Wireless power supply system

Abstract

To solve the problem that, although cashless payments (also referred to as "electronic payments") have become widespread in recent years, if a smartphone used for such payments runs out of power, the payment cannot be completed and inconvenience may result, and that providing wired charging devices complicates wiring and makes considerations for wiring layout cumbersome.SOLUTION: A system reliably and efficiently supplies power wirelessly to mobile devices such as smart phones at any location within a living space.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless power supply system that wirelessly charges a mobile device in a living space. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, cashless payments (also known as "electronic payments") have been promoted, and they can eliminate cash management, alleviate labor shortages, and improve productivity. Furthermore, maintaining the infrastructure costs for cash payments is enormous, and cashless payments can also reduce these costs.

[0003] There are various types of electronic payments, including those that involve installing a dedicated app on a mobile device such as a smartphone, those that involve credit cards, and those that involve prepaid cards. Credit card and prepaid card payments are unlikely to become unusable unless the card is physically damaged. On the other hand, electronic payments using a mobile device such as a smartphone will become unusable if the device runs out of power. Furthermore, smartphones in particular consume a lot of power because they are used for a variety of purposes, such as making calls, playing games, using social media, and taking photos, and you may not even realize that you have run out of power.

[0004] At certain events, only electronic payments are accepted and cash is not accepted. In such a situation, if the smartphone used for electronic payments runs out of power and there is no other means of payment available, the purchaser of the goods or services will be in a great difficulty. While it is conceivable to lend out cables capable of charging mobile devices such as smartphones, a wired system would require preparing many lines (wires) for charging in accordance with the various input and output shapes, which is cumbersome. Therefore, it is conceivable to charge mobile devices wirelessly. The following prior art is a prior art for wireless charging. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-7276 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2016-182035 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2024-47209 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] There are three technologies for wireless power supply (wireless power supply): electromagnetic induction, electrostatic coupling, and electromagnetic wave (microwave, laser). Electromagnetic induction can be realized in a small, low-cost device, and can transmit relatively large amounts of power with high efficiency. There is an international standard for wireless charging called "Qi," and this electromagnetic induction method is used. Therefore, many smartphones that support wireless charging are compatible with this "Qi" electromagnetic induction standard. On the other hand, the electromagnetic induction method has the disadvantage of having a short power transmission distance (a few mm to around 10 cm).

[0007] In addition, the electromagnetic wave method uses an electromagnetic field to transmit power. The transmitting side converts electric current into electromagnetic waves and transmits them. The receiving side receives the electromagnetic waves from an antenna and converts them into direct current using a rectifier circuit. This method has the advantage of being able to transmit power over long distances (several meters). However, this electromagnetic wave method has the disadvantage of being inefficient in power transmission, making it difficult to transmit large amounts of power. In other words, wireless power transfer using electromagnetic waves is difficult to supply enough power to cover the power consumption of a smartphone. Furthermore, outputting high-power electromagnetic waves (wireless signals) over long distances is not desirable, as it is necessary to consider the impact on other wireless devices and the human body.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and provides a system that safely and efficiently supplies power wirelessly to a mobile device such as a smartphone at any position in a living space. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a wireless power supply system according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises: A wireless power supply system capable of supplying power to a mobile device at a specific position in a living space, a first wireless power supply device capable of supplying power wirelessly; a second wireless power supply apparatus having a power storage unit capable of receiving power from the first wireless power supply apparatus and storing the power, and capable of wirelessly supplying power to the mobile device using power from the power storage unit; a distance over which the first wireless power supply apparatus can supply power to the second wireless power supply apparatus is longer than a distance over which the second wireless power supply apparatus can supply power to the mobile device; an amount of power per unit time that the second wireless power supply apparatus can supply to the mobile device is greater than an amount of power per unit time that the first wireless power supply apparatus can supply to the second wireless power supply apparatus; The power storage unit of the second wireless power supply device constantly receives power from the first wireless power supply device and stores the power, and when the mobile device is placed at the specific position, the second wireless power supply device wirelessly supplies power to the mobile device using the power of the power storage unit. It is characterized by the following.

[0010] This wireless power supply system includes a first wireless power supply apparatus capable of supplying power wirelessly and a second wireless power supply apparatus capable of supplying power wirelessly. The first wireless power supply apparatus has a longer distance over which power can be wirelessly transmitted than the second wireless power supply apparatus, and the second wireless power supply apparatus can transmit a larger amount of power per unit time than the first wireless power supply apparatus. By utilizing the respective advantages of the first and second wireless power supply apparatuses, which have different wireless power transmission capabilities, it is possible to wirelessly supply power to a mobile device at a specific location in a living space safely and efficiently.

[0011] A wireless power supply system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the wireless power supply system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the first wireless power supply device is an electromagnetic wave type wireless power supply device, The second wireless power supply device is characterized by being an electromagnetic induction type wireless power supply device.

[0012] In this wireless power supply system, the first wireless power supply device uses an electromagnetic wave method and the second wireless power supply device uses an electromagnetic induction method. By utilizing the advantages of the first and second wireless power supply devices, which have different power wireless transmission capabilities, it is possible to wirelessly supply power to a mobile device at a specific location in a living space safely and efficiently.

[0013] A wireless power supply system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the wireless power supply system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, a table is provided in the living space, and the specific position is a position on the table; the first wireless power supply device is installed directly or via an installation member on a wall or ceiling surface of the living space; The second wireless power supply device is installed below the specific position on the table.

[0014] In such a wireless power feeding system, the first wireless power feeding device is installed on a wall or ceiling surface of a living space, and the second wireless power feeding device is installed below a specific position on a table placed in the living space. As a result, the first wireless power feeding device is installed in a position where it is easy to transmit electromagnetic waves to substantially the entire living space (for example, on the ceiling or above a wall), and wirelessly feeds power from the first wireless power feeding device to a power storage unit of the second wireless power feeding device installed on the table. This also enables safe and efficient wireless power feeding from the first wireless power feeding device to the second wireless power feeding device, and enables wireless power feeding to a mobile device at a specific position in the living space. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to wirelessly supply power to mobile devices in a living space safely and efficiently using a plurality of wireless power supply devices with different wireless power transmission capabilities. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a system for wirelessly supplying power to a mobile device in a living space. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a wireless power supply system. [Figure 3] (a) is a perspective view showing an electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder, (b) is a view of a table on which an electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder is installed, as seen from above the table, and (c) is a view of a table on which an electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder is installed, as seen from the side of the table. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another aspect of a system for wirelessly powering a mobile device in a living space. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described using an example. In the following, an example will be described in which the wireless power supply system of the present invention is applied to a living space of a cafe (coffee shop). This example is an example of installation of the wireless power supply system in the structure 2, and the present invention is not limited to this example. It can be applied to various spaces. [Example]

[0018] The wireless power feeding system 1 of this embodiment is a system that combines multiple wireless power feeding devices with different wireless power feeding capabilities (wireless power feeding mechanisms) to wirelessly charge a mobile device such as a smartphone used by a user at a set position in a living space. In this embodiment, a set position 81 (also referred to as a charging position, charging area, or specific position) where a mobile device such as a smartphone 71 can be wirelessly charged is provided on a table 61. Because this table 61 is not connected to a commercial AC power source (since movement and installation position are not restricted by a cable), the table 61 can be laid out at any position in the living space.

[0019] This allows the store to arrange tables, chairs, and other fixtures in any layout they like, without having to consider wiring etc. Also, because there is no need to consider wiring for the layout, it is possible to reduce costs for both the initial layout and layout changes.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the exterior of a structure 2 operating as a cafe (coffee shop) in which a wireless power supply system 1 of the present invention is installed, and a portion of the interior of a living space 3. This cafe allows electronic payment for the purchase of goods and services (or may accept only electronic payment). Three tables are spaced apart at a predetermined distance in the living space 3. Chairs are placed on either side of each table, making them two-seater tables. Each table is seated with one user, who is drinking a drink while charging their own smartphone 71 at a set position (charging position, specific position) on the table. In this example, the smartphones are compatible with electromagnetic induction wireless charging, such as the Qi standard.

[0021] A solar panel 11 (with a power generation capacity of, for example, 10 kW) is installed on the roof of the structure 2, enabling it to generate electricity using sunlight. Furthermore, on the right side of the exterior wall of the structure 2 as viewed in the drawing, a power conditioner 21 is installed at the top, and a solar storage battery 31 (solar power storage device) that stores the electricity generated by the solar panel 11 is installed at the bottom. The solar panel 11, power conditioner 21, and solar storage battery 31 are electrically connected by a cable 12. The power conditioner 21 is a well-known device that has the functions of converting the electricity generated by the solar panel 11 and the electricity stored in the solar storage battery 31 from direct current to alternating current, and of cutting off the output of external electricity in the event of an overvoltage or undervoltage condition.

[0022] Known methods for supplying power wirelessly include electromagnetic induction, magnetic resonance, electrostatic coupling, and electromagnetic waves. Of these, the Qi standard, which uses electromagnetic induction, is the international standard for wireless charging and is currently used in many smartphones. Wireless power transfer devices using the electromagnetic induction method can be realized at small size and low cost. They are also suitable for transmitting relatively large amounts of power over short distances, and can wirelessly transfer enough power to charge devices with power consumption similar to that of mobile devices such as smartphones 71. On the other hand, the electromagnetic induction method has the disadvantage of a short power transmission distance (several mm to 10 cm), making it difficult to transmit power over a wide area in the living space 3.

[0023] Another method that can transmit power over long distances is the electromagnetic wave method. The electromagnetic wave method uses an electromagnetic field to transmit power; the transmitting side converts electric current into electromagnetic waves (microwaves, lasers) and transmits them, and the receiving side receives the electromagnetic waves from an antenna and converts them into direct current using a rectifier circuit. This method has the advantage of transmitting power over long distances (several meters). However, the electromagnetic wave method has the disadvantage that it has poor power transmission efficiency and is difficult to transmit large amounts of power. In other words, it is difficult to directly charge devices that consume the same amount of power as mobile devices such as smartphones 71 using the electromagnetic wave method. Furthermore, outputting high-power electromagnetic waves (wireless signals) over long distances is not desirable, as it is necessary to consider the impact on other wireless devices and the human body.

[0024] Therefore, in this wireless power supply system, an electromagnetic induction type wireless power supply device 51 using an electromagnetic induction method and an electromagnetic wave type wireless power supply device 41 using an electromagnetic wave method are combined to construct a wireless power supply system capable of wirelessly charging mobile devices such as a smartphone 71.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1 , an electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 (first wireless power feeder) is provided in approximately the center of the ceiling of the living space 3. The electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 is preferably installed in a position overlooking the entire living space 3 so that electromagnetic waves can be transmitted to any position in the living space 3 (over as wide an area as possible). In this embodiment, it is installed in the center of the ceiling, but it may be installed on a wall. The electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 (first wireless power feeder) is electrically connected to the solar storage battery 31 (solar panel 11) via the power conditioner 21, and power is supplied to the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 (first wireless power feeder) at all times, and electromagnetic waves for power supply are continuously output unless a switching operation (power off or electromagnetic wave transmission off) is intentionally performed by turning off a switch (selector switch), for example.

[0026] The electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 is constantly driven using power from the solar storage battery 31 to output electromagnetic waves. This is because electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeders cannot transmit large amounts of power and can only transmit small amounts of power (1 W or less). Therefore, for example, if the operating time (power supply time) of the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 and the operating time (power supply time) of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 are the same, the charging of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 (storage battery 53) will not keep up with the demand, causing the power to run out and making it impossible to operate the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51. Therefore, by constantly operating the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 and transmitting power for a longer period of time than the operating time of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51, the weakness of only being able to transmit small amounts of power is overcome.

[0027] An electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 (second wireless power feeder) is installed on a table 61 installed on the floor of the living space 3. This electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 has a storage battery 53 (power storage unit). The storage battery 53 of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 is wirelessly fed (wirelessly charged) by electromagnetic waves 42 (wireless power feeding) constantly output from the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41. Three (plural) tables installed in the living space 3 are each installed with an electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 (second wireless power feeder) having a storage battery 53. The electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 wirelessly feeds power simultaneously or sequentially to the storage batteries 53 of these plurality of electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeders 51 by the electromagnetic waves (wireless power feeding) constantly output.

[0028] A customer (user) who wishes to charge a mobile device such as a smartphone 71 can wirelessly charge the mobile device by simply placing the mobile device in a set position on top of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power supply device 51 for a predetermined time while having a drink at a cafe. As a result, even if the remaining power of the user's smartphone 71 is low (empty), the smartphone can be charged to some extent while using the cafe, and the user can pay for drinks and other service fees at the cafe by electronic payment using the smartphone 71.

[0029] Furthermore, stores can provide mobile device charging facilities in any layout they like without incurring large costs, allowing customers to easily charge their smartphones when they are out of power, eliminating problems that can occur when making electronic payments, such as smartphones running out of power.

[0030] In this wireless power feeding system 1, the power (main power) of the wireless power feeding device is generated by the power (photovoltaic power generation) generated by the solar panel 11. Therefore, it is possible to provide a wireless power feeding system that is mainly based on clean energy and has a low environmental impact (is friendly to the global environment).

[0031] Furthermore, although the wireless power supply system 1 can operate autonomously using only solar-generated power, to stabilize operation, the power conditioner and storage battery may be connected to a commercial AC power source via a power cable. A monitoring control unit and a monitor for visually checking the amount of power generated by the solar panel 11 and the remaining power storage capacity of the solar storage battery 31 may also be provided. These may also be connected to a commercial AC power source via a power cable. Since the solar power generation capacity of the solar panel 11 significantly decreases during bad weather, the solar storage battery 31 may be configured to switch from storing power from a commercial AC power source to storing power from a commercial AC power source. Alternatively, power may be directly supplied to the electromagnetic wave wireless power supply device 41 from a commercial AC power source. The wireless power supply system 1 of the present invention may also be used in stores that accept payments by cash or other means other than electronic payment.

[0032] 2 is a block diagram showing the wireless power feeding system 1. Power is fed wirelessly from the upper block to the middle block, and from the middle block to the lower block. The upper block includes the solar panel 11, power conditioner 21, solar storage battery 31, and electromagnetic wave wireless power feeding device 41 described above, as well as a transmission circuit and a control unit (not shown). The electromagnetic wave wireless power feeding device 41 includes a transmitting antenna 43 for transmitting electromagnetic waves therein, and transmits electromagnetic waves 42 from this transmitting antenna 43 toward a receiving antenna 52 of an electromagnetic induction wireless power feeding device 51 (the distance between the antennas is assumed to be 2 m to 5 m, and the electromagnetic waves use a frequency in the 5.7 GHz band, for example).

[0033] The middle block is composed of an electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51, which will be described later. The electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 has a receiving antenna 52 for receiving electromagnetic waves transmitted from the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 41. It also has a receiving circuit and a control unit (not shown) that receives the electromagnetic waves from the receiving antenna 52 and converts them into direct current. The electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 is also provided with two power switches SW1 and SW2. The electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 includes a power storage unit having a storage battery 53 and a power transmission unit having a power transmission coil 54 that performs electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeding.

[0034] The power switch 1SW1 (first switch) can switch the power supply of the power storage unit ON or OFF, and the power switch 2SW2 (second switch) can switch the power supply of the power transmission unit ON or OFF. This allows the operating power of the power storage unit to be always ON to store power at all times in order to minimize power consumption of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51, and the operating power of the power transmission unit to be turned OFF except when feeding power to a smartphone or the like. This makes it possible to minimize the power consumption of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51. This also makes it possible to compensate for the fact that the amount of power fed per unit time of the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 is small, i.e., the ability to charge the storage battery of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 is low.

[0035] As described above, the wireless power feeding system 1 is configured so that the time it takes for the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeding device 41 to feed power to the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeding device 51 is longer than the time it takes for the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeding device 51 to feed power to the mobile device. The electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeding device 51 feeds power only when the mobile device is placed in a set position.

[0036] By turning on the power of the power storage unit, it becomes possible to receive (accept) and store the power transmitted from the electromagnetic wave wireless power feeder 41. Also, by turning on the power of the power transmission unit, it becomes possible to generate an induced current 57 between the power transmission coil 54 of the electromagnetic induction wireless power feeder 51 and the power receiving coil 72 of the smartphone 71 placed in the set area, thereby charging the storage battery 73 (power storage unit) of the smartphone 71.

[0037] The lower block shows a smartphone 71. The smartphone 71 that can be used with this wireless power supply system is an electromagnetic induction type wireless power supply compatible device (mobile device) that has a receiving coil 72, a storage battery 73, a control unit 74 that performs various controls, etc. inside.

[0038] Next, the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 and wireless power feeding to the smartphone 71 will be specifically described with reference to FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 is a rectangular box-shaped (cuboid-shaped) device. In FIG. 3(a), a box portion (power transmission unit) with a double square pattern on the left side of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 houses a power transmission coil 54 and a power transmission circuit (not shown), which are essential components of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51. Furthermore, a box portion (power storage unit) with an antenna pattern on the right side of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 houses a receiving antenna 52 for receiving electromagnetic waves from the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41, a receiving circuit (not shown), and a storage battery 53 for converting the received electromagnetic waves into current and storing the electricity.

[0039] Furthermore, power switch 56 (first switch) is a switch that can turn the power supply on the power transmission unit side on or off. Furthermore, power switch 57 (second switch) is a switch that can turn the power supply on the power storage unit side on or off. When the power supply on the power storage unit side is turned off, the power supply on the power transmission unit side is also automatically turned off.

[0040] 3(b) shows the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 of FIG. 3(a) installed in a storage recess 64 formed on the top surface of a table 61. The storage recess 64 is formed to have approximately the same shape as (slightly larger than) the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51, and is shaped so that the entire electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 fits into it. In addition, when the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 is fitted (installed) in the storage recess 64, the top surface of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 and the top surface of the table 61 are configured to be approximately flush with each other.

[0041] Furthermore, when a user 63 (user) wants to charge his / her mobile device such as a smartphone 71, he / she first turns on both power switches 55 and 56 of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51. Then, by placing the smartphone 71 so that the power receiving coil 72 is positioned above (the set position) the "box with a double square design" on the left side of FIG. 3(a) (by placing the smartphone 71 in the set position on the table) (by placing it in the position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 3(b)), the smartphone 71 will automatically start charging. Furthermore, when charging is finished, it is desirable to turn off only the power switch 56 of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51. This reduces the power consumption of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51, while continuing power supply from the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41, minimizing the possibility of the storage battery 53 running out of power.

[0042] The box (power storage unit) with an antenna design is located on the table top to more efficiently receive electromagnetic waves 42 transmitted by the electromagnetic wave wireless power feeder 41 installed on the ceiling. Furthermore, since the receiving antenna 52 is located at the top inside the box, it is possible to more efficiently receive the electromagnetic waves 42 transmitted by the electromagnetic wave wireless power feeder 41. FIG. 3(c) is a side view of the table 61 on which the electromagnetic induction wireless power feeder 51 is installed and the smartphone 71 is placed at the setting position 81. The shaded area is the setting position 81, and by positioning the receiving coil 72 of the smartphone 71 within this area, more efficient charging is possible.

[0043] Next, referring to FIG. 4, an embodiment in which the wireless power supply system 100 is installed with a different table layout in the same living space 3 as described above will be described. In the embodiment in FIG. 4, multiple (four) tables 61 are attached together to form a table layout that can be used by a large group (e.g., eight people). Since no cables are provided on the tables 61 on which the electromagnetic induction type wireless power supply devices 51 capable of charging smartphones are installed, it is possible to easily change the layout to any desired one without worrying about wiring while maintaining the charging function. Furthermore, the store side can freely change the table layout at any time in response to a user's request or for the store's convenience while maintaining the charging function.

[0044] Furthermore, the rechargeable battery 53 (charging unit) that serves as the power source for the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 is automatically wirelessly charged by the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 (first wireless power feeder), eliminating the need to replace the battery or charge it via a cable. Thus, by introducing this wireless power feed system, it is possible to obtain a great number of benefits (effects).

[0045] 4, unlike FIG. 1, two mounting rails 44 (mounting members) are installed in parallel on the ceiling, and an electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 (first wireless power feeder) is mounted via the mounting rails 44, thereby making it possible to move (slide) the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 to any position on the mounting rails 44. This allows the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 to be moved in accordance with changes in the layout of the table 61, improving the efficiency of transmission and reception of the electromagnetic waves 42 between the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 and the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51. This makes it possible to minimize the possibility of the stored power of the rechargeable battery 53 of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 running out.

[0046] 4, a plurality of electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeders 41 may be attached to a mounting rail 44 on the ceiling. Each of the plurality of electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeders 41 may be independently movable to any position on the mounting rail 44. This increases the power feeding capacity from the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 to the storage battery 53 of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51, thereby minimizing the possibility that the storage power of the rechargeable battery 53 of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 will run out.

[0047] As described above, the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 constantly (for a long time) transmits weak electromagnetic waves that are not harmful to the human body over a long distance to a wide area in the living space 3, and the electromagnetic waves are received by the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51, converted into current, and stored in the power storage unit 53. This electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 has a power output that is sufficient to charge a mobile device (smartphone 71), and consumes a lot of power but has a short usage time.

[0048] As a result, even if the power of mobile devices such as smartphones used for electronic payments, which have been increasing in number in recent years, runs low, they can be easily charged while receiving services at a cafe, etc., thereby eliminating the problem of the smartphone 71 running out of power and being unable to make electronic payments for services. Note that the object of the present invention is to increase or maintain the charging level of the smartphone 71 to a level at which electronic payments can be made, so there is no need to charge it to a full level.

[0049] [Other aspects] In the above-described configuration, one electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder (first wireless power feeder) may supply power to multiple (two or more) electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeders (second wireless power feeders (power storage units)). In the above-described configuration, a table (wireless power feed table) on which the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder (second wireless power feeder) is installed may be freely laid out (movable) in a living space. The installation member on which the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder (first wireless power feeder) is installed may be configured to be adjustable in angle (right-downward, left-downward, front-downward, back-downward, or a combination thereof) or position (sliding movement) of the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder (first wireless power feeder). This allows for adjusting the transmission direction of the electromagnetic waves to improve power feed efficiency and improve charging efficiency (power storage efficiency). Furthermore, the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder (second wireless power feeder) is arranged so that the power receiving unit of the power storage unit of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder (second wireless power feeder) is located on the table top surface, thereby making it possible to improve charging efficiency.

[0050] In this embodiment, power is supplied to the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder (first wireless power feeder) by photovoltaic power generation (solar power generation) using a solar panel. Alternatively, the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder (first wireless power feeder) may be connected to a commercial AC power source via a wire (power line) to provide operating power. The electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder may be connected to both power generated by a solar panel (solar storage battery) and a commercial AC power source, and may use the power generated by the solar panel preferentially while monitoring the remaining power of the solar storage battery and switching to power from the commercial AC power source when the power level drops (having a power switching means). Such power source switching control may also be performed automatically using a power drop monitoring means.

[0051] Similarly, an electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder may also be provided with a connection port that can be electrically connected to a commercial AC power source, and may switch to power from the commercial AC power source (having a power switching means) when a problem occurs in the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder, the remaining power of the solar storage battery decreases, or the remaining power of the power storage unit of the electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder decreases and the smartphone or the like cannot be charged properly. Also, such power source switching control may be performed automatically by providing a power drop monitoring means.

[0052] The electromagnetic induction type wireless power feeder 51 may be provided with a monitoring means for monitoring the remaining charge (amount of stored power) of the storage battery 53, and when the amount of stored power in the storage battery 53 exceeds a predetermined amount (when it is determined to be fully charged), the power feed (electromagnetic wave transmission) of the electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 may be turned off. The electromagnetic wave type wireless power feeder 41 may be provided with a transmission control means for switching on and off the electromagnetic wave transmission.

[0053] [others] Simply providing a battery-powered wireless power supply device requires the battery to be recharged or replaced when it runs out of power, which is time-consuming. This reference invention provides a system that safely and efficiently supplies power wirelessly to mobile devices such as smartphones at any location within a living space. It also provides a wireless power supply system that allows for easy and flexible layout within a living space.

[0054] The wireless power supply system of Reference Invention 1-1 is A wireless power supply system capable of supplying power to a mobile device at a specific position in a living space, a first wireless power supply device capable of supplying power wirelessly; a second wireless power supply apparatus having a power storage unit capable of receiving power from the first wireless power supply apparatus and storing the power, and capable of wirelessly supplying power to the mobile device using power from the power storage unit; a distance over which the first wireless power supply apparatus can supply power to the second wireless power supply apparatus is longer than a distance over which the second wireless power supply apparatus can supply power to the mobile device; an amount of power per unit time that the second wireless power supply apparatus can supply to the mobile device is greater than an amount of power per unit time that the first wireless power supply apparatus can supply to the second wireless power supply apparatus; The power storage unit of the second wireless power supply device constantly receives power from the first wireless power supply device and stores the power, and when the mobile device is placed at the specific position, the second wireless power supply device wirelessly supplies power to the mobile device using the power of the power storage unit. It is characterized by the following.

[0055] This wireless power supply system includes a first wireless power supply apparatus capable of supplying power wirelessly and a second wireless power supply apparatus capable of supplying power wirelessly. The first wireless power supply apparatus has a longer distance over which power can be wirelessly transmitted than the second wireless power supply apparatus, and the second wireless power supply apparatus can transmit a larger amount of power per unit time than the first wireless power supply apparatus. By utilizing the respective advantages of the first and second wireless power supply apparatuses, which have different wireless power transmission capabilities, it is possible to wirelessly supply power to a mobile device at a specific location in a living space safely and efficiently.

[0056] In addition, the wireless power supply system of Reference Invention 1-2 is the wireless power supply system of Reference Invention 1-1, the first wireless power supply device is an electromagnetic wave type wireless power supply device, The second wireless power supply device is characterized by being an electromagnetic induction type wireless power supply device.

[0057] In this wireless power supply system, the first wireless power supply device uses an electromagnetic wave method and the second wireless power supply device uses an electromagnetic induction method. By utilizing the advantages of the first and second wireless power supply devices, which have different power wireless transmission capabilities, it is possible to wirelessly supply power to a mobile device at a specific location in a living space safely and efficiently.

[0058] In addition, the wireless power supply system of Reference Invention 1-3 is the wireless power supply system of Reference Invention 1-1 or Reference Invention 1-2, a table is provided in the living space, and the specific position is a position on the table; the first wireless power supply device is installed directly or via an installation member on a wall or ceiling surface of the living space; The second wireless power supply device is installed below the specific position on the table.

[0059] In such a wireless power feeding system, the first wireless power feeding device is installed on a wall or ceiling surface of a living space, and the second wireless power feeding device is installed below a specific position on a table placed in the living space. As a result, the first wireless power feeding device is installed in a position where it is easy to transmit electromagnetic waves to substantially the entire living space (for example, on the ceiling or above a wall), and wirelessly feeds power from the first wireless power feeding device to a power storage unit of the second wireless power feeding device installed on the table. This also enables safe and efficient wireless power feeding from the first wireless power feeding device to the second wireless power feeding device, and enables wireless power feeding to a mobile device at a specific position in the living space.

[0060] According to the present invention, it is possible to wirelessly power mobile devices in a living space safely and efficiently using a plurality of wireless power supply devices with different wireless power transmission capabilities. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1 Wireless power supply system, 3 Living space, 11 Solar panel, 21 Power conditioner, 31 Solar storage battery, 41 Electromagnetic wave wireless power supply device, 51 Electromagnetic induction wireless power supply device, 61 Table, 71 Smartphone.

Claims

1. A wireless power supply system capable of supplying power to a mobile device at a specific position in a living space, a first wireless power supply device capable of supplying power wirelessly; a second wireless power supply apparatus having a power storage unit capable of receiving power from the first wireless power supply apparatus and storing the power, and capable of wirelessly supplying power to the mobile device using power from the power storage unit; a distance over which the first wireless power supply apparatus can supply power to the second wireless power supply apparatus is longer than a distance over which the second wireless power supply apparatus can supply power to the mobile device; an amount of power per unit time that the second wireless power supply apparatus can supply to the mobile device is greater than an amount of power per unit time that the first wireless power supply apparatus can supply to the second wireless power supply apparatus; The power storage unit of the second wireless power supply apparatus constantly receives power from the first wireless power supply apparatus and stores the power, and when the mobile device is placed at the specific position, the second wireless power supply apparatus wirelessly supplies power to the mobile device using the power of the power storage unit. A wireless power supply system characterized by:

2. the first wireless power supply device is an electromagnetic wave type wireless power supply device, 2. The wireless power supply system according to claim 1, wherein the second wireless power supply device is an electromagnetic induction type wireless power supply device.

3. a table is provided in the living space, and the specific position is a position on the table; the first wireless power supply device is installed directly or via an installation member on a wall or ceiling surface of the living space; The wireless power supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second wireless power supply device is installed below the specific position on the table.

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