Electronic device and power transmission system

Abstract

To suppress wireless power feeding to an electronic apparatus by an inappropriate power feeding device.SOLUTION: A power receiving circuit 160 supplies power wirelessly supplied from a power feeding device 200 via a power receiving coil 150 to a battery 171. A sensor detects a predetermined feature given to a predetermined portion of the power feeding device 200. When the sensor detects a predetermined feature from a predetermined portion, the power receiving circuit 160 operates so that power is supplied from the power feeding device 200 to the battery 171.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electronic device and a power transmission system. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, electronic devices that receive wireless power from a power supply device to charge a built-in battery have come into use, and Patent Document 1 describes a technology in which a power transmitting unit determines whether a power receiving unit is an appropriate power receiving unit. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-119251 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 does not determine whether a power transmitting unit is an appropriate power transmitting unit. Therefore, with the technology described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that a power receiving unit may be supplied with power from a power transmitting unit that is incompatible with the power receiving unit. For this reason, there is a need for a technology that prevents wireless power supply to electronic devices from being supplied by an inappropriate power supply device.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an electronic device and a power transmission system that suppress wireless power supply to the electronic device from an inappropriate power supply device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, the electronic device of the present disclosure includes a battery, a receiving coil, a receiving circuit that supplies power wirelessly from a power supply device via the receiving coil to the battery, and a sensor that detects a predetermined feature attached to a predetermined portion of the power supply device, and the receiving circuit operates so that power is supplied from the power supply device to the battery when the sensor detects the predetermined feature from the predetermined portion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent wireless power supply to electronic devices from being performed by an inappropriate power supply device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an electronic device and a power supply device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a main body of an electronic device according to a first embodiment; [Figure 3] 1 is a configuration diagram of a power transmission system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a protrusion according to the first embodiment; [Figure 5] 1 is a top view of the electronic device and the power supply device according to the first embodiment in a stored state; [Figure 6] Cross section of line AA shown in Figure 5 [Figure 7] An enlarged view of the area enclosed by dashed line 50 shown in FIG. [Figure 8] Layout diagram of magnets and magnetic sensors according to embodiment 1 [Figure 9] Graph showing electromagnetic conversion characteristics of the magnetic sensor according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] Configuration diagram of a power transmission system according to a second embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) First, the appearance of an electronic device 100 and a power supply device 200 included in a power transmission system 1000 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The power transmission system 1000 is a system in which the power supply device 200 wirelessly supplies power to the electronic device 100. The power supply device 200 wirelessly supplies power to the electronic device 100 when the electronic device 100 is stored in a storage section 210 included in the power supply device 200. "Wireless" means that there is no cable connection, no electrode contact, or the like.

[0011] The electronic device 100 is a device that operates using power stored in a built-in battery. The electronic device 100 charges the built-in battery with power supplied from the power supply device 200. In this embodiment, the electronic device 100 is a robot that operates autonomously without receiving direct operation from a user. More specifically, the electronic device 100 is a pet robot that resembles a small animal. The electronic device 100 includes a main body unit 110 and an exterior unit 120.

[0012] The main body 110 is a portion that houses various components necessary for the operation of the electronic device 100. As shown in FIG. 2, the main body 110 includes a head 111, a connecting portion 112, and a body 113. The head 111 is a portion that corresponds to the head of a small animal. The connecting portion 112 is a portion that rotatably connects the head 111 and the body 113. The body 113 is a portion that corresponds to the body of a small animal. A magnetic sensor 180 is arranged inside the body 113.

[0013] The exterior part 120 is an exterior part that covers the main body part 110. The exterior part 120 is equipped with decorative parts that resemble eyes and fluffy fur. The outer surface of the exterior part 120 is made of, for example, an artificial pile fabric that resembles the fur of a small animal, in order to simulate the feel of the skin of a small animal. The lining of the exterior part 120 is made of, for example, fiber, leather, rubber, etc. Because the exterior part 120 is made of a flexible material, the exterior part 120 can follow the movement of the main body part 110.

[0014] The power supply device 200 is a device that wirelessly supplies power to the electronic device 100. The power supply device 200 functions as a charging station that charges a battery included in the electronic device 100. The power supply device 200 receives power from an AC (Alternating Current) adapter equipped with a DC (Direct Current) plug 310. The power supply device 200 includes a storage unit 210 for storing the electronic device 100. The storage unit 210 has a shape that resembles a small animal's house, and is shaped like a bowl. More specifically, the storage unit 210 has a shape like an egg divided in two by a plane including a central axis extending in the longitudinal direction.

[0015] A base 240 for placing the electronic device 100 is provided at the bottom of the storage unit 210. The base 240 has a disk shape. A power transmission coil 250 is provided below the base 240. The power supply device 200 supplies power wirelessly to the electronic device 100 when the electronic device 100 is placed on the base 240. An AC current for power supply flows through the power transmission coil 250. A plurality of protrusions 220 are provided on the inner side of the side wall of the storage unit 210. The plurality of protrusions 220 are members that limit horizontal movement of the electronic device 100 when the electronic device 100 is stored in the storage unit 210 and power can be supplied to the electronic device 100 (hereinafter referred to as the "stored state" as appropriate). A protrusion 230 is provided at the center of the inner bottom of the storage unit 210. The protrusion 230 is a member that limits longitudinal movement of the storage unit 210 by the electronic device 100 when in the stored state. Protrusion 230 has a shape that extends in the width direction of storage section 210. It is preferable that multiple protrusions 220 and protrusion 230 are arranged so as not to excessively restrict movement of electronic device 100, that is, so as to allow some movement of electronic device 100. With such a configuration, for example, movement simulating breathing by electronic device 100 simulating a small animal inside storage section 210 simulating a house for the small animal is not restricted. A magnet 280 is provided inside protrusion 230.

[0016] In this embodiment, an axis extending in the vertical direction is defined as the Z-axis, an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis is defined as the X-axis, and an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the Z-axis and the X-axis is defined as the Y-axis. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the power supply device 200 is disposed such that the direction extending from the rear end to the front end of the storage unit 210 in the longitudinal direction is the positive direction of the X-axis. The front end of the storage unit 210 in the longitudinal direction is the more pointed end of both ends of the storage unit 210 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the electronic device 100 is disposed such that the direction extending from the body 113 to the head 111 is the positive direction of the X-axis. That is, in this embodiment, the electronic device 100 is housed in the storage unit 210 of the power supply device 200 such that the head 111 of the main body 110 of the electronic device 100 is located at the front end of the storage unit 210 in the longitudinal direction of the power supply device 200.

[0017] The electronic device 100 may be stored in the storage unit 210 automatically or manually. For example, the electronic device 100 may be automatically moved into the storage unit 210 in response to the remaining battery power falling below a reference value. Alternatively, the user may store the electronic device 100 in the storage unit 210 in response to a notification from the electronic device 100. This notification is a notification that the remaining battery power is low, and is issued by the electronic device 100 in response to the remaining battery power falling below a reference value.

[0018] Next, the configuration of the power transmission system 1000 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. The power transmission system 1000 includes an electronic device 100 and a power supply device 200. The electronic device 100 includes a power receiving coil 150, a power receiving circuit 160, a control circuit 170, a battery 171, a sensor 172, an actuator 173, a speaker 174, and a magnetic sensor 180. The power supply device 200 includes a power transmitting coil 250, a power transmitting circuit 260, a control circuit 270, a power supply circuit 271, a temperature sensor 272, and a magnet 280.

[0019] The power receiving coil 150 is a coil that is coupled with the power transmitting coil 250 and is used to receive power wirelessly. The power receiving coil 150 induces an electromotive force in response to changes in the magnetic flux induced by the power transmitting coil 250. The power receiving coil 150 is a conductive wire wound around an axis extending in the Z-axis direction. The power receiving coil 150 is placed below the base 240.

[0020] The power receiving circuit 160 is a circuit for receiving power wirelessly via the power receiving coil 150. The power receiving circuit 160 supplies DC power based on AC power supplied from the power supply device 200 via the power receiving coil 150 to the battery 171. The power receiving circuit 160 operates under the control of the control circuit 170. The power receiving circuit 160 communicates with the power transmitting circuit 260. For example, the power receiving circuit 160 transmits a power feeding request to the power transmitting circuit 260 in order to receive power from the power transmitting circuit 260. The power receiving circuit 160 includes a power receiving integrated circuit (IC) 161.

[0021] The power receiving IC 161 converts AC power generated by the electromotive force induced by the power receiving coil 150 into DC power and supplies the DC power to the battery 171. The power receiving IC 161 includes an operation control terminal 162 for controlling the operation of the power receiving IC 161. The power receiving IC 161 operates when a first voltage is applied to the operation control terminal 162, and stops operating when a second voltage is applied to the operation control terminal 162. In this embodiment, the first voltage is lower than the second voltage. For example, the first voltage is 0.2 V, and the second voltage is 1.6 V.

[0022] When the first voltage is applied to the operation control terminal 162, the power receiving IC 161 operates. Therefore, the power receiving circuit 160 transmits a power feeding request to the power transmitting circuit 260, and power feeding by the power feeding device 200 is performed. On the other hand, when the second voltage is applied to the operation control terminal 162, the power receiving IC 161 stops operating. Therefore, the power receiving circuit 160 does not transmit a power feeding request to the power transmitting circuit 260, and power feeding by the power feeding device 200 is not performed.

[0023] In this embodiment, the voltage output by magnetic sensor 180 is applied to operation control terminal 162. That is, in this embodiment, whether or not power supply device 200 supplies power is determined depending on the result of magnetic detection by magnetic sensor 180. Specifically, when magnetic sensor 180 detects a magnetic field, power supply device 200 supplies power. When magnetic sensor 180 does not detect a magnetic field, power supply device 200 does not supply power. In this case, operation control terminal 162 is an / EN terminal.

[0024] The control circuit 170 controls the overall operation of the electronic device 100. For example, the control circuit 170 operates the actuator 173 based on the detection result of the sensor 172, thereby operating the electronic device 100. Furthermore, when the control circuit 170 receives a notification from the power supply device 200 that a foreign object has been detected, it controls the speaker 174 to notify the user that a foreign object has been detected.

[0025] The battery 171 is a secondary battery that can be charged and discharged. The battery 171 is a power source for the electronic device 100. That is, the battery 171 supplies power to the power receiving circuit 160, the control circuit 170, the sensor 172, the actuator 173, the magnetic sensor 180, etc. The battery 171 is charged by the power supplied from the power receiving circuit 160.

[0026] The sensor 172 is a sensor for detecting various physical quantities. Possible examples of the sensor 172 include a touch sensor, an acceleration sensor, an angular velocity sensor, a sound sensor, an illuminance sensor, and a temperature sensor. The touch sensor detects, for example, a user's touch on the exterior part 120. The acceleration sensor detects, for example, an acceleration applied to all or part of the electronic device 100. The angular velocity sensor detects, for example, the angular velocity of all or part of the electronic device 100. The sound sensor detects, for example, a voice emitted by the user. The illuminance sensor detects, for example, the illuminance around the electronic device 100. The temperature sensor detects, for example, the temperature inside or outside the electronic device 100. The sensor 172 supplies an electrical signal indicating the detection result to the control circuit 170.

[0027] Actuator 173 is a mechanism for operating each part of electronic device 100. Actuator 173 operates under the control of control circuit 170. For example, actuator 173 is a mechanism for moving electronic device 100 forward and backward, or for rotating head 111 relative to body 113. Actuator 173 includes, for example, a stepping motor.

[0028] The speaker 174 emits a sound in accordance with the control of the control circuit 270. For example, when the power supply device 200 detects a foreign object, the speaker 174 outputs a sound in accordance with an audio signal supplied from the control circuit 270 to notify that a foreign object has been detected.

[0029] The magnetic sensor 180 is a sensor that detects magnetism. The magnetic sensor 180 detects magnetism generated by a magnet 280 provided at a predetermined location of the power supply device 200. In this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 180 includes a Hall element that detects a magnetic field using the Hall effect and detects the strength of the magnetic field and the orientation of the magnetic poles. However, in this embodiment, the magnetic sensor 180 outputs a voltage corresponding to the strength of the magnetic field, regardless of the orientation of the magnetic poles. Specifically, the magnetic sensor 180 outputs a first voltage when the strength of the detected magnetic field is equal to or greater than a reference value. Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 180 outputs a second voltage when the strength of the detected magnetic field is less than the reference value. In this manner, the magnetic sensor 180 outputs the first voltage when it detects magnetism and the second voltage when it does not detect magnetism. Note that the detection of magnetism by the magnetic sensor 180 corresponds to the strength of the magnetic field detected by the magnetic sensor 180 being equal to or greater than a reference value. The voltage output by the magnetic sensor 180 is applied to the operation control terminal 162 of the power receiving IC 161. Therefore, when magnetism is detected, power feeding is permitted, and when magnetism is not detected, power feeding is not permitted. In this embodiment, power transmitting coil 250 provided in power feeding device 200 generates magnetism. Therefore, magnetic sensor 180 is installed at a position and angle where it does not detect the magnetism generated by power transmitting coil 250.

[0030] The power transmitting coil 250 is a coil that is coupled with the power receiving coil 150 and is a coil for wirelessly feeding power. The power transmitting coil 250 induces a magnetic flux whose magnitude changes when an alternating current flows through it. The power transmitting coil 250 is a conductor wound around an axis extending in the Z-axis direction. The power transmitting coil 250 is disposed at a predetermined position within the power feeding device 200 so that the power transmitting coil 250 faces the power receiving coil 150 in the stored state. In the stored state, the central axis of the power receiving coil 150 and the central axis of the power transmitting coil 250 are close to each other.

[0031] The power transmitting circuit 260 is a circuit for wirelessly feeding power via the power transmitting coil 250. The power transmitting circuit 260 supplies AC power based on DC power supplied from the power supply circuit 271 to the power transmitting coil 250. The power transmitting circuit 260 operates under the control of the control circuit 270. The power transmitting circuit 260 communicates with the power receiving circuit 160. Specifically, when the power transmitting circuit 260 receives a power feeding request from the power receiving circuit 160, it starts feeding power to the power receiving circuit 160. The power transmitting circuit 260 includes a power transmitting IC 261. The power transmitting IC 261 converts the DC power generated by the power supply circuit 271 into AC power and supplies the AC power to the power transmitting coil 250.

[0032] The control circuit 270 controls the overall operation of the power supply device 200. For example, the control circuit 270 controls the power transmission circuit 260 to supply power to the electronic device 100. The control circuit 270 also detects a foreign object based on the detection result by the temperature sensor 272. For example, if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 272 is equal to or higher than a reference value, the control circuit 270 determines that a foreign object is present around the power transmission coil 250. If the control circuit 270 determines that a foreign object is present, the control circuit 270 notifies the electronic device 100 that a foreign object has been detected, causing the electronic device 100 to notify the electronic device 100 of the presence of the foreign object.

[0033] The power supply circuit 271 generates various power supply voltages used by the power supply device 200. For example, the power supply circuit 271 steps down or steps up a DC voltage supplied from the AC adapter 300 to generate power supply voltages for each unit included in the power supply device 200.

[0034] Temperature sensor 272 detects the temperature around power transmitting coil 250. If a foreign object containing metal is present around power transmitting coil 250, an eddy current flows in the foreign object due to a change in magnetic flux induced by power transmitting coil 250, causing the foreign object to generate heat. Temperature sensor 272 is used to detect the heat generated by the foreign object. Temperature sensor 272 supplies the temperature detection result to control circuit 270. Temperature sensor 272 includes, for example, a thermistor.

[0035] Magnet 280 is an object that emits magnetism. Magnet 280 has two poles, an N pole and an S pole, and is an object that serves as a source for generating a bipolar magnetic field. Magnet 280 is placed at a predetermined location on power supply device 200 to indicate that power supply device 200 is an appropriate power supply device suitable for supplying power to electronic device 100. In this embodiment, the predetermined location is protrusion 230. Magnet 280 is installed at a position and angle corresponding to the position and angle of magnetic sensor 180. That is, magnet 280 is placed at a position and angle that allows magnetic sensor 180 to detect the magnetism emitted by magnet 280 in the stored state. In this embodiment, magnet 280 is a permanent magnet.

[0036] AC adapter 300 is a device for converting AC power into DC power. In this embodiment, AC adapter 300 converts AC power supplied from a commercial power source into DC power and supplies the DC power to power supply circuit 271. AC adapter 300 includes a DC plug 310 that is connected to power supply circuit 271.

[0037] Next, the arrangement of magnet 280 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. As shown in Fig. 4, magnet 280 is arranged inside protrusion 230. Note that in Fig. 4, for ease of understanding, member 231 forming the outer shape of protrusion 230 is shown by a dashed line, and magnet 280 and support member 281 housed inside protrusion 230 are shown by a solid line. The surfaces of magnet 280 and support member 281 are covered by member 231.

[0038] Magnet 280 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in which the length in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length in the width direction and the length in the width direction is longer than the length in the thickness direction. Support member 281 is a member that supports magnet 280. Support member 281 has a function of fixing the position and angle of magnet 280 so that, in the stored state, magnetic field emitted by magnet 280 can be detected by magnetic sensor 180. In this embodiment, support member 281 fixes magnet 280 so that the longitudinal direction of magnet 280 is the Y-axis direction, the width direction of magnet 280 is the Z-axis direction, and the thickness direction of magnet 280 is the X-axis direction.

[0039] Next, the arrangement of the magnetic sensor 180 and the magnet 280 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5, 6, and 7. Note that in FIGS. 5, 6, and 7, for ease of understanding, the exterior 120 of the electronic device 100 is omitted and only the main body 110 is shown. Also, in FIG. 6, for ease of understanding, hatching of cross sections is omitted. As shown in FIG. 5, in the stored state, the multiple protrusions 220 and the protrusion 230 restrict movement of the electronic device 100 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction. Specifically, the multiple protrusions 220 restrict movement of the body 113 in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction, and the protrusion 230 restricts movement of the body 113 in the X-axis direction. Also, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, in the stored state, the power receiving coil 150 and the power transmitting coil 250 face each other, and the magnetic sensor 180 and the magnet 280 face each other. That is, the power receiving coil 150 and the power transmitting coil 250 are close to each other and substantially overlap when viewed from the Z-axis direction. The magnetic sensor 180 and the magnet 280 are also close to each other and substantially overlap when viewed from the X-axis direction.

[0040] The power receiving coil 150 is supported by a support member 151. The power receiving circuit 160 may be incorporated into the support member 151. The power transmitting coil 250 is supported by a support member 251. The power transmitting circuit 260 may be incorporated into the support member 251. The magnetic sensor 180 is supported by the support member 181. The magnet 280 is supported by the support member 281.

[0041] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 8 , a method for the magnetic sensor 180 to detect the magnetism emitted by the magnet 280 will be described. The magnet 280 has a magnetic pole 282, which is a north pole, and a magnetic pole 283, which is a south pole. The magnetic poles 282 and 283 are arranged on a line extending in the Y-axis direction, and the Y-coordinate of the magnetic pole 282 is greater than the Y-coordinate of the magnetic pole 283. The magnetic field lines emerging from the magnetic pole 282 flow into the magnetic pole 283. The tangent direction of the magnetic field lines at a certain point is the direction of the magnetic field at that point. In the stored state, the magnetic sensor 180 faces the magnet 280. The Y-coordinate of the magnetic sensor 180 is approximately the same as the Y-coordinate of the magnet 280, and the Z-coordinate of the magnetic sensor 180 is approximately the same as the Z-coordinate of the magnet 280. Furthermore, L1, which is the difference between the X-coordinate of the magnetic sensor 180 and the X-coordinate of the magnet 280, is equal to or less than a predetermined reference value. For example, L1 is preferably equal to or less than 20 millimeters. In this embodiment, magnetic sensor 180 is a rectangular parallelepiped having two faces perpendicular to the X-axis, two faces perpendicular to the Y-axis, and two faces perpendicular to the Z-axis. In this embodiment, magnetic sensor 180 detects the strength of the magnetic field in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, magnetic sensor 180 detects the strength of the magnetic field corresponding to the density of magnetic field lines passing through the two faces perpendicular to the Y-axis. Magnetic sensor 180 outputs a voltage corresponding to the strength of the detected magnetic field. Hereinafter, the electromagnetic conversion characteristics of magnetic sensor 180 will be described with reference to FIG. 9.

[0042] The output voltage of the magnetic sensor 180 is either Vhi or Vlow. Vhi is higher than Vlow. For example, Vhi is 1.6 V and Vlow is 0.2 V. That is, Vhi is the second voltage and Vlow is the first voltage. The magnetic sensor 180 outputs Vhi when it does not detect a magnetic field and outputs Vlow when it detects a magnetic field. The magnetic sensor 180 outputs a voltage according to the strength of the magnetic field regardless of the direction of the magnetic field. Specifically, the magnetic sensor 180 outputs Vhi when the magnetic field strength is less than Hoff and outputs Vlow when the magnetic field strength is equal to or greater than Hon. Furthermore, the magnetic sensor 180 maintains the voltage it is outputting when the magnetic field strength is equal to or greater than Hoff but less than Hon. For example, if the magnetic field strength increases from 0, the magnetic sensor 180 switches the output voltage from Vhi to Vlow when the magnetic field strength reaches Hon. Furthermore, if the magnetic field strength decreases from this state, the magnetic sensor 180 switches the output voltage from Vlow to Vhi when the magnetic field strength reaches Hoff.

[0043] When the electronic device 100 is placed in the power supply device 200, which is a power supply device suitable for supplying power to the electronic device 100 (hereinafter referred to as an "appropriate power supply device"), the magnetic field emitted by the magnet 280 provided at a predetermined position of the power supply device 200 is detected by the magnetic sensor 180 provided in the electronic device 100. That is, in this case, the magnetic sensor 180 detects a magnetic field having a strength equal to or greater than Hon and outputs a first voltage Vlow. As a result, the first voltage is applied to the operation control terminal 162 of the power receiving IC 161, and the power receiving IC 161 becomes operable. Therefore, a power supply request is transmitted from the power receiving circuit 160 to the power transmitting circuit 260, and power supply from the power supply device 200 to the electronic device 100 is realized.

[0044] On the other hand, when the electronic device 100 is placed in a power supply device that is not suitable for supplying power to the electronic device 100 (hereinafter referred to as an "inappropriate power supply device"), the magnet 280 provided in the electronic device 100 does not detect magnetism because the magnet 280 is not provided in the predetermined position of the inappropriate power supply device. That is, in this case, the magnetic sensor 180 detects a magnetic field with a strength less than Hoff and outputs Vhi, which is the second voltage. As a result, the second voltage is applied to the operation control terminal 162 of the power receiving IC 161, and the operation of the power receiving IC 161 stops. Therefore, a power supply request is not transmitted from the power receiving circuit 160 to the power transmitting circuit 260, and power supply from the power supply device 200 to the electronic device 100 is not realized.

[0045] As described above, in this embodiment, power supply from an inappropriate power supply device to the electronic device 100 is suppressed, thereby suppressing various malfunctions. For example, if the inappropriate power supply device does not have a foreign object detection function, suppressing power supply suppresses heat generation due to the foreign object. Also, for example, if the amount of power transmitted by the inappropriate power supply device exceeds the amount of power that the electronic device 100 can receive, suppressing power supply suppresses power supply that exceeds the allowable amount of the electronic device 100. Also, for example, if the amount of power that the inappropriate power supply device can transmit is extremely small, suppressing power supply suppresses power supply for a long period of time.

[0046] In this embodiment, when the sensor detects a predetermined characteristic from a predetermined portion of the power supply device 200, the power receiving circuit 160 operates to supply power from the power supply device 200 to the battery 171. In other words, when the sensor does not detect a predetermined characteristic from a predetermined portion of the power supply device 200, the power receiving circuit 160 operates to prevent power from being supplied from the power supply device 200 to the battery 171. Therefore, according to this embodiment, wireless power supply to the electronic device 100 by an inappropriate power supply device is suppressed. Note that in this embodiment, the predetermined characteristic is a characteristic of emitting magnetism.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the magnetic sensor 180 detects magnetism emitted by the magnet 280, the power receiving circuit 160 operates to supply power from the power supply device 200 to the battery 171. Therefore, according to this embodiment, with a simple hardware configuration of the magnetic sensor 180 and the magnet 280, wireless power supply to the electronic device 100 by an inappropriate power supply device is suppressed.

[0048] In the present embodiment, power receiving IC 161 operates when a first voltage is applied to operation control terminal 162, and stops operating when a second voltage is applied to operation control terminal 162. Furthermore, magnetic sensor 180 applies a first voltage to operation control terminal 162 when detecting magnetism, and applies a second voltage to operation control terminal 162 when not detecting magnetism. That is, in the present embodiment, power receiving IC 161 operates when magnetic sensor 180 detects magnetism, and stops operating when magnetic sensor 180 does not detect magnetism. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, wireless power supply to electronic device 100 by an inappropriate power supply device is suppressed with a simple hardware configuration including power receiving IC 161, magnetic sensor 180, and magnet 280.

[0049] (Embodiment 2) In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the predetermined feature given to the predetermined portion of the appropriate power supply device is the feature of emitting magnetism. In the present embodiment, an example will be described in which the predetermined feature given to the predetermined portion of the appropriate power supply device is the feature of having a predetermined color. Note that the description of the same configurations and functions as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified as appropriate.

[0050] The configuration of a power transmission system 1000A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The power transmission system 1000A includes an electronic device 100A and a power supply device 200A. The electronic device 100A includes a power receiving coil 150, a power receiving circuit 160, a control circuit 170, a battery 171, a sensor 172, an actuator 173, a speaker 174, a color sensor 190, and a color comparison circuit 191. The power supply device 200A includes a power transmitting coil 250, a power transmitting circuit 260, a control circuit 270, a power supply circuit 271, a temperature sensor 272, and a color imparting unit 290. The electronic device 100A has a similar configuration to the electronic device 100, except that the electronic device 100A includes a color sensor 190 and a color comparison circuit 191 instead of the magnetic sensor 180. The power supply device 200A has the same configuration as the power supply device 200, except that it includes a color imparting unit 290 instead of the magnet 280.

[0051] Color sensor 190 is a sensor that detects the color of color imparting unit 290, which is a predetermined part of power supply device 200A. Color sensor 190 includes a light emitting unit that emits light toward color imparting unit 290 and a light receiving unit that receives light reflected by color imparting unit 290. The light emitting unit includes a light emitting diode that emits white light. The light receiving unit includes a photodiode that receives red light, a photodiode that receives blue light, and a photodiode that receives green light. Color sensor 190 outputs analog voltages that indicate the intensity of the light of each color received by the light receiving unit.

[0052] Color comparison circuit 191 is a circuit that compares the color detected by color sensor 190 with a predetermined color. For example, let Vdr be the analog voltage indicating the intensity of detected red light, Vdb be the analog voltage indicating the intensity of detected blue light, and Vdg be the analog voltage indicating the intensity of detected green light. Also, let Vpr be the voltage corresponding to the intensity of red light that constitutes the predetermined color, Vpb be the voltage corresponding to the intensity of blue light that constitutes the predetermined color, and Vpg be the voltage corresponding to the intensity of green light that constitutes the predetermined color.

[0053] In this case, for example, when the difference between Vdr and Vpr is less than a reference value, when the difference between Vdb and Vpb is less than a reference value, and when the difference between Vdg and Vpg is less than a reference value, the color comparison circuit 191 outputs a first voltage to the operation control terminal 162 of the power receiving IC 161. Furthermore, when the difference between Vdr and Vpr is equal to or greater than the reference value, when the difference between Vdb and Vpb is equal to or greater than the reference value, or when the difference between Vdg and Vpg is equal to or greater than the reference value, the color comparison circuit 191 outputs a second voltage to the operation control terminal 162 of the power receiving IC 161. In other words, the color comparison circuit 191 operates the power receiving IC 161 when the color detected by the color sensor 190 matches the predetermined color, and stops the operation of the power receiving IC 161 when the color detected by the color sensor 190 does not match the predetermined color.

[0054] The color imparting unit 290 is a predetermined portion of the power supply device 200A, and is a portion to which a predetermined color is imparted. The predetermined color is a color that indicates that the power supply device 200A is an appropriate power supply device suitable for supplying power to the electronic device 100A. The predetermined color may be any color. The color imparting unit 290 is a portion whose color can be detected by the color sensor 190 in the stored state. For example, if the color sensor 190 is disposed at the position where the magnetic sensor 180 in the first embodiment is disposed, the color imparting unit 290 may be a protrusion 230. The electronic device 100A and the power supply device 200A are formed so that no obstacles are disposed between the color sensor 190 and the color imparting unit 290.

[0055] In this embodiment, when color sensor 190 detects a predetermined color as the color of a predetermined part, power receiving circuit 160 operates to supply power from power supply device 200A to battery 171. Therefore, according to this embodiment, with a simple hardware configuration of color sensor 190 and color imparting unit 290, wireless power supply to electronic device 100A by an inappropriate power supply device is suppressed.

[0056] (Variation) Although the embodiments have been described above, modifications and applications in various forms are possible. It is up to the discretion of the individual to adopt any of the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments. Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configurations, functions, and operations, additional configurations, functions, and operations may be adopted. Furthermore, the configurations, functions, and operations described in the above embodiments can be freely combined.

[0057] In the first and second embodiments, the examples in which power supply is controlled by the power receiving circuit 160 have been described. However, power supply may also be controlled by the control circuit 170. For example, the control circuit 170 may permit or prohibit power supply based on the detection result of the magnetic sensor 180. Specifically, the control circuit 170 may permit power supply when the magnetic sensor 180 detects magnetism, and prohibit power supply when the magnetic sensor 180 does not detect magnetism. The control circuit 170 may also permit or prohibit power supply based on the detection result of the color sensor 190. Specifically, the control circuit 170 may permit power supply when the color sensor 190 detects a predetermined color, and prohibit power supply when the color sensor 190 does not detect the predetermined color.

[0058] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the magnetic sensor 180 is a magnetic sensor including a Hall element that detects a magnetic field using the Hall effect. The magnetic sensor 180 may be a magnetic sensor of another type. For example, the magnetic sensor 180 may be a magnetic sensor including a magnetoresistive element that detects the magnitude of a magnetic field using the magnetoresistive effect. Furthermore, for example, the magnetic sensor 180 may be a magnetic sensor including a reed switch that causes conduction between both ends of a reed when subjected to a magnetic field.

[0059] In the first embodiment, an example was described in which the predetermined feature imparted to the predetermined portion is a feature of emitting magnetism, and in the second embodiment, an example was described in which the predetermined feature imparted to the predetermined portion is a feature of having a predetermined color. The predetermined feature imparted to the predetermined portion is not limited to these examples. For example, the predetermined feature imparted to the predetermined portion may be a feature of having a specific concave-convex pattern. In this case, the concave-convex pattern imparted to the predetermined portion is detected by a distance sensor, a proximity sensor, an image sensor, or the like. Then, if the detected concave-convex pattern matches the predetermined concave-convex pattern, the power receiving IC 161 operates, and if the detected concave-convex pattern does not match the predetermined concave-convex pattern, the power receiving IC 161 stops operating.

[0060] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the electronic device 100 is a robot modeled after a small animal. The electronic device 100 may be another robot or a device other than a robot. For example, the electronic device 100 may be a smartphone, an electronic dictionary, a game device, or the like.

[0061] In the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the first voltage is 0.2 V and the second voltage is 1.6 V. The first voltage and the second voltage are not limited to this example. Also, in the first embodiment, an example has been described in which the first voltage is lower than the second voltage. The first voltage may be higher than the second voltage.

[0062] The present disclosure allows various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments are intended to explain the present disclosure and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. That is, the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the claims, not the embodiments. Various modifications made within the scope of the claims and the meaning of equivalent disclosures are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 100, 100A electronic device, 150 receiving coil, 160 receiving circuit, 171 battery, 180 magnetic sensor, 190 color sensor, 200, 200A power supply device, 280 magnet, 290 color application unit

Claims

1. A battery, A receiving coil; a power receiving circuit that supplies the battery with power wirelessly supplied from a power supply device via the power receiving coil; a sensor for detecting a predetermined characteristic provided to a predetermined portion of the power supply device; the power receiving circuit operates to supply power from the power supply device to the battery when the sensor detects the predetermined characteristic from the predetermined portion; electronic equipment.

2. The sensor includes a magnetic sensor that detects magnetism emitted by a magnet provided in the predetermined portion, the power receiving circuit operates to supply power from the power supply device to the battery when the magnetic sensor detects the magnetism; The electronic device according to claim 1 .

3. the power receiving circuit includes a power receiving IC having an operation control terminal; the power receiving IC operates when a first voltage is applied to the operation control terminal, and stops operating when a second voltage is applied to the operation control terminal; the magnetic sensor applies the first voltage to the operation control terminal when detecting the magnetism, and applies the second voltage to the operation control terminal when not detecting the magnetism; The electronic device according to claim 2 .

4. a color sensor for detecting the color of the predetermined area is provided as the sensor; the power receiving circuit operates to supply power from the power supply device to the battery when the color sensor detects a predetermined color as the color of the predetermined part; The electronic device according to claim 1 .

5. A power transmission system including a power supply device and an electronic device, The power supply device is A predetermined site to which a predetermined characteristic is assigned; A transmitting coil; a power transmitting circuit that wirelessly supplies power to the electronic device via the power transmitting coil, The electronic device includes: A battery, A receiving coil; a power receiving circuit that supplies the power wirelessly supplied from the power supply device via the power receiving coil to the battery; a sensor for detecting the predetermined feature provided to the predetermined portion; the power receiving circuit operates to supply power from the power supply device to the battery when the sensor detects the predetermined characteristic from the predetermined portion; Power transmission system.

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