Power supply system

Abstract

To detect a foreign matter with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A non-contact power supply system 1 includes: a coil module 12 having a coil 122 that wirelessly transmits and / or receives power to / from a vehicle 91; and a mirror module 14 disposed at a position separated from the coil module 12. A marker 12M extractable from an image obtained by an in-vehicle optical sensor 913 is provided on a housing power feeding surface 121a through which a power passes when power transmission and / or power reception is performed in the coil 122. The mirror module 14 is disposed so as to be able to extract the housing power feeding surface 121a including the marker 12M from the image obtained by the in-vehicle optical sensor 913 when the in-vehicle optical sensor 913 is present at a position where the housing power feeding surface 121a cannot be directly seen.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] Power transmission from a power supply device to an electric vehicle can be performed either by wire or wirelessly. In either case, if a foreign object is present between the power supply device and the electric vehicle, it may interfere with normal power transmission from the power supply device to the electric vehicle. Patent Documents 1 to 6 disclose techniques in which the power supply device or the electric vehicle detects some kind of detection target.

[0003] For example, the technology described in Patent Document 1 uses an optical sensor mounted on an electric vehicle to detect whether or not a foreign object is present on a contactless power transfer device. The technologies described in Patent Documents 2 and 3 use an optical sensor provided on the contactless power transfer device to detect whether or not a foreign object is present on the contactless power transfer device. Furthermore, the technologies described in Patent Documents 4, 5, and 6 use a sensor mounted on the vehicle to detect objects present around the vehicle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0203629 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-41009 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2020 / 059379 [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2021 / 210302 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-211624 [Patent Document 6] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-122821 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The operation of detecting a foreign object between the power supply device and the vehicle to be powered may be performed, for example, when the vehicle to be powered is moving toward a position where power can be supplied. The detection operation may also be performed when the vehicle to be powered is stopped at a position where power can be supplied. Providing sensors in the vehicle or the power supply device that are used only for the limited purpose of detecting foreign objects complicates the device configuration. This increased complexity of the device configuration may increase the effort required for manufacturing and maintenance.

[0006] The present invention provides a power supply system that is capable of detecting a foreign object with a simple configuration. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A power supply system that is one form of the present invention includes a power supply module having a power supply member that transmits and / or receives power between the power supply module and the vehicle via a wired or wireless connection, and a mirror module that is positioned at a distance from the power supply module.When the power supply member transmits and / or receives power, a marker that can be extracted from an image obtained by an optical sensor mounted on the vehicle is provided in an area including a power passing section through which power passes.The mirror module is positioned so that when the optical sensor is in a position where it cannot directly view the area including the power passing section, the area including the power passing section including the marker can be extracted from the image obtained by the optical sensor.

[0008] In this power supply system, even if the optical sensor cannot directly view the area including the power passing part with the marker, the optical sensor mounted on the vehicle can obtain an image of the area including the power passing part with the marker by using the mirror module. In other words, there is no need to install a new sensor in the vehicle or power supply system just for detecting the presence or absence of a foreign object. As a result, the vehicle can detect foreign objects with a simple configuration.

[0009] The power supply module of the above power supply system may be a coil module having a coil as a power supply member and a coil housing that houses the coil and includes a housing power supply surface that is a power passing portion. In this power supply system that wirelessly supplies power, even if the optical sensor cannot directly view the housing power supply surface on which the marker is provided, the optical sensor can obtain an image of the power passing portion including the marker using the mirror module. As a result, this configuration also allows the vehicle to detect foreign objects with a simple configuration.

[0010] In the coil module of the power feeding system described above, when the coil module is positioned under the vehicle, an area including the power passing portion may be located outside the field of view of the optical sensor, and the mirror module may be arranged so that the area including the power passing portion including the marker can be extracted from an image obtained by the optical sensor via the mirror module. With this configuration, it is possible to detect a foreign object present on the power passing portion when a parked vehicle starts wireless power feeding or when wireless power feeding is being performed.

[0011] In the power supply system, the mirror module may be located within the field of view of the optical sensor. This configuration also makes it possible to detect a foreign object present on the power passing part when a parked vehicle starts wireless power supply or when wireless power supply is in progress.

[0012] In the above power supply system, when a second vehicle, separate from the first vehicle, is present ahead of the first vehicle, the area including the power passing unit is located within the field of view of the optical sensor but is blocked from direct view by the second vehicle, and the mirror module may be positioned so that the optical path from the area including the power passing unit, including the marker, to the optical sensor via the mirror module does not overlap with the second vehicle. With this configuration, even when the coil module is blocked from direct view from the first vehicle due to the second vehicle being in motion, an image of the area including the power passing unit can be obtained via the mirror module. Therefore, foreign objects present on the power passing unit can be detected.

[0013] In the power supply system described above, the mirror module may be positioned within the field of view of the optical sensor. This configuration also makes it possible to detect a foreign object present on the power passing part when the coil module is not directly visible from the first vehicle due to the second vehicle being in motion.

[0014] The power supply module of the above power supply system may be a connector module having a connector as a power supply member and a connector housing that accommodates the connector and includes an area surrounding a connector fitting portion as a power passing portion. In this power supply system that supplies power via wire, even if the optical sensor cannot directly view the area surrounding the connector fitting portion where the marker is provided, the optical sensor can obtain an image of the area surrounding the connector fitting portion where the marker is provided by the mirror module. As a result, this configuration also allows the vehicle to detect foreign objects with a simple configuration.

[0015] In the power feeding system described above, when the connector module is positioned under the vehicle, the area including the power passing portion may be located outside the field of view of the optical sensor, and the mirror module may be positioned so that the area surrounding the power passing portion on which the marker is provided can be extracted from an image obtained by the optical sensor via the mirror module. With this configuration, it is possible to detect a foreign object present on the power passing portion when a parked vehicle starts wired power feeding.

[0016] The mirror module of the power supply system may be positioned within the field of view of the optical sensor, which also allows for the detection of a foreign object present on the power passing section when a parked vehicle starts wired power supply.

[0017] The mirror module of the power supply system may include a reflective surface that reflects light from the area including the power passing portion, and a normal to the reflective surface may be oriented horizontally. This configuration simplifies the configuration of the mirror module.

[0018] The mirror module of the power supply system may include a reflective surface that reflects light from the area including the power passing unit, and the normal to the reflective surface may include a horizontal component and a vertically upward component that is smaller than the horizontal component. With this configuration, even when the distance from the vehicle to the road surface is short, image information regarding the area including the power passing unit can be obtained by the optical sensor.

[0019] The mirror module of the power supply system may include a first mirror including a reflective surface that reflects light emitted from an area including the power passing unit as a first reflected light, and a second mirror including a reflective surface that reflects the first reflected light toward an optical sensor of the vehicle as a second reflected light. With this configuration, even if the first mirror alone is unable to guide the light to the optical sensor, the second mirror can guide the light to the optical sensor.

[0020] The optical sensor of the power supply system may be a camera that obtains a visible light image or an infrared light image, the area including the power passing portion may be a first color, and the marker may be a second color different from the first color. With this configuration, the camera can obtain image information about the area including the power passing portion.

[0021] The optical sensor of the power supply system may be a LIDAR, and the marker may be a retroreflector that reflects light of a wavelength that the LIDAR has. With this configuration, the so-called LIDAR can obtain distance information to an area including the power passing section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0022] According to the power supply system of the present invention, foreign objects can be detected with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a contactless power supply system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the contactless power supply system of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3(a) is a first example of a marker provided on the housing power supply surface of a coil module. FIG. 3(b) is a second example of a marker provided on the housing power supply surface of a coil module. FIG. 3(c) is a third example of a marker provided on the housing power supply surface of a coil module. FIG. 3(d) is a fourth example of a marker provided on the housing power supply surface of a coil module. FIG. 3(e) is a fifth example of a marker provided on the housing power supply surface of a coil module. FIG. 3(f) is a sixth example of a marker provided on the housing power supply surface of a coil module. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an example of an image obtained by the camera. [Figure 5] Fig. 5(a) is a plan view of the contactless power supply system of the second embodiment, and Fig. 5(b) is a side view of the contactless power supply system of the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of the contactless power supply system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view showing a mirror module provided in a modified contactless power supply system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a side view showing a mirror module included in a contactless power supply system that is another modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a side view showing another application example of the contactless power supply system of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of a modified wired power supply system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] First Embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a vehicle 91 receiving power from a contactless power transfer system 1. FIG. 2 is a side view of a vehicle 91 receiving power from the contactless power transfer system 1. In this embodiment, an example is shown in which power is transferred from the contactless power transfer system 1 to the vehicle 91. The contactless power transfer system 1 can perform not only a power transfer function but also a power receiving function. For example, the contactless power transfer system 1 may have a function of using a battery 911 mounted on the vehicle 91 as a home power source (V2H: Vehicle to Home). In this case, the contactless power transfer system 1 is the power receiving side, and the vehicle 91 is the power transmitting side.

[0026] <Vehicle> The vehicle 91 uses electric power for traveling. The vehicle 91 may be a battery electric vehicle (BEV) that does not have an internal combustion engine, or may be a so-called plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that has an internal combustion engine and a motor. These vehicles 91 are equipped with a battery 911 that stores the electric power used for traveling. The vehicle 91 is equipped with an on-board coil device 912 provided on the bottom of the vehicle 91. The battery 911 is charged by the supply of electric power via the on-board coil device 912. The vehicle 91 may also be equipped with other components required for receiving electric power, as appropriate. For example, the vehicle 91 is equipped with a resonance circuit, a rectifier circuit, a DC-DC converter, a charge control circuit, and the like.

[0027] The vehicle 91 is equipped with an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and has a driving assistance function. The driving assistance function may include an autonomous driving function. These systems and functions utilize information about the vehicle 91's surroundings. Therefore, the vehicle 91 is equipped with an on-board optical sensor 913 for obtaining images, which are an example of surrounding information. The on-board optical sensor 913 is mounted on the front of the vehicle 91. For example, the on-board optical sensor 913 may be installed near the front bumper, at the front of the roof, or inside the vehicle 91, inside the windshield. The on-board optical sensor 913 installed in these positions has a field of view 913S in front of the vehicle 91. Typical surrounding information is the presence, position, shape, and type of various objects on the road in the direction of travel of the vehicle 91. For example, if an object recognized as a person or an obstacle is present on the road in the direction of travel of the vehicle 91, the advanced driver assistance system activates the brakes of the vehicle 91. Furthermore, if there are objects that are recognized as white lines dividing lanes on the road on both sides of the direction of travel of the vehicle 91, the advanced driver assistance system will steer the vehicle 91 to stay in the lane without crossing the white lines.

[0028] A first example of the on-vehicle optical sensor 913 is a camera. The camera may be one that obtains visible light images or near-infrared light images. For example, a monochrome camera can obtain an image that includes brightness information. A color camera can obtain an image that includes brightness and color information. A second example of the on-vehicle optical sensor 913 is a so-called LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging). The light emitted by the LIDAR may be laser light that belongs to the wavelength range of visible light or near-infrared light. The LIDAR can obtain an image that includes distance information in addition to brightness information.

[0029] The images acquired by the on-board optical sensor 913 are subjected to image processing to extract information necessary for the functions of the above-mentioned advanced driver assistance system. The image processing may be performed by a general-purpose processor that operates according to a program or a processor dedicated to image processing. The image processing may be realized by hardwired logic realized by an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The image processing procedures and parameters may be determined using a learning function based on AI (Artificial Intelligence).

[0030] <Non-contact power supply system> The contactless power supply system 1 includes a power source 11, a coil module 12 (power supply module), and a controller 13. The power source 11 is connected to a power grid or the like. The power source 11 converts the received power into a form of power required by the coil module 12. The power source 11 then supplies power to the coil module 12. The coil module 12 is provided on a road surface 80. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the coil module 12 is embedded in the road surface 80. A housing power supply surface 121a (power passing portion) of a coil housing 121 constituting the coil module 12 is flush with the road surface 80. With this configuration, when a vehicle 91 travels over the coil module 12, it is possible to prevent the coil module 12 from receiving an impact.

[0031] Housing power supply surface 121a is a surface through which power is supplied. In the case of a contactless power supply system, housing power supply surface 121a is a surface through which an electromagnetic field for contactless power supply passes. If a foreign object is present on housing power supply surface 121a (power passing portion), the foreign object may affect the electromagnetic field for contactless power supply, causing a decrease in power transmission efficiency of contactless power supply and other problems with power supply operation. In this embodiment, housing power supply surface 121a is the top surface of coil module 12.

[0032] The coil module 12 may not be embedded in the road surface 80 but may be placed on the road surface 80. Alternatively, the coil module 12 may be embedded in the road surface 80, but the housing power feeding surface 121a may protrude from the road surface 80.

[0033] The coil module 12 supplies power received from the power source 11 to the vehicle 91. Power is transmitted from the coil module 12 of the contactless power transfer system 1 to the on-board coil device 912 of the vehicle 91 in a so-called contactless state using electromagnetic waves propagating through the air. The method of transmitting power from the coil module 12 of the contactless power transfer system 1 to the on-board coil device 912 of the vehicle 91 is not particularly limited. Examples of power transmission methods include a magnetic field coupling method and a magnetic resonance method. The coil module 12 has a coil housing 121 and a coil 122. The type of the coil 122 is also not particularly limited. For example, a circular type or a solenoid type can be adopted for the coil 122.

[0034] In this embodiment, a system that transmits and receives power contactlessly (wirelessly) will be described as an example. However, the system that transmits and receives power may also be a system that transmits and receives power via a wire. The system that transmits and receives power via a wire will be described later.

[0035] The controller 13 controls the operation of the contactless power transfer system 1. The controller 13 outputs several control signals. For example, the controller 13 outputs a control signal for controlling the start and stop of power supply from the power source 11 to the coil module 12. The controller 13 may also receive several external signals C1. For example, the controller 13 may receive an external signal from the vehicle 91 via wireless communication requesting the start of power transmission. The controller 13 may also receive an external signal from the vehicle 91 via wireless communication requesting the stop of power transmission.

[0036] The contactless power transfer system 1 may include other components required for power transmission as appropriate. For example, the contactless power transfer system 1 includes a power factor correction circuit, a rectifier circuit, a DC-DC converter, an inverter, a resonance circuit, a power supply control circuit, and the like. These components may be housed in a housing separate from the coil module 12. Alternatively, these components may be housed in the same housing as the coil module 12.

[0037] <Foreign object detection> Incidentally, when the coil module 12 transmits power to the vehicle 91, the in-vehicle coil device 912 faces the coil module 12. In other words, the in-vehicle coil device 912 can be said to be located directly above the coil module 12. The coil module 12 can be said to be located below the vehicle 91. More specifically, the coil module 12 is located directly below the in-vehicle coil device 912. In other words, the coil 122 of the coil module 12 and the coil of the in-vehicle coil device 912 are strongly magnetically coupled, and are in a positional relationship that allows power to be transmitted from the coil module 12 to the in-vehicle coil device 912 with high efficiency.

[0038] When the coil module 12 is located directly below the on-board coil device 912, a foreign object 70 may be present between the coil module 12 and the on-board coil device 912. For example, it is conceivable that the foreign object 70, such as a dead leaf, metal foil, or metal piece containing moisture, may be present on the housing power supply surface 121a. For example, if the dead leaf, metal foil, or metal piece containing moisture is present on the housing power supply surface 121a, an induced current is generated by the magnetic field generated by the coil module 12, causing the dead leaf, metal foil, or metal piece containing moisture to heat up, thereby reducing the efficiency of power transmission from the coil module 12 to the vehicle 91.

[0039] Furthermore, the position of the foreign object 70 may change. For example, if the foreign object 70 is a dead leaf or metal foil, the foreign object 70 may have been in a distant location before the vehicle 91 entered directly above the coil module 12, but may be blown by the wind and move onto the housing power feeding surface 121a immediately before or during power transmission from the coil module 12 to the vehicle 91.

[0040] Therefore, before transmitting power from the coil module 12 to the vehicle 91, it is checked whether or not there is a foreign object 70 on the housing power feeding surface 121a. If it is confirmed that there is no foreign object 70, power transmission from the coil module 12 to the on-board coil device 912 is started. Also, while power is being transmitted from the coil module 12 to the on-board coil device 912, it is checked whether or not there is a foreign object 70 on the housing power feeding surface 121a. If there is a foreign object 70, power transmission from the coil module 12 to the vehicle 91 is stopped.

[0041] The presence or absence of foreign object 70 is detected using an image obtained by an on-board optical sensor 913 mounted on vehicle 91. On-board optical sensors 913, such as cameras and LIDAR, are originally provided to be able to recognize various objects on the road. Since coil module 12 is also installed on road surface 80, it can be recognized by on-board optical sensor 913. Furthermore, since foreign object 70 present on housing power supply surface 121a is also a type of object on road surface 80, its presence can be recognized by on-board optical sensor 913. When a determination as to whether foreign object 70 is present leads to the conclusion that foreign object 70 is present, this corresponds to detecting a foreign object.

[0042] 2, when power is being transmitted from the coil module 12 to the vehicle 91, the field of view 913S is in front of the vehicle 91, and the coil module 12 is located directly below the on-board coil device 912. Therefore, the coil module 12 is not within the field of view 913S of the on-board optical sensor 913 (is not located inside the field of view 913S). In other words, the coil module 12 is outside the field of view 913S of the on-board optical sensor 913 (is located outside the field of view 913S). As a result, the on-board optical sensor 913 cannot obtain an image that includes the coil module 12. In other words, the on-board optical sensor 913 cannot directly view the housing power feeding surface 121a.

[0043] <Mirror module> Therefore, the contactless power supply system 1 includes a mirror module 14 as a component that enables the in-vehicle optical sensor 913 to obtain an image including the coil module 12. The mirror module 14 specularly reflects incident light.

[0044] The mirror module 14 is positioned so that, when a vehicle 91 is positioned directly above the coil module 12, the mirror module 14 is positioned in front of the vehicle 91. When the mirror module 14 is viewed from the vehicle 91, the road surface 80 covered by the vehicle 91 is reflected on the mirror module 14. That is, the mirror module 14 also reflects the housing power supply surface 121a located on the road surface 80 covered by the vehicle 91. Because the mirror module 14 is positioned within the field of view 913S of the on-board optical sensor 913, the on-board optical sensor 913 can obtain an image that includes the housing power supply surface 121a of the coil housing 121. In this way, the reflection of light originating from the housing power supply surface 121a by the mirror module 14 may be defined as "via the mirror module 14." Image processing using an image that includes the housing power supply surface 121a can determine whether or not a foreign object 70 is present on the housing power supply surface 121a.

[0045] The mirror module 14 has a reflector 141, which is a plane mirror or a convex mirror. There are no particular limitations on the material that constitutes the reflector 141. The wavelength band of light reflected by the reflector 141 overlaps with the wavelength band to which the on-board optical sensor 913 is sensitive. In other words, the mirror module 14 may have different reflectances for different wavelengths, for example, by providing a film on the reflective surface of the reflector 141. The reflector 141 may be located at a height of several tens of centimeters (e.g., 30 cm or more and less than 50 cm) above the road surface 80. The height of the upper end of the reflector 141 from the road surface 80 is at least lower than the height of the vehicle 91. The mirror module 14 may also have additional functions as needed. For example, the mirror module 14 may have a wiper that removes dirt from the reflective surface 141a of the reflector 141. When the vehicle 91 is located directly above the coil module 12, the reflective surface 141a faces the front of the vehicle 91.

[0046] For example, if the on-board optical sensor 913 is a color camera, the reflector 141 has a high reflectance for light in the visible wavelength region. Also, if the on-board optical sensor 913 is a LIDAR that emits near-infrared light, the reflector 141 has a high reflectance for light in the near-infrared wavelength region. In this case, the on-board optical sensor 913 may have a low reflectance for light in the visible wavelength region. In this case, any object reflected in the mirror module 14 will not be visible to, for example, a person passing by, and only the information necessary for foreign object detection can be obtained.

[0047] The reflector 141 is provided at a position where at least the optical path L1a connecting the coil module 12 and the reflector 141 does not overlap with the vehicle 91. More specifically, the optical path connecting the upper end of the reflector 141 and a marker 12M (described later) located at the farthest position from the mirror module 14 in the coil module 12 is set so as not to overlap with the vehicle 91. Light traveling along the optical path L1a is specularly reflected symmetrically with respect to the normal of the reflecting surface 141a and travels along the optical path L1b. If the on-board optical sensor 913 is located on an extension of the optical path L1b, the on-board optical sensor 913 can acquire an image of the marker 12M without being blocked by the vehicle 91. In other words, if the on-board optical sensor 913 is located on an extension of the optical path L1b, the marker 12M can be imaged without being blocked by the vehicle 91.

[0048] If the on-board optical sensor 913 is a LIDAR, the light emitted by the LIDAR travels in the opposite direction along optical paths L1b and L1a, is reflected by the coil module 12 or the marker 12M, travels along optical paths L1a and L1b, and enters the LIDAR. In other words, in the case of a LIDAR, light travels back and forth, but the path of the light is the same on the way there and back, that is, along optical paths L1a and L1b, so the conditions for the installation position of the reflector 141 are the same as those described above.

[0049] In this way, the position of the reflector 141 can be set by parameters such as the distance from the road surface 80 to the bottom of the vehicle 91, the length from the coil module 12 to the front grill of the vehicle 91, the height from the road surface 80 to the on-board optical sensor 913, the distance from the coil module 12 to the mirror module 14, and the angle between the reflective surface 141a of the mirror module 14 and the road surface 80, so that the optical paths L1a and L1b that reach from the above-mentioned marker 12M to the on-board optical sensor 913 can be set.

[0050] According to the above-described arrangement, the vehicle 91 is parked on top of the coil module 12, and the field of view 913S of the on-board optical sensor 913 is in front of the vehicle 91. In this arrangement, the coil module 12 is not positioned inside the field of view 913S of the on-board optical sensor 913, and therefore the on-board optical sensor 913 cannot directly view (look straight at) the coil module 12. Therefore, the on-board optical sensor 913 receives light L1b reflected by a mirror module 14 that is positioned in front of the vehicle 91 and includes a reflector 141. Because the mirror module 14 is positioned inside the field of view 913S of the on-board optical sensor 913, the on-board optical sensor 913 can obtain an image that includes the housing power feeding surface 121a through the gap between the coil module 12 and the underside of the vehicle 91.

[0051] <marker> Furthermore, the contactless power supply system 1 includes a marker 12M as a component for obtaining an image including the coil module 12.

[0052] Markers 12M for image processing are provided on housing power supply surface 121a. More specifically, markers 12M are used to extract an area corresponding to housing power supply surface 121a from an image acquired by on-board optical sensor 913. By extracting markers 12M from the image, it is possible to extract the portion of housing power supply surface 121a that occupies the image. In other words, markers 12M enable the housing power supply surface 121a, i.e., the area where markers 12M are provided, to be distinguished from areas other than housing power supply surface 121a, i.e., areas where markers 12M are not provided, in the image acquired by on-board optical sensor 913. Therefore, the type of marker 12M is selected depending on the type of on-board optical sensor 913.

[0053] For example, assume that the onboard optical sensor 913 is a camera. In this case, the outer surface of the coil housing 121 is a predetermined color, such as white (first color). The color of the coil housing 121 may be the inherent color of the material or the color of the paint. As shown in FIG. 3(a), color markers 12M1 are arranged at the four corners of the rectangular housing power supply surface 121a. Note that the shape of the housing power supply surface 121a is not limited to a rectangle. The shape of the housing power supply surface 121a may be a square or a rectangle, and the corners may be rounded. The color markers 12M1 are a color that is distinguishable from the color of the coil housing 121. For example, the color markers 12M1 may be red (second color). The color markers 12M1 may also be distinguishable from the color of the road surface 80. If the color of the color markers 12M1 is distinguishable from the color of the road surface 80, image processing for recognizing the color markers 12M1 may be simplified, potentially shortening the time required for image processing. Furthermore, the shape of color marker 12M1 may be round (circular) or rectangular. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 3(b), color marker 12M2 may be strip-shaped along the four edges of housing power supply surface 121a. By making color marker 12M1 out of a non-conductive and non-magnetic material such as paint or a resin plate, it is possible to prevent color marker 12M1 from affecting the electromagnetic field of contactless power supply and reducing power supply efficiency.

[0054] Note that "marker 12M is provided" includes, for example, a case where marker 12M is an independent component that is attached to housing power supply surface 121a by fitting or gluing, a case where marker 12M is provided by painting different colored paint on housing power supply surface 121a, and a case where housing power supply surface 121a is made of a resin material and marker 12M is provided by the difference in color of pigment contained in the resin material. Also, "marker 12M is provided" is not limited to these exemplary configurations.

[0055] For example, assume that the onboard optical sensor 913 is a LIDAR. In this case, as shown in FIG. 3(c), retroreflectors 12R1 (retroreflecting portions) are provided as markers. The retroreflectors 12R1 may be arranged at the four corners of the rectangular housing power supply surface 121a. The housing power supply surface 121a and the retroreflector 12R1 may be flush with each other. By making them flush with each other, no impact occurs when the vehicle 91 travels over the housing power supply surface 121a. To make them flush with each other, a recess with the same depth as the thickness of the retroreflector 12R1 may be formed in the housing power supply surface 121a, and the retroreflector 12R1 may be fitted into the recess. Furthermore, the retroreflector 12R2 may be strip-shaped and extend along the four edges of the housing power supply surface 121a (see FIG. 3(d)).

[0056] To prevent a decrease in power supply efficiency due to an influence on the electromagnetic field of contactless power supply, it is desirable that retroreflector 12R1 be made only of non-conductive and non-magnetic materials such as resin and glass. If a small amount of metal (conductive material) is included to increase light reflectivity, as explained above, by arranging retroreflector 12R1 at the four corners or edges of housing power supply surface 121a, the electromagnetic field of contactless power supply is strong near the center of housing power supply surface 121a and weak at the periphery, thereby reducing the influence on the electromagnetic field of contactless power supply.

[0057] Because the retroreflectors 12R1 and 12R2 return the light that strikes them in the direction from which it struck, all of the light emitted by the onboard optical sensor 913, which is a LIDAR, that strikes the retroreflectors 12R1 and 12R2 returns to the LIDAR. In contrast, only a small amount of the light that strikes the outer surfaces of the coil housing 121 other than the retroreflectors 12R1 and 12R2 and the road surface 80 returns in the direction from which it struck, whether they have reflective properties similar to those of a diffuse reflective surface or those similar to those of a mirror surface. In other words, in an image acquired by the LIDAR, the retroreflectors 12R1 and 12R2 appear extremely bright, and the rest appear dark.

[0058] The markers 12M provided on the housing power supply surface 121a are not limited to being all the same shape or type. As shown in Fig. 3(e), the housing power supply surface 121a may be provided with a round color marker 12M1 and a rectangular retroreflector 12R1. As shown in Fig. 3(f), the housing power supply surface 121a may be provided with a strip-shaped color marker 12M2 and a frame-shaped retroreflector 12R2.

[0059] Furthermore, since marker 12M is used to extract from the image the area corresponding to housing power supply surface 121a, that is, the area where foreign object 70 should be detected because the presence of foreign object 70 would affect power supply, there is no need to obtain absolute values ​​for the position or distance of marker 12M. Therefore, the position, front-to-back tilt, and left-to-right tilt of reflector 141 that reflects the area including marker 12M may be set arbitrarily, provided that the image of marker 12M reflected by reflector 141 is within field of view 913S of on-board optical sensor 913.

[0060] <Foreign object detection operation> The operation of detecting the foreign object 70 may be performed by an on-board computer 914 installed in the vehicle 91. Alternatively, this operation may be performed by a server in the cloud after the image is wirelessly uploaded from the vehicle 91 to the cloud.

[0061] First, the vehicle 91 stops on the coil module 12. Next, the on-board computer 914 obtains an image from the on-board optical sensor 913. Then, it is determined from the image whether or not a foreign object 70 is present on the housing power supply surface 121a.

[0062] For example, if the onboard optical sensor 913 is a camera, an image D1 such as that shown in FIG. 4 is obtained. In this image, the color markers 12M1, which are round or rectangular in plan view, are included in the image as distorted shapes such as ellipses or rectangles that differ from the plan view, as shown in FIG. 4. However, because the color differs from the surrounding area, the area corresponding to the color markers 12M1 can be extracted by utilizing the color difference. After extracting these areas from the image, the area corresponding to the housing power supply surface 121a is identified from the image using the area of ​​the extracted color markers 12M1 as a reference. For example, in this example, if a rectangle is found that includes and touches four extracted color markers 12M1, the area corresponding to the rectangle and its interior is the area corresponding to the housing power supply surface 121a. Note that the vehicle 91 may obtain information on the shape of the markers 12M and the arrangement of the markers 12M on the housing power supply surface 121a by a predetermined means. For example, a vehicle 91 desiring to receive power searches for a wireless power supply system 1 that can receive power via a network and obtains location information of the wireless power supply system 1. The vehicle 91 may obtain information about the marker 12M along with this location information. Areas of the housing power supply surface 121a where no color marker 12M1 is provided are a predetermined single color. Therefore, if the area extracted as the housing power supply surface 121a includes areas with different brightness or color, it can be determined that a foreign object 70 is present on the housing power supply surface 121a.

[0063] For example, if the onboard optical sensor 913 is a LIDAR, the retroreflector 12R1 appears as a very bright area in an image containing brightness information and distance information acquired by the onboard optical sensor 913. A plurality of very bright areas may be extracted from the image containing distance information. An area surrounded by the plurality of very bright areas may then be extracted as the housing power feed surface 121a. In this example, four bright areas corresponding to the retroreflector 12R1 are extracted from the image, and a rectangle that includes and touches these areas corresponds to the housing power feed surface 121a. Because the housing power feed surface 121a is flat, the distance information for the area extracted as the housing power feed surface 121a should change smoothly. If there is a location where the distance information changes suddenly, it can be determined that a foreign object 70 is present in that location.

[0064] Furthermore, if the area of ​​the housing power supply surface 121a is a color of the same brightness, the presence or absence of the foreign object 70 can also be determined using brightness information contained in the image obtained by LIDAR. If there is a location where the brightness, which is the amount of reflected light, is different from the surrounding area, it can be concluded that the foreign object 70 is present in that location. In this case, since distance information is not used, it is possible to detect a thin foreign object 70 (e.g., metal foil) as the foreign object 70, which cannot be detected when viewed from a distance.

[0065] If no foreign object 70 is detected, the on-board computer 914 transmits a signal C1 to start power transmission to the contactless power supply system 1. Then, upon receiving the signal C1, the contactless power supply system 1 starts power transmission from the coil module 12 to the on-board coil device 912.

[0066] On the other hand, when foreign object 70 is detected in a certain area on housing power feeding surface 121a, a predetermined operation may be executed to stop power transmission. For example, on-board computer 914 may send signal C1 to wireless power feeding system 1 to stop power transmission, and output a control signal to a charging circuit of battery 911 to stop charging operation. As a result, on receiving signal C1, wireless power feeding system 1 stops power transmission from coil module 12 to on-board coil device 912, and charging of battery 911 is stopped.

[0067] The onboard computer 914 of the vehicle 91 is capable of wireless communication. The communication partner may be the wireless power transfer system 1 or a management system that manages the wireless power transfer system 1. The communication protocol for wireless communication is selected appropriately depending on the communication partner. For example, the onboard computer 914 of the vehicle 91 may output a control signal to the controller 13 of the wireless power transfer system 1 to stop power transmission. The onboard computer 914 of the vehicle 91 may also notify the management system that a foreign object 70 is present on the housing power transfer surface 121a. The management system notifies the manager of the presence of the foreign object 70 by displaying a message on a display or by voice message, and the manager, upon receiving the notification, can remove the foreign object 70 by cleaning the housing power transfer surface 121a. The onboard computer 914 of the vehicle 91 may also provide the management system with location information of the wireless power transfer system 1 in addition to information that the foreign object 70 is present on the housing power transfer surface 121a. In this case, when multiple wireless power transfer systems 1 are managed, the wireless power transfer system 1 to be cleaned can be easily identified. The location information is, for example, the latitude and longitude of the contactless power transfer system 1. For example, the vehicle 91 can know the latitude and longitude of the vehicle 91 by using a satellite positioning system such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). Since the vehicle 91 is parked on top of the contactless power transfer system 1, the latitude and longitude of the vehicle 91 are the latitude and longitude of the contactless power transfer system 1.

[0068] Furthermore, when foreign matter 70 is detected in a certain area of ​​housing power feeding surface 121a, some of the above operations may be performed in combination.

[0069] <Action and effect> The contactless power supply system 1 includes a coil module 12 having a coil 122 that transmits and / or receives power wirelessly between the vehicle 91 and the coil module 12, and a mirror module 14 that is disposed at a position spaced apart from the coil module 12. A marker 12M that can be extracted from an image acquired by an on-board optical sensor 913 mounted on the vehicle 91 is provided on a housing power supply surface 121a through which power passes when the coil 122 transmits and / or receives power. The mirror module 14 is disposed so that the housing power supply surface 121a, including the marker 12M, can be extracted from an image acquired by the on-board optical sensor 913 when the on-board optical sensor 913 of the vehicle 91 is located in a position where it cannot directly view the housing power supply surface 121a.

[0070] In other words, the contactless power supply system 1 includes a coil module 12 having a coil housing 121 that houses a coil 122 for transmitting or receiving power, and a mirror module 14 that is disposed at a position separated from the coil module 12. A marker 12M that can be extracted from an image acquired by an on-board optical sensor 913 mounted on the vehicle 91 is attached to a housing power supply surface 121a that is the upper surface of the coil housing 121. The mirror module 14 is disposed so that when the on-board optical sensor 913 of the vehicle 91 is in a position where it cannot directly view the housing power supply surface 121a, the mirror module 14 reflects light so that the housing power supply surface 121a including the marker 12M can be extracted from the image acquired by the on-board optical sensor 913.

[0071] In the contactless power transfer system 1, a marker 12M is provided on the housing power transfer surface 121a. Even when the housing power transfer surface 121a on which the marker 12M is provided is located in a position where the on-board optical sensor 913 cannot directly view the housing power transfer surface 121a, light is reflected by the mirror module 14, allowing the on-board optical sensor 913 to obtain an image of the housing power transfer surface 121a including the marker 12M. As a result, the on-board optical sensor 913 can obtain an image of the housing power transfer surface 121a and distance information. In other words, the presence or absence of the foreign object 70 can be detected using the on-board optical sensor 913, which is a sensor for an advanced driver assistance system, and there is no need to provide a new sensor solely for detecting the presence or absence of the foreign object 70 in the vehicle 91 or the contactless power transfer system 1. As a result, the vehicle 91 can detect the foreign object 70 with a simple configuration.

[0072] When coil module 12 is positioned under vehicle 91, housing power supply surface 121a, which is a power passing portion, is located outside the field of view of on-board optical sensor 913. Mirror module 14 is positioned so that housing power supply surface 121a including marker 12M can be extracted from an image obtained by on-board optical sensor 913 via mirror module 14. This configuration makes it possible to detect whether foreign object 70 is present on housing power supply surface 121a when parked vehicle 91 starts wireless power supply or while wireless power supply is being supplied.

[0073] In the contactless power feeding system 1, the mirror module 14 is located inside the field of view of the on-board optical sensor 913. Even with this configuration, it is possible to detect whether or not a foreign object 70 is present on the housing power feeding surface 121a when the parked vehicle 91 starts wireless power feeding or while wireless power feeding is in progress.

[0074] The mirror module 14 includes a reflecting surface 141a that reflects light traveling from the housing power supply surface 121a along the optical path L1a. The normal to the reflecting surface 141a is oriented horizontally. This configuration makes it difficult for dust to accumulate on the reflecting surface 141a, making it easier to maintain the mirror module 14.

[0075] The on-board optical sensor 913 may be a camera that obtains a visible light image or an infrared light image. The housing power supply surface 121a may be white. The color marker 12M1 may be red, which is different from white. With this configuration, the camera can obtain an image of the housing power supply surface 121a.

[0076] The on-board optical sensor 913 may be a so-called LIDAR that includes a light source that emits measurement light and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected back from the measurement light. The marker 12M may be retroreflectors 12R1 and 12R2 that reflect light of the wavelength of the measurement light. With this configuration, the so-called LIDAR can obtain distance information to the housing power supply surface 121a.

[0077] Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, a case where the vehicle 91 is stopped is exemplified. The application of the contactless power supply system is not limited to a case where the vehicle 91 is stopped. As shown in FIGS. 5(a), 5(b), and 6, the contactless power supply system 1A can also be applied to a case where power is supplied while the vehicle is traveling, for example. A situation in which the contactless power supply system 1A of the second embodiment is applied is set as a situation in which a coil module 12A is present ahead of a traveling vehicle 91 in the traveling direction, and power is supplied from the coil module 12A several seconds later.

[0078] A vehicle 91 (first vehicle) that wishes to receive power supply is traveling. Another vehicle 92 (second vehicle) is traveling ahead of the vehicle 91. The coil module 12A is within the field of view 913S of an on-board optical sensor 913 mounted on the vehicle 91. However, another vehicle 92 is present between the coil module 12A and the on-board optical sensor 913. This other vehicle 92 is also within the field of view 913S of the on-board optical sensor 913. As a result, the optical path L5s from the coil module 12A to the on-board optical sensor 913 is blocked by the other vehicle 92, and the on-board optical sensor 913 cannot obtain an image of the coil module 12A. The contactless power transfer system 1A of the second embodiment helps detect a foreign object 70 on the coil module 12A in such a situation.

[0079] The coil module 12A is disposed approximately in the center in the width direction of the lane 82. The mirror module 14A is disposed outside the lane 82. That is, the mirror module 14A is disposed in a location that does not interfere with the travel of the vehicles 91, 92. For example, the mirror module 14A may be disposed in a position shifted in the width direction of the lane 82 from the coil module 12A. The vertical orientation (tilt) and configuration of the reflector 141 included in the mirror module 14A may be similar to those in the first embodiment. In contrast, the horizontal orientation of the reflector 141 is tilted with respect to the direction of the lane 82. For example, the horizontal orientation of the reflector 141 may be tilted by approximately 45 degrees with respect to the direction of the lane 82. This horizontal tilt forms an optical path L5 that extends from the housing power feeding surface 121a of the coil housing 121A included in the coil module 12A to the on-board optical sensor 913 of the vehicle 91. This optical path L5 includes an optical path L5a from the coil module 12A to the mirror module 14A and an optical path L5b from the mirror module 14A to the on-board optical sensor 913. These optical paths L5a and L5b avoid another vehicle 92 and therefore do not overlap with the other vehicle 92. Therefore, within the field of view of the on-board optical sensor 913 of the vehicle 91 that is located in front of the other vehicle 92 traveling ahead and that is attempting to receive power supply, the reflector 141 can be seen to the side of the other vehicle 92 traveling ahead. The housing power supply surface 121a is reflected on the reflector 141.

[0080] In short, the contactless power supply system 1A of the second embodiment is effective when another vehicle 92 (which may be an internal combustion engine vehicle instead of an electric vehicle) is traveling ahead of the vehicle 91 that is attempting to receive power and the field of view 913S of the on-board optical sensor 913 is obstructed. According to the contactless power supply system 1A of the second embodiment, when the on-board optical sensor 913 of the vehicle 91 cannot directly see the housing power supply surface 121a, the foreign object 70 on the housing power supply surface 121a can be imaged.

[0081] In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the coil module 12A is viewed from the side relative to the traveling direction of the vehicle 91. Even in this case, the marker 12M provided on the housing power feeding surface 121a can be the same as that described in the first embodiment. Then, the presence or absence of the foreign object 70 can be determined by the same process as that described in the first embodiment.

[0082] Furthermore, the contactless power supply system 1A of the second embodiment may use mirror modules 14B and 14C described in modified examples 1 and 2 below.

[0083] <Action and effect> In the contactless power supply system 1A of the second embodiment, when a vehicle 92 is present ahead of a vehicle 91, the housing power supply surface 121a, which is a power passing unit, is located within the field of view 913S of the on-board optical sensor 913 but is blocked by the vehicle 92 and cannot be viewed directly. The mirror module 14A is positioned so that the optical path L5 from the housing power supply surface 121a, including the marker 12M, to the on-board optical sensor 913 via the mirror module 14A does not overlap with the vehicle 92. With this configuration, even when the coil module 12A is blocked by another traveling vehicle 92 and cannot be viewed directly from the traveling vehicle 91 to be powered, information on the image or distance (or both) related to the housing power supply surface 121a can be obtained via the mirror module 14A. Therefore, it is possible to detect whether a foreign object 70 is present on the housing power supply surface 121a.

[0084] In the contactless power supply system 1A of the second embodiment, when the mirror module 14A is located inside the field of view 913S of the on-board optical sensor 913 mounted on the vehicle 91 that is the target of power supply, the coil module 12A is also located inside the field of view 913S of the on-board optical sensor 913. Even with this configuration, it is possible to detect whether or not a foreign object 70 is present on the housing power supply surface 121a when the coil module 12A cannot be viewed directly from the vehicle 91 that is the target of power supply behind because it is blocked by a traveling vehicle 92 in front.

[0085] <Modification> The present invention may be implemented in various forms, including the first and second embodiments described above, with various modifications and improvements made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art. Furthermore, modified examples may be constructed by utilizing the technical matters described in the above-described embodiments. The configurations of the first and second embodiments may be used in appropriate combination.

[0086] <First Modification> In the first embodiment, the reflector 141 is disposed so that the normal to the reflecting surface 141a faces the horizontal direction. As shown in FIG. 7 , the reflector 141 may be disposed so that the reflecting surface 141a faces slightly upward. According to the definition using the normal N7, the reflector 141 may be disposed so that the normal N7 to the reflecting surface 141a is tilted relative to the horizontal direction. More specifically, the normal N7 to the reflecting surface 141a may be defined by a component N7a facing horizontally and a component N7b facing vertically upward. In this case, the magnitude of the component N7b facing vertically upward is smaller than the component N7a facing horizontally. By disposing the reflector 141 at an angle in this manner, the angle of incidence and the angle of reflection can be increased. As a result, the distance from the coil module 12 to the reflector 141 can be shortened compared to the arrangement in the first embodiment. Therefore, the area required for installing the contactless power transfer system 1B including the coil module 12 and the mirror module 14 can be reduced. Furthermore, reflector 141 can be provided at a lower position compared to the arrangement in the first embodiment. Therefore, even if the distance from the underside of vehicle 91 to road surface 80 is short, an image including housing power supply surface 121a can be obtained by on-board optical sensor 913 without being obstructed by the body of vehicle 91.

[0087] Mirror module 14B of modified contactless power supply system 1B includes reflective surface 141a that reflects light from housing power supply surface 121a. Normal N7 of reflective surface 141a includes a horizontal component N7a and a vertically upward component N7b that is smaller than horizontal component N7a. With this configuration, even if the distance from the underside of vehicle 91 to road surface 80 is short, an image of housing power supply surface 121a, distance information, or both, can be acquired by on-board optical sensor 913.

[0088] <Second Modification> 8, a mirror module 14C included in a modified contactless power supply system 1C may be configured with two reflectors 141A and 141B. For example, the first reflector 141A alone may not be able to guide the reflected light L8b to the on-board optical sensor 913. In such a case, a second reflector 141B may be provided to reflect the reflected light L8b from the first reflector 141A, thereby guiding the reflected light L8b to the on-board optical sensor 913 as second reflected light L8c.

[0089] Mirror module 14C included in contactless power supply system 1C of the modified example includes reflector 141A, which is a first mirror including reflecting surface 141a that reflects light L8a emitted from housing power supply surface 121a as first reflected light L8b, and reflector 141B, which is a second mirror including reflecting surface 141b that reflects first reflected light L8b as second reflected light L8c toward on-board optical sensor 913 of vehicle 91. With this configuration, even if reflector 141A alone is unable to guide light to on-board optical sensor 913, reflector 141B can guide light to on-board optical sensor 913.

[0090] <Other variations> The contactless power transfer system 1 may transmit power to the vehicle 91 at night. The location where the contactless power transfer system 1 transmits power to the vehicle 91 may also be inside a windowless building. In these cases, there may not be enough light around the coil module 12, making it impossible to obtain an image from which the marker 12M can be extracted. Therefore, when a camera is used as the on-board optical sensor 913, the vehicle headlights 915 of the vehicle 91 may be turned on when obtaining the image.

[0091] Light emitted by the vehicle headlight 915 is reflected by the reflector 141 of the mirror module 14 and reaches the area including the coil module 12. In other words, the mirror module 14 can illuminate the area including the housing power feeding surface 121a.

[0092] Furthermore, when vehicle headlights 915 and on-board optical sensor 913 are installed close to each other, retroreflectors 12R1 are provided as marks on housing power supply surface 121a. When vehicle headlights 915 are turned on, light emitted from vehicle headlights 915 is reflected by retroreflectors 12R1 and detected by on-board optical sensor 913, which is a camera. In the acquired image, the brightness of the area corresponding to retroreflector 12R1 is high. This brightness information may be used to extract the area of ​​housing power supply surface 121a from the image.

[0093] The on-board optical sensor 913 mounted on the vehicle 91 is not limited to a single camera or a single LIDAR. The vehicle 91 may be equipped with multiple optical sensors of different types. Furthermore, the vehicle 91 may be equipped with multiple optical sensors of the same type. For example, the vehicle 91 may be equipped with a camera as the first on-board optical sensor 913 and a LIDAR as the second optical sensor. In the case where the vehicle 91 is equipped with two types of on-board optical sensors 913, it may be concluded that the foreign object 70 has been detected if the foreign object 70 is detected in either the first image obtained from the first on-board optical sensor 913 or the second image obtained from the second on-board optical sensor 913. Furthermore, it may be concluded that the foreign object 70 has been detected if the foreign object 70 is detected in both the first image obtained from the first on-board optical sensor 913 and the second image obtained from the second on-board optical sensor 913. Furthermore, a composite image may be generated by combining a first image obtained from the first vehicle-mounted optical sensor 913 and a second image obtained from the second vehicle-mounted optical sensor 913, and the composite image may be used to determine whether or not a foreign object 70 is present.

[0094] The reflector 141 included in the mirror module 14 does not need to be fixed to the road surface 80. For example, the reflector 141 may simply be placed on the road surface 80. The mirror module 14 may also include a mechanism for moving the reflector 141. This movement includes, for example, moving the entire reflector 141 in the vertical direction, tilting the reflector 141 forward or backward, and the like. When the mirror module 14 is not performing contactless power supply, the reflector 141 is stored in a position where it does not protrude from the road surface 80. In other words, when the mirror module 14 is not performing contactless power supply, the reflector 141 may be flush with the road surface 80 or may be located slightly lower than the road surface 80. The mirror module 14 may then return the reflector 141 to a predetermined position before starting contactless power supply.

[0095] Reflector 141 may be a switchable mirror. Reflector 141 may be transparent when contactless power supply is not being performed, so as not to spoil the view.

[0096] In the first embodiment, an example has been shown in which an on-vehicle optical sensor 913 is mounted on the front of a vehicle 91, the vehicle 91 moves forward to enter the contactless power transfer system 1, and the mirror module 14 is arranged so that the mirror module is located in front of the vehicle 91 when the vehicle 91 moves forward to enter the contactless power transfer system 1 and is located directly above the coil module 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 9 , an on-vehicle optical sensor 913B may also be mounted on the rear of a vehicle 91B, and the mirror module 14 may be arranged so that the mirror module 14 is located behind the vehicle 91B when the vehicle 91B moves backward to enter the contactless power transfer system 1 and is located directly above the coil module 12.

[0097] <Wired power supply system> For example, Fig. 10 illustrates a wired power supply system 1D that transmits and receives power via a wire. The wired power supply system 1D has a connector module 12D. The connector module 12D has a power supply connector 125 (power supply member) that automatically rises and falls to the ground side. When not supplying power, the connector module 12D is lowered to a height lower than the road surface (see reference symbol 125), but when the vehicle 91 stops, the connector module 12D rises and engages with a power receiving connector 916 of the vehicle 91 to supply power via a wire (see reference symbol 125s). When not supplying power, the power supply connector 125 is housed in a connector housing 121D.

[0098] If a foreign object 70 is present on the power supply connector 125, the power supply connector 125 will rise with the foreign object 70 still on the connector mating portion 125a of the power supply connector 125 that mates with the power receiving connector 916 of the vehicle 91, and the foreign object 70 will become caught between the power supply connector 125 and the power receiving connector 916. As a result, an electrical connection between the power supply connector 125 and the power receiving connector 916 will not be made, making it impossible to supply power, or if the foreign object 70 is made of metal, it may short out the pins inside the connector, making it impossible to supply power.

[0099] In the case of wired power supply system 1D, the element corresponding to coil housing 121 in this embodiment is connector housing 121D, which houses power supply connector 125 and the lifting mechanism. The element corresponding to housing power supply surface 121a in this embodiment is the area of ​​connector housing 121D that surrounds power supply connector 125 when power is not being supplied. Markers 12M are provided in the area surrounding connector fitting portion 125a before lifting (the area including the power passing portion).

[0100] Connector module 12D, which is a power supply module of wired power supply system 1D, has power supply connector 125, which is a power supply member, and connector housing 121D that accommodates power supply connector 125. In this wired power supply system 1D, even if on-board optical sensor 913 cannot directly view the area around connector fitting portion 125a where marker 12M is provided, mirror module 14 allows on-board optical sensor 913 to obtain an image of marker 12M provided around connector fitting portion 125a and connector fitting portion 125a. As a result, this configuration also allows vehicle 91 to detect foreign object 70 with a simple configuration.

[0101] In wired power feeding system 1D, when connector module 12D is located under vehicle 91, the area around connector fitting portion 125a, which is a power passing portion, is located outside the field of view of on-board optical sensor 913. Mirror module 14 is positioned so that marker 12M provided around connector fitting portion 125a and connector fitting portion 125a can be extracted from an image obtained by on-board optical sensor 913 via mirror module 14. With this configuration, foreign object 70 present above the power passing portion can be detected when a parked vehicle 91 starts wired power feeding.

[0102] The mirror module 14 of the wired power feeding system 1D is located inside the field of view 913S of the on-board optical sensor 913. Even with this configuration, it is possible to detect a foreign object 70 present above the power passing portion when a parked vehicle 91 starts wired power feeding. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Contactless power supply system (power supply system) 1D Wired Power Supply System (Power Supply System) 12,12A Coil Module (Power Supply Module) 12D Connector Module (Power Supply Module) 121 Coil housing 121D Connector Housing 121a Housing power supply surface (power passing part) 122 Coil (power supply member) 125, 125s power supply connector (power supply component) 125a Connector mating part 141a Reflective surface 14, 14A, 14B, 14C mirror modules 12M marker 12M1 Color Marker 12R1 Retroreflector (retroreflective part) Vehicles 91 and 91B (first vehicle) 913,913B Automotive Optical Sensor (LIDAR) 913S field of view 916 Power Receiving Connector 92 vehicles (second vehicle)

Claims

1. a power supply module having a power supply member for transmitting and / or receiving power between the vehicle and the power supply module and the vehicle by wire or wirelessly; a mirror module disposed at a position spaced apart from the power supply module; a marker that can be extracted from an image obtained by an optical sensor mounted on the vehicle is provided in an area including a power passing portion through which power passes when transmitting and / or receiving power in the power supply member, A power supply system, wherein the mirror module is positioned so that when the optical sensor is in a position where it cannot directly view the area including the power passing portion, it can extract the area including the power passing portion, including the marker, from the image obtained by the optical sensor.

2. The power supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the power supply module is a coil module having a coil as the power supply member, and a coil housing that houses the coil and includes a housing power supply surface as the power passing portion.

3. When the coil module is located under the vehicle, a region including the power passing portion is located outside a field of view of the optical sensor, The power supply system according to claim 2 , wherein the mirror module is arranged so as to be able to extract a region including the power passing portion including the marker from an image obtained by the optical sensor through the mirror module.

4. The power supply system according to claim 3 , wherein the mirror module is located within a field of view of the optical sensor.

5. When a second vehicle other than the first vehicle is present ahead of the first vehicle, the area including the power passing portion is located within the field of view of the optical sensor but is blocked by the second vehicle and cannot be viewed directly, 3. The power supply system according to claim 2, wherein the mirror module is positioned so that an optical path from an area including the power passing portion including the marker through the mirror module to the optical sensor does not overlap with the second vehicle.

6. The power supply system according to claim 5 , wherein the mirror module is located within a field of view of the optical sensor.

7. 2. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the power supply module is a connector module having a connector as the power supply member and a connector housing that accommodates the connector and includes a region surrounding a connector fitting portion as the power passing portion.

8. When the connector module is positioned under the vehicle, an area surrounding the power passing portion is positioned outside a field of view of the optical sensor; The power supply system according to claim 7 , wherein the mirror module is arranged so as to be able to extract an area surrounding the power passing portion including the marker from an image obtained by the optical sensor via the mirror module.

9. The power supply system according to claim 8 , wherein the mirror module is located within a field of view of the optical sensor.

10. the mirror module includes a reflective surface that reflects light from a region including the power passing portion; The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a normal to the reflecting surface is oriented in a horizontal direction.

11. the mirror module includes a reflective surface that reflects light from a region including the power passing portion; 10. The power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the normal to the reflecting surface includes a horizontal component and a vertically upward component that is smaller than the horizontal component.

12. The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mirror module includes a first mirror including a reflective surface that reflects light emitted from an area including the power passing section as a first reflected light, and a second mirror including a reflective surface that reflects the first reflected light toward the optical sensor as a second reflected light.

13. the optical sensor is a camera that obtains a visible light image or an infrared light image; an area including the power passing portion is a first color; The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the marker has a second color different from the first color.

14. the optical sensor is a LIDAR; The power supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the marker is a retroreflective portion that reflects light of a wavelength that the LIDAR has.

Images