Non-contact charging system

Abstract

Provided is a non-contact charging system capable of inhibiting non-contact charging from not starting when a vehicle is stopped directly above a power transmission coil. The non-contact charging system includes: a power transmission coil provided in a parking space; a living body detection unit that detects a living body present in the vicinity of the power transmission coil; a power reception coil mounted on the vehicle; an auxiliary battery mounted on the vehicle; and a control device that performs charging control for supplying electric power transmitted from the power transmission coil to the power reception coil in a non-contact manner to the auxiliary battery, wherein the control device adjusts a detection range of the living body detection unit, and starts the charging control when it is determined that a condition in which the charging control is not performed when the vehicle is stopped directly above the power transmission coil and there is no living body in the detection range has continued for a predetermined time or more.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a contactless charging system. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 discloses a non-contact charging system comprising a power transmission coil disposed on the ground and a power receiving coil mounted on a vehicle, wherein power is transmitted from the power transmission coil to the power receiving coil in a non-contact manner, and the power received by the power receiving coil is used to charge the vehicle's battery.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-109716 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in a contactless charging system that includes a charging device with a transmission coil and a vehicle with a receiving coil, it is possible to consider automatically initiating contactless charging via a timer or similar means while the vehicle is parked in a parking space equipped with the charging device. However, at the designated charging start time, the vehicle's auxiliary battery may have already depleted. If the auxiliary battery is depleted, the vehicle's control system cannot be started, therefore charging will not begin even at the designated start time.

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above circumstances, and its object is to provide a contactless charging system capable of preventing contactless charging from starting when the vehicle is stopped directly above the power transmission coil.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] This invention is a contactless charging system comprising: a power transmission coil disposed on the ground within a parking space; a biological detection unit for detecting biological entities present near the power transmission coil; a vehicle capable of parking in the parking space; a power receiving coil mounted on the vehicle for receiving power transmitted non-contactly from the power transmission coil; an auxiliary battery mounted on the vehicle for storing the power received by the power receiving coil; and a control device for performing charging control to supply the power transmitted non-contactly from the power transmission coil to the power receiving coil to the auxiliary battery. The system is characterized in that the control device adjusts the detection range of the biological entity detection unit, and initiates the charging control if a predetermined time has elapsed since the charging control was not performed when the vehicle is parked directly above the power transmission coil and no biological entity is present within the detection range.

[0011] According to this structure, it is possible to prevent contactless charging from starting when the vehicle is stopped directly above the power transmission coil.

[0012] Alternatively, the specified time may be set as the time from when the vehicle stops until the voltage of the auxiliary battery drops to a specified value.

[0013] According to this structure, contactless charging can be carried out before the voltage of the auxiliary battery falls below a specified value.

[0014] Alternatively, when adjusting the detection range, the control device may expand the effective detection range in the absence of charging control compared to the detection range when the charging control is being executed.

[0015] According to this structure, biological intrusion can be detected over a wider area than when contactless charging is in progress, even without contactless charging.

[0016] Alternatively, the control device may include: a power transmission control device for controlling a power transmission device having the power transmission coil; and a vehicle control device mounted on the vehicle, wherein the bio-detection unit outputs a signal to the power transmission control device, and the auxiliary battery supplies power to the vehicle control device. The vehicle control device includes: a first control device for starting when the vehicle is stopped; and a second control device for stopping when the vehicle is stopped. The first control device periodically sends a start signal when the vehicle is stopped directly above the power transmission coil, causing the second control device to start periodically. The power transmission control device is based on... The signal from the organism detection unit determines whether the period during which an organism has not invaded the detection range has exceeded the predetermined time, and sends the determination result to the second control device. The second control device starts according to the start signal from the first control device and performs wireless communication with the power transmission control device during startup. When it obtains information from the power transmission control device indicating that the predetermined time has exceeded, it determines that the charging control has not been performed while the vehicle is stopped directly above the power transmission coil and that the condition that there is no organism in the detection range has exceeded the predetermined time, and then starts the charging control.

[0017] Based on this structure, the biological detection unit located on the ground side can be used to detect human intrusion into the vicinity of the vehicle.

[0018] Alternatively, the specified time may be set to a shorter time than the elapsed time when the auxiliary battery last ran out of power, the elapsed time being the time from when the vehicle stops until the auxiliary battery runs out of power.

[0019] According to this structure, since a predetermined time has elapsed before the auxiliary battery is depleted, non-contact charging can be implemented based on this determination result to prevent the auxiliary battery from being depleted.

[0020] Invention Effects

[0021] In this invention, it is possible to prevent non-contact charging from starting when the vehicle is stopped directly above the power transmission coil. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the contactless charging system in the embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the vehicle stopped directly above the power transmission coil.

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the high-voltage circuit of a contactless charging system.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a diagram used to illustrate the low-voltage circuitry of a contactless charging system.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the charging control process.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a timeline showing the charging process of the auxiliary machine's battery. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The contactless charging system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a contactless charging system in an embodiment. The contactless charging system 1 is a system comprising a charging device 2 and a vehicle 3. The contactless charging system 1 is capable of transferring power from the charging device 2 to the vehicle 3 in a contactless manner while the vehicle 3 is parked. The contactless charging system 1 includes a contactless power transmission system.

[0030] Charging equipment 2 is a device that supplies electricity to vehicle 3, and is installed in parking lots of commercial facilities, private parking lots, etc. Charging equipment 2 includes a power transmission device 10 and an AC power source 30 that supplies power to the power transmission device 10. The AC power source 30 can be a commercial power source or a household power source.

[0031] The power transmission device 10 includes a power transmission section 12 with a power transmission coil 11 and a wall-mounted box 13 connected to an AC power source 30. The power transmission section 12 is installed on the ground 4 within the parking space. The wall-mounted box 13 is installed near the parking space, such as on a parking lot wall. The power transmission section 12 and the wall-mounted box 13 are electrically connected. Power is supplied from the wall-mounted box 13 to the power transmission section 12. The wall-mounted box 13 is connected to the AC power source 30. Power is supplied from the AC power source 30 to the wall-mounted box 13. The wall-mounted box 13 has a power conversion section that converts the AC power supplied from the AC power source 30 into power for transmission and outputs it to the power transmission section 12. In the power transmission device 10, power from the AC power source 30 is supplied to the power transmission section 12 via the power conversion section.

[0032] In addition, the power transmission unit 10 includes a power transmission ECU 14 for controlling the power conversion unit and a communication device 15 for communicating with the vehicle 3. The power transmission ECU 14 and the communication device 15 are mounted in the wall-mounted box 13.

[0033] The power transmission ECU 14 includes a processor and a memory (main storage unit). The processor consists of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), etc. The memory consists of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. Signals from various sensors are input to the power transmission ECU 14. The power transmission ECU 14 performs various controls based on the signals input from the various sensors. For example, the power transmission ECU 14 controls the switching elements included in the power conversion unit to adjust the power transmission.

[0034] The communication device 15 communicates wirelessly with the vehicle 3 parked in the parking space. The communication device 15 sends information from the power transmission ECU 14 to the vehicle 3 and receives information sent from the vehicle 3. The communication device 15 is capable of wireless communication, for example, based on Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or wireless LAN.

[0035] In addition, the charging device 2 has a biological detection unit 16 for detecting living organisms (humans, animals, etc.) present near the power transmission coil 11.

[0036] The bio-detection unit 16 detects when a living organism enters within a specified distance from the transmission coil 11. For example, the bio-detection unit 16 may be composed of a Doppler sensor, a laser sensor, or the like. Figure 2As shown, the bio-detection unit 16 is positioned at the rear of the parking space, with the power transmission unit 12 included within its detection range. The bio-detection unit 16 is installed on the ground side of the parking lot along with the power transmission unit 10. The bio-detection unit 16 is electrically connected to the wall-mounted box 13.

[0037] In the contactless charging system 1, the bio-object detection unit 16 performs a Level of Detection (LOD) function. The LOD function is a bio-object detection function. During contactless charging, a magnetic field is generated near the power transmission coil 11, raising concerns about potential impacts on the pacemaker from exposure to this magnetic field. Therefore, the bio-object detection unit 16 outputs a detection signal to the power transmission ECU 14 when it detects a bio-object entering the detection range. The power transmission ECU 14 stops the contactless charging process when a detection signal is received from the bio-object detection unit 16 during the contactless charging process.

[0038] Vehicle 3 is an electric vehicle capable of being charged with electricity supplied from an external power source, such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Vehicle 3 is a vehicle capable of parking in a parking space equipped with a power transmission coil 11. Vehicle 3 includes a power receiving device 20, a battery 22 for storing the power received by the power receiving device 20, a vehicle ECU 23 for controlling vehicle 3, and a communication device 24.

[0039] The receiving device 20 has a receiving coil 21. The receiving coil 21 receives power from the transmitting coil 11 in a non-contact manner. The receiving device 20 supplies the power received from the transmitting device 10 to the storage battery 22. The transmitting device 10 and the storage battery 22 are electrically connected.

[0040] Battery 22 is an on-board battery capable of being externally charged. Battery 22 consists of a secondary battery that stores electricity supplied from the power receiving device 20.

[0041] The vehicle ECU 23 is a vehicle control device mounted on the vehicle 3. The vehicle ECU 23 has the same hardware structure as the power transmission ECU 14. The vehicle ECU 23 performs various vehicle controls based on signals input from various sensors mounted on the vehicle 3 and information obtained through communication via the communication device 24. This vehicle control includes contactless charging control. Contactless charging control is the charging control that transmits power from the power transmission coil 11 to the power receiving coil 21 in a non-contact manner and stores the power received by the power receiving coil 21 in the battery 22.

[0042] Communication device 24 communicates wirelessly with external devices. Communication device 24 also communicates wirelessly with communication device 15 of power transmission device 10. Communication device 24 transmits information from vehicle 3 to power transmission device 10 and receives information transmitted from power transmission device 10 to vehicle 3.

[0043] In the contactless charging system 1, contactless charging from the power transmission device 10 to the vehicle 3 is performed while wireless communication between the vehicle 3 and the power transmission device 10 is established. That is, power is transferred non-contactly from the ground-side power transmission coil 11 to the vehicle-side power receiving coil 21 after pairing between the vehicle 3 and the power transmission device 10 via wireless communication. Furthermore, in the vehicle 3, control is performed to supply the power received by the power receiving coil 21 to the battery 22. The battery 22 includes a main battery 25 that supplies power to the drive motor and an auxiliary battery 26 that supplies power to the vehicle ECU 23. The output voltage of the main battery 25 is higher than the output voltage of the auxiliary battery 26.

[0044] Figure 3 This is a diagram showing the high-voltage circuitry of a contactless charging system. Figure 3 The diagram shows the high-voltage circuits included in the power transmission device 10 on the ground side and the high-voltage circuits included in the vehicle 3.

[0045] The power transmission device 10 includes a PFC circuit 17, a converter 18, and a power transmission coil 11.

[0046] PFC circuit 17 improves the power factor of AC power input from AC power source 30, converting the AC power into DC power and outputting it to converter 18. Converter 18 converts the DC power input from PFC circuit 17 into AC power. Each switching element of converter 18 is composed of IGBTs, which switch according to control signals. Converter 18 outputs the converted AC power to transmission coil 11. PFC circuit 17 and converter 18 are the power conversion parts of power transmission device 10, and are installed in wall-mounted box 13.

[0047] The transmission coil 11 transmits AC power supplied from the converter 18 to the receiving device 20 in a non-contact manner. The transmission coil 11, together with the resonant capacitor, forms an LC resonant circuit.

[0048] It should be noted that the power transmission device 10 may also include a filter circuit between the converter 18 and the transmission coil 11. In this case, the converter 18 outputs the converted AC power to the filter circuit. The filter circuit removes noise contained in the AC power input from the converter 18 and supplies the noise-removed AC power to the transmission coil 11. The transmission coil 11 transmits the AC power supplied from the filter circuit to the receiving device 20 in a non-contact manner.

[0049] The power receiving device 20 includes a power receiving coil 21, a rectifier circuit 27, and a voltage sensor 28.

[0050] The receiving coil 21 receives power transmitted from the transmitting coil 11 in a non-contact manner. The receiving coil 21, together with the resonant capacitor, forms an LC resonant circuit.

[0051] The rectifier circuit 27 converts the AC power input from the receiving coil 21 into DC power and outputs it to the main battery 25. The rectifier circuit 27 is configured as a full-bridge circuit with four diodes connected in a full-bridge configuration as rectifier elements. Switching elements are connected in parallel with each diode. Each switching element in the rectifier circuit 27 is composed of IGBTs and switches according to a control signal. The rectifier circuit 27 supplies the converted DC power to the main battery 25.

[0052] The voltage sensor 28 is located between the rectifier circuit 27 and the main battery 25 to detect the output voltage of the rectifier circuit 27.

[0053] It should be noted that the power receiving device 20 may also include a filter circuit between the power receiving coil 21 and the rectifier circuit 27. In this case, the filter circuit removes noise from the AC power input from the power receiving coil 21 and outputs the noise-removed AC power to the rectifier circuit 27. The rectifier circuit 27 converts the AC power input from the filter circuit into DC power and outputs it to the main battery 25.

[0054] A charging relay 40 is provided between the rectifier circuit 27 and the main battery 25. That is, a charging relay 40 is provided between the power receiving device 20 and the main battery 25. The voltage sensor 28 is located on the side of the rectifier circuit 27 closer to the charging relay 40.

[0055] The charging relay 40 includes a positive-side relay 41 located on the positive side of the power line of the main battery 25, a negative-side relay 42 located on the negative side of the power line of the main battery 25, and a pre-charge relay 43 connected in series with the pre-charge resistor 44. When both the positive-side relay 41 and the negative-side relay 42 are closed, the powered device 20 is connected to the main battery 25 in a energized manner. When both the positive-side relay 41 and the negative-side relay 42 are open, the powered device 20 is disconnected from the main battery 25 in a non-energized manner.

[0056] The main battery 25 is a DC power source that supplies power to the electric motor of the vehicle 3. The electric motor is electrically connected to the main battery 25 via the PCU 29. The main battery 25 is electrically connected to the PCU 29. For example, the main battery 25 is composed of a lithium-ion battery, a nickel-metal hydride battery, etc.

[0057] PCU29 is a power conversion device that converts the DC power from the main battery 25 into AC power. PCU29 includes a converter for driving a motor. Each switching element of PCU29 is composed of IGBTs, which switch according to control signals. PCU29 supplies the converted AC power to the motor.

[0058] A system main relay 50 is installed between the main battery 25 and the PCU29.

[0059] The system main relay 50 includes a positive-side relay 51 connected to the positive power line of the main battery 25 and a negative-side relay 52 connected to the negative power line of the main battery 25. When both the positive-side relay 51 and the negative-side relay 52 are closed, the main battery 25 and the PCU 29 are connected in a energized manner. When both the positive-side relay 51 and the negative-side relay 52 are open, the main battery 25 and the PCU 29 are disconnected in a de-energized manner.

[0060] An AC charger 61, an air conditioner 62, and a DC-DC converter 63 are connected to the power line between the system main relay 50 and PCU29.

[0061] An auxiliary battery 26 is electrically connected to a DC-DC converter 63. The DC-DC converter 63 adjusts the power supplied to the auxiliary battery 26. The auxiliary battery 26 is connected to the main battery 25 via the DC-DC converter 63. The DC-DC converter 63 steps down the output voltage of the main battery 25 and supplies it to the auxiliary battery 26.

[0062] The auxiliary battery 26 supplies power to the vehicle ECU 23. The vehicle ECU 23 operates using the power supplied from the auxiliary battery 26. The auxiliary battery 26 is electrically connected to the power receiving device 20 via the main battery 25. Therefore, during contactless charging, the power received by the power receiving device 20 can be stored in both the main battery 25 and the auxiliary battery 26. For example, the auxiliary battery 26 is made of lead-acid battery. The auxiliary battery 26 is electrically connected to the low-voltage circuit containing the vehicle ECU 23.

[0063] In the contactless charging system 1, during the charging of the main battery 25 by transmitting power from the power transmission coil 11 to the power receiving coil 21 in a non-contact manner, the charging of the auxiliary battery 26 is carried out by connecting the system main relay 50 and activating the DC-DC converter 63.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a diagram showing the low-voltage circuitry of the contactless charging system. The control unit for the contactless charging system 1 includes a vehicle ECU 23 on the vehicle side and a power transmission ECU 14 on the ground side.

[0065] The vehicle ECU 23 consists of multiple control devices. The vehicle ECU 23 includes a charging integration ECU 71, a power receiving ECU 72, and a host ECU 73.

[0066] The charging integrated ECU 71 is a control device that controls the charging of the battery 22. The charging integrated ECU 71 controls the charging of the main battery 25 and the auxiliary battery 26. Signals from various sensors mounted on the vehicle 3 are input to the charging integrated ECU 71.

[0067] The receiving ECU 72 receives a signal from the voltage sensor 28 located in the receiving device 20. Based on the signal from the voltage sensor 28, the receiving ECU 72 performs switching control of the rectifier circuit 27. During contactless charging, the receiving ECU 72 performs power control, controlling the power supplied to the main battery 25. During contactless charging, the receiving ECU 72 performs power control, controlling the switching elements of the rectifier circuit 27.

[0068] The power receiving ECU 72 is a control device that controls the contactless charging of the power transmission device 10 and the power receiving device 20. The power receiving ECU 72 is an ECU that controls the power receiving of the power receiving device 20. The power receiving ECU 72 outputs control signals to the rectifier circuit 27 to control the switching elements of the rectifier circuit 27. Furthermore, the power receiving ECU 72 can transmit and receive information wirelessly with the power transmission ECU 14 on the ground side.

[0069] The upper-level ECU 73 is a control device that controls the driving status of vehicle 3. The upper-level ECU 73 is the ECU used to control the driving of PCU29. The upper-level ECU 73 performs driving control by controlling the drive of the driving electric motor.

[0070] The integrated charging ECU 71, the receiving ECU 72, and the host ECU 73 are all connected to the power line 81. The power line 81 electrically connects the vehicle ECU 23 to the auxiliary battery 26. The power from the auxiliary battery 26 is supplied to the integrated charging ECU 71, the receiving ECU 72, and the host ECU 73 via the power line 81.

[0071] Furthermore, the vehicle ECU 23 includes a first control unit (ECU) that starts when the vehicle 3 is stopped and a second control unit (ECU) that stops when the vehicle 3 is stopped. In this description, the stopped state of the vehicle 3 indicates that the vehicle 3 is in a READY-OFF state, that is, the ignition is off (IG-OFF state). The charging integration ECU 71 is an ECU that starts when the vehicle 3 is stopped. The power receiving ECU 72 is an ECU that stops when the vehicle 3 is stopped. The host ECU 73 is an ECU that stops when the vehicle 3 is stopped.

[0072] Therefore, the charging integrated ECU 71 has the function of starting the stationary receiving ECU 72. The charging integrated ECU 71 is electrically connected to the receiving ECU 72 via a direct connection line 82. The charging integrated ECU 71 outputs a start signal to the receiving ECU 72 via the direct connection line 82. If the receiving ECU 72 receives a start signal from the charging integrated ECU 71 while the vehicle 3 is stationary, it will start. After starting, the receiving ECU 72 can transmit and receive wireless communication information with the power transmission ECU 14 on the ground side while the vehicle 3 is stationary.

[0073] Furthermore, if the receiving ECU 72 is started, CAN communication can occur between the receiving ECU 72 and the charging integrated ECU 71. The charging integrated ECU 71 and the receiving ECU 72 send signals via the local CAN bus 83. The charging integrated ECU 71 sends control signals to the receiving ECU 72 via the local CAN bus 83. Moreover, the charging integrated ECU 71 is connected to the host ECU 73 via the CAN bus 84. The host ECU 73 sends control signals to the charging integrated ECU 71 via the CAN bus 84.

[0074] In this configuration of the vehicle ECU 23, when the vehicle 3 is stationary (READY-OFF state), the receiving ECU 72 stops, but the charging integrated ECU 71 continues to operate using power from the auxiliary battery 26. Therefore, in addition to natural discharge, the auxiliary battery 26 experiences voltage drop due to the power supply to the charging integrated ECU 71. Furthermore, since the vehicle 3 is an electric vehicle or a plug-in hybrid, if the vehicle 3 remains in the READY-OFF state for an extended period, the voltage of the auxiliary battery 26 will drop, making it impossible to drive or charge the vehicle 3. To prevent the voltage drop of the auxiliary battery 26, i.e., depletion of its charge, it is advisable to monitor the voltage drop of the auxiliary battery 26 and charge it as needed. However, a structure that keeps the receiving ECU 72 constantly running to monitor the voltage drop of the auxiliary battery 26 would result in the voltage drop of the auxiliary battery 26 being accelerated by the power consumption of the receiving ECU 72. Therefore, in the contactless charging system 1, the voltage of the auxiliary battery 26 is monitored indirectly by a control device on the ground side, rather than by a control device on the vehicle side. Since the power transmission ECU 14 on the ground side is started using power from the AC power source 30, the power consumption of the power transmission ECU 14 can be supplied by the power supply from the AC power source 30.

[0075] Specifically, in the contactless charging system 1, the power supply ECU 14 uses the LOD (Level of Detail) function. If the cumulative time without biological intrusion exceeds a predetermined time, it determines that the voltage of the auxiliary battery 26 has dropped. At this time, contactless charging is performed by the charging integration ECU 71 and the power receiving ECU 72 to drive the DC-DC converter 63 and charge the auxiliary battery 26. This prevents the auxiliary battery 26 from running out of power.

[0076] More specifically, in the standby state of the power transmission device 10, the bio-detection unit 16 is activated, and the bio-detection function is effective. Even when the vehicle 3 is parked in the parking space but not undergoing contactless charging, the power transmission device 10 enters a standby state, and the bio-detection unit 16 enters an activated state. The standby power transmission ECU 14 can use the signal from the bio-detection unit 16 to detect the intrusion of a living organism into the detection range. Therefore, the power transmission ECU 14 can indirectly determine that the auxiliary battery 26 is depleted by utilizing the LOD function. If the power transmission ECU 14 determines that no one has intruded into the detection range for a certain period, it determines that the voltage of the auxiliary battery 26 has dropped. Furthermore, based on the determination by the power transmission ECU 14 that no one has intruded for a certain period, the power transmission ECU 14 and the receiving ECU 72 perform contactless charging.

[0077] The vehicle-side periodically starts the receiving ECU 72, which communicates with the transmitting ECU 14 to obtain information from it. Even in the READY-OFF state (standby state during periods when the user does not use the vehicle 3), the charging integration ECU 71 and the verification ECU are continuously running. The verification ECU determines whether the doors are unlocked, locked, or the sliding doors are opened or closed using the smart key. The charging integration ECU 71 detects the connection between the charging connector, the vehicle power connector, and the charging port. Therefore, the receiving ECU 72 can be periodically started by a start signal from the charging integration ECU 71. At this time, the charging integration ECU 71 determines the start timing and outputs a start signal to the receiving ECU 72 via the direct connection line 82 to periodically start the receiving ECU 72. For example, the charging integration ECU 71 starts the receiving ECU 72 once a day. After starting, the receiving ECU 72 establishes wireless communication with the transmitting device 10 and exchanges information. The receiving ECU 72 obtains information from the power transmission ECU 14 through wireless communication with the power transmission device 10.

[0078] Furthermore, the receiving ECU 72 determines whether to initiate contactless charging based on information obtained from the transmitting ECU 14. If the information obtained from the transmitting ECU 14 indicates that no one has entered the detection range within a certain period, i.e., based on a voltage drop in the auxiliary battery 26 of the transmitting ECU 14, the receiving ECU 72 determines that contactless charging needs to be initiated. The receiving ECU 72 initiates charging control when it determines that contactless charging needs to be initiated. Conversely, the receiving ECU 72 stops charging again when it determines that contactless charging does not need to be initiated.

[0079] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating the charging control process. Figure 5 The control shown is repeatedly executed by the power transmission ECU14 and the vehicle ECU23.

[0080] The power transmission ECU 14 determines whether vehicle 3 is detected (step S1). In step S1, the power transmission device 10 determines whether vehicle 3 exists in the parking space. The power transmission ECU 14 determines that vehicle 3 exists in the parking space if a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) connection has been successfully established with vehicle 3. That is, the power transmission ECU 14 determines whether vehicle 3, which has been paired via wireless communication, exists. Alternatively, a camera can be installed in the parking lot, and the presence or absence of vehicle 3 can be determined by analyzing the image captured by the camera using the power transmission ECU 14.

[0081] If it is determined that vehicle 3 is not detected (step S1: No), the power supply ECU 14 stops the LOD function (step S2). In step S2, the bio-detection unit 16 is stopped. After the processing of step S2 is performed, the control routine ends.

[0082] If vehicle 3 is detected (step S1: Yes), the power supply ECU 14 enables the LOD function (step S3). In step S3, the biological detection unit 16 is activated.

[0083] The power transmission ECU 14 determines whether contactless charging is being performed (step S4). In step S4, it determines whether power is being transferred non-contactly from the power transmission coil 11 to the power receiving coil 21. If the power transmission ECU 14 is configured to start contactless charging based on an indication signal from the vehicle ECU 23, it can also determine whether contactless charging is being performed by determining whether an indication signal from the vehicle ECU 23 is present. For example, the vehicle 3 may have a contactless charging stop button as a button operable by the user. In this case, when this button is operated, a stop indication signal is output from the vehicle 3 to the power transmission device 10, and contactless charging can be stopped. The power transmission ECU 14 follows the charging instruction from the vehicle 3, therefore the charging implementation determination is based on the charging instruction from the vehicle 3.

[0084] If it is determined that contactless charging is being performed (step S4: Yes), the power supply ECU 14 executes the first start mode as the LOD start mode (step S5). The LOD start mode is the start mode of the bio-detection unit 16.

[0085] LOD starting modes include a first starting mode and a second starting mode. The detection range of the bio-detection unit 16 differs between the first and second starting modes. The first starting mode uses the normal contactless charging range as the detection range. The second starting mode uses an expanded range extending to the periphery of the vehicle 3 as the detection range. The detection range of the first starting mode is the area near the power transmission coil 11. The detection range of the second starting mode is an expanded range compared to the first starting mode, encompassing at least the driver's seat of the vehicle 3. Furthermore, the power transmission ECU 14 can switch between the LOD starting mode and the first and second starting modes. That is, the power transmission ECU 14 can adjust the detection range based on the bio-detection unit 16.

[0086] In step S5, biological intrusion is monitored in a first start-up mode. Since contactless charging is being performed, the detection range based on the first start-up mode is applied. When vehicle 3 is parked directly above the power transmission coil 11, if the coils converge to a charging range, contactless charging is initiated in control. The control routine ends after the processing in step S5 is completed.

[0087] If it is determined that contactless charging is not being performed (step S4: No), the power transmission ECU 14 executes the second start-up mode as the LOD start-up mode (step S6). The power transmission ECU 14 adjusts the detection range of the bio-detection unit 16 according to whether contactless charging is being performed. Since contactless charging is not being performed, the detection range based on the second start-up mode is applied. When adjusting the detection range, the power transmission ECU 14 expands the effective detection range in the case where charging control is not being performed compared to the detection range when charging control is being performed.

[0088] After the processing in step S6 is performed, the power transmission ECU14 starts the accumulation of the timer (step S7). In step S7, the measurement of the accumulated time begins.

[0089] After the processing in step S7 is performed, the power transmission ECU 14 determines whether a living organism has been detected entering the detection range around vehicle 3 (step S8). In step S8, it is determined whether a living organism exists within the detection range in the second start-up mode. For example, if the user of vehicle 3 returns to vehicle 3, it is determined that a living organism has entered the detection range.

[0090] If it is determined that no biological intrusion into the detection range surrounding vehicle 3 is detected (step S8: No), the power supply ECU 14 increments the accumulated time of the timer (step S9). In step S9, the accumulated time of the timer is calculated by addition, such as +1.

[0091] If it is determined that a biological intrusion into the detection range surrounding vehicle 3 has been detected (step S8: Yes), the power transmission ECU 14 resets the timer (step S10). In step S10, the accumulated time of the timer is reset.

[0092] After the processing in step S9 or step S10 is performed, the power transmission ECU 14 determines whether the accumulated time is greater than a predetermined time (step S11). The predetermined time is a pre-set time. For example, the predetermined time is set to the time from when the vehicle 3 stops until the voltage of the auxiliary battery 26 drops to a predetermined value.

[0093] If the cumulative time is determined to be longer than a predetermined time (step S11: Yes), the power transmission ECU 14 initiates charging (step S12). In step S12, the power transmission ECU 14 determines that the voltage of the auxiliary battery 26 has dropped and sends information indicating this determination to the power receiving ECU 72. In step S12, non-contact charging control is performed by the vehicle ECU 23 and the power transmission ECU 14. The vehicle ECU 23 and the power transmission ECU 14 begin charging control if they determine that a predetermined time has elapsed since the vehicle 3 was stopped directly above the power transmission coil 11 without performing charging control and no living organisms were detected within the detection range. After the processing in step S12 is completed, the control routine ends.

[0094] If the cumulative time is determined to be shorter than the specified time (step S11: No), the power supply ECU 14 does not start charging (step S13). After the processing of step S13 is performed, the control routine ends.

[0095] Figure 6 This is a timeline used to illustrate the execution of charging control. Figure 6 The image shows vehicle 3 parked in the parking space.

[0096] When vehicle 3 is parked in the parking space, the biometric detection unit 16 is activated, thus enabling the LOD (Level of Detail) function. Since contactless charging is not performed in this state, the voltage of the auxiliary battery 26 drops. During this period, the charging integration ECU 71 periodically activates the receiving ECU 72. If the receiving ECU 72 is activated, wireless communication between the receiving ECU 72 and the power supply ECU 14 is established. At this time, the receiving ECU 72 determines whether the information obtained from the power supply ECU 14 indicates that the accumulated time has exceeded a predetermined time (indicating a voltage drop). If the receiving ECU 72 determines that the information obtained from the power supply ECU 14 does not indicate that the accumulated time has exceeded the predetermined time, it stops again.

[0097] Then, the power transmission ECU 14 determines that the accumulated time has exceeded a predetermined time (time t1). That is, at time t1, the power transmission ECU 14 determines that the voltage of the auxiliary battery 26 has dropped. Therefore, if the receiving ECU 72 is started at time t1, the receiving ECU 72 determines that the information obtained from the power transmission ECU 14 indicates that the accumulated time has exceeded the predetermined time, and initiates contactless charging. After time t1, the charging integration ECU 71 and the receiving ECU 72 perform contactless charging control, charging the auxiliary battery 26 and the main battery 25. Furthermore, if the charging of the auxiliary battery 26 is completed, the contactless charging ends (time t2). Since the purpose of this contactless charging is to charge the auxiliary battery 26, it is completed in a shorter time compared to charging the main battery 25. For example, if it is determined that the voltage of the auxiliary battery 26 has risen to a predetermined value, the contactless charging ends. It should be noted that if the contactless charging is completed, the state that the voltage of the auxiliary battery 26 has dropped is deactivated.

[0098] As explained above, according to the embodiment, the voltage drop of the auxiliary battery 26 of the vehicle 3 can be indirectly determined using the LOD function of the contactless charging system 1 and the power transmission ECU 14 on the ground side. This suppresses power consumption due to the vehicle-side control devices and prevents the auxiliary battery 26 from being depleted.

[0099] It should be noted that the bio-detection unit 16 is not limited to the ground side, but can also be installed on the vehicle side. When the bio-detection unit is mounted on the vehicle 3, it may be composed of an onboard camera. The bio-detection unit composed of an onboard camera uses the perimeter of the vehicle 3 as its detection range to perform the LOD function. In this case, the bio-detection unit on the vehicle side activates the LOD function when the vehicle 3 is stationary, and can output a signal to the power supply ECU 14 on the ground side via wireless communication.

[0100] Alternatively, the power transmission unit 10 may not necessarily have a wall-mounted box 13. In the power transmission unit 10, the power transmission ECU 14 and the communication device 15 may also be installed on the ground 4 together with the power transmission unit 12.

[0101] Alternatively, the charging device 2 can also be installed in a parking lot with multiple parking spaces. In this case, the power transmission device 10 is installed for each parking space.

[0102] Label Explanation

[0103] 1. Non-contact charging system;

[0104] 2. Charging equipment;

[0105] 3. Vehicles;

[0106] 4. Ground;

[0107] 10. Power transmission equipment;

[0108] 11. Transmission coil;

[0109] 12. Ministry of Electric Power Transmission;

[0110] 13. Wall-mounted cabinet;

[0111] 14. Power transmission ECU;

[0112] 15 communication devices;

[0113] 16. Biological Testing Department;

[0114] 17. PFC circuit;

[0115] 18. Converter;

[0116] 20. Power receiving device;

[0117] 21. Receiving coil;

[0118] 22. Storage batteries;

[0119] 23. Vehicle ECU;

[0120] 24 communication devices;

[0121] 25 Main battery;

[0122] 26. Auxiliary machine batteries;

[0123] 27. Rectifier circuit;

[0124] 30 AC power supply;

[0125] 40 Charging relay.

Claims

1. A contactless charging system, comprising: The power transmission coil is installed on the ground within the parking space; The biological detection unit detects biological organisms present in the vicinity of the power transmission coil; The vehicle is able to park in the parking space; A receiving coil, mounted on the vehicle, receives power transmitted from the transmitting coil in a non-contact manner; An auxiliary battery, mounted on the vehicle, stores the power received by the receiving coil; and The control device executes charging control of the power transmitted non-contactly from the transmission coil to the receiving coil to supply the auxiliary battery, characterized in that: The control device adjusts the detection range of the biological detection unit. If a predetermined time has elapsed since the charging control was not executed when the vehicle is stopped directly above the power transmission coil and no biological entity is found within the detection range, the charging control is initiated. The specified time is set as the time from when the vehicle stops until the voltage of the auxiliary battery drops to a specified value. When adjusting the detection range, the control device expands the effective detection range when the charging control is not being performed, compared to the detection range when the charging control is being executed. The control device includes: A power transmission control device for controlling a power transmission device having the aforementioned power transmission coil; and Vehicle control device, mounted on the vehicle, The biological detection unit outputs a signal to the power transmission control device. The auxiliary battery supplies power to the vehicle control device. The vehicle control device includes: The first control device is activated when the vehicle is stopped; and The second control device stops when the vehicle is stopped. The first control device periodically sends a start signal when the vehicle is stopped directly above the power transmission coil, causing the second control device to start periodically. The power transmission control device determines, based on signals from the organism detection unit, whether the period during which the organism has not invaded the detection range exceeds the predetermined time, and sends its determination result to the second control device. The second control device starts up according to a start signal from the first control device, and wirelessly communicates with the power transmission control device during startup. When the second control device obtains information from the power transmission control device indicating that the period has exceeded the predetermined time, it determines that the charging control has not been performed while the vehicle is stopped directly above the power transmission coil and that no living organism is present within the detection range for more than the predetermined time has elapsed, and then starts the charging control.

2. The contactless charging system according to claim 1, The specified time is set to be shorter than the elapsed time when the auxiliary machine battery last ran out of power. The elapsed time is the time from when the vehicle stops until the auxiliary machine battery is depleted.

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