Mobile

Abstract

To provide a mobile body capable of preventing loads under transportation from being affected by leakage magnetic fields caused by the non-contact power supply.SOLUTION: A small mobile body 2 is capable of electric driving with luggage loaded and is capable of being charged with the power supplied from a power supply device 3 in a non-contact manner. The small mobile body is configured so as to, when the luggage may be affected by leakage magnetic field while power is supplied from the power supply device 3, perform a detour that does not pass over the power supply device 3; and when the luggage is not affected by the leakage magnetic field during power is supplied from the power supply device 3, pass over the power supply device 3.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a moving object. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a contactless power supply system equipped with a power supply device that supplies power contactlessly to a power receiving device mounted on an electric vehicle. This power supply device includes a power supply mat having a power transmission coil. This power supply mat is formed in a portable rectangular sheet shape and can be placed on the road surface on which the electric vehicle runs. When the electric vehicle passes over the power supply mat, power is supplied contactlessly from the power transmission coil on the road surface side to the power receiving coil on the vehicle side. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-236540 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In a contactless power supply system in which a power supply device is installed on the road surface, it is possible to supply power not only to electric vehicles such as those described in Patent Document 1, but also to autonomous vehicles, mobile objects that are too small for a person to ride in, and mobile objects for transporting luggage.

[0005] For example, in a mobile object carrying luggage, it is assumed that the luggage will be charged on the power supply device while it is still on the vehicle. However, since a leakage magnetic field is generated in a non-contact power supply, if the luggage being transported includes electronic devices, the electronic devices may be adversely affected by the leakage magnetic field.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and has an object to provide a moving body that can prevent luggage being transported from being affected by a leakage magnetic field caused by contactless power supply. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention is a mobile body that can travel electrically while loaded with luggage and can be charged with power supplied contactlessly from a power supply device, and is characterized in that if the luggage is affected by a leakage magnetic field when power is supplied from the power supply device, the mobile body performs a detour drive that does not pass over the power supply device, and if the luggage is not affected by a leakage magnetic field when power is supplied from the power supply device, the mobile body passes over the power supply device. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent luggage being transported from being affected by the leakage magnetic field caused by non-contact power supply. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a contactless power supply system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a small moving object and a power supply device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing control in a small moving object. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing the control in the power supply device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a small moving object and a power supply device in a modified example. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing control in a small moving body in a modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing control in the power supply device in the modified example. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating control in a power supply device according to another modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, a moving body according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described below.

[0011] 1 is a diagram showing a wireless power supply system according to an embodiment. In the wireless power supply system 1, a power supply device 3 is placed on a road surface on which a small mobile object 2 travels, and when the small mobile object 2 passes over the power supply device 3, power is supplied from the power supply device 3 to the small mobile object 2 in a wireless manner. The small mobile object 2 is a mobile object capable of electrically running and being charged with power supplied from the power supply device 3 in a wireless manner.

[0012] The small mobile object 2 is a mobile object that transports luggage. For example, the small mobile object 2 can travel automatically and transport luggage to a specified location. It is assumed that the small mobile object 2, with luggage on it, will supply power on the power supply device 3. In this case, the luggage may be affected by a leakage magnetic field during power supply. An example of luggage that may be affected by a leakage magnetic field during power supply is an electronic device 4.

[0013] 1, it is assumed that there are two small mobile bodies 2A and 2B, one of which, the small mobile body 2A, is carrying an electronic device 4, and the other small mobile body 2B is not carrying an electronic device 4. In this embodiment, the small mobile body 2 determines that the small mobile body 2B, which is not carrying an electronic device 4, approaches the power supply device 3 and supplies power on the power supply device 3, while the small mobile body 2A, which is carrying an electronic device 4, avoids power supply from the power supply device 3.

[0014] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a small moving object and a power supply device.

[0015] The small mobile object 2 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a power receiving unit 23, and a drive unit 24.

[0016] The communication unit 21 performs wireless communication with the power supply device 3. The communication unit 21 receives a signal transmitted from the power supply device 3, and transmits a signal from the small moving object 2 to the power supply device 3.

[0017] The control unit 22 is an electronic control device that controls the small moving body 2. This electronic control device is configured to include a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, and an input / output interface. In other words, the control unit 22 performs signal processing according to a program pre-stored in the ROM. The control unit 22 then executes various controls for controlling the small moving body 2. For example, the control unit 22 executes non-contact charging control for controlling non-contact charging by the power receiving unit 23, and drive control for controlling electric traveling by the drive unit 24.

[0018] In the non-contact charging control, a control signal from the control unit 22 is output to the power receiving unit 23, and the power receiving unit 23 is controlled to a state in which it can receive power non-contact. The power receiving unit 23 receives power supplied from the power supply device 3 non-contact, and charges the received power to a battery. Specifically, the power receiving unit 23 has a power receiving coil that receives power supplied from the power supply device 3 non-contact. Furthermore, the power receiving unit 23 functions as a charger that charges the battery with the power received by the power receiving coil. This battery is a secondary battery that can discharge and store power, and is composed of, for example, a lithium ion battery or a nickel metal hydride battery. Note that the non-contact power supply system including the power transmitting coil and the power receiving coil may be either of a magnetic resonance type or an electromagnetic induction type.

[0019] In the drive control, a control signal from the control unit 22 is output to the drive unit 24, which controls the drive unit 24 so that the traveling state of the small mobile body 2 becomes a desired state. The drive unit 24 has a motor that serves as a power source for traveling. When the small mobile body 2 travels, the motor is driven by power supplied from a battery to generate a driving force for the small mobile body 2.

[0020] The control unit 22 also includes a baggage determination unit 22a, an approach signal generation unit 22b, a drive control unit 22c, and a detour determination unit 22d.

[0021] The baggage determination unit 22a determines the type of baggage being carried by the small mobile body 2. By determining the type of baggage, the baggage determination unit 22a determines whether the baggage currently being carried includes an electronic device 4. For example, an IC tag is attached to the baggage. The small mobile body 2 is also equipped with an RFID reader. Therefore, the small mobile body 2 can determine that the baggage being carried includes an electronic device 4 by acquiring information from the IC tag.

[0022] The approach signal generating unit 22b generates an approach signal. The small moving object 2 transmits the approach signal generated by the approach signal generating unit 22b from the communication unit 21 to the surrounding area.

[0023] The drive control unit 22c executes drive control. The drive control unit 22c controls the drive unit 24 so that the small moving body 2 performs detouring travel by receiving a signal from the power supply device 3 via the communication unit 21. The detouring travel is a travel state in which the small moving body 2 continues traveling while detouring the power supply device 3.

[0024] The detour determination unit 22d determines whether or not to detour around the power supply device 3. This detour determination unit 22d determines whether or not a signal from the power supply device 3 is received by the communication unit 21 while the electronic device 4 is being transported. The small mobile object 2 is configured to automatically take a detour action. Therefore, when the detour determination unit 22d determines that the power supply device 3 should be detoured, the drive control unit 22c performs detour driving.

[0025] The power supply device 3 includes a communication unit 31 , a control unit 32 , and a power supply unit 33 .

[0026] The communication unit 31 performs wireless communication with the small mobile object 2. The communication unit 31 receives a signal transmitted from the small mobile object 2, and transmits a signal from the power supply device 3 to the small mobile object 2.

[0027] The control unit 32 is an electronic control device that controls the power supply device 3. This electronic control device is configured to include a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, and an input / output interface. In other words, the control unit 32 performs signal processing according to a program pre-stored in the ROM. The control unit 32 then executes various controls based on a signal input from the communication unit 31. For example, the control unit 32 executes non-contact power supply control to control the power supply unit 33. At that time, a control signal is output from the control unit 32 to the power supply unit 33. The power supply unit 33 is configured to include a power transmission coil.

[0028] The control unit 32 includes a moving object detection unit 32a, a reply signal generation unit 32b, and a power supply control unit 32c.

[0029] The moving body detection unit 32a detects a small moving body 2 approaching the power supply device 3. The small moving body 2 approaching the power supply device 3 for power supply transmits an approaching signal to the surroundings. Therefore, when the communication unit 31 of the power supply device 3 receives the approaching signal from the small moving body 2, the moving body detection unit 32a detects the approaching small moving body 2.

[0030] The reply signal generator 32b generates a reply signal to the small moving body 2. The reply signal is a signal for notifying the small moving body 2 of the presence of the power supply device 3. Therefore, the reply signal does not necessarily need to include instruction information for instructing a detour.

[0031] The power supply control unit 32c executes non-contact power supply control. In the non-contact power supply control, the control unit 32 controls the power supply unit 33, so that power is transmitted from the power supply unit 33 to the small moving object 2 in a non-contact manner.

[0032] Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing control in a small mobile object. The control shown in Fig. 3 is executed when the baggage includes an electronic device 4. That is, when the baggage determination unit 21a determines that the electronic device 4 is being carried, the control shown in Fig. 3 is repeatedly executed by the control unit 22. That is, when the baggage determination unit 21a determines that the electronic device 4 is not being carried, the control shown in Fig. 3 is not executed.

[0033] 3, the control unit 22 of the small moving object 2 determines whether a predetermined time has passed since the previous transmission of the approach signal (step S1). The control unit 22 can grasp the elapsed time from the previous transmission based on the history information of the previous transmission of the approach signal.

[0034] If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the previous transmission of the approach signal (step S1: No), this control routine ends.

[0035] When a predetermined time has passed since the previous timing of transmitting the approach signal (step S1: Yes), the small mobile object 2 transmits the approach signal (step S2). In step S2, the approach signal generated by the approach signal generating unit 22b is transmitted to the surroundings from the communication unit 21. Furthermore, when the approach signal is transmitted in step S2, the control unit 22 stores history information including the transmission time in the storage unit.

[0036] Then, the control unit 22 determines whether or not a reply signal has been received from the power supply device 3 (step S3). In step S3, it is determined whether or not the communication unit 21 has received a reply signal.

[0037] If a reply signal is not received from the power supply device 3 (step S3: No), this control routine ends.

[0038] When a reply signal is received from the power supply device 3 (step S3: Yes), the control unit 22 executes detouring control (step S4). In step S4, the detouring control is executed based on the information that the reply signal has been received. When the detouring control is executed by the control unit 22, the small mobile object 2 automatically detouring the power supply device 3. After the process of step S4 is executed, this control routine ends.

[0039] 3 is performed when the electronic device 4 is in transit. Therefore, regardless of the type of information contained in the reply signal, it is possible to perform the detouring control on the condition that a reply signal is received.

[0040] 4 is a flow chart showing the control in the power supply device 3. The control shown in FIG.

[0041] The control unit 32 of the power supply device 3 determines whether or not an approaching signal has been received (step S11). In step S11, it is determined whether or not the approaching signal has been received by the communication unit 31. If a small mobile object 2 is present near the power supply device 3, the approaching signal can be received, and if a small mobile object 2 is not present near the power supply device 3, the approaching signal is not received.

[0042] If the approach signal is not received (step S11: No), this control routine ends.

[0043] When an approach signal is received (step S11: Yes), the control unit 32 transmits a reply signal (step S12). In step S12, the reply signal is transmitted to the small moving object 2 that transmitted the approach signal. After the process of step S12 is performed, this control routine ends.

[0044] In the small mobile body 2 configured in this manner, if the luggage is affected by the leakage magnetic field when power is being supplied, the small mobile body 2 performs a detour that does not pass over the power supply device 3. Also, if the luggage is not affected by the leakage magnetic field when power is being supplied from the power supply device 3, the small mobile body 2 passes over the power supply device 3.

[0045] As described above, according to the embodiment, the contactless power supply system 1 can prevent baggage being carried by the small mobile object 2 from being affected by the leakage magnetic field caused by contactless power supply.

[0046] In the above example, the small mobile object 2 determines by itself through wireless communication with the power supply device 3 and makes a detour, but the present invention is not limited to this. As a modified example, the power supply device 3 can be configured to determine the necessity of a detour through wireless communication with the small mobile object 2 and output a detour instruction to the small mobile object 2. The configuration of this modified example is illustrated in Figs. 5 to 7. In the description of the modified example, the same components as those in the above embodiment will be referred to by their reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a small moving object and a power supply device in a modified example.

[0048] In the small moving object 2, the control unit 22 includes a baggage determination unit 22a, an approach signal generation unit 22b, and a drive control unit 22c.

[0049] The approach signal creation unit 22b creates an approach signal including baggage information indicating that the electronic device 4 is loaded and identification information of the small mobile object 2. The small mobile object 2 outputs the approach signal including the baggage information and the identification information from the communication unit 21.

[0050] Moreover, in the power supply device 3, the control unit 32 includes a moving object detection unit 32a, a detour determination unit 32d, a reply signal creation unit 32b, and a power supply control unit 32c.

[0051] The mobile object detector 32a receives an approach signal including baggage information and identification information, and thereby detects that the small mobile object 2 carrying the electronic device 4 is approaching the power supply device 3 for power supply.

[0052] The detour determination unit 32d determines whether or not the approaching small mobile object 2 should be detoured. The detour determination unit 32d determines whether or not the small mobile object 2 detected by the mobile object detection unit 32a is carrying an electronic device 4. In this case, by determining whether or not the received approach signal includes baggage information indicating that an electronic device 4 is being carried, it is possible to determine whether or not the small mobile object 2 is a detour target.

[0053] The reply signal generator 32b generates a reply signal including a detour instruction for the small mobile object 2 that is determined by the detour determiner 32d to require a detour.

[0054] 6 is a flow chart showing the control of the small moving body in the modified example. Note that steps S21, S23, and S25 shown in FIG. 6 are the same processes as steps S1, S3, and S5 shown in FIG.

[0055] 6, when a predetermined time has passed since the previous timing of transmitting an approach signal (step S21: Yes), the small mobile object 2 transmits an approach signal generated by the approach signal generating unit 22b (step S22). The approach signal generating unit 22b generates an approach signal based on the determination result by the baggage determining unit 22a, and therefore may generate an approach signal including baggage information and identification information, or may generate an approach signal not including baggage information. Therefore, step S22 includes a case where an approach signal including baggage information and identification information is transmitted from the communication unit 21 to the surroundings, and a case where an approach signal not including baggage information is transmitted from the communication unit 21 to the surroundings.

[0056] Then, when a reply signal is received from the power supply device 3 (step S23: Yes), the control unit 22 judges whether or not the reply signal includes information indicating a detour (step S24). In step S24, it is judged whether or not the reply signal includes a detour instruction. That is, the small moving object 2 judges whether or not the reply signal includes a detour instruction is received.

[0057] If it is determined that the information in the reply signal does not include information indicating that the vehicle should be detouring (step S24: No), this control routine ends. If the approach signal does not include baggage information indicating that the electronic device 4 is loaded in step S22, the result in step S24 is negative.

[0058] If it is determined that the information in the reply signal indicates that a detour should be made (step S24: Yes), the control unit 22 executes detour control (step S25). In step S25, detour control is executed because the reply signal contains information indicating a detour instruction. After the process of step S25 is performed, this control routine ends. If an approach signal containing baggage information indicating that electronic device 4 is loaded is transmitted in step S22, the determination in step S24 is affirmative.

[0059] 7 is a flow chart showing control in the power supply device in the modified example. Note that the control shown in FIG.

[0060] The control unit 32 of the power supply device 3 determines whether or not an approach signal has been received (step S31).

[0061] If the approach signal is not received (step S31: No), this control routine ends.

[0062] When an approach signal is received (step S31: Yes), the control unit 32 judges whether or not the small mobile body 2 that transmitted the approach signal should detour around the power supply device 3 (step S32). The detour judgment unit 32d of the control unit 32 can judge whether or not to detour based on the approach signal. When an approach signal including baggage information indicating that an electronic device 4 is loaded is received, it is judged that the small mobile body 2 that output the approach signal should detour. On the other hand, when an approach signal not including baggage information indicating that an electronic device 4 is loaded is received, it is judged that the small mobile body 2 that output the approach signal does not need to detour.

[0063] Then, the control unit 32 transmits a reply signal (step S33). In step S33, the reply signal is transmitted to the small mobile body 2 that transmitted the approach signal. In other words, the reply signal is transmitted to all small mobile bodies 2 that received the approach signal. Therefore, the reply signal includes a signal that includes a detour instruction and a signal that does not include a detour instruction. If the reply signal generating unit 32b generates a reply signal that includes a detour instruction, in step S33, the reply signal that includes a detour instruction is transmitted to the small mobile body 2. On the other hand, if the reply signal generating unit 32b generates a reply signal that does not include a detour instruction, in step S33, the reply signal that does not include a detour instruction is transmitted to the small mobile body 2.

[0064] Furthermore, when the reply signal is transmitted, the control unit 32 judges whether or not it has been determined that a detouring route should be taken (step S34). In step S34, it is judged whether or not it has been determined in step S32 that a detouring route should be taken.

[0065] If it is determined that the small moving object 2 should be detouring (step S34: Yes), this control routine ends. In this case, the small moving object 2 detouring the power supply device 3 means that the small moving object 2 does not pass over the power supply device 3. Therefore, the power supply device 3 does not need to prepare for power supply.

[0066] On the other hand, if it is determined that detouring is not necessary (step S34: No), the control unit 32 prepares for power supply (step S35). In step S35, the power supply control unit 32c controls the power supply unit 33 to prepare for power supply. In this case, the small moving object 2 that transmitted the reply signal will pass above the power supply device 3 to be supplied with power, so power supply preparation is performed in preparation for this. After the process of step S35 is performed, this control routine ends.

[0067] According to this modification, if the luggage is affected by the leakage magnetic field during power supply, the small moving object 2 can take a detour without passing over the power supply device 3 in response to a detour instruction from the power supply device 3.

[0068] As another modified example, the approach signal can include information indicating that the requested power supply amount is zero. When the small mobile body 2 in this modified example determines that the package contains an electronic device 4, it creates and transmits an approach signal including information indicating that the requested power supply amount is zero. The power supply device 3 then determines whether or not the received approach signal includes information indicating that the requested power supply amount is zero, thereby determining whether or not the power supply device 3 is ready to supply power. Furthermore, the small mobile body 2 that transmitted the approach signal is configured to pass directly over the power supply device 3. An example of the control of this modified example is shown in FIG. 8.

[0069] FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating control in a power supply device according to another modified example.

[0070] The control unit 32 of the power supply device 3 determines whether or not an approach signal has been received (step S41).

[0071] If the approach signal is not received (step S41: No), this control routine ends.

[0072] When an approach signal is received (step S41: Yes), the control unit 32 determines whether the requested power supply amount is zero (step S42). In step S42, it is determined whether the approach signal includes information indicating that the requested power supply amount is zero. That is, it is determined whether an approach signal indicating that the requested power supply amount is zero is received.

[0073] If it is determined that the requested power supply amount is zero (step S42: Yes), the control unit 32 does not perform power supply preparation (step S43). After performing the process of step S43, this control routine ends. If the determination in step S42 is affirmative, the small mobile object 2 carrying the electronic device 4 passes over the power supply device 3 that is in a state where it cannot supply power.

[0074] If it is not determined that the requested power supply amount is zero (step S42: No), the control unit 32 performs power supply preparation (step S44). In this case, the small moving object 2 that transmitted the reply signal will pass above the power supply device 3 to be supplied with power, so power supply preparation is performed in preparation for this. After the process of step S44 is performed, this control routine ends.

[0075] In the above-mentioned modified examples, the configuration in which the detouring decision is made by the power supply device 3 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the contactless power supply system 1 includes a server, and the server is connected to the small mobile object 2 and the power supply device 3 via a network so as to be able to transmit and receive information. In this case, the detouring decision may be made by the server, and the detouring instruction may be output to the small mobile object 2 under the control of the server.

[0076] Although the small moving body 2 has been described, the moving body to be supplied with power is not limited to this. In other words, the contactless power supply system 1 can be applied to an electric car, a moving body that is not small, or the like to be supplied with power.

[0077] Furthermore, the timing of transmitting the approach signal is not limited to the timing when a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous transmission, and may be, for example, transmitted periodically or according to other conditions. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1. Wireless power supply system 2 Small mobile object 3 Power supply device 21 Communications Department 22 Control section 22a Baggage Check Section 22b Approach signal generator 22c Drive control unit 22d Detour determination section 23 Power receiving section 24 Drive unit 31 Communications Department 32 Control section 32a Moving object detection unit 32b Reply signal generator 32c Power supply control unit 33 Power supply unit

Claims

[Claim 1] A mobile object capable of electrically traveling while carrying luggage and capable of being charged with power supplied contactlessly from a power supply device, When the luggage is affected by a leakage magnetic field during power supply from the power supply device, the luggage is detouring so as not to pass over the power supply device; When the luggage is not affected by a leakage magnetic field when power is supplied from the power supply device, the luggage passes over the power supply device. A moving object characterized by:

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