Ground power unit and method of supplying power

Abstract

Provided is a ground power supply device and a power supply method. When movement of a vehicle on an electrified road becomes difficult, the occurrence of an accident caused by the vehicle is suppressed. A control device of the ground power supply device determines whether a first signal is received from one of a plurality of moving bodies, the first signal notifying of a case where the one moving body becomes in a state of movement difficulty on the electrified road on which the ground power supply device is provided, and in a case where the first signal is received, when a power supply request signal requesting contactless power supply using the ground power supply device or a proximity signal notifying of a case where the other moving bodies approach the ground power supply device are received from the other moving bodies of the plurality of moving bodies, a second signal is transmitted to the other moving bodies which are transmission sources of the power supply request signal or the proximity signal, the second signal notifying of a case where the moving bodies become in the state of movement difficulty on the electrified road.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a ground-based power supply device and a power supply method. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a contactless power supply system that transmits electricity from a ground-based power supply device to a moving vehicle in a non-contact manner using 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).

[0003] Prior technology literature

[0004] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-157686 Summary of the Invention

[0006] [Summary of the Invention]

[0007] [The problem the invention aims to solve]

[0008] On roads equipped with ground-based power supply systems (hereinafter referred to as "electrified roads"), there are situations where vehicles may become difficult to move due to reasons such as vehicle malfunction. In such cases, abruptly exiting the vehicle could expose the human body to the leakage magnetic field generated when electricity is supplied from the ground-based power supply system. Therefore, when vehicles become difficult to move on electrified roads, it is advisable to remain inside the vehicle until the power supply has stopped. However, if subsequent vehicles are delayed in recognizing such a difficult-to-move vehicle ahead, accidents caused by the difficult-to-move vehicle may occur between the following vehicles, potentially endangering passengers in the difficult-to-move vehicle.

[0009] This invention addresses such a problem and aims to suppress accidents caused by vehicles when vehicle movement becomes difficult on electrified roads.

[0010] [Solutions for solving the problem]

[0011] To address the aforementioned issues, one embodiment of the present invention provides a ground power supply device comprising: a communication device capable of communicating with a plurality of mobile bodies; a power supply device for providing contactless power to the mobile bodies; and a control device. The control device is configured to determine whether a first signal is received from one of the plurality of mobile bodies, the first signal notifying that the mobile body is in a state of difficulty in movement on an electrified road equipped with the ground power supply device; if the first signal is received, and upon receiving a power request signal from other mobile bodies requesting contactless power supply from the ground power supply device or a proximity signal notifying of proximity to the ground power supply device, the control device sends a second signal to the other mobile bodies that are the source of the power request signal or the proximity signal, the second signal notifying that a mobile body is in a state of difficulty in movement on the electrified road.

[0012] In addition, to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a ground power supply device comprising: a communication device capable of communicating with multiple mobile bodies; a power supply device for providing contactless power supply to the mobile bodies; and a control device. The control device is configured to determine whether a mobile body is in a state of difficulty in moving on an electrified road equipped with a ground power supply device. If a mobile body is in a state of difficulty in moving on an electrified road equipped with a ground power supply device, and upon receiving a power request signal from other mobile bodies requesting contactless power supply from the ground power supply device or a proximity signal notifying the presence of a mobile body in a state of difficulty in moving on the electrified road, the control device sends a signal to the other mobile bodies that are the source of the power request signal or the proximity signal, notifying them of the presence of a mobile body in a state of difficulty in moving on the electrified road.

[0013] In addition, to address the aforementioned issues, one aspect of the present invention provides a power supply method based on a ground-based power supply device, which includes: a communication device configured to communicate with a plurality of mobile bodies; a power transmission device configured to provide contactless power to the mobile bodies; and a control device. The power supply method comprises the following steps: determining whether a first signal is received from one of the plurality of mobile bodies, the first signal notifying the mobile body that it is in a state of difficulty in movement on an electrified road equipped with the ground-based power supply device; and, if the first signal is received, when other mobile bodies receive a power supply request signal requesting contactless power supply from the ground-based power supply device or a proximity signal notifying them of proximity to the ground-based power supply device, transmitting a second signal to the other mobile bodies that are the source of the power supply request signal or the proximity signal, the second signal notifying the mobile body that it is in a state of difficulty in movement on the electrified road.

[0014] [Invention Effects]

[0015] According to these solutions of the present invention, when a vehicle with difficulty in moving is generated on an electrified road, the situation of the vehicle with difficulty in moving can be notified to following vehicles, thereby preventing the occurrence of accidents caused by the vehicle with difficulty in moving between following vehicles and the vehicle with difficulty in moving. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a contactless power supply system.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of a ground-based power supply system.

[0018] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle's structure.

[0019] Figure 4 It is a sequence diagram illustrating the basic processes implemented in servers, ground power supply units, and vehicles for contactless power supply.

[0020] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the method of alerting and paying attention to subsequent vehicles in this embodiment of the vehicle that is difficult to move.

[0021] Figure 6 This is an action sequence diagram illustrating the processing (computer program) of the first embodiment of the present invention implemented between a ground power supply device and a vehicle that is in a state of difficulty in moving due to a power supply range of the ground power supply device.

[0022] Figure 7 This is an action sequence diagram illustrating the content of the processing (computer program) of the first embodiment of the present invention implemented between a ground power supply device and a subsequent vehicle close to the ground power supply device.

[0023] Figure 8 This is an action sequence diagram illustrating the processing (computer program) of the second embodiment of the present invention implemented between a ground power supply device and a vehicle that is in a state of difficulty in moving due to the power supply range of the ground power supply device.

[0024] Label Explanation

[0025] 2. Ground power supply unit

[0026] 3 vehicles (mobile vehicles)

[0027] 5 Information Providing Devices

[0028] 20 Power supply control device (control device)

[0029] 22 Power Transmission Unit

[0030] 23. Ground-based communication equipment (communication device) Detailed Implementation

[0031] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the following description, the same reference numerals are used to denote the same constituent elements.

[0032] (First Implementation)

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the contactless power supply system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] The contactless power supply system 100 includes a server 1, a ground power supply device 2, and a vehicle 3, which is an example of a mobile unit. Contactless power supply can be provided to the vehicle 3 from the ground power supply device 2. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The example shown is an example of a ground power supply device 2 being installed continuously along a road at predetermined intervals.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, server 1 includes server communication unit 11, server storage unit 12, and server processing unit 13.

[0036] The server communication unit 11 has a communication interface circuit for connecting the server 1 to the network 6, and can communicate with the ground power supply unit 2 and the vehicle 3 respectively via the network 6.

[0037] The server storage unit 12 has storage media such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive), optical recording media, and semiconductor memory, and stores various computer programs, data, etc. used in the processing of the server processing unit 13.

[0038] The server processing unit 13 includes a processor, which has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and their peripheral circuitry. The server processing unit 13 performs various processes based on various computer programs stored in the server storage unit 12.

[0039] When the server processing unit 13 and the server 1 receive a request signal from the contactless power supply system 100 from the vehicle 3, they confirm whether the vehicle 3 has the authority to use the system. If the confirmation is obtained, they exchange various information with the vehicle 3 and the ground power supply device 2 in a manner that allows the vehicle 3 to receive power from the ground power supply device 2. For details of this exchange, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4 This will be discussed later.

[0040] Next, refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 This section explains the structure of the ground power supply device 2 and the vehicle 3 in this embodiment.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the structure of the ground power supply device 2 in this embodiment.

[0042] like Figure 2 As shown, the ground power supply unit 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 the internal network 24 of the ground power supply unit 2, which conforms to standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network). It should be noted that... Figure 2 An example is shown of a ground power supply unit 2 having multiple power supply devices 22, but the power supply device 22 can be a single device.

[0043] Power source 21 supplies power to power transmission device 22. Power source 21 is, for example, a commercial AC power source that supplies single-phase AC power. It should be noted that power source 21 can be other AC power sources that supply three-phase AC power, or it can be a DC power source such as a fuel cell. Furthermore, Figure 2 An example is shown of power supply to each power transmission device 22 via a common power source 21, but power can be supplied by a dedicated power source prepared for each power transmission device.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The power-transmitting resonator 221 is a resonant circuit containing a power-transmitting coil, configured to resonate at a predetermined resonant frequency f0. In this embodiment, the resonant frequency f0 is set to 85 kHz, as determined by the SAE TIR J2954 standard, as a frequency band for contactless power transmission, but it is not limited to this. The vehicle 3 is provided with a power-receiving resonator 311 corresponding to the power-transmitting resonator 221. The power-receiving resonator 311 is a resonant circuit containing a power-receiving coil, resonating at the same resonant frequency f0 as the power-transmitting resonator 221. By resonating the power-transmitting resonator 221 and spatially separated, the power-transmitting coil of the power-transmitting resonator 221 is magnetically coupled to the power-receiving coil of the power-receiving resonator 311, enabling contactless power transmission from the power-transmitting device 22 to the power-receiving device 31.

[0046] The power transmission circuit 222 is a circuit equipped with a rectifier and an inverter, controlled by the power transmission control device 20. It converts the AC power supplied from the power source 21 into DC power through the rectifier, and then converts the DC power into the desired AC power that enables the power transmission-side resonator 221 to resonate through the inverter before supplying it to the power transmission-side resonator 221. It should be noted that the structure of the power transmission circuit 222 is not limited to this structure; it can be appropriately modified according to the type of power source 21.

[0047] The ground-side communication device 23 includes an antenna and signal processing circuitry that performs various wireless communication-related processes such as modulation and demodulation of wireless signals. It is configured to communicate with external devices such as server 1, ground power supply device 2, and information display device 5 (see below), such as an electro-optical bulletin board. Figure 5 The ground-side communication device 23 communicates with the vehicle 3, for example, directly using narrow-area wireless communication or indirectly via server 1 using wide-area wireless communication. When the ground-side communication device 23 receives a wireless signal from the outside, it forwards the wireless signal to the power supply control device 20. Moreover, when forwarding a signal sent from the power supply control device 20 to the outside, the ground-side communication device 23 generates a wireless signal containing that signal and sends it to the outside.

[0048] It should be noted that wide-area wireless communication refers to communication with a distance ranging from a few meters to tens of kilometers. Wide-area wireless communication can utilize various long-range wireless communication technologies and can adhere to any communication standard such as 4G, LTE, 5G, and WiMAX. Conversely, narrow-area wireless communication refers to communication with a shorter distance than wide-area wireless communication, for example, a distance of around tens of meters. Narrow-area wireless communication can utilize various short-range wireless communication technologies and can adhere to any communication standard established by IEEE, ISO, IEC, etc. (e.g., Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark)). Technologies used for narrow-area wireless communication include, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication).

[0049] The power supply control device 20 includes a communication interface 201, a storage unit 202, and a power supply processing unit 203.

[0050] Communication interface 201 is a communication interface circuit used to connect the power supply control device 20 to the internal network 24 of the ground power supply device 2.

[0051] The storage unit 202 has storage media such as HDD or SSD, optical recording media, and semiconductor memory, and stores various computer programs, data and the like used in the power transmission processing unit 203.

[0052] The power transmission processing unit 203 includes a processor, which has one or more CPUs and peripheral circuitry. The power transmission processing unit 203 performs various processes based on various computer programs stored in the storage unit 202. For details regarding the processes implemented in the power transmission processing unit 203 and the power transmission control device 20, please refer to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 This will be discussed later.

[0053] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates an example of the structure of vehicle 3 according to this embodiment. Vehicle 3 can be a manually driven vehicle or an autonomous vehicle.

[0054] The vehicle 3 in this embodiment includes a power receiving device 31, a vehicle-side communication device 32, a map information storage device 33, a GNSS receiver 34, an HMI device 35, a camera device 36, various sensors 37, and a vehicle control device 30. The vehicle-side communication device 32, the map information storage device 33, the GNSS receiver 34, the HMI device 35, the camera device 36, and the various sensors 37 are connected to the vehicle control device 30 via an in-vehicle network 38 conforming to standards such as CAN.

[0055] The power receiving device 31 includes a power receiving side resonator 311 and a power receiving circuit 312.

[0056] As previously mentioned, the receiving-side resonator 311 is a resonant circuit containing a receiving coil that resonates at the same resonant frequency f0 as the transmitting-side resonator 221.

[0057] The power receiving circuit 312 is a circuit equipped with a rectifier and a DC / DC converter. It is configured to be controlled by the vehicle control device 30, converting the AC power output from the power receiving resonator 311 into DC power via the rectifier, and then supplying it to the electrical load 39 via the DC / DC converter. Examples of electrical loads 39 include, for example, a battery or an electric motor, but there are no particular limitations. In this embodiment, the power receiving circuit 312 is connected to the battery, which serves as the electrical load 39.

[0058] The vehicle-side communication device 32 includes an antenna and signal processing circuitry that performs various wireless communication-related processes such as modulation and demodulation of wireless signals. It can communicate with external information display devices such as server 1, ground power supply device 2, and electro-optical bulletin board (described later) 5 (see reference). Figure 5The vehicle-side communication device 32 communicates with the ground power supply device 2, for example, directly via narrow-area wireless communication or indirectly via server 1 via wide-area wireless communication. When the vehicle-side communication device 32 receives a wireless signal from the outside, it forwards the wireless signal to the vehicle control device 30. Moreover, when forwarding a signal sent from the vehicle control device 30 to the outside, the vehicle-side communication device 32 generates a wireless signal containing that signal and sends it to the outside.

[0059] The map information storage device 33 stores map information including road location information, road category-related information (such as information about whether a road is a highway or an electrified road).

[0060] The GNSS receiver 34 receives radio waves from artificial satellites to determine the latitude and longitude of the vehicle 3 and detects the current position of the vehicle 3. The GNSS receiver 34 then transmits the detected current position information of the vehicle 3 to the vehicle control device 30.

[0061] HMI device 35 is an interface for exchanging information with vehicle passengers. In this embodiment, HMI device 35 includes: a display and speakers for providing various information to vehicle passengers; and a touch panel for enabling vehicle passengers to input information on the display. Of course, other input devices such as operation buttons can be used instead of the touch panel. HMI device 35 provides information to vehicle passengers by sending input information from vehicle passengers to various devices that require that input information, and by displaying information received via the in-vehicle network 38 on the display, etc.

[0062] The imaging device 36 captures and outputs images of the area surrounding the vehicle 3. The images captured by the imaging device 36 are used, for example, by the vehicle control device 30 to detect objects around the vehicle 3.

[0063] Various sensor types 37 are sensor types used by the vehicle control device 30 when controlling the vehicle 3. Examples of such sensor types 37, in the case of an autonomous vehicle, include distance measuring sensors that measure the distance to objects around the vehicle 3 in all directions and output the distances required by the vehicle control device 30 (autonomous driving system) to implement autonomous driving of the vehicle 3. In the case of an autonomous vehicle, the vehicle control device 30 automatically performs driving operations involving acceleration, steering, and braking based on signals output from the distance measuring sensors, etc., in a manner that allows the vehicle 3 to drive automatically.

[0064] The vehicle control unit 30 includes a communication interface 301, a storage unit 302, and a vehicle processing unit 303.

[0065] Communication interface 301 is a communication interface circuit used to connect the vehicle control device 30 to the in-vehicle network 38.

[0066] The storage unit 302 has storage media such as HDD, SSD, optical recording media, and semiconductor memory, and stores various computer programs and data used in the processing of the vehicle processing unit 303.

[0067] The vehicle processing unit 303 includes a processor, which has one or more CPUs and peripheral circuitry. The vehicle processing unit 303 performs various processes based on various computer programs stored in the storage unit 302. For details regarding the processes implemented in the vehicle processing unit 303 and the vehicle control device 30, please refer to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 This will be discussed later.

[0068] Figure 4 This is an action sequence diagram used to illustrate the basic processing (computer program) implemented in server 1, ground power supply device 2, and vehicle 3 for contactless power supply.

[0069] In step S1, the vehicle control device 30 determines whether the vehicle 3 equipped with the vehicle control device 30, i.e., the vehicle 3 itself, requests contactless power supply. If the vehicle 3 requests contactless power supply, the vehicle control device 30 proceeds to step S2. On the other hand, if the vehicle 3 does not request contactless power supply, the vehicle control device 30 terminates the current processing. In this embodiment, vehicle passengers can manually switch the presence or absence of the contactless power supply request via the HMI device 35, but it is not limited to this; the presence or absence of the contactless power supply request can be automatically switched according to the state of the electrical load 39 (e.g., the battery charging rate, the motor load, etc.).

[0070] In step S2, after the vehicle control device 30 establishes a communication connection with the server 1 by performing, for example, a three-way handshake, it sends a utilization request signal for the contactless power supply system 100 to the server 1. This utilization request signal includes, for example, various information required to utilize the contactless power supply system 100 (e.g., authentication information).

[0071] In step S3, server 1 verifies, based on authentication information, whether vehicle 3, which is the source of the request signal, has the authority to use the contactless power supply system 100. For vehicle 3 that has received this verification, server 1 sends an encryption key to decrypt the encrypted system access token. The system access token is a virtual token used to access the contactless power supply system 100.

[0072] In step S4, the vehicle control device 30 determines whether a checkpoint set at any location closer to the electrified road section has been passed. If the checkpoint has been passed, the vehicle control device 30 proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the checkpoint has not been passed, the vehicle control device 30 determines whether the checkpoint has been passed again after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0073] Regarding whether a checkpoint has been passed, for example, if a gate is installed at the checkpoint, the vehicle control unit 30 can determine whether the checkpoint has been passed by receiving a signal generated from the gate. In this case, the vehicle control unit 30 can receive checkpoint information from the gate, including the location information of the passed checkpoint. Furthermore, for example, if the checkpoint information is included in map information or can be received from server 1, the vehicle can also determine whether the checkpoint has been passed based on the vehicle's location information and the checkpoint's location information. Thus, there are no particular limitations on the method for determining whether a checkpoint has been passed.

[0074] It should be noted that in this embodiment, in step S4, it is determined whether the inspection point has been passed, but it is not limited to this. For example, it can be determined whether the inspection point has been approached.

[0075] Regarding whether a checkpoint has been approached, for example, if a device that sends signals to vehicles 3 located within a certain range based on the checkpoint is installed at the checkpoint, the vehicle control device 30 can determine this by receiving the signal generated by that device. However, it is not limited to this; it can also make the determination based on the vehicle's position information and the checkpoint's position information. For example, if a road section within a predetermined range that generates waiting signals in a non-contact manner for vehicles 3 waiting for signals becomes an electrified road section, then the certain range based on the checkpoint can be defined as a portion of the road section before entering that electrified road section.

[0076] In step S5, the vehicle control device 30 sends a request signal to the server 1 for the issuance of a virtual voucher, i.e., a system utilization voucher, for utilizing the contactless power supply system 100. The system utilization voucher issuance request signal includes the vehicle's identification information and inspection point information.

[0077] In step S6, when server 1 receives a system utilization voucher issuance request, it determines the vehicle 3 as the source of the issuance request based on the vehicle identification information contained in the issuance request. Then, server 1 issues a first voucher, which is a system utilization voucher sent to the determined vehicle 3 as the source of the issuance request, and is a system utilization voucher inherent to each vehicle 3 that has the authority to use the contactless power supply system 100. Simultaneously, server 1 issues a second voucher, which is a system utilization voucher corresponding to the first voucher and is used to send to the ground power supply device 2.

[0078] In step S7, server 1 sends an encrypted first ticket to vehicle 3, the source of the system utilization ticket issuance request, and sends a second ticket to the ground power supply units 2 associated with the checkpoint. The ground power supply units 2 associated with the checkpoint are ground power supply units 2 installed in electrified road sections where vehicles 3 that have passed the checkpoint may travel. In the server storage unit 12 of server 1 in this embodiment, the ground power supply units 2 associated with each checkpoint are pre-stored.

[0079] In step S8, the vehicle control device 30 decrypts the received first token using an encryption key and begins periodically and directly transmitting a power request signal containing the decrypted first token to the ground power supply device 2 via narrow-area wireless communication through the vehicle-side communication device 32. Simultaneously, the vehicle control device 30 controls the power supply device 22 in a manner that allows the vehicle 3 to receive power while traveling on the ground power supply device 2.

[0080] In step S9, when the power supply control device 20 receives a power supply request signal with a predetermined communication strength (received signal strength) or higher, it determines whether it has received a second voucher from the server 1 corresponding to the first voucher included in the power supply request signal, i.e., whether it holds the second voucher corresponding to the received first voucher. If the power supply control device 20 holds the second voucher corresponding to the first voucher, it proceeds to step S10. On the other hand, if the ground power supply device 2 does not hold the second voucher corresponding to the first voucher, it proceeds to step S11.

[0081] In step S10, the power supply control device 20 determines that the vehicle 3 traveling on this device from this point onwards is a vehicle that has requested contactless power supply and obtained system utilization permission from the contactless power supply system 100 (hereinafter referred to as "power supply target vehicle"), and controls the power supply device 22 in a manner that the vehicle 3 can transmit power when traveling on this device.

[0082] In step S11, the power supply control device 20 determines that the vehicle 3 traveling on this device from this point onwards is not a vehicle to be supplied with power, and controls the power supply device 22 in such a way that it does not transmit power even if the vehicle 3 is traveling on this device.

[0083] However, on electrified roads, there are situations where moving from the parking position becomes difficult for various reasons, such as vehicle 3 malfunctioning, becoming stuck and unable to move, or being caught in large-scale traffic jams caused by accidents or bad weather. In such cases, if one abruptly gets out of vehicle 3, the human body may be exposed to the leakage magnetic field generated when power is supplied from the ground power supply unit 2 to vehicle 3. Therefore, when moving vehicle 3 becomes difficult for some reason on electrified roads, it is advisable to remain inside the vehicle and wait until the power supply has stopped.

[0084] However, in the event of such a difficult-to-move vehicle, if there is a delay in recognizing the difficult-to-move vehicle in the following vehicles, an accident caused by the difficult-to-move vehicle may occur between the following vehicles and the difficult-to-move vehicle, which may endanger the passengers of the difficult-to-move vehicle.

[0085] Therefore, in this embodiment, when a vehicle that is difficult to move occurs on an electrified road, attention is paid to following vehicles that are likely to stop on the electrified road where the difficult-to-move vehicle is stopped, thus informing the difficult-to-move vehicle of the situation stopping on the electrified road ahead. It should be noted that, in the following description, for ease of understanding of the invention, the vehicle in vehicle 3 that is in a state of difficulty in moving is referred to as "difficult-to-move vehicle 3A", and each vehicle traveling behind the difficult-to-move vehicle 3A is referred to as "following vehicle 3B".

[0086] Figure 5 This diagram illustrates the method of providing precautions for each subsequent vehicle 3B-1 and 3B-2 in this embodiment, which is designed to address the difficulty in moving vehicle 3A. Figure 5 In the middle, vehicle 3A, which is difficult to move, stops on an electrified road equipped with a ground power supply device 2A. The two following vehicles, 3B-1 and 3B-2, are traveling on the road behind the electrified road connected to the ground power supply device 2A.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, when the vehicle 3A becomes stuck in a state of difficulty in moving, it sends a "vehicle in difficulty generating" signal to the ground power supply device 2A that provides non-contact power to the vehicle. This "vehicle in difficulty generating" signal notifies the ground power supply device 2A of the occurrence of a vehicle in difficulty in its power supply range.

[0088] When the ground power supply device 2A receives a signal from a vehicle that is difficult to move, it takes measures to stop the non-contact power supply to the vehicle 3A. If it subsequently receives a power request signal from the following vehicle 3B-1 at a communication strength of more than a specified value, it sends a warning signal to the following vehicle 3B-1, which is the source of the power request signal. The warning signal informs that there is a vehicle 3A that is difficult to move on the electrified road ahead of the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0089] Therefore, if the subsequent vehicle 3B-1 is a manually driven vehicle, the driver of the subsequent vehicle 3B-1 can be aware of the presence of the difficult-to-move vehicle 3A in the power supply area before entering the power supply area of ​​the ground power supply device 2A that caused the difficult-to-move vehicle 3A. Furthermore, if the subsequent vehicle 3B-1 is an autonomous vehicle, its autonomous driving system can be aware of the presence of the difficult-to-move vehicle 3A in the power supply area before entering the power supply area of ​​the ground power supply device 2A that caused the difficult-to-move vehicle 3A. Therefore, the driver of the subsequent vehicle 3B-1 or the autonomous driving system can drive with the possibility of the difficult-to-move vehicle 3A present, thus preventing accidents caused by the difficult-to-move vehicle 3A.

[0090] In addition, if a power request signal is received from the following vehicle 3B-1 with a specified communication strength or above after receiving a signal generated by a vehicle with difficulty in moving, as in this embodiment, a warning signal is sent to the following vehicle 3B-1, which is the source of the power request signal, thereby achieving the following effects.

[0091] That is, when the ground power supply unit 2 receives a power request signal from a vehicle 3 with a specified communication strength or above, it is because the vehicle 3, which is the source of the power request signal, is approaching within a short distance of the ground power supply unit 2, which is the destination of the signal. In other words, when the ground power supply unit 2 receives a power request signal from a vehicle 3 with a specified communication strength or above, it is because it anticipates that the vehicle 3, which is the source of the power request signal, will enter the power supply area of ​​the ground power supply unit 2, which is the destination of the signal.

[0092] As a ground-based power supply device 2, when it receives a signal from a vehicle that is difficult to move, it can arbitrarily send warning signals to multiple surrounding vehicles 3. However, in doing so, it will also warn vehicles 3 that do not require warning, such as vehicles 3 traveling in the opposite lane. Therefore, if... Figure 5As shown, the ground power supply device 2A that receives the signal generated by the vehicle with difficulty in moving, i.e., the ground power supply device 2A where the vehicle with difficulty in moving 3A is parked in the power supply zone, sends a warning signal to the subsequent vehicle 3B-1 that is the source of the power supply request signal only when it receives the power supply request signal with a communication strength above a specified level. In this way, the subsequent vehicle 3B-1 that is highly likely to enter the power supply zone of the ground power supply device 2A where the vehicle with difficulty in moving 3A is parked can be appropriately warned.

[0093] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, when the ground power supply device 2A receives a signal from a vehicle that is difficult to move, it sends an information display request signal to an information display device 5, such as an electro-optical bulletin board, installed on the road behind the vehicle's direction of travel, which is connected to the electrified road where the ground power supply device 2A is installed. The information display request signal is used to make the information display device 5 display the situation that the vehicle 3A that is difficult to move exists on the electrified road ahead of the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0094] Therefore, the information display device 5 can display a notification that the difficult-to-move vehicle 3A is present on the electrified road ahead of the vehicle's direction of travel. Thus, if the following vehicle 3B-2 that passes the information display device 5 after this display is a manually driven vehicle, the driver of the following vehicle 3B-2 can be informed earlier that the difficult-to-move vehicle 3A is present on the electrified road ahead of the vehicle's direction of travel. Furthermore, if the following vehicle 3B-2 is an autonomous vehicle, the information display content can be sent in advance from the information display device 5 to the vehicles 3 passing below the information display device 5, thereby enabling the autonomous driving system of the following vehicle 3B-2, upon receiving this information, to be informed earlier that the difficult-to-move vehicle 3A is present on the electrified road ahead of the vehicle's direction of travel.

[0095] Figure 6 It is used for illustration and reference. Figure 5 This diagram shows the sequence of operations for the processing (computer program) of this embodiment implemented between the ground power supply unit 2A described above and the vehicle 3A that is in a state of difficulty in moving due to the power supply range of the ground power supply unit 2A.

[0096] In step S101, the vehicle control device 30 of the vehicle 3A that is difficult to move determines whether the vehicle 3A is in a state of difficulty in moving. This determination is performed, for example, periodically. If the vehicle control device 30 can determine that the vehicle 3A is in a state of difficulty in moving, it proceeds to step S102. On the other hand, if the vehicle control device 30 cannot determine that the vehicle 3A is in a state of difficulty in moving, it ends the current process.

[0097] There are no particular limitations on the method for determining whether vehicle 3A is in a state of difficulty in moving. For example, if vehicle 3A stops when a fault or adverse condition directly causing it to be unable to move is detected by the self-diagnostic function, it can be determined that vehicle 3A is in a state of difficulty in moving due to a vehicle fault. Furthermore, if, for example, the requested torque is high but the vehicle speed is low, and there is a large difference in wheel speed between the drive wheels and non-drive wheels (rear wheels if front-wheel drive, front wheels if rear-wheel drive), it can be determined that vehicle 3A is in a state of difficulty in moving due to jamming. Furthermore, for example, if it can be determined based on photographic information of the surrounding area of ​​vehicle 3A that it is involved in a vehicle entanglement, it can be determined that vehicle 3A is in a state of difficulty in moving due to vehicle entanglement. Furthermore, for example, if a road service request based on vehicle passengers is made via HMI device 35 while vehicle 3A is stopped, it can be determined that vehicle 3A is in a state of difficulty in moving due to some reason.

[0098] In step S102, the vehicle control device 30 for the difficult-to-move vehicle 3A determines whether the vehicle 3A exists on the electrified road. If the vehicle 3A exists on the electrified road, the vehicle control device 30 proceeds to step S103. On the other hand, if the vehicle 3A does not exist on the electrified road, the vehicle control device 30 terminates the current process.

[0099] Whether vehicle 3A is on an electrified road can be determined based on, for example, current location information and map information. Furthermore, if records of changes in the time of power received are used as power receiving history information, the determination can also be made based on the most recent power receiving history information. Specifically, if power was received within the most recent specified time period, there is a high probability that it is still on an electrified road, and therefore it can be determined that it is on an electrified road.

[0100] In step S103, the vehicle control device 30 of the vehicle 3A, which is difficult to move, takes measures to prevent passengers from disembarking. In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 30 displays a warning message to prevent disembarking on the display of the HMI device 35 as a disembarking prevention measure.

[0101] In step S104, the vehicle control device 30 of the vehicle 3A that is difficult to move sends a "vehicle difficult to move" signal to the ground power supply device 2A that provides contactless power to the vehicle 3A. This signal indicates that a vehicle difficult to move has been generated within the power supply range of the ground power supply device 2A. At this time, communication between the vehicle 3A and the ground power supply device 2A can be conducted directly or indirectly through the server 1.

[0102] In step S105, when the power supply control device 20 of the ground power supply device 2A receives a signal from the vehicle 3 via the ground-side communication device 23 indicating that the vehicle is experiencing difficulty in moving, it takes measures to stop the power supply. Specifically, the power supply control device 20 controls the power supply circuit 222 and the power supply device 22 in such a way that power can no longer be transmitted to the vehicle 3A.

[0103] In step S106, the power supply control device 20 of the ground power supply unit 2A sets the alert implementation flag F to 1. The alert implementation flag F is a flag used to determine whether to alert the following vehicle 3B, which is the source of the power request signal, when a power request signal is received from the following vehicle 3B at a specified communication strength or above. The initial value is set to 0.

[0104] In step S107, the power supply control device 20 of the ground power supply unit 2A sends a power supply stop measure completion signal to the vehicle 3A, which is the source of the signal generated by the vehicle with difficulty in moving. This power supply stop measure completion signal is used to notify that the power supply stop measure has been completed. At this time, communication between the ground power supply unit 2 and the vehicle 3 can be carried out directly or indirectly through the server 1.

[0105] In step S108, when the vehicle control device 30 of the difficult-to-move vehicle 3A receives a power supply stop measure completion signal via the vehicle-side communication device 32, it releases the anti-disembarkation measure. If the vehicle control device 30 is displaying a warning message for preventing disembarkation as an anti-disembarkation measure on the display of the HMI device 35, it stops displaying the warning message.

[0106] Furthermore, certain measures can be taken simultaneously with the lifting of the anti-disembarkation measures to notify vehicle passengers of situations such as the lifting of the anti-disembarkation measures, power outages, the absence of danger from a leaking magnetic field even if disembarking, or the permissibility to disembark. In this embodiment, the HMI device 35 displays a message indicating that disembarking is permissible because there is no danger of exposure to a leaking magnetic field even if disembarking.

[0107] In step S109, the power supply control device 20 of the ground power supply unit 2A sends an information display indication signal to a specific external information display device 5 installed on a road connected to the electrified road where the unit 2A is installed. This information display indication signal is used to instruct the information display device 5 to display a situation where a vehicle 3A with difficulty in movement exists on the electrified road ahead of the information display device 5 in the direction of vehicle travel. In this embodiment, the information display device 5 that becomes the destination of the information display indication signal is predetermined according to the local ground power supply unit. Communication between the ground power supply unit 2 and the information display device 5 can be conducted directly or indirectly via the server 1.

[0108] In step S110, the power supply control device 20 of the ground power supply device 2A calculates the elapsed time T from the time the information display indication signal is sent.

[0109] In step S111, the power supply control device 20 of the ground power supply unit 2A determines whether the elapsed time T is greater than or equal to a predetermined time Tth. If the elapsed time T is greater than or equal to the predetermined time Tth, the power supply control device 20 proceeds to step S112. On the other hand, if the elapsed time T is less than the predetermined time Tth, the power supply control device 20 performs step S110 again after a predetermined time interval has elapsed.

[0110] In step S112, the power supply control device 20 returns the alert implementation flag F to 0.

[0111] Thus, in this embodiment, the elapsed time T from the sending of the information display indication signal is calculated, and when the elapsed time T becomes a predetermined time Tth or more, the reminder implementation flag F is set to 0. This is based on the following reasons.

[0112] That is, when the elapsed time T from the time the information display indication signal is sent becomes a certain value or more, the following vehicle 3B-2, as shown on the information display device 5, approaches the ground power supply unit 2A and sends a power request signal, entering the power supply range of the ground power supply unit 2A. The passengers of the following vehicle 3B-2 are already aware of the situation of the difficult-to-move vehicle 3A stopped on the electrified road by observing the display on the information display device 5; therefore, it can be said that the necessity for the following vehicle 3B-2 to be reminded again by sending a warning signal is low.

[0113] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the elapsed time T becomes a predetermined time Tth or more, the alert implementation flag F returns to 0, and no alert signal is sent even if a power supply request signal is received. Therefore, it is preferable to set the predetermined time Tth based on the approximate time required for the vehicle to travel from the location of the information display device 5 to the ground power supply device 2A. The predetermined time Tth can be a fixed value set based on the time required from the location of the information display device 5 to the ground power supply device 2A, or it can be changed according to road conditions, etc.

[0114] Figure 7 It is used for illustration and reference. Figure 5 This is a sequence diagram of the actions of the processing (computer program) performed between the ground power supply unit 2A and the subsequent vehicle 3B-1 approaching the ground power supply unit 2A, as described above.

[0115] In step S121, the power supply control device 20 of the ground power supply unit 2A determines whether a power supply request signal has been received with a specified communication strength or higher. If a power supply request signal is received with a specified communication strength or higher, the power supply control device 20 proceeds to step S122. On the other hand, if a power supply request signal is not received with a specified communication strength or higher, the power supply control device 20 terminates the current processing.

[0116] In step S122, the power supply control device 20 of the ground power supply unit 2A determines whether the warning implementation flag F is set to 1. If the warning implementation flag F is set to 1, the power supply control device 20 proceeds to step S123. On the other hand, if the warning implementation flag F is set to 0, the power supply control device 20 ends the current process.

[0117] In step S123, the power supply control device 20 of the ground power supply unit 2A sends a warning signal to the subsequent vehicle 3B-1, which is the source of the power supply request signal. At this time, communication between the ground power supply unit 2A and the vehicle 3B-1 can be carried out directly or indirectly through the server 1.

[0118] In step S124, when the vehicle control device 30 of the subsequent vehicle 3B-1 receives a warning signal via the vehicle-side communication device 32, it takes warning measures. In this embodiment, the vehicle control device 30 displays a warning message on the display of the HMI device 35 as a warning measure, which informs the driver of the difficult-to-move vehicle of the presence of the vehicle on the electrified road ahead in the direction of travel.

[0119] The above-described embodiment of the ground power supply device 2 includes: a ground-side communication device 23 (communication device) capable of communicating with multiple vehicles 3 (mobile bodies); a power supply device 22 for non-contact power supply to the vehicles 3; and a power supply control device 20 (control device).

[0120] Furthermore, the power supply control device 20 determines whether a vehicle 3A among the plurality of vehicles 3 receives a vehicle difficulty generating signal (first signal), which notifies that the vehicle 3A is in a state of difficulty in movement on an electrified road equipped with a ground power supply device 2A. If a vehicle difficulty generating signal is received, and a power supply request signal requesting non-contact power supply from the ground power supply device 2A is received from another vehicle 3B-1 among the plurality of vehicles 3, a warning signal (second signal) is sent to the other vehicle 3B-1 that is the source of the power supply request signal. The warning signal (second signal) notifies that there is a vehicle 3A in a state of difficulty in movement on the electrified road.

[0121] Therefore, for example, if vehicle 3B-1 is a manually driven vehicle, the driver of vehicle 3B-1 can be aware of the presence of a vehicle 3A in the power supply section of the ground power supply unit 2A that causes the vehicle 3A to be difficult to move before entering that power supply section. Furthermore, for example, if vehicle 3B-1 is an autonomous vehicle, the autonomous driving system of vehicle 3B-1 can be aware of the presence of a vehicle 3A in the power supply section of the ground power supply unit 2A that causes the vehicle 3A to be difficult to move before entering that power supply section. Therefore, the driver of vehicle 3B-1 or the autonomous driving system can drive with the presence of a vehicle 3A in mind, thus preventing accidents caused by a vehicle 3A being difficult to move from occurring.

[0122] In addition, the ground power supply device 2A that receives the signal generated by the vehicle with difficulty in moving, that is, the ground power supply device 2A where the vehicle with difficulty in moving 3A is parked in the power supply section, sends a warning signal to the subsequent vehicle 3B-1 that is the source of the power supply request signal only when it receives the power supply request signal with a communication strength of more than a specified strength. Therefore, it can appropriately warn the subsequent vehicle 3B-1 that is likely to enter the power supply section where the vehicle with difficulty in moving 3A is parked.

[0123] Furthermore, the power supply control device 20 of this embodiment is configured to send an information display instruction signal to an information display device 5 installed on a road connected to an electrified road where a ground power supply device 2A is installed when a signal (first signal) of a vehicle that is difficult to move is received. The information display instruction signal is used to make the information display device 5 display the situation that there is a vehicle 3A that is difficult to move on the electrified road.

[0124] Therefore, the information display device 5 can display a notification that a vehicle 3A, which is difficult to move, exists on the electrified road ahead in the direction of travel. Thus, after this display, if vehicle 3B-2 is manually driven, its driver will be aware of the presence of vehicle 3A, which is difficult to move, on the electrified road ahead in the direction of travel, earlier. Furthermore, if vehicle 3B-2 is an autonomous vehicle, the information displayed can be sent in advance from the information display device 5 to the vehicle 3 passing below it, allowing the autonomous driving system of vehicle 3B-2 receiving this information to be aware of the presence of vehicle 3A, which is difficult to move, on the electrified road ahead in the direction of travel, earlier.

[0125] Furthermore, the power supply control device 20 of this embodiment calculates the elapsed time T from the time the information display indication signal is sent. From the time T elapsed to a predetermined time Tth or more, when a power supply request signal is received, no reminder signal (second signal) is sent. The predetermined time Tth is set based on the time required from the installation position of the information display device 5 to the ground power supply device 2A.

[0126] Therefore, it is possible to prevent unnecessary alerts from being issued to subsequent vehicles 3B-2 when the information display device 5 confirms that the vehicle 3A, which is difficult to move, is stopped on the electrified road.

[0127] Furthermore, the power supply control device 20 of this embodiment is also configured to take power supply stop measures to stop non-contact power supply based on the power supply device 22 when a signal (first signal) generated by a vehicle that is difficult to move is received.

[0128] Therefore, even if the vehicle 3 becomes difficult to move on an electrified road for some reason, it is possible to prevent human exposure to the leaking magnetic field, even if the passengers of the vehicle 3 get off.

[0129] (Second Implementation)

[0130] Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In this embodiment, the point at which the vehicle 3 is determined to be in a state of difficulty in movement on the ground power supply side differs from that in the first embodiment. The following description will focus on this difference.

[0131] Figure 8 This is an action sequence diagram illustrating the processing (computer program) of this embodiment between the ground power supply unit 2A and the moving vehicle 3A, which is in a state of difficulty in moving due to the power supply range of the ground power supply unit 2A. It should be noted that... Figure 8 In this embodiment, the processing from step S103 to step S112 is the same as in the first embodiment, so the description is omitted here.

[0132] In step S201, the power supply control device 20 of the ground power supply unit 2A determines whether there is a vehicle 3A that is in a state of difficulty in moving within the power supply range of the unit 2A. This determination is performed periodically, for example. If the power supply control device 20 determines that a vehicle 3A is in a state of difficulty in moving, it proceeds to step S202. On the other hand, if the power supply control device 20 determines that a vehicle 3A is not in a state of difficulty in moving, it ends the current process.

[0133] There is no particular limitation on the method for determining whether a vehicle 3A, which is difficult to move, exists within the power supply range of this device 2A. However, if the electrified road where this device 2A is installed is a road that does not consider power supply to parked vehicles (such as highways or motor vehicle-only roads), the determination can be made based on the power supply time for the vehicle 3A, which is difficult to move. Specifically, if the power supply time for the vehicle 3A, which is difficult to move, is longer than usual, it can be determined that the difficulty in moving is not due to congestion or other reasons. Furthermore, if the ground power supply device 2A is equipped with a camera or other imaging device (not shown) for confirming the situation on the electrified road, the determination can also be made based on the images captured by the imaging device. When making these determinations, external information such as congestion information can also be considered.

[0134] In step S202, the power supply control device 20 of the ground power supply unit 2A takes power supply shutdown measures and issues an instruction to implement anti-dismounting measures for the vehicle 3A that is difficult to move. Specifically, the power supply control device 20 sends an instruction signal to implement anti-dismounting measures to the vehicle-side communication device 32 of the vehicle 3A that is difficult to move via the ground-side communication device 23.

[0135] The power supply control device 20 of the above-described embodiment of the ground power supply device 2 determines whether the vehicle 3A (moving body) is in a state of difficulty in moving on the electrified road where the device is installed. If the vehicle 3A is in a state of difficulty in moving on the electrified road, when it receives a power supply request signal from other vehicles 3B-1 among the plurality of vehicles 3 requesting non-contact power supply from the ground power supply device 2, it sends a warning signal to the other vehicles 3B-1 that are the source of the power supply request signal. This warning signal notifies the other vehicles 3B-1 that the vehicle 3A is in a state of difficulty in moving on the electrified road. In this way, even if the ground power supply device determines whether the vehicle 3 is in a state of difficulty in moving, the same effect as in the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0136] The above describes the embodiments of the present invention. However, the above embodiments are merely examples of applicable examples of the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific structures of the above embodiments.

[0137] For example, in the embodiments described above, when a power request signal is received from the subsequent vehicle 3B-1 requesting contactless power supply from the ground power supply device 2, a warning signal is sent to the vehicle 3B-1. However, this is not limited to the power request signal. For example, when the vehicle 3 sends a signal notifying that it is approaching the ground power supply device 2, a warning signal may also be sent to the source of the signal upon receiving the signal.

[0138] Additionally, refer to Figures 6-8 The computer programs executed by the power supply control device 20 and the vehicle control device 30 to alert the following vehicle 3B, which is difficult to move, can be provided by means of a computer-readable and portable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium.

Claims

1. A ground-based power supply device, comprising: A communication device capable of communicating with multiple mobile entities; A power supply device for providing contactless power to the mobile body; and Control device, in, The control device is configured such that, Determine whether a first signal has been received from one of the plurality of mobile bodies, the first signal notifying that the mobile body is experiencing difficulty in moving on an electrified road equipped with the above-ground power supply device. Upon receiving the first signal, and upon receiving a power request signal requesting contactless power supply from the ground power supply device or a proximity signal notifying the other mobile body among the plurality of mobile bodies of their proximity to the ground power supply device, a second signal is sent to the other mobile body that is the source of the power request signal or the proximity signal, the second signal notifying the mobile body that it is in a state of difficulty in moving on the electrified road. Upon receiving the first signal, a display instruction signal is sent to an information display device installed on a road connected to the electrified road. This display instruction signal is used to instruct the information display device to display a situation where a moving object is in a state of difficulty in moving on the electrified road. Calculate the elapsed time from the time the display indication signal was sent. If the power request signal or the proximity signal is received after the elapsed time has exceeded a predetermined time, the second signal will not be sent. The specified time is set based on the time required from the location of the information display device to the ground power supply device.

2. The ground power supply device according to claim 1, wherein, The control device is configured such that, Upon receiving the first signal, a power supply stop measure is taken to stop non-contact power supply from the power supply device to the moving body.

3. A power supply method, based on an above-ground power supply device, The above-ground power supply unit has the following features: A communication device configured to communicate with multiple mobile bodies; The power supply device is configured to provide contactless power to the moving body; and Control device, in, The power supply method includes the following steps: Determine whether a first signal is received from one of the plurality of mobile bodies, the first signal notifying that the mobile body is in a state of difficulty in moving on an electrified road equipped with the ground power supply device; and Upon receiving the first signal, and upon receiving a power request signal requesting contactless power supply from the ground power supply device or a proximity signal notifying the other mobile body among the plurality of mobile bodies of their proximity to the ground power supply device, a second signal is sent to the other mobile body that is the source of the power request signal or the proximity signal, the second signal notifying the mobile body that it is in a state of difficulty in moving on the electrified road. Upon receiving the first signal, a display instruction signal is sent to an information display device installed on a road connected to the electrified road. This display instruction signal is used to instruct the information display device to display a situation where a moving object is in a state of difficulty in moving on the electrified road. Calculate the elapsed time from the time the display indication signal was sent. If the power request signal or the proximity signal is received after the elapsed time has exceeded a predetermined time, the second signal will not be sent. The specified time is set based on the time required from the location of the information display device to the ground power supply device.

Images