Charging system

Abstract

To provide a charging system for appropriately charging in non-contact charging.SOLUTION: A charging system 1 for contactlessly charging a battery mounted on a vehicle V includes a power receiver 3 arranged in the vehicle V and configured to receive power in a contactless manner, a movable power receiver 3 M including at least a part of the power receiver 3, a power reception controller 4 configured to control power reception by the power receiver 3 and charging of a battery 5, and an object arranged in the vicinity of the vehicle when the vehicle V is parked. The power supply system includes a power supply unit 13 for supplying power to the power receiving unit 33 in a non-contact manner, and a power supply control unit 25 for controlling power supply by the power supply unit 13, and the movable power receiving unit 33M is arranged movably in a direction approaching the power supply unit 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There is known technology relating to a car stopper characterized in that the housing contains a high-frequency power source that supplies high-frequency power to a power supply coil that supplies power to a power receiving coil that receives power contactlessly to charge the secondary battery of the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6742743 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, vehicles come in a variety of shapes, and the distance between the power supply unit and the power receiving unit for wireless charging can be large. When the distance between the power supply unit and the power receiving unit is large, power transmission efficiency is poor, which can result in long charging times and variations in charging time depending on the vehicle.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a charging system that appropriately charges in a contactless manner. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objectives, the charging system of the present disclosure is a charging system for contactlessly charging a battery mounted on a vehicle, and includes: a power receiver that is arranged on the vehicle and receives power contactlessly; a movable power receiving unit that includes at least a part of the power receiver; a power receiving control unit that controls the reception of power by the power receiver and the charging of the battery; a power supply unit that is arranged on an object located in the vicinity of the vehicle when the vehicle is parked and supplies power contactlessly to the power receiver; and a power supply control unit that controls the power supply by the power supply unit, and the movable power receiving unit is arranged so that it can move in a direction approaching the power supply unit when the vehicle is parked. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] The present disclosure has an effect of providing a charging system that appropriately charges in a contactless manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a charging system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the power supply device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the power receiving device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the power supply process in the charging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the power receiving process in the charging system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating the movable power receiving unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power supply device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power receiving device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the power supply process in the charging system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of the power receiving process in the charging system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a movable power supply unit according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a charging system 1 according to the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0010] [First embodiment] <Charging system> 1 is a schematic diagram showing an outline of a charging system according to a first embodiment. The charging system 1 contactlessly charges a battery 35 of an electronic device 100, such as a drive recorder, mounted on a vehicle V when the vehicle V is parked.

[0011] The battery 35 charged by the charging system 1 may be an auxiliary battery mounted on the vehicle V, a dedicated battery provided exclusively for an electronic device different from the auxiliary battery, or a battery built into the electronic device. When there is no particular need to distinguish between an auxiliary battery and a dedicated battery, they will be simply referred to as battery 35.

[0012] The charging system 1 includes a power supply unit 10 disposed outside the vehicle V and a power receiving unit 30 disposed inside the vehicle V.

[0013] <Power supply unit> 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power supply device according to the first embodiment. The power supply unit 10 is a power supply unit that supplies power to the power receiving unit 30 in a contactless manner. The power supply unit 10 is disposed on an object that is located around the vehicle V when the vehicle V is parked, such as a car stopper S in a parking lot (see FIG. 1), a lock plate in a pay-by-hour parking lot, a wall located in a position close to the parked vehicle V, or the ground opposite the bottom of the body of the parked vehicle V. The power supply unit 10 includes a sensor 11, a power feeder 13, and a power supply control device 20.

[0014] The sensor 11 is a sensor that detects the proximity of a power receiver 33 (described later) of the power receiving unit 30 of the vehicle V. In this embodiment, the sensor 11 is a sensor that detects the proximity of a movable power receiving unit 33M (described later) of the power receiving unit 30 of the vehicle V. The sensor 11 is arranged in a position facing the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30 of the parked vehicle V. In this embodiment, the sensor 11 is arranged in a position facing the movable power receiving unit 33M of the power receiving unit 30 of the parked vehicle V. The sensor 11 outputs sensor data, which is the detection result, to the sensor data acquisition unit 21 of the power supply control device 20. The sensor 11 is, for example, a camera that captures an image of the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30. In this embodiment, the sensor 11 is, for example, a camera that captures an image of the movable power receiving unit 33M of the power receiving unit 30. The sensor 11 is not limited to a camera as long as it can detect the power receiving unit 30, and may be, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, a millimeter-wave radar, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensor, or the like.

[0015] The power feeder 13 includes a power feeding coil for contactlessly charging the battery 35. The power feeder 13 feeds power contactlessly to the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30 of the parked vehicle V. The power feeder 13 is arranged at a position facing the power receiver 33 (described later) of the power receiving unit 30 of the parked vehicle V. In this embodiment, the power feeder 13 feeds power contactlessly to the movable power receiving unit 33M of the power receiving unit 30 of the parked vehicle V. In this embodiment, the power feeder 13 is arranged at a position facing the movable power receiving unit 33M of the power receiving unit 30 of the parked vehicle V. The power feed of the power feeder 13 is controlled by the power feed control unit 25 of the power feed control device 20.

[0016] The sensor 11 and the power supply device 13 are placed on an object located around the vehicle V when the vehicle V is parked, such as a parking stopper S in a parking lot (see Figure 1), a locking plate in a time-share parking lot, a wall located close to the parked vehicle V, or the ground opposite the bottom of the body of the parked vehicle V.

[0017] The power supply control device 20 is an arithmetic processing device configured with, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The power supply control device 20 loads a program stored in a storage unit (not shown) into memory and executes instructions included in the program. The power supply control device 20 includes an internal memory (not shown) that is used for temporary storage of data, etc. The power supply control device 20 includes a sensor data acquisition unit 21, a power supply determination unit 23, and a power supply control unit 25.

[0018] The sensor data acquisition unit 21 acquires sensor data from the sensor 11 .

[0019] The power supply determination unit 23 determines whether to start power supply. For example, when it is determined based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 21 that the distance between the power supply device 13 and the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30, in this embodiment, the distance d (see FIG. 6) between the power supply device 13 and the movable power receiving unit 33M of the power receiving unit 30, is equal to or less than the distance threshold, the power supply determination unit 23 determines to start power supply.

[0020] The distance threshold is a threshold value of the distance at which contactless charging can be performed appropriately.

[0021] When the distance d is equal to or less than the distance threshold, the shorter the distance d, the greater the amount of power supplied.When the distance d is equal to or less than the distance threshold, the shorter the distance d, the higher the power transmission efficiency.

[0022] The power feeding control unit 25 controls power feeding by the power feeder 13 to the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30. In this embodiment, the power feeding control unit 25 controls power feeding by the power feeder 13 to the movable power receiving unit 33M of the power receiving unit 30. In this embodiment, the power feeding control unit 25 starts power feeding when the power feeding determination unit 23 determines that power feeding should be started. The power feeding control unit 25 is connected to a power supply terminal connectable to an AC power supply (commercial power supply) (not shown), and to a power feeding coil. The power feeding control unit 25 includes a circuit for feeding power to the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30. In this embodiment, the power feeding control unit 25 includes a circuit for feeding power to the movable power receiving unit 33M of the power receiving unit 30. When an AC power supply is connected to the power supply terminal, the power feeding control unit 25 supplies AC input via the power supply terminal to the power feeding coil.

[0023] The power supply control unit 25 ends the power supply from the power supply device 13 when the power supply end condition is satisfied.

[0024] The case where the power supply end condition is satisfied is, for example, the case where the charge amount (remaining amount) of the battery 35 is equal to or greater than the charge amount threshold.

[0025] The charge amount of the battery 35 can be acquired by the power supply control unit 25. A known method can be used to acquire the charge amount of the battery 35, and there is no limitation. For example, the charge amount of the battery 35 may be acquired by data transmission between the power supply unit 10 and the power receiving unit 30 via an IC (Integrated Circuit) chip or the like.

[0026] <Power receiving unit> 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a power receiving device according to the first embodiment. The power receiving unit 30 is a power receiving unit that receives power contactlessly from the power feeding unit 10. The power receiving unit 30 is mounted on a vehicle V. The power receiving unit 30 includes a sensor 31, a power receiver 33, a battery 35, an actuator 37, and a power receiving control device 40.

[0027] The sensor 31 is a sensor that detects the proximity of the power supply unit 10. The sensor 31 is disposed in a position facing the power feeder 13 of the power supply unit 10 when the vehicle is parked. The sensor 31 outputs sensor data, which is the detection result, to the sensor data acquisition unit 41 of the power receiving control device 40. The sensor 31 is, for example, a camera that captures an image of the power supply unit 10. The sensor 31 is not limited to a camera as long as it can detect the power supply unit 10, and may be, for example, an ultrasonic sensor, a millimeter wave radar, a LiDAR, or another sensor.

[0028] The power receiver 33 is disposed in the vehicle V. The power receiver 33 includes a power receiving coil for contactless charging of the battery 35. When parked, the power receiver 33 receives power contactlessly from the power feeding unit 10 outside the vehicle V. When parked, the power receiver 33 is disposed in a position facing the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10. The power reception of the power receiver 33 is controlled by the power receiving control unit 45 of the power receiving control device 40.

[0029] The power receiver 33 includes a movable power receiving unit 33M (see FIG. 6). The movable power receiving unit 33M includes a power receiving coil. The movable power receiving unit 33M is movable in a direction approaching the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10 when the vehicle V is parked. The movable power receiving unit 33M is movable in a direction to shorten the distance d between the movable power receiving unit 33M and the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10. The movable power receiving unit 33M is moved by an actuator 37, for example.

[0030] The movable power receiving unit 33M may be a part of the power receiver 33. The movable power receiving unit 33M may be the entire power receiver 33; in other words, the movable power receiving unit 33M may be the power receiver 33.

[0031] The sensor 31, the power receiver 33, and the movable power receiving unit 33M are arranged, for example, at the rear lower part, the bottom part, or the side part of the vehicle V.

[0032] The battery 35 is connected to the power receiver 33 and the electronic device 100. The battery 35 is a rechargeable battery that can be repeatedly charged and discharged. The battery 35 is, for example, a nickel-metal hydride rechargeable battery, a lithium-ion rechargeable battery, or a lithium polymer rechargeable battery.

[0033] The actuator 37 moves the movable power receiving unit 33 M. The actuator 37 is controlled by the actuator control unit 47.

[0034] The power receiving control device 40 is an arithmetic processing device configured with, for example, a CPU. The power receiving control device 40 loads a program stored in a storage unit (not shown) into memory and executes instructions included in the program. The power receiving control device 40 includes an internal memory (not shown) that is used for temporary storage of data, etc. The power receiving control device 40 includes a sensor data acquisition unit 41, a power receiving determination unit 43, a power receiving control unit 45, and an actuator control unit 47.

[0035] The sensor data acquisition unit 41 acquires sensor data from the sensor 31 .

[0036] The power receiving determination unit 43 determines whether to start power reception. More specifically, the power receiving determination unit 43 determines to start power reception when, for example, it is determined based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 41 that the distance d between the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10 and the movable power receiving unit 33M is equal to or less than the distance threshold. The power receiving determination unit 43 determines to move the movable power receiving unit 33M when, for example, it is determined based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 41 that the distance d between the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10 and the movable power receiving unit 33M is greater than the distance threshold.

[0037] The power receiving control unit 45 controls the power reception by the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30 and the charging of the battery 35. The power receiving control unit 45 includes a charging circuit that charges the battery 35. The power receiving control unit 45 starts receiving power when the power reception determination unit 43 determines that power reception should start. The power receiving control unit 45 is connected to the power receiving coil and the battery 35. When receiving power from the power feeder 13 of the power feed unit 10 via the power receiving coil, the power receiving control unit 45 converts the received current into direct current suitable for charging the battery 35 and supplies it to the battery 35.

[0038] The power receiving control unit 45 may calculate the amount of movement of the movable power receiving unit 33M based on the amount of charge of the battery 35, a required charging time calculated based on the distance d between the movable power receiving unit 33M and the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10, and the planned parking time. More specifically, the power receiving control unit 45 calculates the required charging time required for the amount of charge of the battery 35 to reach "100%" based on the amount of charge of the battery 35 and the distance d between the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10 and the movable power receiving unit 33M. The power receiving control unit 45 compares the required charging time with the planned parking time and calculates the amount of movement of the movable power receiving unit 33M so that the amount of charge of the battery 35 reaches "100%" within the planned parking time.

[0039] For example, when it is determined that the location of the vehicle V is a home parking lot based on the location information of the vehicle V, the planned parking time may be a planned parking time stored in advance in a storage unit (not shown). For example, the planned parking time may be set by the user of the vehicle V via an operation unit or the like.

[0040] The actuator control unit 47 controls the actuator 37. The actuator control unit 47 controls the actuator 37 to move the movable power receiving unit 33M so that the distance d between the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10 and the movable power receiving unit 33M becomes equal to or less than the distance threshold, which is the threshold distance for proper contactless charging. More specifically, when the power reception determination unit 43 determines that the distance d between the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10 and the movable power receiving unit 33M is greater than the distance threshold, in other words, when it is determined that the movable power receiving unit 33M should be moved, the actuator control unit 47 controls the actuator 37 to move the movable power receiving unit 33M in a direction closer to the power feeder 13.

[0041] The actuator control unit 47 controls the actuator 37 based on the amount of movement of the movable power receiving unit 33M calculated by the power receiving control unit 45.

[0042] The actuator control unit 47 controls the actuator 37 to stop when it is determined based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 41 that the distance d between the power supply 13 of the power receiving unit 30 and the movable power receiving unit 33M is less than or equal to the distance threshold.

[0043] <Power supply method / power receiving method> Next, the power supply process in the charging system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the power supply process in the charging system according to the first embodiment. The sensor 11 of the power supply unit 10 constantly detects the surroundings.

[0044] The power supply control device 20 determines whether the movable power receiving unit 33M of the power receiving unit 30 is located at or below the distance threshold (step S101). More specifically, the power supply control device 20 determines to start power supply when the power supply determination unit 23 determines, based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 21, that the distance d between the power feeder 13 and the movable power receiving unit 33M of the power receiving unit 30 is at or below the distance threshold. When the power supply control device 20 determines that the movable power receiving unit 33M of the power receiving unit 30 is located at or below the distance threshold (Yes in step S101), the power supply control device 20 proceeds to step S102. When the power supply control device 20 does not determine that the movable power receiving unit 33M of the power receiving unit 30 is located at or below the distance threshold (No in step S101), the power supply control device 20 executes the process of step S101 again.

[0045] When it is determined that the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30 is located at or below the distance threshold (Yes in step S101), the power supply control device 20 starts power supply (step S102). More specifically, the power supply control device 20 controls the power supply control unit 25 to start power supply to the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30. The power supply control device 20 proceeds to step S103.

[0046] The power supply control device 20 determines whether to end power supply (step S103). More specifically, the power supply control device 20 determines to end power supply when the power supply control unit 25 indicates, for example, that the charge amount of the battery 35 has reached or exceeded the charge amount threshold. When the power supply control device 20 determines to end power supply (Yes in step S103), it ends the processing of this flowchart. When the power supply control device 20 does not determine to end power supply (No in step S103), it executes the processing of step S103 again.

[0047] After power supply is terminated in step S103, the power supply control unit 25 of the power supply control device 20 may check the charge amount of the battery 35 at predetermined time intervals. If the power supply control unit 25 of the power supply control device 20 determines that the charge amount of the battery 35 is, for example, "less than 80%, " the power supply control unit 25 may supply power again.

[0048] Next, the power receiving process in the charging system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the flow of the power receiving process in the charging system according to the first embodiment. When the vehicle V is parked, the sensor 31 of the power receiving unit 30 detects the surroundings.

[0049] The power receiving control device 40 determines whether the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10 is farther away than the distance threshold (step S201). More specifically, the power receiving control device 40 determines, using the power reception determination unit 43, based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 41, whether the distance d between the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10 and the movable power receiving unit 33M is farther away than the distance threshold. If the power receiving control device 40 determines that the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10 is farther away than the distance threshold (Yes in step S201), the process proceeds to step S202. If the power receiving control device 40 does not determine that the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10 is farther away than the distance threshold (No in step S201), the process proceeds to step S203.

[0050] When it is determined that the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10 is farther away than the distance threshold (Yes in step S201), the power receiving control device 40 moves the movable power receiving unit 33M to a distance equal to or less than the distance threshold (step S202). More specifically, the power receiving control device 40 controls the actuator 37 via the actuator control unit 47 to move the movable power receiving unit 33M in a direction closer to the power feeder 13. When the power receiving control device 40 determines that the distance d between the power feeder 13 of the power receiving unit 30 and the movable power receiving unit 33M is equal to or less than the distance threshold based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 41, the actuator control unit 47 controls the actuator 37 to stop. The power receiving control device 40 proceeds to step S203.

[0051] The power reception control device 40 starts receiving power (step S203). More specifically, the power reception control device 40 starts receiving power at the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30 by the power reception control unit 45. The power reception control device 40 proceeds to step S204.

[0052] The power receiving control device 40 determines whether to end power reception (step S204). More specifically, if the power receiving control unit 45 indicates that the charge amount of the battery 35 has reached or exceeded the charge amount threshold, for example, the power receiving control device 40 determines to end power feeding. If the power receiving control device 40 determines to end power reception (Yes in step S204), the process proceeds to step S205. If the power receiving control device 40 does not determine to end power reception (No in step S204), the process of step S204 is executed again.

[0053] When it is determined that power reception is to be ended (Yes in step S204), the power reception control device 40 returns the movable power receiving unit 33M to its original position (step S205). More specifically, the power reception control device 40 controls the actuator 37 by the actuator control unit 47 to return the movable power receiving unit 33M to its initial position.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a movable power receiving unit according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6(a) illustrates a state immediately after the vehicle V is parked. In the state illustrated in FIG. 6(a), in step S201, the power reception determination unit 43 determines that the distance d between the power feeder 13 of the power receiving unit 30 and the movable power receiving unit 33M is greater than the distance threshold. In step S202, the actuator control unit 47 causes the actuator 37 to move the movable power receiving unit 33M closer to the power feeder 13. In this manner, the movable power receiving unit 33M moves from the position illustrated in FIG. 6(a) to the position illustrated in FIG. 6(b) and then to the position illustrated in FIG. 6(c). When the movable power receiving unit 33M reaches the position illustrated in FIG. 6(c), in step S101, it is determined that the movable power receiving unit 33M of the power receiving unit 30 is located at or below the distance threshold (Yes in step S101), and power feeding by the power feeder 13 is started in step S102. In step S203, the power receiver 33 starts receiving power.

[0055] <Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30 includes a movable power receiving unit 33M. According to this embodiment, the movable power receiving unit 33M is arranged to be movable in a direction approaching the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10 when the vehicle V is parked. According to this embodiment, the distance d between the power feeder 13 and the movable power receiving unit 33M can be adjusted by moving the movable power receiving unit 33M. According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent differences in power feeding efficiency caused by variations in the positions of the power feeder 13 and the power receiver 33 for contactless charging due to variations in the positions of the vehicle V and differences in the size of the vehicle V. As such, according to this embodiment, appropriate charging can be performed in contactless charging.

[0056] According to this embodiment, power feeding can be started when the distance d between the power feeder 13 and the movable power receiving unit 33M is equal to or less than the distance threshold. In this embodiment, regardless of positional variations among vehicles V or differences in size of vehicles V, the distance d between the power feeder 13 and the movable power receiving unit 33M can be adjusted to increase efficiency and shorten charging time.

[0057] In this embodiment, a movable power receiving unit 33M, which is at least a part of the power receiver 33, is movable relative to the power feeder 13. According to this embodiment, regardless of positional variations among vehicles V or differences in size of the vehicles V, the distance d between the power feeder 13 and the power receiver 33 can be reduced to increase efficiency and shorten the charging time.

[0058] In this embodiment, the amount of movement of the movable power receiving unit 33M can be calculated based on the charge amount of the battery 35, the charging time calculated based on the distance d between the power supply 13 and the movable power receiving unit 33M, and the planned parking time of the vehicle V, so that charging is completed within the planned parking time.

[0059] [Second embodiment] A charging system 1A according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 11. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a power supply device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a power receiving device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of power supply processing in the charging system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of power receiving processing in the charging system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a movable power supply unit according to the second embodiment. The basic configuration of the charging system 1A is similar to that of the charging system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the following description, components similar to those of the charging system 1 are denoted by the same or corresponding reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. The charging system 1A differs from the first embodiment in that the power supply device 13 side of the power supply unit 10A is operated. Specifically, the charging system 1A differs from the first embodiment in that the power supply unit 10A has a movable power supply unit 13M.

[0060] 7, the power supply unit 10A includes a sensor 11, a power supply device 13, an actuator 17A, and a power supply control device 20A. The sensor 11 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

[0061] The power feeder 13 includes a movable power feeder 13M (see FIG. 11). The movable power feeder 13M includes a power feed coil. The movable power feeder 13M is movable in a direction approaching the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30 when the vehicle V is parked. The movable power feeder 13M is movable in a direction shortening the distance from the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30, which in this embodiment is the distance d from the power receiver 33. The movable power feeder 13M is moved by, for example, an actuator 17A.

[0062] The movable power supply unit 13M may be a part of the power supply device 13. The movable power supply unit 13M may be the entire power supply device 13, in other words, the movable power supply unit 13M may be the power supply device 13.

[0063] Actuator 17A moves movable power supply unit 13M and is controlled by actuator control unit 27A.

[0064] The power supply control device 20A includes a sensor data acquisition unit 21, a power supply determination unit 23, a power supply control unit 25, and an actuator control unit 27A. The sensor data acquisition unit 21 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

[0065] For example, the power supply determination unit 23 determines to start power supply when it is determined that the distance d (see FIG. 11) between the movable power supply unit 13M and the power receiver 33 is equal to or less than the distance threshold based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 21. For example, the power supply determination unit 23 determines to move the movable power supply unit 13M when it is determined that the distance d between the movable power supply unit 13M and the power receiver 33 is greater than the distance threshold based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 21.

[0066] The power supply control unit 25 may calculate the movement amount of the movable power supply unit 13M or the power supply amount of the power supply unit 13 based on the charge amount of the battery 35, the required charging time calculated based on the distance d between the power receiver 33 and the movable power supply unit 13M, and the planned parking time. More specifically, the power supply control unit 25 calculates the required charging time required for the charge amount of the battery 35 to reach "100%" based on the charge amount of the battery 35 and the distance d between the movable power supply unit 13M and the power receiver 33. The power supply control unit 25 compares the required charging time with the planned parking time and calculates the movement amount of the movable power supply unit 13M so that the charge amount of the battery 35 reaches "100%" within the planned parking time.

[0067] Actuator control unit 27A controls actuator 17A. Actuator control unit 27A controls actuator 17A to move movable power supply unit 13M so that distance d between movable power supply unit 13M and power receiver 33 of power receiving unit 30 becomes equal to or less than the distance threshold. More specifically, when power supply determination unit 23 determines that distance d between movable power supply unit 13M and power receiver 33 of power receiving unit 30 is greater than the distance threshold, in other words, when it is determined that movable power supply unit 13M should be moved, actuator control unit 27A controls actuator 17A to move movable power supply unit 13M in a direction closer to power receiver 33.

[0068] Actuator control section 27A controls actuator 17A based on the amount of movement of movable power supply section 13M calculated by power supply control section 25.

[0069] The actuator control unit 27A controls the actuator 17A to stop when it is determined based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 21 that the distance d between the movable power supply unit 13M and the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30 is less than or equal to the distance threshold.

[0070] 8, the power receiving unit 30A includes a sensor 31, a power receiver 33, a battery 35, and a power receiving control device 40A. The power receiver 33 differs from the first embodiment in that it does not include a movable power receiving unit 33M. The battery 35 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

[0071] In this embodiment, the sensor 31 is a sensor that detects the proximity of the movable power supply unit 13M of the power supply unit 10 of the vehicle V. In this embodiment, the sensor 31 is disposed in a position facing the movable power supply unit 13M of the power supply unit 10 when the vehicle V is parked. In this embodiment, the sensor 31 is, for example, a camera that captures an image of the movable power supply unit 13M of the power supply unit 10.

[0072] The power receiving control device 40A includes a sensor data acquisition unit 41, a power receiving determination unit 43, and a power receiving control unit 45. The sensor data acquisition unit 41 has the same configuration as in the first embodiment.

[0073] The power receiving determination unit 43 determines to start receiving power, for example, when it is determined based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 41 that the distance d between the movable power supply unit 13M of the power supply unit 10 and the power receiver 33 is equal to or less than the distance threshold.

[0074] The power receiving control unit 45 controls the power receiving by the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30 and the charging of the battery 35 .

[0075] Next, the power supply process in the charging system 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 9. The processes in steps S113 and S114 are similar to those in steps S102 and S103 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 4.

[0076] The power supply control device 20A determines whether the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30A is farther away than the distance threshold (step S111). More specifically, the power supply control device 20A determines whether the distance d from the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30A is farther away than the distance threshold using the power supply determination unit 23, based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 21. If the power supply control device 20A determines that the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30A is farther away than the distance threshold (Yes in step S111), the process proceeds to step S112. If the power supply control device 20A does not determine that the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30A is farther away than the distance threshold (No in step S111), the process proceeds to step S113.

[0077] When it is determined that the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30A is farther away than the distance threshold (Yes in step S111), the power supply control device 20A moves the movable power supply unit 13M to a distance equal to or less than the distance threshold (step S112). More specifically, the power supply control device 20A controls the actuator 17A by the actuator control unit 27A to move the movable power supply unit 13M in a direction closer to the power receiver 33. When the power supply control device 20A determines that the distance d between the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30A and the power receiver 33 is equal to or less than the distance threshold based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 21, the power supply control device 20A controls the actuator 17A to stop. The power supply control device 20A proceeds to step S113.

[0078] When it is determined that power feeding should be ended (Yes in step S114), the power feeding control device 20A returns the movable power feeding unit 13M to its original position (step S115). More specifically, the power feeding control device 20A controls the actuator 17A by the actuator control unit 27A to move the movable power feeding unit 13M to its original position in a direction away from the power receiver 33. When the power feeding control device 20A determines by the actuator control unit 27A, based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 21, that the distance d between the power receiving unit 30A and the power receiver 33 has returned to the original distance (the distance before the movement started in step S112), the power feeding control device 20A controls the actuator 17A to stop.

[0079] Next, the power receiving process in the charging system 1A will be described with reference to Fig. 10. The processes in steps S212 and S213 are similar to those in steps S203 and S204 in the flowchart shown in Fig. 5.

[0080] The power receiving control device 40A determines whether the movable power supply unit 13M of the power supply unit 10A is located at or below the distance threshold (step S211). More specifically, the power receiving control device 40A determines to start power reception when the power reception determination unit 43 determines, based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor data acquisition unit 41, that the distance d between the movable power supply unit 13M of the power supply unit 10A and the power receiver 33 is at or below the distance threshold. When the power receiving control device 40A determines that the movable power supply unit 13M of the power supply unit 10A is located at or below the distance threshold (Yes in step S211), the power receiving control device 40A proceeds to step S212. When the power receiving control device 40A does not determine that the movable power supply unit 13M of the power supply unit 10A is located at or below the distance threshold (No in step S211), it executes step S211 again.

[0081] The operation of the movable power supply unit 13M will be described with reference to FIG. 11. FIG. 11(a) shows the state immediately after the vehicle V is parked. In the state shown in FIG. 11(a), in step S111, the power supply determination unit 23 determines that the distance d between the movable power supply unit 13M and the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30A is greater than the distance threshold. In step S112, the actuator control unit 27A controls the actuator 17A to move the movable power supply unit 13M closer to the power receiver 33. In this way, the movable power supply unit 13M moves from the position shown in FIG. 11(a) to the position shown in FIG. 11(b) and then to the position shown in FIG. 11(c). When the movable power supply unit 13M reaches the position shown in FIG. 11(c), power supply by the power supply unit 13 is started in step S113. Furthermore, in step S212, power reception by the power receiver 33 is started.

[0082] <Effects> As described above, in this embodiment, the power feeder 13 of the power feeding unit 10A includes a movable power feeder 13M. According to this embodiment, the movable power feeder 13M is arranged to be movable in a direction approaching the power receiver 33 of the power receiving unit 30 when the vehicle V is parked. According to this embodiment, the distance d between the movable power feeder 13M and the power receiver 33 can be adjusted by moving the movable power feeder 13M. According to this embodiment, it is possible to prevent differences in power feeding efficiency caused by variations in the positions of the power feeder 13 and the power receiver 33 for contactless charging due to variations in the positions of the vehicle V and differences in the size of the vehicle V. As such, according to this embodiment, appropriate charging can be performed in contactless charging.

[0083] According to this embodiment, power supply can be started when the distance d between the movable power supply unit 13M and the power receiver 33 is equal to or less than the distance threshold. In this embodiment, regardless of variations in the position of the vehicle V or differences in the size of the vehicle V, the distance d between the movable power supply unit 13M and the power receiver 33 can be adjusted to increase efficiency and shorten the charging time.

[0084] In this embodiment, a movable power supply unit 13M, which is at least a part of the power supply device 13, is movable relative to the power receiver 33. According to this embodiment, regardless of positional variations among vehicles V or differences in size of the vehicles V, the distance d between the power supply device 13 and the power receiver 33 can be reduced to increase efficiency and shorten the charging time.

[0085] In this embodiment, the amount of movement of the movable power supply unit 13M can be calculated based on the charge amount of the battery 35, the charging time calculated based on the distance d between the movable power supply unit 13M and the power receiver 33, and the planned parking time of the vehicle V, so that charging is completed within the planned parking time.

[0086] The components of the illustrated charging system are conceptual functional components and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown in the drawings. That is, the specific form of each device is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of the devices may be functionally or physically distributed or integrated in any unit depending on the processing load and usage status of each device.

[0087] The configuration of the charging system is realized, for example, as software, by a program loaded into a memory. In the above embodiment, the functional blocks are described as being realized by cooperation of these hardware and software. That is, these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by hardware only, software only, or a combination thereof.

[0088] The components described above include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the configurations described above can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the configurations are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0089] [Variation 1] The power supply control unit 25 may change the amount of power supplied to the power receiving unit 30 depending on the charge level of the battery 35. For example, when the charge level of the battery 35 is "100%, " the power supply control unit 25 controls not to supply power. For example, when the charge level of the battery 35 is "80% or more but less than 100%, " the power supply control unit 25 controls to supply "20%" of power, assuming that the amount of power supplied until the charge level of the battery 35 reaches "100%" when the charge level of the battery 35 is "0%" is "100%". For example, when the charge level of the battery 35 is "20% or more but less than 80%, " the power supply control unit 25 controls to supply "80%". For example, when the charge level of the battery 35 is "less than 20%, " the power supply control unit 25 controls to supply "100%".

[0090] [Variation 2] In the above, the battery 35 has been described as an auxiliary battery or a dedicated battery, but the battery 35 may include an auxiliary battery, a dedicated battery, and an internal battery (not shown) of the electronic device. For example, the power receiving control unit 45 charges the auxiliary battery from the power receiver 33, and also enables the power receiver 33 to supply power to a dedicated battery of the electronic device 100 of the vehicle V or to the internal battery of the electronic device. This makes it possible to operate the electronic device 100 without worrying about the charge level of the auxiliary battery of the vehicle V. For example, when the drive recorder is in parking monitoring mode, video recording can be performed regardless of the charge level of the auxiliary battery.

[0091] In a second modification, the power receiving control unit 45 may change the power supply to the dedicated battery of the electronic device 100 or the built-in battery of the electronic device according to the charge level of the auxiliary battery. For example, when the charge level of the auxiliary battery is "80%" or higher, the power receiving control unit 45 may prioritize the power supply to the dedicated battery of the electronic device 100.

[0092] In the second modification, the power receiving control unit 45 may be configured to be able to detect the power receiving state of the electronic device 100. When power is received by the electronic device 100, the power receiving control unit 45 may not supply power to the power receiver 33, but may prioritize power supply to a dedicated battery of the electronic device 100 or a battery (not shown) built into the electronic device 100.

[0093] [others] In the above description, the movable power supply unit 13M and the movable power receiving unit 33M are moved by the actuator 17A and the actuator 37, but they may also be moved manually. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1 Charging System 10 Power Supply Unit 11 Sensors 13 Power supply 13M Mobile Power Supply Unit 20 Power supply control device 21 Sensor data acquisition unit 23 Power supply determination unit 25 Power supply control unit 30 Power Receiving Unit 31 Sensors 33 Power receiver 33M Movable power receiving unit 35 Battery 37 Actuator 40 Power receiving control device 41 Sensor data acquisition unit 43 Power receiving determination unit 45 Power receiving control unit 47 Actuator control section

Claims

1. A charging system for wirelessly charging a battery mounted on a vehicle, a power receiver disposed in the vehicle and configured to receive power in a contactless manner; a movable power receiving unit including at least a part of the power receiver; a power receiving control unit that controls power reception by the power receiver and charging of the battery; a power supply device that is placed on an object located around the vehicle when the vehicle is parked and that supplies power to the power receiver in a wireless manner; a power supply control unit that controls power supply by the power supply device; Equipped with the movable power receiving unit is arranged to be movable in a direction approaching the power feeder when the vehicle is parked. Charging system.

2. A charging system for wirelessly charging a battery mounted on a vehicle, a power receiver disposed in the vehicle and configured to receive power in a contactless manner; a power receiving control unit that controls power reception by the power receiver and charging of the battery; a power supply device that is placed on an object located around the vehicle when the vehicle is parked and that supplies power to the power receiver in a wireless manner; a movable power supply unit including at least a part of the power supply; a power supply control unit that controls power supply by the power supply device; Equipped with the movable power supply unit is arranged to be movable in a direction approaching the power receiver when the vehicle is parked. Charging system.

3. the power receiving control unit calculates a movement amount of the movable power receiving unit based on a charge amount of the battery, a charging required time calculated based on a distance between the movable power receiving unit and the power feeder, and a planned parking time of the vehicle so that charging is completed within the planned parking time. The charging system of claim 1 .

4. the power supply control unit calculates a movement amount of the movable power supply unit or a power supply amount of the power supply unit based on a charge amount of the battery, a charging required time calculated based on a distance between the movable power supply unit and the power receiver, and a planned parking time of the vehicle, so that charging is completed within the planned parking time. The charging system according to claim 2 .

5. The battery is at least one of an auxiliary battery and a dedicated battery for an electronic device mounted on the vehicle.

3. The charging system according to claim 1 or 2.

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