Non-contact power supply system, ground power supply equipment and non-contact power supply method

Abstract

This invention relates to a contactless power supply system, ground power supply equipment, and a contactless power supply method. The contactless power supply system includes a first ground power supply equipment and a second ground power supply equipment for performing contactless power supply to a moving object. When it is confirmed that a moving object has entered the first power supply section, the first ground power supply equipment transmits a signal to the second ground power supply equipment. If, after receiving the pass signal, it is still not confirmed that the moving object has entered or approached the second power supply section even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the second ground power supply equipment transmits a power supply stop signal to the first ground power supply equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a non-contact power supply system, ground power supply equipment, and non-contact power supply method. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2018-157686 (JP 2018-157686A) discloses a non-contact power supply system for transmitting power from a ground-mounted power supply device to a moving vehicle without contact by using transmission methods such as magnetic field coupling (electromagnetic induction), electric field coupling, magnetic resonance coupling (magnetic resonance), and electric field resonance coupling (electric resonance). Summary of the Invention

[0003] On roads equipped with ground-based power supply systems, vehicles may be difficult to move due to factors such as vehicle malfunctions. In such cases, for example, when power transmission from the ground-based power supply system to the vehicle continues, there is a possibility that when occupants disembark, they may be directly exposed to the leakage magnetic field generated during the power transmission.

[0004] This invention provides a non-contact power supply system, a ground power supply device, and a non-contact power supply method that can stop the power transmission from the ground power supply device to the vehicle when the vehicle enters a state where it is difficult to move on a road where a ground power supply device is installed.

[0005] A first aspect of the invention relates to a contactless power supply system comprising a first ground power supply device and a second ground power supply device configured to perform contactless power supply to a mobile body. The second ground power supply device is a ground power supply device capable of performing contactless power supply to a mobile body after the first ground power supply device, and the first ground power supply device is configured to transmit a passage signal to the second ground power supply device notifying the second ground power supply device of the passage of the mobile body when it is confirmed that the mobile body has entered a first power supply section in which contactless power supply is performed by the first ground power supply device. The second ground power supply device is configured to transmit a power supply stop signal to the first ground power supply device to stop contactless power supply in the first power supply section if, after receiving the passage signal, it cannot be confirmed that the mobile body has entered or approached a second power supply section in which contactless power supply is performed by the second ground power supply device, even after a predetermined time has elapsed, to stop contactless power supply in the first power supply section.

[0006] In a first aspect of the invention, a predetermined time can be set based on the distance of the first power supply section.

[0007] In a first aspect of the invention, a predetermined time can be set based on statistics of the time taken by multiple mobile bodies that have previously traveled through the first power supply section.

[0008] In a first aspect of the invention, the first ground power supply device may be configured to stop non-contact power supply in the first power supply section when a power supply stop signal is received.

[0009] A second aspect of the invention relates to a ground-based power supply device for performing non-contact power supply to a moving body. The ground-based power supply device includes a processor. The processor is configured to receive a passage signal from another ground-based power supply device located behind the moving body in the direction of travel of the moving body, notifying the moving body of its passage, and, upon receiving the passage signal from the other ground-based power supply device, if, after receiving the passage signal, it cannot be confirmed that the moving body has entered or approached the power supply section even after a predetermined time has elapsed, transmit a power supply stop signal to the other ground-based power supply device to stop the non-contact power supply.

[0010] A third aspect of the invention relates to a non-contact power supply method. The non-contact power supply method is performed by a first ground power supply device and a second ground power supply device, the first ground power supply device being configured to perform non-contact power supply to a mobile body, and the second ground power supply device being a ground power supply device capable of performing non-contact power supply to a mobile body after the first ground power supply device. The non-contact power supply method includes: when it is confirmed that a mobile body has entered a first power supply section in which non-contact power supply is performed by the first ground power supply device, transmitting a passage signal regarding the passage of the mobile body from the first ground power supply device to the second ground power supply device; when the second ground power supply device receives the passage signal from the first ground power supply device, and when, after receiving the passage signal, even after a predetermined time has elapsed, it cannot be confirmed that a mobile body has entered or approached a second power supply section in which non-contact power supply is performed by the second ground power supply device, transmitting a power supply stop signal for stopping non-contact power supply from the second ground power supply device to the first ground power supply device; and when the first ground power supply device receives the power supply stop signal from the second ground power supply device, stopping the non-contact power supply in the first power supply section.

[0011] According to an aspect of the invention, when a mobile body enters a state of difficulty in movement due to some factors, this state can be determined and the power transmission from the ground power supply equipment to the vehicle can be stopped. Attached Figure Description

[0012] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein similar symbols denote similar elements, and wherein:

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a contactless power supply system.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of ground-based power supply equipment;

[0015] Figure 3This is an example diagram illustrating the vehicle's configuration;

[0016] Figure 4 It is an operation sequence diagram used to describe the details of the processes performed in servers, ground power supply equipment, and vehicles to perform non-contact power supply;

[0017] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating a state where a vehicle stops and becomes difficult to move due to a malfunction on an electrified road;

[0018] Figure 6 This is an operational sequence diagram illustrating the details of the process executed in the power transmission control device of each of the first and second ground power supply devices according to this embodiment, to stop non-contact power supply when the vehicle has entered a state where it is difficult to move on an electrified road; and

[0019] Figure 7 This diagram illustrates a situation where a vehicle stops and becomes difficult to move before a branch point due to a malfunction on the electrified road. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The following description will describe exemplary embodiments in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same constituent elements.

[0021] First Embodiment

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic configuration diagram of a non-contact power supply system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The contactless power supply system 100 includes a server 1, a ground power supply device 2, and an example vehicle 3 as a mobile body, and is configured to perform contactless power transmission (contactless power supply) from the ground power supply device 1 to the vehicle 3 via magnetic resonance coupling (magnetic field resonance). Figure 1 This section illustrates an example of the installation of the ground-based power supply equipment 2, wherein the ground-based power supply equipment 2 is installed continuously along a road at predetermined intervals, as an example. In the following description, the road on which the ground-based power supply equipment 2 is installed will be referred to as an "electrified road" as needed.

[0024] like Figure 1 As described in the document, server 1 includes server communicator 11, server storage device 12, and server processor 13.

[0025] Server communicator 11 includes a communication interface circuit for connecting server 1 to network 6, and is configured to communicate with ground feeder equipment 2 and equipment 3 via network 6.

[0026] Server storage device 12 includes storage media such as hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state drives (SSDs), optical recording media, or semiconductor memories, and stores various computer programs, data, etc., for processing in server processor 13.

[0027] Server processor 13 includes one or more central processing units (CPUs) and their peripheral circuitry. Server processor 13 executes various computer programs stored in server storage device 12 to integrate and control the overall operation of server 1, and is, for example, a processor.

[0028] When server processor 13 and thus server 1 receive a usage request signal from vehicle 3 for the contactless power supply system 100, server 1 checks whether vehicle 3 is authorized to use the system, and when the check is complete, exchanges various information with vehicle 3 and ground power supply equipment 2, enabling vehicle 3 to receive power from ground power supply equipment 2. (See later...) Figure 4 Describe the details of the exchange.

[0029] Next, we will refer to Figure 2 and 3 The configuration of the ground power supply equipment 2 and the vehicle 3 according to this embodiment is described. Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the ground power supply device 2 according to this embodiment.

[0030] like Figure 2 As described, the ground power supply equipment 2 includes a power source 21, a power transmission device 22, a ground-side communication device 23, and a power transmission control device 20. The power transmission device 22 and the ground-side communication device 23 are connected to the power transmission control device 20 via an internal network 24 of the ground power supply equipment 2 that conforms to standards such as Controller Area Network (CAN). Although Figure 2 This illustrates an example of a ground-based power supply device 2 comprising multiple power transmission devices 22, but the number of power transmission devices 22 can be 1.

[0031] Power source 21 supplies electricity to power transmission equipment 22. Power source 21 is, for example, a commercial AC power source supplying single-phase AC power. Power source 21 could also be another AC power source supplying three-phase AC power, or it could be a DC power source such as a fuel cell. Furthermore, although... Figure 2 This illustrates an example of supplying power to each power transmission device 22 via a common power source 21, but power can be supplied by preparing a dedicated power source for each power transmission device.

[0032] The power transmission device 22 is a device for transmitting power supplied from the power source 21 to the vehicle 3, and includes a power transmission side resonator 221 and a power transmission circuit 222.

[0033] The power transmission side resonator 221 is a resonant circuit including a power transmission coil and is configured to resonate at a predetermined resonant frequency f0. In this embodiment, the resonant frequency f0 is set to 85 kHz, which is defined by the SAETIR J2954 standard as the frequency band for contactless power transmission, but is not limited thereto.

[0034] As will be referred to later Figure 3 As described, vehicle 3 is equipped with a power receiving resonator 311 corresponding to power transmission-side resonator 221. Power receiving-side resonator 311 is a resonant circuit including a power receiving coil and is configured to resonate at the same resonant frequency f0 as power transmission-side resonator 221. By causing power transmission-side resonator 221 to resonate, the power transmission coils of power transmission-side resonator 221 and power receiving coils of power receiving-side resonator 311, arranged at intervals between them, are magnetically coupled, thereby performing contactless power transmission from power transmission device 22 to power receiving device 31. Therefore, the portion where power transmission device 22 is installed becomes a feeding portion in which contactless feeding is performed by ground feeding device 2.

[0035] The power transmission circuit 222 is a circuit including a rectifier and an inverter, and is configured to be controlled by the power transmission control device 20. It converts the alternating current supplied from the power source 21 into direct current via the rectifier, and then converts the direct current into desired alternating current that allows the power transmission side resonator 221 to resonate via the inverter. The converted alternating current is then supplied to the power transmission side resonator 221. The configuration of the power transmission circuit 222 is not limited to the above configuration and can be appropriately changed depending on the type of power source 21, etc.

[0036] The ground-side communication device 23 is configured to communicate with at least the server 1 and the vehicle 3, and in this embodiment, it is further configured to communicate with other ground-based power supply devices 2 installed in the vicinity or within a specific range.

[0037] Specifically, ground-side communication equipment 23 is configured to connect to network 6 via a gateway or similar access method (see...). Figure 1 The ground-side communication device 23 connects to the network 6 via a wireless base station. In this way, wide-area wireless communication is performed between the ground-side communication device 23 and the server 1, and various types of information required for contactless power supply to the vehicle 3 are exchanged with the server 1. Wide-area wireless communication is communication with a longer communication distance than short-range wireless communication, which will be described later, and is, for example, communication with a communication distance of 10 meters to 10 kilometers. As wide-area wireless communication, various wireless communication methods with long communication distances can be used; for example, communication conforming to any communication standard such as 3GPP (registered trademark) and 4G, LTE, 5G, WiMAX established by IEEE can be used.

[0038] Ground-side communication device 23 is configured to directly perform short-range wireless communication with vehicle-side communication device 32 installed on vehicle 3. Short-range wireless communication is communication with a shorter communication distance than wide-area wireless communication, for example, communication with a communication distance of less than 10 meters. Various short-range wireless communication methods with short communication distances can be used as short-range wireless communication, such as communication conforming to any communication standard established by IEEE, ISO, IEC, etc. (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark)). Technologies used for performing short-range wireless communication include, for example, radio frequency identification (RFID) and dedicated short-range communication (DSRC).

[0039] In addition, the ground-side communication device 23 is configured to perform wireless communication with other ground-side power supply devices 2 installed in the vicinity or within a specific range by using a predetermined wireless communication line, and in this embodiment, it is configured to communicate with at least other ground-side power supply devices 2 installed in front of and behind the device having the ground-side communication device 23.

[0040] The power transmission control device 20 includes a communication interface 201, a storage device 202, and a power transmission processor 203.

[0041] Communication interface 201 is a communication interface circuit used to connect power transmission control equipment 20 to the internal network 24 of ground feeder equipment 2.

[0042] The storage device 202 has a storage medium such as an HDD, SSD, optical recording medium or semiconductor memory, and stores various computer programs, data, etc. for processing in the power transmission processor 203.

[0043] The power transmission processor 203 includes one or more central processing units (CPUs) and their peripheral circuitry. The power transmission processor 203 executes various computer programs stored in the storage device 202 to comprehensively control the overall operation of the ground power supply equipment 2, and is, for example, a processor. (See later...) Figure 4 and 5 Details of the processing performed in the power transmission processor 203 and therefore the power transmission control device 20 are described.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of vehicle 3 according to this embodiment.

[0045] like Figure 3As described, vehicle 3 includes a power receiving device 31, a vehicle-side communication device 32, a map information storage device 33, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver 34, a Human-Machine Interface (HMI) device 35, an imaging device 36, various sensors 37, and a vehicle control device 30. The vehicle-side communication device 32, map information storage device 33, GNSS receiver 34, HMI device 35, imaging device 36, and various sensors 37 are connected to the vehicle control device 30 via an in-vehicle network 38 conforming to standards such as CAN.

[0046] The power receiving device 31 includes a power receiving side resonator 311 and a power receiving circuit 312.

[0047] As described above, the power receiving side resonator 311 is a resonant circuit including a power receiving coil and is configured to resonate at the same resonant frequency f0 as the power transmitting side resonator 221.

[0048] The power receiving circuit 312 is a circuit that includes a rectifier and a DC-DC converter, and is configured to be controlled by the vehicle control device 30 such that the AC power output from the power receiving side resonator 311 is converted into DC power by the rectifier and supplied to the electrical load 39 via the DC-DC converter. Examples of the electrical load 39 include a battery and a motor, but there are no particular limitations. In this embodiment, the power receiving circuit 312 is connected to the battery as the electrical load 39.

[0049] The vehicle-side communication device 32 is configured to communicate with at least server 1 and ground power supply device 2.

[0050] Specifically, the vehicle-side communication device 32 is configured to connect to the network 6 via a gateway or similar access method (see [link]). Figure 1 The wireless base station connects to the network 6 via the wireless base station. In this way, wide-area wireless communication is performed between the vehicle-side communication device 32 and the server 1, and various types of information required to receive contactless power supply from the ground power supply device 2 are exchanged with the server 1.

[0051] The vehicle-side communication device 32 is configured to directly perform short-range wireless communication with the ground-side communication device 23 of the ground power supply device 2.

[0052] Map information storage device 33 stores map information including road location information and road type information (e.g., information about whether a road is a highway or an electrified road).

[0053] GNSS receiver 34 receives radio waves from satellites, identifies the latitude and longitude of vehicle 3, and detects the current position of vehicle 3. GNSS receiver 34 transmits information about the detected current position of vehicle 3 to vehicle control device 30.

[0054] HMI device 35 is an interface for exchanging information with vehicle occupants. According to this embodiment, HMI device 35 includes a display and speakers for providing various types of information to vehicle occupants, and a touch panel for enabling vehicle occupants to perform information input operations on the display. Of course, alternative to or in combination with a touch panel, another input device such as operation buttons can be provided. HMI device 35 transmits input information entered by vehicle occupants to various devices requiring input, and provides input information to vehicle occupants, for example, by displaying information received via in-vehicle network 38 on the display.

[0055] Imaging device 36 captures and outputs images of the area around vehicle 3. The images captured by imaging device 36 are used, for example, by vehicle control device 30 to detect objects around vehicle 3.

[0056] Various sensors 37 include, for example, a driving load sensor, a vehicle speed sensor, and a wheel speed sensor. The driving load sensor detects an output voltage proportional to the amount of pressure applied to the accelerator pedal, serving as a parameter corresponding to the driving load. The vehicle speed sensor detects the speed of the vehicle 3. The wheel speed sensor detects the rotational speed of the tires. These sensors are merely examples, and other sensors may be used instead of or in addition to them.

[0057] The vehicle control device 30 includes a communication interface 301, a storage device 302, and a vehicle processor 303.

[0058] Communication interface 301 is a communication interface circuit used to connect vehicle control device 30 to vehicle network 38.

[0059] The storage device 302 has a storage medium such as an HDD, SSD, optical recording medium or semiconductor memory, and stores various computer programs, data, etc. for processing in the vehicle processor 303.

[0060] The vehicle processor 303 includes one or more CPUs and their peripheral circuitry. The vehicle processor 303 executes various computer programs stored in the storage device 302 to comprehensively control the overall operation of the vehicle 3, and is, for example, a processor. (See later...) Figure 4 and 5 Details of the processing performed by the vehicle processor 303 and therefore the vehicle control device 30 are described.

[0061] Figure 4 It is an operation sequence diagram used to describe the details of the process (computer program) performed in server 1, ground power supply equipment 2 and vehicle 3 to perform non-contact power supply.

[0062] In step S1, the vehicle control device 30 determines whether the vehicle 3 equipped with the vehicle control device 30 (the vehicle with the vehicle control device 30) requests contactless power supply. When the vehicle with the vehicle control device 30 requests contactless power supply, the vehicle control device 30 continues the processing in step S2. Otherwise, when the vehicle with the vehicle control device 30 does not request contactless power supply, the vehicle control device 30 terminates the current processing. In this embodiment, vehicle occupants can manually switch between requesting and not requesting contactless power supply via the HMI device 35; however, the invention is not limited to this, and, for example, can automatically switch between requesting and not requesting contactless power supply based on the battery's charge rate.

[0063] In step S2, the vehicle control device 30 performs, for example, a three-way handshake to establish a communication connection with the server 1, and then transmits a usage request signal for the contactless power supply system 100 to the server 1. The usage request signal includes, for example, various types of information (such as authentication information) required to use the contactless power supply system 100.

[0064] In step S3, server 1 checks whether vehicle 3, which is the transmitter of the use request signal, has the authority to use the contactless power supply system 100 based on authentication information, and transmits the encryption key used to decrypt the encrypted system use ticket to vehicle 3, which has been confirmed to have the authority. The system use ticket is a virtual ticket used to use the contactless power supply system 100.

[0065] In step S4, the vehicle control device 30 determines whether it has passed a checkpoint set at any point before the electrified section. If it has passed the checkpoint, the vehicle control device 30 proceeds to step S5. Alternatively, if it has not yet passed the checkpoint, the vehicle control device 30 determines again whether it has passed the checkpoint after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0066] Regarding whether a checkpoint has been passed, for example, when a gate is installed at the checkpoint, the vehicle control device 30 can receive a signal generated from the gate to determine whether the checkpoint has been passed. In this case, the vehicle control device 30 can receive checkpoint information from the gate, including the location information of the passed checkpoint. For example, when the checkpoint information is included in map information, or when checkpoint information can be received from server 1, the vehicle control device 30 can determine that the vehicle has passed the checkpoint based on the location information of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle control device 30 and the location information of the checkpoint. As described above, there are no particular limitations on the method for determining whether a checkpoint has been passed.

[0067] In this embodiment, in step S4 above, it is determined whether the checkpoint has been passed. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. For example, it is possible to determine whether the checkpoint has been approached.

[0068] Regarding whether a vehicle has approached a checkpoint, for example, when the checkpoint is equipped with a device that transmits signals to vehicles 3 located within a specific range relative to the checkpoint, the vehicle control device 30 can determine this by receiving signals generated by the device. However, this embodiment is not limited to this, and the determination can be based on the location information of the vehicle equipped with the vehicle control device 30 and the location information of the checkpoint. For example, when the predetermined range of road sections where signal waiting occurs is an electrified road section, allowing for contactless power supply to vehicles waiting for signals, the specific range relative to the checkpoint could be some road sections before entering the electrified road section.

[0069] In step S5, the vehicle control device 30 transmits a system usage ticket issuance request signal to the server 1. The system usage ticket is a virtual ticket used to use the contactless power supply system 100. The system usage ticket issuance request signal includes the vehicle identification information and checkpoint information of the vehicle with the vehicle control device 30.

[0070] In step S6, when server 1 receives a system usage ticket issuance request, server 1 designates vehicle 3 as the issuance requester based on the vehicle identification information included in the issuance request. Subsequently, server 1 issues a first ticket, which is a system usage ticket to be transmitted to vehicle 3 as the designated requester, and is a unique system usage ticket for each vehicle 3 with the right to use the contactless power supply system 100. Simultaneously, server 1 issues a second ticket, which is a system usage ticket corresponding to the first ticket, and is a system usage ticket to be transmitted to the ground power supply equipment 2.

[0071] In step S7, server 1 transmits an encrypted first ticket to vehicle 3, which is the requester of the system use ticket, and transmits a second ticket to each ground feeder 2 associated with the checkpoint. The ground feeder 2 associated with the checkpoint is a ground feeder 2 installed in the electrified section of road that the vehicle 3, which has passed the checkpoint, may travel on, and in the server storage device 12 of server 1 according to this embodiment, the ground feeder 2 associated with each checkpoint is pre-stored.

[0072] In step S8, the vehicle control device 30 decrypts the received first ticket using an encryption key and begins periodically transmitting a power request signal, including the decrypted first ticket, directly to the ground power supply device 2 via short-range wireless communication through the vehicle-side communication device 32. Simultaneously, the vehicle control device 30 controls the power transmission device 22 so that power can be received when a vehicle equipped with the vehicle control device 30 is traveling on the ground power supply device 2.

[0073] In step S9, when a power supply request signal is received at a predetermined communication strength (received signal strength) or higher, the power transmission control device 20 determines whether it has received a second ticket corresponding to the first ticket included in the power supply request signal from the server 1; that is, it determines whether it holds the second ticket corresponding to the received first ticket. If it holds the second ticket corresponding to the first ticket, the power transmission control device 20 proceeds to step S10. Otherwise, if it does not hold the second ticket corresponding to the first ticket, the ground power supply device 2 proceeds to step S11.

[0074] In step S10, the power transmission control device 20 determines that the vehicle 3, which will be traveling on the ground power supply equipment with the power transmission control device 20 from now on, is a vehicle that has requested contactless power supply and has been granted permission to use the contactless power supply system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "power supply target vehicle"), and controls the power transmission device 22 so that power can be transmitted when the vehicle 3 is traveling on the ground power supply equipment with the power transmission control device 20.

[0075] In step S11, the power transmission control device 20 of the ground power supply device 2 determines that the vehicle 3 traveling on the ground power supply device with the power transmission control device 20 is not the power supply target vehicle, and controls the power transmission device 22 to not transmit power even when the vehicle 3 is traveling on the ground power supply device with the power transmission control device 20.

[0076] Responding to Leaking Magnetic Fields

[0077] Incidentally, on electrified roads, vehicle 3 may have difficulty moving from its stationary position due to various factors, such as when vehicle 3 malfunctions or becomes stuck, or when vehicle 3 becomes trapped in a large-scale vehicle standstill caused by an accident or severe weather. In such cases, while power transmission from ground-based power supply equipment 2 to vehicle 3 continues, occupants may be directly exposed to the leakage magnetic field generated during power transmission when disembarking from vehicle 3.

[0078] Therefore, in this embodiment, it is determined whether vehicle 3 has entered a state where it is difficult to move on an electrified road, and when it is determined that vehicle 3 has entered a state where it is difficult to move, the power supply from the ground power supply equipment 2 can be stopped. In the following text, reference is first made to... Figure 5 The method for determining whether vehicle 3 has entered a state where it is difficult to move on an electrified road will be described.

[0079] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the state in which vehicle 3 stops and becomes immobile due to a fault on the electrified road. In the following description, for convenience, as... Figure 5As explained, the ground power supply equipment 2 into which the vehicle 3 enters the power supply section will be referred to as "first ground power supply equipment 2A", and the ground power supply equipment 2 that performs non-contact power supply to the vehicle 3 after the first ground power supply equipment will be referred to as "second ground power supply equipment 2B".

[0080] In this embodiment, the power transmission control device 20 of each ground power supply device 2 is configured to: when it is confirmed that the vehicle 3 has entered the power supply section of the ground power supply device 2, transmit the vehicle to another ground power supply device 2 located in front of the vehicle's driving direction and having the possibility of performing non-contact power supply to the vehicle 3 after the ground power supply device 2.

[0081] Therefore, in Figure 5 In the example described, when it is confirmed that vehicle 3 has entered the power supply section of the first power transmission control device 20, the power transmission control device 20 of the first ground power supply device 2A will notify vehicle 3 that the vehicle has entered the power supply section of the first ground power supply device 2A through signal transmission to the second ground power supply device 2B that subsequently performs non-contact power supply to vehicle 3.

[0082] There are no particular limitations on the method for determining whether vehicle 3 has entered the power supply section, and for example, it can be determined that vehicle 3 has entered the power supply section by performing a power transmission to vehicle 3 after receiving a power supply request signal from vehicle 3 at a predetermined communication strength or above. Furthermore, for example, when each ground power supply device 2 is equipped with an imaging device (not shown) for checking the status of the power supply section of the ground power supply device 2, the determination can be made based on the images captured by the imaging device.

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power transmission control device 20 of each ground power supply device 2 is configured such that, when a vehicle passage signal is received from another ground power supply device 2 located behind the ground power supply device 2 with the power transmission control device 20 in the vehicle travel direction, even after a predetermined time has elapsed, it cannot be confirmed that the vehicle 3 has entered or approached the power supply section of the ground power supply device 2 with the power transmission control device 20. This determines that the vehicle 3 has entered a state where it is difficult to move into the power supply section of another ground power supply device 2 located behind the ground power supply device 20 in the vehicle travel direction (i.e., the ground power supply device 2 that has already transmitted the vehicle passage signal). The reason is that when the vehicle 3 does not experience any issues, by traveling through the power supply section of the other ground power supply device 2 located behind it within a predetermined time, it is possible to confirm that it has entered or approached the power supply section of the ground power supply device with the power transmission control device 20.

[0084] The predetermined time is set to be greater than the time required to travel in the vehicle's direction of travel through the feeding section of another ground feeder 2 located behind the ground feeder 2 with power transmission control equipment 20 (in Figure 5 In the example shown, the value of the minimum time spent by the feeding section of the first ground power supply device 2A can be preset, for example, based on the distance of the feeding section. Furthermore, for example, each time a vehicle passage signal is received, data on the time from receiving the vehicle passage signal until the vehicle 3 enters or approaches the feeding section of the ground power supply device with power transmission control equipment 20 is acquired (in... Figure 5 In the example shown, when data on the time taken for each vehicle 3 to travel through the power supply section of the first ground power supply device 2A is available, a predetermined time can be set based on statistical values ​​(average, median, pattern, etc.) of the data. For example, when the first ground power supply device 2A is configured to detect the speed of the vehicle 3 and the vehicle passage signal includes the vehicle speed information of the vehicle 3, the predetermined time can be set based on the vehicle speed information.

[0085] In this embodiment, the power transmission control device 20 of each ground power supply device 2 is configured to transmit a power supply stop signal to another ground power supply device 2 located behind the ground power supply device 2 with the power transmission control device 20 in the vehicle's driving direction when it is determined that the vehicle 3 has entered a state in which it is difficult to move in the power supply section of another ground power supply device 2.

[0086] Therefore, in Figure 5 In the example shown, because vehicle 3 enters a state where it is difficult to move within the feeding section of the first ground power supply device 2A, the power transmission control device 20 of the second ground power supply device 2B cannot confirm that vehicle 3 has entered or approached the feeding section of the second ground power supply device 2B even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the vehicle passage signal from the first ground power supply device 2A. Therefore, the power transmission control device 20 of the second ground power supply device 2B transmits a power supply stop signal to the first ground power supply device 2A to forcibly stop non-contact power supply.

[0087] In this way, non-contact power supply through the first ground power supply device 2A can be stopped, and therefore, even when the occupants get off the vehicle from a state where they have entered the power supply section of the first ground power supply device 2A and are unable to move, the occupants of the vehicle 3 can be prevented from being directly exposed to the leaked magnetic field.

[0088] The transmission and reception of information (signals) between the first ground feeder 2A and the second ground feeder 2B can be performed directly through the ground-side communication equipment 23 of both the first ground feeder 2A and the second ground feeder 2B, indirectly through the server 1, or, when the first ground feeder 2A and the second ground feeder 2B are connected by a wire, through a wired line. In this embodiment, communication between the first ground feeder 2A and the second ground feeder 2B is performed through the ground-side communication equipment 23 of both the first ground feeder 2A and the second ground feeder 2B.

[0089] Figure 6 This is an operational sequence diagram describing the details of the process (computer program) executed in the power transmission control device 20 of each of the first ground power supply device 2A and the second ground power supply device 2B, according to this embodiment, to stop non-contact power supply when the vehicle 3 has entered a state where it is difficult to move on the electrified road.

[0090] In step S101, the first ground power supply device 2A determines whether the vehicle 3 has entered the power supply section of the first ground power supply device 2A. This determination is performed periodically, for example, and the method described above. When it can be confirmed that the vehicle 3 has entered the power supply section of the first ground power supply device 2A, the first ground power supply device 2A proceeds to step S102. Alternatively, when it cannot be confirmed that the vehicle 3 has entered the power supply section of the first ground power supply device 2A, the first ground power supply device 2A terminates the process.

[0091] In step S102, the first ground power supply device 2A transmits a vehicle passage signal to the second ground power supply device 2B ahead. The vehicle passage signal includes passing vehicle designation information for designating the passing vehicle 3, and in this embodiment, includes information about a first ticket included in the power supply request signal received from the vehicle 3.

[0092] In step S103, when the second ground power supply device 2B receives a vehicle passage signal, the second ground power supply device 2B begins to measure the elapsed time after receiving the signal. Furthermore, the second ground power supply device 2B identifies the vehicle 3 that has entered the power supply section of the first ground power supply device 2A based on the vehicle designation information included in the vehicle passage signal.

[0093] In step S104, the second ground power supply device 2B determines whether it has received a power supply request signal from the vehicle 3 specified in step S103 with a predetermined communication strength or higher. In other words, the second ground power supply device 2B determines whether the vehicle 3 specified in step S103 has approached the power supply section of the second ground power supply device 2B, and ends the current process by stopping the measurement of elapsed time when the approach to the power supply section of the second ground power supply device 2B can be confirmed, or proceeds to the process in step S105 when the approach cannot be confirmed.

[0094] In this embodiment, the second ground power supply device 2B determines the presence of a vehicle 3 approaching its power supply section by receiving a power supply request signal at a predetermined communication strength or above. Furthermore, it determines whether the first ticket containing vehicle designation information included in the vehicle passage signal received in step S103 and the first ticket included in the power supply request signal received in step S104 are the same ticket. Then, when it is determined that the first ticket containing vehicle designation information included in the vehicle passage signal received in step S103 and the first ticket included in the power supply request signal received in step S104 are the same ticket, the second ground power supply device 2B determines that the vehicle 3 approaching its power supply section is the vehicle 3 designated in step S103.

[0095] In this embodiment, as described above, it is determined whether vehicle 3 has approached the power supply section of ground power supply equipment 2; however, it is also possible to determine whether vehicle 3 has entered the power supply section of the second ground power supply equipment 2. In this embodiment, determining whether vehicle 3 has approached the power supply section of the second ground power supply equipment 2 is easier because it can be simply determined based on receiving a power supply request signal with a predetermined communication strength or higher. Furthermore, when a power supply request signal is received with a predetermined communication strength or higher, it can be determined that the vehicle is sufficiently approaching the power supply section of the second ground power supply equipment 2 and has undoubtedly entered the power supply section.

[0096] In step S105, the second ground power supply device 2B determines whether the elapsed time after receiving the vehicle passage signal has exceeded a predetermined time. If the elapsed time after receiving the vehicle passage signal has exceeded the predetermined time, the second ground power supply device 2B proceeds to step S106. Alternatively, if the elapsed time after receiving the vehicle passage signal is within a predetermined time, the second ground power supply device 2B returns to step S104 after a predetermined interval.

[0097] In step S106, the second ground power supply device 2B transmits a power supply stop signal to the first ground power supply device 2A.

[0098] In step S107, when the first ground power supply device 2A receives a power supply stop signal, the first ground power supply device 2A stops the non-contact power supply in the power supply section of the first ground power supply device 2A.

[0099] The contactless power supply system 100 according to the above embodiment includes a first ground power supply device 2A and a second ground power supply device 2B having the possibility of performing contactless power supply to a vehicle 3 after the first ground power supply device 2A, serving as the ground power supply device 2 for performing contactless power supply to the vehicle 3 (moving body). The first ground power supply device 2A is then configured to transmit a vehicle passage signal notifying the vehicle 3 of its passage to the second ground power supply device 2B when it is confirmed that the vehicle 3 has entered a first power supply section in which contactless power supply is performed by the first ground power supply device 2A. The second ground power supply device 2B is configured to transmit a power supply stop signal to the first ground power supply device 2A to stop contactless power supply in the first power supply section if, after receiving the vehicle passage signal, it cannot be confirmed that the vehicle 3 has entered or approached a second power supply section in which contactless power supply is performed by the second ground power supply device 2B, even after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0100] In this way, when vehicle 3 enters a state where it is difficult to move within the first power supply section of the first ground power supply equipment 2A, a command to stop power supply is executed from the second ground power supply equipment 2B to the first ground power supply equipment 2A, which stops the non-contact power supply through the first ground power supply equipment 2A. Therefore, even when occupants disembark from vehicle 3, which has entered a state where it is difficult to move within the power supply section of the first ground power supply equipment 2A, direct exposure to the leaked magnetic field can be prevented.

[0101] The predetermined time can be set, for example, based on the distance to the first power supply section. Alternatively, the predetermined time can be set, for example, based on statistical values ​​of the time taken by multiple vehicles 3 to travel through the first power supply section in the past. In this way, the time typically taken to travel through the first power supply section can be accurately determined, and thus, it is possible to avoid mistakenly determining that a vehicle 3 has entered a state where it is difficult to move within the first power supply section of the first ground power supply device 2A, even if the vehicle 3 has not entered such a state.

[0102] According to this embodiment, the ground power supply device 2 for performing non-contact power supply to the vehicle 3 (moving body) is configured such that: when it is confirmed that the vehicle 3 has entered the power supply section in which non-contact power supply is performed by the ground power supply device 2, a vehicle passage signal regarding the passage of the vehicle 3 is transmitted to another ground power supply device 2 located in front of the vehicle 3 in the direction of travel and having the possibility of performing non-contact power supply to the vehicle 3 after the ground power supply device 2. Furthermore, the ground power supply device 2 is configured such that: when it receives a vehicle passage signal from another ground power supply device 2 located behind the vehicle 3 in the direction of travel, and when it cannot be confirmed that the vehicle 3 has entered or approached the power supply section even after a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the vehicle passage signal, a power supply stop signal for stopping non-contact power supply is transmitted to the other ground power supply device 2 located behind the vehicle 3 in the direction of travel. Then, the ground power supply device 2 is configured such that: when it receives a power supply stop signal from another ground power supply device 2 located in front of the vehicle 3 in the direction of travel, it stops the non-contact power supply in the power supply section of the ground power supply device 2.

[0103] By configuring each ground power supply device 2 as described above, when the vehicle 3 enters a state where it is difficult to move in the power supply section, the non-contact power supply in the power supply section of each ground power supply device 2 can be stopped.

[0104] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments only illustrate a portion of application examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of the embodiments.

[0105] For example, such as Figure 7 As explained, when an electrified road branches at a junction and there are multiple second ground feeders 2B that have the potential to perform non-contact power supply to the vehicle 3 after the first ground feeder 2A, the vehicle can be signaled to the second ground feeder 2B with such potential. Furthermore, when a predetermined time has elapsed after receiving the signal, a power supply stop signal can be transmitted from the second ground feeder 2B to the first ground feeder 2A. Additionally, when any of the second ground feeders 2B can confirm that the vehicle 3 has entered or approached the power supply section of the second ground feeder 2B, the measurement of elapsed time at each second ground feeder 2B can be terminated by performing communication between the second ground feeders 2B.

[0106] In addition, for example, as referenced Figure 6 As described, in order to stop non-contact power supply when vehicle 3 has entered a state where it is difficult to move on an electrified road, a portion of the processing performed by the power transmission control device 20 of the ground power supply device 2 (first ground power supply device 2A and second ground power supply device 2B) can be modified to be performed by server 1.

[0107] In addition, for example, as referenced Figure 6 As described, in order to stop non-contact power supply when vehicle 3 has entered a state where it is difficult to move on an electrified road, each computer program executed in the power transmission control device 20 of the ground power supply equipment 2 (first ground power supply equipment 2A and second ground power supply equipment 2B) may be provided in the form of a computer-readable portable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, magnetic recording medium or optical recording medium.

Claims

1. A non-contact power supply system, characterized in that, This includes a first ground feeding device and a second ground feeding device configured to perform non-contact feeding of a moving body, wherein: The second ground power supply device is positioned ahead of the first ground power supply device along the travel direction of the mobile body on the travel path of the mobile body, and is a ground power supply device with the possibility of performing non-contact power supply to the mobile body after the first ground power supply device; The first ground-based power supply device is configured to: when it is confirmed that the mobile body has entered the first power supply section where non-contact power supply is performed by the first ground-based power supply device, transmit a passage signal to the second ground-based power supply device notifying the second ground-based power supply device of the passage of the mobile body; and The second ground power supply device is configured to transmit a power supply stop signal to the first ground power supply device to stop the non-contact power supply in the first power supply section if, after receiving the pass signal, it cannot be confirmed that the moving body has entered or approached the second power supply section where non-contact power supply is performed by the second ground power supply device, even after a predetermined time has elapsed.

2. The non-contact power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined time is set based on the distance of the first power supply section.

3. The non-contact power supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The predetermined time is set based on statistics of the time taken by multiple mobile bodies that have previously traveled through the first power supply section.

4. The non-contact power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The first ground power supply device is configured to stop non-contact power supply in the first power supply section when the power supply stop signal is received.

5. A ground-based power supply device for performing non-contact power supply to a mobile body, the ground-based power supply device being characterized in that it includes a processor configured to: Receive a passage signal from another ground-based power supply unit located behind the moving body in its direction of travel, wherein, The ground power supply equipment is positioned ahead of the other ground power supply equipment along the travel direction of the mobile body on the travel path of the mobile body; as well as When the pass signal is received from the other ground power supply device, if it cannot be confirmed that the moving body has entered or approached the power supply section after receiving the pass signal even after a predetermined time has elapsed, a power supply stop signal is transmitted to the other ground power supply device to stop the non-contact power supply.

6. A non-contact power supply method, wherein the non-contact power supply method is performed by a first ground power supply device and a second ground power supply device. The first ground-based power supply device is configured to perform non-contact power supply to the moving body. The second ground power supply device is positioned ahead of the first ground power supply device along the travel direction of the mobile body on the travel path of the mobile body, and is a ground power supply device with the possibility of performing non-contact power supply to the mobile body after the first ground power supply device. The non-contact power supply method is characterized by including: When it is confirmed that the mobile body has entered the first feeding section where non-contact feeding is performed by the first ground feeding device, a passage signal regarding the passage of the mobile body will be transmitted from the first ground feeding device to the second ground feeding device. When the second ground feeder receives the pass signal from the first ground feeder, and when it cannot be confirmed that the moving body has entered or approached the second feeder section where non-contact feeding is performed by the second ground feeder after receiving the pass signal, even after a predetermined time has elapsed, a feed stop signal for stopping the non-contact feeding is transmitted from the second ground feeder to the first ground feeder. as well as When the first ground power supply device receives the power supply stop signal from the second ground power supply device, it stops the non-contact power supply in the first power supply section.

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