Wireless power supply system

Abstract

To provide a wireless power supply system and a wireless power supply control method that can be retrofitted without hindering safety guarantee provided by a manufacturer of an electrically-driven mobility.SOLUTION: A wireless power supply system comprises: a power reception coil to be attached to an electrically-driven mobility; a connector to be connected to a charging port for wired power supply of the electrically-driven mobility; and a power conversion unit that is connected to the power reception coil and the connector and converts power received by the power reception coil so that the power can be supplied to a storage battery mounted on the electrically-driven mobility through the charging port.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless power supply system that can be applied as a retrofit. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric mobility vehicles that use high-capacity lithium-ion batteries as drive batteries and drive motors using the power stored in the drive batteries are becoming more common. Electric mobility vehicles that use batteries as their drive energy source include not only electric vehicles, but also automated guided vehicles, forklifts, flying vehicles such as drones, and water-based mobility vehicles such as electrically propelled ships. Wireless power supply systems that supply power wirelessly rather than via power cables have been put into practical use as a method of supplying power to the drive batteries installed in these electric mobility vehicles.

[0003] While wired power supply systems have the advantage of being able to supply power at high speeds, wireless power supply has the advantage that power supply can be started without any user intervention as long as the vehicle is parked in a location that matches the fixed power supply coil.

[0004] It is desirable for users to be able to charge their electric mobility either wired or wirelessly, and to be able to select the method depending on the type of power supply facility.

[0005] Various proposals have been made to adapt the method of feeding power to storage batteries installed in electric mobility vehicles to both wired and wireless power feeding. Patent Document 1 discloses an electric vehicle that enables the simultaneous operation of wired and wireless power feeding to exchange large amounts of power. Patent Document 2 shows that the vehicle has both a connection plug for wired power feeding and a power receiving coil for wireless power feeding, and is provided with a switch for switching between wired and wireless power feeding. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-028028 [Patent Document 2] Special Publication No. 2019-531680 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] As disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, if an electric mobility vehicle is compatible with both wired and wireless power supply from the time of manufacture, the manufacturer can guarantee its safety as a passenger-carrying electric mobility vehicle. However, even if it is technically possible to retrofit a wireless power supply system to an electric mobility vehicle that only has wired power supply functionality, this would require modifying the vehicle's built-in control devices and electrical systems, and would undermine the safety of the electric mobility vehicle.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to provide a wireless power supply system that can be retrofitted to electric mobility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A wireless power supply system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a receiving coil attached to an electric mobility vehicle, a connector connected to a receptacle for wired power supply on the electric mobility vehicle, and a power conversion unit connected to the receiving coil and the connector and configured to convert the power received by the receiving coil into power that can be supplied via the receptacle to a storage battery mounted on the electric mobility vehicle.

[0010] In the wireless power feeding system of the present disclosure, when the power receiving coil is attached to the outer surface of the electric mobility, the outer dimensions of the cover of the power receiving coil should be within the allowable protrusion dimensions specified in the safety standards for the electric mobility, and the total weight of the power receiving coil, connector, and power conversion unit should be within the weight specified in the safety standards for the electric mobility. (1) United States: Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (2) Europe: EEC Directive (European Economic Community Directive) (3)China: National Standards of the People's Republic of China (4) Canada: Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standards The specified values ​​vary depending on the country in which the electric mobility is operated.

[0011] This means that even if automotive parts are installed, the dimensions will fall within the specified range that does not require a structural change inspection, so there is no need to re-inspect the safety of the electric mobility vehicle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it can be applied as a retrofit to electric mobility. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless power supply system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless power supply system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power supply process performed by the wireless power supply system. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless power supply system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power supply process performed by the wireless power supply system of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power supply process performed by the wireless power supply system of the second embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless power supply system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power supply process performed by a wireless power supply system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a power supply process performed by a wireless power supply system according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present disclosure will be specifically described with reference to the drawings showing embodiments thereof.

[0015] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless power feeding system 100 according to a first embodiment. The wireless power feeding system 100 is attached to an electric mobility (for example, an electric vehicle) M having a charging port R (also referred to as an inlet) for wired power feeding when in use. The wireless power feeding system 100 is applied to an electric mobility M that does not support wireless power feeding. In Fig. 1 and the following description, the electric mobility M will be described using an EV (Electric Vehicle) truck as an example, but is not limited thereto and may be an electric vehicle, an unmanned guided vehicle, a forklift, a robot, an air vehicle such as a so-called drone, or a water mobility such as an electrically propelled ship.

[0016] The wireless power feeding system 100 includes a connector (plug) 12 connected to a charging port R of the electric mobility M, a power receiving coil 13 attached to the rear surface of the electric mobility M, and a main body 11 connected between the connector 12 and the power receiving coil 13. The main body 11 is provided on, for example, the side surface of the electric mobility M as shown in FIG. 1 , and covers 130, 14 are provided on the power receiving coil 13, the main body 11, and the connector 12.

[0017] The location where the power receiving coil 13 is provided is not limited to the rear of the vehicle body, but may also be on the side, bottom, or inside of the vehicle body. The outer dimension in the thickness direction of the cover 130 of the power receiving coil 13 is within the allowable protrusion dimensions stipulated in the safety standards. For example, the outer dimension in the coil axis direction of the cover 130 is within the dimension range (±3 centimeters) stipulated for the body of an electric mobility M such that a structural change inspection is not required even when an automobile part is installed. The outer dimension (thickness) in the coil axis direction of the cover 130 of the power receiving coil 13 may be 2 centimeters or less so that the cover 130 may be attached to the outside of the side of the electric mobility M. Furthermore, the power receiving coil 13 may be provided on the inside of a structure (e.g., a door) that forms the outer shell of the electric mobility M, facing outward, rather than on the outer surface of the vehicle body. In this case, although the power supply distance between the power receiving coil 13 and the power supply coil becomes longer, no dimensional restrictions need to be imposed because the power receiving coil 13 does not protrude outside the vehicle body due to the installation of the power receiving coil 13.

[0018] The specific values ​​listed above as the allowable protrusion dimensions specified in the safety standards should be interpreted in accordance with the safety standards of each country. Similarly, the regulations based on the weight of the electric mobility M described below should be interpreted in accordance with the safety standards of each country or region.

[0019] The main body 11 may be provided either inside or outside the body of the electric mobility M. The main body 11 is preferably placed in the luggage compartment. Since the main body 11 is connected to the power receiving coil 13 attached to the outside of the body and the connector 12 fitted into the charging port R that is provided on the outside so that a portion of it can be exposed, the main body 11 may be attached to the side of the body as shown in FIG. 1. When the main body 11 is provided on the outside of the side, the cover 14 of the main body 11 preferably has a protruding dimension stipulated by safety standards, i.e., 2 cm or less.

[0020] Connector 12 is used while always connected to charging port R. Connector 12 preferably has a shape that allows the cover of charging port R to be closed with connector 12 connected.

[0021] As shown in Figure 1, even if the main body 11, connector 12, and receiving coil 13 are attached to an electric mobility M that does not support wireless power supply, safety re-evaluation is not required. Therefore, depending on the size of the electric mobility M, it is desirable that the weight of the entire wireless power supply system 100 in the attached state as specified in the safety standards be within +50 kg (for light vehicles and compact vehicles subject to inspection) or within +100 kg (for standard vehicles and large special-purpose vehicles).

[0022] The attachment position of the power receiving coil 13 may be determined according to the height of the power transmitting device (not shown). The power transmitting device includes a power transmitting coil having an axis in the horizontal direction so as to face the power receiving coil 13 when the electric mobility M, which is an EV truck, is stopped, and a communication unit capable of communicating with a control unit (charging control unit) 110 (see FIG. 2) provided in the main body 11. The power transmitting device may also be configured to include a power transmitting coil having an axis in the vertical direction and buried in the ground.

[0023] 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the wireless power supply system 100 of the first embodiment. The wireless power supply system 100 includes a main body 11, a connector 12, and a power receiving coil 13.

[0024] The connector 12 connected to the charging port R of the electric mobility M includes a power line PL1 for transmitting electric power, a signal line SL1 for exchanging signals between the on-board charging control device and the power transmission device, and a signal line SL2 for exchanging signals between each mechanism of the connector 12 and the control unit 110. The connector 12 includes a cylindrical socket 121 that fits into the charging port R and a latch (locking portion) 122 that can protrude from the outer circumferential surface of the socket 121. The connector 12 also includes a locking mechanism 123 that locks / unlocks the latch 122 and a retraction mechanism 124 that forcibly retracts the latch 122 into the socket 121. The latch 122 can protrude from the socket 121 by being biased by a compression spring in a recess provided at a specific location on the socket 121. The retraction mechanism 124 is initially in a state in which it closes the opening of the recess of the socket 121, causing the socket 121 to retract inside. Based on a signal provided from control unit 110 via signal line SL2, retraction mechanism 124 opens the opening of the recessed portion of socket 121 and allows latch 122 to protrude. Retraction mechanism 124 is not limited to the structure shown in FIG. 2 , and may have any other structure as long as it functions to prevent a locking portion such as latch 122 from engaging with charging port R. For example, retraction mechanism 124 may have a solenoid switch that pulls latch 122 into socket 121.

[0025] Furthermore, retraction mechanism 124 may have a structure that retracts part or all of socket 121 from charging port R. Furthermore, the locking portion that locks connector 12 and charging port R is not limited to latch 122 provided on socket 121, but may be a latch provided on charging port R. In this case, for example, connector 12 is provided with a fitting portion (recess) on the outer periphery of socket 121 into which the latch of charging port R fits. In this case, retraction mechanism 124 may be realized as a mechanism that pushes the latch from the fitting portion toward charging port R to retract it, or may have a structure that pushes out the latch and retracts part or all of socket 121 from charging port R.

[0026] The main body 11 includes a control unit 110 and a power conversion unit 111. The power conversion unit 111 is connected to the power receiving coil 13 via a power line PL2. The power conversion unit 111 rectifies the high-frequency power received by the power receiving coil 13 using a rectifier circuit 112, converts it into a direct current, and smoothes the direct current. Based on control from the control unit 110, the power conversion unit 111 converts the direct current output from the rectifier circuit 112 into power of a frequency and voltage including direct current required by the electric mobility M using an inverter (or converter) 113, and outputs the power from the power line PL1 of the connector 12.

[0027] The control unit 110 is connected to the power conversion unit 111 inside the main body 11. The control unit 110 controls the ON / OFF of the inverter 113 and controls the output from the inverter 113. The control unit 110 performs prescribed communication related to power supply with the on-board charging control device via a signal line SL1 based on information transmitted and received between the power transmission device and the on-board charging control device. Specifically, the control unit 110 controls the power supply from the power transmission device to the storage battery mounted on the electric mobility M by transmitting and receiving information such as the charging rate, charging voltage, and charging current with the on-board charging control device using, for example, CHAdeMO (registered trademark) or NACS (North American Charging Standard).

[0028] Control unit 110 includes a processor 114, a memory 115, and a wireless communication unit 116. It is preferable that control unit 110 includes a power storage unit with enough startup power to start up control unit 110 itself and wireless communication unit 116. Processor 114 uses a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or the like. Processor 114 reads out a control program P1 stored in memory 115 to implement control processing related to charging.

[0029] A nonvolatile memory is used as the memory 115. A control program P1 is stored in the memory 115. The control program P1 is incorporated into the memory 115 when the control unit 110 is manufactured. The control program P1 may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, read by the processor 114, and stored in the memory 115.

[0030] The wireless communication unit 116 realizes wireless communication with a power transmitting device (not shown). The wireless communication unit 116 communicates, for example, by WiFi (registered trademark). The wireless communication unit 116 may also communicate by Bluetooth (registered trademark). The standard of wireless communication by the wireless communication unit 116 is not limited to WiFi or Bluetooth, but is preferably short-range wireless communication.

[0031] The owner of electric mobility M installs the wireless power feeding system 100 configured as described above on the electric mobility M. The owner connects the connector 12 to the charging port R of the electric mobility M and closes the cover of the charging port R. When the wireless power feeding system 100 is not receiving power and is not activated, the retraction mechanism 124 prevents the latch 122 from engaging with a locking portion provided on the inner surface of the charging port R. This prevents the on-board charging control device from determining that the charging plug is still inserted in the charging port R.

[0032] The wireless power feeding system 100 attached in this manner realizes wireless power feeding as follows: FIG.

[0033] The processor 114 of the control unit 110 determines whether or not it is possible to start receiving power via the power receiving coil 13 (step S101). In step S101, the processor 114 may determine whether or not it is possible to start receiving power based on whether or not it has received a charge control command from the on-board charging control device via the signal line SL1. The on-board charging control device can start charging when it receives an operation to start charging from the driver in the driver's seat of the parked electric mobility M, or when it receives an operation to turn off the start switch of the electric mobility M (for example, an operation to turn off the ignition switch provided on the electric mobility M). This may be detected by the control unit 110, and the following processing may be started.

[0034] In step S101, the processor 114 may be activated by, for example, turning on a built-in switch (not shown) and determine that power reception can begin. In this example, a driver who intends to perform wireless power feeding or a power feeding operator turns on a switch (not shown) of the wireless power feeding system 100 while the electric mobility M is parked in a position where power feeding is possible.

[0035] In step S101, processor 114 may automatically detect that the vehicle has stopped at a position where power supply is possible and determine that power supply can be started, depending on whether or not the power receiving coil 13 can receive the weak radio waves emitted from the power transmitting coil of the power transmitting device. In this example, control unit 110 has a startup circuit that turns on the supply of power from the power storage unit using the weak radio waves from the power transmitting coil. Control unit 110 may have a built-in acceleration sensor, and determine whether or not power reception can be started only when it is confirmed that the vehicle is stopped.

[0036] When processor 114 determines that power reception cannot be started by power receiving coil 13 (S101: NO), it ends the process. After a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, it resumes the process of step S101.

[0037] When the processor 114 determines that power reception can be started by the power receiving coil 13 (S101: YES), the processor 114 attempts to establish a communication connection with the power transmitting device by the wireless communication unit 116 (step S102) and determines whether communication is possible (step S103). In S103, the processor 114 may transmit authentication data (registered vehicle number, serial number of the control unit 110 itself, etc.) stored in the memory 115 to the power transmitting device so that the power transmitting device can authenticate the communication partner.

[0038] If it is determined that communication is established and possible (S103: YES), processor 114 accommodates retraction mechanism 124 and protrudes latch 122 to engage with and lock charging port R (step S104). In step S104, processor 114 causes the in-vehicle charging control device to execute the same processing as when a plug for wired power supply is connected to charging port R.

[0039] If it is determined in step S103 that communication is not possible (S103: NO), the processor 114 determines that wireless power supply is not possible and ends the process with an error.

[0040] After locking the latch 122, the processor 114 outputs a charge preparation signal to the on-board charging control device via the signal line SL1 (step S105). The processor 114 notifies the power transmitting device of permission to start power transmission from the power transmitting device via the wireless communication unit 116 (step S106). In wireless power feeding, it takes more time for the output voltage that can be received by the power receiving coil 13 to increase than in wired power feeding. However, by first permitting the start of power transmission and increasing (precharging) the output power, the control unit 110 can control the output from the inverter 113 in time for the output increase in step S108 and thereafter.

[0041] When the processor 114 receives a permission signal from the on-board charging control device in response to the charge preparation signal output in step S105 (step S107), the processor 114 executes a predetermined sequence (charging start process) conforming to a predetermined protocol for wired power supply with the on-board charging control device (step S108). The predetermined protocol is, for example, the above-mentioned CHAdeMO. In step S108, the processor 114 increases the output of the inverter 113 so that the process with the on-board charging control device does not stop.

[0042] As a result, processor 114 starts (continues) power supply (step S109). Control unit 110 that has started power supply may store the power that can be received by power receiving coil 13 in its own power storage unit.

[0043] The processor 114 determines whether charging has been completed on the on-board charging control device side, for example, by reaching full charge (step S110). In step S110, the processor 114 may determine whether completion has been notified from the on-board charging control device. In step S110, the processor 114 may determine whether the charging rate obtained from the on-board charging control device has reached a predetermined rate. In step S110, the processor 114 may determine that charging has been completed (interrupted) if it is determined that power cannot be received by the power receiving coil 13, that is, that the inverter 113 cannot output the required current and voltage. If it is determined that charging has not been completed (S110: NO), the processor 114 returns the process to step S109.

[0044] If it is determined that charging is completed (S110: YES), the processor 114 executes a predetermined sequence (charging termination process) with the on-board charging control device (S111). The processor 114 unlocks the latch 122 (step S112) and activates the retraction mechanism 124 to retract the latch 122 (step S113). The process of step S112 may be included in the predetermined sequence of the charging termination process. The processor 114 disconnects the wireless communication connection with the power transmitting device (step S114) and terminates the process.

[0045] 3 is an example, and is not limiting. For example, the process of step S101 may be started upon receiving a separate notification from the electric mobility M that the vehicle has stopped. Furthermore, the timing for unlocking the latch 122, activating the retraction mechanism 124, and storing the retraction mechanism 124 may be other timing as long as the latch 122 can be locked during power supply.

[0046] After charging is completed, the latch 122 of the connector 12 is disengaged from the charging port R, which prevents the on-board charging control device of the electric mobility M from determining that the charging plug is still plugged in, and allows the electric mobility M to be driven with the wireless power feeding system 100 attached. Additionally, the control unit 110 may perform processing such as continuously outputting (cancelling) a specific signal to the signal line SL1 so that the on-board charging control device does not determine that the plug is still plugged in.

[0047] In this way, wireless power supply is possible by attaching the wireless power supply system 100 to the electric mobility M. The charging control device mounted on the electric mobility M receives power by transmitting and receiving information to and from the power supply device using a sequence similar to that of wired power supply, and can charge the on-board storage battery. Therefore, to realize wireless power supply, there is no need to modify the electrical system of the electric mobility M, change the software of the charging control device, or switch it on and off. The wireless power supply system 100 is simply loaded onto the electric mobility M, and weight increase and dimensional changes are kept to a level that does not require vehicle inspection. Therefore, wireless power supply can be realized while maintaining the safety guarantees made by the manufacturer of the electric mobility M. Note that in the example shown in the first embodiment, when performing wired power supply, the owner, driver, or power supply operator of the electric mobility M can open the cover of the charging port R, remove the connector 12, and insert a plug from a power supply device for wired power supply into the charging port R to perform wired power supply.

[0048] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, wired power supply is also possible while the connector 12 is inserted into the charging port R. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless power supply system 300 of the second embodiment. In the wireless power supply system 300 shown in the second embodiment, components common to the wireless power supply system 100 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0049] The wireless power feeding system 300 of the second embodiment includes a main body 1, a connector 12, and a power receiving coil 13. In the wireless power feeding system 300, a detection unit 117 is provided between the main body 1 and the connector 12. The detection unit 117 is branch-connected to both the power conversion unit 111 and a wired charging port (wired connector) 118.

[0050] Detection unit 117 includes a first switch 70 that branches off power line PL1 and connects to either power conversion unit 111 or wired charging port 118. First switch 70 is configured, for example, by a C-contact relay, and in the OFF state is connected to receive power via wired charging port 118. First switch 70 is switched ON and OFF by control unit (switching control unit) 110.

[0051] Detection unit 117 detects whether a plug for wired power supply is connected to wired charging port 118 and outputs the result to control unit 110.

[0052] The main body 11 may be provided with an output unit such as a display or an LED lamp, and the control unit 110 may output whether wireless power feeding or wired power feeding is being performed.

[0053] 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing an example of a power supply process by the wireless power supply system 300 of the second embodiment. Among the processing procedures shown in the flowcharts of Fig. 5 and 6, the same steps as those shown in the flowchart of Fig. 3 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0054] In the second embodiment, if it is determined that communication is possible (S103: YES), it is determined whether the detection unit 117 has detected that a plug for wired power supply is connected to the wired charging port 118 (step S121).

[0055] If it is determined that the connection of a wired power supply plug has not been detected (S121: NO), the processor 114 turns on the first switch 70 of the detection unit 117 to disable the connection to the wired charging port 118 (step S122), and engages and locks the latch 122 (S104).

[0056] In the second embodiment, when charging is completed by wireless power supply (S110: YES), the processor 114 executes a predetermined charging termination sequence (S111). The processor 114 unlocks the latch 122 (S112), retracts the latch 122 (S113), and disconnects the communication connection with the power transmitting device (S114), and then turns the first switch 70 of the detection unit 117 back to OFF (step S123), and ends the process.

[0057] In the second embodiment, when the processor 114 determines in step S121 that the connection of the plug for wired power supply is detected (S121: YES), wired power supply is performed (step S124) and the process ends. In this case, the process as the control unit 110 of the wireless power supply system 300 is stopped.

[0058] If it is determined in step S103 that communication is not possible (S103: NO), processor 114 determines whether it has detected that a plug for wired power supply is connected (step S125). If it is determined in step S125 that it has detected that a plug for wired power supply is connected (S125: YES), the process proceeds to step S124.

[0059] In step S125, if it is determined that the connection of the wired power supply plug has not been detected either (S125: NO), processor 114 determines that power cannot be supplied and ends the process with an error.

[0060] (Third embodiment) The third embodiment is configured to enable wired power supply while the connector 12 is inserted into the charging port R, using a method different from that of the second embodiment. Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a wireless power supply system 100 of the third embodiment. Of the wireless power supply system 100 shown in the third embodiment, components common to the wireless power supply system 100 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] Although not shown or described in the first and second embodiments, the signal line SL1 of the connector 12 includes signal lines SL11, SL12, ... for exchanging information with the on-board charging control device based on a predetermined protocol, in addition to a communication line for CAN (Controller Area Network) communication or other communication with the on-board charging control device. The signal line SL11, which is one of the multiple signal lines SL11, SL12, ... included in the signal line SL1, is a line for confirming that the connector 12 is connected to the charging port R. The tip of the signal line SL11 inside the connector 12 is called a connection confirmation terminal T1, and when the connector 12 is connected to the charging port R, it is connected to a high potential (e.g., 12 V) on the electric mobility M side.

[0062] The base end of the signal line SL11 is connected to a reference potential (for example, 0 V) ​​provided in the connector 12 via a predetermined resistor 125 and a second switch 126. The second switch 126 is switched between conductive and non-conductive states in response to an instruction from the control unit 110.

[0063] When the signal line on the charging port R side connected to the connection check terminal T1 is electrically connected to a reference potential provided in the connector 12 via the resistor 125, the potential of a predetermined contact in the charging port R reaches a specific value, and the on-board charging control device can detect this and detect insertion of the connector 12 into the charging port R. When the second switch 126 is turned ON while the connection check terminal T1 of the connector 12 is electrically connected to a high potential provided in the on-board charging control device of the electric mobility M, the on-board charging control device can detect that the connector 12 is connected to the charging port R. Conversely, when the second switch 126 is turned OFF, the base end side of the signal line SL11 in the connector 12 floats above the reference potential. Even when the connection check terminal T1 of the connector 12 is electrically connected to a high potential provided in the on-board charging control device of the electric mobility M, when the second switch 126 is turned OFF, the potential of the predetermined contact in the charging port R does not drop, and the on-board charging control device detects that the connector 12 is not connected to the charging port R.

[0064] In the third embodiment, the control unit 110 can detect whether the activation switch of the electric mobility M is ON or OFF.

[0065] 8 and 9 are flowcharts showing an example of a power supply process by the wireless power supply system 100 of the third embodiment. Among the processing procedures shown in the flowcharts of Fig. 8 and 9, the same steps as those shown in the flowchart of Fig. 3 of the first embodiment are denoted by the same step numbers, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0066] In the third embodiment, when it is determined that communication with the power transmission device is possible (S103: YES), the processor 114 of the control unit 110 determines whether or not it has been detected that the start switch of the electric mobility M has been turned off (step S131). In step S131, the processor 114 is only required to detect that the electric mobility M has stopped, rather than that the start switch of the electric mobility M has been turned off, that is, that it has been detected that the drive storage battery has become capable of being charged. When it is determined that it has not been possible to detect that the start switch of the electric mobility M has been turned off (S131: NO), charging is not possible while the switch is in the ON state, and therefore the process ends in the same way as when it is determined that power reception cannot be started by the power receiving coil 13 (S101: NO).

[0067] When the processor 114 determines that it has detected that the start switch of the electric mobility M has been turned off (S131: YES), it sets the second switch 126 to the ON state (step S132). The second switch 126 may be linked to a circuit that acquires the state of the start switch of the electric mobility M, and may be configured to be ON when the start switch of the electric mobility M is off, and OFF when the start switch of the electric mobility M is on. By performing step S132, the on-board charging control device of the electric mobility M can detect that the connector 12 has been inserted into the charging port R.

[0068] The processor 114 then outputs a charge preparation signal to the on-board charging control device (S105) and executes the processing of steps S106-S110, including a pre-charge to increase output in advance and a preparatory operation based on a predetermined protocol. If the processor 114 determines that charging is complete (S110: YES), it executes a predetermined charge termination sequence (S111) and turns the second switch 126 OFF (step S133). The processing of step S133 terminates the current flow to the connection pin on the electric mobility M side that is connected to the connection confirmation terminal T1. Therefore, the on-board charging control device of the electric mobility M can detect that the connector 12 has been detached from the charging port R. This enables the electric mobility M side to turn ON the start switch of the electric mobility M. Around this time, the processor 114 disconnects the wireless communication connection with the power transmitting device (S114) and ends the processing.

[0069] In step S110, the processor 114 determines whether charging is complete on the on-board charging control device side, for example, when the charging rate of the storage battery to be supplied with power reaches a predetermined rate, but this is not limited to this. For a large electric mobility M whose storage battery has a full charge capacity of over 100 to 200 kWh, continuous charging at a power value of 10 kW takes approximately 10 to 20 hours. Since excessively long charging periods are desirably avoided for safety reasons, charging must be stopped once every predetermined time. Therefore, even if the on-board charging control device determines in step S110 that charging is not complete, the processor 114 may determine whether the continuous charging time has reached a predetermined time (e.g., 10 hours). This determination may be made on the on-board charging control device side. If the predetermined time has been reached, the processor 114 continues transmitting power from the power transmitting device, performs the processes of steps S111 and S133, turns on the second switch (S132), and resumes charging by performing the processes of steps S108 and S109. Alternatively, charging may be stopped in response to an instruction from the power transmitting device or from the outside, or based on a stop instruction via an operation unit or the like provided in control unit 110, other than the determination in step S110.

[0070] In this way, the retrofitted wireless power feeding system 100 makes it possible to select either wireless power feeding or wired power feeding without interfering with the original configuration of the electric mobility M that allows for wired power feeding.

[0071] The embodiments disclosed above are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, and includes all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 100,300 Wireless Power Supply System 11 Main unit 12 Connectors 13 Receiving coil 110 control section 111 Power conversion unit 114 processors 115 memory 116 Radio Communication Department 122 Latch (retaining part) 124 Evacuation mechanism

Claims

1. a receiving coil attached to the electric mobility; a connector to be connected to a charging port for wired power supply of the electric mobility; a power conversion unit connected to the power receiving coil and the connector, and converting the power received by the power receiving coil so that the power can be supplied to a storage battery mounted on the electric mobility via the charging port; A wireless power supply system comprising:

2. the power receiving coil is attached to an outer surface of the electric mobility; The outer dimensions of the cover of the power receiving coil are within the allowable protrusion dimensions stipulated in the safety standards for the electric mobility. The wireless power supply system according to claim 1 .

3. The power receiving coil is attached to the inside of the outer shell of the electric mobility vehicle, facing outward. The wireless power supply system according to claim 1 .

4. The total weight of the power receiving coil, connector, and power conversion unit is within the weight specified in the safety standards for the electric mobility. The wireless power supply system according to claim 1 .

5. the connector has a locking portion that is locked to the charging port, a control unit that controls a retraction mechanism that retracts a locking portion of the connector so that the locking portion of the connector is not engaged with the charging port except during charging of the storage battery by the power received by the power receiving coil; The wireless power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The connector is engaged with a locking portion provided in the charging port, a control unit that controls a retraction mechanism so that the connector is not engaged with the engaging portion of the charging port except when the storage battery is being charged with the power received by the power receiving coil; The wireless power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. a wired connector that receives power from a wired power supply plug; a first switch that switches between connecting an input to the wired connector to an output of the connector and connecting an output of the power conversion unit to an output of the connector; a switching control unit that controls the first switch so that an input to the wired connector is output to the connector when the wired power supply plug is connected to the wired connector; The wireless power supply system according to claim 1 , comprising:

8. a charging control unit that communicates with an on-board charging control device in the electric mobility via a signal line included in the charging port for wired power supply of the electric mobility, and that includes a wireless communication unit that wirelessly communicates with a power transmitting device that transmits power to the power receiving coil; The charging control unit determining whether or not power reception by the power receiving coil can be started; When it is determined that power reception can be started, the power transmission device is notified of permission to start power transmission; Executes a predetermined charging start process in accordance with a predetermined protocol for wired power supply between the vehicle-mounted charging control device and the vehicle-mounted charging control device. The wireless power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

9. The charging control unit determines that power reception can be started when it detects that a start switch of the electric mobility is turned off and that the electric mobility is stopped in a position where power can be supplied while the connector is connected to the charging port. The wireless power supply system according to claim 8 .

10. a second switch is provided in the connector for switching between conduction and non-conduction between the connection check terminal in the connector and a reference potential; switching the second switch to a conductive state when detecting that a start switch of the electric mobility is turned off; When charging is completed, the second switch is switched to a non-conductive state. The wireless power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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