Wireless power transmission system, supply device, and vehicle

Abstract

A wireless power transmission system according to the present invention is provided with: a supply device having a primary coil provided on a road; a vehicle having a secondary coil that receives power transmitted in a non-contact manner from the primary coil; and a server communicably connected with the supply device and the vehicle through wide area wireless communication, in which the supply device transmits identification information of the supply device to the server before receiving a signal from the vehicle through narrow area wireless communication, and the server transmits the information of the supply device to the server based on the identification information of the supply device and information of the vehicle. A compatibility list comprising a combination of a compatible supply device and a vehicle is transmitted to the supply device, and the supply device pairs with the vehicle on the basis of the compatibility list when receiving a signal from the vehicle by narrow-range wireless communication.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless power transmission system, a supply device and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a wireless power transmission system for contactlessly transmitting power to a moving vehicle, wherein the moving vehicle is communicatively connected to a server, and driving assistance information is provided from the server to the moving vehicle. The driving assistance information is used to improve the charging efficiency of power transmitted from a supply device in the driving lane, and includes the vehicle's driving position and speed, which satisfies the condition that the charging efficiency exceeds a specified value. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-228047 Summary of the Invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] In a system that transmits power contactlessly from a ground-based power supply device to a moving vehicle, in addition to communication between the server and the vehicle (wide-area wireless communication), communication between the server and the ground-based power supply device (wide-area wireless communication) is also performed. However, when performing compatibility checks and pairing through communication between the vehicle and power supply device (wide-area wireless communication) via the server, there is room for development in terms of the processing steps required to achieve both high responsiveness and reduced communication traffic.

[0005] The present invention is completed in view of the above situation, and its purpose is to provide a wireless power transmission system, supply device and vehicle that can improve responsiveness and reduce communication volume when wireless communication is carried out between a ground-side supply device and a moving vehicle and a server respectively. Means for solving problems

[0006] The wireless power transmission system involved in the present invention comprises: a supply device having a primary coil set on a road; a vehicle having a secondary coil for receiving power transmitted from the primary coil in a non-contact manner; and a server, which is communicably connected to the supply device and the vehicle through wide-area wireless communication, and the supply device and the vehicle can communicate with each other through narrow-area wireless communication, and the supply device transmits power to the vehicle traveling on the road in a non-contact manner, wherein the supply device sends identification information of the supply device to the server before receiving a signal from the vehicle through narrow-area wireless communication, and the server sends a compatibility list consisting of compatible combinations of the supply device and the vehicle based on the identification information of the supply device and the information of the vehicle to the supply device, and when the supply device receives a signal from the vehicle through narrow-area wireless communication, it pairs with the vehicle based on the compatibility list.

[0007] This configuration eliminates the need for wide-area wireless communication with the server when pairing the supply device with the vehicle, ensuring high responsiveness. Furthermore, since the server sends a compatibility list narrowed to compatible vehicles, communication traffic between the server and the supply device can be reduced.

[0008] It may also be that the signal received by the supply device from the vehicle through narrow-area wireless communication is the identification information of the vehicle, the compatibility list includes the identification information of the vehicle, and the supply device is paired with a compatible vehicle based on the identification information of the vehicle obtained from the vehicle through narrow-area wireless communication and the compatibility list obtained in advance from the server through wide-area wireless communication.

[0009] According to this configuration, the supply device receives vehicle identification information from the vehicle through narrow-area wireless communication, thereby enabling compatibility check and pairing.

[0010] It is also possible that when the server receives vehicle identification information sent from the vehicle that can receive electricity, it registers the vehicle information associated with the vehicle identification information in an identification information list; when it receives identification information of the supply device, it extracts information of the vehicle that is compatible with the supply device from the identification information list to generate the compatibility list.

[0011] According to this configuration, since pairing is performed with reference to the compatibility list obtained by extracting information from the identification information list, high responsiveness can be ensured.

[0012] Alternatively, the server may determine the vehicle located in a vicinity of the supply device based on the location information of the supply device and the location information of the vehicle, and send the compatibility list narrowed down to the information of the determined vehicle to the supply device corresponding to the vicinity.

[0013] According to this configuration, since information can be narrowed down based on the position information of the vehicle and the supply device, the communication volume in wide area wireless communication can be reduced.

[0014] It is also possible that the server sends a compatibility token that is compatible with the supply device corresponding to the nearby area to the identified vehicle, and sends the compatibility token to the supply device corresponding to the nearby area, and the vehicle sends information related to the compatibility token to the supply device through narrow-area wireless communication, and the supply device performs power supply operation to the vehicle when it can confirm the compatibility between the compatibility token received from the server and the information related to the compatibility token received from the vehicle.

[0015] According to this configuration, the supply device can authenticate the vehicle using the compatibility token, thereby improving security.

[0016] It is also possible that the supply device sends supply device information including identification information and location information of the supply device to the server when laying on the ground, and when the location information changes after laying on the ground, the change information of the location information is sent to the server, and the server uses the supply device information to determine the vehicles located in the nearby area, and when receiving the change information of the location information, updates the compatibility list based on the change information of the location information.

[0017] According to this configuration, when the position information of the supply device is changed, the supply device only needs to transmit the information to the server. Therefore, the frequency of transmitting the information from the supply device to the server can be reduced.

[0018] It may also be that the vehicle is capable of sending and receiving vehicle information with other vehicles traveling near the vehicle through inter-vehicle communication, and the representative vehicle among the multiple vehicles capable of the inter-vehicle communication aggregates the vehicle information of the multiple vehicles and sends it to the server. When the server receives the vehicle information of the multiple vehicles from the representative vehicle, it sends the compatibility list corresponding to the multiple vehicles to the representative vehicle. When the representative vehicle receives the compatibility list corresponding to the multiple vehicles from the server, it sends the compatibility list to the multiple vehicles that have performed the inter-vehicle communication.

[0019] According to this configuration, a representative vehicle among a plurality of vehicles communicates with the server, and the communication performed by the representative vehicle is hubbed, thereby reducing the frequency of communication between the server and the vehicles.

[0020] The server may update the compatibility list or the compatibility token every time a predetermined period of time passes.

[0021] According to this configuration, the server side becomes an update trigger, and information can be automatically updated regularly by the server.

[0022] The vehicle may transmit the vehicle information to the server every time a predetermined period of time passes.

[0023] According to this configuration, the vehicle side becomes an update trigger, and vehicle information can be regularly transmitted to the server.

[0024] The vehicle information may be transmitted to the server when the vehicle has traveled a predetermined distance or has entered an area near the supply device.

[0025] According to this configuration, the vehicle side becomes an update trigger, and can transmit vehicle information to the server according to the movement state of the vehicle.

[0026] It is also possible that the vehicle sends the vehicle information to the server when the vehicle is started, and sends a request signal for deleting the information to the server when the vehicle finishes driving. Upon receiving the request signal for deleting the information, the server deletes the information related to the vehicle that sent the request signal from the compatibility list.

[0027] According to this configuration, unnecessary vehicle information is deleted from the compatibility list by transmitting a deletion signal from the vehicle according to the vehicle state, thereby reducing the amount of information in the compatibility list transmitted to the supply device.

[0028] The server may also include: a first management server, which manages information about the vehicle sent from the vehicle; a second management server, which manages information about the supply device sent from the supply device; and a third management server, which manages information related to wireless power transmission performed by the vehicle and the supply device, wherein the third management server obtains information related to wireless power transmission from the information about the vehicle from the first management server, obtains information related to wireless power transmission from the information about the supply device from the second management server, and generates the compatibility list based on the information obtained from the first management server and the second management server.

[0029] According to this configuration, it is possible to distribute functions among a plurality of servers and perform information processing related to wireless power transmission.

[0030] The supply device involved in the present invention comprises: a primary device, including a primary coil set on a road; a first communication device, which performs narrow-area wireless communication with a vehicle; a second communication device, which performs wide-area wireless communication with a server; and a control device, which controls the primary device, the first communication device and the second communication device, wherein the supply device transmits power from the primary coil to a vehicle traveling on the road in a non-contact manner, wherein, before the first communication device receives a signal from the vehicle through narrow-area wireless communication, the second communication device sends identification information of the supply device to the server, and receives a compatibility list from the server that lists information of the vehicles that are compatible with the supply device, and when the first communication device receives a signal from the vehicle through narrow-area wireless communication, the control device pairs with the vehicle based on the compatibility list.

[0031] This configuration eliminates the need for wide-area wireless communication with the server when pairing the supply device with the vehicle, ensuring high responsiveness. Furthermore, since the server sends a compatibility list narrowed to compatible vehicles, communication traffic between the server and the supply device can be reduced.

[0032] The second communication device may receive, from the server, the compatibility list narrowed down to the information of the vehicles identified as the vehicles located in the vicinity of the supply device.

[0033] According to this configuration, since information can be narrowed down based on the position information of the vehicle and the supply device, the communication volume in wide area wireless communication can be reduced.

[0034] It may also be that the second communication device receives a compatibility token from the server, the first communication device receives information related to the compatibility token from the vehicle, and the control device performs an operation of supplying power to the vehicle when it is able to confirm the compatibility between the compatibility token received from the server and the information related to the compatibility token received from the vehicle.

[0035] According to this configuration, since the supply device can authenticate the vehicle using the compatibility token, security is improved.

[0036] Alternatively, the supply device may send supply device information including identification information and position information of the supply device to the server when laying on the ground, and send change information of the position information to the server if the position information changes after laying on the ground.

[0037] According to this configuration, when the position information of the supply device is changed, the supply device only needs to transmit the information to the server. Therefore, the frequency of transmitting the information from the supply device to the server can be reduced.

[0038] The vehicle involved in the present invention comprises: a secondary device, including a secondary coil for receiving electric power transmitted in a non-contact manner from a primary coil set on a road; a third communication device, which performs narrow-area wireless communication with a ground-side supply device including the primary coil; a fourth communication device, which performs wide-area wireless communication with a server; and a control device, which controls the secondary device, the third communication device and the fourth communication device, wherein the vehicle receives electric power transmitted in a non-contact manner from the primary coil while traveling on the road, and when the traveling vehicle is in a state capable of receiving electric power, the fourth communication device sends identification information of the vehicle to the server, and when the vehicle is traveling on the road, the third communication device sends identification information of the vehicle to the ground-side supply device, and the control device pairs with the supply device through narrow-area wireless communication between them.

[0039] According to this configuration, since wide area wireless communication with the server is not required at the timing of pairing the vehicle and the supply device, high responsiveness can be ensured.

[0040] It may also be that the fourth communication device receives a compatibility token targeting vehicles located in a vicinity of the supply device from the server, and the third communication device sends information related to the compatibility token to the supply device via narrow-area wireless communication, and the compatibility token is compatible with the supply device corresponding to the vicinity.

[0041] According to this configuration, the vehicle transmits information related to the compatibility token to the supply device, whereby the supply device can perform vehicle authentication using the compatibility token, thereby improving security.

[0042] It is also possible that the third communication device sends and receives vehicle information with other vehicles traveling near the vehicle through inter-vehicle communication, and the representative vehicle among multiple vehicles capable of performing the inter-vehicle communication aggregates the vehicle information of the multiple vehicles and sends it to the server. When the representative vehicle receives the compatibility list corresponding to the multiple vehicles from the server, it sends the compatibility list to the multiple vehicles that have performed the inter-vehicle communication.

[0043] According to this configuration, a representative vehicle among a plurality of vehicles communicates with the server, and the communication performed by the representative vehicle is hubbed, thereby reducing the frequency of communication between the server and the vehicles.

[0044] The fourth communication device may transmit the vehicle information to the server when the vehicle starts, and transmit a request signal for deleting the information to the server when the vehicle stops traveling.

[0045] According to this configuration, unnecessary vehicle information is deleted from the compatibility list by transmitting a deletion signal from the vehicle according to the vehicle state, thereby reducing the amount of information in the compatibility list transmitted to the supply device. Effects of the Invention

[0046] In the present invention, since wide-area wireless communication with the server is not required when pairing the supply device with the vehicle, high responsiveness can be ensured. In addition, since the transmission is limited to a compatibility list of compatible vehicle information, the communication volume between the server and the supply device can be reduced. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 Schematic diagram showing a wireless power transmission system in an embodiment. Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a wireless power transmission system. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram for explaining wide-area wireless communication in a wireless power transmission system. Figure 4 This is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the power transmission ECU. Figure 5 This is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of a vehicle ECU. Figure 6 This is a diagram used to explain the power transmission process. Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram showing a case where communication using wide area wireless communication is performed between a vehicle and a supply device. Figure 8 This is a timing chart showing the operation after the power supply from the supply device to the vehicle while it is running is completed. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of information using wide-area wireless communication and narrow-area wireless communication in a wireless power transmission system. Figure 10 This is a sequence diagram showing a case where communication using wide-area wireless communication is performed between the supply device and the server, and a case where communication using narrow-area wireless communication is performed between the vehicle and the supply device. Figure 11 This is a sequence diagram showing how information processing using position information is performed. Figure 12 This is a sequence diagram showing how information processing using a compatibility token is performed. Figure 13 This is a sequence diagram for explaining the timing of transmitting information of the supply device to the server. Figure 14 Schematic diagram showing a situation in which wide area wireless communication is performed between a vehicle representing a plurality of vehicles and a server. Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the timing of sending vehicle information to the server. Figure 16 This is a sequence diagram showing the case where vehicle information is deleted. Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram for explaining how information processing is performed by multiple servers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Hereinafter, the wireless power transmission system, the supply device, and the vehicle in the embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0048] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a wireless power transmission system in an embodiment. Wireless power transmission system 1 includes a supply device 2 and a vehicle 3. Supply device 2 supplies power to vehicle 3 in a contactless manner while the vehicle is moving. Vehicle 3 is an electric vehicle that can be charged with power from an external power source, such as a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).

[0049] This wireless power transmission system 1 wirelessly transmits power from a supply device 2 to a vehicle 3 via magnetic resonance coupling (magnetic field resonance). Wireless power transmission system 1 transmits power from supply device 2 to vehicle 3 traveling on a road 4 in a contactless manner. Specifically, wireless power transmission system 1 transmits power via magnetic resonance, utilizing magnetic resonance coupling (magnetic field resonance) to power vehicle 3 while it is traveling. Wireless power transmission system 1 can be embodied as a dynamic wireless power transmission (D-WPT) system or a magnetic field dynamic wireless power transmission (MF-D-WPT) system.

[0050] The supply equipment 2 includes a supply device 5 and an AC power source 6 that supplies power to the supply device 5. The supply device 5 transmits power supplied from the AC power source 6 to the vehicle 3 in a contactless manner. The AC power source 6 is, for example, a commercial power source. The supply device 5 includes a power transmission device 10 having a primary coil 11.

[0051] The supply device 5 includes a segment 7 including a primary coil 11 and a management device 8 for managing the segment 7. The segment 7 is embedded in the lane of the road 4. The management device 8 is installed on the roadside of the road 4. The segment 7 is electrically connected to the management device 8. The management device 8 is electrically connected to the AC power supply 6 and supplies power from the AC power supply 6 to the segment 7. The segment 7 is electrically connected to the AC power supply 6 via the management device 8. A plurality of segments 7 can be arranged along the lane of the road 4. Figure 1 As shown, for example, a supply device 5 includes three segments 7 arranged side by side along a lane on a road 4 and a management device 8 connecting the three segments 7. Segments 7 have the function of transmitting power from the supply device 5 to the vehicle 3 in a contactless manner. The management device 8 has the function of controlling the wireless power transmission in the segments 7.

[0052] Vehicle 3 includes a power receiving device 20 having a secondary coil 21. Power receiving device 20 is installed on the underbody of vehicle 3. When vehicle 3 travels on road 4, where primary coil 11 is installed, the ground-side primary coil 11 and the vehicle-side secondary coil 21 face each other in the vertical direction. While vehicle 3 travels on road 4, wireless power transmission system 1 transmits power from primary coil 11 of power transmitting device 10 to secondary coil 21 of power receiving device 20 in a contactless manner.

[0053] In this description, "driving" refers to a state in which the vehicle 3 is on the road 4 for the purpose of traveling. "Driving" also includes a state in which the vehicle 3 is temporarily stopped on the road 4. For example, a state in which the vehicle 3 is stopped on the road 4 due to waiting for a traffic light is also included in "driving." On the other hand, a state in which the vehicle 3 is on the road 4 but is parked, for example, is not included in "driving."

[0054] In this description, a lane where a primary coil 11 (segment 7) is embedded is sometimes referred to as a D-WPT lane, and a location that is a portion of road 4 and where wireless power transmission can be performed by supply device 5 is sometimes referred to as a D-WPT charging station. In a D-WPT lane or D-WPT charging station, multiple primary coils 11 (multiple segments 7) are arranged in a row in the direction of travel of vehicle 3 within a specified section of road 4.

[0055] Figure 2 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a wireless power transmission system. In the supply facility 2, the supply device 5 is electrically connected to the AC power source 6. In the supply device 5, the segment 7 is electrically connected to the management device 8.

[0056] Supply device 5 includes components provided in management device 8 and components provided in segment 7. Supply device 5 includes power transmission device 10, power transmission ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 110, first communication device 120, second communication device 130, and foreign object detection device 140.

[0057] The power transmission device 10 includes a circuit connected to the AC power source 6 . The power transmission device 10 includes a PFC (Power Factor Correction) circuit 210 , a converter (INV) 220 , a filter circuit 230 , and a power transmission-side resonant circuit 240 .

[0058] The PFC circuit 210 improves the power factor of AC power input from the AC power source 6, converts the AC power into DC power, and outputs it to the converter 220. The PFC circuit 210 includes an AC / DC converter and is electrically connected to the AC power source 6.

[0059] Converter 220 converts the DC power input from PFC circuit 210 into AC power. Each switching element in converter 220 is composed of an IGBT (Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistor) or a MOSFET (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor), and switches based on a control signal from power transmission ECU 110. For example, the drive frequency of converter 220 is 85 kHz. Converter 220 outputs the converted AC power to filter circuit 230.

[0060] Filter circuit 230 removes noise from the AC current input from converter 220 and supplies the noise-removed AC power to transmission-side resonant circuit 240. Filter circuit 230 is an LC filter composed of a combination of a coil and a capacitor. For example, filter circuit 230 is a T-type filter composed of two coils and a capacitor arranged in a T-shape. PFC circuit 210, converter 220, and filter circuit 230 constitute the power conversion unit 12 of power transmission device 10.

[0061] The power-transmitting-side resonant circuit 240 is a power transmission unit that transmits the AC power supplied from the filter circuit 230 to the power receiving device 20 in a contactless manner. When AC power is supplied from the filter circuit 230 to the power-transmitting-side resonant circuit 240, current flows through the primary coil 11, generating a magnetic field for power transmission.

[0062] The power-transmitting-side resonant circuit 240 includes a primary coil 11 and a resonant capacitor. The primary coil 11 is a power-transmitting coil. The resonant capacitor is connected in series with one end of the primary coil 11 to adjust the resonant frequency of the power-transmitting-side resonant circuit. This resonant frequency is between 10 kHz and 100 GHz, preferably 85 kHz. For example, the power transmitting device 10 is configured so that the resonant frequency of the power-transmitting-side resonant circuit 240 matches the drive frequency of the converter 220. The power-transmitting-side resonant circuit 240 constitutes the primary device 13 of the power transmitting device 10.

[0063] The power transmission device 10 includes a power conversion unit 12 and a primary device 13. The power conversion unit 12 includes a PFC circuit 210, a converter 220, and a filter circuit 230. The primary device 13 includes a transmission-side resonant circuit 240. The power transmission device 10 has a configuration in which the power conversion unit 12 is provided in the management device 8 and the primary device 13 is provided in the segment 7.

[0064] In the supply device 5 , the power converter 12 , the power transmission ECU 110 , and the first communication device 120 of the power transmission device 10 are installed in the management device 8 , and the primary device 13 , the second communication device 130 , and the foreign object detection device 140 of the power transmission device 10 are installed in the segment 7 .

[0065] The power transmission ECU 110 is an electronic control unit that controls the power supply device 5. The power transmission ECU 110 includes a processor and memory. The processor is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), etc. The memory is a main storage device and is composed of RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), etc. The power transmission ECU 110 loads the program stored in the storage unit into the working area of ​​the memory (main storage device) and executes it. By executing the program, it controls each component, etc., thereby achieving functions corresponding to the specified purpose. The storage unit is composed of storage media such as EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), hard disk drive (HDD), and removable media. Examples of removable media include disk-type storage media such as USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, CD (Compact Disc), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), and BD (Blu-ray Disc). The storage unit can store an operating system (OS), various programs, various tables, various databases, and the like. Signals from various sensors are input to the power transmission ECU 110. Signals from the foreign object detection device 140 are also input to the power transmission ECU 110. The power transmission ECU 110 then executes various control operations based on the signals input from the various sensors.

[0066] For example, the power transmission ECU 110 performs power control to adjust the power for transmission. During this power control, the power transmission ECU 110 controls the power transmission device 10. The power transmission ECU 110 outputs a control signal to the power conversion unit 12 to control the power supplied from the power conversion unit 12 to the primary device 13. The power transmission ECU 110 controls the switching elements included in the PFC circuit 210 to adjust the power for transmission, and also controls the switching elements included in the converter 220 to adjust the power for transmission.

[0067] The power transmission ECU 110 performs communication control for controlling communication with the vehicle 3. In the communication control, the power transmission ECU 110 controls the first communication device 120 and the second communication device 130.

[0068] First communication device 120 is a ground-based communication device that performs wide-area wireless communication. First communication device 120 wirelessly communicates with vehicles 3 traveling on road 4 before approaching the WPT lane. The state before approaching the WPT lane means that vehicle 3 is in a position where narrow-area wireless communication with supply device 5 is impossible.

[0069] Wide-area wireless communication is communication with a communication distance of 10 meters to 10 kilometers. Wide-area wireless communication has a longer communication distance than narrow-area wireless communication. Various wireless communication methods with long communication distances can be used as wide-area wireless communication. For example, communication based on communication standards such as 3GPP (registered trademark) and IEEE-developed 4G, LTE, 5G, and WiMAX can be used for wide-area wireless communication. In the wireless power transmission system 1, vehicle information associated with vehicle identification information (vehicle ID) is transmitted from the vehicle 3 to the supply device 5 using wide-area wireless communication.

[0070] Second communication device 130 is a ground-based communication device that performs narrow-area wireless communication. Second communication device 130 wirelessly communicates with vehicles 3 traveling on road 4 that are approaching or entering a WPT lane. Approaching a WPT lane means that vehicle 3 is in a position where narrow-area wireless communication with supply device 5 is possible.

[0071] Narrow-area wireless communication is communication with a communication distance of less than 10 meters. Narrow-area wireless communication is communication with a communication distance shorter than wide-area wireless communication. As narrow-area wireless communication, various short-range wireless communications with short communication distances can be used. For example, communication based on any communication standard established by IEEE, ISO, IEC, etc. is used for narrow-area wireless communication. As an example, Wi-Fi (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark), etc. are used for narrow-area wireless communication. Alternatively, as a technology for performing narrow-area wireless communication, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication), etc. can also be used. In the wireless power transmission system 1, vehicle identification information, etc. are sent from the vehicle 3 to the supply device 5 using narrow-area wireless communication.

[0072] Foreign object detection device 140 detects metallic foreign objects, living organisms, and the like above primary coil 11. Foreign object detection device 140 comprises, for example, a sensor coil installed on the ground and an imaging device. Foreign object detection device 140 is used to implement the foreign object detection (FOD) and living object protection (LOP) functions of wireless power transmission system 1.

[0073] In the supply device 5, the power transmission device 10 is divided into segments 7 and a management device 8, with three segments 7 connected to one management device 8. The power transmission device 10 is configured so that one converter supplies power to three transmission-side resonant circuits 240. Furthermore, in the supply device 5, signals from each segment 7 are input to the management device 8. Signals from the second communication device 130 and foreign object detection device 140 installed in the first segment are input to the power transmission ECU 110. Similarly, signals from the second communication device 130 and foreign object detection device 140 installed in the second segment are input to the power transmission ECU 110. Signals from the second communication device 130 and foreign object detection device 140 installed in the third segment are input to the power transmission ECU 110. The power transmission ECU 110 can understand the status of each segment 7 based on the signals input from each segment 7.

[0074] The vehicle 3 includes a power receiving device 20 , a charging relay 310 , a battery 320 , a vehicle ECU 330 , a third communication device 340 , a fourth communication device 350 , and a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 360 .

[0075] The power receiving device 20 supplies the power received from the power transmitting device 10 to the battery 320. The power receiving device 20 is electrically connected to the battery 320 via the charging relay 310. The power receiving device 20 includes a power receiving-side resonant circuit 410, a filter circuit 420, and a rectifier circuit 430.

[0076] The receiving-side resonant circuit 410 is a power receiving unit that receives power transmitted non-contact from the power transmitting device 10. The receiving-side resonant circuit 410 is composed of a receiving-side resonant circuit comprising a secondary coil 21 and a resonant capacitor. The secondary coil 21 is a receiving coil that receives power transmitted non-contact from the primary coil 11. The resonant capacitor is connected in series with one end of the secondary coil 21 to adjust the resonant frequency of the receiving-side resonant circuit 410. The resonant frequency of the receiving-side resonant circuit 410 is set to match the resonant frequency of the transmitting-side resonant circuit 240.

[0077] The resonant frequency of the receiving-side resonant circuit 410 is the same as the resonant frequency of the transmitting-side resonant circuit 240. Therefore, when the transmitting-side resonant circuit 240 generates a magnetic field while the receiving-side resonant circuit 410 and the transmitting-side resonant circuit 240 are facing each other, the vibrations of the magnetic field are transmitted to the receiving-side resonant circuit 410. The primary coil 11 and the secondary coil 21 enter a resonant state. When an induced current flows in the secondary coil 21 due to electromagnetic induction, an induced electromotive force is generated in the receiving-side resonant circuit 410. In this way, the receiving-side resonant circuit 410 receives the power transmitted non-contact from the transmitting-side resonant circuit 240. The receiving-side resonant circuit 410 then supplies the power received from the transmitting-side resonant circuit 240 to the filter circuit 420. The receiving-side resonant circuit 410 constitutes the secondary device 22 of the power receiving device 20.

[0078] Filter circuit 420 removes noise from the AC current input from receiving-side resonant circuit 410 and outputs the noise-removed AC power to rectifier circuit 430. Filter circuit 420 is an LC filter composed of a combination of coils and capacitors. For example, filter circuit 420 is a T-type filter composed of two coils and a capacitor arranged in a T-shape.

[0079] Rectifier circuit 430 converts the AC power input from filter circuit 420 into DC power and outputs it to battery 320. Rectifier circuit 430 is comprised of, for example, a full-bridge circuit comprising four diodes connected as rectifying elements. A switching element is connected in parallel to each diode in rectifier circuit 430. Each switching element in rectifier circuit 430 is comprised of an IGBT and switches in response to a control signal from vehicle ECU 330. Rectifier circuit 430 supplies the converted DC power to battery 320. Filter circuit 420 and rectifier circuit 430 constitute power conversion unit 23 of power receiving device 20.

[0080] Power receiving device 20 includes secondary device 22 and power conversion unit 23. Secondary device 22 includes a power receiving-side resonant circuit 410. Power conversion unit 23 includes a filter circuit 420 and a rectifier circuit 430.

[0081] The charging relay 310 is provided between the rectifier circuit 430 and the battery 320. The opening and closing states of the charging relay 310 are controlled by the vehicle ECU 330. When the power transmission device 10 is charging the battery 320, the charging relay 310 is controlled to be closed. When the charging relay 310 is closed, the rectifier circuit 430 and the battery 320 are electrically connected. When the charging relay 310 is open, the rectifier circuit 430 and the battery 320 are disconnected, preventing power flow. For example, when the charging relay 310 is open, the vehicle 3 does not request power supply.

[0082] Battery 320 is a rechargeable DC power source, such as a lithium-ion battery or a nickel-metal hydride battery. Battery 320 stores the power supplied from power transmission device 10 to power reception device 20. Furthermore, battery 320 can supply power to the driving motor of vehicle 3. Battery 320 is electrically connected to the driving motor via a power control unit (PCU). The PCU is a power conversion device that converts the DC power of battery 320 into AC power and supplies it to the driving motor. Each switching element of the PCU is composed of an IGBT and switches according to a control signal from the vehicle ECU 330.

[0083] The vehicle ECU 330 is an electronic control unit that controls the vehicle 3. Its hardware configuration is similar to that of the power transmission ECU 110. Signals from various sensors mounted on the vehicle 3 are input to the vehicle ECU 330. Furthermore, positioning signals received by the GPS receiver 360 are input to the vehicle ECU 330. The vehicle ECU 330 can obtain the current location information of the vehicle 3 from the GPS receiver 360. Furthermore, the vehicle ECU 330 executes various control operations based on the signals input from the various sensors.

[0084] For example, the vehicle ECU 330 executes contactless charging control, in which power is transferred contactlessly from the primary coil 11 to the secondary coil 21, and the power received by the secondary coil 21 is stored in the battery 320. During contactless charging control, the vehicle ECU 330 controls the rectifier circuit 430, the charging relay 310, the third communication device 340, and the fourth communication device 350. This contactless charging control includes power control for controlling charging power and communication control for controlling communication with the supply device 5. During power control, the vehicle ECU 330 controls the switching elements included in the rectifier circuit 430 to adjust the power (charging power) supplied from the power receiving device 20 to the battery 320. During communication control, the vehicle ECU 330 controls the third communication device 340 and the fourth communication device 350.

[0085] Third communication device 340 is a vehicle-side communication device that performs wide-area wireless communication. Before vehicle 3 approaches the WPT lane while traveling on road 4, third communication device 340 wirelessly communicates with first communication device 120 of supply device 5. Wide-area wireless communication is bidirectional. Communication between first communication device 120 and third communication device 340 occurs via high-speed wireless communication.

[0086] The fourth communication device 350 is a vehicle-side communication device that performs narrow-area wireless communication. When the vehicle 3 has approached or entered the WPT lane, wireless communication is performed between the fourth communication device 350 and the second communication device 130 of the supply device 5. Narrow-area wireless communication is one-way wireless signaling. One-way wireless signaling is P2PS (Point to point signaling). P2PS is used to notify the supply device 5 of vehicle identification information from the vehicle 3 in each activity of pairing, position alignment check, magnetic coupling check, power transmission execution, and power transmission termination. In addition, P2PS can be used as a means of lateral position alignment check (Alignment check). Lateral refers to the width direction of the lane, which is the width direction of the vehicle 3.

[0087] The GPS receiver 360 detects the current position of the vehicle 3 based on positioning information obtained from a plurality of positioning satellites. The current position information of the vehicle 3 detected by the GPS receiver 360 is transmitted to the vehicle ECU 330.

[0088] The filter circuit 230 of the supply device 5 may be included in the management device 8 instead of the segment 7. That is, the filter circuit 230 may be installed on the roadside of the road 4. In this case, the power conversion unit 12 includes the PFC circuit 210, the converter 220, and the filter circuit 230, and the primary device 13 includes the power transmission-side resonant circuit 240.

[0089] The filter circuit 230 may be provided for each primary coil 11 alone, or may be provided for a plurality of primary coils 11 collectively.

[0090] The filter circuit 230 is not limited to a T-type filter, and may be, for example, a bandpass filter in which a coil and a capacitor are connected in series. This also applies to the filter circuit 420 of the vehicle 3 .

[0091] In power transmission device 10, after converter 220 is connected to multiple primary coils 11, a selector switch for switching the primary coil 11 to be energized can be provided in each primary device 13. This selector switch can be provided in management device 8 on the side of road 4 or near primary coil 11.

[0092] The transmission-side resonant circuit 240 is not limited to a configuration where the primary coil 11 and the resonant capacitor are connected in series. The primary coil 11 and the resonant capacitor may be connected in parallel, or a combination of parallel and series connections may be used. In short, as long as the transmission-side resonant circuit 240 is configured such that its resonant frequency matches the drive frequency of the converter 220, the connection relationship between its components is not particularly limited. This also applies to the reception-side resonant circuit 410 of the vehicle 3.

[0093] The driving frequency of converter 220 is not limited to 85 kHz, but may be a frequency in the vicinity of 85 kHz. In short, the driving frequency of converter 220 may be a predetermined frequency band including 85 kHz.

[0094] The power transmission device 10 may also have a configuration in which a plurality of converters 220 are connected to an output-side power line (DC power line) of the PFC circuit 210 .

[0095] The foreign object detection device 140 is not limited to being located on the ground, but may also be located on the vehicle 3 side. For example, if the foreign object detection device on the vehicle 3 side detects a foreign object, a living organism, or the like above the primary coil 11, the power supply request may be stopped until the vehicle 3 passes over the primary coil 11.

[0096] In wireless power transmission system 1, information transmitted from vehicle 3 to supply device 5 using narrow-area wireless communication includes, in addition to vehicle identification information, a power supply request and a requested power supply value. The power supply request is information requesting power transmission from primary coil 11. The requested power supply value is the requested amount of power to be transmitted from supply device 5 to vehicle 3. Vehicle ECU 330 can calculate the requested power supply value based on the SOC of battery 320.

[0097] The wireless power transmission system 1 is not limited to the method of supplying power from the ground to the vehicle 3, but can also realize the method of supplying power from the vehicle 3 to the ground. In this case, the rectifier circuit 430 can be replaced with a converter to realize rectification when supplying and receiving power.

[0098] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram for explaining wide-area wireless communication in a wireless power transmission system.

[0099] In the wireless power transmission system 1, the vehicle 3 can communicate with the server 30, and the supply device 5 can communicate with the server 30. The server 30 is connected to a network 40 and can communicate with multiple vehicles 3 and multiple supply devices 5 via the network 40. The network 40 is composed of a WAN (Wide Area Network) as a public communication network such as the Internet, a mobile phone communication network, or the like.

[0100] The vehicle 3 is connected to the network 40 by wide area wireless communication using the third communication device 340. The vehicle 3 transmits information to the server 30 and receives information from the server 30.

[0101] The supply device 5 is connected to the network 40 by wide area wireless communication using the first communication device 120. The supply device 5 transmits information to the server 30 and receives information from the server 30.

[0102] The server 30 processes information related to wireless power transmission between the vehicle 3 and the supply device 5. The server 30 includes a communication device and a control device. The control device has the same hardware configuration as the power transmission ECU 110. The server 30 creates various lists related to wireless power transmission based on information received from the vehicle 3 and information received from the supply device 5. Based on the various lists, the server 30 then provides the necessary information related to wireless power transmission to the necessary vehicles 3 and supply devices 5 at the necessary timing. In the wireless power transmission system 1, communication between the vehicle 3 and the supply device 5 via the server 30 can be performed using wide-area wireless communication. The traveling vehicle 3 transmits vehicle identification information (vehicle ID) to the server 30, and the server 30 transmits vehicle information associated with the vehicle identification information to the supply device 5.

[0103] Figure 4 1 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the power transmission ECU 110 . The power transmission ECU 110 includes a first communication control unit 510 , a second communication control unit 520 , and a power transmission control unit 530 .

[0104] The first communication control unit 510 executes the first communication control for controlling the first communication device 120. The first communication control controls wide-area wireless communication on the supply device 5 side, controlling communication of the supply device 5 using the first communication device 120. Specifically, the first communication control controls communication with the management device 8 in the supply device 5. The first communication control controls communication between the supply device 5 and the network 40, and also controls communication between the supply device 5 and the server 30 via the network 40. The first communication control unit 510 is a SECC (Supply Equipment Communication Controller).

[0105] The second communication control unit 520 executes a second communication control for controlling the second communication device 130. The second communication control controls narrow-area wireless communication on the supply device 5 side, controlling communication within the supply device 5 using the second communication device 130. Specifically, the second communication controls communication within segment 7 of the supply device 5. The second communication control controls communication between the supply device 5 and the vehicle 3, which does not pass through the network 40. The second communication control unit 520 is a PDCC (Primary Device Communication Controller).

[0106] The power transmission control unit 530 performs power transmission control for the power transmission device 10. The power transmission control controls the power for transmission and controls the power conversion unit 12 of the power transmission device 10. The power transmission control unit 530 performs power control for the PFC circuit 210 and the converter 220.

[0107] Figure 5 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the vehicle ECU. The vehicle ECU 330 includes a third communication control unit 610 , a fourth communication control unit 620 , and a charging control unit 630 .

[0108] The third communication control unit 610 executes a third communication control function for controlling the third communication device 340. The third communication control function controls wide-area wireless communication on the vehicle 3 side, controlling communication within the vehicle 3 using the third communication device 340. The third communication control function controls communication between the vehicle 3 and the network 40, and also controls communication between the vehicle 3 and the server 30 via the network 40. The third communication control unit 610 is an EVCC (EV Communication Controller).

[0109] The fourth communication control unit 620 executes a fourth communication control function for controlling the fourth communication device 350. The fourth communication control function controls narrow-area wireless communication on the vehicle 3 side, controlling communication within the vehicle 3 using the fourth communication device 350. The fourth communication control function controls communication between the vehicle 3 and the supply device 5, which is communication that does not pass through the network 40. The fourth communication control unit 620 is a Secondary Device Communication Controller (SDCC).

[0110] The charging control unit 630 performs charging control for the power receiving device 20 and the charging relay 310. This charging control includes power control for controlling the power received by the secondary device 22 and relay control for controlling the connection between the secondary device 22 and the battery 320. The charging control unit 630 also performs power control for the rectifier circuit 430. The charging control unit 630 also performs relay control for switching the open and closed states of the charging relay 310.

[0111] In the wireless power transmission system 1 configured as described above, wireless power transmission is performed from the supply device 5 to the vehicle 3 while wireless communication is established between the vehicle 3 and the supply device 5. With the vehicle 3 and the supply device 5 paired via wireless communication, power is transmitted contactlessly from the ground-side primary coil 11 to the vehicle-side secondary coil 21. Furthermore, within the vehicle 3, charging control is performed to supply the power collected by the secondary coil 21 to the battery 320.

[0112] Reference Figure 6 The power transmission process (D-WPT process) is described. The power transmission process is structured as a chain of multiple activities and is derived from states and corresponding transitions.

[0113] Figure 6 This is a diagram used to explain the power transmission process. Figure 6 The basic activities used to illustrate the power transmission process are shown in FIG. Figure 6 The thick arrows shown represent transition lines. The state of the wireless power transmission system 1 during power transmission is represented by the activities that constitute the power transmission process.

[0114] The activities that make up the power transmission process include the power transmission service session (D-WPT service session A70) during the power transmission phase, activities before the power transmission phase, and activities after the power transmission phase. Activities can be described separately based on whether or not communication exists between the supply device 5 and the vehicle 3. Activities are categorized into activities that only represent the state of the supply device 5 when there is no communication, activities that only represent the state of the vehicle 3 when there is no communication, and activities that represent the state of both the supply device 5 and the vehicle 3 when there is communication.

[0115] like Figure 6 As shown, the activities include master power on state (Master power On) A10, preparation (Preparation) A20, waiting for request from vehicle 3 (Waiting for D-WPT service request) A30, master power on state (Master power On) A40, preparation (Preparation) A50, communication setup (Communication setup) and D-WPT service request (Request D-WPT service) A60, D-WPT service session (D-WPT services session) A70, and D-WPT service session end (Terminate D-WPT service session) A80.

[0116] Preparation A20 is the preparation state of the supply device 5. In preparation A20, the supply device 5 starts the circuit and confirms safety without communicating with the vehicle 3. After entering the main power supply on state A10, the supply device 5 changes to the preparation A20 state. Then, if the supply device 5 starts the circuit and is able to confirm safety in preparation A20, the state changes to waiting for a request from the vehicle 3 (Waiting for D-WPT service request) A30. On the other hand, if there is a problem in the supply device 5, the supply device 5 notifies the vehicle 3 of information indicating that the wireless power transmission system 1 cannot be used (unusable notification) through wide area wireless communication. The first communication device 120 sends the unusable notification to the vehicle 3.

[0117] Preparation A50 is the preparation state of vehicle 3. In Preparation A50, vehicle 3 starts the circuit and confirms safety without communicating with supply device 5. After entering the main power on state A40, vehicle 3 transitions to the preparation state A50. If vehicle 3 starts the circuit and confirms safety in Preparation A50, the state transitions to Communication Setup and D-WPT Service Request A60. On the other hand, if a problem exists in vehicle 3, vehicle 3 does not start wide-area wireless communication and does not proceed with the subsequent D-WPT process.

[0118] The vehicle ECU 330 initiates the communication setup and D-WPT service request A60. During this process, the vehicle ECU 330 initiates wide-area wireless communication. First, after vehicle 3 transitions from preparation A50 to communication setup and D-WPT service request A60, the third communication device 340 transmits a D-WPT service request signal. The third communication device 340 wirelessly communicates with the first communication device 120 corresponding to the D-WPT lane that vehicle 3 is scheduled to enter or has already entered. The first communication device 120 selected as the communication partner is based on the relative positional relationship between vehicle 3's current location and the D-WPT lane. On the supply device 5 side, after receiving the D-WPT service request signal while awaiting request A30 from vehicle 3, the state transitions to communication setup and D-WPT service request A60. Various information regarding wide-area wireless communication and P2PS communication is linked using vehicle identification information. Figure 7 The processing sequence of the communication setup and D-WPT service request A60 is shown.

[0119] Figure 7This is a timing diagram showing a situation in which communication using wide area wireless communication is implemented between a vehicle and a supply device. Vehicle 3 sends vehicle information to server 30 (step S11). In step S11, the third communication device 340 of vehicle 3 sends the vehicle information to server 30. The vehicle information includes vehicle identification information, various parameters of the power receiving device 20, the current position information of vehicle 3, and the requested power. The vehicle ECU 330 calculates the requested power based on the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 320. In step S11, the vehicle ECU 330 causes the third communication device 340 to send vehicle information at predetermined intervals. The predetermined time is set corresponding to the distance from the current position of vehicle 3 to the starting point of the WPT lane. The shorter the distance from vehicle 3 to the starting point of the WPT lane, the shorter the interval of the predetermined time.

[0120] After receiving the vehicle information from the vehicle 3, the server 30 determines the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 3 located within the vicinity of the supply device 5 based on the current location information of the vehicle 3 included in the vehicle information (step S12). In step S12, the server 30 determines that the vehicle 3 is located within a predetermined vicinity of the supply device 5 based on the current location information of the vehicle 3 and the location information of the supply device 5. The vicinity is set to, for example, an area within 500 meters.

[0121] After determining the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 3 , the server 30 transmits the vehicle information to the supply device 5 (step S13 ). In step S13 , the transmission device of the server 30 transmits the vehicle information to the supply device 5 .

[0122] After receiving the vehicle information from the server 30, the supply device 5 registers and deletes the vehicle identification information from the identification information list (step S14). In step S14, the power transmission ECU 110 registers and deletes the vehicle identification information from the identification information list so that the vehicle identification information associated with the vehicle information is neither excessive nor insufficient.

[0123] After registering and deleting the vehicle identification information in the identification information list, the supply device 5 transmits the vehicle identification information registered in the identification information list to the server 30 (step S15). In step S15, the first communication device 120 of the supply device 5 transmits the vehicle identification information to the server 30.

[0124] After receiving the vehicle identification information from the supply device 5, the server 30 transmits a list registration notification to the vehicle 3 corresponding to the vehicle identification information registered in the identification information list (step S16). In step S16, the communication device of the server 30 transmits the list registration notification to the vehicle 3. The list registration notification indicates that the vehicle identification information has been registered in the identification information list and includes the identification information of the supply device 5 and the location information of the supply device 5.

[0125] After vehicle 3 starts wide-area wireless communication and both the supply device 5 and vehicle 3 enter the communication setup and D-WPT service request A60 state, the communication setup by wide-area wireless communication is successful. With this successful communication setup, the state transitions to D-WPT service session A70.

[0126] return Figure 6 While the communication connection between the supply device 5 and the vehicle 3 is established, a D-WPT service session A70 transmits power contactlessly from the power-transmitting resonant circuit 240 of the supply device 5 to the power-receiving resonant circuit 410 of the vehicle 3. The D-WPT service session A70 begins when communication is successfully established and ends when communication ends. Once communication ends in the D-WPT service session A70, the state transitions to Terminate D-WPT Services Session A80.

[0127] In D-WPT service session end A80, vehicle 3 ends wide-area wireless communication with supply device 5. Vehicle 3 and supply device 5 can receive a trigger indicating the end of D-WPT service session A70. The vehicle ECU 330 then prevents secondary device 22 and vehicle 3 from starting D-WPT until the third communication device 340 receives the next notification (D-WPT service request signal).

[0128] The detailed activities of the D-WPT service session A70 are described.

[0129] The D-WPT service session A70 includes a compatibility check and service authentication A110, fine positioning A120, pairing and alignment check A130, magnetic coupling check A140, perform power transfer A150, stand-by A160, and power transfer terminated A170.

[0130] Compatibility Check and Service Authentication A110 are described below. After successful communication setup, the vehicle ECU 330 and the power transmission ECU 110 confirm compatibility between the primary device 13 and the secondary device 22. This compatibility check is performed based on information associated with the vehicle identification information acquired by the power supply device 5 through communication. Examples of inspection items include the minimum ground height of the secondary device 22, the shape and type of the power receiving-side resonant circuit 410, the circuit topology of the secondary device 22, the self-resonant frequency of the secondary device 22, and the number of secondary coils 21.

[0131] In the compatibility check and service authentication A110, vehicle 3 first transmits compatibility information (Compatibility Information) of power receiving device 20 to supply device 5 via third communication device 340. The compatibility information of power receiving device 20 is transmitted via wide-area wireless communication. Supply device 5's first communication device 120 receives the compatibility information of power receiving device 20 from vehicle 3. Next, supply device 5's first communication device 120 transmits compatibility information of power transmitting device 10 to vehicle 3. The compatibility information of power transmitting device 10 is transmitted via wide-area wireless communication. Vehicle 3's third communication device 340 receives the compatibility information of power transmitting device 10 from supply device 5. This compatibility information can be transmitted and received between vehicle 3 and supply device 5 via wide-area wireless communication via network 40 and server 30.

[0132] The elements of the compatibility information sent by the vehicle 3 to the supply device 5 include vehicle identification information, WPT power classes, air gap classes, WPT operating frequencies, WPT frequency adjustment, WPT type, WPT circuit topology, fine positioning method, pairing method, alignment method, and information on whether there is a power adjustment function.

[0133] The elements of the compatibility information sent by the supply device 5 to the vehicle 3 include supply device identification information, WPT power level, gap level, WPT drive frequency, WPT frequency adjustment, WPT type, WPT circuit topology, precise positioning method, pairing method, position alignment method, and information on whether there is a power adjustment function.

[0134] Each element name will be described in detail. Each element of the compatibility information sent from the vehicle 3 to the supply device 5 will be described. The description of the compatibility information sent from the supply device 5 to the vehicle 3 that overlaps with the compatibility information sent from the vehicle 3 to the supply device 5 will be omitted.

[0135] The gap level is information indicating the gap level at which the secondary device 22 can receive power. The WPT power level is information indicating the power level at which the secondary device 22 can receive power. The WPT drive frequency is information indicating the frequency of the power received by the secondary device 22. The WPT frequency adjustment is information indicating whether the drive frequency can be adjusted. The WPT type is information indicating the shape type of the receiving-side resonant circuit 410 and the coil shape of the secondary coil 21. Examples of WPT types include circular and solenoid. The WPT circuit topology is information indicating the connection structure between the secondary coil 21 and the resonant capacitor. WPT circuit topologies include series and parallel connections. The precise positioning method indicates which method is used for alignment. The pairing method is a method for pairing the vehicle 3 with the supply device 5. The alignment method is a method for confirming the relative positions of the secondary device 22 and the primary device 13 before power transmission begins.

[0136] Precision Positioning A120 will be described. Vehicle 3 performs Precision Positioning A120 before or in parallel with Pairing and Positioning Check A130. Vehicle ECU 330 begins Precision Positioning A120 after determining that vehicle 3 has approached or entered the area (WPT lane) where supply device 5 is located.

[0137] The vehicle ECU 330 guides the vehicle 3 to perform positional alignment between the primary device 13 and the secondary device 22 within a range in which sufficient magnetic coupling for wireless power transmission is established.

[0138] The A120 can be positioned manually or automatically on all three sides of the vehicle. The A120 can also be positioned in conjunction with the ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System).

[0139] The precise positioning activity A120 continues until the vehicle 3 leaves the D-WPT charging station or the status changes to communication end, and can be performed based on the position alignment information sent from the supply device 5 to the vehicle 3 via wide-area wireless communication. The end of communication is the D-WPT service session end A80.

[0140] The pairing and alignment check (Pairing / Alignment check) A130 will be described. Here, pairing and alignment check will be described separately.

[0141] The P2PS interface for narrow-area wireless communication ensures that the primary device 13 and the secondary device 22 are uniquely paired. The process of the pairing state is as follows.

[0142] The vehicle ECU 330 identifies when vehicle 3 is approaching or entering a D-WPT lane. For example, the vehicle ECU 330 has map information including D-WPT lanes and compares this information with the vehicle's location information obtained by the GPS receiver 360 to identify the approach or entry based on, for example, the straight-line distance. Vehicle 3 then transmits the D-WPT lane it has approached to the server 30 via wide-area wireless communication. In short, the third communication device 340 notifies the cloud of a signal indicating that vehicle 3 has approached a particular D-WPT lane. Furthermore, when the vehicle ECU 330 identifies that vehicle 3 is approaching or entering a D-WPT lane, the fourth communication device 350 begins transmitting a modulated signal at regular intervals to pair the primary device 13 with the secondary device 22.

[0143] The supply device 5 can also use information obtained from the server 30 via wide-area wireless communication to identify when the vehicle 3 is approaching or has entered the D-WPT lane. The server 30 distributes the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 3 approaching each D-WPT lane to the supply device 5 corresponding to that lane. The supply device 5 only needs to refer to the vehicle identification information after the number is reduced by the server 30, so the authentication process can be completed in a short time. When the supply device 5 recognizes that the vehicle 3 is approaching the D-WPT lane, the second communication device 130 enters standby mode. In standby mode, it waits to receive a modulated signal from the fourth communication device 350 of the vehicle 3. This modulated signal contains vehicle identification information.

[0144] After the second communication device 130 receives the modulated signal from the vehicle 3, the supply device 5 compares the vehicle identification information received via the narrow-area wireless communication with the vehicle identification information in the identification information list obtained based on the results of wide-area wireless communication with multiple vehicles 3 traveling along the D-WPT lane. Through this comparison, the supply device 5 identifies the vehicle 3.

[0145] After recognizing that the vehicle 3 is outside the D-WPT lane, the vehicle ECU 330 stops transmitting the modulated signal from the fourth communication device 350. The vehicle ECU 330 can determine whether the vehicle 3 has passed the D-WPT lane based on map information and the vehicle's position information.

[0146] When the supply device 5 determines that the vehicle 3 is not traveling in the D-WPT lane or that the vehicle 3 is not approaching the D-WPT lane, the supply device 5 stops and waits for the modulated signal from the fourth communication device 350 .

[0147] Pairing is performed on the primary device 13 until the vehicle 3 leaves the D-WPT charging station or the status changes to communication completed. After pairing is completed, the status changes to alignment check.

[0148] The alignment check is described below. The alignment check is an activity aimed at confirming whether the lateral distance between the primary device 13 and the secondary device 22 is within an allowable range. The alignment check is performed using narrow area wireless communication (P2PS).

[0149] The position alignment check is continuously performed based on P2PS until the vehicle 3 leaves the D-WPT charging station or the status changes to communication end. The result of the position alignment check can be sent from the first communication device 120 to the third communication device 340 via wide area wireless communication.

[0150] The magnetic coupling check A140 will be described. In the magnetic coupling check A140, the supply device 5 checks the magnetic coupling state and confirms that the secondary device 22 is within the allowable range. After the magnetic coupling check A140 is completed, the state transitions to the power transmission execution A150.

[0151] Power transmission execution A150 is described below. In this state, the supply device 5 transmits power to the power receiving device 20. The power transmitting device 10 and the power receiving device 20 must be capable of controlling the transmitted power (both the transmitted power and the received power) to ensure the effectiveness of MF-D-WPT and to protect the power receiving device 20 and the battery 320. Transmitting greater power helps increase the travel range of the power receiving device 20 without static wireless charging or conductive charging. However, the capacity of the battery 320 varies depending on the vehicle type 3, and there may be sudden changes in the driving power demand. An example of such a sudden change is emergency regenerative braking. If regenerative braking is applied while driving on a D-WPT lane, regenerative braking is prioritized, resulting in a situation where the battery 320 is supplied with a combination of regenerative power and received power from the power receiving device 20. In this case, to protect the battery 320 from overcharging, the power transmitted must be adjusted by the power receiving device 20.

[0152] Although power control is necessary, new communication between the power supply device 5 and the power receiving device 20 does not begin in this state. This is because communication instability and latency can compromise the responsiveness and accuracy of power control. Therefore, the power supply device 5 and the power receiving device 20 perform power transmission and control based on information known up to that point.

[0153] The supply device 5 previously uses wide area wireless communication to increase the transmission power for the magnetic coupling test in response to the power request sent from the third communication device 340. The supply device 5 attempts to maximize the power transmitted during the transition while keeping the fluctuations of current and voltage within their ranges.

[0154] The power receiving device 20 receives the transmitted power from the power transmitting device 10 without performing any basic control. However, the power receiving device 20 initiates control if the transmitted power exceeds or is about to exceed the limit, based on factors such as the charging state and the rated power of the battery 320, which fluctuates according to the power demand for driving the vehicle 3. Furthermore, the power control in the vehicle ECU 330 is required to respond to malfunctions in wide-area wireless communication. These malfunctions can be caused by conflicts between the power control target in the primary device 13 and the request from the third communication device 340, as well as sudden failures of the power receiving device 20 or battery 320 during power transmission. The power receiving device 20 controls the transmitted power at the power request rate notified by the first communication device 120.

[0155] The power request is determined based on compatibility check information such as the WPT circuit topology, geometry, ground clearance, and EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) of the vehicle 3 and the primary device 13. Since the magnetic field varies depending on these specifications, power must be transmitted within the EMC range.

[0156] There is a potential for interference between the power control in the power transmitting ECU 110 and the power receiving device 20. This interference is particularly likely to occur if the supply device 5 attempts to implement a power request greater than the current power limit in the power receiving device 20 via wide-area wireless communication. An example of this is the rapid regeneration control performed by the relatively small battery 320 in the vehicle 3. If possible, the supply device 5 should be able to detect any mismatch between the power control target and the limit and adjust power transmission to resolve the mismatch.

[0157] For example, if foreign object detection device 140 detects a foreign object on primary device 13, or if the magnetic coupling coefficient decreases due to poor alignment of secondary device 22, power transmission is briefly interrupted while secondary device 22 remains above primary device 13, and the state transitions to standby mode A160. If vehicle 3 is equipped with a foreign object detection device, foreign objects can also be detected by vehicle 3.

[0158] After the secondary device 22 passes over the primary device 13, the state transitions to Power Transfer Ended A170. In this state, the magnetic coupling between the two devices weakens, reducing the amount of power transferred. The supply device 5 can detect this weakening of magnetic coupling by monitoring the transferred power. Therefore, the supply device 5 essentially determines the transition to Power Transfer Ended A170 and begins reducing the voltage to stop power transmission.

[0159] The standby state A160 will be described. In this state, if power transmission is interrupted for a short period of time for some reason, and D-WPT preparation is completed in both the vehicle 3 and the supply device 5, the state returns to the power transmission execution state A150. If there is a possibility of power transmission being interrupted, the state returns to the standby state A160.

[0160] Power transfer completion A170 will be described. In this state, the supply device 5 reduces the transferred power to zero and stores or uploads power transfer result data, including total transferred power, power transfer efficiency, and fault history. Each data item is identified by vehicle identification information. Finally, the supply device 5 deletes the vehicle identification information of vehicle 3 that passed through the D-WPT lane. This allows the supply device 5 to prepare for subsequent pairing and power transfer with other vehicles. Figure 8 The processing sequence of the power transmission end A170 is shown.

[0161] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram showing the operations after power supply from the supply device to the vehicle while it is traveling has been completed. After power receiving device 20 of vehicle 3 completes power reception from supply device 5 (step S21), vehicle 3 transmits power reception completion information to server 30 (step S22). In step S22, third communication device 340 of vehicle 3 transmits the power reception completion information. The power reception completion information, which is information related to power reception from supply device 5, includes, for example, vehicle identification information of vehicle 3, received power from supply device 5, power reception efficiency, and abnormality detection results.

[0162] After the process of step S21 is completed, the supply device 5 ends power supply to the vehicle 3 (step S23). The processes of step S21 and step S23 may be performed simultaneously or separately. After the process of step S23 is completed, the supply device 5 transmits power supply end information to the server 30 (step S24). In step S24, the power supply end information is transmitted from the first communication device 120 of the supply device 5.

[0163] After receiving the power reception completion information from vehicle 3 and the power transmission completion information from supply device 5, server 30 performs power supply completion processing to terminate the power supply from supply device 5 to vehicle 3 (step S25). In the power supply completion processing, based on the power reception completion information and the power transmission completion information, the amount of power supplied from supply device 5 to vehicle 3 is calculated, and the user of vehicle 3 is charged based on the calculated amount of power supplied.

[0164] The vehicle 3 transmits the vehicle information to the server 30 regardless of the power supply end process (step S26). In step S26, the vehicle information is transmitted from the third communication device 340 of the vehicle 3.

[0165] After executing the power supply end process, the server 30 receives the vehicle information from the vehicle 3 , and then specifies the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 3 located in the vicinity of each supply device 5 based on the vehicle information (step S27 ).

[0166] If the power supply termination process has been completed for a certain vehicle 3 in a certain supply device 5, the server 30 deletes the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 3 that has completed the power supply termination process from the vehicle identification information of the vehicles 3 in the vicinity of the supply device 5 determined in the process of step S27 (step S28).

[0167] The server 30 transmits the vehicle information associated with the vehicle identification information not deleted in the process of step S28 , among the vehicle identification information of the vehicles 3 identified as being located in the vicinity of each supply device 5 , to each supply device 5 (step S29 ).

[0168] After the vehicle information is sent to each supply device 5 in the process of step S29, if the supply device 5 receives the vehicle information from the server 30, the supply device 5 registers and deletes the vehicle identification information in the identification information list (step S30). Figure 7 The process of step S14 is the same as that of step S14. Then, the supply device 5 sends the vehicle identification information registered in the identification information list to the server 30 (step S31). The process of step S31 is the same as that of step S14. Figure 7 The processing of step S15 is the same as that of step S15.

[0169] After receiving the vehicle identification information from the supply device 5, the server 30 sends a list registration notification to the vehicle 3 corresponding to the vehicle identification information registered in the identification information list (step S32). Figure 7 The processing of step S16 is the same.

[0170] As a result, in the Figure 8 In the illustrated process, the vehicle identification information of vehicles 3 located within the vicinity of each supply device 5, whose power supply from that supply device 5 has not yet ended, and whose vehicle identification information has not been deleted is registered in the identification information list. Then, if the vehicle identification information of vehicle 3 is registered in the identification information list of any supply device 5, vehicle 3 receives a list registration notification. Therefore, by receiving the list registration notification, the vehicle ECU 330 can determine which supply device 5 the vehicle is registered in. Furthermore, if vehicle 3 leaves the vicinity of a supply device 5, the vehicle identification information of that vehicle 3 is deleted from the identification information list of the supply device 5.

[0171] return Figure 6 In the power transmission end A170, the power receiving device 20 does not need to perform any action to make the transmission power 0. The P2PS interface remains active when the vehicle 3 is in the D-WPT lane, and the state of the power receiving device 20 automatically changes to pairing for power transmission from the next primary device 13. Figure 6 As shown in the transition line, the state changes from power transmission end A170 to pairing and position alignment check A130. Figure 6 As shown, when predetermined transition conditions are met, the transition from magnetic coupling check A140 to pairing and alignment check A130 and from power transmission execution A150 to pairing and alignment check A130 can be made. Pairing can be performed individually for multiple primary coils 11 or at a representative point while combining multiple primary coils 11.

[0172] If there is no D-WPT request from the vehicle ECU 330, or if the series of states from communication setup and D-WPT service request A60 to power transfer termination A170 is prohibited, the D-WPT service session A70 transitions to D-WPT service session termination A80, terminating the wide-area wireless communication between the first communication device 120 and the third communication device 340. For example, D-WPT is terminated when the battery 320's state of charge is too high or when the power receiving device 20 overheats due to continuous power transfer. Such unnecessary D-WPT can be disabled simply by deactivating the P2PS interface. However, by terminating wide-area wireless communication, the power transmitting ECU 110 terminates the established wide-area wireless communication, thereby eliminating the need for D-WPT and freeing up memory used for the vehicle 3.

[0173] The D-WPT service session A70 is not limited to Figure 6 The transition is as shown in the transition line. In D-WPT service session A70, when the activities starting from pairing and alignment check A130 are completed, if the power transmission process remains at D-WPT service session A70 and the conditions for D-WPT service session A70 are met, the state does not transition to D-WPT service session end A80, but instead transitions to compatibility check and service authentication A110. For example, if the specified transition conditions are met in the state of magnetic coupling check A140, the state can transition to compatibility check and service authentication A110. The transition of each activity in D-WPT service session A70 is controlled by the control device of wireless power transmission system 1. The control device of wireless power transmission system 1 includes power transmission ECU 110 and vehicle ECU 330. Power transmission ECU 110 includes the function of a control device of supply device 5. Vehicle ECU 330 includes the function of a control device of power receiving device 20.

[0174] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram for explaining the flow of information using wide-area wireless communication and narrow-area wireless communication in a wireless power transmission system.

[0175] Wireless power transmission system 1 includes a cloud and an edge in wide-area wireless communications. In wireless power transmission system 1, the cloud includes server 30, and the edge includes vehicle 3 and supply device 5. Furthermore, wireless power transmission system 1 is configured to perform compatibility checks (A110) in two stages: server 30 and supply device 5.

[0176] Vehicle 3 transmits vehicle identification information to server 30 while driving if the vehicle is capable of receiving power. This means that the power receiving device 20 and battery 320 are in a normal state, and that charging is possible based on the SOC of battery 320. Vehicle 3 capable of receiving power transmits vehicle identification information to server 30.

[0177] The server 30 receives vehicle identification information of vehicles 3 that can receive power via wide area wireless communication and lists information related to the vehicles 3 together with the vehicle identification information (Compatibility Check). The information related to the vehicles 3 includes compatibility information of the power receiving device 20 and information indicating the compatibility type of the power receiving device 20.

[0178] Specifically, upon receiving the vehicle identification information, the server 30 determines that the vehicle 3 is a vehicle capable of receiving power, and registers the vehicle identification information in the identification information list 700. The identification information list 700 includes the vehicle identification information, the compatibility type, and the compatibility information of the power receiving device 20. Since the server 30 registers the vehicle information in the identification information list 700 each time it receives the vehicle identification information, the identification information list 700 is updated in real time with information on vehicles 3 capable of receiving power.

[0179] In the identification information list 700, the compatibility type and compatibility information of the power receiving device 20 are registered in association with the vehicle identification information. For example, if a single vehicle 3 is equipped with multiple power receiving devices 20, the identification information list 700 may be configured such that the compatibility type and compatibility information of each power receiving device 20 are associated with each other in a single piece of vehicle identification information.

[0180] The compatibility type is information used for compatibility checking and can be grouped into categories such as "A," "B," and "C." The compatibility type is distinguished based on compatibility information elements such as the gap level and the WPT type.

[0181] The clearance level indicates the clearance level at which the secondary device 22 can receive power. For example, the clearance level is represented by Z1, Z2, or Z3. For example, Z1 is 50 mm ≤ h ≤ 110 mm, Z2 is 100 mm ≤ h ≤ 160 mm, and Z3 is 130 mm ≤ h ≤ 210 mm. h represents the vertical distance between the secondary coil 21 and the primary coil 11.

[0182] The WPT type is information indicating the shape type of the power receiving-side resonant circuit 410, that is, the coil shape of the secondary coil 21. The WPT type is represented by a circle, a solenoid, or the like.

[0183] For example, if the WPT type is circular and the gap level is Z1, the compatibility type is classified as "A." Similarly, if the WPT type is circular and the gap level is Z2, the compatibility type is classified as "B," and if the WPT type is circular and the gap level is Z3, the compatibility type is classified as "C." Furthermore, if the WPT type is solenoid, the compatibility type is classified as "D," "E," or "F," depending on whether the gap level is Z1, Z2, or Z3.

[0184] The compatibility information registered in the identification information list 700 only needs to include any of the elements of compatibility information. Elements of compatibility information include WPT power level, gap level, WPT drive frequency, WPT frequency adjustment, WPT type, WPT circuit topology, precise positioning method, pairing method, position alignment method, and the presence or absence of a power adjustment function.

[0185] The supply device 5 transmits information related to the supply device 5, along with the supply device identification information, to the server 30 via wide-area wireless communication. The supply device identification information includes identification information for segment 7. Information related to the supply device 5 includes compatibility information for the power transmission device 10. The compatibility information for the power transmission device 10 includes information such as the WPT power level, gap level, and WPT type. The identification information for segment 7 is sometimes referred to as a segment ID or segment identification information.

[0186] When the supply device 5 includes a plurality of segments 7 , the supply device 5 transmits identification information of the segments 7 that can perform wireless power transmission among the plurality of segments 7 to the server 30 .

[0187] The multiple segments 7 included in the supply device 5 do not necessarily have the same configuration. For example, if a supply device 5 has three segments 7, and the WPT type of the first segment is circular and the gap level is Z1, the WPT type of the second segment is circular and the gap level is Z1, and the WPT type of the third segment is circular and the gap level is Z2, the compatibility type of the first segment is A, the compatibility type of the second segment is A, and the compatibility type of the third segment is B. In this case, the supply device identification information transmitted by the supply device 5 to the server 30 includes information indicating that the compatibility type information of the first segment is associated with the identification information of the first segment, information indicating that the compatibility type information of the second segment is associated with the identification information of the second segment, and information indicating that the compatibility type information of the third segment is associated with the identification information of the third segment.

[0188] The timing at which the supply device 5 transmits supply device identification information, including the segment ID, to the server 30 is independent of the proximity of the vehicle 3. Specifically, the supply device 5 transmits the supply device identification information to the server 30 before receiving a signal from the vehicle 3 via narrow-area wireless communication. For example, the supply device 5 transmits the supply device identification information to the server 30 at regular intervals, such as once a day or multiple times a day. The supply device 5 transmits the supply device identification information, including the segment ID and information indicating the compatibility type, to the server 30 for the segment 7 containing the currently usable primary device 13.

[0189] The server 30 lists compatible combinations of the supply device 5 and the vehicle 3 based on the information received from the supply device 5 and the information of the vehicle 3 registered in the identification information list 700, and transmits the compatibility list 800 to the supply device 5. The server 30 performs a compatibility check by listing compatible combinations of the supply device 5 and the vehicle 3.

[0190] Specifically, after receiving the supply device identification information from the supply device 5, the server 30 refers to the vehicle 3 identification information list 700 to identify vehicles 3 compatible with the supply device 5. At this point, the server 30 uses the matching compatibility type as an extraction condition and extracts information related to the compatible vehicles 3 from the identification information list 700. The server 30 then uses the information extracted from the identification information list 700 to generate a compatibility list 800 consisting of compatible vehicle 3 and supply device 5 combinations.

[0191] Because server 30 aggregates information on vehicles 3 capable of receiving electricity, the amount of data constituting identification information list 700 becomes enormous. Consequently, if server 30 directly transmits identification information list 700 to supply device 5, the amount of communication between server 30 and supply device 5 becomes enormous. Therefore, server 30 extracts information only on vehicles 3 compatible with supply device 5, generates compatibility list 800, and transmits this compatibility list 800 to supply device 5. This reduces the amount of communication between server 30 and supply device 5.

[0192] When vehicle 3 approaches supply device 5, supply device 5 receives vehicle identification information transmitted from vehicle 3 via narrow-area wireless communication. After receiving the vehicle identification information via narrow-area wireless communication, supply device 5 pairs with vehicle 3 using compatibility list 800 previously acquired from server 30. Based on the vehicle identification information received via narrow-area wireless communication, supply device 5 references compatibility list 800 and identifies the vehicle information corresponding to the vehicle identification information from compatibility list 800. In other words, supply device 5 uses the vehicle identification information and compatibility list 800 to perform a compatibility check along with the pairing. When supply device 5 pairs with vehicle 3, only the vehicle identification information is transmitted and received via narrow-area wireless communication as wireless communication, eliminating the need for wide-area wireless communication. Therefore, there is no need to query server 30 via wide-area wireless communication for each pairing, ensuring high responsiveness for pairing. Supply device 5 wirelessly transmits power to paired vehicle 3 from segment 7.

[0193] Figure 10 This is a sequence diagram showing a case where communication using wide-area wireless communication is performed between the supply device and the server, and a case where communication using narrow-area wireless communication is performed between the vehicle and the supply device.

[0194] The supply device 5 transmits the identification information of the segment 7 to the server 30 via wide area wireless communication (step S101 ). In step S101 , the supply device identification information including the identification information of the segment 7 is transmitted from the supply device 5 to the server 30 .

[0195] After receiving the supply device identification information, the server 30 performs a compatibility check (step S102). In step S102, the server 30 performs the first stage of the compatibility check. This compatibility check lists compatible vehicle 3 and supply device 5 combinations based on the segment IDs included in the supply device identification information and the vehicle information included in the identification information list. In step S102, the server 30 generates a compatibility list 800 using the identification information list 700 and the supply device identification information. If the supply device identification information includes multiple segment IDs, the server 30 determines which vehicles 3 are compatible with each segment 7 based on the compatibility type of each segment ID.

[0196] The server 30 transmits information on the vehicles 3 compatible with the supply device 5 to the supply device 5 (step S103 ). In step S103 , the compatibility list 800 generated in step S102 is transmitted to the supply device 5 .

[0197] After receiving information about compatible vehicles 3 from server 30, supply device 5 updates compatibility list 800 (step S104). In step S104, compatibility list 800 on supply device 5 is updated. Each time supply device 5 receives compatibility list 800 from server 30, it registers or deletes vehicle identification information to update compatibility list 800 with the latest information. The processes from steps S101 to S104 are performed using wide-area wireless communication between supply device 5 and server 30.

[0198] The vehicle 3 transmits the vehicle identification information to the supply device 5 via narrow-area wireless communication (step S105 ).

[0199] When supply device 5 receives vehicle identification information from vehicle 3 via narrow-area wireless communication, it references compatibility list 800 and pairs with vehicle 3 whose vehicle identification information matches (step S106). In step S106, pairing is performed based on the vehicle information in compatibility list 800, and power is transmitted from supply device 5 to vehicle 3 using a method based on the vehicle information.

[0200] As described above, according to the wireless power transmission system 1 , it is possible to perform a two-stage compatibility check in the server 30 and the supply device 5 .

[0201] Gap levels are not limited to Z1, Z2, or Z3. Their values ​​are not limited to 50mm≤h≤110mm, 100mm≤h≤160mm, or 130mm≤h≤210mm. WPT types are not limited to circular or solenoid.

[0202] The compatibility type is not limited to the combination of the WPT type and the gap level. In the wireless power transmission system 1, the compatibility type can be set using the compatibility information. In addition, the information indicating the compatibility type is not limited to the classifications such as A, B, and C.

[0203] Figure 11 This is a sequence diagram showing how information processing using position information is performed.

[0204] The vehicle 3 transmits vehicle information including the position information of the vehicle to the server 30 (step S111). In step S111, the position information indicating the current position of the vehicle 3 is transmitted to the server 30 together with the vehicle identification information.

[0205] The supply device 5 transmits the supply device information including the position information of the supply device 5 to the server 30 (step S112). In step S112, the position information of the supply device 5 is transmitted to the server 30 together with the supply device identification information. The supply device 5 has its own position information.

[0206] After receiving the vehicle information from the vehicle 3 and the supply device information from the supply device 5, the server 30 determines the vehicle 3 located in the vicinity of the supply device 5 (step S113). In step S113, the vehicle identification information of the vehicle 3 located in the vicinity of the supply device 5 is determined. The vicinity of the supply device 5 is an area set to include a specified range from the supply device 5. The vicinity is pre-set based on the position information of the supply device 5. For example, the vicinity of the supply device 5 can be set to a circle with a diameter of several kilometers to tens of kilometers centered on the position of the supply device 5. The server 30 grasps the position of the supply device 5 based on the position information of the supply device 5. In step S113, the server 30 uses the position information of the vehicle 3 and the vicinity of the supply device 5 to determine the vehicle 3 located in the vicinity, so as to determine the vehicle 3 that is likely to be powered by a certain supply device 5.

[0207] The server 30 transmits the compatibility list, which is narrowed down to the information of the identified vehicle 3, to the supply device 5 (step S114). In step S114, the compatibility list, which narrows down the vehicle information for each supply device 5, is transmitted to the supply device 5. The server 30 generates a compatibility list by extracting the information of the vehicle 3 identified in step S113 from the compatibility list. The compatibility list transmitted to the supply device 5 in step S114 is a compatibility list narrowed down to the information of the vehicles 3 located in the vicinity of the supply device 5.

[0208] With the wireless power transmission system 1 thus configured, information can be transmitted to the supply devices 5 in a limited number of locations, divided by region. This reduces the amount of communication between the supply devices 5 and the server 30, alleviating the communication load. However, if all information were transmitted to all supply devices 5, the communication volume would be enormous, increasing the communication load. To prevent this, the wireless power transmission system 1 is configured to use the location information of the vehicle 3 and the location information of the supply device 5 to identify the vehicles 3 located in the vicinity of the supply device 5, and to transmit a compatibility list containing information limited to the vehicles 3 from the server 30 to the supply device 5.

[0209] exist Figure 11In step S113, if the destination of vehicle 3 is set, server 30 may target supply devices 5 located on the vehicle's planned travel route and identify vehicles 3 located in the vicinity of these supply devices 5. Specifically, server 30 may identify vehicles 3 located in the vicinity of these supply devices 5 based on the vehicle's location information, the vehicle's travel direction, and the location information of the supply devices 5. In this case, server 30 transmits a compatibility list targeting supply devices 5 located several kilometers ahead of the vehicle's current location on the vehicle's planned travel route. This excludes supply devices 5 that the vehicle 3 passes from the transmission targets, thereby suppressing unnecessary communications and reducing communication volume.

[0210] Figure 12 This is a sequence diagram showing how information processing using a compatibility token is performed. Figure 12 Steps S121 to S123 are shown in FIG. Figure 11 Since steps S111 to S113 shown are similar processes, their description is omitted.

[0211] The server 30 sends a compatibility token to the vehicle 3 identified in step S123 and also sends a compatibility token to the supply device 5 corresponding to the vehicle 3's vicinity (step S124). A compatibility token is generated when the vehicle 3 and the supply device 5 are compatible. The server 30 is capable of generating a compatibility token. In step S124, the server 30 targets the vehicle 3 located in the vicinity of the supply device 5 and sends a compatibility token that is compatible with the supply device 5 corresponding to the vicinity. Furthermore, the server 30 sends the compatibility token to the supply device 5.

[0212] After receiving the compatibility token from the server 30, the provisioning device 5 sets the compatibility token as a reference target for compatibility (step S125). In step S125, the compatibility token obtained from the server 30 is set as a reference target when the provisioning device 5 performs a compatibility check. The provisioning device 5 can use the compatibility token to authenticate the vehicle 3.

[0213] After receiving the compatibility token from server 30, vehicle 3 transmits information related to the compatibility token to provision device 5 via narrow-area wireless communication (step S126). In step S126, information related to the compatibility token is transmitted from vehicle 3 to provision device 5 during communication with provision device 5. The information related to the compatibility token may be the compatibility token itself, or may be information generated based on the compatibility token.

[0214] After receiving information related to the compatibility token from vehicle 3, the supply device 5 references the compatibility token obtained from server 30 and, upon confirming compatibility with vehicle 3, proceeds to powering vehicle 3 (step S127). In step S127, a compatibility check and pairing are performed using the compatibility token. Based on the compatibility token obtained from server 30 via wide-area wireless communication and the information related to the compatibility token obtained from vehicle 3 via narrow-area wireless communication, the supply device 5 confirms the consistency of the compatibility token. In other words, the compatibility of vehicle 3 is confirmed. Then, upon confirming compatibility, the supply device 5 proceeds to power vehicle 3.

[0215] like Figure 12 As shown, the server 30 generates a compatibility token based on the information obtained from the vehicle 3 and the supply device 5, and sends the compatibility token to the vehicle 3 located in the vicinity of the supply device 5 and the supply device 5 corresponding to the vicinity. The supply device 5 then checks the compatibility with the vehicle 3 based on the consistency of the compatibility token.

[0216] According to the wireless power transmission system 1 configured in this manner, since device authentication is performed using a compatibility token uniquely updated in a predetermined area such as a nearby area, security is improved.

[0217] The compatibility token can be information that itself performs authentication functions, or it can be a token that generates authentication information such as a one-time password. Furthermore, a compatibility token can be generated individually for each vehicle 3. Alternatively, a common compatibility token can be used across multiple vehicles 3, depending on the wireless power transmission fee structure. Furthermore, the compatibility token can be sent along with the compatibility list.

[0218] Figure 13 This is a timing chart for explaining the timing at which the supply device transmits supply device information. Figure 13 Steps S132 to S134 are shown in FIG. Figure 11 Since the steps S111 and S113 to S114 shown are the same processes, their description is omitted.

[0219] The supply device 5 sends the supply device information including its own location information to the server 30 (step S131). The supply device information includes identification information, model, laying date, location information, normal notification, abnormal notification, amount of power supplied, etc. In step S131, the location information of the supply device 5 is sent to the server 30 together with the supply device identification information. In addition, there are multiple timings for sending the supply device information in step S131. The supply device 5 can send information to the server 30 at multiple timings. The timing for sending the supply device information in step S131 includes when laying on the ground. Therefore, in step S131, the location information is sent to the server 30 together with the supply device identification information at the timing when the supply device 5 is laid on the ground.

[0220] After receiving the compatibility list from the server 30 , the supply device 5 determines whether its own location information has been changed (step S135 ).

[0221] If the positional information of the supply device 5 has changed (step S135: Yes), the control routine returns to step S131. In this case, in step S131, the supply device 5 transmits the supply device information, including the positional information change information, to the server 30. That is, the timing of transmitting the supply device information in step S131 includes the time of the positional information change. Therefore, in step S131, at the timing of the positional information change of the supply device 5, the new positional information is transmitted to the server 30 along with the supply device identification information. Then, upon receiving the positional information change information from the supply device 5, the server 30 updates the positional information of the supply device 5 based on the change information.

[0222] On the other hand, when the position information of the supply device 5 has not changed (step S135 : No), this control routine ends.

[0223] like Figure 13 As shown, the supply device 5 transmits supply device information to the server 30 during paving and transmits change information to the server 30 if its location information changes. The model and installation date in the supply device information are fixed. While location information may change, the frequency of such changes is low. Therefore, using changes in location information as a transmission trigger reduces the frequency of transmissions from the supply device 5 to the server 30, reducing the communication load. In short, unless the location information changes, the supply device 5 only needs to transmit the supply device information to the server 30 once during paving.

[0224] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram showing a situation where wide area wireless communication is performed between a vehicle representing a plurality of vehicles and a server.

[0225] like Figure 14As shown, vehicle 3 can communicate with other vehicles 3 traveling near the vehicle (inter-vehicle communication). In inter-vehicle communication, the vehicle information of the vehicle 3 can be sent to other vehicles 3 while receiving vehicle information of other vehicles 3. Furthermore, among the multiple vehicles 3 capable of inter-vehicle communication, the representative vehicle 3 aggregates the vehicle information of the multiple vehicles 3 and transmits it to the server 30 via wide-area wireless communication. Upon receiving the vehicle information of the multiple vehicles 3 from the representative vehicle 3, the server 30 transmits the compatibility list corresponding to the multiple vehicles 3 to the representative vehicle 3. The representative vehicle 3 receives the compatibility list corresponding to the multiple vehicles 3 from the server 30. Then, the representative vehicle 3 transmits the compatibility list obtained from the server 30 to the other vehicles 3 performing inter-vehicle communication.

[0226] By having a representative vehicle 3 among the plurality of vehicles 3 communicate with the server 30 in this manner, the communication performed by the representative vehicle 3 is hubbed, thereby reducing the frequency of communication between the server 30 and the vehicles 3. Consequently, the number of communication targets with the server 30 in wide-area wireless communication is reduced, thereby reducing the frequency of communication.

[0227] For example, multiple vehicles 3 and a representative vehicle 3 can be selected as targets, such as vehicles 3 traveling in the same direction on a highway, where inter-vehicle communication can be maintained for a predetermined period of time. In short, the hub-based communication performed by the representative vehicle 3 is applicable not only on highways but also in situations such as platooning.

[0228] The information that a vehicle 3 representing multiple vehicles 3 obtains from the server 30 via wide-area wireless communication is not limited to a compatibility list; it may also be a compatibility token. In this case, the representative vehicle 3 transmits the compatibility token obtained from the server 30 to the other vehicles 3 that have performed inter-vehicle communication when aggregating vehicle information.

[0229] The trigger for updating the information registered in the server 30 is described. The trigger includes a case where the server 30 side becomes a trigger, a case where the vehicle 3 side becomes a trigger, and a case where the vehicle 3 side becomes a trigger. Figure 13 The supply device 5 side shown is in a triggered state.

[0230] For example, as a trigger on the server 30 side, the server 30 updates the compatibility list or compatibility token at every predetermined time interval. In this case, the server 30 updates the compatibility list or compatibility token based on the change information received from the vehicle 3 and the supply device 5 up to the predetermined time interval since the last update timing. Both the compatibility list and the compatibility token may be updated.

[0231] When the vehicle 3 side becomes a trigger, the vehicle 3 transmits the vehicle information to the server 30 at predetermined intervals, and updates the vehicle information to the server 30 .

[0232] As a trigger on the vehicle 3 side, the timing when the vehicle 3 moves a predetermined distance, the timing when the vehicle 3 enters a predetermined area, etc. An example of the vehicle 3 entering the predetermined area is when the vehicle 3 travels within a predetermined area set for a supply device group consisting of a plurality of supply devices 5.

[0233] like Figure 15 As shown, sometimes the first supply device group 910 and the second supply device group 920 exist side by side in the direction of travel of the vehicle 3. The first area 911, which is a predetermined area set for the first supply device group 910, and the second area 921, which is a predetermined area set for the second supply device group 920, partially overlap. In this case, when the vehicle 3 traveling within the first area 911 corresponding to the first supply device group 910 enters the overlapping area 930 that overlaps with the second area 921 corresponding to the second supply device group 920, it transmits vehicle information to the server 30. When the vehicle 3 is traveling on the first supply device group 910 and is in front of the second supply device group 920, it transmits vehicle information to the server 30.

[0234] The first area 911 may also be an area near the supply device 5 included in the first supply device group 910. The second area 921 may also be an area near the supply device 5 included in the second supply device group 920. The vehicle position may be determined using GPS or estimated using travel distance, vehicle speed, etc.

[0235] Figure 16 This is a sequence diagram showing the case where vehicle information is deleted. Figure 16 Steps S141, S144 to S146 are shown in FIG. Figure 13 Since the steps S131 and S133 to S135 shown are the same processes, their description is omitted.

[0236] After detecting that an occupant is boarding the vehicle (step S142 ), the vehicle 3 transmits vehicle information to the server 30 (step S143 ).

[0237] After detecting that a passenger has gotten off the vehicle (step S147 ), the vehicle 3 transmits a signal requesting deletion of the vehicle information (information deletion request signal) to the server 30 (step S148 ).

[0238] Upon receiving the information deletion request signal from the vehicle 3 , the server 30 deletes the vehicle information corresponding to the vehicle 3 that has sent the request signal from the compatibility list (step S149 ).

[0239] By deleting unnecessary vehicle information from the compatibility list in this manner, the amount of information in the compatibility list transmitted to the supply device 5 can be reduced.

[0240] Step S142 is not limited to detecting when a passenger has boarded vehicle 3; it may also be detecting when vehicle 3 has started. In this case, step S143 transmits vehicle information to server 30 upon detection of vehicle 3 starting. Similarly, step S147 is not limited to detecting when a passenger has exited vehicle 3; it may also be detecting when vehicle 3 has finished traveling. Step S148 transmits a request signal for information deletion to server 30 upon detection of vehicle 3 finishing traveling. In other words, step S142 may also detect when the ignition of vehicle 3 is turned on. Alternatively, step S148 may also detect when the ignition of vehicle 3 is turned off.

[0241] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram for explaining how information processing is performed by multiple servers.

[0242] like Figure 17 As shown, the wireless power transmission system 1 includes a first management server 50 that manages vehicle information, a second management server 60 that manages supply device information, and a third management server 70 that manages information related to wireless power transmission.

[0243] The first management server 50 is a vehicle information management server. The first management server 50 is communicably connected to the vehicle 3 via the network 40. The first management server 50 receives vehicle information transmitted from the vehicle 3 and transmits various information to the vehicle 3. Furthermore, the first management server 50 is communicably connected to a third management server 70.

[0244] The second management server 60 is a supply device information management server. The second management server 60 is communicably connected to the supply device 5 via the network 40. The second management server 60 receives supply device information transmitted from the supply device 5 and transmits various information to the supply device 5. The second management server 60 is also communicably connected to the third management server 70.

[0245] The third management server 70 is a WPT management server. It can exchange information with the first management server 50 and the second management server 60. The third management server 70 obtains information related to wireless power transmission from the first management server 50 and obtains information related to wireless power transmission from the second management server 60. Based on the information received from the first and second management servers 50 and 60, the third management server 70 generates and manages a compatibility list.

[0246] The third management server 70 sends the compatibility list to the second management server 60. The second management server 60 can use the compatibility list received from the third management server 70 to narrow down the vehicle information. Specifically, the second management server 60 can generate a compatibility list for each supply device 5 based on the compatibility list received from the third management server 70. The second management server 60 sends the compatibility list, which narrows down the vehicle information based on the nearby area, to the supply device 5. The supply device 5 receives the compatibility list sent from the second management server 60.

[0247] The third management server 70 is not limited to managing compatibility lists; it can also manage compatibility tokens. In this case, the third management server 70 identifies the identification information of vehicles 3 in the vicinity of the supply device 5 and generates a compatibility token that indicates compatibility between the identified vehicles 3 and the supply device 5 in the vicinity. Furthermore, the third management server 70 transmits this compatibility token to the first management server 50 and the second management server 60. The first management server 50 transmits the compatibility token obtained from the third management server 70 to the corresponding vehicle 3. The second management server 60 transmits the compatibility token obtained from the third management server 70 to the corresponding supply device 5. The vehicle 3 then receives the compatibility token transmitted from the first management server 50. The supply device 5 receives the compatibility token transmitted from the second management server 60. Industrial Applicability

[0248] According to the present invention, a wireless power transmission system, a supply device, and a vehicle can be provided that can improve responsiveness and reduce communication traffic when wireless communication is performed between a ground-side supply device and a traveling vehicle and a server. Description of Reference Numerals

[0249] 1 Wireless Power Transmission System 2 Supply equipment 3 vehicles 4 Road 5 Supply device 6 AC power supply 7 segments 8 Management Device 10 Power transmission device 11 Primary coil 13 Primary device 20 Power receiving device 21 Secondary coil 22 Secondary device 110 power transmission ECU 330 vehicle ECU 240 Transmission-side resonant circuit 410 Receiving-side Resonant Circuit 530 Power Transmission Control Unit 700 Identification Information List 800 compatibility list.

Claims

1. A wireless power transmission system, It has: A supply device having a primary coil disposed on the road; a vehicle having a secondary coil for receiving the electric power transmitted from the primary coil in a contactless manner; as well as A server is communicably connected to the supply device and the vehicle via wide area wireless communication, The supply device and the vehicle can communicate with each other via narrow-area wireless communication, and the supply device transmits power to the vehicle traveling on the road in a contactless manner. In this wireless power transmission system, The supply device transmits identification information of the supply device to the server before receiving a signal from the vehicle via narrow-area wireless communication. The server transmits a compatibility list consisting of compatible combinations of the supply device and the vehicle to the supply device based on the identification information of the supply device and the information of the vehicle. The supply device performs pairing with the vehicle based on the compatibility list when receiving a signal from the vehicle through narrow-area wireless communication.

2. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 1, wherein: The signal received by the supply device from the vehicle via narrow-area wireless communication is identification information of the vehicle. The compatibility list includes identification information of the vehicle, The supply device is paired with a compatible vehicle based on the identification information of the vehicle acquired from the vehicle via narrow-area wireless communication and the compatibility list acquired in advance from the server via wide-area wireless communication.

3. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 2, wherein: When the server receives the vehicle identification information transmitted from the vehicle capable of receiving power, the server registers the vehicle identification information in an identification information list including vehicle information associated with the vehicle identification information. When the identification information of the supply device is received, the compatibility list is generated by extracting the information of the vehicles compatible with the supply device from the identification information list.

4. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 1, wherein: The server determines the vehicle located in the vicinity of the supply device based on the position information of the supply device and the position information of the vehicle. The compatibility list narrowed down to information about the identified vehicle is transmitted to the supply device corresponding to the nearby area.

5. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 4, wherein: The server transmits a compatibility token that is compatible with the supply device corresponding to the nearby area to the identified vehicle. sending a compatibility token to the supply device corresponding to the nearby area, The vehicle transmits information related to the compatibility token to the supply device via narrow-area wireless communication, The supply device performs an operation of supplying electric power to the vehicle when compatibility between the compatibility token received from the server and information related to the compatibility token received from the vehicle can be confirmed.

6. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 5, wherein: When laying on the ground, the supply device sends supply device information including identification information and position information of the supply device to the server. When the position information is changed after the device is laid on the ground, the change information of the position information is sent to the server. The server uses the supply device information to determine vehicles located in the vicinity. When the change information of the location information is received, the compatibility list is updated based on the change information of the location information.

7. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 6, wherein: The vehicle can transmit and receive vehicle information with other vehicles traveling near the vehicle through inter-vehicle communication. A representative vehicle among a plurality of vehicles capable of performing the inter-vehicle communication collects vehicle information of the plurality of vehicles and transmits the collected vehicle information to the server. When the server receives the vehicle information of the plurality of vehicles from the representative vehicle, the server transmits the compatibility lists corresponding to the plurality of vehicles to the representative vehicle. Upon receiving the compatibility lists corresponding to the plurality of vehicles from the server, the representative vehicle transmits the compatibility lists to the plurality of vehicles performing the inter-vehicle communication.

8. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 7, wherein: The server updates the compatibility list or the compatibility token every time a predetermined period of time passes.

9. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 8, wherein: The vehicle transmits the vehicle information to the server every time a predetermined time period elapses.

10. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 9, wherein: When the vehicle has traveled a predetermined distance or has entered an area near the supply device, the vehicle information is transmitted to the server.

11. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 10, wherein: The vehicle sends the vehicle information to the server when the vehicle is started. When the vehicle's driving is finished, a request signal for deleting the information is sent to the server. Upon receiving the information deletion request signal, the server deletes the information related to the vehicle that sent the request signal from the compatibility list.

12. The wireless power transmission system according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein: The server comprises: a first management server for managing the vehicle information sent from the vehicle; a second management server for managing information of the supply device sent from the supply device; as well as a third management server that manages information related to wireless power transmission between the vehicle and the supply device; The third management server acquires information related to wireless power transmission from the first management server, among the information about the vehicle. acquiring information related to wireless power transmission from the second management server, among the information of the supply device; The compatibility list is generated based on the information acquired from the first management server and the second management server.

13. A supply device comprising: A primary device, comprising a primary coil disposed on the road; a first communication device for performing narrow-area wireless communication with the vehicle; a second communication device for performing wide area wireless communication with the server; as well as a control device that controls the primary device, the first communication device, and the second communication device, Power is transmitted from the primary coil to a vehicle traveling on the road in a contactless manner. In the supply device, The second communication device transmits the identification information of the supply device to the server before the first communication device receives the signal from the vehicle through narrow-area wireless communication. receiving a compatibility list from the server, which lists information of the vehicles compatible with the supply device; When the first communication device receives a signal from the vehicle through narrow-area wireless communication, the control device performs pairing with the vehicle based on the compatibility list.

14. The supply device according to claim 13, wherein: The second communication device receives the compatibility list narrowed down to the information of the vehicle identified as the vehicle located in the vicinity of the supply device from the server.

15. The supply device according to claim 14, wherein The second communication device receives a compatibility token from the server, The first communication device receives information related to the compatibility token from the vehicle, The control device performs an operation of supplying electric power to the vehicle when compatibility between the compatibility token received from the server and information related to the compatibility token received from the vehicle can be confirmed.

16. The supply device according to claim 15, wherein: When laying on the ground, the supply device sends supply device information including identification information and position information of the supply device to the server. When the position information is changed after the device is laid on the ground, the change information of the position information is transmitted to the server.

17. A vehicle comprising: a secondary device including a secondary coil for receiving power transmitted in a contactless manner from a primary coil installed on the road; a third communication device for performing narrow-area wireless communication with a ground-side supply device including the primary coil; a fourth communication device for performing wide area wireless communication with the server; as well as a control device that controls the secondary device, the third communication device, and the fourth communication device, The device collects the electric power transmitted from the primary coil in a contactless manner while driving on the road. When the vehicle is in a state where it can receive electricity, the fourth communication device transmits the identification information of the vehicle to the server. When the vehicle is traveling on the road, the third communication device transmits the identification information of the vehicle to the supply device on the ground side. The control device is paired with the supply device through narrow-area wireless communication between the control device and the supply device.

18. The vehicle of claim 17, wherein: The fourth communication device receives a compatibility token from the server targeting a vehicle located in a vicinity of the supply device, The third communication device sends information related to the compatibility token to the supply device through narrow-area wireless communication, The compatibility token is compatible with the supply device corresponding to the nearby area.

19. The vehicle of claim 18, wherein: The third communication device transmits and receives vehicle information with other vehicles traveling near the vehicle through inter-vehicle communication. A representative vehicle among a plurality of vehicles capable of performing the inter-vehicle communication collects vehicle information of the plurality of vehicles and transmits the collected vehicle information to the server. Upon receiving the compatibility lists corresponding to the plurality of vehicles from the server, the representative vehicle transmits the compatibility lists to the plurality of vehicles performing the inter-vehicle communication.

20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein: The fourth communication device transmits the vehicle information to the server when the vehicle starts, and transmits a request signal for deleting the information to the server when the vehicle stops traveling.

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