Power supply device and power supply system

Abstract

The present invention provides a power supply device that can prevent the wireless power supply process between the power supply device and multiple power receiving devices from being blocked regardless of the presence of a moving shield. Therefore, the power supply device (10) involved in the present invention comprises: a power supply antenna (10a), a directivity control unit (10f), a position information acquisition unit (10b) and a control unit (10c). The power supply antenna (10a) radiates radio waves based on a power supply signal to multiple power receiving devices (1). The directivity control unit controls the directivity of the power supply antenna (10a). The position information acquisition unit acquires position information indicating the position of a moving shield (2). Based on the position information, the control unit (10c) determines a power receiving device (1) that avoids the shield (2) and supplies power from multiple power receiving devices (1). The control unit (10c) controls the directivity control unit (10f) to direct the radio waves to the determined power receiving device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a power supply device and a power supply system. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there is a technology for wireless power supply (see, for example, Patent Document 1). A power supply device outputs radio waves, and a power receiving device receives the radio waves. By transmitting and receiving the radio waves, power is supplied from the power supply device to the power receiving device.

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2016-149728 Summary of the invention

[0006] Technical problem to be solved by the invention

[0007] Furthermore, when wireless power is being supplied, a moving object (a moving obstruction) may be present between the power supply device and the power receiving device. If an obstruction exists between the power supply device and the power receiving device, the radio waves output from the power supply device to the power receiving device are blocked. In other words, the power supply process is blocked.

[0008] Therefore, the present invention provides a power supply device that can prevent the wireless power supply process between the power supply device and at least two or more power receiving devices from being interrupted regardless of the presence of a moving shielding object, and also provides a power supply system including the power supply device.

[0009] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a power supply device of the first mode of the present disclosure comprises: a power supply antenna, a directivity control unit, a position information acquisition unit and a control unit. The power supply antenna radiates radio waves based on a power supply signal to multiple power receiving devices. The directivity control unit controls the directivity of the power supply antenna. The position information acquisition unit acquires position information indicating the position of an obstruction moving between the power supply antenna and at least one of the multiple power receiving devices. Based on the position information, the control unit determines a power receiving device that avoids the obstruction and supplies power from the multiple power receiving devices. In addition, the control unit controls the directivity control unit to steer the radio waves to the determined power receiving device.

[0011] Therefore, the power supply device can prevent the wireless power supply process between the power supply device and the plurality of power receiving devices from being interrupted regardless of the presence of a moving shielding object.

[0012] In addition, the power supply system of the second mode of the present disclosure comprises: a plurality of power receiving devices, a power supply device and a shielding object position detection device. The power supply device wirelessly supplies power to the plurality of power receiving devices. The shielding object position detection device detects the position of a shield moving between the power supply device and at least one of the plurality of power receiving devices. The shielding object position detection device sends the result of the detection as position information to the power supply device. The power supply device comprises: a power supply antenna, a directivity control unit, a position information acquisition unit and a control unit. The power supply antenna radiates radio waves based on a power supply signal to the plurality of power receiving devices. The directivity control unit controls the directivity of the power supply antenna. The position information acquisition unit acquires position information from the shielding object position detection device. Based on the position information, the control unit determines a power receiving device that avoids the shield and supplies power from among the plurality of power receiving devices. The control unit controls the directivity control unit to steer the radio waves to the determined power receiving device.

[0013] Therefore, the power supply system can prevent the wireless power supply process between the power supply device and the plurality of power receiving devices from being interrupted regardless of the presence of a moving shielding object. In addition, in the power supply system, the directivity of the power supply antenna can be controlled in consideration of the actual position of the moving shielding object.

[0014] In addition, a third-form power supply system of the present disclosure includes: a plurality of power receiving devices, a power supply device, and a shield control device. The power supply device wirelessly supplies power to the plurality of power receiving devices. The shield control device controls the movement of the shield moving between the power supply device and at least one of the plurality of power receiving devices. The shield control device transmits position information indicating the position of the shield determined based on the control to the power supply device. The power supply device includes: a power supply antenna, a directivity control unit, a position information acquisition unit, and a control unit. The power supply antenna radiates radio waves based on a power supply signal to the plurality of power receiving devices. The directivity control unit controls the directivity of the power supply antenna. The position information acquisition unit acquires position information from the shield control device. Based on the position information, the control unit determines a power receiving device that avoids the shield and supplies power from among the plurality of power receiving devices. The control unit controls the directivity control unit to direct the radio waves to the determined power receiving device.

[0015] Therefore, the power supply system is independent of the presence of a moving shield, and can prevent the wireless power supply process between the power supply device and the plurality of power receiving devices from being interrupted. In addition, in the power supply system, the directivity of the power supply antenna can be dynamically controlled by using the position of the shield determined by the control of the movement of the shield by the shield control device without detecting the actual position of the shield.

[0016] Effects of the Invention

[0017] The power supply device of the present disclosure can prevent the wireless power supply process between the power supply device and at least two or more power receiving devices from being interrupted regardless of the presence of a moving shielding object. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply system according to an embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 It is shown Figure 1 A diagram showing a schematic structure of a power supply device.

[0020] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 1 Flow chart of the power supply processing flow implemented by the power supply device.

[0021] Figure 4 It is shown Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example of a correspondence table.

[0022] Figure 5 It is shown Figure 1 Flowchart of a processing flow of a power receiving device identification unit implemented by a power supply device.

[0023] Figure 6 It is shown Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example of a history information table.

[0024] Figure 7 It shows the updated Figure 2 FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example of a history information table.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a diagram showing a situation where the radio waves output from the power supply device are blocked by a shielding object.

[0026] Fig. 9 It is shown from Figure 1 A diagram showing a situation where the radio waves output by a power supply device are not blocked by an obstruction and are transmitted to a power receiving device.

[0027] Fig.10 It is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a power supply system according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the power supply system 100 according to the present embodiment. Figure 1 As shown, the power supply system 100 includes a plurality of power receiving devices 1, a power supply device 10, and a shielding object position detection device 11. In the power supply system 100, the power supply device 10 wirelessly supplies power to each power receiving device 1.

[0029] In order to supply electric power, the power supply device 10 outputs electromagnetic waves (hereinafter referred to as radio waves) to each power receiving device 1. Each power receiving device 1 includes a power receiving antenna 1a. The radio waves received by the power receiving antenna 1a are converted into electric energy in the power receiving device 1. Thus, the power receiving device 1 can receive electric power by receiving the radio waves through the power receiving antenna 1a.

[0030] The shield 2 moves within the power supply system 100. For example, Figure 1 As shown, the shield 2 moves along the direction 50. The shield 2 moves between the power supply device 10 and at least one power receiving device 1. Figure 1 In the configuration example, the shielding object 2 moves between the power supply device 10 (more specifically, the power supply antenna 10a) and each power receiving device 1 (more specifically, each power receiving antenna 1a). Due to the movement of the shielding object 2, the radio waves output from the power supply device 10 are blocked.

[0031] For example, when the shielding object 2 exists between the power supply device 10 and the predetermined power receiving device 1, the shielding object 2 blocks the radio waves output from the power supply device 10 to the predetermined power receiving device 1. That is, the shielding object 2 is a tangible object that moves within the power supply system 100, and may block the radio waves output from the power supply device 10 to the power receiving device 1 within the power supply system 100. As a result, the power supply from the power supply device 10 to the power receiving device 1 may be blocked by the shielding object 2.

[0032] The shielding object position detection device 11 detects the position of the moving shielding object 2. The shielding object position detection device 11 is connected to the power supply device 10 so as to be communicable. Therefore, the shielding object position detection device 11 can send the detection result (position information indicating the position of the shielding object 2) to the power supply device 10. In addition, the communication between the shielding object position detection device 11 and the power supply device 10 may be wired communication or wireless communication.

[0033] As the shielding object position detection device 11, various sensors such as photoelectric sensors, proximity sensors, acceleration sensors, and pressure sensors can be used. In addition, the shielding object position detection device 11 can also detect the position of the shielding object 2 using the signal of an RFID (radio frequency identifier) ​​tag mounted on the shielding object 2. In addition, the shielding object position detection device 11 can also be a device equipped with various radars and / or cameras in order to detect the position of the shielding object 2.

[0034] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing a specific configuration of the power supply device 10. Figure 2 The configuration of the power supply device 10 will be described.

[0035] The power supply device 10 for wirelessly supplying power to the power receiving device 1 includes a power supply antenna 10a, a position information acquisition unit 10b, a processor 10c, a memory 10d, a power supply signal generation unit 10e, and a directivity control unit 10f. The power supply antenna 10a, the position information acquisition unit 10b, the memory 10d, the power supply signal generation unit 10e, and the directivity control unit 10f are connected to the processor 10c.

[0036] The power supply antenna 10a radiates radio waves based on the power supply signal to each power receiving device 1. For example, the power supply antenna 10a may be an array antenna composed of a plurality of element antennas.

[0037] The position information acquisition unit 10b is a communication unit, and is communicably connected to the shielding object position detection device 11. Thus, the position information acquisition unit 10b acquires the above-mentioned position information as the detection result of the shielding object position detection device 11.

[0038] The power supply signal generating unit 10e includes a high frequency circuit for generating a power supply signal. In order to generate the power supply signal, the high frequency circuit performs various processes such as signal generation, distribution, amplification, and filtering.

[0039] The directivity control unit 10f controls the directivity of the power supply antenna 10a. As described later, the directivity control unit 10f controls the directivity of the power supply antenna 10a so as to steer the radio waves toward the power receiving device (power supply target power receiving device) 1 that can be powered and is determined by the power receiving device determination unit 10c4. By controlling the directivity, the main beam of the radio waves emitted from the power supply antenna 10a is directed toward the power supply target power receiving device 1. That is, among the radio waves emitted from the power supply antenna 10a, the intensity of the beam in the direction of the power supply target power receiving device 1 is the largest.

[0040] The memory 10d as a storage unit stores various data. The memory 10d includes a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). For example, the memory 10d can store various programs in a changeable manner. In addition, the memory 10d can store a correspondence table D1 (see Figure 4 ) and the shielding object position history information table D2 described later (refer to Figure 6 , Figure 7 ).

[0041] The processor 10c as a control unit includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit). For example, the processor 10c reads various programs and data stored in the memory 10d. In addition, the processor 10c controls the power supply antenna 10a, the position information acquisition unit 10b, the memory 10d, the power supply signal generation unit 10e and the directivity control unit 10f according to the read program to perform specified actions and functions. In addition, the processor 10c performs specified calculations, analysis, processing, control, etc. in each block 10c1 and 10c4 composed of the program in the processor 10c according to the read program.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the processor 10c of the present embodiment includes an overall control unit 10c1 and a power receiving device identification unit 10c4 as functional blocks.

[0043] The overall control unit 10c1 follows the power supply processing flow ( Figure 3 , Figure 5 ), controls the operation timing of the position information acquisition unit 10b, the memory 10d, the power supply signal generation unit 10e and the directivity control unit 10f, etc.

[0044] The power receiving device identification unit 10c4 identifies the target power receiving device 1 to be powered among the plurality of power receiving devices 1 using the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 10b. More specifically, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 identifies the target power receiving device 1 to be powered using the position information and the data (correspondence table D1 and shielding object position history information table D2) stored in the memory 10d.

[0045] The target power receiving device 1 is a power receiving device 1 that can avoid the shield 2 (not affected by the shield 2 blocking the radio waves) and receive the wireless power from the power supply device 10. Between the determined target power receiving device 1 and the power supply device 10, the radio wave power supply from the power supply device 10 will not be blocked by the shield 2 existing at the position determined by the position information.

[0046] The power receiving device identification unit 10c4 controls the directivity control unit 10f to direct the radio waves to the power receiving device to be supplied. Under this control, the directivity control unit 10f controls the directivity of the power supply antenna 10a to direct the radio waves to the power receiving device 1 to be supplied.

[0047] For example, when the power supply antenna 10a is the above-mentioned array antenna, the directivity control unit 10f adjusts the phase and amplitude of the power supply signal to the element antenna. Thus, the directivity of the radio wave emitted from the power supply antenna 10a can be controlled. In addition, a plurality of directivity modes can be pre-set in the memory 10d, and the directivity control unit 10f selects an appropriate mode based on the position of the power receiving device 1 to be powered. In addition, the power supply antenna 10a is set on a rotating table, and the directivity control unit 10f mechanically controls the rotation of the rotating table, thereby being able to control the direction of the emitted radio wave.

[0048] Next, use Figure 3 , the operation of the power supply process performed by the power supply device 1 involved in this embodiment is described. Figure 3 : is a flowchart showing the operation of the power supply process.

[0049] exist Figure 3 In step S1, the position information acquisition unit 10b acquires position information (second position information capable of grasping the second position of the shielding object 2) from the shielding object position detection device 11. Here, the position information indicates the position of the shielding object 2 detected by the shielding object position detection device 11 as described above.

[0050] Next, in step S2, the processor 10c (eg, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4) determines whether the position identified by the position information acquired in step S1 (hereinafter referred to as the position acquired in step S1) is registered in the correspondence table D1 stored in the memory 10d.

[0051] Figure 4 1 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table D1 stored in the memory 10d. The correspondence table D1 is prepared in advance by the user before the power supply processing operation starts. In the correspondence table D1, the position of the moving shield 2 is associated with the identifier of the power receiving device 1 corresponding to the position. For example, in the correspondence table D1, the position of the shield 2 is associated with the identifier of the power receiving device 1 blocked by the shield 2 at the position.

[0052] For example, in Figure 4 In the example, when the position of the shield 2 is position A, the power receiving device 1 identified by the identifier ID2 is blocked from wireless power supply from the power supply device 10 by the shield 2 existing at the position A. Similarly, when the position of the shield 2 is position E, the power receiving device 1 identified by the identifier ID3 is blocked from wireless power supply from the power supply device 10 by the shield 2 existing at the position E.

[0053] Return to Figure 3In step S2, it is assumed that the processor 10c determines that the position obtained in step S1 is not registered in the correspondence table D1 (No in step S2). For example, if the position obtained in step S1 is position K, the position K is not registered in the correspondence table D1. Figure 4 In this case, the power supply device 10 notifies that the position acquired in step S1 is not included in the correspondence table D1.

[0054] When the user who identified the process of No in step S2 (the above notification) has a shielding object 2 at the position acquired in step S1, the user identifies the power receiving device 1 whose power supply from the power supply device 10 is blocked (step S3). Furthermore, the user registers the position acquired in step S1 and the identifier of the power receiving device 1 identified in step S3 corresponding to the position as unregistered in the correspondence table D1 stored in the memory 10d (step S4). After step S4, the processor 10c starts the power receiving device identification process of step S5.

[0055] Different from the above, it is assumed that the processor 10c determines that the position obtained in step S1 is registered in the correspondence table D1 (Yes in step S2). For example, if the position obtained in step S1 is position B, the position B is registered in Figure 4 Example correspondence table D1 In this case, the processor 10c starts the power receiving device identification process of step S5.

[0056] Figure 5 1 is a flowchart showing the specific operation flow of the processor 10c in the power receiving device identification process of step S5. Figure 5 The power receiving device identification process will be described.

[0057] exist Figure 5 In step S11, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 of the processor 10c compares the position acquired in step S1 with the "latest registered position" included in the shielding object movement history information table (hereinafter referred to as the history information table) D2. Here, the history information table D2 is stored in the memory 10d. Figure 6 The history information table D2 stored in the memory 10d is exemplified. The history information table D2 is sequence data in which the position information acquired by the position information acquisition unit 10b is arranged in time series.

[0058] Figure 6The example historical information table D2 shows that the location information acquisition unit 10b acquires location information indicating location B, location information indicating location C, and location information indicating location D in this order (time series). In addition, when the location information acquisition unit 10b receives location information indicating the same location multiple times in succession, only the first location information among the consecutive identical location information is registered in the historical information table D2. In addition, in the historical information table D2, the location indicated by the location information registered last in the time series is the latest registered location. For example, in Figure 6 In the illustrated history information table D2, the latest registered position is position D.

[0059] exist Figure 5 In step S12, as a result of the comparison in step S11, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 determines whether the position acquired in step S1 is different from the latest registered position included in the history information table D2.

[0060] In step S12, it is assumed that the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 determines that the position obtained in step S1 is different from the latest registered position included in the history information table D2 (Yes in step S12). For example, the position obtained in step S1 is position E. Figure 6 As an example, it is assumed that the latest registered position included in the history information table D2 is position D.

[0061] In this case, in step S13 , the power receiving device identification unit 10 c 4 additionally registers the position information acquired in step S1 in the history information table D2 stored in the memory 10 d in time series. Figure 7 In the above example, the position information indicating the position E is registered in the history information table D2 stored in the memory 10d.

[0062] After step S13, in step S14, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 sets the position indicated by the position information added in step S13 as the latest registered position. Figure 7 In the example of , the latest registered position included in the history information table D2 is position E.

[0063] After the process of step S14, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 proceeds to the process of step S15 described later.

[0064] Different from the above, in step S12, it is assumed that the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 determines that the position obtained in step S1 is the same as the latest registered position included in the history information table D2 (No in step S12). For example, the position obtained in step S1 is position D. Figure 6As an example, it is assumed that the latest registered position included in the history information table D2 is the position D. In this case, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 proceeds to the process of step S15.

[0065] As can be seen from the above steps S12, S13, and S14, the history information table D2 is updated as follows. That is, when the position determined by the position information arranged at the end of the history information table D2 in the time series is different from the position determined by the position information obtained in step S1, the position information obtained in step S1 is added to the end of the history information table D2. On the other hand, when the position determined by the position information arranged at the end of the history information table D2 in the time series is the same as the position determined by the position information obtained in step S1, the position information obtained in step S1 is not added to the end of the history information table D2.

[0066] Thus, each time the position information acquisition unit 10b acquires position information, the acquired position information is not necessarily appended to the end of the history information table D2. When the position information acquisition unit 10b acquires position information different from the position information at the end of the history information table D2, the acquired position information is appended to the end of the history information table D2. In addition, the position specified by the position information at the end of the history information table D2 is the above-mentioned latest registered position.

[0067] Thus, in step S15, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 refers to the history information table D2 stored in the memory 10d, and acquires position information (referred to as the previous position information) one position before the latest registered position in time series from the history information D2.

[0068] Here, the immediately previous position information received by the position information acquisition unit 10b in the past can be grasped as the first position information indicating the first position of the shielding object 2. In addition, the position information acquisition unit 10b at the current time (the above Figure 3 The position information received in step S1) can be grasped as second position information indicating the second position after the shielding object 2 moves from the first position. In addition, as can be understood from the above, the first position is different from the second position.

[0069] The power receiving device identification unit 10c4 identifies the position (the first position) identified by the immediately preceding position information (the first position information). Figure 6 In the example, the latest registered position is position D, and the position determined by the immediately previous position information is position C. Figure 7 In the example of , the latest registered position is position E, and the position determined by the immediately previous position information is position D.

[0070] Furthermore, in step S15, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 identifies the target power receiving device 1 using the immediately preceding position information and the correspondence table D1 stored in the memory 10d. Specifically, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 refers to the correspondence table D1. And, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 identifies the identifier of the power receiving device 1 corresponding to the position identified by the immediately preceding position information through this reference. And, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 identifies the power receiving device 1 identified by the acquired identifier as the target power receiving device 1.

[0071] For example, in Figure 6 In the example history information table D2, when the position specified by the immediately previous position information is position C, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 sets Figure 4 In the illustrated correspondence table D1 , the identifier ID4 of the power receiving device 1 corresponding to the position C is acquired. Then, the power receiving device identification unit 10 c 4 identifies the power receiving device 1 identified by the identifier ID4 as the power receiving device 1 to be supplied.

[0072] In addition, for example, in Figure 7 In the example history information table D2, when the position specified by the immediately previous position information is position D, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 Figure 4 In the illustrated correspondence table D1 , the identifier ID1 of the power receiving device 1 corresponding to the position D is acquired. Then, the power receiving device identification unit 10 c 4 identifies the power receiving device 1 identified by the identifier ID1 as the power receiving device 1 to be supplied.

[0073] Then, in Figure 5 In step S16, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 outputs information including the identifier of the target power receiving device 1 identified in step S15 to the directivity control unit 10f. In other words, the power receiving device identification unit 10c4 controls the directivity control unit 10f to steer the radio wave to the target power receiving device 1 identified in step S15.

[0074] thus, Figure 3 Step S5( Figure 5 As shown) the receiving device determines that the processing is completed, and then executes Figure 3 Specifically, in step S6, the directivity control unit 10f controls the directivity of the power supply antenna 10a based on the control from the power receiving device identification unit 10c4.

[0075] By controlling the directivity, the main beam of the radio wave output from the power supply antenna 10a is directed toward the power receiving device 1 to be supplied power, which is determined by the power receiving device determination unit 10c4. In addition, the directivity control unit 10f supplies the radio wave generated by the power supply signal generation unit 10e to the power supply antenna 10a. Figure 5The target power receiving device 1 determined in step S15 radiates electric power. In addition, the electric power radiated to the target power receiving device 1 is not blocked by the shielding object 2.

[0076] Next, in step S7, the overall control unit 10c1 determines whether the predetermined series of power supply processes have been completed. If the overall control unit 10c1 determines that the predetermined series of power supply processes have not been completed (No in step S7), the process returns to step 1. On the other hand, if the overall control unit 10c1 determines that the predetermined series of power supply processes have been completed (Yes in step S7), the power supply device 10c1 ends. Figure 3 The power supply process shown.

[0077] As mentioned above, Figure 1 The power supply device 10 of the present embodiment provided in the power supply system 100 shown in the figure includes a power supply antenna 10a, a directivity control unit 10f, a position information acquisition unit 10b, and a processor 10c. The power supply antenna 10a radiates radio waves based on a power supply signal to a plurality of power receiving devices 1. The directivity control unit controls the directivity of the power supply antenna 10a. The position information acquisition unit 10b acquires position information indicating the position of a shield 2 moving between the power supply antenna 10a and the power receiving device 1. The processor 10c (power receiving device determination unit 10c4) as a control unit determines, based on the position information, a power receiving device 1 to be powered that avoids the shield 2 and performs power supply from among a plurality of power receiving devices 1. In addition, the processor 10c (power receiving device determination unit 10c4) controls the directivity control unit 10f so as to steer the radio waves to the power receiving device 1 to be powered.

[0078] Therefore, the power supply device 10 of this embodiment can identify the target power receiving device 1 that can receive the radio waves without being blocked by the shielding object 2 from among the plurality of power receiving devices 1 by acquiring the position information indicating the position of the shielding object 2 at each power supply timing.

[0079] In addition, the power supply device 10 can dynamically control the directivity of the power supply antenna 10a by acquiring the position information indicating the position of the moving shield 2 at all times. As a result, it is possible to prevent the wireless power supply process between the power supply device 10 and the plurality of power receiving devices 1 from being interrupted regardless of the presence of the moving shield 2. In other words, even in the presence of a moving shield 2 that may hinder power supply, the wireless power supply will not be interrupted by the shield 2, and efficient power supply processing can be performed between the power supply device 10 and the plurality of power receiving devices 1.

[0080] For example, when the power supply device 10 radiates radio waves to each power receiving device 1 without considering the position of the moving shielding object 2, Figure 8 Example problem. That is, Figure 8As illustrated, there may be a problem that the radio waves radiated from the power supply device 10 to the power receiving devices 1 are blocked by the moving shielding object 2 at all times. Figure 8 The example can be understood as the worst example of power supply efficiency.

[0081] On the other hand, in the power supply device 10 of the present embodiment, as described above, the power supply device 10 can change the directivity of the radiated radio waves moment by moment based on the position information indicating the position of the moving shielding object 2. Fig. 9 2 , an example is given in which the power supply device 10 uses position information indicating the position of the moving shielding object 2 to avoid the shielding object 2 and dynamically control the directivity of the radio waves radiated from the power supply antenna 10 a .

[0082] like Fig. 9 As shown in the example, when the power supply device 10 of this embodiment radiates radio waves to each power receiving device 1, the radio waves are not blocked by the moving shielding object 2. Fig. 9 The figure also shows an example of the correspondence table D1 stored in the memory 10d and the time periods t1 to t4. Figure 3 This is an example of the history information table D2 stored in the memory 10d at the end of step S5.

[0083] In addition, when the power supply device 10 of the present embodiment is not adopted, it is necessary to determine, change, etc. the installation location of the power receiving device 1 and the power supply device 10 in consideration of the movement of the shielding object 2 that serves as a blocking element of the radio wave. If the number of power receiving devices 1 increases, the degree of freedom of the installation location is limited, and it may be difficult to find an appropriate installation location. Therefore, in the power supply device 10 of the present embodiment, as described above, the directivity of the power supply antenna 10a can be dynamically controlled based on the position information indicating the position of the moving shielding object 2, so that the installation of the power receiving device 1 and the like can be easily determined.

[0084] In addition, the power supply device 10 of the present embodiment further includes a memory 10d storing the correspondence table D1. In addition, after acquiring the position information indicating the past position of the shielding object 2, the position information acquiring unit 10b acquires the position information indicating the current position of the shielding object 2 after the movement. Figure 3 In step S1, when the position information acquisition unit 10b acquires the above-mentioned position information indicating the current position of the shielding object 2, the processor 10c (power receiving device identification unit 10c4) refers to the correspondence table D1 to identify the identifier ( Figure 5 Then, the processor 10c (power receiving device identification unit 10c4) controls the directivity control unit 10f to direct the radio waves to the power receiving device 1 ( Figure 5Step S16).

[0085] Therefore, in the power supply device 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to automatically determine the target power receiving device 1 based on the current position information, the acquisition history of the past position information (historical information table D2), and the correspondence table D1. Thus, even if the movement pattern of the shielding object 2 changes, the target power receiving device 1 can be automatically determined without being blocked by the shielding object 2.

[0086] Furthermore, in the power supply device 10 of the present embodiment, the position information acquisition unit 10 b acquires the position information transmitted from the shielding object position detection device 11 that detects the position of the shielding object 2 .

[0087] Therefore, the power supply device 10 of the present embodiment can control the directivity of the power supply antenna 10 a in consideration of the actual position of the moving shielding object 2 .

[0088] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the position information acquisition unit 10b acquires the position information transmitted from the shielding object position detection device 11. However, the position information acquisition unit 10b may acquire the position information indicating the position of the shielding object 2 by other methods. Fig.10 A configuration example of a power supply system 200 according to another embodiment is shown.

[0089] like Fig.10 As shown, in the power supply system 200, a PLC (programmable logic controller) 20 is connected to the power supply device 10. More specifically, Fig.10 In the illustrated configuration example, the PLC 20 is connected between the shielding object position detection device 11 and the power supply device 10. The connection between the PLC 20 and the power supply device 10 may be a wireless communication connection or a wired communication connection.

[0090] The PLC 20 is a shielding object control device that controls the movement of the shielding object 2 according to the control flow set in the PLC 20. The control flow specifies control information on how to move the shielding object 2 according to time. Therefore, by referring to the control information of the control flow, the position of the shielding object 2 at a certain time can be determined.

[0091] exist Fig.10 In the configuration example, during the power supply process, PLC20 refers to the control information of the control flow (based on the control of the shielding object 2 by the PLC20) to determine the position of the shielding object 2 at a certain moment. In addition, PLC20 determines the above position over time and sends the position information indicating the determined position to the position information acquisition unit 10b at all times. Fig.10In the example of FIG. 1 , the power supply device 10 (position information acquisition unit 10 b) acquires position information transmitted from the PLC 20 that controls the movement of the shield 2. In addition, although the transmission source of the position information is different between the power supply system 100 and the power supply system 200, other configurations and Figure 3 , Figure 5 The operation described in is the same between the power supply system 100 and the power supply system 200.

[0092] therefore, Fig.10 The power supply device 10 of the example can dynamically control the directivity of the power supply antenna 10 a using the position information of the shielding object 2 included in the control flow of the PLC 20 , without detecting the actual position of the shielding object 2 .

[0093] In addition, Fig.10 In the example of , the position information acquisition unit 10b can acquire position information not only from the PLC 20 but also from the shielding object position detection device 11 (eg, via the PLC 20 or not via the PLC 20). Fig.10 In the power supply system 200 shown, the shielding object position detection device 11 may also be omitted.

[0094] The above-mentioned various embodiments can be established independently, or the embodiments can be combined with each other. In addition, various features in different embodiments can be established independently, or the features in different embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0095] Explanation of symbols

[0096] 1: Power receiving device;

[0097] 2: Shelter;

[0098] 10: Power supply device;

[0099] 10a: power supply antenna;

[0100] 10b: a power receiving device determining unit;

[0101] 10c: processor;

[0102] 10c3: Directivity control unit;

[0103] 10c4: a power receiving device determining unit;

[0104] 10d: memory;

[0105] 11: Shielding position detection device;

[0106] 100, 200: power supply system;

[0107] D1: Correspondence table;

[0108] D2: Historical information table of movement of shielding objects (historical information table).

Claims

1. A power supply device, characterized in that: The power supply device comprises: A power supply antenna radiates electric waves based on a power supply signal to a plurality of power receiving devices; A directivity control unit, for controlling the directivity of the power supply antenna; a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating a position of a shielding object that moves between the power supply antenna and at least one of the plurality of power receiving devices; a control unit that determines, based on the position information, a power receiving device that avoids the shielding object and supplies power from among the plurality of power receiving devices, and controls the directivity control unit so as to direct the radio waves to the determined power receiving device; as well as a storage unit storing a correspondence table indicating a relationship between a position of the shielding object and an identifier of the power receiving device corresponding to the position; After acquiring first position information indicating a first position of the shielding object, the position information acquiring unit acquires second position information indicating a second position of the shielding object after the shielding object moves. When the location information acquisition unit acquires the second location information, The control unit refers to the correspondence table to determine the identifier of the power receiving device corresponding to the first position specified by the first position information, The control unit controls the directivity control unit so as to direct the radio waves toward the power receiving device of the specified identifier.

2. A power supply device, characterized in that: The power supply device comprises: A power supply antenna radiates electric waves based on a power supply signal to a plurality of power receiving devices; A directivity control unit, for controlling the directivity of the power supply antenna; a position information acquisition unit that acquires position information indicating a position of a shielding object that moves between the power supply antenna and at least one of the plurality of power receiving devices; a control unit that determines, based on the position information, a power receiving device that avoids the shielding object and supplies power from among the plurality of power receiving devices, and controls the directivity control unit so as to direct the radio waves to the determined power receiving device; as well as a storage unit storing a correspondence table indicating a relationship between a position of the shielding object and an identifier of the power receiving device corresponding to the position; The position information acquisition unit acquires the position information transmitted from a shielding object control device that controls the movement of the shielding object. After acquiring first position information indicating a first position of the shielding object, the position information acquiring unit acquires second position information indicating a second position of the shielding object after the shielding object moves. When the position information acquisition unit acquires the second position information, The control unit refers to the correspondence table to determine the identifier of the power receiving device corresponding to the first position specified by the first position information, The control unit controls the directivity control unit so as to direct the radio waves toward the power receiving device of the specified identifier.

3. A power supply system, characterized in that: have: Multiple powered devices; a power supply device for wirelessly supplying power to the plurality of power receiving devices; and a shielding object control device that controls the movement of the shielding object that moves between the power supply device and at least one of the plurality of power receiving devices, and transmits position information indicating the position of the shielding object determined based on the control to the power supply device, The power supply device comprises: a power supply antenna that radiates radio waves based on a power supply signal to the plurality of power receiving devices; A directivity control unit, for controlling the directivity of the power supply antenna; A position information acquisition unit, which acquires the position information from the shielding object control device; a control unit that determines, based on the position information, a power receiving device that avoids the shielding object and supplies power from among the plurality of power receiving devices, and controls the directivity control unit so as to direct the radio waves to the determined power receiving device; as well as a storage unit storing a correspondence table indicating a relationship between a position of the shielding object and an identifier of the power receiving device corresponding to the position; After acquiring first position information indicating a first position of the shielding object, the position information acquiring unit acquires second position information indicating a second position of the shielding object after the shielding object moves. When the position information acquisition unit acquires the second position information, The control unit refers to the correspondence table to determine the identifier of the power receiving device corresponding to the first position specified by the first position information, The control unit controls the directivity control unit so as to direct the radio waves toward the power receiving device of the specified identifier.

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