In addition, when the cover 30 moves from the closed position to the open position, the switch mechanism 50 switches the power transmission panel 40 to the off state and stops the transmission of microwaves, so that microwaves can be reliably prevented from leaking from the wireless power supply unit 20 when the cover 30 is opened and closed.

[0111] In addition, according to the present embodiment, a shielding filler (shielding component) 27 is provided between the opening edge of the wireless power supply part (housing part) 20 and the cover part 30. When the cover part 30 is arranged in a closed position, the shielding filler 27 is tightly attached to the opening edge of the wireless power supply part 20 and the cover part 30 to block microwaves.

[0112] In other words, the shielding filler 27 that blocks microwaves is provided between the opening edge of the wireless power supply unit 20 and the cover 30 , so that microwaves can be reliably prevented from leaking from between the opening edge of the wireless power supply unit 20 and the cover 30 .

[0113] In addition, if Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the power transmission panel (power transmission unit) 40 is installed on the inner surface 33 of the cover (upper wall) 30 constituting the upper part of the wireless power supply unit (accommodation unit) 20 in the wall portion, so that, compared with the case where the power transmission panel is installed on the side wall that is a part of the wall portion of the wireless power supply unit, for example, it is possible to prevent the microwaves transmitted from the power transmission panel 40 from being blocked by other electronic devices, etc. Thus, microwaves can be transmitted to all electronic devices 1 accommodated in the accommodation space S of the wireless power supply unit 20 to power each electronic device 1.

[0114] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, a communication antenna (communication unit) T1 capable of wireless communication with the electronic device 1 is further provided, and the communication antenna T1 is attached to the inner surface of the rear wall 24B (wall) of the wireless power supply unit (housing unit) 20 .

[0115] For example, when the electronic device is capable of wireless communication, if the electronic device is housed in the wireless power supply unit, there is a concern that the wireless communication may be blocked by the blocking body of the wall of the wireless power supply unit. However, according to this embodiment, the communication antenna T1 capable of wireless communication with the electronic device 1 is installed in the wireless power supply unit 20, so that the electronic device 1 can be prevented from being unable to communicate wirelessly.

[0116] In addition, the wireless power supply unit (housing unit) 20 is provided on the armrest of the vehicle C or the console 10 .

[0117] The installation area of ​​the armrest of the vehicle C is limited, and a space for accommodating other items is also required for the console 10 , so the installation area is limited.

[0118] However, since the electronic device 1 can be powered by microwave power transmission as in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to arrange the electronic device so that the power transmission coil and the power receiving coil are arranged opposite to each other without positional deviation as in the electromagnetic induction method, and it is not necessary to enlarge the power transmission unit such as the power transmission panel. In other words, it is very effective to use the structure of the present embodiment for the armrest or console 10 of the vehicle C.

[0119] <Implementation method 2>

[0120] Next, refer to Fig.14 Implementation method 2 is described.

[0121] Embodiment 2 is a structure in which the radio wave blocking body 37 of the wireless power supply unit 20 of embodiment 1 is constituted by a radio wave reflector (an example of a "blocking body") 137, and a configuration member (an example of a "configuration unit") 60 is configured in the wireless power supply unit 20. The structure, function and effect shared with embodiment 1 are repeated, so the description thereof is omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same structure as embodiment 1.

[0122] The radio wave reflector 137 of the wireless power supply unit (an example of a "housing unit") 120 of the second embodiment is formed by processing a metal plate such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, copper, copper alloy, etc. The radio wave reflector 137 is attached to the entire inner surface of the upper wall body 38U and the lower wall body 38D by any of the known methods such as adhesive, double-sided tape, and resin clips.

[0123] Therefore, the inside of the wireless power supply unit 120 is surrounded by the radio wave reflectors 137 from six directions.

[0124] In addition, when the cover 30 is arranged in a closed position where the cover 30 is placed on the upper part of the receiving recess 21, the joint portion is continuously electrically connected to the radio wave reflector 137 of the receiving recess 21 and the radio wave reflector 137 of the cover 30. That is, the contact portion of the radio wave reflector 137 of the receiving recess 21 and the radio wave reflector 137 of the cover 30 is continuously electrically connected. Therefore, the inside of the wireless power supply unit 120 becomes a state completely covered by six radio wave reflectors 137. Thus, microwaves are prevented from leaking from the wireless power supply unit 120 to the outside.

[0125] Here, when microwaves are radiated from the power transmission panel 40, the microwaves are reflected by the radio wave reflector 137. Thus, in the wireless power supply unit 120, a radio wave concentrated area A10 where the reflected microwaves are concentrated and a radio wave disappearing area LA where the microwaves disappear are formed.

[0126] The radio wave concentration area A10 includes a high radio wave area A11 where microwave concentration density is high and a low radio wave area A12 where microwave concentration density is low. The microwave density in each radio wave area A11 and A12 increases toward the center of the area.

[0127] The high-wave region A11 is formed slightly below the power transmission panel 40, and the low-wave region A12 is formed slightly below the high-wave region A11. In other words, the wave concentration region A10 is formed so that the farther away from the power transmission panel 40, the lower the concentration density of microwaves.

[0128] The radio wave disappearing area LA is formed around the radio wave concentrated area A10 by mutual interference of reflected microwaves.

[0129] The placement member 60 has a plate-shaped installation plate 61 made of synthetic resin and capable of placing the electronic device 1. A plurality of legs 62 extending downward are provided on the installation plate 61. The installation plate 61 is supported by the plurality of legs 62 and is arranged in the radio wave concentration area A10.

[0130] Specifically, the installation plate 61 is arranged slightly below the high-frequency area A11 in the radio wave concentrated area A10 . When the electronic device 1 is placed on the installation plate 61 , the electronic device 1 is arranged in the high-frequency area A11 .

[0131] In other words, the radio wave blocking body (blocking body) of the present embodiment is a radio wave reflector 137 that reflects microwaves. Moreover, in the wireless power supply unit 120, a radio wave concentration area A10 is formed where the microwaves reflected by the radio wave reflector 137 are concentrated. In addition, the wireless power supply unit 120 has a configuration member (configuration unit) 60 for configuring the electronic device 1 in the radio wave concentration area A10.

[0132] That is, according to the present embodiment, the electronic device 1 is accommodated in the accommodation recess 21, and if the cover 30 is placed on the upper part of the accommodation recess 21, the electronic device 1 is naturally arranged in the high radio wave area A11 of the radio wave concentration area A10 where microwaves are concentrated by the arrangement member 60. Thus, the power supply efficiency of the electronic device 1 can be improved.

[0133] Furthermore, by disposing the placement member 60 in the wireless power supply unit 120 , the space surrounded by the installation plate 61 and the leg portion 62 in the wireless power supply unit 120 can be used for other purposes.

[0134] In this embodiment, the shielding filler 27 and the switch mechanism 50 shown in the first embodiment are not installed, but the shielding filler and the switch mechanism may be installed as needed.

[0135] <Implementation method 3>

[0136] Next, refer to Fig.15 Implementation method 3 is described.

[0137] The wireless power supply unit (an example of a "housing unit") 220 of the third embodiment installs the power transmission panel 40 of the wireless power supply unit 120 of the second embodiment on the lower wall body 38D, and is set to be shorter than the length of each leg 62 of the configuration member 60. The structure, function and effect shared with the first and second embodiments are repeated, so the description thereof is omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same structure as the second embodiment.

[0138] As for the wireless power supply unit 220 of the third embodiment, similarly to the wireless power supply unit 120 of the second embodiment, when microwaves are radiated from the power transmission panel 40, the microwaves are reflected by the radio wave reflector 137. Therefore, when the cover 30 is placed on the upper part of the receiving recess 21, a radio wave concentration area A20 where the reflected microwaves are concentrated and a radio wave disappearance area LA where the reflected microwaves interfere with each other and disappear are formed.

[0139] Here, in this embodiment, since the power transmission panel 40 is mounted on the lower wall body 38D, the concentration density of microwaves in the radio wave concentration area A20 decreases as it moves upward from the power transmission panel 40. Thus, the high radio wave area A21 is formed slightly above the power transmission panel 40, and the low radio wave area A22 is formed slightly above the high radio wave area A21.

[0140] The length dimension of the leg portion 162 of the configuration member (an example of a "configuration portion") 160 is formed to be short. If the configuration member 160 is configured in the receiving recess 21, the setting plate 161 of the configuration member 160 is configured slightly above the power transmission panel 40 and slightly below the high-frequency area A11 of the radio wave concentration area A10. Therefore, if the electronic device 1 is placed on the setting plate 161, the electronic device 1 is configured in the high-frequency area A21.

[0141] That is, according to this embodiment, similar to Embodiment 2, when the electronic device 1 is accommodated in the wireless power supply unit 220, the electronic device 1 is naturally arranged in the high radio wave area A21 of the radio wave concentration area A20 where microwaves are concentrated by the arrangement member 160. Thus, the power supply efficiency of the electronic device 1 can be improved.

[0142] Furthermore, since the arrangement member 160 and the electronic device 1 are arranged near the lower wall body 38D of the wireless power supply unit 220 , the space above the position where the electronic device 1 is arranged in the wireless power supply unit 220 can be used for other purposes.

[0143] In this embodiment, the shielding filler 27 and the switch mechanism 50 shown in the first embodiment are not installed, but the shielding filler and the switch mechanism may be installed as needed.

[0144] <Implementation method 4>

[0145] Next, refer to Fig.16 and Fig.17 Implementation method 4 is described.

[0146] The wireless power supply unit (an example of a "housing unit") 320 of the fourth embodiment is a structure in which the configuration member 160 of the wireless power supply unit 220 of the third embodiment is changed, and the structure, function and effect shared with the first and third embodiments are omitted due to duplication. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same structure as the third embodiment.

[0147] like Fig.17 As shown, the arrangement member (an example of a “arrangement portion”) 260 according to the fourth embodiment includes a partition portion (an example of a “restriction portion”) 263 extending upward from the upper surface of a setting plate 261 .

[0148] like Fig.16 As shown in FIG. 1 , the partition 263 is formed in a grid shape for partitioning the wireless power supply unit 320 in the front, back, left, and right directions. Fig.17 As shown, it is prevented that the electronic devices 1 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction in the wireless power supply unit 320, and as shown in FIG. Fig.16 As shown, a plurality of electronic devices 1 can be arranged side by side in the front, back, left, and right directions in the radio wave concentration area A10.

[0149] That is, according to the present embodiment, the plurality of electronic devices 1 can be arranged side by side in the radio wave concentration area A20 by the partition 263 , so that the power supply efficiency of each electronic device 1 can be improved while wireless power can be uniformly supplied to each electronic device 1 .

[0150] In addition, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to configure the plurality of electronic devices 1 not to be arranged side by side in the transmission direction F in which microwaves are transmitted from the power transmission panel 40. In other words, for example, if the plurality of electronic devices 1 are arranged side by side in the transmission direction of microwaves, the microwaves may be absorbed and blocked by the electronic device 1 close to the transmission panel, which may reduce the propagation of the microwaves to the electronic device 1 far from the transmission panel.

[0151] However, according to the present embodiment, the microwaves output from the power transmission panel 40 are prevented from being blocked by other electronic devices 1, and the propagation of the microwaves to each electronic device 1 can be suppressed from being reduced. In addition, according to the present embodiment, if a plurality of electronic devices 1 are arranged side by side in the radio wave concentration area A20 by the partition 263, the polarization direction of the antenna element 43 arranged in the power transmission panel 40 and the polarization direction of the built-in power receiving antenna 3 of the electronic device 1 are naturally consistent, and the transmission efficiency of the microwaves is improved.

[0152] In this embodiment, the shielding filler 27 and the switch mechanism 50 shown in the first embodiment are not installed, but the shielding filler and the switch mechanism may be installed as needed.

[0153] <Implementation method 5>

[0154] Next, refer to Fig.18 Implementation method 5 is described.

[0155] The console 410 (an example of a "power supply device") of the fifth embodiment is a structure in which a wireless power supply unit (an example of a "receiving unit") 420 is formed in the cover 30 of the console 10 of the first embodiment, and a non-powered component can be received in the receiving recess 21. The structure, function and effect common to the first embodiment are repeated, so their description is omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same structure as the first embodiment.

[0156] The cover 430 of the wireless power supply unit 420 of the fifth embodiment includes a cover body 431 having a cover-side recess 432 capable of accommodating the electronic device 1 , and a closing portion 433 attached to the lower surface of the cover body 431 to close the cover-side recess 432 .

[0157] The cover side recess 432 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed from the lower surface 431A of the cover body 431 in an upward cross-section. A radio wave blocking body 37 having the same structure as that of Embodiment 1 is installed inside the cover side recess 432 by the same fixing method as that of Embodiment 1. A power transmission panel 40 is installed on the surface of the radio wave blocking body 37 installed on the inner upper surface of the cover side recess 432.

[0158] The closing portion 433 is formed in a flat plate shape. The closing portion 433 is assembled to the cover body 431 by a hinge (not shown) provided at the rear end of the cover body 431. The radio wave blocking body 37 having the same structure as that of the embodiment 1 is mounted on the upper surface of the closing portion 433 by the same fixing method as that of the embodiment 1, and the electronic device 1 can be placed on the surface of the radio wave blocking body 37 of the closing portion 433.

[0159] When the closing portion 433 is fixed to the lower surface of the cover body 431 to close the lower opening of the cover-side recess 432 , the electronic device 1 is housed in the wireless power supply unit 420 while being surrounded by the radio wave blocking bodies 37 from six directions.

[0160] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the housing recess 21 can be utilized as a portion for housing components not related to power supply, and the wireless power supply unit 420 can be provided in a limited area in the vehicle C, that is, in the cover 430 of the console 410 .

[0161] In addition, in this embodiment, the shielding filler 27 and the switch mechanism 50 shown in the first embodiment are not installed, but the shielding filler and the switch mechanism may be installed as needed.

[0162] In addition, for the radio wave blocking body 37 of the cover side recess 432 and the radio wave blocking body 37 of the stopper 433, when the stopper 433 is fixed to the lower surface of the cover body 431 in a manner that closes the opening of the lower side of the cover side recess 432, the joint is continuously electrically connected. That is, the contact portion of the radio wave blocking body 37 of the cover side recess 432 and the radio wave blocking body 37 of the stopper 433 is continuously electrically connected. Therefore, the wireless power supply unit 420 becomes a state completely covered by six radio wave blocking bodies 37. Thus, microwaves are prevented from leaking to the outside from the wireless power supply unit 420.

[0163] <Implementation method 6>

[0164] Next, refer to Fig.19 Implementation method 6 is described.

[0165] Unlike the console 10 of Embodiment 1, the wireless power supply unit (an example of a "housing unit") 520 of Embodiment 6 is provided at the rear end of the console 510 that protrudes slightly backward from the position where the cover 30 is installed in the console (an example of a "power supply device") 510. The structure, function and effect common to Embodiment 1 are omitted due to duplication. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same structure as Embodiment 1.

[0166] The wireless power supply unit 520 according to the sixth embodiment includes a small housing recess 571 that is long in the vertical direction and can house the electronic device 1 , and a small cover 572 that is attached to the upper surface of the small housing recess 571 .

[0167] The small receiving recess 571 is formed by being recessed downward from the upper surface of the console 510 in a manner opening upward. A radio wave blocking body 537 having the same structure as that of Embodiment 1 is installed inside the small receiving recess 571 by the same fixing method as that of Embodiment 1. The power transmission panel 40 is installed on the surface of the radio wave blocking body 537 installed on the inner rear surface of the small receiving recess 571.

[0168] The small cover 572 is assembled to the small housing recess 571 by a hinge (not shown) provided at the rear end of the console 510. The radio wave blocking body 537 having the same structure as that of the first embodiment is attached to the lower surface of the small cover 572 by the same fixing method as that of the first embodiment.

[0169] When the small cover 572 is attached to the upper surface of the small housing recess 571 , the opening of the small housing recess 571 is closed, and the electronic device 1 is housed in the wireless power supply unit 520 while being surrounded by the radio wave blocking body 537 from six directions.

[0170] Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the housing recess 21 can be utilized as a portion for housing components not related to power supply, and the wireless power supply unit 520 can be provided in a limited area in the vehicle C, that is, at the rear end of the console 510 .

[0171] In this embodiment, the shielding filler 27 and the switch mechanism 50 shown in the first embodiment are not installed, but the shielding filler and the switch mechanism may be installed as needed.

[0172] In addition, for the radio wave blocking body 537 of the small receiving recess 571 and the radio wave blocking body 537 of the small cover 572, when the small cover 572 is installed on the upper surface of the small receiving recess 571, the joint is continuously electrically connected. That is, the contact portion of the radio wave blocking body 537 of the small receiving recess 571 and the radio wave blocking body 537 of the small cover 572 is continuously electrically connected. Therefore, the wireless power supply unit 520 becomes a state completely covered by six radio wave blocking bodies 537. Thus, microwaves are prevented from leaking to the outside from the wireless power supply unit 520.

[0173] <Implementation method 7>

[0174] Next, refer to Fig. 20 Implementation method 7 is described.

[0175] The wireless power supply unit (an example of a “storage unit”) 620 of the console (an example of a “power supply device”) 610 of Embodiment 7 uniformly supplies power to the plurality of electronic devices 1 accommodated in the storage recess 21 by moving the position where the microwave radio wave intensity increases through a beam forming function.

[0176] The wireless power supply unit 620 changes the shape and number of the antenna element 43 of the power transmission panel 40 of the first embodiment, and at least one antenna element 43 is connected to the SG12 via the phase shifter 80. The structure, function and effect common to the first embodiment are omitted due to duplication. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same structure as the first embodiment.

[0177] like Fig. 20 As shown, the power transmission panel (an example of a "power transmission unit") 640 of the wireless power supply unit 620 of Embodiment 7 has two antenna elements (an example of an "output unit") 643 formed in a substantially rectangular shape. One of the two antenna elements 643 is set to be connected to the first antenna element 643A that branches the microwave output from the amplifier 13 into two distributors 14, and the other antenna element 643 is set to be connected to the distributor 14 via the phase shifter 80. The second antenna element 643B.

[0178] The phase shifter 80 controls the phase of the microwaves transmitted from the second antenna element 643B. The phase shifter 80 controls so that the phase of the microwaves transmitted from the second antenna element 643B is the same as the phase of the microwaves transmitted from the first antenna element 643A at a predetermined position, thereby increasing the radio wave intensity of the microwaves at the predetermined position. In addition, the phase shifter 80 controls the phase of the microwaves transmitted from the second antenna element 643B so that the position where the radio wave intensity becomes high is moved to the area where the electronic device 1 can be arranged in the storage recess 21.

[0179] That is, in this embodiment, for example, the phase shifter 80 moves the region where the radio wave intensity of the microwave is high per unit time, thereby making it possible to uniformly supply power to the plurality of electronic devices 1 arranged in the housing recess 21 .

[0180] However, usually, if the radio wave intensity of the microwave at the predetermined position becomes high, there is a concern about radio wave leakage from the wireless power supply unit 620. However, in this embodiment, since the receiving recess 21 and the cover 30 have a radio wave blocking body 37, the electronic device 1 can be powered while preventing radio wave leakage from the wireless power supply unit 620.

[0181] <Implementation method 8>

[0182] Next, refer to Fig.21 Implementation method 8 is described.

[0183] The wireless power supply unit (an example of a "housing unit") 720 of the console (an example of a "power supply device") 710 of the eighth embodiment is a structure in which the radio wave blocking body 37 of the wireless power supply unit 20 of the first embodiment is changed to an electromagnetic shielding member (an example of a "blocking body") 737 that selectively blocks a predetermined frequency, and the structure, function and effect shared with the first embodiment are repeated, so the description thereof is omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are used for the same structure as the first embodiment.

[0184] The electromagnetic shielding member 737 of the wireless power supply unit 720 according to the eighth embodiment is formed by printing an electromagnetic wave shielding layer on a sheet of synthetic resin, cloth, paper, or the like.

[0185] The electromagnetic shielding device 737 shields only predetermined radio waves by changing the shape of the radio wave shielding layer. The electromagnetic shielding device 737 of this embodiment shields the first radio wave M1 which is a radio wave in the 2.40 GHz to 2.45 GHz band, and transmits the second radio wave M2 which is another radio wave.

[0186] Examples of the electromagnetic shielding member 737 include the structure described in "Ben A. Munk, Frequency Selective Surfaces: Theory and Design. New York, NJ John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 2000.", the structure described in "EA Parker, RJ Langley, R. Cahill, JC Varaxoglou "Frequency Selective Surfaces," IEE Proc., ICAP'83, Norwich, UK, 1, pp. 459-463, Apr. 1983.", or a frequency selective electromagnetic shielding member manufactured by Mitsubishi Electric Cable Industries, Ltd.

[0187] That is, according to the present embodiment, the microwaves in the 2.40 GHz to 2.45 GHz band transmitted from the power transmission panel 40, namely the first radio wave M1, are shielded by the electromagnetic shielding member 737, but other radio waves (e.g., the frequency band of mobile phones (800 MHz, 2 GHz, etc.)), namely the second radio wave M2, pass through the electromagnetic shielding member 737. Thus, the electronic device 1 can perform external communication even when it is housed in the wireless power supply unit 720 and is powered.

[0188] In addition, the electromagnetic shielding member 737 of this embodiment can be lightweight compared to a radio wave blocking body formed of a metal plate, for example. In addition, the thickness of the electromagnetic shielding member 737 can be processed to be thinner, so that it can be miniaturized compared to a radio wave blocking body formed of a metal plate, for example.

[0189] <Implementation method 9>

[0190] Next, implementation example 9 will be described.

[0191] The wireless power supply unit (an example of a "storage unit") of the console (an example of a "power supply device") of embodiment 9 is a structure in which the radio wave reflector 137 of the cover 30 of the wireless power supply unit 220 of embodiment 3 is installed by an artificial magnetic conductor (AMC), and the description of the structure, function and effect shared with embodiment 3 is omitted due to repetition.

[0192] An artificial magnetic conductor is a structure that artificially realizes the properties of a perfect magnetic conductor, and is an artificial medium that has the characteristic of reflecting incident electromagnetic waves with a phase rotation of 0° at a certain frequency. In other words, an AMC shows the opposite properties of a perfect conductor (Perfect Electric Conductor), and when a plane wave is incident on the AMC, the phase of the reflected wave is not reversed but becomes the same phase (when a plane wave is incident on a perfect conductor, the phase of the reflected wave is reversed).

[0193] AMC can be formed by overlapping the same electromagnetic shielding member as in Embodiment 8 and a conductor plate composed of a conductive metal plate. In addition, AMC not only has perfect magnetic conductor characteristics, but also can freely control the phase of the reflected wave, so it has an arbitrary reflection phase. In other words, AMC selects electromagnetic shielding members according to the desired characteristics, selects parameters in a way that has the desired characteristics, and can thus form a reflection surface with an arbitrary reflection phase.

[0194] In this embodiment, the electromagnetic shielding member can be appropriately selected to have a structure that shields radio waves in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands and transmits other radio waves. In addition, as the metal constituting the conductor plate, any metal having conductivity as required, such as copper or aluminum, can be appropriately selected.

[0195] That is, according to this embodiment, by installing AMC on the cover 30, it is possible to reduce the distance between the cover 30 and the lower wall body 38D while forming the same radio wave concentration area A20 as in Embodiment 3. In other words, it is possible to form the radio wave concentration area A20 having the same high radio wave area A21 as in Embodiment 3 while miniaturizing the wireless power supply unit.

[0196] <Other embodiments>

[0197] The technology disclosed in this specification is not limited to the embodiments described in the above description and drawings, and includes various aspects such as the following.

[0198] (1) In the above embodiment, the wireless power supply unit 20 is used in the console 10. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the wireless power supply unit may be applied to an armrest mounted on a seat of a vehicle or a door storage slot of a vehicle.

[0199] (2) In the above embodiment, the power transmission panel 40, 640 is mounted on the inner surface 33 of the upper wall body 38U or the lower wall body 38D. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the power transmission panel may be mounted on the inner surface of the side wall or on a plurality of wall portions.

[0200] (3) In the above embodiment, the cover 30 constitutes the upper portion of the wireless power supply unit 20. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the cover may constitute the side wall of the wireless power supply unit.

[0201] (4) In the above embodiment, the cover 30 is configured to be rotationally displaceable. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the cover may be configured to be slidable.

[0202] (5) In the above embodiment, the radio wave blocking body 37 is installed on the surface of the side wall 24, the lower wall body 38D, the upper wall body 38U, etc. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the radio wave blocking body may be buried inside the wall body of each wall portion and the cover portion, or the wall body may be formed by the radio wave blocking body.

[0203] (6) In the seventh embodiment, the power transmission panel 40 has two antenna elements 43. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and three or more antenna elements may be provided on the power transmission panel to form a plurality of locations where the radio wave intensity is high.

[0204] Description of Reference Numerals

[0205] 1...Electronic equipment

[0206] 3...Built-in power receiving antenna (an example of a "power receiving unit")

[0207] 10, 410, 510, 610, 710... console (an example of a "power supply device")

[0208] 20, 120, 220, 320, 420, 520, 620, 720... Wireless power supply unit (an example of a "storage unit")

[0209] 23... bottom wall (an example of "wall portion" and "lower wall")

[0210] 24...Side wall (an example of a "wall")

[0211] 27...Shielding filler (an example of a "shielding member")

[0212] 30, 430 ... Cover (an example of "wall" and "upper wall")

[0213] 37, 537...Radio wave blocking body (an example of "blocking body")

[0214] 38D...Lower wall body (an example of a "lower wall")

[0215] 38U...Upper wall body (an example of "upper wall")

[0216] 40, 640... Transmission panel (an example of a "transmission unit")

[0217] 50...Switch mechanism

[0218] 60, 160, 260 ... configuration member (an example of a "configuration unit")

[0219] 80...Phase shifter

[0220] 137...Radio wave reflector (an example of a "blocker")

[0221] 263...Separator (an example of a "restriction section")

[0222] 643...Antenna element (an example of an "output unit")

[0223] 643A...1st antenna element (an example of "output section")

[0224] 643B...Second antenna element (an example of an "output unit")

[0225] 737...Electromagnetic shielding (an example of a "blocking body")

[0226] A10...Radio wave concentration area

[0227] A11...High radio frequency area (an example of "radio frequency concentration area")

[0228] A12: Low radio frequency area (an example of a "radio frequency concentration area")

[0229] A21...High radio frequency area (an example of "radio frequency concentration area")

[0230] A22...Low radio frequency area (an example of a "radio frequency concentration area")

[0231] C...Vehicle

[0232] F...The direction of microwave transmission

[0233] T1...Communication antenna (an example of a "communication unit")

Claims

1. A power supply device mounted on a vehicle, The power supply device comprises: a power transmission unit that transmits microwaves that can be received by a power receiving unit provided in the electronic device; and a housing unit capable of housing at least one of the electronic devices with the power transmission unit disposed therein; The wall portion constituting the housing portion includes a blocking body for blocking the microwaves. The power transmission unit is mounted on the inner surface of the cover portion which is a part of the wall portion. The power transmission unit has at least two output units for outputting the microwaves. The power supply device further includes a phase shifter, which controls the phase of the microwave output from at least one of the two or more output parts to increase the intensity of the microwave at a predetermined position. The phase shifter moves a position where the intensity of the microwave increases by controlling the phase of the microwave within a region of the housing portion where the electronic device can be placed.

2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The cover is displaceable between a closed position in which an opening of the housing portion for housing the electronic device is closed and an open position in which the opening is opened. The power supply device further includes a switch mechanism that switches the power transmission unit from an off state to an on state when the cover is disposed in the closed position, and switches the power transmission unit from the on state to an off state when the cover is displaced from the closed position to the open position.

3. The power supply device according to claim 2, wherein: A shielding member is provided between the opening edge of the housing portion and the cover portion, and when the cover portion is arranged in the closed position, the shielding member is in close contact with the opening edge of the housing portion and the cover portion to block the microwaves.

4. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The power transmission unit is attached to an upper wall of the wall portion that constitutes an upper portion of the housing portion.

5. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The power supply device further includes a communication unit capable of wirelessly communicating with the electronic device. The communication unit is mounted on a wall of the housing unit.

6. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: A plurality of the electronic devices can be accommodated in the accommodating portion. The housing portion includes a restriction portion that prevents the electronic devices from being arranged side by side in the transmission direction of the microwaves transmitted from the power transmission portion.

7. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: A portion of the blocking body is provided as an artificial magnetic conductor that reflects incident electromagnetic waves with a phase rotation of 0°.

8. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The blocking body is configured as an electromagnetic shielding member that selectively blocks a predetermined frequency.

9. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein: The blocking body is an electric wave reflector that reflects the microwaves. A radio wave concentration area is formed in the housing portion for concentrating the microwaves reflected by the radio wave reflector. The housing portion includes a placement portion for placing the electronic device in the radio wave concentration area.

10. The power supply device according to claim 9, wherein: A plurality of the electronic devices can be accommodated in the accommodating portion. The housing portion includes a limiting portion for arranging the plurality of electronic devices side by side in the radio wave concentration area.

11. The power supply device according to claim 10, wherein: The restriction unit prevents the electronic devices from being arranged side by side in a transmission direction of the microwaves transmitted from the power transmission unit.

12. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The receiving portion is arranged on an armrest, a console or a door storage slot of the vehicle.

Images