Communication control device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a communication control device. Multiple contactless power supply devices communicate with a vehicle simultaneously through inquiries from an on-board communication device, which may cause radio wave interference, resulting in the possibility that the vehicle is mistakenly paired with a contactless power supply device at a distant location rather than a contactless power supply device at a nearest location. The communication control device (1) comprises: a start control unit (11) for starting the signal output processing of each first communication unit in a manner so that the signals output from each first communication unit (31-1 to 31-n) of multiple contactless power supply devices (30-1 to 30-n) do not interfere with each other; and a pairing control unit (12) for pairing a contactless power supply device having a first communication unit corresponding to a signal with the strongest radio wave strength among the signals output from each first communication unit (31-1 to 31-n) received by a second communication unit (21) of a vehicle (2) with a vehicle (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a communication control device. Background Art

[0002] In the past, there is a known contactless power supply system that uses transmission methods such as magnetic field coupling (electromagnetic induction), electric field coupling, magnetic field resonance coupling (magnetic field resonance), and electric field resonance coupling (electric field resonance) to supply power in a contactless manner from a contactless power supply device installed on the ground to a parked vehicle. In such a contactless power supply system, one of a plurality of contactless power supply devices is paired with the vehicle using wireless communication, and contactless power supply is performed between the paired contactless power supply device and the vehicle. For example, the following vehicle-mounted communication device and communication method are known: an inquiry signal is sent from the vehicle side to an unspecified number of contactless power supply devices, and when the transmission output is gradually reduced and a response signal is received only from one contactless power supply device, pairing is performed between the one contactless power supply device and the vehicle (for example, refer to Patent Document 1).

[0003] Prior art literature

[0004] Patent Literature

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-017747 Summary of the invention

[0006] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0007] However, multiple contactless power supply devices communicate with the vehicle at the same time through inquiries from the vehicle-mounted communication device, which may cause radio wave interference, resulting in the vehicle being mistakenly paired with a contactless power supply device at a distant location rather than the contactless power supply device at the nearest location. In addition, the vehicle-mounted communication device needs to have a function to change the directionality when sending the inquiry signal, which increases the cost.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0010] (1) A communication control device comprising:

[0011] an activation control unit to activate signal output processing of each of the first communication units in a manner that signals output from the first communication units of the plurality of contactless power supply devices do not interfere with each other; and

[0012] The pairing control unit pairs the contactless power supply device having the first communication unit corresponding to the signal with the strongest radio wave intensity among the signals output from the first communication units and received by the second communication unit of the vehicle with the vehicle.

[0013] (2) According to the communication control device described in (1) above, the activation control unit activates the signal output processing of each of the first communication units in sequence so that activation timings do not overlap.

[0014] (3) According to the communication control device described in (1) above, the activation control unit sequentially activates the signal output processing of each group of the first communication units installed at positions that do not interfere with each other's radio waves so that activation timings do not overlap between the groups.

[0015] (4) According to any one of (1) to (3) above, the activation control unit activates the signal output processing of each of the first communication units so as to output signals having the same radio wave strength.

[0016] (5) According to any one of (1) to (4) above, the activation control unit does not activate signal output processing of the first communication unit of the paired contactless power supply device among the first communication units.

[0017] (6) According to any one of (1) to (5) above, the activation control unit is provided in a charging station having the plurality of contactless power supply devices.

[0018] (7) According to any one of (1) to (5) above, the activation control unit is provided in the vehicle.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] According to the present disclosure, by starting the signal output processing of each non-contact power supply device in a manner that the signals outputted from each of the plurality of non-contact power supply devices do not interfere with each other, the non-contact power supply device outputting the signal with the strongest radio wave strength is paired with the vehicle, thereby reducing the possibility of mispairing. In addition, since there is no need for directional communication, costs can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a contactless power supply system including a communication control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0022] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a contactless power supply device in a contactless power supply system.

[0023] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of a vehicle within a contactless power supply system.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the communication control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the flow of operations related to contactless power supply to a vehicle by a contactless power supply device.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a startup mode based on the first embodiment executed by the startup control unit.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a diagram (part 1) illustrating a startup mode based on the second embodiment executed by the startup control unit.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a diagram (part 2) illustrating a startup mode based on the second embodiment executed by the startup control unit.

[0029] Fig. 9 FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a startup mode based on the second embodiment executed by the startup control unit.

[0030] Fig.10 This is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a contactless power supply system including a communication control device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Fig.11 It is schematically shown Fig.10 A diagram showing the structure of a vehicle within a contactless power supply system.

[0032] Fig.12 This is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the communication control device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The communication control device is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings, the same components are marked with the same reference numerals. In addition, the scales of these drawings are appropriately changed for easy understanding. The illustrated methods are one example for implementation and are not limited to these methods.

[0034] <Overall structure of the contactless power supply system>

[0035] Figure 1 This is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a contactless power supply system including a communication control device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] In the contactless power supply system, each of the contactless power supply devices 30-1 to 30-n (where n is a natural number greater than 2. The same applies below) is provided corresponding to each parking area of ​​the vehicle in the charging station 3. Each of the contactless power supply devices 30-1 to 30-n includes a first communication unit and a power transmission circuit. In the illustrated example, the branch number in the reference numerals of the first communication unit and the power transmission circuit is marked corresponding to the branch number in the reference numerals of the contactless power supply device. For example, the contactless power supply device 30-1 includes a first communication unit 31-1 and a power transmission circuit 32-1, and the contactless power supply device 30-2 includes a first communication unit 31-2 and a power transmission circuit 32-2. Similarly, the contactless power supply device 30-n includes a first communication unit 31-n and a power transmission circuit 32-n. It should be noted that in the following description, when any one of the contactless power supply devices 30-1 to 30-n is represented, it is referred to as the contactless power supply device 30. Likewise, when any one of the first communication units 31 - 1 to 31 - n is indicated, it is referred to as the first communication unit 31 . Likewise, when any one of the power transmission circuits 32 - 1 to 32 - n is indicated, it is referred to as the power transmission circuit 32 .

[0037] The signal outputted by each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n is called an "inquiry signal". Each inquiry signal is outputted from each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n with the same radio wave strength. Each of the power transmission circuits 32-1 to 32-n is configured to transmit power to the paired vehicle 2 in a non-contact manner. Each of the power transmission circuits 32-1 to 32-n is, for example, buried in the ground (underground) of the corresponding parking area.

[0038] The vehicle 2 includes a second communication unit 21, a power receiving circuit 22, and a pairing control unit 12 described later. The second communication unit 21 is configured to receive signals outputted from each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n. The power receiving circuit 22 is configured to receive power from the paired contactless power supply device 30 in a contactless manner.

[0039] As the communication between each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n and the second communication unit 21, for example, short-range wireless communication is used. Short-range wireless communication refers to communication with a communication distance shorter than wide-area wireless communication, and specifically, refers to communication with a communication distance of, for example, less than 10 meters. As short-range wireless communication, various short-range wireless communications with short communication distances can be used, for example, communication that complies with any communication standard established by IEEE, ISO, IEC, etc. (for example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), etc.). In addition, as a technology for performing short-range wireless communication, for example, DSRC (dedicated Short Range Communication), RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), etc. are used.

[0040] <Structure of Communication Control Device>

[0041] The communication control device 1 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is used to pair one of the plurality of contactless power supply devices 30-1 to 30-n installed at the charging station 3 with the vehicle 2. Contactless power supply is performed between the paired contactless power supply device and the vehicle 2. The communication control device 1 includes a startup control unit 11 and a pairing control unit 12.

[0042] The start control unit 11 starts the signal output processing of each first communication unit 31-1 to 31-n in such a way that the signals outputted from the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n of the plurality of contactless power supply devices 30-1 to 30-n do not interfere with each other. The first communication unit 31 for which the signal output processing is started by the start control unit 11 (i.e., the first communication unit 31 turned on) outputs an inquiry signal having an electric wave strength of a predetermined magnitude, but the first communication unit 31 for which the signal output processing is not started by the start control unit 11 (i.e., the first communication unit 31 turned off) does not output an inquiry signal. The start control unit 11 starts the signal output processing of each first communication unit 31-1 to 31-n in such a way that the signals outputted from the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n do not interfere with each other. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the charging station 3 is provided, but the charging station 3 may be provided in the vehicle 2 as described later.

[0043] Each inquiry signal outputted from each first communication unit 31-1 to 31-n in a manner that does not interfere with each other is received by the second communication unit 21 of the vehicle 2. The inquiry signals are outputted from each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n with the same radio wave strength, but the closer the distance between the second communication unit 21 and the first communication unit 31 is, the stronger the radio wave strength of the inquiry signal received by the second communication unit 21 is. The pairing control unit 12 pairs the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal with the strongest radio wave strength received by the second communication unit 21 of the vehicle 2 with the vehicle 2. As a pairing method, any method can be used as long as mutual authentication is possible, for example, a three-way handshake can be used.

[0044] <Structure of contactless power supply device>

[0045] Figure 2 It is schematically shown Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a contactless power supply device in a contactless power supply system.

[0046] The contactless power supply device 30 includes a controller 33 and a power supply 34 in addition to the first communication unit 31 and the power transmission circuit 32. The controller 33 and the power supply 34 may be buried in the ground (underground) of the corresponding parking area, or may be arranged on the ground near the parking area.

[0047] The power supply 34 supplies power to the power transmission circuit 32. The power supply 34 is, for example, a commercial AC power supply that supplies single-phase AC power. It should be noted that the power supply 34 may also be another AC power supply that supplies three-phase AC power, or may be a DC power supply such as a fuel cell or a solar power generation device. In addition, the power supply 34 may be independently provided in each of the contactless power supply devices 30-1 to 30-n, or may be shared by the contactless power supply devices 30-1 to 30-n.

[0048] The power transmission circuit 32 transmits the power supplied from the power supply 34 to the vehicle 2. The power transmission circuit 32 includes a rectifier circuit 321, a converter 322, and a power transmission side resonance circuit 323. In the power transmission circuit 32, the AC power supplied from the power supply 34 is rectified in the rectifier circuit 321 and converted into a DC current, and the DC current is converted into AC power in the converter 322, and the AC power is supplied to the power transmission side resonance circuit 323.

[0049] The rectifier circuit 321 is electrically connected to the power supply 34 and the converter 322. The rectifier circuit 321 rectifies the AC power supplied from the power supply 34 and converts it into DC power, and supplies the DC power to the converter 322. The rectifier circuit 321 is, for example, an AC / DC converter. It should be noted that when the power supply 34 is a DC power supply, the rectifier circuit 321 may also be omitted.

[0050] Converter 322 is electrically connected to rectifier circuit 321 and power transmission side resonance circuit 323. Converter 322 converts DC power supplied from rectifier circuit 321 into AC power (high frequency power) having a higher frequency than the AC power of power source 34, and supplies the high frequency power to power transmission side resonance circuit 323.

[0051] The power transmission side resonance circuit 323 has a resonator composed of a coil 41 and a capacitor 42. Various parameters of the coil 41 and the capacitor 42 (the outer diameter and inner diameter of the coil 41, the number of turns of the coil 41, the static capacitance of the capacitor 42, etc.) are determined in such a way that the resonance frequency of the power transmission side resonance circuit 323 becomes a predetermined set value. The predetermined set value is, for example, 10kHz to 100GHz, preferably 85kHz determined by the SAE TIR J2954 standard as a frequency band for contactless power transmission. If the high-frequency power supplied from the converter 322 is applied to the power transmission side resonance circuit 323, the power transmission side resonance circuit 323 generates an AC magnetic field for power transmission.

[0052] The controller 33 is, for example, a general-purpose computer, and performs various controls on the contactless power supply device 30. For example, the controller 33 is electrically connected to the converter 322 of the power transmission circuit 32, and controls the converter 322 to control power transmission of the power transmission circuit 32. Furthermore, the controller 33 controls the first communication unit 31 under the control of the startup control unit 11.

[0053] The controller 33 includes a communication interface 331, a memory 332, and a processor 333. The communication interface 331, the memory 332, and the processor 333 are electrically connected to each other via a bus.

[0054] The communication interface 331 has an interface circuit for electrically connecting the controller 33 to various devices (eg, the converter 322 , the first communication unit 31 , and the activation control unit 11 ) constituting the contactless power supply device 30 . The controller 33 communicates with other devices via the communication interface 331 .

[0055] The memory 332 includes, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory (eg, RAM), a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (eg, ROM), etc. The memory 332 stores computer programs for executing various processes in the processor 333, various data used when the processor 333 executes various processes, and the like.

[0056] The processor 333 includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and peripheral circuits thereof. The processor 333 may also include a calculation circuit such as a logical calculation unit or a numerical calculation unit. The processor 333 executes various processes based on the computer program stored in the memory 332 .

[0057] <Vehicle Structure>

[0058] Figure 3 It is schematically shown Figure 1 A diagram showing the structure of a vehicle within a contactless power supply system.

[0059] The vehicle 2 includes an electronic control unit (ECU) 23, a battery 24, a power control unit (PCU) 25, and a motor 26 in addition to the second communication unit 21, the power receiving circuit 22, and the pairing control unit 12. In the present embodiment, the vehicle 2 is an electric vehicle (BEV) in which the motor 26 drives the vehicle 2. However, the vehicle 2 may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in which the internal combustion engine drives the vehicle 2 in addition to the motor 26.

[0060] The battery 24 is a rechargeable secondary battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, etc. The battery 24 stores the power required for the vehicle 2 to travel (such as the driving power of the motor 26). If the power received by the power receiving circuit 22 from the power transmitting circuit 32 is supplied to the battery 24, the battery 24 is charged. In addition, if the regenerative power generated by the motor 26 is supplied to the battery 24, the battery 24 is charged. If the battery 24 is charged, the charge rate (SOC: State Of Charge) of the battery 24 is restored. It should be noted that the battery 24 can also be charged by an external power source other than the contactless power supply device 30 via a charging port provided in the vehicle 2.

[0061] The motor 26 is, for example, an AC synchronous motor, and functions as a motor and a generator. When the motor 26 functions as a motor, it is driven by the power stored in the battery 24 as a power source. The output of the motor 26 is transmitted to the wheels of the vehicle 2 via the speed reducer and the axle. On the other hand, when the vehicle 2 is decelerated, the motor 26 is driven by the rotation of the wheels, and the motor 26 functions as a generator to generate regenerative power.

[0062] PCU 25 is electrically connected to the battery 24 and the motor 26. PCU 25 has an inverter, a boost converter, and a DC / DC converter. The inverter converts the DC power supplied from the battery 24 into AC power, and supplies the AC power to the motor 26. On the other hand, the inverter converts the AC power (regenerative power) generated by the motor 26 into DC power, and supplies the DC power to the battery 24. When the power stored in the battery 24 is supplied to the motor 26, the boost converter boosts the voltage of the battery 24 as needed. When the power stored in the battery 24 is supplied to electronic devices such as headlights, the DC / DC converter steps down the voltage of the battery 24.

[0063] The power receiving circuit 22 receives power from the power transmitting circuit 32 of the paired contactless power supply device 30, and supplies the received power to the storage battery 24. The power receiving circuit 22 includes a rectifier circuit 221, a charging circuit 222, and a power receiving-side resonance circuit 223.

[0064] The receiving-side resonance circuit 223 is arranged at the bottom of the vehicle 2 so as to minimize the distance from the ground. The receiving-side resonance circuit 223 has the same structure as the transmitting-side resonance circuit 323, and has a resonator composed of a coil 51 and a capacitor 52. Various parameters of the coil 51 and the capacitor 52 (the outer diameter and inner diameter of the coil 51, the number of turns of the coil 51, the static capacitance of the capacitor 52, etc.) are determined so that the resonance frequency of the receiving-side resonance circuit 223 coincides with the resonance frequency of the transmitting-side resonance circuit 323. It should be noted that as long as the deviation between the resonance frequency of the receiving-side resonance circuit 223 and the resonance frequency of the transmitting-side resonance circuit 323 is small, for example, as long as the resonance frequency of the receiving-side resonance circuit 223 is within the range of ±20% of the resonance frequency of the transmitting-side resonance circuit 323, the resonance frequency of the receiving-side resonance circuit 223 does not necessarily need to coincide with the resonance frequency of the transmitting-side resonance circuit 323.

[0065] When the power receiving-side resonance circuit 223 faces the power transmitting-side resonance circuit 323, if an AC magnetic field is generated by the power transmitting-side resonance circuit 323, the vibration of the AC magnetic field is transmitted to the power receiving-side resonance circuit 223 which resonates at the same resonance frequency as the power transmitting-side resonance circuit 323. As a result, an induced current flows in the power receiving-side resonance circuit 223 by electromagnetic induction, and an induced electromotive force is generated in the power receiving-side resonance circuit 223 by the induced current. That is, the power transmitting-side resonance circuit 323 transmits power to the power receiving-side resonance circuit 223, and the power receiving-side resonance circuit 223 receives power from the power transmitting-side resonance circuit 323.

[0066] The rectifier circuit 221 is electrically connected to the charging circuit 222 and the receiving-side resonance circuit 223. The rectifier circuit 221 rectifies the AC power supplied from the receiving-side resonance circuit 223, converts it into DC power, and supplies the DC power to the charging circuit 222. The rectifier circuit 221 is, for example, an AC / DC converter.

[0067] The charging circuit 222 is electrically connected to the rectifier circuit 221 and the battery 24. The charging circuit 222 converts the DC power supplied from the rectifier circuit 221 into the voltage level of the battery 24 and supplies it to the battery 24. When the power transmitted from the power transmission circuit 32 is supplied to the battery 24 by the power receiving circuit 22, the battery 24 is charged. The charging circuit 222 is, for example, a DC / DC converter.

[0068] The ECU 23 performs various controls on the vehicle 2. For example, the ECU 23 is electrically connected to the charging circuit 222 of the power receiving circuit 22, and controls the charging circuit 222 to control the charging of the battery 24 by the power sent from the power sending circuit 32. In addition, the ECU 23 is electrically connected to the PCU 25, and controls the PCU 25 to control the transfer of power between the battery 24 and the motor 26. In addition, the ECU 23 controls the second communication unit 21 and the pairing control unit 12.

[0069] The ECU 23 includes a communication interface 231, a memory 232, and a processor 233. The communication interface 231, the memory 232, and the processor 233 are connected to each other via a signal line.

[0070] The communication interface 231 has an interface circuit for connecting the ECU 23 to an in-vehicle network conforming to a standard such as CAN (Controller Area Network). The ECU 23 communicates with other devices via the communication interface 231 .

[0071] The memory 232 includes, for example, a volatile semiconductor memory (eg, RAM) and a nonvolatile semiconductor memory (eg, ROM), and stores computer programs for executing various processes in the processor 233 and various data used when the processor 233 executes various processes.

[0072] The processor 233 includes one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and peripheral circuits thereof. The processor 233 may further include a calculation circuit such as a logical calculation unit or a numerical calculation unit. The processor 233 executes various processes based on the computer program stored in the memory 232 .

[0073] <Operation of the Communication Control Device>

[0074] Figure 4 This is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the communication control device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] First, the user (driver) parks the vehicle 2 in one of the multiple parking areas provided in the charging station 3. Then, if the user (driver or fellow passenger) riding in the vehicle 2 instructs the communication control device 1 to start the action by, for example, operating a prescribed operation button provided in the vehicle 2, a start signal is sent to the start control unit 11 in the charging station 3 via the second communication unit 21 or other communication unit provided in the vehicle 2. The start control unit 11 that has received the start signal starts the signal output processing of each first communication unit 31-1 to 31-n in a specific start mode in step S101 so that the signals output from the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n of each of the multiple contactless power supply devices 30-1 to 30-n do not interfere with each other. The specific start mode refers to a combination of a first communication unit 31 whose signal output processing is started at a certain point in time and a first communication unit 31 whose signal output processing is not started.

[0076] As an alternative example, in a state where the start control unit 11 has already started the signal output processing of each first communication unit 31-1 to 31-n in a specific start mode in step S101, a user (driver or passenger) riding in the vehicle 2 may start the processing of step S201 (receiving and storing the inquiry signal) by operating a prescribed operation button provided in the vehicle 2.

[0077] In step S101, the first communication unit 31 for which the signal output process is started by the start control unit 11 (i.e., the first communication unit 31 turned on) outputs an inquiry signal, but the first communication unit 31 for which the signal output process is not started by the start control unit 11 (i.e., the first communication unit 31 turned off) does not output an inquiry signal. Each inquiry signal is output from each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n with the same radio wave strength.

[0078] It should be noted that the paired contactless power supply device 30 is already in use for contactless power supply of another vehicle 2. Therefore, in step S101, the start control unit 11 does not start the signal output process of the first communication unit 31 of the paired contactless power supply device 30 among the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n. The start control unit 11 starts the signal output process at least once for all the first communication units 31 of the unpaired contactless power supply devices 30 among the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n.

[0079] Here, some examples are given of the modes of activation of the first communication units 31 - 1 to 31 - n by the activation control unit 11 .

[0080] In the start-up mode based on the first method, the start-up control unit 11 starts the signal output processing of each first communication unit 31-1 to 31-n in sequence so that the start-up timing does not overlap. By making the start-up timing of the signal output processing of each first communication unit 31-1 to 31-n not overlap, it is possible to avoid mutual radio wave interference between the inquiry signals output from each first communication unit 31-1 to 31-n.

[0081] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating a start-up mode based on the first method executed by the start-up control unit. Figure 6 In the figure, the structures related to power transmission and power reception are omitted. Figure 6 As an example, the vehicle 2 is parked in the parking area C among the four parking areas A to D arranged in a row in the charging station 3. The parking area A is provided with a contactless power supply device 30-1 having a first communication unit 31-1, the parking area B is provided with a contactless power supply device 30-2 having a first communication unit 31-2, the parking area C is provided with a contactless power supply device 30-3 having a first communication unit 31-3, and the parking area D is provided with a contactless power supply device 30-4 having a first communication unit 31-4.

[0082] like Figure 6 As shown, the start control unit 11 starts the first communication unit 31 in the order of modes 1 to 4, for example. Each of modes 1 to 4 is executed at least once, but they are not executed in a manner that overlaps with each other in time. In mode 1, the start control unit 11 starts (ON) the first communication unit 31-1 in parking area A, and the first communication units 31-2, 31-3 and 31-4 are not started. In mode 2, the start control unit 11 starts (ON) the first communication unit 31-2 in parking area B, and the first communication units 31-1, 31-3 and 31-4 are not started. In mode 3, the start control unit 11 starts (ON) the first communication unit 31-3 in parking area C, and the first communication units 31-1, 31-2 and 31-4 are not started. In mode 4, the start control unit 11 starts (ON) the first communication unit 31-4 in the parking area D, and the first communication units 31-1, 31-2, and 31-3 are not started. In this way, the signal output process is started at least once for all the first communication units 31-1 to 31-4, except for the first communication unit 31 of the paired contactless power supply device 30. It should be noted that Figure 6 The execution order of modes 1 to 4 shown is just an example, and they may not be executed in this order. For example, mode 3 may be executed first, followed by mode 1, followed by mode 4, and then mode 2. In addition, for example, mode 4 may be executed first, followed by mode 3, followed by mode 2, and then mode 1. Alternatively, modes 1 to 4 may be executed in an order other than the above.

[0083] The start-up mode based on the second mode is to start some of the first communication units 31 set at positions where there is no radio wave interference with each other at the same time. That is, in the start-up mode based on the second mode, the start-up control unit 11 starts the signal output processing of each group in sequence in a manner that the start timings do not overlap between the groups, and the groups are groups of the first communication units 31 set at positions where there is no radio wave interference with each other. By making it so that the first communication units 31 in the same group do not interfere with each other and the start timings of the signal output processing do not overlap between different groups, it is possible to avoid the radio wave interference between the inquiry signals output from each first communication unit 31-1 to 31-n. In addition, in the start-up mode based on the second mode, the signal output processing of multiple first communication units 31 is started at the same time, so the start-up time to complete the signal output processing of all the first communication units 31 can be shortened compared with the start-up mode based on the first mode. Therefore, the more the number of first communication units 31 (that is, the more the number of non-contact power supply devices 30), the more the start-up mode based on the second mode has the effect of shortening the processing time.

[0084] Figure 7 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a start-up mode based on the second method executed by the start-up control unit. Figure 7 In the figure, the structures related to power transmission and power reception are omitted. Figure 7 In the example, the vehicle 2 is parked in the parking area C among the four parking areas A to D arranged in a cross shape in the charging station 3. A non-contact power supply device 30-1 having a first communication unit 31-1 is provided in the parking area A, a non-contact power supply device 30-2 having a first communication unit 31-2 is provided in the parking area B, a non-contact power supply device 30-3 having a first communication unit 31-3 is provided in the parking area C, and a non-contact power supply device 30-4 having a first communication unit 31-4 is provided in the parking area D. In addition, the first communication unit 31-1 and the first communication unit 31-3 are provided at positions where the inquiry signals output by each do not interfere with each other. The first communication unit 31-2 and the first communication unit 31-4 are provided at positions where the inquiry signals output by each do not interfere with each other. On the other hand, radio wave interference occurs between the first communication unit 31-1 and the first communication unit 31-2, between the first communication unit 31-2 and the first communication unit 31-3, between the first communication unit 31-3 and the first communication unit 31-4, and between the first communication unit 31-4 and the first communication unit 31-1.

[0085] like Figure 7As shown, the start control unit 11 starts the first communication unit 31 in the order of mode 1 to mode 2, for example. Modes 1 and 2 are each executed at least once, but they are not executed in time overlapping with each other. In mode 1, the start control unit 11 starts (ON) the group of the first communication units 31-2 and 31-3 that are in a position where the radio waves do not interfere with each other, but the group of the first communication units 31-1 and 31-4 is not started. In mode 2, the start control unit 11 starts (ON) the group of the first communication units 31-1 and 31-4 that are in a position where the radio waves do not interfere with each other, but the group of the first communication units 31-2 and 31-3 is not started. In this way, the group composed of the first communication units 31-2 and 31-4 (mode 1) and the group composed of the first communication units 31-2 and 31-4 (mode 2) are started in sequence without overlapping with each other in time. Since each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-4 belongs to a certain group, the signal output process is started at least once for all of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-4 except for the first communication unit 31 of the paired contactless power supply device 30. Figure 7 The execution order from mode 1 to mode 2 shown is just an example, and for example, mode 2 may be executed first, and then mode 1 may be executed.

[0086] Figure 8 FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a start-up mode based on the second method executed by the start-up control unit. Figure 8 In the figure, the structures related to power transmission and reception and the parking area are omitted. Figure 8 As an example, each of the four parking areas arranged in a row in the charging station 3 is provided with a first communication unit 31-1, 31-2, 31-3 and 31-4. In addition, the first communication unit 31-1 and the first communication unit 31-3 are arranged at positions where the inquiry signals output by each of them do not interfere with each other. The first communication unit 31-2 and the first communication unit 31-4 are arranged at positions where the inquiry signals output by each of them do not interfere with each other. On the other hand, radio interference occurs between the first communication unit 31-1 and the first communication unit 31-2, between the first communication unit 31-2 and the first communication unit 31-3, and between the first communication unit 31-3 and the first communication unit 31-4.

[0087] like Figure 8As shown, the start control unit 11 starts the first communication unit 31 in the order of mode 1 to mode 2, for example. Modes 1 and 2 are each executed at least once, but they are not executed in time overlapping with each other. In mode 1, the start control unit 11 starts (ON) the group of the first communication units 31-1 and 31-3 that are in a position where the radio waves do not interfere with each other, but the first communication units 31-2 and 31-4 are not started. In mode 2, the start control unit 11 starts (ON) the group of the first communication units 31-2 and 31-4 that are in a position where the radio waves do not interfere with each other, but the first communication units 31-1 and 31-3 are not started. In this way, the group composed of the first communication units 31-1 and 31-3 (mode 1) and the group composed of the first communication units 31-2 and 31-4 (mode 2) are started in sequence without overlapping with each other in time. Since each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-4 belongs to a certain group, the signal output process is started at least once for all of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-4 except for the first communication unit 31 of the paired contactless power supply device 30. Figure 8 The execution order from mode 1 to mode 2 shown is just an example, and for example, mode 2 may be executed first, and then mode 1 may be executed.

[0088] Fig. 9 FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a start-up mode based on the second method executed by the start-up control unit. Fig. 9 In the figure, the structures related to power transmission and reception and the parking area are omitted. Fig. 9 As an example, each of the 15 parking areas arranged in a matrix of 3 rows and 5 columns in the charging station 3 is provided with a first communication unit 31-1 to 31-15. In addition, each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-15 is arranged at the following position: between the first communication unit and a plurality of first communication units 31 adjacent to the first communication unit in the vertical, horizontal and oblique directions, radio wave interference will occur. For example, radio wave interference will occur between the first communication unit 31-8 and the first communication units 31-2 to 31-4, 31-7, 31-9 and 31-12 to 31-14. On the other hand, no radio wave interference will occur between the first communication unit 31-8 and the first communication units 31-1, 31-5, 31-6, 31-10, 31-11 and 31-15 that are not adjacent to it.

[0089] like Fig. 9As shown, the start control unit 11 starts the first communication unit 31 in the order of modes 1 to 4, for example. Each of modes 1 to 4 is executed at least once, but they are not executed in a manner that overlaps with each other in time. In mode 1, the start control unit 11 starts (ON) the group of first communication units 31-1, 31-3, 31-5, 31-11, 31-13 and 31-15 that are located at a position where radio waves do not interfere with each other, but the first communication units 31-2, 31-4, 31-6 to 31-10, 31-12 and 31-14 are not started. In mode 2, the start control unit 11 starts (ON) the group of first communication units 31-2, 31-4, 31-12 and 31-14 at a position where the radio waves do not interfere with each other, but the first communication units 31-1, 31-3, 31-5, 31-6 to 31-11, 31-13 and 31-15 are not started. In mode 3, the start control unit 11 starts (ON) the group of first communication units 31-7 and 31-9 at a position where the radio waves do not interfere with each other, but the first communication units 31-1 to 31-6, 31-8 and 31-10 to 31-15 are not started. In mode 4, the start control unit 11 starts (ON) the group of the first communication units 31-6, 31-8 and 31-10 which are located at a position where the radio waves do not interfere with each other, but does not start the first communication units 31-1 to 31-5, 31-7, 31-9 and 31-11 to 31-15. In this way, the group consisting of the first communication units 31-1, 31-3, 31-5, 31-11, 31-13 and 31-15 (mode 1), the group consisting of the first communication units 31-2, 31-4, 31-12 and 31-14 (mode 2), the group consisting of the first communication units 31-7 and 31-9 (mode 3), and the group consisting of the first communication units 31-6, 31-8 and 31-10 (mode 4) are started in sequence without overlapping in time. Since each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-15 belongs to a certain group, the signal output process is started at least once for all of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-15 except the first communication unit 31 of the paired contactless power supply device 30. Fig. 9 The execution order of modes 1 to 4 shown is only an example, and the execution may not be in this order. For example, mode 3 may be executed first, followed by mode 1, followed by mode 4, and then mode 2. Also, for example, mode 4 may be executed first, followed by mode 3, followed by mode 2, and then mode 1. Alternatively, modes 1 to 4 may be executed in an order other than the above. In addition, Fig. 9 The combination of activation or non-activation of each of the first communication units 31 - 1 to 31 - 15 shown in each of the illustrated modes 1 to 4 is merely an example, and the combination of activation or non-activation in each mode may not be the combination shown in the illustration.

[0090] It should be noted that Figure 7 to Figure 9 The arrangement of the first communication unit 31 in the charging station 3 shown (arrangement in the parking area) is merely an example, and the start-up mode based on the second embodiment can be applied even in other arrangement examples.

[0091] In this way, since the signal output processing of each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n is started in the start mode based on the first method or the second method, it is possible to avoid mutual radio wave interference between the inquiry signals output from each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n. As a result, it is possible to avoid erroneous pairing between the contactless power supply device 30 that is not at the closest position to the vehicle 2 but at a position far from the vehicle 2 and the vehicle 2.

[0092] If the description is returned Figure 4 , then in Figure 4 In step S101, the first communication unit 31 outputting the inquiry signal is switched every time the start mode is switched, but in step S201, the second communication unit 21 of the vehicle 2 receives the inquiry signal every time the start mode is switched, and transmits the radio wave strength of the received inquiry signal to the storage unit (e.g., Figure 3 The radio wave strength of the inquiry signal is stored in the storage unit in a manner associated with the identification information of the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal.

[0093] Here, some methods of identifying the contactless power supply device 30 including the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal are listed.

[0094] The first identification method is to make the inquiry signal output from the first communication unit 31 include data related to the identification information of the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal. In this case, the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 extracts the data related to the identification information included in the inquiry signal received by the second communication unit 21, and stores the radio wave strength of the inquiry signal in the storage unit in a manner corresponding to the identification information.

[0095] The second identification method is to use wireless communication (e.g., wide area wireless communication) of a path independent of the inquiry signal when the inquiry signal is output from the first communication unit 31 to send data related to the identification information of the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal. In this case, a communication unit for wide area wireless communication independent of the first communication unit 31 is provided in the contactless power supply device 30. Similarly, a communication unit for wide area wireless communication independent of the second communication unit 21 is provided in the vehicle 2. The ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 extracts the identification information contained in the data received via the wide area wireless communication, and stores the radio wave strength of the inquiry signal in the storage unit in a manner corresponding to the identification information. Wide area wireless communication is communication with a longer communication distance than short-range wireless communication, specifically, for example, communication with a communication distance of 10 meters to 10 kilometers. As wide area wireless communication, various wireless communications with long communication distances can be used, for example, communication that complies with any communication standard such as 4G, LTE, 5G, WiMAX, etc. established by 3GPP and IEEE.

[0096] The third identification method is to grasp the start-up mode and the execution order of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n in advance on the ECU 23 side in the vehicle 2 and grasp the identification information by making the switching cycle of the start-up mode consistent with the reception cycle (sampling cycle) of the second communication unit 21 by the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2. Since the switching cycle of the start-up mode is consistent with the reception cycle of the second communication unit 21, and the ECU 23 grasps the start-up mode and the execution order of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n, the ECU 23 can store the radio wave strength of the received inquiry signal together with the identification information of the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal in the storage unit.

[0097] exist Figure 4 In step S201, according to any one of the first to third identification methods described above, each time the startup mode of the first communication unit 31 is switched, the radio wave strength of the received inquiry signal and the identification information of the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal are associated and stored. It should be noted that, when the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n are sequentially started according to the startup mode based on the first method, the radio wave strength of the received inquiry signal and the identification information of the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal are associated and stored for each of the startup modes. In addition, when the group of first communication units 31 is sequentially started according to the startup mode based on the second method, the inquiry signal is output from the plurality of first communication units 31 in a certain startup mode, and therefore, for each of the startup modes, the radio wave strength of the plurality of received inquiry signals and the identification information of the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal are associated and stored.

[0098] In step S202, the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 determines whether the start mode of the first communication unit 31 is the first round. Whether the start mode is the first round can be determined based on whether the identification information consistent with the identification information involved in the received inquiry signal has been stored in the storage unit. In the case where the identification information involved in the received inquiry signal is not yet included in the identification information stored in the storage unit, the start mode is still the first round, so it returns to step S201. In the case where the identification information involved in the received inquiry signal is already included in the identification information stored in the storage unit, the start mode is the second round, so it enters step S203. With the completion of the first round of the start mode, the signal output processing has been started at least once for all of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n, except for the first communication unit 31 of the paired contactless power supply device 30.

[0099] In step S203, the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 finds the strongest radio wave intensity from the radio wave intensities stored in the storage unit, and determines the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal with the strongest radio wave intensity based on the identification information stored in a manner corresponding to the strongest radio wave intensity. The inquiry signal is output from each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n with the same radio wave intensity, but the closer the distance between the second communication unit 21 and the first communication unit 31, the stronger the radio wave intensity of the inquiry signal received by the second communication unit 21. In the case where the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal with the strongest radio wave intensity is successfully determined in step S203, the process proceeds to step S204. In the case where the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal with the strongest radio wave intensity is not determined in step S203, the process proceeds to step S204. Figure 5 Alternatively, if the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal with the strongest radio wave strength cannot be identified, steps S101, S201, and S202 may be executed again.

[0100] In step S204, the pairing control unit 12 in the vehicle 2 pairs the contactless power supply device 30 determined in step S203 with the vehicle 2. After pairing, the vehicle 2 starts Figure 5 In this way, the pairing control unit 12 pairs the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 corresponding to the inquiry signal with the strongest radio wave intensity among the signals output from each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n and received by the second communication unit 21 of the vehicle 2, with the vehicle 2. Therefore, it is not necessary to communicate the inquiry signal with directionality between the first communication unit 31 in the contactless power supply device 30 and the second communication unit 21 in the vehicle 2, so the cost of the communication control device 1 can be suppressed.

[0101] Here, based on Figure 6 and Figure 6 The specific example shown will describe the pairing process between the contactless power supply device 30 and the vehicle 2 .

[0102] exist Figure 6 In the process, the start control unit 11 starts the first communication unit 31 in the order of modes 1 to 4 (step S101). For each of modes 1 to 4, the inquiry signal and the identification information of the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal are associated and stored (step S201). When mode 1 is executed again after mode 4, the identification information related to the inquiry signal received by the second communication unit 21 is consistent with the identification information related to the first communication unit 31-1 already stored in the storage unit, so it is determined that the start mode is the second round (step S202). Since the vehicle 2 is parked in the parking area C, the radio wave intensity α1 of the inquiry signal output from the first communication unit 31-1 in mode 1 is the weakest, the radio wave intensity α2 of the inquiry signal output from the first communication unit 31-2 in mode 2 and the radio wave intensity α4 of the inquiry signal output from the first communication unit 31-4 in mode 4 are the second weakest, and the radio wave intensity α3 of the inquiry signal output from the first communication unit 31-3 in mode 3 is the strongest (α1<α2=α4<α3). As a result, the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 determines the contactless power supply device 30-3 having the first communication unit 31-3 as the contactless power supply device that outputs the inquiry signal with the strongest radio wave intensity (step S203). The pairing control unit 12 in the vehicle 2 pairs the contactless power supply device 30-3 with the vehicle 2 (step S204).

[0103] exist Figure 7In the example, the start control unit 11 starts the first communication unit 31 in the order of mode 1 to mode 2 (step S101). The radio wave strength of the inquiry signal of each of the first communication units 31-2 and 31-4 received in mode 1 and the identification information of each of the contactless power supply devices 30-2 and 30-4 involved in the inquiry signal are established in correspondence and stored (step S201). The radio wave strength of the inquiry signal of each of the first communication units 31-1 and 31-3 received in mode 2 and the identification information of each of the contactless power supply devices 30-1 and 30-3 involved in the inquiry signal are established in correspondence and stored (step S201). Since the vehicle 2 is parked in the parking area C, the radio wave strength α1 of the inquiry signal output from the first communication unit 31-1 in mode 2 is the weakest, the radio wave strengths α2 and α4 of the inquiry signals output from the first communication units 31-2 and 31-4 in mode 1 are the second weakest, and the radio wave strength α3 of the inquiry signal output from the first communication unit 31-3 in mode 2 is the strongest (α1<α2=α4<α3). As a result, the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 determines the contactless power supply device 30-3 having the first communication unit 31-3 as the contactless power supply device that outputs the inquiry signal with the strongest radio wave strength (step S203). The pairing control unit 12 in the vehicle 2 pairs the contactless power supply device 30-3 with the vehicle 2 (step S204).

[0104] Figure 5 This is a flowchart showing the flow of operations related to contactless power supply to a vehicle by a contactless power supply device.

[0105] and Figure 4 Corresponding to step S204 , in step S301 , the contactless power supply device 30 is paired with the vehicle 2 .

[0106] In step S302, the power transmission circuit 32 of the contactless power supply device 30 paired with the vehicle 2 starts to transmit power to the vehicle 2, and in step S401, the power receiving circuit 22 of the vehicle 2 paired with the contactless power supply device 30 starts to receive power. When the power transmission circuit 32 transmits power, in step S303, the controller 33 in the contactless power supply device 30 transmits data related to the power transmission value at that time point to the vehicle 2 via the first communication unit 31 or other communication units at every predetermined period.

[0107] In step S402, the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 calculates the charging efficiency (=transmitted power value / received power value×100) based on the received data related to the transmitted power value and the value of the power actually received at that point in time, and determines whether the charging efficiency is above a specified value (for example, 70%).

[0108] If it is determined in step S402 that the charging efficiency is above the specified value, it can be considered that pairing is being performed correctly, so the process proceeds to step S403. In step S403, the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 determines whether the charging rate (SOC: State Of Charge) of the battery 24 has reached 100% (i.e., whether it has reached full charge). If it is determined that the charging rate of the battery 24 has reached 100%, the process proceeds to step S404. If it is not determined that the charging rate of the battery 24 has reached 100%, the process returns to step S402. It should be noted that the charging rate used as a reference for the determination process in step S403 does not necessarily need to be 100%, and may be a value close thereto (e.g., 90%).

[0109] In step S404, the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 sends a charging completion notification to the paired contactless power supply device 30 via the second communication unit 21 or other communication units, and the contactless power supply device 30 receives the charging completion notification in step S304. In step S305 following step S304, the contactless power supply device 30 stops power transmission. Then, in step S306, the contactless power supply device 30 cancels pairing with the vehicle 2, and in step S405, the vehicle 2 cancels pairing with the contactless power supply device 30. The process ends thereafter.

[0110] On the other hand, if it is not determined in step S402 that the charging efficiency is above the prescribed value, the process proceeds to step S406 because there is a possibility of mispairing. In step S406, the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 instructs the paired contactless power supply device 30 to stop power transmission via the second communication unit 21 or other communication units, and the contactless power supply device 30 stops power transmission and cancels the pairing. In step S407 following step S406, the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 notifies the user of manual pairing via a display in the vehicle 2, etc. Thereafter, in step S408, the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 determines whether the user has manually performed pairing. If it is determined in step S408 that pairing is performed manually, the process returns to step S401 (and S301). If it is not determined in step S408 that pairing is performed manually, the process ends.

[0111] In addition, Figure 4Even in the case where the contactless power supply device 30 having the first communication unit 31 that outputs the inquiry signal with the strongest radio wave strength cannot be determined in step S203, in step S407, the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 notifies the user of manual pairing via the display in the vehicle 2, etc. Thereafter, in step S408, the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 determines whether the user has manually performed pairing. If it is determined in step S408 that pairing is performed manually, the process returns to step S401 (and S301). If it is not determined in step S408 that pairing is performed manually, the process ends.

[0112] It should be noted that, in the above flowchart, the charging efficiency is calculated in the ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 (step S402), but as an alternative, the charging efficiency may be calculated in the controller 33 in the contactless power supply device 30. In this alternative, after the vehicle 2 starts receiving power in step S401, the ECU 23 in the vehicle transmits data related to the received power value at that time to the paired contactless power supply device 30 via the second communication unit 21 or other communication units at a predetermined period. Then, the controller 33 in the contactless power supply device 30 calculates the charging efficiency (=received power value / transmitted power value×100) based on the received data related to the received power value and the value of the power actually transmitted at that time, and determines whether the charging efficiency is a predetermined value (for example, 70%) or more. The determination result is transmitted to the vehicle 2 via the first communication unit 31 or other communication units, and step S403 or S406 is executed based on the determination result.

[0113] <Another embodiment in which the start control unit is provided in the vehicle>

[0114] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the start control unit 11 is provided in the charging station 3, but as another embodiment, it may also be provided as shown in FIG. Figure 10 to Figure 12 As described above, the start control unit 11 is provided in the vehicle 2 .

[0115] Fig.10 This is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a contactless power supply system including a communication control device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig.11 It is schematically shown Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a vehicle in a contactless power supply system. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the start control unit 11 is provided in the vehicle 2. The ECU 23 in the vehicle 2 controls the start control unit 11 in addition to the control of the charging circuit 222, the PCU 25, the second communication unit 21, and the pairing control unit 12. The other structures in the vehicle 2 are described in detail in detail. Figure 3 As explained.

[0116] Fig.12This is a flowchart showing the operation flow of the communication control device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] like Fig.12 As shown, the operation of the communication control device 1 when the start control unit 11 is installed in the vehicle 2 is similar to that of the reference Figure 4 The operation of the communication control device 1 in the case where the activation control unit 11 is provided in the charging station 3 described above is different in that step S200 is executed.

[0118] First, the user (driver) parks the vehicle 2 in one of the plurality of parking areas provided in the charging station 3. Then, the user (driver or fellow passenger) riding in the vehicle 2 instructs the communication control device 1 to start the operation by, for example, operating a predetermined operation button provided in the vehicle 2. Next, in step S200, the start control unit 11 provided in the vehicle 2 controls via the second communication unit 21 or other communication units so that the signal output processing of each of the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n is started in a specific start mode so that the signals output from the first communication units 31-1 to 31-n of the plurality of contactless power supply devices 30-1 to 30-n in the charging station 3 do not interfere with each other. The first communication unit 31 for which the signal output processing is started by the start control unit 11 (i.e., the first communication unit 31 turned on) outputs an inquiry signal, but the first communication unit 31 for which the signal output processing is not started by the start control unit 11 (i.e., the first communication unit 31 turned off) does not output an inquiry signal. The processing of steps S101 and S201 to S204 following step S200 is described with reference to Figure 4 In addition, the subsequent charging process is described in detail. Figure 5 As explained.

[0119] As mentioned above, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention was described, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various corrections and changes can be made within the description of the claims.

[0120] Description of Reference Numerals

[0121] 1Communication control device

[0122] 2 Vehicles

[0123] 3 Charging Stations

[0124] 11Starting control unit

[0125] 12Pairing control unit

[0126] 21Second Communications Department

[0127] 22 Power receiving circuit

[0128] 23ECU

[0129] 24 batteries

[0130] 25PCU

[0131] 26 Electric motors

[0132] 30, 30-1 to 30-n non-contact power supply device

[0133] 31. 31-1~31-n First Communications Department

[0134] 32, 32-1 to 32-n power transmission circuit

[0135] 33 Controller

[0136] 34 Power Supply

[0137] 41 Coil

[0138] 42 Capacitors

[0139] 51 coil

[0140] 52 Capacitor

[0141] 221 rectifier circuit

[0142] 222 Charging Circuit

[0143] 223 Resonant circuit on the receiving side

[0144] 231 communication interface

[0145] 232 Memory

[0146] 233 processor

[0147] 321 rectifier circuit

[0148] 322 Converter

[0149] 323 Transmission side resonance circuit

[0150] 331 Communication Interface

[0151] 332 Memory

[0152] 333 processor.

Claims

1. A communication control device, comprising: The start control unit switches the start mode of the signal output processing of each of the first communication units so that the signals having the same radio wave strength output from the first communication units of the plurality of contactless power supply devices do not interfere with each other and starts the signal output processing in sequence; a pairing control unit that pairs the contactless power supply device having a first communication unit corresponding to a signal having the strongest radio wave intensity among the signals output from each of the first communication units and received by a second communication unit of the vehicle with the vehicle; and a storage unit provided in the vehicle, storing the signal strength of the signal received by the second communication unit from each of the first communication units at a reception cycle consistent with the switching cycle of the start mode in correspondence with the identification information of the contactless power supply device having the first communication unit outputting the signal at the switching cycle of the start mode, The activation control unit starts the signal processing programs that are executed simultaneously in the group of the first communication units that are arranged at positions that do not interfere with each other's radio waves in sequence so that the activation timings of different groups do not overlap. the activation control unit does not activate the signal output processing of the first communication unit of the paired contactless power supply device among the first communication units, The pairing control unit pairs the contactless power supply device having the first communication unit corresponding to the signal with the strongest radio wave intensity with the vehicle based on the identification information associated with the strongest radio wave intensity found out from the radio wave intensities stored in the storage unit.

2. The communication control device according to claim 1, The activation control unit is provided at a charging station having the plurality of contactless power supply devices.

3. The communication control device according to claim 1, The start control unit is provided in the vehicle.

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