Wireless power supply system

Abstract

Provided is a system with which a wireless power receiving device can be placed at an appropriate position with a simple configuration. A wireless power transmission device (6) is provided with a transmission-side coil (8). LEDs (10a, 10b) as position display lamps are provided on the center line of the emission-side coil (8) and are always turned on. The LEDs (10a, 10b) are provided on both sides of the emission-side coil (8) at symmetrical positions with respect to the emission-side coil (8). And LEDs (12a, 12b) are arranged on the outer sides of the LEDs (10a, 10b) as power supply display lamps. The LEDs (12a, 12b) are turned off in a normal state. When a user places a smartphone (20), which is a wireless power receiving device, above a transmitting-side coil (8), it is determined that a wireless power transmitting device (6) is in a state capable of supplying power, and LEDs (12a, 12b) are turned on. Thus, the user can confirm power supply.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Wireless power supply is used in smartphones, control devices, etc. For example, a configuration is adopted in which power is supplied from a wireless power transmitting device to a wireless power receiving device by electromagnetic induction between a transmitting coil provided in the wireless power transmitting device and a receiving coil provided in the wireless power receiving device.

[0003] At this time, if the receiving coil of the wireless power receiving device and the transmitting coil of the wireless power transmitting device do not achieve appropriate magnetic field coupling by electromagnetic induction, the supplied power may be reduced or may not be supplied.

[0004] Therefore, for example, there is also a configuration in which the transmitting coil of the wireless power transmission device is movable and driven to be in an appropriate position relative to the receiving coil, as in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2019-170135. According to this technology, even if the relative positional relationship between the receiving coil and the transmitting coil deviates, the positional relationship between the two coils can be adjusted to a position suitable for power supply. Summary of the invention

[0005] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] However, in the above-mentioned prior art, it is necessary to drive the transmitting coil, which complicates the structure of the device. In addition, a driving sound may be generated, which is unpleasant to the ear during use.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problem and to provide a system capable of placing a wireless power receiving device at an appropriate position with a simple structure.

[0008] Means for solving problems

[0009] Several features of the present invention that can be used independently are listed below.

[0010] (1) A wireless power transmitting device according to the present invention comprises: a transmitting coil for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiving coil of a wireless power receiving device; a placing surface provided above the transmitting coil and for placing the wireless power receiving device thereon, the placing surface being on a line passing through a vicinity of a center of the transmitting coil and having position marks on both sides of the transmitting coil for indicating a position where the wireless power receiving device is placed; and a control unit for acquiring information data from the wireless power receiving device via the transmitting coil and controlling the supply of power to the transmitting coil, wherein a power supply display unit for displaying power supply is provided on the placing surface, the control unit directly or indirectly determining whether power can be supplied from the transmitting coil to the receiving coil based on the information data from the wireless power receiving device, and setting the power supply display unit to a first state if it is determined that power cannot be supplied, and setting the power supply display unit to a second state if it is determined that power can be supplied.

[0011] Therefore, the position mark serves as a reference for the position at which the wireless power receiving device is placed, and a reliable position can be known by the power supply indication lamp.

[0012] (2) The wireless power transmitting device of the present invention is characterized in that the power supply display unit displays power supply on a line passing through the vicinity of the center of the power transmitting-side coil and outside the position mark.

[0013] Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm that the power supply is in the state.

[0014] (3) The wireless power transmission device of the present invention is characterized in that the power supply indicator is a light emitter provided outside the position mark, or a light projector that displays power supply outside the position mark.

[0015] (4) The wireless power supply device of the present invention is characterized in that the position mark is formed by a light emitter that is always lit while power is supplied to the wireless power supply device, or is displayed by a light projector.

[0016] Therefore, visibility is good and positioning of the wireless power receiving device when placed is easy.

[0017] (5) The wireless power transmission device of the present invention is characterized in that a light emitter as a power supply indicator is used as the position mark.

[0018] Therefore, the structure can be simplified.

[0019] (6) The wireless power transmission device of the present invention is characterized in that the power supply indicator has a linear light source arranged along a line passing through the vicinity of the center of the power transmission-side coil.

[0020] Therefore, visibility is good and positioning is easy.

[0021] (7) The wireless power transmitting device of the present invention is characterized in that the first state of the power supply indicator is off, and the second state of the power supply indicator is on.

[0022] Therefore, the state can be distinguished by turning off and on.

[0023] (8) The wireless power transmitting device of the present invention is characterized in that the first state of the power supply indicator is lighting based on a first color, and the second state of the power supply indicator is lighting based on a second color.

[0024] Therefore, the status can be distinguished according to the color.

[0025] (9) The wireless power transmission device of the present invention comprises: a transmitting coil for wirelessly transmitting power to and from a receiving coil of a smartphone; a placement surface provided above the transmitting coil and for placing the smartphone thereon, the placement surface being on a line passing through a vicinity of the center of the transmitting coil and having position indicator lights on both sides of the transmitting coil that are always lit to indicate the position where the smartphone is placed; and a control unit that obtains information data from the smartphone via the transmitting coil and controls the supply of power to the transmitting coil, characterized in that a power supply indicator light is provided on the placement surface, at least a portion of the power supply indicator light being configured so as to be visible on both sides of the short width of the smartphone when the smartphone is placed at a position where power can be supplied from the transmitting coil to the receiving coil of the smartphone, the control unit directly or indirectly determining whether power can be supplied from the transmitting coil to the receiving coil of the smartphone based on the information data from the smartphone, and setting the power supply indicator light to a first state if it is determined that power cannot be supplied, and setting the power supply indicator light to a second state if it is determined that power can be supplied.

[0026] Therefore, the position indicator light becomes a reference for the position where the smartphone is placed, and a reliable position can be known through the power supply indicator light.

[0027] (10) The wireless power supply system of the present invention comprises a wireless power transmitting device and a wireless power receiving device, the wireless power receiving device having a flat-panel display, wherein the wireless power transmitting device comprises: a transmitting coil for wirelessly transmitting power to and from a receiving coil of the wireless power receiving device; a placing surface provided above the transmitting coil and for placing the wireless power receiving device thereon, the placing surface having position marks indicating a position where the wireless power receiving device is placed on both sides of the transmitting coil and on a line passing through a vicinity of a center of the transmitting coil; and a control unit for acquiring information data from the wireless power receiving device via the transmitting coil and controlling power supply to the transmitting coil, the wireless power receiving device comprising: a recording unit for recording a position of the receiving coil of the wireless power receiving device; and a receiving coil position display unit for performing a receiving coil position display indicating a position of the receiving coil at a position of the flat-panel display corresponding to the recorded position of the receiving coil when power can be received from the wireless power transmitting device.

[0028] Therefore, more appropriate positioning can be performed by displaying the position of the receiving-side coil.

[0029] (11) The wireless power supply system of the present invention is characterized in that the position mark has at least a horizontally arranged position mark, and the receiving side coil position display has a display corresponding to the longitudinal center line of the receiving side coil and a display corresponding to the lateral center line of the receiving side coil.

[0030] Therefore, the vertical and horizontal positioning can be easily performed.

[0031] (12) The wireless power receiving device of the present invention is a wireless power receiving device capable of receiving power from a wireless power transmitting device, wherein the wireless power receiving device comprises: a receiving side coil for receiving power from a transmitting side coil of the wireless power transmitting device; a recording unit for recording the position of the receiving side coil of the wireless power receiving device; and a power supply display control unit, which, when the device is capable of receiving power from the wireless power supply device, displays the receiving side coil position indicating the position of the power receiving side coil at a position of the flat-panel display corresponding to the recorded position of the receiving side coil.

[0032] Therefore, the wireless power receiving device can be easily positioned.

[0033] (13) The wireless power transmitting device of the present invention is characterized in that the wireless power receiving device is a smartphone or a tablet computer.

[0034] Therefore, it is easy to align smartphones and tablets.

[0035] (14) The wireless power transmission device of the present invention is characterized in that the wireless power transmission device is a table having a placement surface as a tabletop.

[0036] Therefore, charging can be performed simply by placing the wireless power receiving device on the table.

[0037] Regarding the “receiving side coil position display unit”, in the embodiment, step S35 corresponds thereto.

[0038] The term "program" refers not only to a program that can be directly executed by a CPU but also to a program in source form, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a table 2 in which a wireless power transmission device 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention is embedded.

[0040] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the wireless power transmitting device 6 and its vicinity.

[0041] Figure 3 It is a perspective view of the wireless power transmission device 6 .

[0042] Figure 4 This is the hardware configuration of the wireless power transmitting device 6 and the control unit of the smartphone 20 .

[0043] Figure 5 This is a flow chart of the power supply process.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation of the LEDs 10 a and 10 b as position marks and the LEDs 12 a and 12 b as power supply indicator lamps.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a position mark, a power supply display, and the like in another example.

[0046] Figure 8 This is an example of the receiving side coil position display.

[0047] FIG. 9 shows an example in which an LED serving as a position mark and an LED serving as a power supply indicator lamp are used in common.

[0048] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a table 2 in which the wireless power transmitting device 6 according to the second embodiment is embedded.

[0049] Fig.11 This is the hardware configuration of the wireless power transmitting device 6 and the smartphone 20 .

[0050] Fig.12 This is a flow chart of the power supply process.

[0051] Fig.13 This is a flow chart of the power supply process.

[0052] Fig.14 This is an example of charging advice and the receiving coil position display.

[0053] FIG. 15 is an example of the case where a laser irradiator is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] 1. First Implementation

[0055] 1.1 Overview

[0056] Figure 1A , Figure 1B The appearance of a wireless power transmission device 6 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the wireless power transmission device is configured as a table in which the wireless power transmission device is embedded. Figure 1A , Figure 1B It is a top view of the table 2. A wireless power transmission device 6 is embedded in a part of the back side of the upper plate 4 of the table 2.

[0057] like Figure 1A As shown in FIG. 1 , a transmitting coil 8 is provided in the wireless power transmission device 6. LEDs 10a and 10b as position display lamps are provided on the center line of the transmitting coil 8. The LEDs 10a and 10b are always lit by the power supplied to the wireless power transmission device 6. The LEDs 10a and 10b are provided at positions symmetrical to the transmitting coil 8 on both sides of the transmitting coil 8. Therefore, the user can easily estimate the position of the transmitting coil 8.

[0058] LEDs 12a and 12b are provided outside the LEDs 10a and 10b as power supply indicator lamps (light emitting parts of power supply indicator parts). The LEDs 12a and 12b are normally off.

[0059] When the user places the smartphone 20 as the wireless power receiving device above the transmitting coil 8, the wireless power transmitting device 6 determines that it is in a state where power can be supplied, and lights up the LEDs 12a and 12b. Thus, the user can confirm that power is supplied.

[0060] In addition, since the LEDs 10a and 10b are lit, it is easy to know where the transmitting coil 8 is located on the large table 2. In addition, since the LEDs 10a and 10b are provided at symmetrical positions with respect to the transmitting coil 8, it is easy to place the smartphone 20 in an appropriate position by placing it between the LEDs 10a and 10b. In addition, since the receiving coil is often provided near the center in the longitudinal direction of the smartphone 20, and the LEDs 10a and 10b are provided on the center line of the transmitting coil 8, it is easy to place the smartphone in an appropriate position.

[0061] 1.2 Structure of wireless power transmission device

[0062] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the wireless power transmission device 6 provided on the top plate 4 of the table 2 is shown. A recess is provided on the top plate 4, and the wireless power transmission device 6 is accommodated in the recess. A transmitting side coil 8 is provided on the upper surface of the wireless power transmission device 6, and LEDs 10a, 10b and LEDs 12a, 12b are provided on both sides of the transmitting side coil 8.

[0063] A translucent black plate 4a (or other translucent components) is provided on the top plate 4 to cover the wireless power transmission device 6. The upper surface of the black plate 4a serves as a mounting surface 18. When the LEDs 10a, 10b and the LEDs 12a, 12b are turned on, the light passes through the black plate 4a and can be confirmed by the user. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the black plate 4a is not a transparent component, so when the LEDs 10a, 10b and the LEDs 12a, 12b are turned off, their existence cannot be recognized.

[0064] Figure 2B 1 is a cross-sectional view of the wireless power transmission device 6. A magnetic flux control plate 3 for controlling magnetic flux is provided below the transmission side coil 8. A heat sink 5 is provided below the magnetic flux control plate 3.

[0065] A base plate (not shown) is provided at the bottom, and a heat dissipation fan 13 is provided on the base plate. A spacer 11 is arranged between the heat dissipation fan 13 and the heat dissipation plate 5 to form a space. A control unit 60 is accommodated in the space.

[0066] Figure 3 1 is a perspective view of the wireless power transmission device 6. A transmission coil 8 is provided on the upper portion of the wireless power transmission device 6.

[0067] 1.3 Hardware Structure

[0068] Figure 4 The control unit of the wireless power transmission device 6 and the control unit of the smartphone 20 are shown. The CPU 30 of the wireless power transmission device 6 is connected to an I / O port 32, a demodulation circuit 34, a nonvolatile memory 36, and a driver 38. The LEDs 10a, 10b, 12a, 12b and the motor 15 of the cooling fan 13 are connected to the I / O port 32. The LEDs 10a, 10b are controlled to be always on. In addition, the LEDs 10a, 10b may be directly connected to the power supply circuit and always on.

[0069] The driver 38 controls the frequency and duty ratio of the AC signal supplied to the transmitting-side coil 8. By such control, the transmitted power can be controlled.

[0070] An operating system 40 (for example, TRON or the like) and a control program 42 are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 36. The control program 42 functions in cooperation with the operating system 40.

[0071] The modulation circuit 52 and the charging circuit 56 are connected to the CPU 50 of the smartphone 20. The CPU 50 is a CPU for controlling wireless charging, and the CPU for controlling the entire smartphone 20 is provided separately. In addition, the CPU 50 can exchange data with the CPU for controlling the entire smartphone. The CPU 50 controls each part through an operating system and a control program recorded in a non-volatile memory (not shown).

[0072] The rectifier circuit 54 rectifies the high frequency signal received by the receiving coil 58 and converts it into direct current. The charging circuit 56 raises or lowers the voltage so that the output of the rectifier circuit 54 becomes a desired voltage, and charges the secondary battery of the smartphone 20 .

[0073] In addition, in this embodiment, it is configured to be able to send data from the smartphone 20 side to the wireless power transmission device 6 by backward scrambling modulation based on the Qi standard. The CPU 50 of the smartphone 20 performs data communication as follows. The CPU 50 provides the data to be sent to the modulation circuit 52. The modulation circuit 52 uses the data to amplitude modulate the voltage of the receiving side coil 58. The change in amplitude is transmitted to the transmitting side coil 8 by electromagnetic induction. The demodulation circuit 34 detects the change in amplitude and demodulates the data. The CPU 30 obtains the data.

[0074] In this way, data can be transmitted from the smartphone 20 to the wireless power transmitting device 6 .

[0075] 1.4 Power supply processing

[0076] Figure 5 The flowchart of the power supply process is shown in FIG. 1. The left side shows the control program 42 of the wireless power transmission device 6, and the right side shows the control program of the smartphone 20.

[0077] The CPU 30 of the wireless power transmission device 6 (hereinafter, sometimes abbreviated as the wireless power transmission device 6) controls the driver 38 to apply a voltage of a predetermined frequency to the transmitting coil 8 at a predetermined time interval (for example, every 600 msec) (step S1). At this time, when the smartphone 20 is not placed on the placement surface 18, there is no communication from the smartphone 20. Therefore, the wireless power transmission device 6 repeatedly applies voltage at a predetermined time interval.

[0078] Fig. 6AThe state of the wireless power transmission device 6 and the vicinity when the smartphone 20 is not placed on the placement surface 18 is shown. The LEDs 10a and 10b arranged on the straight line 7 passing through the center point 9 (or the vicinity thereof) of the circularly wound transmitting coil 8 are in a lighted state. The LEDs 10a and 10b are arranged at symmetrical positions sandwiching the transmitting coil 8, so the user can easily estimate the position of the transmitting coil 8. Therefore, it is preferable that the interval between the LEDs 10a and 10b is wider than the width of the smartphone 20.

[0079] LEDs 12a and 12b are arranged outside the LEDs 10a and 10b, also on the straight line 7. Fig. 6A In the state, LEDs 12a and 12b are off.

[0080] When the smartphone 20 is placed on the placement surface 18, the AC voltage applied to the transmitting coil 8 is transmitted to the receiving coil 18 by electromagnetic induction. The CPU 50 of the smartphone 20 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as the smartphone 20) determines whether the AC voltage is generated in the receiving coil 18 (step S21). When the AC voltage is received from the wireless power transmission device 6, step S22 is executed.

[0081] In step S22, the smartphone 20 uses the modulation circuit 52 to amplitude modulate the AC voltage based on data indicating the individual identification information of the smartphone and the power transmission conditions (such as how many W can be received). Such changes in amplitude modulation also occur in the transmitting side coil 8. The demodulation circuit 34 of the wireless power transmission device 6 demodulates the amplitude modulated AC voltage to obtain the individual identification information and power transmission conditions. The CPU 30 of the wireless power transmission device 6 obtains the individual identification information and power transmission conditions (step S2).

[0082] The wireless power supply device 6 obtains individual identification information and power supply conditions from the smartphone 20, and if the other smartphone 20 meets the wireless power supply standard used by itself, it controls the LEDs 12a and 12b to light up (step S3). At this time, the wireless power supply device 6 drives the motor 15 to operate the cooling fan 13.

[0083] Fig. 6 shows a state where the smartphone 20 is placed on the placement surface 18. The LEDs 12a and 12b are also turned on, and the smartphone 20 is properly placed and power supply is started.

[0084] Next, the wireless power transmission device 6 applies an AC voltage to the transmission coil 8 according to the received power transmission condition to start power transmission (step S4). The smartphone 20 receives the AC voltage via the receiving coil 58, and the secondary battery (battery) of the smartphone 20 is charged via the charging circuit 56 via the rectifier circuit 54.

[0085] The smartphone 20 detects the voltage of the charging circuit 58 and the like, and transmits the detected voltage as power receiving state data to the wireless power transmitting device 60 using the modulation circuit 52 (step S23 ).

[0086] The wireless power transmission device 6 obtains the power receiving state data via the demodulation circuit 34 (step S5). Next, the wireless power transmission device 6 performs feedback control on the power transmission amount based on the power receiving state data (step S6). For example, the control is performed in such a way that the power transmission amount is increased when the power receiving amount is small and the power transmission amount is reduced when the power receiving amount is large. In addition, the wireless power transmission device 6 controls the power transmission amount by changing the frequency and duty cycle of the AC voltage applied to the transmitting coil 8.

[0087] As described above, charging by wireless power supply is performed. The smartphone 20 monitors the control state of the charging circuit 56 and determines whether charging is completed (step S24). If charging is not completed, step S23 is repeatedly executed.

[0088] When charging is completed, the smartphone 20 transmits a charging completion message via the modulation circuit 52 (step S25). When the wireless power transmission device 6 receives the charging completion message via the demodulation circuit 34 (step S7), the processing ends.

[0089] Furthermore, the wireless power transmitting device 6 also ends the process when the smartphone 20 moves from the placement surface 18 and data communication with the smartphone 20 is lost for a predetermined time. In this case, the wireless power transmitting device 6 turns off the LEDs 12a and 12b to notify the user that charging is not in progress.

[0090] As described above, when the smartphone 20 is placed at a predetermined position for charging, the LEDs 10a and 10b can confirm the approximate position. Furthermore, when the smartphone 20 is placed at an appropriate position, the LEDs 12a and 12b light up, and it can be confirmed that charging is being performed appropriately.

[0091] also, Figure 4 The structure of the wireless power supply device 6 shown may also use a custom IC for wireless power supply such as KT-CG10W from Kington or bp500211 from Texas. In this case, the LEDs 12a and 12b may be turned on when the signal terminal indicating the start of charging is turned on.

[0092] 1.5 Others

[0093] (1) In the above embodiment, the LEDs 10a and 10b as position marks and the LEDs 12a and 12b as power supply indicator lamps are arranged on the center line of the transmitting coil 8 (or on a line 10 mm or less away from the center line). However, they may not be arranged on the center line of the transmitting coil 8.

[0094] However, in order to facilitate position confirmation, it is preferred to at least place a position mark on the center line. Fig. 7A As shown, only one LED 12 is provided at the upper left as a power supply indicator light.

[0095] (2) In the above embodiment, the LEDs 10a and 10b as position marks and the LEDs 12a and 12b as power supply indicator lamps are formed as point-shaped light sources. Figure 7B As shown, linear LEDs 10 and 12 are used. The LED 10 as the position mark is always lit and the LED 12 as the power supply indicator is lit when power is supplied. In this case, the length of the LEDs 10 and 12 is preferably greater than the width of the smartphone 20.

[0096] In addition, a linear LED and a dot LED may be used in combination. Furthermore, a display light source may be used to display text (such as "charging position") or symbols as a position mark. Similarly, a display light source that displays text (such as "charging") or symbols may be used as a power supply indicator.

[0097] (3) In the above embodiment, LEDs are used, but other displays such as organic EL and liquid crystal may also be used.

[0098] Furthermore, a display may be provided on the wireless power transmission device 6, and position marking and power supply indication may be performed on the display.

[0099] (4) In the above embodiment, the position markers are formed by the LEDs 10a and 10b as light sources. However, printing, concave or convex portions, etc., may be provided on the mounting surface 18 as position markers. In addition, components of different colors, etc. may be embedded as position markers. Figure 7C 2 shows an example of a case where the position marks are printed marks 70a and 70b. The position marks such as printing may be lines instead of dots. Furthermore, they may be characters or symbols.

[0100] (5) In the above embodiment, the LEDs 10a and 10b as position marks and the LEDs 12a and 12b as power supply indicator lamps are arranged on the horizontal center line 7. However, it is also possible to Fig.7DAs shown, LEDs 10c, 10d as position marks and LEDs 12c, 12d as power supply indicator lamps are also arranged on the longitudinal center line 17. Alternatively, LEDs 10c, 10d as position marks and LEDs 12c, 12d as power supply indicator lamps may be arranged only on the longitudinal center line 17.

[0101] (6) In the above embodiment, when the start of power reception is detected on the smartphone 20 side (steps S22 and S23), the CPU that controls the entire smartphone 20 obtains the start of power reception and performs the following processing. The CPU reads the position of the receiving coil of the smartphone 20 that has been recorded in advance. The position of the receiving coil for positioning is displayed on the display at a position corresponding to the position.

[0102] exist Figure 8 An example of the receiving coil position displayed on the display is shown in . For power transmission, it is preferred that the positions of the transmitting coil 8 and the receiving coil 18 do not deviate from each other. Although power transmission is possible with a slight deviation, the efficiency will be reduced.

[0103] exist Figure 8 In the example of , the mark 80 indicating the position of the receiving coil 18 is slightly offset downward relative to the position marks of the LEDs 10a and 10b indicating the position of the transmitting coil 8. The user can move the smartphone 20 to align the two. At this time, the horizontal center line 82 displayed on the display becomes the basis for alignment.

[0104] Furthermore, when the position is deviated in the lateral direction (particularly effective in the case of a tablet computer or the like), the longitudinal center line 84 can be used as a reference for alignment.

[0105] In addition, Figure 8 In the embodiment, the LEDs 12a and 12b are used as power supply indicator lamps. However, the receiving side coil position indicator 80 may be used as a power supply indicator without providing the LEDs 12a and 12b.

[0106] (7) In the above embodiment, the LEDs 10a and 10b are provided as position marks and the LEDs 12a and 12b are provided as power supply indicator lamps. However, as shown in FIG. 9 , the position marks and the power supply indicator lamps may be formed by common LEDs 11a and 11b.

[0107] like Fig. 9A As shown in FIG. 1 , when the smartphone 20 is not mounted, the LEDs 11a and 11b are controlled by the CPU 30 to emit light in a first color (for example, orange). Fig. 9B As shown, when the smartphone 20 is placed, the LEDs 11 a and 11 b are controlled by the CPU 30 to emit light in the second color (for example, blue).

[0108] Alternatively, the same color may be emitted but the emission method (lighting interval, etc.) may be changed to distinguish between the two.

[0109] (8) In the above embodiment, the LEDs 10a, 10b and the LEDs 12a, 12b are arranged below the non-transparent light-transmitting black pigment plate 4a. However, the LEDs 10a, 10b and the LEDs 12a, 12b may be arranged below a transparent thin plate so that their presence can be confirmed even when they are turned off. Alternatively, the LEDs 10a, 10b and the LEDs 12a, 12b may not be covered by the black pigment plate 4a so that their presence can be confirmed even when they are turned off.

[0110] In this case, the LEDs 11a and 11b may be turned off before the smartphone 20 is placed, and lighted when the smartphone 20 is placed. The unlit LEDs 11a and 11b function as position markers. The light source may be displayed in a line, text, or symbol instead of a dot.

[0111] (8) In the above embodiment, the smartphone 20 is used as an example of a wireless power receiving device. However, it can generally be applied to devices that require power supply, such as tablet computers, personal computers, laptop computers, desk fans, small lighting fixtures such as work lights, Wifi transmitters, and shoes equipped with GPS receivers. In addition, in the above embodiment, the case of charging is described, but it can also be applied to devices that operate without charging but with the help of wireless power supply.

[0112] (9) In the above embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device 6 is embedded in a table. However, as long as the wireless power receiving device can hold a smartphone 20, etc., it can also be embedded in other furniture such as a table, a shoe cabinet, the ground, a wall (a mechanism that needs to hold the smartphone 20), etc.

[0113] Alternatively, the wireless power receiving device 6 may be used independently as a charging device and a power supply device without being embedded.

[0114] (10) In the above embodiment, the wireless power supply based on the Qi standard is described, but it is also applicable to wireless power supply based on other standards such as the PMA standard and the Rezence standard.

[0115] (11) The above-mentioned embodiment and its modified examples can be implemented in combination with other embodiments and their modified examples as long as the essence thereof is not violated.

[0116] 2. Second Implementation

[0117] 2.1 Overview

[0118] The outline of the wireless power transmission system according to the second embodiment is shown in Fig. 10. In this embodiment, the wireless power transmission device 6 is provided with an NFC transceiver 25.

[0119] When the NFC transceiver (not shown) of the smartphone 20 is brought close to the wireless power transmitting device 6 , it is possible to receive a signal from the NFC transceiver 25 and detect that the wireless power transmitting device 6 is nearby.

[0120] The smartphone 20 obtains the remaining power of the device, and if the remaining power is lower than a predetermined value, displays a message on the display indicating that it is best to charge. In addition, the position of the receiving coil for wireless power supply recorded in the device is read out, and the receiving coil position display 80 is displayed at the corresponding position on the display.

[0121] The user who wants to charge the smartphone 20 places the smartphone 20 between the LEDs 10a and 10b as the reference, and can accurately locate the smartphone 20 by using the receiving coil position display 80 displayed on the display of the smartphone 20.

[0122] When the smartphone 20 is placed, the LEDs 12 a and 12 b serving as power supply indicator lamps light up, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0123] According to this embodiment, when the remaining battery level of the smartphone 20 or the like becomes low, if the wireless power transmitting device 6 is present nearby, a message prompting charging can be displayed on the smartphone 20 .

[0124] In addition, the position of the receiving coil is displayed on the display, so positioning is easy.

[0125] 2.2 Structure of wireless power transmission device

[0126] The basic structure of the wireless power transmission device 6 is the same as that of the first embodiment. However, the difference is that an NFC transceiver 25 is provided. The NFC transceiver 25 may be provided integrally with the wireless power transmission device 6 or may be provided separately.

[0127] 2.3 Hardware Structure

[0128] exist Fig.11 2 shows the hardware configuration of the wireless power transmission device 6 and the smartphone 20. The configuration of the wireless power transmission device 6 is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the NFC transceiver 25 is connected to the CPU 30 and can be controlled by the CPU 30.

[0129] exist Fig.11, a CPU 90 for controlling the entire smartphone 20 is shown. A touch display 92, an NFC transceiver 95, a communication circuit 97, and a non-volatile memory 94 are connected to the CPU 90. The communication circuit 97 is used to connect to the Internet. In the figure, a call circuit and the like are omitted. In addition, the CPU 90 is configured to be able to exchange data with the CPU 50 for controlling wireless power supply.

[0130] An operating system 96 and a control program 98 are recorded in the nonvolatile memory 94. The control program 98 functions in cooperation with the operating system 96.

[0131] 2.4 Power supply processing

[0132] Fig.12 , Fig.13 A flow chart of the power supply process is shown. Fig.12 In FIG. 1 , the left side shows the processing of the control program 42 of the wireless power transmitting device 6 , and the right side shows the processing of the control program 98 of the smartphone 20 .

[0133] The CPU 30 of the wireless power transmission device 6 (hereinafter, sometimes abbreviated as the wireless power transmission device 6 ) applies an AC voltage to the transmission coil 8 at a predetermined time interval (step S1 ). This process is the same as that of the first embodiment.

[0134] In addition, the wireless power transmission device 6 controls the NFC transceiver 25 (or autonomously) to send a polling signal (step S11). As shown in FIG10, when there is a smartphone 20 near the wireless power transmission device 6, the NFC transceiver 95 of the smartphone 20 receives the polling signal, and establishes communication with the NFC transceiver 25 by confirming the communication method and the other party (steps S12, S32).

[0135] The CPU 90 of the smartphone 20 (hereinafter, sometimes abbreviated as the smartphone 90) establishes communication with the NFC transceiver 25 of the wireless power transmission device 6, thereby notifying the presence of the wireless power transmission device 6 nearby. The smartphone 20 determines whether its own battery remaining amount is below a specified value (for example, below 30%) (step S33). If it is not below the specified value and there is enough remaining amount, the smartphone 20 executes Fig.13 Step S21.

[0136] If the battery level falls below a predetermined value and a sufficient amount of battery power does not remain, the smartphone 20 displays a suggestion that charging is best performed on the touch display 92 (step S34). Fig.14 An example of the displayed suggestions is shown in .

[0137] Next, the smartphone 20 reads the position information of the receiving coil 58 of the smartphone 20 recorded in the nonvolatile memory 94. The position of the receiving coil 58 is determined for each model of the smartphone 20. This is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 94 in advance.

[0138] Alternatively, the position of the receiving coil 58 of each model of each manufacturer may be investigated in advance, a server device (not shown) may be prepared that records the position of the receiving coil 58 in correspondence with the model number, and the model number may be sent to the server device to acquire the position of the receiving coil 58 .

[0139] In addition, in this embodiment, the position of the center point of the receiving coil 58 is represented by the horizontal (Y) and vertical (X) XY coordinates with the lower left of the touch display 92 as the origin, so that the DB showing the position of the receiving coil 58 is recorded in the server device.

[0140] In addition, the size of the receiving coil 58 also varies depending on the model, but in this embodiment, it is set to the same size. This is because it is sufficient to know the center point. Of course, the size of the receiving coil 58 can also be registered in the DB.

[0141] The smartphone 20 displays the receiving coil position display 80 at a position corresponding to the acquired position of the receiving coil 58 on the touch display 92 (step S35). Fig.14 An example of the receiving side coil position display 80 is shown in FIG.

[0142] The user knows that the receiving coil 58 is present at this position, and thus can easily perform positioning by aligning the line connecting the position marks 10 a and 10 b of the table 2 with the center line 99 of the receiving coil position display 80 .

[0143] In addition, the receiving side coil position display 80 can also display Figure 8 The content shown.

[0144] The smartphone 20 is placed Fig. 10B The processing after the position is the same as that of the first embodiment (see Fig.13 ).

[0145] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the remaining battery level is low, it is possible to indicate that the wireless power transmitting device 6 is present nearby, and a display that facilitates positioning can be performed.

[0146] 2.5 Others

[0147] (1) In the above embodiment, both the charging recommendation and the receiving coil position display are performed. However, only one of them may be performed.

[0148] The above-mentioned processing (charging recommendation and receiving coil position display) is performed only when the remaining battery level is equal to or less than a predetermined value, but these processing may be performed regardless of the remaining battery level.

[0149] (2) In the above embodiment, the charging recommendation is provided by displaying on the touch display 92. However, the recommendation may be outputted by sound or vibration (controlled by the CPU 90 so as to operate the vibrator).

[0150] (3) In the above-mentioned embodiments, in order to display the position and the power supply on the mounting surface 18 of the upper plate 4, the LEDs 10a, 10b, 12a, 12b are embedded in the upper plate 4. That is, the LEDs are used as the light emitting parts of the power supply display part and the light emitting parts for the position display. However, it is also possible to replace the above-mentioned LEDs with LEDs. Fig.15A , Fig. 15B As shown, the vertical plate 7 is fixed on the upper plate 4, and the laser light sources 110a, 110b, 112a, and 112b are arranged on the vertical plate 7. Fig.15A As shown, projections 110x and 110y for position display are displayed on the placement surface 18 by laser light sources 110a and 110b. When the smartphone 20 is placed, projections for power supply display are displayed outside 110x and 110y by laser light sources 112a and 112b. The control of the projection is the same as the lighting control of the LED.

[0151] (4) The above-mentioned embodiment and its modified examples can be implemented in combination with other embodiments and their modified examples as long as the essence thereof is not violated.

Claims

1. A wireless power transmission device, comprising: A transmitting coil for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiving coil of a wireless power receiving device; a placement surface provided above the transmitting coil and used to place the wireless power receiving device, the placement surface being on a line passing through the vicinity of the center of the transmitting coil and having position marks on both sides of the transmitting coil for indicating the position where the wireless power receiving device is placed; and a control unit that acquires information data from the wireless power receiving device via the transmitting coil and controls power supply to the transmitting coil, It is characterized in that A power supply display unit for displaying power supply is provided on the placement surface. The control unit directly or indirectly determines whether power can be supplied from the transmitting coil to the receiving coil based on information data from the wireless power receiving device, and sets the power supply display unit to the first state if it is determined that power cannot be supplied, and sets the power supply display unit to the second state if it is determined that power can be supplied.

2. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply display unit displays power supply on a line passing through the vicinity of the center of the power transmission-side coil and outside the position mark.

3. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The power supply display unit is a light emitter provided outside the position mark, or a light projector for displaying power supply outside the position mark.

4. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The position mark is formed by a light emitter that is always lit while power is supplied to the wireless power supply device, or is displayed by a projector.

5. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The light emitter as the power supply indicator is used as the position mark.

6. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The power supply indicator has a linear light source arranged along a line passing through the vicinity of the center of the power transmission-side coil.

7. The wireless power transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first state of the power supply display unit is off. The second state of the power supply indicator is lighting.

8. The wireless power transmission device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The first state of the power supply display unit is based on lighting of a first color, The second state of the power supply indicator is based on lighting of a second color.

9. A wireless power transmission device, comprising: A transmitting coil, which is used to wirelessly transmit power to a receiving coil of a smartphone; a placement surface provided above the transmitting coil and used to place a smartphone, the placement surface being on a line passing through the vicinity of the center of the transmitting coil and having position display lights on both sides of the transmitting coil that are always lit to indicate the position where the smartphone is placed; and a control unit that acquires information data from the smartphone via the transmitting coil and controls power supply to the transmitting coil, It is characterized in that A power supply indicator light is provided on the mounting surface. At least a portion of the power supply indicator light is configured to be visible on both sides of the short width of the smartphone when the smartphone is placed at a position where power can be supplied from the transmitting coil to the receiving coil of the smartphone. The control unit directly or indirectly determines whether power can be supplied from the transmitting side coil to the receiving side coil of the smartphone based on the information data from the smartphone, and if it is determined that power cannot be supplied, the power supply display light is set to the first state; if it is determined that power can be supplied, the power supply display light is set to the second state.

10. A wireless power supply system comprising a wireless power transmitting device and a wireless power receiving device, wherein the wireless power receiving device has a flat panel display. It is characterized in that The wireless power transmission device comprises: A transmitting coil for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiving coil of a wireless power receiving device; a placement surface provided above the transmitting coil and used to place the wireless power receiving device, the placement surface being on a line passing through the vicinity of the center of the transmitting coil and having position marks on both sides of the transmitting coil for indicating the position where the wireless power receiving device is placed; and a control unit that acquires information data from the wireless power receiving device via the transmitting coil and controls power supply to the transmitting coil, The wireless power receiving device comprises: a recording unit that records the position of the receiving coil of the wireless power receiving device; and The receiving coil position display unit displays the position of the receiving coil at a position of the flat display corresponding to the recorded position of the receiving coil when the wireless power transmitting device is capable of receiving power.

11. The wireless power supply system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The position mark has at least a horizontally arranged position mark, The receiving-side coil position display includes a display corresponding to a center line in a longitudinal direction of the receiving-side coil and a display corresponding to a center line in a lateral direction of the receiving-side coil.

12. A wireless power receiving device capable of receiving power from a wireless power transmitting device, wherein: The wireless power receiving device has: A receiving coil for receiving power from a transmitting coil of the wireless power transmitting device; a recording unit that records the position of the receiving coil of the wireless power receiving device; and The power supply display control unit displays a receiving coil position indicating the position of the power receiving coil at a position of the flat display corresponding to the recorded position of the receiving coil when the wireless power supply device is capable of receiving power.

13. The system or device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that: The wireless power receiving device is a smart phone or a tablet computer.

14. The system or device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that: The wireless power transmission device is a table having a placement surface as a tabletop.

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