Optical power feeding system, optical power feeding method, and power feeding device

Abstract

To favorably switch a power feeding device that optically feeds power to a moving power reception device.SOLUTION: An optical power feeding system for feeding power from a power feeding device to a movable power reception device through spatial transmission of power feeding light includes at least two power feeding devices and at least one power reception device, and feeds power from any one power feeding device to any one power reception device. In the optical power feeding system, during power feeding from one power feeding device to one power reception device, in response to that power feeding switching information (handover information) indicating, for example, the detection of an object that hinders spatial transmission of the power feeding light, is shared within the optical power feeding system, the power feeding to the one power reception device is switched from the one power feeding device to another power feeding device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical power supply system, an optical power supply method, and a power supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Recently, optical power supply systems that supply optical energy from a power supply unit (power supply device) to a power receiving unit (power receiving device) have been researched. Patent Document 1 describes an optical power feeding system in which a plurality of power feeding units share information related to power feeding to the power receiving units and support power feeding modes for the plurality of power receiving units. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-33626 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, it would be useful if any of a plurality of power supply units could be switched to a power supply unit suitable for power supply at that time when supplying power to a moving power receiving unit. An object of the present disclosure is to suitably switch between power supply devices that optically supply power to a moving power receiving device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The optical power supply system according to the present disclosure includes: An optical power supply system that supplies power from a power supply device to a movable power receiving device by spatial transmission of power supply light, The power supply device includes a light emitting unit that outputs the power supply light, the power receiving device includes a light receiving unit that converts the received power supply light into electric power, The power supply system includes at least two power supply devices and at least one power receiving device, A power supply device is configured to supply power from one of the power supply devices to one of the power receiving devices, When power supply switching information is shared within the optical power supply system while one power supply device is supplying power to one power receiving device, the power supply to the one power receiving device is switched from the one power supply device to another power supply device.

[0006] The optical power supply method according to the present disclosure includes: An optical power supply method in an optical power supply system that supplies power from a power supply device to a movable power receiving device by spatial transmission of power supply light, the optical power supply method comprising: When power is being supplied from one power supply device to one power receiving device, the power supply to the one power receiving device is switched from the one power supply device to another power supply device in response to power supply switching information being shared within the optical power supply system.

[0007] The power supply device according to the present disclosure comprises: A power supply device that supplies power to a movable power receiving device by spatial transmission of power supply light, a light emitting unit that outputs the power supply light to the power receiving device; A communication unit that communicates with other power supply devices; a control unit that, when detecting power supply switching information while the power supply device is outputting the power supply light, transmits an instruction from the power supply device to the other power supply device to switch power supply to the power receiving device, and then stops output of the power supply light from the power supply device; Equipped with. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suitably switch between power supply devices that optically supply power to a moving power receiving device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are conceptual diagrams of an optical power supply system according to the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 is a configuration diagram of an optical power supply system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram relating to processing in the optical power supply system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram relating to a power supply switching process in an optical power supply system. [Diagram 5] 11A and 11B are explanatory diagrams of a modified example of the power supply switching process in the optical power supply system. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram of an optical power supply system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram relating to processing in the optical power supply system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0011] The optical power supply system of this embodiment supplies power from a power supply device 110 to a mobile power receiving device 310 by spatial transmission of power supply light 112. For example, as shown in Figures 1(a) and (b), the power supply device 110 outputs power supply light 112 so as to track the moving power receiving device 310, or the power supply device 110 that outputs power supply light 112 can be switched depending on the position of the moved power receiving device 310, thereby making it possible to supply power to the moving power receiving device 310. Here, a drone (multicopter) is illustrated as an example of the mobile power receiving device 310.

[0012] [First embodiment] As shown in FIG. 2, the optical power supply system 1 of the first embodiment includes a power supply device (PSE: Power Sourcing Equipment) 110, a power receiving device (PD: Powered Device) 310, and an obstacle detection device 500. The optical power supply system 1 transmits the power supply light 112 generated by the power supply device 110 to the power receiving device 310 through space. Such an optical power supply method of space transmission is called FSP (Free Space Power). Space transmission here refers to transmission of the power supply light 112 in a state where only space exists without placing an optical fiber in the transmission section between the power supply device 110 and the power receiving device 310. In the present disclosure, the power supply device 110 is a device that converts electric power into optical energy and supplies the converted energy, and the power receiving device 310 is a device that receives optical energy and converts the optical energy into electric power. It is also possible to transmit information (data) along with power by the power supply light 112.

[0013] The optical power supply system 1 of this embodiment has at least two power supply devices 110 and at least one power receiving device 310, and is configured to supply power from any one of the power supply devices 110 to any one of the power receiving devices 310. Of course, the optical power supply system 1 may have two or more power receiving devices 310.

[0014] The power supply device 110 includes a power supply semiconductor laser 111 as a light emitting unit that outputs power supply light 112, a power supply direction switching unit 115 that switches the direction of the power supply light 112, a position detection unit 120 that detects the position of the power receiving device 310, a communication unit 130, and a power supply control unit 150. The power supply control unit 150 controls each unit of the power supply device 110. The power supply device 110 is connected to a power source, and a power supply semiconductor laser 111 and the like are electrically driven. The power supply semiconductor laser 111 oscillates with the power from the power supply and outputs power supply light 112 . The power supply device 110 then transmits power supply light 112 emitted from the power supply semiconductor laser 111 into space.

[0015] The power supply direction switching unit 115 has a function of switching the direction of the power supply light 112 outputted by the power supply semiconductor laser 111, and switches the direction of the power supply light 112 according to the position of the moving power receiving device 310. For example, the power supply direction switching unit 115 can employ a scanning type switching unit that switches the attitude (direction) of the power supply semiconductor laser 111 by moving the stand of the light emitting unit on a horizontal axis and a vertical axis, thereby switching the direction of the power supply light 112 so as to track the target power receiving device 310. In addition, the power supply direction switching unit 115 can be a mirror-type switching unit that drives a galvanometer mirror having a horizontal axis scan mirror and a vertical axis scan mirror, and reflects the power supply light 112 outputted by the power supply semiconductor laser 111 through the cooperation of the two mirrors, thereby switching the direction of the power supply light 112 so as to follow the target power receiving device 310. This power supply direction switching unit 115 switches the direction of the power supply light 112 outputted by the power supply semiconductor laser 111, so that the power supply light 112 can be transmitted so as to track the moving power receiving device 310.

[0016] The position detection unit 120 detects the position of the moving power receiving device 310 by measuring, for example, the distance and direction to the power receiving device 310 . 2 illustrates an example in which the power supply device 110 includes the position detection unit 120, but a position detection device serving as the position detection unit may be provided separately from the power supply device 110. In that case, it is preferable that at least one position detection device is provided and arranged in the vicinity of the power supply device 110, and that the position detection device and the power supply device 110 are in one-to-one correspondence.

[0017] The communication unit 130 includes, for example, an antenna and a communication circuit, and communicates with the power receiving device 310 and the obstacle detection device 500 via the network N to transmit and receive various data and information.

[0018] The power supply control section 150 controls the laser oscillation of the power supply semiconductor laser 111 to control the output of the power supply light 112 . In particular, the power supply control unit 150 controls the power supply direction switching unit 115 based on the position of the power receiving device 310 detected by the position detection unit 120 so as to direct the power supply light 112 outputted from the power supply semiconductor laser 111 toward the power receiving device 310. Furthermore, the power supply control section 150 monitors the temperature of the power supply semiconductor laser 111 using a temperature sensor (not shown) installed in the vicinity of the power supply semiconductor laser 111. The power supply control unit 150 may also superimpose information on the power supply light 112 to transmit information (data) together with optical energy (electric power). For example, the power supply control unit 150 may superimpose information converted into an optical signal on the power supply light 112.

[0019] The power receiving device 310 includes a photoelectric conversion element 311 as a light receiving section that receives the power supply light 112, a charging section 320, a communication section 330, and a power receiving control section 350. The power receiving control section 350 controls each section of the power receiving device 310 in an integrated manner. The photoelectric conversion element 311 receives the power supply light 112 transmitted through the air (space) and converts the power supply light 112 into electric power. The electric power converted by the photoelectric conversion element 311 is used as the driving power required in the power receiving device 310. Furthermore, the power receiving device 310 is capable of outputting the electric power converted by the photoelectric conversion element 311 to an external device.

[0020] The charging unit 320 is a rechargeable battery that is charged with the power converted by the photoelectric conversion element 311, and has a function of storing the driving power of the power receiving device 310 and the power to be output to the outside. The power receiving device 310 may not include the charging unit 320. For example, the power receiving device 310 may be configured to directly use the power converted by the photoelectric conversion element 311 as driving power for the power receiving device 310, or may be configured to directly output the power to the outside of the power receiving device 310.

[0021] The communication unit 330 has, for example, an antenna and a communication circuit, and communicates with the power supply device 110 and the obstacle detection device 500 via the network N to transmit and receive various data and information.

[0022] The power reception control unit 350 monitors the value of the power obtained by converting the power supply light 112 by the photoelectric conversion element 311 . Furthermore, the power reception control unit 350 extracts information superimposed on the power supply light 112 received by the photoelectric conversion element 311. For example, the power reception control unit 350 extracts an optical signal superimposed on the power supply light 112, converts it into information, and acquires it.

[0023] The power receiving device 310 may be a mobile device equipped with a propeller and its driving source (motor), tires and their driving source (motor), etc., or may be a mobile device mounted on a drone, automobile, industrial machinery (robot), or other moving object and be mobile.

[0024] Each of the power supply semiconductor laser 111 and the photoelectric conversion element 311 is an element including a laser medium with a laser wavelength of 500 nm or less. More specifically, the semiconductor material constituting the semiconductor region that provides the light-to-electricity conversion effect of the power supply semiconductor laser 111 and the photoelectric conversion element 311 is a semiconductor having a short laser wavelength of 500 nm or less. Semiconductors having short laser wavelengths have a large band gap and high photoelectric conversion efficiency, so the photoelectric conversion efficiency on the generating side and the receiving side of the optical power supply is improved, and the optical power supply efficiency is improved. For this purpose, the semiconductor material may be, for example, a semiconductor material of a laser medium having a laser wavelength (fundamental wave) of 200 to 500 nm, such as diamond, gallium oxide, aluminum nitride, or GaN. In addition, a semiconductor having a band gap of 2.4 eV or more is used as the semiconductor material. For example, semiconductor materials for the laser medium, such as diamond, gallium oxide, aluminum nitride, and GaN, having a band gap of 2.4 to 6.2 eV, may be used. In addition, the longer the wavelength of laser light, the better the transmission efficiency, and the shorter the wavelength, the better the photoelectric conversion efficiency. Therefore, for long-distance transmission, a semiconductor material for the laser medium with a laser wavelength (fundamental wave) of more than 500 nm may be used. Also, if photoelectric conversion efficiency is a priority, a semiconductor material for the laser medium with a laser wavelength (fundamental wave) of less than 200 nm may be used. These semiconductor materials may be applied to either the power supply semiconductor laser 111 or the photoelectric conversion element 311. The photoelectric conversion efficiency on the power supply side or the power receiving side is improved, and the optical power supply efficiency is improved.

[0025] The obstacle detection device 500 includes an obstacle detection unit 520, a communication unit 530, and a control unit 550. The control unit 550 controls each unit of the obstacle detection device 500. The obstacle detection device 500 is equipped with an obstacle detection unit 520 that detects the presence or absence of objects near the power receiving device 310 and objects located between the power receiving device 310 and the power supply device 110, and has the function of detecting obstacles in the space through which the power supply light 112 is transmitted. The obstacle detection unit 520 is, for example, a camera, a ToF sensor, a Lidar, an ultrasonic sensor, a millimeter wave sensor, or the like, and the obstacle detection device 500 detects obstacles by sensing techniques using these sensors. FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which one obstacle detection device 500 is provided in the optical power supply system 1, but it is sufficient that at least one obstacle detection device 500 is provided in the optical power supply system 1. When a plurality of obstacle detection devices 500 are provided, it is preferable that the obstacle detection devices 500 are arranged in the vicinity of the power supply device 110, and that the obstacle detection devices 500 and the power supply devices 110 are in one-to-one correspondence.

[0026] The communication unit 530 has, for example, an antenna and a communication circuit, and communicates with the power supply device 110 and the power receiving device 310 via the network N to transmit and receive various data and information.

[0027] The control unit 550 executes a process of determining whether or not the object detected by the obstacle detection unit 520 will hinder the transmission of the power supply light 112 from the power supply device 110 to the power receiving device 310 .

[0028] In the optical power supply system 1 having such a configuration, when power supply switching information (handover information) that serves as a trigger for switching the power supply device 110 supplying power to the power receiving device 310 is shared, a process is performed to switch the power supply to the power receiving device 310 from the power supply device 110 that is the handover source to the power supply device 110 that is the handover destination.

[0029] Next, the operation process of each device constituting the optical power supply system 1 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 3, a process in an optical power supply system 1 including two power supply devices 110A and 110B and one power receiving device 310 will be described as an example.

[0030] The obstacle detection device 500 in the optical power supply system 1 periodically detects objects that may become obstacles in the space through which the power supply light 112 is transmitted, such as around the power supply devices 110A, 110B and in the range in which the power receiving device 310 moves, and transmits the detection data as obstacle data to each of the power supply devices 110A, 110B (S1).

[0031] Furthermore, the position detection unit 120 in the optical power supply system 1 periodically detects the position of the power receiving device 310 and transmits the detection data as mobile object distance measurement data to each of the power supply devices 110A and 110B. In this embodiment, the position detection unit 120 transmits the mobile object distance measurement data to the power supply control units 150 of the power supply devices 110A and 110B. The power supply devices 110A and 110B each perform a calculation process to identify the position of the power receiving device 310 based on the moving object distance measurement data (S2).

[0032] Then, when a power supply request is made from the moving power receiving device 310 to the first power supply device 110A, the first power supply device 110A starts laser irradiation and transmits power supply light 112 from the first power supply device 110A to the power receiving device 310. When optical power supply by the first power supply device 110A starts, the first power supply device 110A transmits output data of the power supply light 112 as power supply information to the power receiving device 310, and the power receiving device 310 transmits data of the power obtained by converting the power supply light 112 into power as power receiving information to the first power supply device 110A (S3). During optical power feeding by the first power feeding device 110A, the power feeding devices 110A and 110B each continue the calculation process for identifying the position of the power receiving device 310, and the transmission of the power feeding light 112 from the first power feeding device 110A to the power receiving device 310 continues. During optical power feeding by the first power feeding device 110A, information such as the laser irradiation state is shared between the first power feeding device 110A and the second power feeding device 110B.

[0033] In the optical power supply system 1, power supply switching information (handover information) that triggers switching of the power supply device 110 that supplies power to the power receiving device 310 is output, and when a handover request is made from the first power supply device 110A to the second power supply device 110B as a result of sharing the power supply switching information (handover information), the second power supply device 110B starts laser irradiation and transmits power supply light 112 from the second power supply device 110B to the power receiving device 310. In addition, the second power supply device 110B that has started laser irradiation notifies the first power supply device 110A of the start of laser irradiation, and the first power supply device 110A that has received the notification stops the laser irradiation (S4).

[0034] When optical power supply by the second power supply device 110B begins, the second power supply device 110B transmits output data of the power supply light 112 as power supply information to the power receiving device 310, and the power receiving device 310 transmits data of the power obtained by converting the power supply light 112 into electric power as power receiving information to the second power supply device 110B (S5). During optical power feeding by the second power feeding device 110B, the power feeding devices 110A and 110B each continue the calculation process for identifying the position of the power receiving device 310, and the transmission of the power feeding light 112 from the second power feeding device 110B to the power receiving device 310 continues. During optical power feeding by the second power feeding device 110B, information such as the laser irradiation state is shared between the first power feeding device 110A and the second power feeding device 110B.

[0035] In this way, when power supply switching information is shared within the optical power supply system 1 while the first power supply device 110A is supplying power to the power receiving device 310, the power supply to the power receiving device 310 is switched from the first power supply device 110A to the second power supply device 110B, and the power supply to the power receiving device 310 is maintained.

[0036] Next, the power supply switching process in the above-mentioned S4 (see FIG. 3) that is performed when the power supply switching information is shared in the optical power supply system 1 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0037] In the power supply switching process (S401) in the optical power supply system 1, when power supply switching information that triggers switching of the power supply device 110 is shared (S402; YES), a power supply device 110 that can be handed over is searched for among the power supply devices 110 that are not irradiating a laser (S403). This search is performed based on information such as a laser irradiation state shared between the first power supply device 110A and the second power supply device 110B, for example. If a handover destination is found as a result of the search in S403 (S404; YES), handover processing is started (S405).

[0038] When the handover process is started, the handover source (here, the first power supply device 110A) transmits a handover request to the handover destination (S406), and continues laser irradiation until the power supply switch (handover) is completed (S407). Then, when a notification of the start of irradiation is received from the handover destination (here, the second power supply device 110B) (S408; YES), the laser irradiation from the first power supply device 110A is ended (S409).

[0039] When the handover process is started and the handover destination (here, the second power supply device 110B) receives a handover request from the handover source (S410), it detects the current location of the target power receiving device 310 (S411) and starts irradiating a laser from the second power supply device 110B to the power receiving device 310 (S412). Then, when a notification is received from the power receiving device 310 that the laser (power supply light 112) has hit the light receiving unit (photoelectric conversion element 311) (S413), a notification of the start of irradiation is sent to the handover source (here, the first power supply device 110A) (S414).

[0040] In this way, the power supply switching information is shared in the optical power supply system 1, whereby the power supply to the power receiving device 310 is switched from the first power supply device 110A to the second power supply device 110B.

[0041] On the other hand, if the handover destination cannot be found as a result of the search in S403 (S404; NO), and there is a handover request from the power receiving device 310 (S415; YES), a notification that handover is not possible is sent to the power receiving device 310 (S416), and the process returns to S401 (S417).

[0042] Here, regarding the power supply switching process in the optical power supply system 1, a condition for outputting power supply switching information (handover information) that serves as a trigger for switching the power supply device 110 will be described.

[0043] For example, when the obstacle detection device 500 (obstacle detection unit 520) detects an object to which power supply from the first power supply device 110A, which is the handover source, should be switched, power supply switching information (handover information) is output. Specifically, when it is detected that there is an object between the first power supply device 110A and the power receiving device 310 that hinders the transmission of the power supply light 112, or when it is detected that an object that hinders the transmission of the power supply light 112 is entering between the first power supply device 110A and the power receiving device 310, power supply switching information (handover information) is output. This allows switching to a power supply device 110 that can suitably transmit the power supply light 112 to the power receiving device 310. Furthermore, when it is detected that an object that may be hit by light scattered by the power supply light 112 transmitted from the first power supply device 110A to the power receiving device 310 and hitting the photoelectric conversion element 311 is in the vicinity of the power receiving device 310, power supply switching information (handover information) is output. This makes it possible to prevent the scattered light of the power supply light 112 from affecting the surrounding environment. Furthermore, when transmitting the power supply light 112 from the first power supply device 110A to the power receiving device 310, if an object is detected behind the power receiving device 310, power supply switching information (handover information) is output. This prevents the power supply light 112 from hitting the photoelectric conversion element 311 and hitting an object behind the power receiving device 310, and therefore prevents the power supply light 112 from affecting the surrounding environment.

[0044] Also, for example, when the position detection unit 120 detects the power receiving device 310 whose distance from the first power supply device 110A is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or when the position detection unit 120 detects the power receiving device 310 whose distance from the second power supply device 110B is approaching a predetermined value or less, the power supply switching information (handover information) is output. This makes it possible to appropriately transmit the power supply light 112 to the power receiving device 310 by maintaining the power supply distance from the power supply device 110 to the power receiving device 310 at an appropriate value.

[0045] Also, for example, when the control amount (e.g., the control amount of panning, tilting, etc.) for switching the power supply light 112 toward the power receiving device 310 by the power supply direction switching unit 115 exceeds a predetermined threshold, power supply switching information (handover information) is output. This enables switching from a power supply device 110 having a large driving range in which the power supply direction switching unit 115 moves the power supply stand on the horizontal axis and the vertical axis or a driving range in which the power supply direction switching unit 115 drives the galvanometer mirror to a power supply device 110 having a small driving range, thereby reducing the driving load of the power supply direction switching unit 115. For example, when the power receiving device 310 is moving left and right in front of the power supply device 110 from which the handover is originating, the power receiving device 310 switches to the closest power supply device 110 as the power supply device 110 to which the handover is to be directed, thereby reducing the driving load on the power supply direction switching unit 115.

[0046] Furthermore, for example, when the power supply control unit 150 detects that the temperature of the power supply semiconductor laser 111 exceeds a predetermined value, power supply switching information (handover information) is output. This makes it possible to switch to a power supply device 110 that is not experiencing a temperature rise or output drop, rather than a power supply device 110 whose output has dropped due to a temperature rise in the power supply semiconductor laser 111.

[0047] Also, for example, when the power receiving control unit 350 detects that the value of the power converted from the power supply light 112 by the photoelectric conversion element 311 falls below an expected predetermined value, power supply switching information (handover information) is output. Note that the value of the power when the photoelectric conversion element 311 converts the predetermined power supply light 112 into power is recorded in advance as a predetermined value in a storage unit (not shown) of the power receiving device 310. Alternatively, the power supply device 110 at the handover source may transmit to the power receiving device 310 an expected received power value when the power receiving device 310 receives the power supply light 112. Then, the power reception control unit 350 may set the received power value received from the power supply device 110 to an expected predetermined value. Note that the power supply device 110 may transmit the received power value to the power receiving device 310 by modulating the power supply light 112, or may transmit the received power value to the power receiving device 310 via the communication unit 130. This makes it possible to switch to a power supply device 110 whose output of the power supply light 112 has not been reduced, rather than to a power supply device 110 whose output has been reduced.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, the power supply switching information (handover information) may be advance information that is determined in advance based on a movement plan of the power receiving device 310. If there is a movement plan for the power receiving device 310 and advance information (e.g., location information of the power receiving device 310 corresponding to the time) is determined in advance based on the movement plan, it becomes possible to sequentially switch to a power supply device 110 that can suitably transmit power supply light 112 to the moving power receiving device 310.

[0049] As described above, in the optical power supply system 1 of this embodiment, when power supply switching information that triggers switching of the power supply device 110 is shared within the system, it is possible to switch to a power supply device 110 that can suitably transmit power supply light 112 to a moving power receiving device 310.

[0050] Furthermore, in this optical power supply system 1, when the first power supply device 110A detects power supply switching information shared within the system while outputting the power supply light 112, under the control of the power supply control unit 150, an instruction to switch the power supply to the power receiving device 310 is transmitted from the first power supply device 110A to the second power supply device 110B, and then the output of the power supply light 112 from the first power supply device 110A is stopped, so that the optical power supply can be switched appropriately.

[0051] It should be noted that the first embodiment is not limited to the above-mentioned aspects. The process of S4 (see FIG. 3) above, which is the power supply switching process associated with the power supply switching information being shared in the optical power supply system 1, may be, for example, the process shown in FIG.

[0052] In the power supply switching process (S401) in the optical power supply system 1, when power supply switching information that serves as a trigger for switching the power supply device 110 is shared (S402; YES), if a handover request is made from the power receiving device 310 (S420; YES), the handover process is started (S405). The processes from step S406 to step S409 and steps S410 to S414 are similar to those described above, and therefore will not be described.

[0053] On the other hand, in S420, if there is no handover request (S420; NO), a notification that handover is not possible is sent to the power receiving device 310 (S416), and the process returns to S401 (S417). Even with this type of processing, the power supply light can be switched appropriately.

[0054] [Second embodiment] As shown in FIG. 6, the optical power supply system 1 of the second embodiment includes a power supply device (PSE: Power Sourcing Equipment) 110, a power receiving device (PD: Powered Device) 310, an obstacle detection device 500, and an information management device 600. The optical power supply system 1 of the second embodiment is an embodiment in which the optical power supply system 1 of the first embodiment is provided with an information management device 600.

[0055] The information management device 600 includes a communication unit 630 and a management control unit 650. The management control unit 650 controls each unit of the information management device 600.

[0056] The communication unit 630 has, for example, an antenna and a communication circuit, and communicates with the power supply device 110, the power receiving device 310, and the obstacle detection device 500 via the network N to transmit and receive various data and information.

[0057] The management control unit 650 has a function of aggregating various data and information within the optical power supply system 1, and controls the information management device 600 to aggregate each device within the optical power supply system 1 (the power supply device 110, the power receiving device 310, and the obstacle detection device 500).

[0058] Next, the operation process of each device constituting the optical power supply system 1 of the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, as shown in FIG. 7, a process in an optical power supply system 1 including two power supply devices 110A and 110B and one power receiving device 310 will be described as an example.

[0059] The obstacle detection device 500 in the optical power supply system 1 periodically detects objects that may become obstacles in the space through which the power supply light 112 is transmitted, such as around the power supply devices 110A, 110B and in the range in which the power receiving device 310 moves, and transmits the detection data to the information management device 600 as obstacle data (S11).

[0060] Moreover, the position detector 120 in the optical power supply system 1 periodically detects the position of the power receiving device 310, and transmits the detection data to the information management device 600 as moving object distance measurement data. The information management device 600 performs a calculation process to identify the position of the power receiving device 310 based on the moving object distance measurement data (S12).

[0061] When a power supply request is made from the moving power receiving device 310 to the information management device 600, the information management device 600 transmits the power supply request to the first power supply device 110A. At this time, the information management device 600 also transmits position information (including the moving direction and moving speed) of the power receiving device 310 to the first power supply device 110A. The first power supply device 110A that has received the power supply request starts irradiating a laser, and transmits power supply light 112 from the first power supply device 110A to the power receiving device 310. When optical power supply by the first power supply device 110A starts, the first power supply device 110A transmits output data of the power supply light 112 as power supply information to the information management device 600, and the power receiving device 310 transmits data of the power obtained by converting the power supply light 112 into power as power receiving information to the first power supply device 110A and the information management device 600 (S13). During optical power feeding by the first power feeding device 110A, the information management device 600 continues the calculation process to identify the position of the power receiving device 310 (position information update), and the transmission of the power feeding light 112 from the first power feeding device 110A to the power receiving device 310 continues.

[0062] In the optical power supply system 1, power supply switching information (handover information) that serves as a trigger for switching the power supply device 110 that supplies power to the power receiving device 310 is output, and when a handover request is made from the information management device 600 to the second power supply device 110B as a result of sharing the power supply switching information (handover information), the second power supply device 110B starts laser irradiation and transmits the power supply light 112 from the second power supply device 110B to the power receiving device 310. The information management device 600 transmits position information (including the moving direction and moving speed) of the power receiving device 310 to the second power supply device 110B together with the handover request. In addition, the second power supply device 110B that has started laser irradiation notifies the first power supply device 110A of the start of laser irradiation, and the first power supply device 110A that has received the notification stops the laser irradiation (S14).

[0063] When optical power supply by the second power supply device 110B begins, the second power supply device 110B transmits output data of the power supply light 112 as power supply information to the information management device 600, and the power receiving device 310 transmits data of the power obtained by converting the power supply light 112 into electricity as power receiving information to the second power supply device 110B and the information management device 600 (S15). During optical power feeding by the second power feeding device 110B, the information management device 600 continues the calculation process to identify the position of the power receiving device 310 (position information update), and the transmission of the power feeding light 112 from the second power feeding device 110B to the power receiving device 310 continues.

[0064] In this way, even in an optical power supply system 1 equipped with an information management device 600, if power supply switching information is shared within the optical power supply system 1 while power is being supplied from the first power supply device 110A to the power receiving device 310, the power supply to the power receiving device 310 is switched from the first power supply device 110A to the second power supply device 110B, and power supply to the power receiving device 310 is maintained.

[0065] The process of S14 (see FIG. 7) above, which is the power supply switching process associated with the sharing of the power supply switching information in the optical power supply system 1, is generally similar to the process described above with reference to FIG. 4, so only the differences will be described. The search for the power supply device 110 that is capable of handover in S403 is performed in the information management device 600. Moreover, the handover request in S406 is transmitted by the information management device 600 to the second power supply device 110B.

[0066] Regarding the power supply switching process in the optical power supply system 1, the condition for outputting the power supply switching information that serves as a trigger for switching the power supply device 110 is the same as in the first embodiment described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here.

[0067] Furthermore, even in the optical power supply system 1 of the second embodiment, when power supply switching information that serves as a trigger for switching the power supply device 110 is shared within the system, it is possible to switch to a power supply device 110 that can suitably transmit power supply light 112 to a moving power receiving device 310.

[0068] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, in a state in which multiple power supply devices 110 are each irradiating power supply light 112 toward multiple moving power receiving devices 310, if the information management device 600 detects that there is a possibility that the power supply light 112 irradiated by one power supply device 110 toward one power receiving device 310 and the power supply light 112 irradiated by another power supply device 110 toward another power receiving device 310 may intersect, the power supply device 110 may be switched so that optical power is supplied by a third power supply device 110 instead of at least one of the one power supply device 110 and the other power supply devices 110. The optical power supply system 1 includes at least three power supply devices 110 and at least two power receiving devices 310. When the power supply lights 112 emitted by a plurality of power supply devices 110 cross each other, there is a possibility that the laser intensities will be strengthened due to interference, so in order to prevent this, the power supply devices 110 may be switched. In the above embodiment, a semiconductor laser is used as an example of the light source of the power supply light emitted by the power supply device, but the present invention is not limited to this. The light source of the power supply light emitted by the power supply device may be other light sources such as LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) in addition to laser light sources.

[0069] Each embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above. However, the contents of the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described embodiments. Details shown in the embodiments can be appropriately modified without departing from the spirit of the invention.

[0070] An embodiment of the present disclosure is described below. (1) The optical power supply system is An optical power supply system that supplies power from a power supply device to a movable power receiving device by spatial transmission of power supply light, The power supply device includes a light emitting unit that outputs the power supply light, the power receiving device includes a light receiving unit that converts the received power supply light into electric power, The power supply system includes at least two power supply devices and at least one power receiving device, A power supply device is configured to supply power from one of the power supply devices to one of the power receiving devices, When power supply switching information (handover information) is shared within the optical power supply system while power is being supplied from one power supply device to one power receiving device, the power supply to the one power receiving device is switched from the one power supply device to another power supply device.

[0071] (2) In the optical power supply system according to (1), At least one position detector that detects the position of the power receiving device; at least one obstacle detection unit that detects the presence or absence of an object near the power receiving device and an object located between the power receiving device and the power supply device; Equipped with The power supply switching information (handover information) is output in response to the obstacle detection unit detecting an object to which power supply from the one power supply device should be switched.

[0072] (3) In the optical power supply system according to (1), At least one position detection unit that detects a position of the power receiving device; The power supply switching information (handover information) is output when the position detection unit detects the one power receiving device that is at a distance from the one power supply device that is greater than a predetermined value, or when the position detection unit detects the one power receiving device that is close to the other power supply device and is at a distance less than a predetermined value.

[0073] (4) In the optical power supply system according to (1), At least one position detection unit that detects a position of the power receiving device; the power supply device includes a power supply direction switching unit that switches a direction of the power supply light output by the light emitting unit in accordance with a position of the moving power receiving device, The power supply switching information (handover information) is output in response to a control amount for switching the power supply light to the one power receiving device by the power supply direction switching unit exceeding a predetermined threshold.

[0074] (5) In the optical power supply system according to (1), The power supply device includes a power supply control unit, When the power supply control unit detects that the temperature of the light emitting unit exceeds a predetermined value, the power supply switching information (handover information) is output.

[0075] (6) In the optical power supply system according to (1), The power receiving device includes a power receiving control unit, When the power reception control unit detects that the value of the power converted by the light receiving unit falls below a predetermined value, the power supply switching information (handover information) is output.

[0076] (7) In the optical power supply system according to (1), The power supply switching information (handover information) is advance information that is determined in advance based on a movement plan of the power receiving device.

[0077] (8) The optical power supply method is An optical power supply method in an optical power supply system that supplies power from a power supply device to a movable power receiving device by spatial transmission of power supply light, the optical power supply method comprising: While power is being supplied from one power supply device to one power receiving device, power supply switching information (handover information) is shared within the optical power supply system, and in response to this, the power supply to the one power receiving device is switched from the one power supply device to another power supply device.

[0078] (9) The power supply device is A power supply device that supplies power to a movable power receiving device by spatial transmission of power supply light, a light emitting unit that outputs the power supply light to the power receiving device; A communication unit that communicates with other power supply devices; a control unit that, when detecting power supply switching information (handover information) while the power supply device is outputting the power supply light, transmits an instruction from the power supply device to the other power supply device to switch power supply to the power receiving device, and then stops output of the power supply light from the power supply device; Equipped with. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] 1 Optical power supply system 110 Power supply device 111 Power supply semiconductor laser (light emitting part) 112 Power supply light 115 Power supply direction switching unit 120 Position detection unit 130 Communications Department 150 Power supply control unit 310 Power receiving device 311 Photoelectric conversion element (light receiving part) 320 Live part 330 Communications Department 350 Power receiving control unit 500 Obstacle detection device 520 Obstacle detection unit 530 Communications Department 550 Control Unit 600 Information management device 630 Communications Department 650 Management and Control Unit N Network

Claims

1. An optical power supply system that supplies power from a power supply device to a movable power receiving device by spatial transmission of power supply light, the power supply device includes a light emitting unit that outputs the power supply light, the power receiving device includes a light receiving unit that converts the received power supply light into electric power, The power supply system includes at least two power supply devices and at least one power receiving device, A power supply device is configured to supply power from one of the power supply devices to one of the power receiving devices, When power supply switching information is shared within the optical power supply system while one power supply device is supplying power to one power receiving device, power supply to the one power receiving device is switched from the one power supply device to another power supply device. Optical power supply system.

2. At least one position detector that detects a position of the power receiving device; at least one obstacle detection unit that detects the presence or absence of an object near the power receiving device and an object located between the power receiving device and the power supply device; Equipped with The power supply switching information is output in response to the obstacle detection unit detecting an object to which power supply from the one power supply device should be switched. The optical power supply system according to claim 1 .

3. At least one position detection unit that detects a position of the power receiving device; The power supply switching information is output in response to the position detection unit detecting the one power receiving device whose distance from the one power supply device is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, or in response to the position detection unit detecting the one power receiving device whose distance from the other power supply device is approaching equal to or less than a predetermined value. The optical power supply system according to claim 1 .

4. At least one position detection unit that detects a position of the power receiving device; the power supply device includes a power supply direction switching unit that switches a direction of the power supply light output by the light emitting unit in accordance with a position of the moving power receiving device, the power supply switching information is output in response to a control amount for switching the power supply light toward the one power receiving device by the power supply direction switching unit exceeding a predetermined threshold. The optical power supply system according to claim 1 .

5. The power supply device includes a power supply control unit, When the power supply control unit detects that the temperature of the light-emitting unit exceeds a predetermined value, the power supply switching information is output. The optical power supply system according to claim 1 .

6. The power receiving device includes a power receiving control unit, When the power receiving control unit detects that the value of the power converted by the light receiving unit falls below a predetermined value, the power supply switching information is output. The optical power supply system according to claim 1 .

7. The power supply switching information is advance information determined in advance based on a movement plan of the power receiving device. The optical power supply system according to claim 1 .

8. An optical power supply method in an optical power supply system for supplying power from a power supply device to a movable power receiving device by spatial transmission of power supply light, the optical power supply method comprising: During power supply from one power supply device to one power receiving device, in response to power supply switching information being shared within the optical power supply system, switching power supply to the one power receiving device from the one power supply device to another power supply device. Optical power supply method.

9. A power supply device that supplies power to a movable power receiving device by spatial transmission of power supply light, a light emitting unit that outputs the power supply light to the power receiving device; A communication unit that communicates with other power supply devices; a control unit that, when detecting power supply switching information while the power supply device is outputting the power supply light, transmits an instruction from the power supply device to the other power supply device to switch power supply to the power receiving device, and then stops output of the power supply light from the power supply device; Equipped with Power supply device.

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