Power receiving device

Abstract

We provide a highly scalable power receiving device. [Solution] The power receiving device 1 is generally configured to include a circuit board 10, at least one antenna 2 arranged on the circuit board 10, a plurality of connectors 3 arranged on the circuit board 10 and electrically connected to at least one antenna 2, and wiring 4 arranged on the circuit board 10 that connects at least one antenna 2 and the plurality of connectors 3 in series and electrically, and outputs the output power generated based on the power transmission wave 9 received by at least one antenna 2 from the output connectors among the plurality of connectors 3 to which the output destination is electrically connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power receiving device.

Background Art

[0002] As a conventional technology, a power supply module including an electrical component, a power receiving antenna, and a power supply circuit that converts the power supply radio wave received by the power receiving antenna into electric power and supplies it to the electrical component, and a circuit member that electrically connects the electrical component and the power supply module and has flexibility are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] This in-vehicle device can improve the degree of freedom in arranging electrical components in a vehicle.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional in-vehicle devices need to change the number and shape of power receiving antennas, the shape of the substrate on which the power supply circuit is arranged, etc. according to the power required by the electrical components and the location where they are arranged, and have low expandability.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a power receiving device with high expandability.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a power receiving device comprising: a substrate; at least one antenna disposed on the substrate; a plurality of connectors disposed on the substrate and electrically connected to the at least one antenna; and wiring disposed on the substrate, which electrically connects the at least one antenna and the plurality of connectors in series, and causes output power generated based on a power transmission wave received by the at least one antenna to be output from an output connector among the plurality of connectors to which the output destination is electrically connected. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, expandability can be increased. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1(a) is a top view showing an example of a power receiving device according to the first embodiment, and Figure 1(b) is a bottom view showing an example of a power receiving device. [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) is an example of a cross-sectional view of a power receiving device according to the first embodiment, taken by cutting along line AA in Figure 1(a), viewed from the direction of the arrow. Figure 2(b) is a diagram showing an example of multiple power receiving devices connected together. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an example of a block diagram showing the case where multiple power receiving devices according to the first embodiment are connected. [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the four antennas of the power receiving device according to the second embodiment, and Figure 4(b) is an example of a block diagram of the power receiving device shown in Figure 4(a). [Figure 5] Figure 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the five antennas of the power receiving device according to the second embodiment, and Figure 5(b) is a diagram showing an example of a block diagram of the power receiving device shown in Figure 5(a). [Figure 6] Figure 6(a) shows an example of a connector and wiring for a power receiving device according to another embodiment, and Figure 6(b) shows an example of an output connector. [Figure 7]Figure 7(a) is an example of a block diagram of a power receiving device according to another embodiment, and Figure 7(b) is a diagram showing an example of a substrate having a different shape from the substrate of each embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] (Summary of the embodiment) The power receiving device according to the embodiment is generally configured to include at least one antenna placed on a substrate, a plurality of connectors placed on the substrate and electrically connected to the at least one antenna, and wiring placed on the substrate that connects the at least one antenna and the plurality of connectors in series and electrically, and outputs the output power generated based on the power transmission wave received by the at least one antenna from one of the plurality of connectors, the output destination being electrically connected.

[0011] This power receiving device offers high expandability compared to systems where antennas are replaced or their number and shape are changed depending on the application, as its shape can be easily changed to suit the number and placement of antennas by easily connecting it to other power receiving devices via connectors.

[0012] [First Embodiment] (Overview of power receiving device 1) Figure 1(a) is a top view showing an example of a power receiving device according to the first embodiment, and Figure 1(b) is a bottom view showing an example of a power receiving device. Figure 2(a) is an example of a cross-sectional view of the power receiving device according to the first embodiment, taken from the direction of the arrow after cutting along line AA in Figure 1(a), and Figure 2(b) is a diagram showing an example of multiple power receiving devices connected together. Figure 3 is an example of a block diagram when multiple power receiving devices according to the first embodiment are connected together. Note that in the figures relating to the embodiments described below, the ratios and shapes between figures may differ from the actual ratios and shapes. Also, in Figures 3, 4(b), and 7(a), the main power flow is indicated by arrows. The outline of power receiving device 1 will be described below.

[0013] The power receiving device 1 is, for example, a device on the power receiving side of a wireless power supply system that extracts DC power from a high-frequency power transmission wave 9. This power receiving device 1 is arranged, for example, in electronic devices 8 such as smartphones, tablet terminals, personal computers, drones, remote controllers, mobile batteries (including other secondary batteries), electronic keys, etc., and electronic devices 8 arranged in vehicles, buildings, etc., and supplies power to these.

[0014] Also, the power receiving device 1 of the present embodiment is electrically connected to an adjacent power receiving device 1 via a cable 6, but is not limited thereto, and may be configured to directly fit and electrically connect the connectors 3 to each other as will be described later.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), this power receiving device 1 includes a substrate 10, at least one antenna 2 arranged on the substrate 10, a plurality of connectors 3 arranged on the substrate 10 and electrically connected to at least one antenna 2, and a wiring 4 arranged on the substrate 10 that serially and electrically connects at least one antenna 2 and a plurality of connectors 3, and outputs the output power generated based on the power transmission wave 9 received by at least one antenna 2 from an output connector to which the output destination is electrically connected among the plurality of connectors 3, and is schematically configured.

[0016] The power transmission wave 9 of the present embodiment is, as an example, a microwave having a frequency of 900 MHz to 60 GHz, but is not limited thereto. Also, the power receiving device 1 of the present embodiment, as an example, includes one antenna 2 and four connectors 3 (connectors 3a to 3d) as shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), but is not limited thereto.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 3, the wiring 4 outputs the superimposed power in which at least one input power input from at least one connector electrically connected to the connection destination and the output power are superimposed from the output connector among the plurality of connectors 3.

[0018] As shown in Figure 3, the power receiving device 1 is placed on a substrate 10, electrically connected to the antenna 2, and includes a rectifier circuit 5 that receives a power transmission wave 9 and converts the AC power P1 output from the antenna 2 into DC power P2.

[0019] The above connection destination is another power receiving device. In this embodiment, the other power receiving devices are, for example, power receiving device 1a and power receiving device 1b, as shown in Figure 2(b), but are not limited to these. Power receiving device 1 may be further connected to other power receiving devices, or other power receiving devices may be connected to power receiving device 1a or power receiving device 1b.

[0020] In this embodiment, as an example, as shown in Figure 3, the connector 3d of the power receiving device 1a is connected to the connector 3a via the cable 6, the output destination connector 70 is connected to the connector 3b via the cable 6, and the connector 3a of the power receiving device 1b is connected to the connector 3c via the cable 6. In this embodiment, the output destination is the power receiving control device 7, as shown in Figure 2(b).

[0021] Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the wiring 4 receives the input power P from the connector 3a which is electrically connected to the power receiving device 1a. 2a The input power P is input from the connector 3c, which is electrically connected to the power receiving device 1b. 2b The superimposed power P3, which is the output power P2 superimposed on the output power P2, is output from connector 3b, which is the output connector.

[0022] Furthermore, if the power receiving device 1 is connected only to the power receiving control device 7, the wiring 4 will output the output power P2 generated based on the power transmission wave 9 received by the antenna 2 to the power receiving control device 7 via connector 3b, which acts as an output connector.

[0023] At least one antenna 2 is positioned on the first surface 11 of the substrate 10. The rectifier circuit 5 is positioned on the second surface 12, which is opposite to the first surface 11, as shown in Figures 1(a) to 2(b), such that the projection point 22 obtained by projecting the center point 21 of the antenna region 20, which consists of at least one antenna 2, onto the second surface 12 falls within the circuit region 50 where the rectifier circuit 5 is provided. In this embodiment, since there is only one antenna 2, the antenna 2 and the rectifier circuit 5 face each other via the substrate 10.

[0024] (Configuration of circuit board 10) The substrate 10 is, for example, a printed circuit board, but is not limited to that. The substrate 10 may, for example, have a square shape, but is not limited to that.

[0025] (Configuration of Antenna 2) Antenna 2 is, for example, a microstrip antenna (planar antenna). This antenna 2 is formed on the first surface 11 of the substrate 10 as a thin film of a conductive metal such as copper. This antenna 2 has a rectangular shape, for example. In addition, the thin film of conductive metal of antenna 2 may be plated with gold or nickel, for example. The directivity of this antenna 2 is mainly in the direction normal to the first surface 11.

[0026] Although the antenna 2 in this embodiment was square in shape, it is not limited to this and may be spiral-shaped, have a shape where a straight line folds back, or have a shape that radiates outwards from the center. Furthermore, the antenna 2 may be a circularly polarized antenna or an antenna with a shape that can receive both horizontal and vertical polarization.

[0027] Antenna 2 is electrically connected to a rectifier circuit 5 located on the second surface 12 via a via 13 that penetrates the substrate 10, as shown in Figure 2(a) as an example. Wiring 4 electrically connects antenna 2 and rectifier circuit 5 via this via 13.

[0028] (Configuration of connector 3) Connector 3 is, for example, a surface-mount type connector, but is not limited to this. Connectors 3a to 3d of connector 3 are all connectors with the same configuration, but are not limited to this. Since connectors 3a to 3d have the same configuration, other powered devices 1 can be easily connected to them.

[0029] Connectors 3a to 3d are arranged corresponding to sides 10a to 10d of the substrate 10, as shown in Figure 1(b).

[0030] Connectors 3a to 3d are configured to accept cable 6. This cable 6 is, for example, a flexible flat cable (FFC), but is not limited to this.

[0031] (Wiring configuration 4) The wiring 4 is provided on the second surface 12 of the substrate 10 as a conductive metal thin film such as gold or copper. As shown in Figure 3, this wiring 4 connects the antenna 2, the rectifier circuit 5, and the connector 3 in series.

[0032] In wiring 4, the antenna 2 and the rectifier circuit 5 are connected by vias 13 that penetrate the circuit board 10, and the electrical connection is made over almost the shortest distance, so the distance over which the high-frequency received power P1 propagates is short. Therefore, the rectifier circuit 5 converts the received power P1 to output power P2 with minimal power loss, resulting in high conversion efficiency.

[0033] (Configuration of rectifier circuit 5) The rectifier circuit 5 converts the AC power P1 output from the antenna 2 into DC power P2. As shown in Figures 1(a) and 1(b), the rectifier circuit 5 is positioned opposite the antenna 2. Therefore, the wiring 4 connecting the antenna 2 and the rectifier circuit 5 is as close to the shortest distance as possible, and the transmission loss of the received power P1 is suppressed.

[0034] (Configuration of the power receiving control device 7) The power receiving control device 7 is generally configured to include, for example, a connector 70 and a power receiving control unit 71, as shown in Figure 3. The connector 70 has the same configuration as, for example, the connector 3 of the power receiving device 1, but may be different. The power receiving control unit 71 is configured to convert the superimposed power P3 acquired via the connector 70 into power P4 required by the electrically connected electronic device 8 and output it to the electronic device 8.

[0035] (Effects of the first embodiment) The power receiving device 1 according to this embodiment can be highly expandable. Specifically, the power receiving device 1 can be easily connected to other power receiving devices 1 via the connector 3, allowing its shape to be easily changed according to the number and placement of the antennas 2. Therefore, the power receiving device 1 has higher expandability compared to cases where antennas are replaced or the number and shape of antennas are changed depending on the application, and manufacturing costs can be reduced because a dedicated design is not required.

[0036] The power receiving device 1 can function not only on its own but can also be used in combination with multiple power receiving devices 1. Compared to cases where this configuration is not adopted, placement on curved surfaces and surfaces that combine curved and flat surfaces becomes easier, and placement that makes use of limited space becomes possible, resulting in a high degree of freedom in placement.

[0037] Since the power receiving device 1 can adjust the power P4 required to drive the electronic device 8 by the number of power receiving devices 1 connected, it is possible to receive more power than a single power receiving device 1 can receive compared to a configuration that does not employ this method, and an efficient power transmission system can be built that flexibly responds to the specifications of the electronic device 8.

[0038] Since the number and placement of the power receiving devices 1 can be easily changed, this configuration allows for greater flexibility in accommodating the size and shape of the electronic device 8 compared to a configuration that does not employ this approach.

[0039] When multiple power receiving devices 1 are connected, even if the power transmitted by the power transmission wave 9 is large, the power received by each power receiving device 1 is reduced compared to when this configuration is not adopted, thus reducing the need to replace the rectifier circuit 5.

[0040] Since the rectifier circuit 5 is located near the antenna 2 in the power receiving device 1, power conversion with reduced power loss is possible compared to cases where the path for high-frequency received power is long.

[0041] The power receiving device 1 is positioned so that the rectifier circuit 5 faces the antenna 2, and is connected to the antenna 2 via via 13 over a short distance. This allows for power conversion with reduced power loss compared to connections made by wiring.

[0042] Since the power receiving device 1 can adjust the number of connected power receiving devices 1 and the position of the connectors 3 of the connected power receiving devices 1 according to the amount of power to be received and the shape of the installation site, this configuration increases the flexibility of the entire power transmission system and allows it to adapt to the operating environment compared to a configuration that does not use this method.

[0043] [Second Embodiment] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it has a different number of antennas.

[0044] Figure 4(a) is a diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the four antennas of the power receiving device according to the second embodiment, and Figure 4(b) is a diagram showing an example of a block diagram of the power receiving device shown in Figure 4(a). In the embodiments described below, parts having the same function and configuration as the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, and their descriptions will be omitted. First, an example in which antenna 2 is composed of four antennas (antennas 2a to 2d) will be described.

[0045] As an example, the circuit board 10 has multiple antennas 2 arranged on it, as shown in Figure 4(a). Also, as an example, the rectifier circuit 5 has multiple antennas 2 connected in parallel and electrically, as shown in Figure 4(b).

[0046] The power receiving device 1 shown in Figure 4(a) has antennas 2a, 2b, 2c, and 2d arranged clockwise from the upper right of the page. Antenna 2 is composed of antennas 2a to 2d, each of which has a rectangular shape.

[0047] The rectifier circuit 5 is positioned such that the projection point 22, obtained by projecting the center point 21 of the antenna region 20 (consisting of antennas 2a to 2d) onto the second surface 12, falls within the circuit region 50 where the rectifier circuit 5 is located. This configuration allows for an electrical connection between antennas 2a to 2d and the rectifier circuit 5 over a short distance. The points shown in Figures 4(a) and 5(a) illustrate the overlap of the center point 21 and the projection point 22.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4(b), the rectifier circuit 5 receives the power P from the antenna 2a. 1a , the received power P of antenna 2b 1b , the received power P of antenna 2c 1c , and the received power P of antenna 2d 1d It is configured to receive the superimposed power P1 as input.

[0049] (Effects of the second embodiment) In this embodiment, the power receiving device 1 can process multiple antennas 2 on the substrate 10 with a single rectifier circuit 5. Therefore, compared to the case where a rectifier circuit is provided for each antenna, the number of components is reduced, and manufacturing costs can be suppressed.

[0050] [Third Embodiment] The third embodiment differs from the above embodiment in that it connects other power receiving devices to a master power receiving device.

[0051] Figure 5 shows an example of the arrangement of multiple power receiving devices according to the third embodiment. The power received tends to weaken from the central power receiving device 1 to the power receiving devices 1 located on the outside. Therefore, the specifications of the rectifier circuit 5 may differ as the power receiving device 1 moves away from the center.

[0052] Figure 5 shows an example in which power receiving devices 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d are arranged around a master power receiving device 1. Power receiving devices 1a to 1d are arranged clockwise from the top of Figure 5. These power receiving devices 1a to 1d have the same configuration. Furthermore, the rectifier circuits 5a to 5d of power receiving devices 1a to 1d have the same capacity to process the received power.

[0053] The master power receiving device 1 has an output connector 3e for electrical connection to the power receiving control device 7 to which it is connected. Also, because the master power receiving device 1 is located in the center, the power it receives tends to be greater than that of power receiving devices 1a to 1d. Therefore, the rectifier circuit 5 is designed to handle a larger amount of power than rectifier circuits 5a to 5d.

[0054] As an alternative, the master power receiving device 1 may be integrated with the power receiving control device 7. This power receiving device 1 may, for example, have at least the power receiving control unit 71 of the power receiving control device 7 on its second surface 12.

[0055] (Effects of the third embodiment) In this embodiment, the master power receiving device 1 has a large processing capacity for the rectifier circuit 5, which helps to suppress excessive loads compared to cases where this configuration is not adopted. Furthermore, since power receiving device 1 can handle a larger power than the other power receiving devices 1a to 1d, it is easier to configure a power transmission system centered around the master compared to cases where this configuration is not adopted.

[0056] [Other embodiments] The following describes other embodiments different from those described above. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) show examples of connectors and wiring for a power receiving device according to other embodiments. Figure 7(a) is an example of a block diagram of a power receiving device according to other embodiments, and Figure 7(b) shows an example of a circuit board having a different shape from the circuit board of each embodiment. Figures 6(a) and 6(b) use connector 3a as an example, but the same applies to connectors 3b, 3c, and 3d.

[0057] The wiring 4 shown in Figure 6(a) includes, as an example, at least a power line 40 through which power is propagated and a ground line 41. The ground line 41 is for sharing the GND, which is the reference potential of the rectifier circuit 5, with other power receiving devices 1 via the connector 3.

[0058] When multiple power receiving devices 1 are connected, the ground line 41 can be used to equalize the reference potential of all power receiving devices 1. Therefore, the power receiving device 1 can suppress the accuracy of converting power P1 to output power P2 and the losses when superimposing the input power and output power P2.

[0059] Furthermore, in the wiring 4 shown in Figure 4(b), a ground wire 41 is placed between power lines 40 and 42. In this case, electrical connection is possible regardless of the orientation of connector 3. Note that the ground wire 41 may also be a power line, and power lines 40 and 42 may also be ground wires.

[0060] In the power receiving device 1 shown in Figure 7(a), an electronic circuit 51 is electrically connected between the rectifier circuit 5 and the connector 3, as an example. The antenna 2, rectifier circuit 5, electronic circuit 51, and connector 3 are connected in series. This electronic circuit 51 outputs an adjusted power P5, which is obtained by boosting or lowering the output power P2 output from the rectifier circuit 5 according to the specifications of the connected electronic device 8. Note that the electronic circuit 51 may also be a circuit with functions other than boosting or lowering the output power P2.

[0061] In the power receiving device 1 shown in Figure 7(b), the circuit board 10 has a pentagonal shape as an example. Therefore, as shown in Figure 7(b), connectors 3f to 3j are arranged on the circuit board 10 corresponding to sides 10a to 10e. As a modification, one of the connectors 3f to 3j may be an output connector that is electrically connected to the power receiving control device 7.

[0062] As a variation, the connector 3 of the power receiving device 1 may be configured, for example, as a male connector and a female connector that are fitted together. In this case, the power receiving devices 1 can be connected directly to each other without using the cable 6. In other words, the connector 3 also functions as a mounting part that connects and integrates adjacent power receiving devices 1.

[0063] In this case, the power receiving device 1 includes an output connector 3e, as shown in the center of Figure 5, as an example. The power receiving device 1 connects to other power receiving devices 1 with connectors 3a to 3d, which are male and female connectors, and connects to the power receiving control device 7 via the output connector 3e. Note that, for example, half of the connectors 3 are male connectors and the other half are female connectors.

[0064] Another variation is that, since the output power input from multiple connected power receiving devices 1 is different, the control of the rectifier circuit 5 may be performed on each power receiving device 1.

[0065] According to the power receiving device 1 of at least one embodiment described above, it is possible to increase expandability.

[0066] Although several embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the invention as defined in the claims. These novel embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential for solving the problem of the invention. Moreover, these embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0067] 1,1a~1d…Power receiving device, 2,2a~2d…Antenna, 3,3a~3j…Connector, 4…Wiring, 5,5a~5d…Rectifier circuit, 6…Cable, 7…Power receiving control device, 8…Electronic equipment, 9…Power transmission wave, 10…Substrate, 10a~10e…Edge, 11…First face, 12…Second face, 13…Via, 20…Antenna region, 21…Center point, 22…Projection point, 40…Power line, 41…Ground line, 42…Power line, 50…Circuit region, 51…Electronic circuit, 70…Connector, 71…Power receiving control unit

Claims

1. circuit board and At least one antenna arranged on the substrate, The substrate is arranged and comprises a plurality of connectors electrically connected to at least one of the antennas, Arranged on the substrate, the wiring connects at least one antenna and a plurality of connectors in series and electrically, and outputs the output power generated based on the power transmission wave received by at least one antenna from an output connector among the plurality of connectors to which the output destination is electrically connected. A power receiving device equipped with the following features.

2. The circuit is arranged on the substrate, electrically connected to the antenna, and includes a rectifier circuit that receives the power transmission wave and converts the AC power output from the antenna into DC power. The power receiving device according to claim 1.

3. The wiring outputs a superimposed power from the output connector, which is the sum of at least one input power input from at least one connector electrically connected to the destination of the multiple connectors, and the output power. The power receiving device according to claim 2.

4. At least one of the antennas is arranged on the first surface of the substrate. The rectifier circuit is positioned such that the second surface, which is the opposite surface to the first surface, has a projection point obtained by projecting the center point of the antenna region consisting of at least one antenna onto the second surface, and that this projection point falls within the circuit region where the rectifier circuit is provided. The power receiving device according to claim 3.

5. The aforementioned substrate has a plurality of the aforementioned antennas arranged on it. The rectifier circuit is configured such that multiple antennas are connected in parallel and electrically. The power receiving device according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned connection destination is another power receiving device. A power receiving device according to any one of claims 2 to 5.

Images