Charger and charging method

Abstract

A control unit (50) of a charger (10) controls a power transmission coil (30), detection coils (40), and a moving device (36). The control unit (50) outputs a transmitted signal for generating a magnetic field for detection, wherein the transmitted signal is selectively and sequentially output to each of the detection coils (40), and determines a position of a power receiving unit (22) based on received signals that are the responses from the power receiving unit (22) in response to the magnetic field for detection and detected by each of the detection coils (40). The control unit (50) determines the position of the power receiving unit (22) according to a relative distance between a first position of the power receiving unit (22) and the power transmission coil (30), wherein the first position is the position determined based on the received signals.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charger and a charging method. Technical background

[0002] A device that wirelessly charges a terminal with a built-in battery is known. For example, a device that moves a power transmission coil to a position of a terminal and wirelessly charges the terminal with the power transmission coil is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). List of citationsPatent literature Patent Document 1: JP 2014-128055 A Patent Document 2: JP 2013-118720 A Summary of the inventionProblem to be solved by the invention

[0003] However, according to the state of the art, it may be difficult to determine the position of a power receiving unit of the terminal device with high accuracy.

[0004] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a charging device and a charging method capable of determining a position of a power receiving unit of a terminal with high accuracy. Means of solving the task

[0005] A charger according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a charger that wirelessly charges a terminal device placed on a support surface. The terminal device includes a power receiving unit that receives wirelessly transmitted power. The charger includes a power transmission coil, sensing coils, a movement device, and a control unit. The power transmission coil is configured to transmit power to the terminal device. The sensing coils are configured to detect a position of the power receiving unit of the terminal device on the support surface. The movement device is configured to move the power transmission coil.The control unit is configured to control the energy transmission coil, the detection coils, and the movement device, output a transmitted signal for generating a magnetic field for detection, the transmitted signal being selectively and sequentially output to each of the detection coils, and determine the position of the energy receiving unit based on received signals, the received signals being the responses from the energy receiver in response to the magnetic field for detection and detected by each of the detection coils. The control unit is configured to determine the position of the energy receiving unit according to a relative distance between a first position of the energy receiving unit and the energy transmission coil, the first position being the position of the energy receiving unit determined based on the received signals. Effect of the invention

[0006] According to the present disclosure, the position of the power receiving unit of the terminal device can be determined with high accuracy. Short description of the drawing Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a charging system according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2A is a schematic diagram of an example of a detection coil arrangement; Fig. 2B is a schematic diagram of an example of a detection coil arrangement; Fig. 3 is a hardware arrangement diagram of an example of a control unit; Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a circuit arrangement of a charger; Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a basic concept of positioning of a power receiving unit; Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a timing chart; Fig. 7A is an explanatory diagram of an example of determining the position of the power receiving unit by a basic Positioning processing; Fig. 7B is an explanatory diagram of an example of determining the position of the power receiving unit by a basic Positioning processing; Fig. 8A is an explanatory diagram of an example of a relationship between a relative distance and a level of a received signal; Fig. 8B is an explanatory diagram of an example of a relationship between a relative distance and a level of a received signal; Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of information processing executed by the control unit according to the embodiment; Fig. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the first positioning processing; Fig. 11A is an explanatory diagram of an example of an effect of the first positioning processing; Fig. 11B is an explanatory diagram of an example of an effect of the first positioning processing; Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of the second positioning processing; Fig. 13A is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the third positioning processing; Fig. 13B is an explanatory diagram of a correction coefficient; Fig. 14A is an explanatory diagram of an example of fourth positioning processing; Fig. 14B is an explanatory diagram of an example of the fourth positioning processing; Fig. 14C is an explanatory diagram of an example of the fourth positioning processing; Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a timing chart; Fig. 16A is an explanatory diagram of an example of determining a third position; Fig. 16B is an explanatory diagram of an example of determining a fourth position; Fig. 16C is an explanatory diagram of an example of determining the fourth position; Fig. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure in the fourth positioning processing; Fig. 18A is an explanatory diagram of an example of an effect of the fourth positioning processing; Fig. 18B is an explanatory diagram of an example of an effect of the fourth positioning processing; Fig. 18C is an explanatory diagram of an example of an effect of the fourth positioning processing; Fig. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of information processing executed by a control unit according to a modification; Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of information processing executed by the control unit according to the modification; Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of information processing executed by the control unit according to the modification; and Fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of information processing executed by the control unit according to the modification. Description of embodiments

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below, with reference to the drawings where appropriate. However, unnecessarily detailed descriptions may be omitted. It should be noted that the accompanying drawings and the following description are provided for those skilled in the art to thoroughly understand the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims. (First embodiment)

[0008] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a charging system 1 according to a first embodiment.

[0009] The charging system 1 contains a charger 10 and a terminal device 20.

[0010] The charger 10 is a device that wirelessly charges the terminal 20 in which a battery 24 is installed.

[0011] Wireless charging means charging in a wireless state. In the present embodiment, a mode in which wireless charging means charging by electromagnetic induction is described as an example.

[0012] The terminal device 20 is a device into which the battery 24 is installed. The terminal device 20 is, for example, a smartphone, a tablet, an audio player, a mobile phone, or the like.

[0013] The terminal 20 contains at least one energy receiving unit 22 and the battery 24.

[0014] The energy receiving unit 22 is a device that receives energy wirelessly transmitted from the charger 10. The energy receiving unit 22 is, for example, an induction coil that is electromagnetically coupled to an energy transmission coil 30 of the charger 10, described below. The battery 24 is charged by the energy induced in the energy receiving unit 22.

[0015] On the back of the power receiving unit 22 there is a magnetic body plate 26. The occurrence of malfunctions of various electronic circuits in the terminal device 20 is suppressed by the magnetic body plate 26.

[0016] A housing 12 of the charger 10 is provided with a support surface 12A. The support surface 12A is a surface on which the wirelessly charging terminal 20 is placed. In the present embodiment, an operation mode in which the support surface 12A is a partial area of the outer surface of the housing 12 and a two-dimensional flat area is described as an example.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the description assumes that the support surface 12A is a two-dimensional plane along a plane defined by a first direction and a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. In addition, as shown in Fig. 1, the description assumes that the first direction is the X-axis direction and the second direction is the Y-axis direction. The X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction are mutually orthogonal directions along the two-dimensional plane of the support surface 12A. The description assumes that the Z-axis direction, orthogonal to the X-axis and Y-axis directions, coincides with the thickness direction of the housing 12. The Z-axis direction coincides with the direction in which the terminal 20 and the charger 10 placed on the support surface 12A face each other.

[0018] The housing 12 of the charger 10 contains the energy transmission coil 30, a plurality of detection coils 40, a movement device 36, a control unit 50, and the like.

[0019] The energy transmission coil 30 is a coil for transmitting energy to the terminal device 20. Specifically, the energy transmission coil 30 is a coil for generating an alternating magnetic field for charging and supplying power to the energy receiving unit 22 by electromagnetic induction with the energy receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20.

[0020] A magnetic body plate 32 is provided on the back of the power transmission coil 30. The magnetic body plate 32 prevents the alternating magnetic field generated by the power transmission coil 30 from affecting various electronic circuits provided in the area on the opposite side of the detection coil 40 with respect to the power transmission coil 30 in the charger 10. Furthermore, the magnetic body plate 32 effectively supplies power to the power receiving unit 22 due to the alternating magnetic field generated by the power transmission coil 30. That is, the magnetic body plate 32 contributes to preventing malfunctions of various electronic circuits in the charger 10 and improving the efficiency of power transmission from the power transmission coil 30 to the power receiving unit 22.

[0021] In the present embodiment, the energy transmission coil 30 is arranged on a transport table 34 by means of the magnetic body sheet 32.

[0022] The moving device 36 is a device that moves the power transmission coil 30 along the storage surface 12A. In the present embodiment, the moving device 36 moves the transfer table 34, on which the magnetic body sheet 32 and the power transmission coil 30 are arranged in this order, along the storage surface 12A, thereby moving the power transmission coil 30 arranged on the transfer table 34 together with the magnetic body sheet 32 along the storage surface 12AB.

[0023] The movement device 36 includes one or more drive motors, such as stepper motors, a support member, and the like. The movement device 36 is configured to move the transport table 34 along the support surface 12A in the X-axis and Y-axis directions by driving a drive motor. That is, the energy transmission coil 30 is configured to be movable along a two-dimensional plane formed by the XY plane along the support surface 12A by the movement device 36.

[0024] The detection coil 40 is a coil for detecting the position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20 on the support surface 12A. The position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20 is represented by a position in the two-dimensional plane formed from the XY plane along the support surface 12A. In a case where the power receiving unit 22 is a ring-shaped induction coil, as shown in Fig. 1, the position of the energy receiving unit 22 is defined, for example, as the position of a center point of an annular ring in the XY plane along the support surface 12A. The detection coils 40 are arranged in multiple locations along the support surface 12A inside the support surface 12A.

[0025] Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B are schematic diagrams of an example of the arrangement of the detection coils 40.

[0026] As in the Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, in the charger 10, the multiple detection coils 40 are arranged in a matrix in a crossing direction.

[0027] In particular, as in Fig. 2A, the charger 10 includes detection coils 40X extending in the Y-axis direction on the two-dimensional plane along the placement surface 12A and arranged along the X-axis direction intersecting the Y-axis direction. Fig. 2A shows an example in which the detection coils 40X are arranged at the respective positions X0 to Xn (n is an integer of 1 or more) in the X-axis direction along the tray surface 12A. The detection coils 40X are arranged so that some areas overlap in the arrangement direction (X-axis direction).

[0028] As in Fig. 2B, the charger 10 includes detection coils 40Y extending in the X-axis direction on the two-dimensional plane along the placement surface 12A and arranged along the Y-axis direction intersecting the X-axis direction. Fig. 2B shows an example in which the detection coils 40Y are arranged at the respective positions Y0 to Yn (n is an integer of 1 or more) in the Y-axis direction along the tray surface 12A. The detection coils 40Y are arranged so that some areas overlap in the arrangement direction (Y-axis direction).

[0029] In Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the detection coils 40X and the detection coils 40Y are shown in different figures for the sake of explanation. In practice, however, in the charger 10, the detection coils 40X and the detection coils 40Y are arranged so that they overlap in the Z-axis direction. In Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the detection coils 40 are shown as single-loop coils. However, each of the detection coils 40 may be a two-loop or more coil. The number of turns of the coils of the detection coils 40 may be set in advance according to the target detection sensitivity.

[0030] In the following description, for convenience, the processing related to position detection may be described using the detection coils 40X arranged in the X-axis direction. However, it goes without saying that in the charger 10, the processing related to position detection is performed using the detection coils 40X and 40Y arranged in the X-axis and Y-axis directions, respectively.

[0031] Again with reference to Fig. 1 the description continues.

[0032] The control unit 50 performs the information processing in the charger 10.

[0033] Fig. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of an example of the control unit 50.

[0034] In the control unit 50, a central processing unit (CPU) 11A, a read-only memory (ROM) 11B, a RAM 11C, an interface (I / F) 11D, and the like are connected to each other via a bus 11E, and has a hardware structure used by a normal computer.

[0035] The CPU 11A is an arithmetic device that controls the charger 10 of the present embodiment. The ROM 11B stores programs and the like that implement various types of processing executed by the CPU 11A. The RAM 11C stores data required for the various types of processing executed by the CPU 11A. The interface 11D is an interface for transmitting and receiving data.

[0036] A program for executing information processing executed by the charger 10 of the present embodiment is provided by being recorded in advance in the ROM 11B or the like. Note that the program executed by the charger 10 of the present embodiment may be configured to be provided by recording it on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, or a digital versatile disk (DVD) as a file in an installable format or an executable format.

[0037] For example, part or all of the control unit 50 may be implemented by causing a processing device such as the CPU 11A to execute a program, namely by software, may be implemented by hardware such as an integrated circuit (IC), or may be implemented by using software and hardware in combination.

[0038] The description is given below with further reference to Fig. 1 continued.

[0039] The control unit 50 controls the power transmission coil 30, the detection coils 40, and the moving device 36. The control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs transmitted signals for generating a magnetic field for detection to each of the detection coils 40 and determines the position of the power receiving unit 22 based on received signals, which are the responses from the power receiving unit 22 in response to the magnetic field for detection and detected by each of the detection coils 40.

[0040] The determination of the position of the energy receiving unit 22 by the control unit 50 is described.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram of an example of a circuit arrangement of the charger 10. Fig. 4 shows a part of the circuit arrangement relating to the position determination of the energy receiving unit 22 in the charger 10.

[0042] The charger 10 comprises the control unit 50, the detection coils 40, a selector switch 42, a diode 44, an amplifier 46 and a peak value memory 48.

[0043] The control unit 50 selectively outputs a transmitted signal TS to the predetermined detection coil 40 from an Echo_Pulse terminal via the diode 44 by switching the connection of the selector switch 42 via a coil selection terminal.

[0044] The transmitted signal TS is a signal for generating a magnetic field for detection by the detection coil 40. The transmitted signal TS is, for example, a pulse signal. The pulse width of the pulse signal is approximately 500 ns, for example. When the transmitted signal TS is input, the detection coil 40 generates a magnetic field for detection.

[0045] The control unit 50 detects, via the selector switch 42, a received signal RS, which is the response from the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20 in response to the magnetic field generated in the detection coil 40 due to the transmitted signal TS for detection to the detection coil 40.

[0046] The received signal RS is a signal that is the response to the detection coil 40 from the power receiving unit 22. The received signal RS is a signal that represents a change in the magnetic field due to a counter electromotive force, which is the response from the power receiving unit 22 immediately after the transmitted signal TS is output to the detection coil 40, and may be referred to as an echo signal.

[0047] The control unit 50 selectively detects the received signal RS, which is the response to the predetermined detection coil 40, by switching the connection of the selector switch 42 via the coil selection terminal. The received signal RS, which is the response to the detection coil 40, is held in the amplifier 48 via the amplifier 46.

[0048] The peak latch 48 is a peak hold circuit. The received signal RS, an echo signal, is a signal of approximately 1 MHz. Therefore, the control unit 50 cannot measure the instantaneous voltage of the received signal RS through slow A / D conversion. Therefore, the peak latch 48 must hold the peak voltage of the received signal RS. To reset the previous measured value, the control unit 50 outputs the "Discharge" signal, which discharges the charge stored in the peak latch 48 to GND (ground), to the peak latch 48 immediately before measuring the next received signal RS. The control unit 50 then performs A / D conversion of the received signal RS, which is the response to the detection coil 40 and is held in the peak latch 48, thereby measuring the level of the A / D-converted received signal RS.In other words, the control unit 50 detects the level of the received signal RS, which is the response from the power receiving unit 22 to the detection coil 40 in response to the magnetic field caused by the transmitted signal TS output to the detection coil 40.

[0049] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a basic concept of the position determination of the power receiving unit 22 by the control unit 50. Fig. Figure 5 shows, as an example, the detection coils 40X arranged in the X-axis direction. Note that the same applies to the detection coils 40Y arranged in the Y-axis direction.

[0050] The control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs each of the transmitted signals TS in time division multiplex to a corresponding one of the detection coils 40 arranged at positions different from the positions X0, X1, X2, etc. by switching the terminal of the selector switch 42. By the transmitted signal TS, a magnetic field for detection is generated by the detection coil 40X, and the received signal RS is generated by the power receiving unit 22 in response to the magnetic field. Then, the control unit 50 measures the level of the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40, which serves as an output source for the transmitted signal TS.

[0051] Fig. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a timing diagram related to the measurement of the level of the received signal RS. Fig. 6 shows an example of a timing chart when the transmitted signal TS is output to the detection coil 40 and the level of the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40 serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS in response to the magnetic field generated by the transmitted signal TS is measured.

[0052] For example, the control unit 50 switches the connection of the selector switch 42 via the coil selection terminal so that the detection coil 40 located at position n and the control unit 50 are brought into a communicable connection state. Then, the control unit 50 outputs the transmitted signal TS to the detection coil 40 located at position n (see waveform 60A), and a COM terminal of the selector switch 42 outputs the transmitted signal TS and the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40 located at position n in response to the transmitted signal TS to the control unit 50 (see waveform 60B). The control unit 50 outputs "discharge" to the peak value latch 48 at the time of outputting the transmitted signal TS to reset an immediately previous measured value (see waveform 60D).The control unit 50 performs A / D conversion of the received signal RS, which was the response to the detection coil 40 at position n and was held in the peak value memory 48, thereby measuring the level of the received signal RS after the A / D conversion (see waveform 60C).

[0053] That is, the control unit 50 outputs the transmitted signal TS to one of the detection coils 40. When the transmitted signal TS is input, a current flows through the detection coil 40, and a magnetic force is generated by the current. When the magnetic force lines generated by the generated magnetic force pass through the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20, a current flows through the power receiving unit 22 by counter electromotive force. Then, a magnetic force is generated by the current flowing through the power receiving unit 22, and the magnetic line passes through the detection coil 40. Therefore, an electromotive force is generated in the detection coil 40, which is amplified by the amplifier 46, converted into a constant voltage via the peak value latch 48, and read by the A / D converter of the control unit 50. Through these operations, the control unit 50 stores the level of the received signal RS, which was the response to the detection coil 40.Then, the control unit 50 sequentially performs the series of operations on each of the detection coils 40 provided in the charger 10 and repeats the operation until it detects that the terminal device 20 is placed on the support surface 12A. For example, when any level of the received signal RS becomes equal to or higher than a certain voltage, the control unit 50 determines that the terminal device 20 is placed on the support surface 12A.

[0054] Then, when it is determined that the terminal device 20 is placed on the support surface 12A, the control unit 50 determines the position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20 based on the level of the received signal RS received by each of the detection coils 40.

[0055] First, the basic processing of the position determination is described.

[0056] For example, the control unit 50 determines the position of the power receiving unit 22 by using the position of the detection coil 40 that detected the received signal RS at a maximum level, the maximum level, the position of the other detection coil 40 adjacent to the detection coil 40, and the level of the received signal RS detected by the other detection coil 40 adjacent to the detection coil 40.

[0057] Specifically, the control unit 50 determines the position of the power receiving unit 22 by using the position of the detection coil 40 that detected the received signal RS at a maximum level, the position of the other detection coil 40 adjacent to the detection coil 40, and a ratio between the maximum level and the level of the received signal RS detected by the other detection coil 40 adjacent to the detection coil 40.

[0058] More specifically, the control unit 50 defines as the X1-th position of the detection coil 40X having a maximum level of the received signal RS among the detection coils 40X arranged in the X-axis direction, and defines the maximum level as the L1-th. Furthermore, the control unit 50 defines as the X2-th position of a detection coil 40X having a higher level of the received signal RS among the detection coils 40X arranged on both sides in the X-axis direction with respect to the detection coil 40X having the maximum level of the received signal RS, and defines the level as the L2-th. Furthermore, the control unit 50 defines as the X3-th position of the other detection coil 40X having a low level of the received signal RS among the detection coils 40X arranged on both sides, and defines the level as the L3-th.

[0059] Then, when L2-th = L3-th is satisfied, the control unit 50 determines the X1-th as a position P of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20. When L1-th = L2-th is satisfied, the control unit 50 determines the position calculated by (X1-th + X2-th) / 2 as the position of the power receiving unit 22. When the relationship L2-th = L3-th or L1-th = L2-th is not satisfied, the control unit 50 calculates the position of the power receiving unit 22 by a known interpolation formula using the ratio of L1-th, L2-th, and L3-th.

[0060] Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B are explanatory diagrams of an example of determining the position of the power receiving unit 22 by basic position determination processing of the power receiving unit 22 based on the received signal RS.

[0061] Fig. 7A is a schematic diagram showing an example of a measurement result of the level of the received signal RS measured by each of the detection coils 40X arranged in the X-axis direction when the terminal 20 placed on the support surface 12A is moved by 1 mm in the X-axis direction and the terminal 20 is present at each position. In Fig. 7A, the horizontal axis represents the position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20 and the vertical axis represents the level of the measured received signal RS. In Fig. 7A, X0 to X13 represent the levels of the received signal RS detected by the detection coils 40X arranged at positions X0 to X13, respectively.

[0062] Specifically, Fig. 7A assumes a scene in which the terminal 20 is located at a position PR 24 mm from the reference position in the X-axis direction. In this case, as shown in Fig. 7A, the level of the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40X at a position X6 is the highest. Furthermore, the level of the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40X at a position X5 is the second highest, and the level of the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40X at a position X7 is the third highest.

[0063] In this case, the control unit 50 determines the position between the position X6 and the position X5 as the position P of the power receiving unit 22 based on the ratio of the levels of the received signals RS detected by these detection coils 40X (see Fig. 7B). Similarly, the control unit 50 also determines the position in the Y-axis direction, thereby determining the position coordinate including each of the positions in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the power receiving unit 22 as the position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0064] Here, the present inventors have found that it may be difficult to determine the position P of the power receiving unit 22 with high accuracy by a method for determining the position of the power receiving unit 22 without considering a relative distance.

[0065] Specifically, the present inventors found that the level of the received signal RS detected by each of the detection coils 40 varies with the relative distance between the position of the power receiving unit 22 placed on the support surface 12A and the position of the power transmitting coil 30. That is, the present inventors found that even in the case of the received signal RS detected by the same detection coil 40, there is a case where a difference in the level of the received signal RS occurs depending on the relative distance between the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 in detecting the received signal RS. Furthermore, the present inventors found that the magnetic body sheet 32 causes a difference in the level of the received signal RS due to the relative distance.

[0066] Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B are explanatory diagrams of an example of a relationship between a relative distance between the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20 and the power transmitting coil 30 and the level of the received signal RS.

[0067] Fig. 8A is an explanatory diagram of an example of the level of the received signal RS in a case where the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 are separated from each other, namely, in a case where the relative distance between them is large.

[0068] For example, in a case where the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmission coil 30 are located at positions separated from each other, the increase or decrease in the detection sensitivity of the received signal RS of the detection coil 40 by the magnetic body plate 32 has a sensitivity gradient as shown in a line graph 62A. Specifically, an L value of the detection coil 40 positioned on the magnetic body plate 32 increases due to the influence of the magnetic body plate 32 provided on the back of the power transmission coil 30, and the magnitude of the magnetic flux output from the detection coil 40 increases.Therefore, when the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 are located at positions separated from each other, the detection sensitivity of each of the received signals RS of the group of detection coils 40 that detect each of the received signals RS with the maximum level and a level equivalent to the maximum level includes a sensitivity gradient corresponding to a relative distance, as shown in the line diagram 62A.

[0069] Furthermore, the distribution of the sensitivity of the received signal RS is shown in a line diagram 62B. As shown in the line diagram 62B, the sensitivity of the received signal RS is maximized at the center position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20, and the sensitivity of the received signal RS decreases with increasing distance from the center position.

[0070] Then, as shown in a line diagram 62C, the level of the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40X arranged at the position Xn corresponding to the center position of the power receiving unit 22 is maximized. Moreover, the level of the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40X arranged at each of the position Xn-1 and the position Xn+1 adjacent to Xn is lower than the maximum level.

[0071] As described above, when the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 are located at positions separated from each other, the detection sensitivity of each of the received signals RS of the group of detection coils 40 that detect each of the received signals RS with the maximum level and a level equivalent to the maximum level includes a sensitivity gradient corresponding to the relative distance, as shown in the line graph 62A. That is, when the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20 is positioned at a position where the detection sensitivity of the received signal RS is inclined due to the influence of the magnetic body sheet 32, the level of the detected received signal RS changes.

[0072] In the Fig. 8A, both the detection coil 40X arranged at the position Xn-1 and the one arranged at the position Xn+1 detect the received signal RS at substantially the same level as when not influenced by the magnetic body plate 32. However, due to the influence of the magnetic body plate 32, the detection sensitivity of the detection coil 40 at a position closer to the power transmission coil 30 and the magnetic body plate 32 is high, and the detection sensitivity of the detection coil 40 at a position farther from the power transmission coil 30 and the magnetic body plate 32 is low.Therefore, among the detection coils 40X arranged at the respective positions Xn-1 and Xn+1, the level of the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40X arranged at the position Xn+1 farther from the magnetic body plate 32 is lower than the level of the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40X arranged at the position Xn-1 closer to the magnetic body plate 32.

[0073] Therefore, when the position of the power receiving unit 22 is determined using the levels of these received signals RS without considering the relative distance, a gap G arises between a determined position P and an actual position PR of the power receiving unit 22. That is, when the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20 is positioned at a position where the detection sensitivity of the received signal RS is inclined due to the influence of the magnetic body plate 32, the accuracy of determining the position P of the power receiving unit 22 may deteriorate.

[0074] Fig. 8B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the level of the received signal RS in a case where the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 are located at substantially the same position, namely, in a case where the relative distance is small. The substantially same position means that the positions on the two-dimensional plane along the support surface 12A are substantially the same.

[0075] For example, when the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 are located at substantially the same position, the increase or decrease in the detection sensitivity of the received signal RS of the detection coil 40 by the magnetic body sheet 32 is, for example, as shown in a line graph 64A. That is, when the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 are located at substantially the same position, the detection sensitivities of the respective received signals RS of the group of detection coils 40 that detect the respective received signals RS with the maximum level and a level equivalent to the maximum level are substantially the same, namely in a flat state, as shown in the line graph 64A.

[0076] Furthermore, the distribution of the sensitivity of the received signal RS is shown in a line diagram 64B. As shown in the line diagram 64B, the sensitivity of the received signal RS is maximum at the center position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20, and the sensitivity of the received signal RS decreases with increasing distance from the center position.

[0077] Then, as shown in a line diagram 64C, the level of the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40X arranged at the position Xn corresponding to the center position of the power receiving unit 22 is maximized. Moreover, the level of the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40X arranged at each of the position Xn-1 and the position Xn+1 adjacent to Xn is lower than the maximum level.

[0078] As described above, when the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 are located at substantially the same position, the detection sensitivities of the respective received signals RS of the group of detection coils 40 that detect the respective received signals RS having the maximum level and a level equivalent to the maximum level are substantially the same, namely, in a flat state, as shown in the line diagram 64A.

[0079] Therefore, when the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmission coil 30 are located at substantially the same position, the influence of the magnetic body plate 32 is suppressed, and the position of the power receiving unit 22 can be determined using the received signal RS detected with high accuracy. Therefore, it is considered that the accuracy in determining the position P of the power receiving unit 22 is improved.

[0080] Therefore, in the charger 10 of the present embodiment, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 according to a relative distance between the first position of the power receiving unit 22, which is the position determined based on the received signal RS, and the power transmission coil 30.

[0081] Fig. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an information processing method executed in the control unit 50 according to the present embodiment.

[0082] The control unit 50 initializes the position of the power transmission coil 30 (step S100). The control unit 50 controls the moving device 36 to move the power transmission coil 30, held on the transport table 34 on which the moving device 36 is provided, to a predetermined home position on the support surface 12A. The home position is, for example, a position corresponding to the origin in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction of the support surface 12A, which is a two-dimensional plane. With this movement control, the control unit 50 initializes the position of the power transmission coil 30.

[0083] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the terminal device 20 is placed on the support surface 12A (step S102). When the terminal device 20 is placed on the support surface 12A, a magnetic field is generated due to resonance caused by an impulse response. Therefore, in step S102, the control unit 50 makes a determination by measuring the generated magnetic field. For example, in step S102, the control unit 50 makes a decision by determining whether the level of the received signal RS detected by at least one of the detection coils 40 varies by a threshold value or more. The control unit 50 repeats this if a negative decision is made (step S102: No) until an affirmative decision is made in step S102 (step S102: Yes). If the control unit 50 makes an affirmative decision in step S102 (step S102: Yes), the flow proceeds to step S104.

[0084] In step S104, the control unit 50 determines a first position P1 of the power receiving unit 22 (step S104).

[0085] The first position P1 is a position P of the power receiving unit 22 determined based on the received signal RS detected in response to the transmitted signal TS in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is in the home position.

[0086] For example, the control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs the transmitted signal TS to each of the detection coils 40. Then, the control unit 50 detects the levels of the received signals RS, which are the responses from the power receiving unit 22 in response to the magnetic field for detection and are detected by the detection coils 40, each serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS. Based on the level of the received signal RS detected by each of the detection coils 40, the control unit 50 then determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above, thereby determining the position P as the first position P1.

[0087] Next, the control unit 50 calculates a relative distance between the first position P1 determined in step S104 and the position of the power transmission coil 30 (step S106). For example, the control unit 50 stores in advance home position information indicating a home position to which the movement of the power transmission coil 30 is controlled in step S100. Then, the control unit 50 calculates the relative distance by calculating a distance between the first position P1 determined in step S104 and the home position indicated by the home position information.

[0088] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the relative distance calculated in step S106 is outside the range of a predetermined distance.

[0089] The predetermined distance may be set in advance. For example, the range of the predetermined distance may be set in advance to a range in which the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 are located at substantially the same position in the two-dimensional plane along the support surface 12A. Furthermore, the range of the predetermined distance may be set in advance to a range of the relative distance in which the increase or decrease in the detection sensitivity of the received signal RS of the detection coil 40 due to the influence of the magnetic body sheet 32, which is described with reference to the line diagram 62A of Fig. 8A and the line diagram 64A of Fig. 8B, namely, a flat state at the respective positions of the group of detection coils 40 which detect the respective received signals RS at the maximum and the level equivalent to the maximum.

[0090] If the relative distance calculated in step S106 is within the range of the predetermined distance (step S108: No), the control unit 50 starts the charging control from the power transmission coil 30 to the power reception unit 22 (step S110).

[0091] More specifically, the control unit 50 applies alternating current to the power transmission coil 30, communicates with the terminal device 20 via the power transmission coil 30, and controls the power supply in response to a power request command from the terminal device 20. The control unit 50 includes a circuit for performing bidirectional communication with the terminal device 20 and communicates with the terminal device 20 via this circuit. The power transmission coil 30 is electromagnetically coupled to the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20 to supply alternating current to the power receiving unit 22. The alternating current power supplied to the power receiving unit 22 is converted into direct current power by a rectifier in the terminal device 20 to charge the battery 24. This wirelessly charges the battery 24 of the terminal device 20. This routine then ends.

[0092] On the other hand, if the relative distance calculated in step S106 is outside the range of the predetermined distance (step S108: Yes), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S112.

[0093] In step S112, the control unit 50 executes unique position determination processing to determine the position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20 (step S112). Then, the control unit 50 starts charging control in the same manner as in step S110 (step S114) and terminates this routine.

[0094] The determination processing of the unique position in step S112 is described in detail.

[0095] When the relative distance between the first position of the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 is outside the range of the predetermined distance, the control unit 50 executes one of the following processing: first position determination processing, second position determination processing, third position determination processing, and fourth position determination processing. (First positioning processing)

[0096] First, the initial positioning processing is described.

[0097] The control unit 50 performs the following processing as the first position determination processing. Specifically, when the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance, the control unit 50 controls the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the first position P1. Then, the control unit 50 determines a second position P2, which is the position of the power reception unit 22 determined based on the received signal RS detected in response to the transmitted signal TS output in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is located at the first position P1, as the position P of the power reception unit 22.

[0098] The second position P2 is the position P of the power receiving unit 22, which is determined based on the received signal RS detected in response to the transmitted signal TS in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is in the first position P1.

[0099] That is, in the first position determination processing, the power transmission coil 30 is controlled to move to the first position P1 preliminarily determined as the position P of the power reception unit 22, and the second position P2 determined based on the received signal RS detected in response to the transmitted signal TS outputted in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is present at the first position P1 is determined as the formal position P of the power reception unit 22.

[0100] Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of the first position determination processing executed by the control unit 50.

[0101] The control unit 50 controls the movement of the energy transmission coil 30 to the first position P1, which is determined in step S104 (see Fig. 9) has been determined (step S200). Specifically, the control unit 50 controls the moving device 36 to move it to the first position P1. When the moving device 36 moves the conveyor table 34 to the first position P1 under the control of the control unit 50, the power transmission coil 30 placed on the conveyor table 34 moves to the first position P1.

[0102] Next, the control unit 50 determines the second position P2 of the power receiving unit 22 (step S202). For example, the control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs the transmitted signal TS to each of the detection coils 40. Then, the control unit 50 detects the levels of the received signals RS, which are the responses from the power receiving unit 22 in response to the magnetic field for detection and are detected by the detection coils 40, each serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS. Based on the level of the received signal RS detected by each of the detection coils 40, the control unit 50 then determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above, thereby determining the second position P2.

[0103] The control unit 50 then controls the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the second position P2 determined in step S202 (step S204). Specifically, the control unit 50 controls the moving device 36 to move it to the second position P2. When the moving device 36 moves the conveyor table 34 to the second position P2 under the control of the control unit 50, the power transmission coil 30 placed on the conveyor table 34 moves to the second position P2. This routine then ends.

[0104] Therefore, the control unit 50 performs the Fig. 10 shown first positioning processing than the one in Fig. 9, the position determination processing is executed in step S112, whereby the charging control from the power transmission coil 30 moved to the second position P2 to the power reception unit 22 is started.

[0105] Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B are explanatory diagrams of an example of an effect of the first positioning processing.

[0106] In Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B, the horizontal axis represents the position of the support surface 12A in the X-axis direction. The vertical axis represents the level of the received signal RS. In Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B, X0, X1, and X2 represent the levels of the received signals RS detected by the detection coils 40X at positions X0, X1, and X2, respectively.

[0107] Fig. 11A is an explanatory diagram of the received signal RS detected by each of the detection coils 40 that detected the received signal RS used to determine the first position P1. In the Fig. In the state shown in Fig. 11A, a scene is assumed in which the power transmission coil 30 is located at the position X0 and the power reception unit 22 is arranged at a position at “14 mm” from the origin in the X-axis direction, which is an intermediate position between the position X2 and a position X3.

[0108] For example, in a state where the relative distance between the power transmission coil 30 and the power reception unit 22 is outside the range of the predetermined distance, the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40X arranged at each of the positions X0, X1 and X2 is as shown in Fig. 11A. That is, as described above with reference to Fig. 8A, the received signal RS includes the sensitivity gradient due to the influence of the magnetic body sheet 32. Therefore, the first position P1 of the power receiving unit 22 determined by using the levels of these received signals RS is, for example, a position at “16 mm” from the origin, which is an intermediate position between the position X1 and the position X2, and a deviation of 2 mm with respect to the actual position occurs.

[0109] Fig. 11B is an explanatory diagram of the received signal RS detected by each of the detection coils 40 that detected the received signals RS used to determine the second position P2. In the Fig. 11B, it is assumed that the power transmission coil 30 is located at the first position P1 and the power reception unit 22 is located at the position at “14 mm” from the origin in the X-axis direction, which is the intermediate position between the position X2 and the position X3 as shown in Fig. 11A is.

[0110] The received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40X arranged at each of the positions X0, X1 and X2 in the state where the power transmission coil 30 is located at the position of the first position P1 is in Fig. 11B. That is, as described above with reference to Fig. 8B, the received signal RS does not include the sensitivity gradient due to the influence of the magnetic body sheet 32. Therefore, the second position P2 of the power receiving unit 22 determined using the levels of these received signals RS is the position at “14 mm” from the origin, which is an intermediate position between the position X1 and the position X2, and the actual position at “14 mm” is determined as the formal position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0111] As described above, in the first position determination processing, the control unit 50 controls the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the first position P1, which is preliminarily determined as the position P of the power reception unit 22. Then, the control unit 50 determines the second position P2, which is determined based on the received signal RS detected in response to the transmitted signal TS in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is located at the first position P1, as the formal position P of the power reception unit 22.

[0112] Since the second position P2 is determined based on the received signal RS detected in response to the transmitted signal TS output in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is located at the first position P1, the control unit 50 can determine the second position P2 in a state where the influence of the sensitivity gradient by the magnetic body plate 32 is suppressed. Therefore, by executing the first position determination processing, the control unit 50 can determine the position P of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20 with higher accuracy than in a case where the first position P1 is determined as the formal position P of the power receiving unit 22. (Second positioning processing)

[0113] Next, the second positioning processing is described.

[0114] The control unit 50 performs the following processing as the second position determination processing. More specifically, when the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance, the control unit 50 starts the charging control from the power transmission coil 30 to the power reception unit 22 after controlling the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the first position P1. If the terminal device 20 that started the charging control is a predetermined terminal device, the control unit 50 then stops the charging control. Then, the control unit 50 determines, as the second position P2, the position P of the power reception unit 22, which is determined based on the received signal RS acquired in response to the transmitted signal TS in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is located at the first position P1.Then, the control unit 50 determines the determined second position P2 as the formal position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0115] The predetermined terminal device may be the predetermined terminal device 20. The predetermined terminal device is, for example, a magnet-equipped terminal device in which a magnet is arranged on at least a portion of the outer circumference of the energy receiving unit 22. The terminal device with a magnet may be referred to as a Magnetic Power Profile (MPP) terminal device.

[0116] Further, the control unit 50 begins the charging control of energy of a first frequency from the power transmission coil 30 to the power reception unit 22 after controlling the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the first position P1. Then, the control unit 50 may start the charging control of energy at a second frequency, higher than the first frequency, from the power transmission coil 30 to the power reception unit 22 after controlling the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the second position P2.That is, when the terminal 20 is a predetermined terminal such as a terminal having a magnet, the control unit 50 may perform power reception control with the power of the first frequency in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is located at the first position P1, and may perform rapid charging with the power of the second frequency higher than the first frequency in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is located at the second position P2, which is a more accurate position.

[0117] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of the second position determination processing executed by the control unit 50.

[0118] The control unit 50 controls the movement of the energy transmission coil 30 to the first position P1, which is determined in step S104 (see Fig. 9) is determined (step S300). Specifically, the control unit 50 controls the moving device 36 to move it to the first position P1. When the moving device 36 moves the conveyor table 34 to the first position P1 under the control of the control unit 50, the power transmission coil 30 placed on the conveyor table 34 moves to the first position P1.

[0119] Next, the control unit 50 sets a charging frequency to the first frequency (step S302). The first frequency is, for example, 128 kHz, but is not limited to this value. Then, the control unit 50 applies the AC voltage with the first frequency set in step S302 to the power transmission coil 30 and begins charging control from the power transmission coil 30 to the power reception unit 22 (step S304).

[0120] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the terminal 20 having the power receiving unit 22, which started charging in step S304, is a predetermined terminal (step S306). The control unit 50 communicates with the terminal 20 via the power transmission coil 30 and receives information from the terminal 20 indicating whether the terminal 20 is a predetermined terminal, thereby performing the determination in step S306.

[0121] After determining that the terminal device is not the predetermined terminal device (step S306: No), the control unit 50 terminates this routine. Therefore, if the negative determination is made in step S306, the control unit 50 continues the charging control started in step S304. On the other hand, if the terminal device is determined to be the predetermined terminal device (step S306: Yes), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S308.

[0122] In step S308, the control unit 50 stops the charging control started in step S304 (step S308) and proceeds to step S310. Note that the control unit 50 can communicate with the terminal device 20 via the power transmission coil 30 and can further determine whether a signal indicating a command to change the charging frequency has been received from the terminal device 20. Then, if the signal indicating the instruction to change the charging frequency has not been received, the control unit 50 can continue the charging control started in step S304 without stopping the charging control and terminate this routine. On the other hand, upon receiving the signal indicating the command to change the charging frequency, the control unit 50 can execute the processing in step S308.

[0123] In step S310, the control unit 50 determines the second position P2 of the power receiving unit 22 (step S310). The control unit 50 then controls the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the second position P2 determined in step S310 (step S312). The processing in steps S310 and S312 is similar to the processing in steps S202 and S204 described above, respectively.

[0124] Then, the control unit 50 sets the charging frequency to the second frequency (step S314). The second frequency may be higher than the first frequency. The second frequency is, for example, 360 kHz, but is not limited to this value. This routine then ends.

[0125] When the control unit 50 executes the second positioning processing in Fig. 12 as the position determination processing in step S112 in Fig. 9, the rapid charging control with the second frequency is started from the power transmission coil 30, which is moved to the second position P2, to the power receiving unit 22.

[0126] As described above, in the second position determination processing, the movement of the power transmission coil 30 is controlled to the first position P1, which is preliminarily determined as the position P of the power reception unit 22. Then, in the second position determination processing, when the terminal 20 is the predetermined terminal, the second position P2 determined based on the received signal RS detected in response to the transmitted signal TS output in the state where the power transmission coil 30 is present at the first position P1 is determined as the formal position P of the power reception unit 22.In the second position determination processing, the power transmission coil 30 located at the first position P1 starts the charging control of the power at the first frequency, and when the terminal 20 is the predetermined terminal, the power transmission coil 30 is moved to the second position P2 which is the more accurate position P, and the charging control of the power at the second frequency is further started.

[0127] In the second position determination processing, the second position P2 is determined based on the received signal RS detected in response to the transmitted signal TS output in the state where the power transmission coil 30 is located at the first position P1. Therefore, the control unit 50 can determine the second position P2 in a state where the influence of a sensitivity change due to the magnetic body plate 32 is suppressed. That is, by executing the second position determination processing, the control unit 50 can determine the position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20 with higher accuracy than in a case where the first position P1 is determined as the formal position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0128] Furthermore, by performing the second position determination processing, the control unit 50 can quickly charge a predetermined terminal device after aligning the position of the power transmission coil 30 with high accuracy. (Third-party positioning processing)

[0129] Next, the third positioning processing is described.

[0130] The control unit 50 performs the following processing as the third position determination processing. Specifically, when the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance, the control unit 50 determines the position of the power receiving unit 22 based on a corrected received signal obtained by correcting the received signal RS used to determine the first position P1 with a correction coefficient Ke corresponding to the relative distance.

[0131] Fig. 13A is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of the third positioning processing executed by the control unit 50.

[0132] The control unit 50 calculates a corrected received signal obtained by correcting the received signal RS used to determine the first position P1 determined in step S104 (see Fig. 9), with the correction coefficient Ke corresponding to the relative distance between the first position P1 and the power transmission coil 30 (step S400).

[0133] More specifically, the control unit 50 detects the level of the received signal RS, which is used to determine the first position P1 determined in step S104 (see Fig. 9). For example, the control unit 50 detects an L1-ter level, an L2-ter level, and an L3-ter level of the received signal RS as the levels of the received signals RS used to determine the first position P1.

[0134] Next, the control unit 50 determines the correction coefficient Ke corresponding to the relative distance between the first position P1 and the power transmission coil 30. The correction coefficient Ke is a coefficient for canceling the sensitivity gradient due to the magnetic body sheet 32 included in the received signal RS.

[0135] Fig. 13B is an explanatory diagram for the correction coefficient Ke. In Fig. 13B, the horizontal axis represents the relative distance and the vertical axis represents the correction coefficient Ke. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13B, the correction coefficient Ke has a value less than 1 when the relative distance is short, that is, when the positions of the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 are close to each other. When the relative distance is large, that is, when the positions of the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 are far apart, the correction coefficient Ke has a value greater than 1.

[0136] The control unit 50 stores in advance a relationship information or a function which is Fig. 13B, regarding a relationship of the correction coefficient Ke corresponding to the relative distance between the first position P1 and the power transmission coil 30. Then, the control unit 50 can determine the correction coefficient Ke corresponding to the relative distance between the first position P1 and the power transmission coil 30 from the relationship information or the function.

[0137] Next, the control unit 50 multiplies the L1-th level, the L2-th level, and the L3-th level of each of the received signals RS used to determine the first position P1 by the determined correction coefficient Ke. The control unit 50 calculates a corrected L1-th level, a L2-th level, and a L3-th level, which are the results of the multiplication processing, as a corrected received signal of each of the received signals RS.

[0138] As described above, the correction coefficient Ke is a coefficient for canceling the sensitivity gradient due to the magnetic body plate 32 contained in the received signal RS. Therefore, the corrected level L1-ter', the level L2-ter', and the level L3-ter', which represent the corrected received signals, are levels at which the influence of the sensitivity gradient by the magnetic body plate 32 is canceled.

[0139] The description is given below with further reference to Fig. 13A. Next, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 by using the corrected received signal calculated in step S400 (step S402). That is, the control unit 50 redetermines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 by using the corrected received signal obtained by correcting the received signal RS used to determine the first position P1. The control unit 50 can determine the position P of the power receiving unit 22 by performing similar processing to that used to determine the first position P1 in step S104, except that the corrected level L1-ter', the level L2-ter', and the level L3-ter' are used instead of each of the levels L1-ter, L2-ter, and L3-ter.

[0140] Subsequently, the control unit 50 controls the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the position P determined in step S402 (step S404). Specifically, the control unit 50 controls the moving device 36 to move to the position P determined in step S402. When the moving device 36 moves the conveyor table 34 to the position P under the control of the control unit 50, the power transmission coil 30 placed on the conveyor table 34 moves to the position P. Then, this routine is terminated.

[0141] Therefore, the control unit 50 performs the Fig. 13A as the position determination processing in step S112 in Fig. 9, whereby the charging control from the power transmission coil 30, which is moved to the position P determined with high accuracy, to the power receiving unit 22 is started.

[0142] As described above, in the third position determination processing, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 based on the corrected received signal obtained by correcting the received signal RS used to determine the first position P1, which is provisionally determined as the position P of the power receiving unit 22, by the correction coefficient Ke according to the relative distance. Then, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 determined based on the corrected received signal as the formal position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0143] That is, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 using the corrected received signal in which the influence of the sensitivity gradient by the magnetic body plate 32 is canceled. Therefore, the control unit 50 can determine the position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20 with high accuracy. (Fourth positioning processing)

[0144] Next, the fourth positioning processing is described.

[0145] The control unit 50 performs the following processing as the fourth position determination processing. Specifically, when the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 based on a third position P3 and a fourth position P4.

[0146] The third position P3 is a position P determined based on a first received signal RS1, which is the received signal RS detected by each of the detection coils 40, each serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS, in response to the transmitted signal TS sequentially output to each of the detection coils 40. The first received signal RS1 is an example of the received signal RS.

[0147] The fourth position P4 is a position P determined based on a second received signal RS2, which is the received signal RS detected by each of the other detection coils 40 that are not the output source of the transmitted signal TS in response to the transmitted signal TS sequentially output to each of the detection coils 40. The second received signal RS2 is an example of the received signal RS.

[0148] Fig. 14A to 14C are explanatory diagrams of an example of the fourth positioning processing.

[0149] As in Fig. 14A, the control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs the transmitted signal TS in time division multiplex to each of the detection coils 40 arranged at positions different from the positions X1, X2, X3, ..., respectively. Then, the control unit 50 measures the level of the first received signal RS1, that is, the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40 serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS. Then, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above based on the first received signal RS1, thereby determining the third position P3 of the power receiving unit 22.

[0150] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 14B, the control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs the transmitted signal TS in time division multiplex to each of the detection coils 40 arranged at positions different from the positions X1, X2, X3, etc. Then, the control unit 50 measures the level of a second received signal RS2a, that is, the received signal RS detected by the other detection coil 40 that is not the output source of the transmitted signal TS. The second received signal RS2a is an example of the second received signal RS2. Fig. 14B shows, as the second received signal RS2a, the second received signal RS2a detected by the detection coil 40 next to the detection coil 40 serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS. Then, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above based on the second received signal RS2a, thereby determining a fourth position P4a of the power receiving unit 22. The fourth position P4a is an example of the fourth position P4.

[0151] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 14C, the control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs the transmitted signal TS in time division multiplex to each of the detection coils 40 arranged at positions different from the positions X1, X2, X3, etc. Then, the control unit 50 measures the level of a second received signal RS2b, that is, the received signal RS detected by the other detection coil 40 that is not the output source of the transmitted signal TS. The second received signal RS2b is an example of the second received signal RS2. Fig. 14C shows, as the second received signal RS2b, the second received signal RS2b detected by the previous detection coil 40 adjacent to the detection coil 40 serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS. Then, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above based on the second received signal RS2b, thereby determining a fourth position P4b of the power receiving unit 22. The fourth position P4b is an example of the fourth position P4.

[0152] Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a timing chart related to the measurement of the level of the second received signal RS2. Fig. 15 shows an example of a timing chart when the transmitted signal TS is output to the detection coil 40 and the level of each of the first received signal RS1, the second received signal RS2a, and the second received signal RS2b is measured.

[0153] For example, the control unit 50 switches the connection of the selector switch 42 via the coil selection terminal so that the detection coil 40 located at position n and the control unit 50 are brought into a communicable connection state. Then, the control unit 50 outputs the transmitted signal TS to the detection coil 40 located at position n (see waveform 68A1), and the COM terminal of the selector switch 42 outputs the transmitted signal TS and the received signal RS detected by the detection coil 40 located at position n in response to the transmitted signal TS to the control unit 50 (see waveform 68B1). The control unit 50 outputs "discharge" to the peak value latch 48 at the time of outputting the transmitted signal TS to reset an immediately previous measured value (see waveform 68D1).The control unit 50 performs A / D conversion of the received signal RS, which was the response to the detection coil 40 at position n and was held in the peak value memory 48, thereby measuring the level of the first received signal RS1 after the A / D conversion (see waveform 68C1).

[0154] Further, the control unit 50 switches the connection of the selector switch 42 via the coil selection terminal so that the detection coil 40 located at position n and the control unit 50 are brought into a communicable connection state. After the control unit 50 outputs the transmitted signal TS to the detection coil 40 at position n (see waveform 68A2), the connection of the selector switch 42 is then switched via the coil selection terminal to bring the detection coil 40 located at position n+1 and the control unit 50 into a communicable connection state.

[0155] The COM terminal of the selector switch 42 outputs the transmitted signal TS detected by the detection coil 40 located at position n+1 and the second received signal RS2a of the detection coil 40 located at position n+1 to the control unit 50 in response to the transmitted signal TS (see waveform 68B2). The control unit 50 outputs "discharge" to the peak value latch 48 at a time when the transmitted signal TS is output to reset an immediately previous measured value (see waveform 68D2). The control unit 50 performs A / D conversion of the second received signal RS2a, which was the response to the detection coil 40 at position n+1 and was held in the peak value latch 48, thereby measuring the level of the second received signal RS2a after the A / D conversion (see waveform 68C2).

[0156] Furthermore, the control unit 50 switches the connection of the selector switch 42 via the coil selection terminal so that the detection coil 40 located at position n and the control unit 50 are brought into a communicable connection state. After the control unit 50 outputs the transmitted signal TS to the detection coil 40 located at position n (see waveform 68A3), the connection of the selector switch 42 is switched via the coil selection terminal to bring the detection coil 40 located at position n-1 and the control unit 50 into a communicable connection state.

[0157] The COM terminal of the selector switch 42 outputs the transmitted signal TS detected by the detection coil 40 located at position n-1 and the second received signal RS2b of the detection coil 40 located at position n-1 to the control unit 50 in response to the transmitted signal TS (see waveform 68B3). The control unit 50 outputs "discharge" to the peak value latch 48 at a time when the transmitted signal TS is output to reset an immediately previous measured value (see waveform 68D3). The control unit 50 performs A / D conversion of the second received signal RS2b, which was the response to the detection coil 40 at position n-1 and was held in the peak value latch 48, thereby measuring the level of the second received signal RS2b after the A / D conversion (see waveform 68C3).

[0158] Fig. 16A to 16C are explanatory diagrams of specific examples of the third position P3, the fourth position P4a, and the fourth position P4b determined from the first received signal RS1, the second received signal RS2a, and the second received signal RS2b, respectively. The fourth position P4a and the fourth position P4b are examples of the fourth position P4.

[0159] In Fig. 16A to 16C, the horizontal axis represents the position of the support surface 12A in the X-axis direction. The vertical axis represents the level of the received signal RS. In Fig. 16A to 16C, X0 to X13 represent the levels of the received signals RS detected by the detection coils 40X arranged at the respective positions X0 to X13.

[0160] For example, assume a scene in which the first received signal RS1 detected by each of the detection coils 40, each of which serves as the output source of the transmitted signal TS, is Fig. 16A is the received signal RS. Then, a scene is assumed in which the control unit 50 determines the position X1 as the third position P3 by determining the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above based on the Fig. 16A shown first received signal RS1.

[0161] Furthermore, a scene is assumed in which the second received signal RS2a detected by each of the nearest detection coils 40 next to the detection coils 40, each of which serves as the output source of the transmitted signal TS, is detected in Fig. 16B is the received signal RS. Then, a scene is assumed in which the control unit 50 determines the position X2 as the fourth position P4a by determining the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above based on the Fig. 16B shown second received signal RS2a.

[0162] Furthermore, a scene is assumed in which the second received signal RS2b detected by each of the previous detection coils 40 besides the detection coils 40, each of which serves as the output source of the transmitted signal TS, is inputted into Fig. 16C is the received signal RS. Then, a scene is assumed in which the control unit 50 determines the position X3 as the fourth position P4b by determining the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above based on the Fig. 16C shown second received signal RS2b.

[0163] In this case, the control unit 50 determines an accurate position P of the power receiving unit 22 based on the position X1 which is the third position P3, the position X2 which is the fourth position P4a, and the position X3 which is the fourth position P4b.

[0164] For example, the control unit 50 obtains an average position from the position X1 which is the third position P3, the position X2 which is the fourth position P4a, and the position X3 which is the fourth position P4b by the following formula (1). X=(X1+X2+X3) / 3

[0165] Then, the control unit 50 determines the position X, which is the average position calculated by formula (1), as the accurate position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0166] Note that the control unit 50 only needs to calculate the position P of the power receiving unit 22 based on the third position P3 and the fourth position P4, and is not limited to a mode that uses the average position. For example, the control unit 50 may determine, as the accurate position P of the power receiving unit 22, an average position calculated after weighting at least one of the third position P3 and the fourth position P4 according to the relative distance or the like.

[0167] Moreover, the control unit 50 only needs to calculate the position of the power receiving unit 22 based on the third position P3 and the fourth position P4, and the number of the fourth positions P4 is not limited to two types, the fourth position P4a and the fourth position P4b, but may be one type or three or more types.

[0168] For example, the control unit 50 may use only the position n+1, namely the second received signal RS2a detected by the nearest detection coil 40 adjacent to the detection coil 40 serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS, as the fourth position P4. Then, the control unit 50 may determine the position X, which is an average position between the third position P3 and the fourth position P4a, as the accurate position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0169] In addition, the control unit 50 may use the second received signal RS2, which is the received signal RS detected by each of the detection coils 40 that is not the output source of the transmitted signal TS, and is not limited to the form of using the received signal RS of the detection coil 40 adjacent to the detection coil 40 serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS.

[0170] For example, as the fourth position P4, the control unit 50 may use the received signal RS detected by each of the two or more detection coils 40 arranged in a direction away from the detection coil 40 with respect to the detection coil 40 serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS as the second received signal RS.

[0171] Fig. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a procedure of the fourth position determination processing executed by the control unit 50.

[0172] The control unit 50 controls the movement of the energy transmission coil 30 to the first position P1, which is determined in step S104 (see Fig. 9) is determined (step S500). The processing in step S500 is similar to that in step S200 described above.

[0173] Next, the control unit 50 determines the third position P3 of the power receiving unit 22 (step S502). For example, the control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs the transmitted signal TS to each of the detection coils 40. Then, the control unit 50 detects the levels of the first received signals RS1, which are the responses from the power receiving unit 22 in response to the magnetic field for detection and are detected by the detection coils 40, each serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS. Based on the level of the first received signal RS1 detected by each of the detection coils 40, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above, thereby determining the third position P3.

[0174] Next, the control unit 50 determines the fourth position P4a of the power receiving unit 22 (step S504). For example, the control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs the transmitted signal TS to each of the detection coils 40. Then, the control unit 50 detects the levels of the second received signals RS2a, which are the responses from the power receiving unit 22 in response to the magnetic field for detection, and are detected by the nearest detection coils 40 adjacent to the detection coils 40, each serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS. Based on the level of the second received signal RS2a detected by each of the detection coils 40, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above, thereby determining the fourth position P4a.

[0175] Next, the control unit 50 determines the fourth position P4b of the power receiving unit 22 (step S506). For example, the control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs the transmitted signal TS to each of the detection coils 40. Then, the control unit 50 detects the levels of the second received signals RS2b, which are the responses from the power receiving unit 22 in response to the magnetic field for detection, and are detected by the previous detection coils 40 adjacent to the detection coils 40, each serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS. Based on the level of the second received signal RS2b detected by each of the detection coils 40, the control unit 50 then determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above, thereby determining the fourth position P4b.

[0176] Next, the control unit 50 determines the precise position P of the power receiving unit 22 using the third position P3 determined in step S502, the fourth position P4a determined in step S504, and the fourth position P4b determined in step S506 (step S508). For example, the control unit 50 determines the average position of the third position P3, the fourth position P4a, and the fourth position P4b as the precise position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0177] Then, the control unit 50 controls the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the position P determined in step S508 (step S510). This routine is then terminated.

[0178] If the control unit 50 Fig. 17 shown fourth positioning processing than the one in Fig. 9 executes the position determination processing in step S112, the charging control is started from the power transmission coil 30, which is moved to the position P calculated as the accurate position P of the power receiving unit 22, to the power receiving unit 22.

[0179] Fig. 18A to 18C are explanatory diagrams of an example of the effect of the fourth positioning processing.

[0180] In Fig. 18A to 18C, the horizontal axis represents the position of the support surface 12A in the X-axis direction. The vertical axis represents the level of the received signal RS. In Fig. 18A to 18C, X0, X1 and X2 represent the levels of the received signals RS detected by the detection coils 40X at the positions X0, X1 and X2, respectively. Fig. 18A to 18C show a scene in which the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20 is arranged at the position PR at “11 mm”.

[0181] Fig. 18A is an explanatory diagram of the first received signal RS1 detected by each of the detection coils 40 that detected the received signal RS used to determine the third position P3. Fig. 18B is an explanatory diagram of the second received signal RS2a detected by each of the detection coils 40 that detected the received signal RS used to determine the fourth position P4a. Fig. 18C is an explanatory diagram of the second received signal RS2b detected by each of the detection coils 40 that detected the received signal RS used to determine the fourth position P4b.

[0182] As in Fig. 18A, when the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20 is located at the position PR at “11 mm”, an error occurs at the third position P3 calculated using the first received signal RS1 received by the detection coil 40 located near the position PR due to the influence of the noise Z.

[0183] On the other hand, the fourth position P4a and the fourth position P4b, which are calculated using the second received signal RS2a and the second received signal RS2b, respectively, received by the other detection coil 40 different from the detection coil 40 serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS, do not include the error due to the influence of the noise Z (see Fig. 18B and Fig. 18C).

[0184] Therefore, by determining the position P of the power receiving unit 22 using the third position P3, the fourth position P4a, and the fourth position P4b, the control unit 50 can determine a more accurate position P at which the error due to the influence of the noise Z is reduced. For example, if the control unit 50 determines the average position of the third position P3, the fourth position P4a, and the fourth position P4b as the position P of the power receiving unit 22, the position P at which the influence of the noise Z is reduced to 1 / 3 can be determined.

[0185] As described above, since the fourth position determination processing effectively reduces the influence of the noise Z, the position of the power receiving unit 22 can be determined more effectively and with high accuracy with respect to the terminal 20 in which the noise Z is more likely to occur.

[0186] As described above, the charger 10 of the present embodiment wirelessly charges the terminal device 20, which includes the power receiving unit 22 placed on the support surface 12A and receives the wirelessly transmitted power. The charger 10 according to the present embodiment includes the power transmission coil 30, the detection coils 40, the movement device 36, and the control unit 50. The power transmission coil 30 transmits power to the terminal device 20. The detection coils 40 are coils for detecting the position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20 placed on the support surface 12A. The movement device 36 moves the power transmission coil 30. The control unit 50 controls the power transmission coil 30, the detection coils 40, and the movement device 36.The control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs the transmitted signals TS for generating the magnetic field for detection to the detection coils 40 and determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 based on the received signals RS, which are the responses from the power receiving unit 22 in response to the magnetic field for detection and detected by the detection coils 40. The control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 according to a relative distance between the first position P1 of the power receiving unit 22, which is the position P determined based on the received signal RS, and the power transmitting coil 30.

[0187] As described above, the control unit 50 of the charger 10 of the present embodiment determines the position P determined according to the relative distance between the first position P1 of the power receiving unit 22 determined based on the received signal RS and the power transmission coil 30 as the accurate position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0188] Therefore, the charger 10 of the present embodiment can determine the position P of the power receiving unit 22 with high accuracy in which the influence of the magnetic body plate 32 and the like is suppressed, compared with a case where the position P determined independently of the relative distance is determined as the accurate position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0189] Therefore, the charger 10 of the present embodiment can determine the position P of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20 with high accuracy.

[0190] Note that in the present embodiment, a mode is described in which the control unit 50 executes any one of the first position determination processing, the second position determination processing, the third position determination processing, and the fourth position determination processing when the relative distance between the first position of the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmission coil 30 is outside the range of the predetermined distance.

[0191] Which positioning processing the control unit 50 performs can be set in advance. For example, the control unit 50 can execute positioning processing set in advance by a user or the like among the first positioning processing, the second positioning processing, the third positioning processing, and the fourth positioning processing. Furthermore, information indicating which positioning processing is being executed can be changed accordingly by the user via an operation unit according to an operation instruction or the like. (First modification)

[0192] In the above embodiment, a mode is described in which the control unit 50 of the charger 10 executes any one of the first position determination processing, the second position determination processing, the third position determination processing, and the fourth position determination processing when the relative distance between the first position P1 of the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmission coil 30 is outside the range of the predetermined distance.

[0193] However, when the relative distance between the first position P1 of the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 is outside the range of the predetermined distance, the control unit 50 may execute two or more of the first position determination processing, the second position determination processing, the third position determination processing, and the fourth position determination processing in combination.

[0194] For example, the control unit 50 may execute any of the first positioning processing, the second positioning processing, and the third positioning processing in combination with the fourth positioning processing.

[0195] In the first position determination processing and the second position determination processing as described above, the control unit 50 determines the second position P2, which is the position of the power receiving unit 22 determined based on the received signal RS output in response to the transmitted signal TS output in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is located at the first position P1, as the formal position P of the power receiving unit 22. The control unit 50 may perform the fourth position determination processing in combination in determining the first position P1 and / or the second position P2 in the first position determination processing and the second position determination processing.

[0196] In this case, the control unit 50 may use the fourth position determination processing for determining the position P of the power receiving unit 22 based on the third position P3 and the fourth position P4 instead of the basic position determination processing using the above-described relationship as the determination processing of at least one of the first position P1 and the second position P2. Specifically, the control unit 50 executes the processing of steps S502 to S508 (see Fig. 17) in the fourth position derivation processing during at least one of the determination processing of the first position P1 in step S104 (see Fig. 9), the determination processing of the second position P2 in step S202 (see Fig. 10) and the determination processing of the second position P2 in step S310 (see Fig. 12). Through these types of processing, the control unit 50 executes the fourth position determination processing in combination upon determining at least one of the first position P1 and the second position P2 in the first position determination processing and the second position determination processing.

[0197] Further, the control unit 50 may, for example, perform the fourth position determination processing in combination with the determination processing of the position P using the corrected received signal (see step S402 in Fig. 13A) in the third position determination processing using the correction coefficient Ke. Specifically, the control unit 50 executes the processing of steps S502 to S508 (see Fig. 17) in the fourth position derivation processing during the determination processing of the first position P1 in step S104 (see Fig. 9). Then the control unit 50 can Fig. 13A using the first position P1 determined by the fourth position derivation processing.

[0198] As described above, the control unit 50 may execute any of the first positioning processing, the second positioning processing, and the third positioning processing in combination with the fourth positioning processing. (Second modification)

[0199] Furthermore, the control unit 50 may perform the third positioning processing using the correction coefficient Ke in combination with each of the first positioning processing and the second positioning processing.

[0200] In this case, when the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance, the control unit 50 can determine the accurate position P of the power receiving unit 22 based on the corrected received signal obtained by correcting the received signal RS used for determining at least one of the first position P1 and the second position P2 with the correction coefficient Ke corresponding to the relative distance.

[0201] Specifically, as the determination processing of the first position P1 and / or the second position P2, the control unit 50 may execute the position determination processing using the corrected received signal obtained by correcting the received signal RS with the correction coefficient Ke corresponding to the relative distance, instead of the received signal RS during the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above. (Third modification)

[0202] In the above embodiment, a mode in which the control unit 50 executes the first position determination processing when the relative distance between the first position of the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 is outside the range of the predetermined distance is described as an example.

[0203] However, the control unit 50 may perform the first position determination processing regardless of whether the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance. That is, after determining the first position P1, the control unit 50 may control the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the first position P1 and determine the second position P2, which is the position of the power reception unit 22 determined based on the received signal RS detected in response to the transmitted signal TS output in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is located at the first position P1, as the accurate position P of the power reception unit 22.

[0204] Fig. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of information processing executed by the control unit 50 according to the present modification.

[0205] The control unit 50 initializes the position of the power transmission coil 30 (step S600). Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the terminal device 20 is placed on the support surface 12A (step S602). The control unit 50 repeats this if the determination is negative (step S602: No) until an affirmative determination is made in step S602 (step S602: Yes). If the control unit 50 makes an affirmative determination in step S602 (step S602: Yes), processing proceeds to step S604. In step S604, the control unit 50 determines the first position P1 of the power receiving unit 22 (step S604).

[0206] The processing in steps S600 to S604 is similar to that in steps S100 to S104 (see Fig. 9).

[0207] Next, the control unit 50 controls the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the first position P1 determined in step S604 (step S606). Then, the control unit 50 determines the second position P2 of the power reception unit 22 (step S608). Subsequently, the control unit 50 controls the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the second position P2 determined in step S608 (step S610). The processing in steps S606 to S610 is similar to that in steps S200 to S204 (see Fig. 10).

[0208] Then, the control unit 50 starts the charging control in the same manner as in step S114 (see Fig. 9) (step S612) and terminates this routine.

[0209] As described above, in the present modification, the control unit 50 executes the first position determination processing regardless of whether the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance.

[0210] In the first position determination processing, the power transmission coil 30 is controlled to move to the first position P1, which is provisionally determined as the position P of the power reception unit 22, and the second position P2, which is determined based on the received signal RS detected in response to the transmitted signal TS outputted in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is present at the first position P1, is determined as the formal position P of the power reception unit 22.

[0211] Since the second position P2 is determined based on the received signal RS detected in response to the transmitted signal TS output in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is located at the first position P1, the control unit 50 can determine the second position P2 in a state where the influence of the sensitivity gradient by the magnetic body plate 32 is suppressed. Therefore, by executing the first position determination processing, the control unit 50 can determine the position P of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20 with higher accuracy than in a case where the first position P1 is determined as the formal position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0212] Therefore, in the present modification, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the charger 10 can determine the position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20 with high accuracy.

[0213] Similar to the first modification and the second modification, the control unit 50 may execute the first positioning processing in combination with at least one of the third positioning processing and the fourth positioning processing. (Fourth modification)

[0214] In the above embodiment, the mode in which the control unit 50 executes the second position determination processing when the relative distance between the first position of the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 is outside the range of the predetermined distance is described as an example.

[0215] However, the control unit 50 may perform the second position determination processing regardless of whether the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance. That is, after determining the first position P1, the control unit 50 starts the charging control from the power transmission coil 30 to the power reception unit 22 after controlling the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the first position P1. If the terminal 20 that started the charging control is a predetermined terminal, the control unit 50 stops the charging control.The control unit 50 determines the second position P2, which is the position P of the power receiving unit 22 determined based on the received signal RS detected in response to the transmitted signal TS outputted in the state where the power transmission coil 30 is in the first position P1, as the accurate position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0216] Fig. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of information processing executed by the control unit 50 according to the present modification.

[0217] The control unit 50 initializes the position of the power transmission coil 30 (step S700). Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the terminal device 20 is placed on the support surface 12A (step S702). The control unit 50 repeats this if the determination is negative (step S702: No) until an affirmative determination is made in step S702 (step S702: Yes). If the control unit 50 makes an affirmative determination in step S702 (step S702: Yes), processing proceeds to step S704. In step S704, the control unit 50 determines the first position P1 of the power receiving unit 22 (step S704).

[0218] The processing in steps S700 to S704 is similar to that in steps S100 to S104 (see Fig. 9).

[0219] Next, the control unit 50 controls the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the first position P1 determined in step S704 (step S706). Next, the control unit 50 sets a charging frequency to a first frequency (step S708). Then, the control unit 50 applies the AC voltage with the first frequency set in step S708 to the power transmission coil 30 and begins charging control from the power transmission coil 30 to the power reception unit 22 (step S710).

[0220] Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the terminal 20 having the power receiving unit 22 that started charging in step S710 is a predetermined terminal (step S712). Upon determining that the terminal is not the predetermined terminal (step S712: No), the control unit 50 terminates this routine. Therefore, if the negative determination is made in step S712, the control unit 50 continues the charging control started in step S710. On the other hand, upon determining that the terminal is the predetermined terminal (step S712: Yes), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S713.

[0221] In step S714, the control unit 50 stops the charging control started in step S710 (step S714) and proceeds to step S716. In step S716, the control unit 50 determines the second position P2 of the power receiving unit 22 (step S716). The control unit 50 then controls the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the second position P2 determined in step S716 (step S718). The control unit 50 then sets the charging frequency to a second frequency (step S720).

[0222] The processing in steps S706 to S720 is similar to that in steps S300 to S314 (see Fig. 12).

[0223] Then, the control unit 50 starts the charging control in the same manner as in step S114 (see Fig. 9) with the energy of the second frequency set in step S720 (step S722) and terminates this routine.

[0224] As described above, in the present modification, the control unit 50 executes the second position determination processing regardless of whether the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance.

[0225] In the second position determination processing, since the second position P2 is determined based on the received signal RS detected in response to the transmitted signal TS output in a state where the power transmission coil 30 is located at the first position P1, the control unit 50 can determine the second position P2 in a state where the influence of a sensitivity change due to the magnetic body plate 32 is suppressed. Therefore, by executing the second position determination processing, the control unit 50 can determine the position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20 with higher accuracy than in a case where the first position P1 is determined as the formal position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0226] Therefore, in the present modification, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the charger 10 can determine the position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20 with high accuracy.

[0227] Similar to the first modification and the second modification, the control unit 50 may execute the second positioning processing in combination with at least one of the third positioning processing and the fourth positioning processing. (Fifth Modification)

[0228] In the above embodiment, the mode in which the control unit 50 executes the third position determination processing when the relative distance between the first position of the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 is outside the range of the predetermined distance is described as an example.

[0229] However, the control unit 50 may perform the third position determination processing regardless of whether the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance. That is, after determining the first position P1, the control unit 50 may determine the accurate position P of the power receiving unit 22 based on the corrected received signal obtained by correcting the received signal RS used to determine the first position P1 with the correction coefficient Ke corresponding to the relative distance.

[0230] Fig. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of information processing executed by the control unit 50 according to the present modification.

[0231] The control unit 50 initializes the position of the power transmission coil 30 (step S800). Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the terminal device 20 is placed on the support surface 12A (step S802). The control unit 50 repeats this if the determination is negative (step S802: No) until an affirmative determination is made in step S802 (step S802: Yes). If the control unit 50 makes an affirmative determination in step S802 (step S802: Yes), processing proceeds to step S804. In step S804, the control unit 50 determines the first position P1 of the power receiving unit 22 (step S804).

[0232] The processing in steps S800 to S804 is similar to that in steps S100 to S104 (see Fig. 9).

[0233] Next, the control unit 50 calculates a corrected received signal obtained by correcting the received signal RS used for determining the first position P1 determined in step S804 with the correction coefficient Ke corresponding to the relative distance between the first position P1 and the power transmission coil 30 (step S806).

[0234] Next, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 using the corrected received signal calculated in step S806 (step S808). That is, the control unit 50 redetermines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 using the corrected received signal obtained by correcting the received signal RS used to determine the first position P1. Then, the control unit 50 controls the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the position P determined in step S808 (step S810).

[0235] The processing in steps S806 to S810 is similar to that in steps S400 to S404 (see Fig. 13A).

[0236] Then, the control unit 50 starts the charging control in the same manner as in step S114 (see Fig. 9) (step S812) and terminates this routine.

[0237] As described above, in the present modification, the control unit 50 executes the third position determination processing regardless of whether the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance.

[0238] In the third position determination processing, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 based on the corrected received signal obtained by correcting the received signal RS used to determine the first position P1, which is preliminarily determined as the position P of the power receiving unit 22 by the correction coefficient Ke corresponding to the relative distance. Then, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 determined based on the corrected received signal as the formal position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0239] That is, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 using the corrected received signal in which the influence of the sensitivity gradient by the magnetic body plate 32 is canceled. Therefore, the control unit 50 can determine the position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal device 20 with high accuracy.

[0240] Therefore, in the present modification, similarly to the above-described embodiment, the charger 10 can determine the position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20 with high accuracy.

[0241] Similar to the first modification, the control unit 50 may execute the third positioning processing in combination with the fourth positioning processing. (Sixth Modification)

[0242] In the above embodiment, the mode in which the control unit 50 executes the fourth position determination processing when the relative distance between the first position of the power receiving unit 22 and the power transmitting coil 30 is outside the range of the predetermined distance is described as an example.

[0243] However, the control unit 50 may perform the fourth position determination processing regardless of whether the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance. That is, the control unit 50 may determine the precise position P of the power receiving unit 22 based on the third position P3 and the fourth position P4.

[0244] Fig. 22 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method of information processing executed by the control unit 50 according to the present modification.

[0245] The control unit 50 initializes the position of the power transmission coil 30 (step S900). Next, the control unit 50 determines whether the terminal device 20 is placed on the support surface 12A (step S902). The control unit 50 repeats this if the determination is negative (step S902: No) until an affirmative determination is made in step S902 (step S902: Yes). If the control unit 50 makes an affirmative determination in step S902 (step S902: Yes), processing proceeds to step S904.

[0246] The processing in steps S900 to S902 is similar to that in steps S100 to S102 (see Fig. 9).

[0247] Then, the control unit 50 executes the processing of steps S904 to S912 in the same manner as in steps S502 to S510 (see Fig. 17).

[0248] Specifically, the control unit 50 determines the third position P3 of the power receiving unit 22 (step S904). For example, the control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs the transmitted signal TS to each of the detection coils 40. Then, the control unit 50 detects the level of the first received signal RS1, which is the response from the power receiving unit 22 in response to the magnetic field for detection and is detected by the detection coil 40, which serves as the output source of the transmitted signal TS. Based on the level of the first received signal RS1 detected by each of the detection coils 40, the control unit 50 then determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above, thereby determining the third position P3.

[0249] Next, the control unit 50 determines the fourth position P4a of the power receiving unit 22 (step S906). For example, the control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs the transmitted signal TS to each of the detection coils 40. Then, the control unit 50 detects the levels of the second received signals RS2a, which are the responses from the power receiving unit 22 in response to the magnetic field for detection, and are detected by the nearest detection coils 40 adjacent to the detection coils 40, each serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS. Based on the level of the second received signal RS2a detected by each of the detection coils 40, the control unit 50 determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above, thereby determining the fourth position P4a.

[0250] Next, the control unit 50 determines the fourth position P4b of the power receiving unit 22 (step S908). For example, the control unit 50 selectively and sequentially outputs the transmitted signal TS to each of the detection coils 40. Then, the control unit 50 detects the levels of the second received signals RS2b, which are the responses from the power receiving unit 22 in response to the magnetic field for detection, and are detected by the previous detection coils 40 adjacent to the detection coils 40, each serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS. Based on the level of the second received signal RS2b detected by each of the detection coils 40, the control unit 50 then determines the position P of the power receiving unit 22 through the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above, thereby determining the fourth position P4b.

[0251] Next, the control unit 50 determines the precise position P of the power receiving unit 22 using the third position P3 determined in step S904, the fourth position P4a determined in step S906, and the fourth position P4b determined in step S908 (step S910). For example, the control unit 50 determines the average position of the third position P3, the fourth position P4a, and the fourth position P4b as the precise position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0252] Then, the control unit 50 controls the movement of the power transmission coil 30 to the position P determined in step S910 (step S912). Then, the control unit 50 starts the charging control in the same manner as in step S114 (see Fig. 9) (step S914) and terminates this routine.

[0253] As described above, in the present modification, the control unit 50 executes the fourth position determination processing regardless of whether the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance.

[0254] In the fourth determination processing, the precise position P of the power receiving unit 22 is determined based on the third position P3 and the fourth position P4. The third position P3 is a position P determined based on the first received signal RS1, that is, the received signal RS detected by each of the detection coils 40, each serving as the output source of the transmitted signal TS, in response to the transmitted signal TS sequentially output to each of the detection coils 40. The fourth position P4 is a position P determined based on the second received signal RS2, that is, the received signal RS detected by each of the detection coils 40, which is not the output source of the transmitted signal TS, in response to the transmitted signal TS sequentially output to each of the detection coils 40.

[0255] Therefore, when the control unit 50 determines the accurate position P of the power receiving unit 22 using the third position P3 and the fourth position P4, the position P at which the influence of the noise Z included in the received signal RS is reduced can be determined as the accurate position P of the power receiving unit 22.

[0256] Therefore, in the present modification, similar to the above-described embodiments, the charger 10 can determine the position of the power receiving unit 22 of the terminal 20 with high accuracy.

[0257] The control unit 50 may perform the third positioning processing using the correction coefficient Ke in combination with the fourth positioning processing.

[0258] In this case, the control unit 50 can determine the accurate position P of the power receiving unit 22 based on the corrected received signal obtained by correcting the received signal RS used to determine at least one of the third position P3 and the fourth position P4 with the correction coefficient Ke corresponding to the relative distance.

[0259] Specifically, in the position determination processing for the third position P3 and / or the fourth position P4, the control unit 50 may perform the position determination processing using the corrected received signal obtained by correcting the received signal RS with the correction coefficient Ke according to the relative distance, instead of the received signal RS during the basic position determination processing using the relationship described above.

[0260] Although the embodiment and modification are described above, the embodiment and modification are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The novel embodiments and modifications described above can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. The embodiments and modifications belong to the scope and essence of the invention and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof. Explanations of reference letters or numbers 10 Charger 20 end devices 22 Energy receiving unit 30 Energy transfer coil 36 Movement device 40 detection coil 50 control unit QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2014-128055 A

[0002] JP 2013-118720 A

[0002]

Claims

[1] A charger that wirelessly charges a terminal placed on a surface, the terminal including a power receiving unit that receives wirelessly transmitted power, the charger comprising: a power transmission coil configured to transmit power to the terminal device; Detection coils for detecting a position of the energy receiving unit of the terminal device on the storage surface; a moving device configured to move the energy transfer coil; and a control unit designed to control the energy transmission coil, the detection coils and the movement device, outputting a transmitted signal for generating a magnetic field for detection, wherein the transmitted signal is selectively and sequentially output to each of the detection coils, and to determine the position of the energy receiving unit based on received signals, wherein the received signals are the response from the energy receiving unit in response to the magnetic field for detection and are detected by each of the detection coils, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the position of the energy receiving unit according to a relative distance between a first position of the energy receiving unit and the energy transmission coil, wherein the first position is the position of the energy receiving unit determined on the basis of the received signals. [2] Charger according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is designed, when the relative distance is outside a range of a predetermined distance, to control the movement of the energy transfer coil to the first position, and to determine, as the position of the power receiving unit, a second position which is the position of the power receiving unit determined based on the received signals detected in response to the transmitted signals outputted in a state where the power transmitting coil is located at the first position. [3] Charger according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is designed when the relative distance is outside a range of a predetermined distance, to start the charging control from the power transmission coil to the power reception unit after controlling the movement of the power transmission coil to the first position, to stop the charging control if the terminal that started the charging control is a predetermined terminal, and to determine, as the position of the power receiving unit, a second position which is the position of the power receiving unit determined based on the received signals detected in response to the transmitted signals outputted in a state where the power transmitting coil is located at the first position. [4] The charger according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined terminal is a magnet-equipped terminal in which a magnet is arranged on at least a part of the outer circumference of the power receiving unit. [5] Charger according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is designed after controlling the movement of the energy transmission coil to the first position, to start the charging control of the energy of a first frequency from the energy transmission coil to the energy receiving unit, and after controlling the movement of the energy transmission coil to the second position, to start the charging control of the energy with a second frequency higher than the first frequency from the energy transmission coil to the energy receiving unit. [6] The charger according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to, when the relative distance is outside a range of a predetermined distance, determine the position of the power receiving unit based on corrected received signals obtained by correcting the received signals used to determine the first position with a correction coefficient corresponding to the relative distance. [7] Charger according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 6, wherein the control unit is designed, when the relative distance is outside a range of a predetermined distance, to determine the position of the energy receiving unit on the basis of a third position and a fourth position, the third position is the position of the power receiving unit determined on the basis of first received signals, wherein the first received signals are received signals respectively detected by the detection coils serving as output sources of the transmitted signals in response to the transmitted signals sequentially output to the detection coils, and the fourth position is the position of the power receiving unit determined based on second received signals, wherein the second received signals are received signals respectively detected by the detection coils that are not the output sources of the transmitted signals in response to the transmitted signals sequentially output to the detection coils. [8] The charger according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit is configured, when the relative distance is outside the range of the predetermined distance, to determine the position of the power receiving unit based on corrected received signals obtained by correcting the received signals used to determine the first position and / or the second position with a correction coefficient corresponding to the relative distance. [9] A charger that wirelessly charges a terminal placed on a surface, the terminal including a power receiving unit that receives wirelessly transmitted power, the charger comprising: a power transmission coil configured to transmit power to the terminal device; Detection coils for detecting a position of the energy receiving unit of the terminal device on the storage surface; a moving device configured to move the energy transmission coil, and a control unit designed to control the energy transmission coil, the detection coils and the movement device, outputting a transmitted signal for generating a magnetic field for detection, wherein the transmitted signal is selectively and sequentially output to each of the detection coils, and to determine the position of the energy receiving unit based on the received signals, wherein the received signals are the responses from the energy receiving unit in response to the magnetic field for detection and are detected by each of the detection coils, wherein the control unit is designed to control the movement of the energy transmission coil to a first position of the energy receiving unit, the first position being the position determined on the basis of the received signals, and to determine, as the position of the power receiving unit, a second position which is the position of the power receiving unit determined based on the received signals detected in response to the transmitted signals outputted in a state where the power transmitting coil is in the first position. [10] A charger that wirelessly charges a terminal placed on a surface, the terminal including a power receiving unit that receives wirelessly transmitted power, the charger comprising: a power transmission coil configured to transmit power to the terminal device; Detection coils for detecting a position of the energy receiving unit of the terminal device on the storage surface; a moving device configured to move the energy transfer coil; and a control unit designed to control the energy transmission coil, the detection coils and the movement device, outputting a transmitted signal for generating a magnetic field for detection, wherein the transmitted signal is selectively and sequentially output to each of the detection coils, and to determine the position of the energy receiving unit based on the received signals, wherein the received signals are the responses from the energy receiving unit in response to the magnetic field for detection and are detected by each of the detection coils, wherein the control unit is configured to start the charging control from the energy transmission coil to the energy reception unit after controlling the movement of the energy transmission coil to a first position of the energy reception unit, the first position being the position determined on the basis of the received signals, to stop the charging control if the terminal that started the charging control is a predetermined terminal, and to determine, as the position of the power receiving unit, a second position which is the position of the power receiving unit determined based on the received signals detected in response to the transmitted signals outputted in a state where the power transmitting coil is located at the first position. [11] A charger that wirelessly charges a terminal device placed on a surface, the terminal device including a power receiving unit that receives wirelessly transmitted power, the charger comprising: a power transmission coil configured to transmit power to the terminal device; Detection coils for detecting a position of the energy receiving unit of the terminal device on the storage surface; a moving device configured to move the energy transfer coil; and a control unit designed to control the energy transmission coil, the detection coils and the movement device, outputting a transmitted signal for generating a magnetic field for detection, wherein the transmitted signal is selectively and sequentially output to each of the detection coils, and to determine the position of the energy receiving unit based on the received signals, wherein the received signals are the responses from the energy receiving unit in response to the magnetic field for detection and are detected by each of the detection coils, wherein the control unit is configured to determine the position of the power receiving unit based on corrected received signals obtained by correcting the received signals used to determine a first position of the power receiving unit with a correction coefficient, wherein the first position is the position of the power receiving unit determined based on the received signals, and the correction coefficient corresponds to a relative distance between the first position and the detection coil. [12] A charging method implemented by a charger that wirelessly charges a terminal placed on a support surface, the terminal including a power receiving unit that receives wirelessly transmitted power, the charger including a power transmission coil for transmitting power to the terminal, detection coils for detecting a position of the terminal on the support surface, and a moving device for moving the power transmission coil, the charging method comprising: a determination step for Controlling the energy transmission coil, the detection coils and the movement device, Outputting a transmitted signal to generate a magnetic field for detection, wherein the transmitted signal is selectively and sequentially output to each of the detection coils, and Determining the position of the energy receiving unit based on the received signals, wherein the received signals are the responses from the energy receiving unit in response to the magnetic field for detection and are detected by each of the detection coils, wherein the determining step is performed by determining the position of the power receiving unit according to a relative distance between a first position of the power receiving unit and the power transmitting coil, the first position being the position of the power receiving unit determined based on the received signals.

Images