Wireless power transmission device, processing method of wireless power transmission device, and program

Abstract

To enable determination of the presence or absence of failures in one or more of a plurality of power transmission circuits.SOLUTION: A wireless power transmission device is provided, comprising acquisition means for acquiring a detection value based on a value of current flowing between a unit combining outputs of a plurality of power transmission circuits and one power transmission antenna, and determination means for determining the presence or absence of failures in one or more of the plurality of power transmission circuits on the basis of the detection value acquired by the acquisition means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless power transmitting device, a processing method for the wireless power transmitting device, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, wireless power transmission systems that wirelessly supply power of several kW or more to large electric devices such as EVs (electric vehicles) have been researched and developed. Accordingly, the current and voltage flowing through the switching devices of the wireless power transmission systems are also increasing. Patent Document 1 describes a system that distributes the current flowing through the switching devices by connecting multiple power transmission circuits in parallel.

[0003] In addition, since wireless power transmission systems handle large amounts of power, if an abnormality occurs, it is necessary to quickly detect it and transition to safe operation or stop the system. Patent Document 2 describes a power transmission device that detects the current value of an input power source and stops the supply of current to a power transmission coil according to the change in the current value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5832702 [Patent Document 2] JP 2016-220532 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes a wireless power transmission system in which multiple power transmission circuits are connected in parallel and outputs are combined. During operation of the wireless power transmission system, it is possible that an abnormal state occurs in which the on-resistance of a switching element in one of the power transmission circuits increases or the switching element is in an open state. In that case, it cannot be detected by the method described in Patent Document 2 of monitoring the current value of the input power supply of the power transmission circuit. This is because the desired power transmission is performed via another normal switching element connected in parallel.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to make it possible to determine the presence or absence of a fault in one or more power transmission circuits among a plurality of power transmission circuits. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The wireless power transmission device has an acquisition means for acquiring a detection value based on the value of a current flowing between a combination unit of outputs from multiple power transmission circuits and one power transmission antenna, and a determination means for determining whether or not one or more of the multiple power transmission circuits have a fault based on the detection value acquired by the acquisition means. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to determine whether or not one or more of a plurality of power transmission circuits has a fault. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless power transmitting device. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a power transmission circuit. [Diagram 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing method of the wireless power transmitting device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a wireless power transmitting device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of a waveform of an output current according to the number of open circuit faults. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing method of the wireless power transmitting device. [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a faulty circuit identification process. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing a normal circuit identification process. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the output value of the current sensor and the number of faults in the power transmission circuit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (First embodiment) 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless power transmitting device 1 according to a first embodiment. The wireless power transmitting device 1 includes a plurality of power transmitting circuits 11-13 each having a function of converting DC power into AC power, and a combiner of the outputs of the power transmitting circuits 11-13 is connected to one power transmitting antenna 2. The wireless power transmitting device 1 includes the power transmitting antenna 2, a plurality of power transmitting circuits 11, 12, and 13, a current sensor 14, and an MCU 15. The MCU 15 is a micro controller unit.

[0011] Each of the multiple power transmitting circuits 11-13 receives common differential clock signals CLK_P and CLK_N, converts DC power to AC power, and outputs the AC power to nodes N+ and N-. At nodes N+ and N-, the output powers of the multiple power transmitting circuits 11-13 are combined.

[0012] The node N+ is directly connected to one end of the power transmitting antenna 2, and the node N- is connected to the other end of the power transmitting antenna 2 via the current sensor 14. Note that the node N+ may be connected to one end of the power transmitting antenna 2 via the current sensor 14, and the node N- may be directly connected to the other end of the power transmitting antenna 2.

[0013] The current sensor 14 is disposed between the node N+ or N- and the power transmitting antenna 2, and is connected to the power supply voltage node Vdd. The current sensor 14 receives the current Iout flowing through the power transmitting antenna 2, and outputs a voltage Vsense corresponding to the current Iout. The voltage Vsense is an AC voltage and is expressed by equation (1). Vsense=A sin(ωt+α) ···(1)

[0014] The MCU 15 is connected to a power supply voltage node Vdd, receives a voltage Vsense, and outputs common differential clock signals CLK_P and CLK_N to the power transmitting circuits 11 to 13. The voltage Vsense is converted from analog to digital. Note that this embodiment can be applied to a configuration in which the number of power transmitting circuits is two or more. The voltage Vsense is not limited to Equation 1, and may be any AC voltage that the MCU 15 can detect.

[0015] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of each of the power transmission circuits 11 to 13 in Fig. 1. Each of the power transmission circuits 11 to 13 is a single-phase voltage-type full-bridge inverter circuit, which is a type of circuit that converts DC power into AC power.

[0016] Each of the power transmitting circuits 11 to 13 includes field effect transistors (FETs) 21 to 24 and a gate drive circuit 25.

[0017] Each of the FETs 21 to 24 is a switching element. The gate drive circuit 25 generates gate voltages for the FETs 21 to 24 based on the differential clock signals CLK_P and CLK_N, and controls the open / close states of the FETs 21 to 24. The gate drive circuit 25 outputs gate voltages having frequencies and duty widths according to the differential clock signals CLK_P and CLK_N to the gate terminals of the FETs 21 to 24, respectively. The gate voltage levels of the FETs 21 to 24 are voltage levels capable of driving the FETs 21 to 24.

[0018] Each of the power transmitting circuits 11 to 13 converts the DC voltage Vin into an AC voltage, and outputs the AC voltage to nodes N+ and N-.

[0019] Each of the power transmitting circuits 11 to 13 may be applied to other configurations such as a push-pull type or a half-bridge type. Also, the FETs 21 to 24 may be other elements as long as they are switching elements that can be controlled to open and close by applying a voltage to the gate terminal.

[0020] 3 is a flowchart showing a processing method of the wireless power transmitting device 1. It should be noted that the MCU 15 performs the processing of each step.

[0021] In step S301, when the wireless power transmitting device 1 is powered on, the MCU 15 advances the process to step S302.

[0022] In step S302, the MCU 15 acquires the output voltage Vsense of the current sensor 14.

[0023] In step S303, the MCU 15 determines whether the voltage Vsense is 0 [V]. When the current Iout flowing through the power transmitting antenna 2 is 0 [A], the voltage Vsense becomes 0 [V]. When the voltage Vsense is 0 [V], the process proceeds to step S304. When the voltage Vsense is not 0 [V], the process proceeds to step S306.

[0024] In step S304, the MCU 15 notifies the user that a short-circuit fault has occurred in an FET in any one of the power transmitting circuits 11 to 13. After that, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0025] In step S306, the MCU 15 acquires the voltage Vsense of the output voltage Vsense of the current sensor 14 for at least half a cycle.

[0026] In step S307, the MCU 15 searches for the maximum value |Vmax| among the absolute values ​​of the voltage Vsense over at least half a cycle.

[0027] In step S308, the MCU 15 determines whether or not the formula (2) is satisfied based on the maximum value |Vmax|, the maximum value A, and the threshold value Vth1. Here, the maximum value A is the maximum value of the voltage Vsense in the formula (1) when there is no failure in the power transmitting circuits 11 to 13. A-Vth1<|Vmax| (2)

[0028] If formula (2) is true, the process proceeds to step S309. If formula (2) is not true, the process proceeds to step S310.

[0029] In step S310, the MCU 15 notifies the user that an open fault has occurred in the FET in any one of the power transmitting circuits 11 to 13. After that, the process proceeds to step S309.

[0030] In step S309, the MCU 15 determines whether or not an instruction has been issued to power off the wireless power transmitting device 1. If an instruction to power off has not been issued, the process returns to step S302. If an instruction to power off has been issued, the process proceeds to step S305.

[0031] In step S305, the MCU 15 turns off the power supply of the wireless power transmitting device 1, and the process in FIG. 3 ends.

[0032] As described above, each of the power transmission circuits 11 to 13 converts DC power into AC power and outputs the AC power to the combiners N+ and N-. Each of the power transmission circuits 11 to 13 includes FETs 21 to 24. The FETs are an example of switching elements.

[0033] In step S302, the MCU 15 functions as an acquisition unit and acquires a detection value Vsense based on a current value Iout flowing between one power transmitting antenna 2 and a combiner N+, N− of the outputs of the multiple power transmitting circuits 11-13.

[0034] In steps S303 and S308, the MCU 15 functions as a determination unit and determines whether or not one or more of the power transmitting circuits 11-13 has a failure based on the detection value Vsense.

[0035] In step S303, if the current Iout does not flow between the combiner N+, N- and the power transmitting antenna 2, the process proceeds to step S304. If the current Iout flows between the combiner N+, N- and the power transmitting antenna 2, the process proceeds to step S306. In step S304, the MCU 15 determines that there is a short-circuit failure in the switching element of one or more power transmitting circuits, and functions as a notification unit to notify that there is a short-circuit failure in the switching element of one or more power transmitting circuits.

[0036] In step S308, if the maximum value (e.g., |Vmax|) of the absolute values ​​of the current values ​​Iout for at least a half cycle flowing between the combiners N+, N- and the power transmitting antenna 2 is not greater than the first threshold, the process proceeds to step S310. In step S310, the MCU 15 determines that there is an open circuit failure in one or more switching elements of the power transmitting circuits, and notifies that there is an open circuit failure in one or more switching elements of the power transmitting circuits.

[0037] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the multiple power transmitting circuits 11 to 13 are connected in parallel, and the output powers of the power transmitting circuits 11 to 13 are combined. The MCU 15 can detect an abnormal state, such as a short circuit failure or an open circuit failure, of the FET in any of the power transmitting circuits 11 to 13 with a simple configuration.

[0038] Second embodiment Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a wireless power transmitting device 1 according to the second embodiment. The wireless power transmitting device 1 in Fig. 4 is obtained by adding a switch unit 41 to the wireless power transmitting device 1 in Fig. 1. Below, differences between the second embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

[0039] The wireless power transmitting device 1 includes a power transmitting antenna 2, a plurality of power transmitting circuits 11, 12, and 13, a switch unit 41, a current sensor 14, and an MCU 15. The switch unit 41 includes switches SW1 to SW3.

[0040] Based on the control signal ctl1, switch SW1 connects or disconnects between the output node of the power transmission circuit 11 and nodes N+ and N-. Based on the control signal ctl2, switch SW2 connects or disconnects between the output node of the power transmission circuit 12 and nodes N+ and N-. Based on the control signal ctl3, switch SW3 connects or disconnects between the output node of the power transmission circuit 13 and nodes N+ and N-.

[0041] MCU15 inputs the output voltage Vsense of the current sensor 14 and generates the differential clock signals CLK_P and CLK_N, and the control signals ctl1 to ctl3. MCU15 generates the control signals ctl1 to ctl3 of the switch section 41 based on the output voltage Vsense.

[0042] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the maximum value |Vmax| of the absolute value of the output voltage of the current sensor 14 with respect to the open fault location and the number M of open faults in the power transmission circuit.

[0043] The first to sixth columns in Figure 9 indicate the open fault locations, and an ○ mark is described at the open fault locations of FETs 21 to 24 in the power transmission circuits 11 to 13. For example, when FET21 or FET24 in the power transmission circuit 1 fails, an ○ mark is described in the fifth row of the first column.

[0044] The seventh column in Figure 9 indicates the maximum value |Vmax| of the absolute value of the output voltage of the current sensor 14. For example, in the fourth row of Figure 9, since all FETs 21 to 24 in all the power transmission circuits 11 to 13 are normal, the maximum value A of the voltage Vsense described in Equation (1) is described in the maximum value |Vmax|.

[0045] Also, in the fifth row and below in Figure 9, the maximum value |Vmax| is a value obtained by subtracting the voltages V1 to V7 corresponding to the number of open faults of the FETs from the maximum value A. The voltages V1 to Vn have the relationship of Equation (3). V1 < V2 < ··· < Vn (n = 2N + 1, N: number of power transmission circuits) ···(3)

[0046] If all the FETs 21 to 24 of all the power transmitting circuits 11 to 13 experience an open circuit failure, the current Iout does not flow through the power transmitting antenna 2, and therefore the maximum value |Vmax| becomes 0 [V].

[0047] 9 indicates the number of open circuit faults M in the power transmission circuit. For example, in the fifth and sixth rows of FIG 9, any one of the FETs 21 to 24 in the power transmission circuit 11 has an open circuit fault, so that the number of faults M is 1.

[0048] In this embodiment, the MCU 15 periodically acquires the voltage Vsense and searches for the maximum value |Vmax|. Then, the MCU 15 determines whether or not the formulas (4) to (6) are satisfied based on the maximum value |Vmax|, the maximum value A, and the threshold values ​​Vth1 to Vth3.

[0049] A-Vth2<|Vmax|≦A-Vth1 :(M=1) ···(4) A-Vth3<|Vmax|≦A-Vth2 :(M=2) ···(5) |Vmax|≦A-Vth3 :(M=3) ···(6)

[0050] If formula (4) holds, the MCU 15 determines that the number M of open faults in the power transmission circuit is 1. If formula (5) holds, the MCU 15 determines that the number M of open faults in the power transmission circuit is 2. If formula (6) holds, the MCU 15 determines that the number M of open faults in the power transmission circuit is 3.

[0051] 6, the MCU 15 acquires the voltage Vsense for at least a half cycle of the output voltage Vsense of the current sensor 14. The determination conditions of the expressions (4) to (6) are applicable to the wireless power transmitting device 1 in which the voltages V1 to Vn are constant.

[0052] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the waveform of the output current Iout according to the number M of open faults in the power transmission circuit. The waveform series name is given by the value in the seventh column of FIG. 9, and indicates the maximum absolute value |Vmax| of the waveform. As the number M of open faults increases, the maximum value of the output current Iout decreases, and the maximum value |Vmax| also decreases. The maximum value |Vmax| is the maximum value among the absolute values ​​of the voltage Vsense for at least half a cycle.

[0053] 6 is a flowchart showing a processing method of the wireless power transmitting device 1. It should be noted that the MCU 15 performs the processing of each step.

[0054] In step S601, when the power supply of the wireless power transmitting device 1 is turned on, the MCU 15 advances the process to step S602.

[0055] In step S602, the MCU 15 acquires the output voltage Vsense of the current sensor 14.

[0056] In step S603, the MCU 15 determines whether the voltage Vsense is 0 [V]. When the current Iout flowing through the power transmitting antenna 2 is 0 [A], the voltage Vsense becomes 0 [V]. When the voltage Vsense is 0 [V], the process proceeds to step S604. When the voltage Vsense is not 0 [V], the process proceeds to step S606.

[0057] In step S604, the MCU 15 notifies the user that a short-circuit failure has occurred in an FET in one of the power transmitting circuits 11 to 13. After that, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0058] In step S606, the MCU 15 acquires the voltage Vsense of the output voltage Vsense of the current sensor 14 for at least half a cycle.

[0059] In step S607, the MCU 15 searches for the maximum value |Vmax| among the absolute values ​​of the voltage Vsense over at least half a cycle.

[0060] In step S608, the MCU 15 determines whether or not the above formula (2) is satisfied based on the maximum value |Vmax|, the maximum value A, and the threshold value Vth1. If formula (2) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S609. If formula (2) is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S610.

[0061] In step S610, the MCU 15 determines whether or not the above formula (4) is satisfied based on the maximum value |Vmax|, the maximum value A, and the threshold values ​​Vth1 and Vth2. If formula (4) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S611. If formula (4) is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S615.

[0062] In step S615, the MCU 15 determines whether or not the above formula (5) is satisfied based on the maximum value |Vmax|, the maximum value A, and the threshold values ​​Vth2 and Vth3. If formula (5) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S616. If formula (5) is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S617.

[0063] In step S617, the MCU 15 determines whether or not the above formula (6) is satisfied based on the maximum value |Vmax|, the maximum value A, and the threshold value Vth3. If formula (6) is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S618. If formula (6) is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S619.

[0064] In step S611, the MCU 15 sets the number M of open faults in the power transmission circuit to 1. After that, the process proceeds to step S612.

[0065] In step S616, the MCU 15 sets the number M of open faults in the power transmission circuit to 2. After that, the process proceeds to step S612.

[0066] In step S618, the MCU 15 sets the number M of open faults in the power transmission circuit to 3. After that, the process proceeds to step S612.

[0067] In step S619, the MCU 15 notifies the user that there is a failure in the current sensor 14. After that, the process proceeds to step S609.

[0068] In step S612, the MCU 15 determines whether the number of open faults M is less than half the number of power transmission circuits N. If the number of open faults M is less than half the number of power transmission circuits N, the process proceeds to step S613. If the number of open faults M is not less than half the number of power transmission circuits N, the process proceeds to step S614.

[0069] In step S613, the MCU 15 performs the faulty circuit identification process of Fig. 7. After that, the process proceeds to step S609.

[0070] In step S614, the MCU 15 performs the normal circuit identification process of Fig. 8. After that, the process proceeds to step S609.

[0071] In step S609, the MCU 15 determines whether or not an instruction has been issued to power off the wireless power transmitting device 1. If an instruction to power off has not been issued, the process returns to step S602. If an instruction to power off has been issued, the process proceeds to step S605.

[0072] In step S605, the MCU 15 turns off the power supply of the wireless power transmitting device 1, and the process in FIG. 6 ends.

[0073] The number of determination conditions in steps S610, S615, and S617 increases or decreases according to the number N of power transmission circuits.

[0074] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing details of the faulty circuit identification process in step S613 in Fig. 6. It should be noted that the process of each step is performed by the MCU 15.

[0075] In step S701, the MCU 15 turns on the switch SWp in the switch unit 41 and turns off the other switches in the switch unit 41. Note that the initial value of p is 1. Initially, the MCU 15 turns on the switch SW1 and turns off the switches SW2 and SW3.

[0076] In step S702, the MCU 15 turns on the FET 21 and the FET 24 of the power transmitting circuit 1p and turns off the FET 22 and the FET 23 of the power transmitting circuit 1p. Initially, the MCU 15 turns on the FET 21 and the FET 24 of the power transmitting circuit 11 and turns off the FET 22 and the FET 23 of the power transmitting circuit 11.

[0077] In step S703, the MCU 15 acquires the output voltage Vsense of the current sensor 14.

[0078] In step S704, the MCU 15 determines whether the voltage Vsense is less than C-Vth5. If the voltage Vsense is less than C-Vth5, the process proceeds to step S705. If the voltage Vsense is not less than C-Vth5, the process proceeds to step S707.

[0079] In step S707, the MCU 15 turns off the FET 21 and the FET 24 of the power transmitting circuit 1p, and turns on the FET 22 and the FET 23 of the power transmitting circuit 1p.

[0080] In step S708, the MCU 15 acquires the output voltage Vsense of the current sensor 14.

[0081] In step S709, the MCU 15 determines whether the voltage Vsense is higher than -C+Vth5. If the voltage Vsense is higher than -C+Vth5, the process proceeds to step S705. If the voltage Vsense is not higher than -C+Vth5, the process proceeds to step S710.

[0082] In step S705, the MCU 15 adds the power transmitting circuit 1p to the failed power transmitting circuit list L1.

[0083] In step S706, the MCU 15 adds 1 to the fault identification number I1. After that, the process proceeds to step S710.

[0084] In step S710, the MCU 15 determines whether the fault identification number I1 matches the open fault number M of the power transmission circuit. If the fault identification number I1 matches the open fault number M of the power transmission circuit, the process proceeds to step S711. If the fault identification number I1 does not match the open fault number M of the power transmission circuit, the process proceeds to step S712.

[0085] In step S712, the MCU 15 adds 1 to p. Then, the process returns to step S701.

[0086] In step S711, the MCU 15 notifies the user of the list L1 of failed power transmission circuits, and the process in FIG. 7 ends.

[0087] Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing details of the normal-circuit identification process in step S614 in Fig. 6. It should be noted that the process in each step is performed by the MCU 15.

[0088] In step S801, the MCU 15 turns on the switch SWp in the switch unit 41 and turns off the other switches in the switch unit 41. Note that the initial value of p is 1. Initially, the MCU 15 turns on the switch SW1 and turns off the switches SW2 and SW3.

[0089] In step S802, the MCU 15 turns on the FETs 21 and 24 of the power transmitting circuit 1p and turns off the FETs 22 and 23 of the power transmitting circuit 1p. Initially, the MCU 15 turns on the FETs 21 and 24 of the power transmitting circuit 11 and turns off the FETs 22 and 23 of the power transmitting circuit 11.

[0090] In step S803, the MCU 15 acquires the output voltage Vsense of the current sensor 14.

[0091] In step S804, the MCU 15 determines whether the voltage Vsense is higher than C-Vth5. If the voltage Vsense is higher than C-Vth5, the process proceeds to step S805. If the voltage Vsense is not higher than C-Vth5, the process proceeds to step S807.

[0092] In step S807, the MCU 15 turns off the FET 21 and the FET 24 of the power transmitting circuit 1p, and turns on the FET 22 and the FET 23 of the power transmitting circuit 1p.

[0093] In step S808, the MCU 15 acquires the output voltage Vsense of the current sensor 14.

[0094] In step S809, the MCU 15 determines whether the voltage Vsense is less than -C+Vth5. If the voltage Vsense is less than -C+Vth5, the process proceeds to step S805. If the voltage Vsense is not less than -C+Vth5, the process proceeds to step S810.

[0095] In step S805, the MCU 15 adds the power transmitting circuit 1p to the normal power transmitting circuit list L2.

[0096] In step S806, the MCU 15 adds 1 to the normal specific number I2. After that, the process proceeds to step S810.

[0097] In step S810, the MCU 15 determines whether the normal specific number I2 is equal to the difference between the number of power transmission circuits N and the number of open faults M. If the normal specific number I2 is equal to the difference between the number of power transmission circuits N and the number of open faults M, the process proceeds to step S811. If the normal specific number I2 is not equal to the difference between the number of power transmission circuits N and the number of open faults M, the process proceeds to step S812.

[0098] In step S812, the MCU 15 adds 1 to p. Then, the process returns to step S801.

[0099] In step S811, the MCU 15 notifies the user of the power transmission circuits other than those listed in the normal power transmission circuit list L2 as a list of failed power transmission circuits, and the process in FIG. 8 ends.

[0100] As described above, in step S603, if the current Iout does not flow between the combiner N+, N- and the power transmitting antenna 2, the process proceeds to step S604. If the current Iout flows between the combiner N+, N- and the power transmitting antenna 2, the process proceeds to step S606.

[0101] In step S608, if the maximum value (for example, |Vmax|) of the absolute values ​​of the current values ​​Iout flowing between the combiner N+, N- and the power transmitting antenna 2 for at least half a cycle is not greater than the first threshold, the process proceeds to step S610.

[0102] In steps S610 to S618, the MCU 15 functions as an identification unit and identifies the number M of open faults in the power transmitting circuit according to the maximum absolute value of the current value Iout flowing between the combiner N+, N- and the power transmitting antenna 2 for at least half a cycle.

[0103] In step S612, if the number M of open faults in the power transmission circuit is less than half the number N / 2 of the multiple power transmission circuits, the process proceeds to step S613. If the number M of open faults in the power transmission circuit is more than half the number N / 2 of the multiple power transmission circuits, the process proceeds to step S614.

[0104] In step S613 (FIG. 7), the MCU 15 identifies a faulty power transmission circuit among the multiple power transmission circuits 11 to 13, and notifies information on the identified faulty power transmission circuit.

[0105] In step S614 (FIG. 8), the MCU 15 identifies a normal power transmission circuit among the multiple power transmission circuits 11-13, and notifies information about the power transmission circuits other than the normal power transmission circuit among the multiple power transmission circuits as information about a faulty power transmission circuit.

[0106] In steps S711 and S811, the MCU 15 notifies information about a faulty power transmitting circuit among the multiple power transmitting circuits 11-13.

[0107] In Figures 7 and 8, the MCU 15 determines whether one of the multiple power transmission circuits 11 to 13 is normal or faulty based on the current value Iout when only the output of the one power transmission circuit is connected to the combining units N+ and N-.

[0108] In steps S704 and S804, the MCU 15 determines whether the one power transmitting circuit is normal or faulty based on the current value Iout when the FETs 21 and 24 are turned on and the FETs 22 and 23 are turned off.

[0109] In steps S709 and S809, the MCU 15 determines whether the one power transmitting circuit is normal or faulty based on the current value Iout when the FETs 21 and 24 are turned off and the FETs 22 and 23 are turned on.

[0110] In steps S704, S709, S804, and S809, the MCU 15 determines whether the one power transmitting circuit is normal or faulty based on the current value Iout when the one power transmitting circuit outputs DC power.

[0111] As described above, according to the second embodiment, the multiple power transmitting circuits 11 to 13 are connected in parallel, and the output powers of the power transmitting circuits 11 to 13 are combined. The MCU 15 can detect an abnormal state, such as a short circuit failure or an open circuit failure of the FET in any of the power transmitting circuits 11 to 13, and identify the location of the abnormality with a simple configuration.

[0112] According to the first and second embodiments, it is possible to reduce downtime by quickly identifying a fault location in the wireless power transmitting device 1 and restoring it by replacing the power transmitting circuit, etc. Furthermore, the wireless power transmitting device 1 can detect a fault with a simple configuration and at low cost using one current sensor 14 and one MCU 15, regardless of the number of power transmitting circuits 11 to 13 in the wireless power transmitting device 1.

[0113] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure can also be realized by a process in which a program for implementing one or more functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or device via a network or a storage medium, and one or more processors in a computer of the system or device read and execute the program. It can also be realized by a circuit (e.g., ASIC) for implementing one or more functions.

[0114] It should be noted that the above-described embodiments are merely illustrative of specific examples of implementing the present disclosure, and the technical scope of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited by these embodiments. In other words, the present disclosure can be implemented in various forms without departing from its technical concept or main features.

[0115] The disclosure of this embodiment includes the following configuration, method, and program. (Configuration 1) an acquisition means for acquiring a detection value based on a current value flowing between a combiner of outputs from a plurality of power transmitting circuits and one power transmitting antenna; a determination means for determining whether or not one or more of the plurality of power transmission circuits has a fault based on the detection value acquired by the acquisition means; A wireless power transmitting device comprising: (Configuration 2) 2. The wireless power transmitting device according to configuration 1, wherein each of the plurality of power transmitting circuits converts DC power to AC power and outputs the AC power to the combiner. (Configuration 3) The wireless power transmitting device according to configuration 1 or 2, wherein the determination means determines that there is a fault in one or more of the power transmitting circuits when no current flows between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna. (Configuration 4) Each of the plurality of power transmitting circuits has a switching element, The wireless power transmitting device according to configuration 3, wherein the determination means determines that a short circuit failure has occurred in the switching element of the one or more power transmitting circuits when no current flows between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna. (Configuration 5) The wireless power transmitting device according to any one of configurations 1 to 4, characterized in that the determination means determines that there is a fault in one or more of the power transmitting circuits when a maximum value among absolute values ​​of current values ​​flowing between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna for at least half a cycle is not greater than a first threshold value. (Configuration 6) Each of the plurality of power transmitting circuits has a switching element, The wireless power transmitting device described in configuration 5, characterized in that the determination means determines that an open failure has occurred in the switching element of the one or more power transmitting circuits when a current flows between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna and the maximum absolute value of the current value flowing between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna for at least half a cycle is not greater than a first threshold value. (Configuration 7) The wireless power transmitting device according to any one of configurations 1 to 6, further comprising a notification means for notifying the user that one or more of the power transmitting circuits have a fault when the determination means determines that one or more of the power transmitting circuits have a fault. (Configuration 8) The wireless power transmitting device according to configuration 6, further comprising a determination means for determining the number of faults in the power transmitting circuit according to the maximum value among the absolute values ​​of the current values ​​flowing between the combiner and the power transmitting antenna for at least half a cycle when a current flows between the combiner and the power transmitting antenna and the maximum value among the absolute values ​​of the current values ​​flowing between the combiner and the power transmitting antenna for at least half a cycle is not greater than a first threshold value. (Configuration 9) The wireless power transmitting device according to configuration 6, further comprising a notification means for notifying information about a faulty power transmitting circuit among the plurality of power transmitting circuits when a current flows between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna and the maximum absolute value of the current value flowing between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna for at least half a cycle is not greater than a first threshold value. (Configuration 10) a determination means for determining the number of faults in the power transmitting circuit according to the maximum absolute value of a current value for at least a half cycle flowing between the combiner and the power transmitting antenna when a current flows between the combiner and the power transmitting antenna and the maximum absolute value of a current value for at least a half cycle flowing between the combiner and the power transmitting antenna is not greater than a first threshold value; The notification means is If the number of faults in the power transmission circuits is less than half of the plurality of power transmission circuits, identifying a faulty power transmission circuit among the plurality of power transmission circuits and notifying information of the identified faulty power transmission circuit; A wireless power transmitting device as described in configuration 9, characterized in that when the number of faulty power transmitting circuits is greater than half of the plurality of power transmitting circuits, normal power transmitting circuits among the plurality of power transmitting circuits are identified, and information of power transmitting circuits other than the normal power transmitting circuits among the plurality of power transmitting circuits is notified as information of faulty power transmitting circuits. (Configuration 11) The wireless power transmitting device according to configuration 9 or 10, characterized in that the determination means determines whether the one of the plurality of power transmitting circuits is normal or faulty based on a current value flowing between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna when only the output of the one of the plurality of power transmitting circuits is connected to the combining unit. (Configuration 12) each of the plurality of power transmitting circuits includes a first switching element, a second switching element, a third switching element, and a fourth switching element; The wireless power transmitting device described in configuration 11, characterized in that the determination means determines whether one of the power transmitting circuits is normal or faulty based on the value of the current flowing between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna when the first switching element and the fourth switching element are turned on and the second switching element and the third switching element are turned off. (Configuration 13) The wireless power transmitting device described in configuration 12, characterized in that the determination means determines whether one of the power transmitting circuits is normal or faulty based on a current value flowing between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna when the first switching element and the fourth switching element are turned on and the second switching element and the third switching element are turned off, and a current value flowing between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna when the first switching element and the fourth switching element are turned off and the second switching element and the third switching element are turned on. (Configuration 14) The wireless power transmitting device according to configuration 11 or 12, characterized in that the determination means determines whether the one of the power transmitting circuits is normal or faulty based on the value of the current flowing between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna when the one of the power transmitting circuits outputs DC power. (Method 1) an acquisition step of acquiring a detection value based on a current value flowing between a combiner of outputs from a plurality of power transmitting circuits and one power transmitting antenna; a determination step of determining whether or not one or more of the plurality of power transmission circuits has a fault based on the detection value acquired by the acquisition step; A processing method for a wireless power transmitting device, comprising: (Program 1) A program for causing a computer to function as the wireless power transmitting device according to any one of configurations 1 to 14. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 1 wireless power transmitting device, 2 power transmitting antenna, 11 to 13 power transmitting circuit, 14 current sensor, 15 MCU, 21 to 24 FET, 25 gate drive circuit, 41 switch unit

Claims

1. A wireless power transmission device in a wireless power transmission system, Power transmission antenna and, Multiple power transmission circuits connected to the aforementioned power transmission antenna, which convert DC power to AC power and output the AC power to a combining unit, An acquisition means for acquiring a detected value based on the current value flowing between the combining unit, which combines the outputs of the multiple power transmission circuits, and the power transmission antenna, A determination means that determines whether or not there is a malfunction in one or more of the plurality of power transmission circuits based on the detected values ​​obtained by the acquisition means, If the determination means determines that there is a failure in one or more power transmission circuits, the system has a notification means for notifying that there is a failure in one or more power transmission circuits. The determination means determines that if no current is flowing between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna, there is a malfunction in one or more of the power transmission circuits. A wireless power transmission device characterized by the following features.

2. Each of the aforementioned multiple power transmission circuits has a switching element, The wireless power transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines that there is a short-circuit failure in the switching element of one or more power transmission circuits if no current is flowing between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna.

3. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that the determination means determines that there is a failure in one or more power transmission circuits if the maximum value among the absolute values ​​of the current values ​​for half a cycle or more flowing between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna is not greater than a first threshold.

4. Each of the aforementioned multiple power transmission circuits has a switching element, The wireless power transmission device according to claim 3, characterized in that the determination means determines that there is an open fault in the switching element of one or more power transmission circuits if current flows between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna, and the maximum value among the absolute values ​​of the current values ​​for half a cycle or more flowing between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna is not greater than a first threshold.

5. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 4, further comprising a means for identifying the number of failures in the power transmission circuit according to the maximum value of the absolute value of the current flowing between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna for half a cycle or more, provided that current flows between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna and the maximum value of the absolute value of the current flowing between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna for half a cycle or more is not greater than a first threshold.

6. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 5, further comprising a notification means for notifying information of a faulty power transmission circuit among the plurality of power transmission circuits when current flows between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna, and the maximum value among the absolute values ​​of the current values ​​for half a cycle or more flowing between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna is not greater than a first threshold.

7. If current flows between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna, and the maximum value among the absolute values ​​of the current flowing between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna for half a cycle or more is not greater than a first threshold, the system further includes a means for identifying the number of failures in the power transmitting circuit according to the maximum value among the absolute values ​​of the current flowing between the combining unit and the power transmitting antenna for half a cycle or more. The notification means is, If the number of failures in the power transmission circuit is less than half of the multiple power transmission circuits, the faulty power transmission circuit among the multiple power transmission circuits is identified, and information about the identified faulty power transmission circuit is notified. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 6, characterized in that, if the number of failures in the power transmission circuit is greater than half of the multiple power transmission circuits, the device identifies a normal power transmission circuit among the multiple power transmission circuits and notifies the information of the power transmission circuits other than the normal power transmission circuit among the multiple power transmission circuits as information of the faulty power transmission circuit.

8. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 6, characterized in that the determination means determines whether the one power transmission circuit is normal or faulty based on the current value flowing between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna when only the output of one of the plurality of power transmission circuits is connected to the combining unit.

9. Each of the aforementioned multiple power transmission circuits has a first switching element, a second switching element, a third switching element, and a fourth switching element. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 8, characterized in that the determination means determines whether the one power transmission circuit is normal or faulty based on the current value flowing between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna when the first switching element and the fourth switching element are turned on and the second switching element and the third switching element are turned off.

10. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 9, characterized in that the determination means determines whether the one power transmission circuit is normal or faulty based on the current value flowing between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna when the first switching element and the fourth switching element are turned on and the second switching element and the third switching element are turned off, and the current value flowing between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna when the first switching element and the fourth switching element are turned off and the second switching element and the third switching element are turned on.

11. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 8, characterized in that the determination means determines whether the one power transmission circuit is normal or faulty based on the current value flowing between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna when the one power transmission circuit outputs DC power.

12. A power transmission antenna and A processing method for a wireless power transmission device of a wireless power transmission system having a plurality of power transmission circuits connected to the power transmission antenna, which convert DC power to AC power and output the AC power to a combining unit, An acquisition step of acquiring a detected value based on the current value flowing between the combining unit, which combines the outputs of the multiple power transmission circuits, and the power transmission antenna, A determination step is performed to determine whether or not one or more of the multiple power transmission circuits are faulty, based on the detected values ​​obtained in the acquisition step. If the determination step determines that there is a failure in one or more power transmission circuits, the determination step includes a notification step that notifies that there is a failure in one or more power transmission circuits. The determination step determines that if no current is flowing between the combining unit and the power transmission antenna, there is a failure in one or more of the power transmission circuits. A processing method for a wireless power transmission device, characterized by the following:

13. A program for causing a computer to function as a wireless power transmission device as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

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