Charger

Abstract

To provide a useful charger.SOLUTION: A charger 20 has a power reception part 22, a rechargeable battery 23, and a power transmission part 24. The power reception part 22 receives electric power transmitted from a transmission device 10 provided within a vehicle through electric wave type wireless electric supply. The rechargeable battery 23 is supplied with electric power received by the power reception part 22 to be charged. The power transmission part 24 transmits electric power stored in the rechargeable battery 23 to an electric device to be charged through electromagnetic induction type wireless electric supply.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charger for charging an electric device. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various chargers for charging electrical devices such as smartphones, tablet terminals, and wireless earphones have been proposed and put to practical use. Chargers that connect the charger and the electrical device with a cable to supply power wirelessly, as well as chargers that connect the charger and the electrical device wirelessly to supply power wirelessly, are also in practical use (e.g., Patent Document 1). The charger described in Patent Document 1 has a housing and a power transmission coil provided within the housing. When the electrical device to be charged is placed on the housing of the charger, the electrical device (more specifically, a storage battery of the electrical device) is charged by utilizing electromagnetic induction generated between the power receiving coil of the electrical device and the power transmitting coil of the charger. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-113849 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There are an increasing number of situations where electrical devices are charged inside a vehicle such as an automobile (for example, inside the passenger compartment). In these situations, the charger is used while connected to a power terminal such as an accessory socket or a USB port via a connection cord. In this case, the location where the charger can be installed is limited to the vicinity of the power terminal, making the charger less convenient to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A charger for solving the above problems includes a power receiving unit that receives power sent from a power transmitting device installed inside the vehicle via radio wave wireless power supply, a power storage unit that is charged by supplying the power received by the power receiving unit, and a power transmission unit that transmits the power stored in the power storage unit to an electrical device to be charged via electromagnetic induction wireless power supply.

[0006] In the above configuration, the power storage unit of the charger is charged through wireless power supply using radio waves. Therefore, even if power is not supplied to the charger via a power terminal such as an accessory socket and a connection cord, the charger can be kept in a state in which an electric device can be charged using the power stored in the power storage unit and the power transmission unit. This eliminates the restriction on the installation location of the charger due to the position of the power terminal. This increases the degree of freedom in the installation location of the charger, making it possible to install the charger in a location that is easy to use. In this way, the above configuration makes it possible to improve the usability of the charger.

[0007] In the charger, it is preferable that the power transmitting unit is attached to an on-board component provided inside a vehicle compartment. According to the above configuration, passengers can easily use the charger inside the vehicle cabin.

[0008] In the charger, it is preferable that the power transmission unit prohibits transmission of the power to the electric device when the remaining amount of power stored in the power storage unit is equal to or less than a predetermined low amount determination value.

[0009] In the above configuration, unlike a charger that is connected to a power supply device by a power cord, if the remaining amount of stored power in the power storage unit becomes low for some reason, it becomes impossible to charge the electrical device. According to the above configuration, when the remaining amount of power stored in the power storage unit becomes low, the power is prohibited from being used to charge the electrical device. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary charging of the electrical device and unnecessary reduction in the remaining amount of stored power in the power storage unit.

[0010] In the above-mentioned charger, it is preferable that when the remaining charge is equal to or less than the low-charge judgment value and the power receiving unit is receiving power sent from the power transmitting device, the power transmitting unit transmits the power received by the power receiving unit to the electrical device via wireless power supply using an electromagnetic induction method.

[0011] According to the above configuration, by prohibiting the use of the power stored in the power storage unit, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the remaining amount of stored power in the power storage unit, while maintaining the function of charging an electrical device by utilizing the power received by the power receiving unit.

[0012] In the charger, it is preferable that the power receiving unit prohibits receiving power transmitted from the power transmitting device when the remaining amount of power stored in the power storage unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined full-power determination value.

[0013] In the above configuration, the remaining amount of electricity in the power storage unit decreases due to power consumption when the electrical device is being charged, while it increases due to charging by the power received by the power receiving unit when charging of the electrical device is stopped. With the above configuration, the charging of the power storage unit can be stopped on the condition that the remaining amount of electricity in the power storage unit becomes an appropriate amount as a result of the charging of the power storage unit. Therefore, the power storage unit can be kept in an appropriately charged state.

[0014] The charger preferably further includes a physical switch for switching between a state in which the power transmitting unit is permitted to transmit power to the electric device and a state in which the power transmission is prohibited. According to the above configuration, the user can operate the physical switch to switch between a state in which the charger charges the electrical device and a state in which it does not charge the electrical device. This can prevent the power transmission unit from transmitting power unnecessarily. Therefore, the charger can be kept in a state in which it can charge the electrical device while reducing power consumption by the charger. Effect of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, a user-friendly charger can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a vehicle to which a charger according to an embodiment is applied; [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between a charger and a power transmitting device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a charger and a power transmitting device. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a power receiving mode by a charger. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure of a process related to operation control of the power receiving unit. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure of a process related to operation control of a power transmitting unit. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a charging mode by a charger. [Figure 9] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining another example of a charging mode by the charger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] An embodiment of the charger will be described below. As shown in FIG. 1, the charger 20 of this embodiment is provided inside the vehicle 1, more specifically, in an armrest 3 for the rear seat 2. The armrest 3 is a so-called movable type that operates as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1. The charger 20 is detachably attached to the armrest 3. In this embodiment, the armrest 3 corresponds to an on-board component provided in the vehicle compartment. The power transmission device 10 is also attached inside the vehicle 1, more specifically, to a ceiling wall 4 of the vehicle compartment.

[0018] 2, the charger 20 of this embodiment is charged by power transmitted from the power transmitting device 10. The power transmitting device 10 supplies power to the charger 20 by wireless power supply using radio waves (microwaves in this embodiment). In more detail, a power transmission signal for wireless power supply is transmitted and received between a power transmitting antenna 11 of the power transmitting device 10 and a power receiving antenna 21 of the charger 20.

[0019] The charger 20 transmits a beacon signal including location information to the power transmission device 10 at a predetermined time interval. When the charger 20 is within its power transmission range AR, the power transmission device 10 receives the beacon signal of the charger 20. When the power transmission device 10 receives the beacon signal of the charger 20, it identifies the location of the charger 20 based on the beacon signal. The power transmission device 10 wirelessly supplies power to the charger 20 by transmitting a power transmission signal toward the identified location. This allows efficient power supply to the charger 20 depending on the orientation of the charger 20 relative to the power transmission device 10, the distance between the power transmission device 10 and the charger 20, etc.

[0020] <Power transmission device 10> 3, the power transmitting device 10 includes a power transmitting antenna 11 and a control unit 12. The power transmitting device 10 is connected to a power supply circuit of the vehicle 1 via a wire harness. Power is supplied to the power transmitting device 10 from the power supply circuit of the vehicle 1 via the wire harness.

[0021] The power transmitting antenna 11 is used for various communications with the charger 20. The power transmitting antenna 11 is used for transmitting a power transmission signal and receiving a beacon signal. The control unit 12 may be, for example, a microcontroller unit. The control unit 12 includes a processor and a storage unit. The storage unit includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The control unit 12 executes various controls related to communication with the charger 20. The control unit 12 controls the power transmission antenna 11 to receive a beacon signal transmitted by the charger 20. The control unit 12 converts power supplied from a power supply device (not shown) into a power transmission signal, and transmits the power transmission signal using the power transmission antenna 11.

[0022] <Charger 20> The charger 20 includes a power receiving unit 22 , a storage battery 23 , a power transmitting unit 24 , and a control unit 25 .

[0023] <Power receiving unit 22> The power receiving unit 22 constitutes a part that receives power transmitted from the power transmitting device 10 by radio wave wireless power feeding. The power receiving unit 22 has a power receiving antenna 21 and a power receiving conversion unit .

[0024] The power receiving antenna 21 is used for various communications with the power transmitting device 10. More specifically, the power receiving antenna 21 is used for receiving a power transmission signal transmitted from the power transmitting device 10 and for transmitting a beacon signal to the power transmitting device 10.

[0025] The power receiving conversion unit 26 constitutes a part that converts the power transmission signal received by the power receiving antenna 21 into DC power. The power receiving conversion unit 26 has a rectifier circuit and a transformer circuit. In the charger 20 of the present embodiment, the DC power converted by the power receiving conversion unit 26 is supplied to the storage battery 23, whereby the storage battery 23 is charged.

[0026] <Power transmission unit 24> The power transmission unit 24 constitutes a part that transmits the power stored in the storage battery 23 to the electric device to be charged by wireless power supply using an electromagnetic induction method. In this embodiment, the wireless power supply by the power transmission unit 24 is performed in compliance with a standard called Qi. Qi is an international standard established by WPC (Wireless Power Consortium). The wireless power supply by the power transmission unit 24 may also be in compliance with other standards, for example, standards established by PMA (Power Matters Alliance). Note that the electric device may be a smartphone, a tablet terminal, a wireless earphone, or the like.

[0027] The power transmission unit 24 has a power transmission conversion unit 27 and a power transmission coil 28. The power transmission conversion unit 27 has an inverter circuit. The power transmission conversion unit 27 constitutes a part that converts DC power supplied from the storage battery 23 into AC power. The power transmission coil 28 is constituted by a wound conductor. In the charger 20 of this embodiment, the AC power converted by the power transmission conversion unit 27 is supplied to the power transmission coil 28.

[0028] In the charger 20 of this embodiment, DC power supplied from the storage battery 23 is basically converted into AC power by the power transmission conversion unit 27. Then, this AC power is sent to the power transmission coil 28. As a result, the power transmission coil 28 generates a magnetic flux for wireless power supply by electromagnetic induction.

[0029] <Control unit 25> The control unit 25 may be, for example, a microcontroller unit. The control unit 25 includes a processor and a storage unit. The storage unit includes a ROM and a RAM. The control unit 25 executes various controls related to the operation control of the charger 20, such as the operation control of the power receiving unit 22 and the operation control of the power transmitting unit 24. The control unit 25 controls the power receiving antenna 21 to transmit a beacon signal to the power transmitting device 10. The control unit 25 controls the power receiving antenna 21 to receive a power transmission signal transmitted from the power transmitting device 10. The control unit 25 converts the DC power supplied from the storage battery 23 into AC power, and supplies the AC power to the power transmitting coil 28.

[0030] <Case 30> 4, the charger 20 includes a housing 30. Inside this housing 30, the power receiving unit 22, the storage battery 23, the power transmitting unit 24, and the control unit 25 are housed.

[0031] When charging an electric device using the charger 20, the electric device is placed on the housing 30. As a result, the electric device is charged by wireless power supply using an electromagnetic induction method. Specifically, the power transmission coil 28 of the charger 20 generates a magnetic flux when energized. The charger 20 is configured such that, when the electric device is placed at a predetermined position on the housing 30, the magnetic flux generated by the power transmission coil 28 interlinks with the power receiving coil of the electric device. Then, an induced electromotive force is generated in the power receiving coil of the electric device by the magnetic flux interlinking with the power receiving coil of the electric device. The storage battery of the electric device is charged using this induced electromotive force.

[0032] An operation switch 31 is attached to the housing 30. The operation switch 31 is connected to the control unit 25 (see FIG. 3) of the charger 20. The operation switch 31 is a slide switch operated by a user of the charger 20. The control unit 25 switches between a state in which the power transmission unit 24 is permitted to transmit power to an electric device (power transmission permitted state) and a state in which the power transmission is prohibited (power transmission prohibited state) based on the manner in which the user operates the operation switch 31. By providing such an operation switch 31, it becomes possible to operate the power transmission unit 24 in conjunction with charging of the electric device. This prevents the power transmission unit 24 from entering a state in which it is operating even when charging is not being performed, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption in the power transmission unit 24.

[0033] A display device 32 is attached to the housing 30. The display device 32 has a plurality of light-emitting diodes arranged in a line. The display device 32 is connected to the control unit 25 (see FIG. 3). The display device 32 displays information according to the remaining amount of electricity stored in the storage battery 23, so-called State Of Charge (SOC), through the operation control by the control unit 25. The display device 32 displays different colors (e.g., green) when the remaining amount of electricity stored SOC is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and different colors (e.g., red) when the remaining amount of electricity stored SOC is less than the predetermined amount. Based on the display information (more specifically, the number of lit light-emitting diodes) and display color of the display device 32, the user can easily determine whether the charger 20 has stored enough power for charging an electrical device or whether the amount of power stored in the charger 20 is low. The remaining amount of electricity stored SOC is calculated by the control unit 25 based on the power received by the power receiving unit 22, the voltage of the storage battery 23, the power transmitted by the power transmitting unit 24, and the like.

[0034] <Battery 23> The charger 20 of this embodiment employs a structure that allows the storage battery 23 to be replaced. Specifically, the housing 30 is provided with a battery housing section (not shown) capable of housing the storage battery 23, and a lid (not shown) that allows the battery housing section to be opened and closed. With the storage battery 23 housed in the battery housing section, the lid is attached to the housing 30 in a closed state. By employing such a structure, when the storage battery 23 deteriorates, it is possible to reuse the parts of the charger 20 other than the storage battery 23 by replacing the storage battery 23.

[0035] The effects of the charger 20 of this embodiment will be described below. <Reception of power from power transmission device 10 by power receiving unit 22> 2, the charger 20 controls the power receiving antenna 21 to transmit a beacon signal. The power transmitting device 10 controls the power transmitting antenna 11 to receive the beacon signal transmitted by the charger 20. Then, upon receiving the beacon signal, the power transmitting device 10 controls the power transmitting antenna 11 to transmit a power transmission signal to the charger 20.

[0036] 5, the charger 20 receives the power transmission signal through operation control of the power receiving antenna 21. Then, the power receiving converter 26 of the charger 20 converts the power transmission signal into DC power and supplies the DC power to the storage battery 23. The storage battery 23 is charged by the DC power supplied in this manner.

[0037] In the charger 20 of this embodiment, the storage battery 23 is charged through radio wave wireless power supply. Therefore, even if power is not supplied to the charger 20 by wire using a power terminal such as an accessory socket or a USB port and a connection cord, the charger 20 can be kept in a state in which an electric device can be charged by the power stored in the storage battery 23 and the power transmission unit 24. This eliminates the restriction on the installation location of the charger 20 due to the position of the power terminal, and increases the degree of freedom in the installation location of the charger 20.

[0038] The distance over which power can be transmitted by radio-wave wireless power supply (e.g., several meters) is longer than the distance over which power can be transmitted by electromagnetic induction wireless power supply (e.g., several centimeters). In this embodiment, radio-wave wireless power supply is adopted as the power supply mode from the power transmitting device 10 to the charger 20. Therefore, compared with the case where electromagnetic induction wireless power supply is adopted as the power supply mode, the charger 20 can be used at a position farther away from the power transmitting device 10 due to the longer distance over which power can be transmitted. Therefore, the degree of freedom in the installation location of the charger 20 is increased. Thus, according to this embodiment, the degree of freedom in the installation location of the charger 20 can be increased, so that the charger 20 can be installed in a place that is easy to use. Therefore, the usability of the charger 20 can be improved.

[0039] According to this embodiment, the occupant can use the charger 20 in the vehicle cabin after removing it from the armrest 3. Also, the charger 20 can be removed from the armrest 3 and taken outside the vehicle 1 for use.

[0040] Fig. 6 shows the procedure for executing processing related to the operation control of the power receiving unit 22. Note that the series of processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 6 is executed by the control unit 25 of the charger 20 as processing at predetermined intervals.

[0041] 6, in this embodiment, when the remaining charge SOC is less than a full charge determination value (for example, a value corresponding to a full charge [100 percent]) (step S11: NO), reception of a power transmission signal by the power receiving unit 22 of the charger 20 is permitted (step S12). That is, in this case, the charger 20 is in a state in which it is possible to receive power transmitted from the power transmitting device 10.

[0042] On the other hand, when the remaining power storage capacity SOC becomes equal to or greater than the full-charge determination value (step S11: YES), reception of a power transmission signal by the power receiving unit 22 of the charger 20 is prohibited (step S13). In this case, the charger 20 is in a state in which it does not receive the power transmission signal, i.e., does not receive power transmitted from the power transmitting device 10. In this embodiment, in this case, transmission of a power transmission signal from the power transmitting device 10 to the charger 20 is prohibited (stopped).

[0043] Here, when the electric device is charged by the charger 20, the power stored in the storage battery 23 is consumed, so that the remaining charge SOC of the storage battery 23 decreases. On the other hand, when the charging of the electric device by the charger 20 is stopped, the storage battery 23 is basically charged by the power received by the power receiving unit 22, so that the remaining charge SOC of the storage battery 23 increases.

[0044] According to this embodiment, charging of the storage battery 23 can be stopped on the condition that the remaining charge SOC of the storage battery 23 becomes an appropriate amount as a result of charging the storage battery 23. Therefore, the storage battery 23 can be kept in an appropriately charged state. In addition, at this time, the transmission of a power transmission signal from the power transmitting device 10 is prohibited, so that unnecessary transmission of a power transmission signal can be avoided. This can reduce the power consumption of the power transmitting device 10.

[0045] <Power transmission to electrical devices by power transmission unit 24> When charging an electrical device using charger 20, operation switch 31 (FIG. 4) is turned on and the electrical device is placed on housing 30. This causes the electrical device to be charged by wireless power supply using electromagnetic induction.

[0046] Fig. 7 shows the procedure for executing processing related to the operation control of the power transmission unit 24. Note that the series of processing shown in the flowchart of Fig. 7 is executed by the control unit 25 of the charger 20 as processing at predetermined intervals.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 7, when the remaining power storage SOC of the storage battery 23 is greater than a low-power judgment value (e.g., a value corresponding to the remaining power being "0" [0 percent]) (step S21: YES), charging of an electrical device is performed using the power of the storage battery 23 (step S22).

[0048] In this case, as shown in Fig. 8, the DC power supplied from the storage battery 23 is converted to AC power by the power transmission conversion unit 27, and the AC power is sent to the power transmission coil 28. This causes the power transmission coil 28 to generate a magnetic flux for wireless power transfer. This magnetic flux generates an induced electromotive force in the power receiving coil of the electric device, and the storage battery of the electric device is charged using this induced electromotive force.

[0049] The wireless power supply using the electromagnetic induction method has a higher power transmission efficiency than the wireless power supply using the radio wave method. In this embodiment, the wireless power supply using the electromagnetic induction method is adopted as the power supply mode from the charger 20 to the electric device. Therefore, the electric device can be charged more efficiently than when the wireless power supply using the radio wave method is adopted as the power supply mode.

[0050] 7, when the remaining charge SOC of the storage battery 23 is equal to or less than the low charge determination value (step S21: NO) and the power receiving unit 22 is receiving power (step S23: YES), the electric device is charged in the following manner (step S24). In this case, the electric device is charged using the power received by the power receiving unit 22.

[0051] As shown in Fig. 9, specifically, the DC power converted by the power receiving conversion unit 26 is supplied to the power transmitting conversion unit 27. Then, the power transmitting conversion unit 27 converts the DC power supplied from the power receiving unit 22 into AC power and transmits the AC power to the power transmitting coil 28. This causes the power transmitting coil 28 to generate a magnetic flux for wireless power supply. This magnetic flux generates an induced electromotive force in the power receiving coil of the electrical device, and the storage battery of the electrical device is charged using this induced electromotive force. In this case, the storage battery 23 is not charged with the DC power converted by the power receiving conversion unit 26, and power is not supplied from the storage battery 23 to the power transmitting conversion unit 27.

[0052] Unlike a type of charger that is connected to a power supply device via a power cord, the charger 20 of this embodiment is unable to charge electrical equipment if the remaining power of the storage battery 23 becomes low for some reason.

[0053] In this regard, in the present embodiment, when the remaining charge SOC of the storage battery 23 is equal to or less than the low charge determination value, power transmission to an electrical device using the power stored in the storage battery 23 is prohibited. Therefore, when the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 23 becomes low, the power is not used to charge the electrical device. This makes it possible to prevent unnecessary charging of an electrical device using the power stored in the storage battery 23 and to prevent unnecessary reduction in the remaining amount of power in the storage battery 23.

[0054] Even in such a case, when power receiving unit 22 is in a power receiving state, power is transmitted to the electric device in a manner that utilizes the power received by power receiving unit 22. This makes it possible to maintain the function of charging the electric device by utilizing the power received by power receiving unit 22, while suppressing a decrease in the remaining power of storage battery 23 by prohibiting the use of the power stored in storage battery 23.

[0055] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, when the remaining charge SOC of the storage battery 23 is equal to or lower than the low charge determination value (step S21: NO) and the power receiving unit 22 is not receiving power (step S23: NO), the electrical device is not charged (step S25).

[0056] In this case, the remaining amount of power stored in the storage battery 23 is considered to be low, and the power is not used to charge the electrical device. This prevents the unnecessary charging of the electrical device using the power stored in the storage battery 23, and prevents unnecessary reduction in the remaining amount of power in the storage battery 23. Also, in this case, since the power receiving unit 22 is in a non-power receiving state, it is considered that power transmission to the electrical device using the received power by the power receiving unit 22 is not possible, and power transmission to the electrical device in this manner is not performed.

[0057] <Effects> As described above, according to this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) Charger 20 has power receiving unit 22 that receives power transmitted from power transmitting device 10 provided inside vehicle 1 by radio wave wireless power feeding, and storage battery 23 that is charged by the power received by power receiving unit 22. Charger 20 has power transmitting unit 24 that transmits the power stored in storage battery 23 to an electric device to be charged by electromagnetic induction wireless power feeding. This allows for a high degree of freedom in the installation location of charger 20, thereby improving the usability of charger 20.

[0058] (2) The charger 20 is attached to an armrest 3 for a rear seat 2 provided in the vehicle cabin. This allows an occupant in the vehicle cabin to easily use the charger 20.

[0059] (3) When the remaining charge SOC of the storage battery 23 is equal to or less than the low charge determination value, power transmission to an electric device using the power stored in the storage battery 23 is prohibited. This prevents the electric device from being charged in an unnecessary manner using the power stored in the storage battery 23, and prevents unnecessary reduction in the remaining power of the storage battery 23.

[0060] (4) Even if the remaining charge SOC of the storage battery 23 is equal to or lower than the low charge determination value, when the power receiving unit 22 is in a power receiving state, power is transmitted to the electric device in a manner that utilizes the power received by the power receiving unit 22. This makes it possible to maintain the function of charging the electric device by utilizing the power received by the power receiving unit 22 while suppressing a decrease in the remaining power of the storage battery 23 by prohibiting the use of the power stored in the storage battery 23.

[0061] (5) When the remaining charge SOC of the storage battery 23 is equal to or greater than the full charge determination value, the power receiving unit 22 is prohibited from receiving power transmitted from the power transmitting device 10. This allows the storage battery 23 to be kept in an appropriately charged state.

[0062] (6) Charger 20 has operation switch 31 for switching between a power transmission permitted state and a power transmission prohibited state. This can prevent unnecessary power transmission by power transmitter 24, and therefore charger 20 can be maintained in a state in which it is capable of charging an electric device while suppressing power consumption by charger 20.

[0063] <Example of change> The above embodiment can be modified as follows: The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that no technical contradiction occurs.

[0064] The display device 32 that displays the remaining charge SOC may be omitted. The storage battery 23 may be provided in the housing 30 in a non-replaceable state. The charger 20 may be provided with a wired charging unit that transmits power to the electrical device to be charged by wired power supply using a charging cord. The wired connection unit has, for example, a connection terminal for connecting the charging cord and a connection circuit that connects the connection terminal with the storage battery 23 (or the power receiving conversion unit 26). A cord that complies with the USB standard (Type-A, Type-B, Type-C, etc.) can be used as the charging cord.

[0065] As the power storage unit to which the power receiving unit 22 is supplied and charged, a capacitor may be used instead of the storage battery 23. The operation switch 31 is not limited to a slide switch, and any physical switch such as a touch switch may be used.

[0066] The operation switch 31 may be omitted. The configuration (see FIG. 6) for prohibiting the power receiving unit 22 from receiving a power transmission signal when the remaining power storage SOC is equal to or greater than the full-power determination value may be omitted. In other words, regardless of the value of the remaining power storage SOC, the power receiving unit 22 may be permitted to receive a power transmission signal.

[0067] It is possible to omit the configuration for charging an electric device using power received by the power receiving unit 22. Specifically, the process of step S23 and the process of step S24 in FIG.

[0068] The configuration for prohibiting charging of an electrical device using the power of the storage battery 23 when the remaining power storage SOC is equal to or lower than the low-power determination value may be omitted. In other words, charging of an electrical device using the power of the storage battery 23 may be permitted regardless of the value of the remaining power storage SOC.

[0069] The installation location of the power transmitting device 10 can be changed arbitrarily as long as the power transmission signal can be transmitted to the inside of the vehicle 1. Examples of the installation location of the power transmitting device 10 include inside a glove box, a center cluster, and a floor of the vehicle 1. The power transmitting device 10 may be provided in a luggage compartment of the vehicle 1.

[0070] The charger 20 may be fixed to the armrest 3 instead of being detachably attached to the armrest 3. The charger 20 may be attached to an in-vehicle component other than the armrest 3. Examples of such in-vehicle components include a center console, a glove box, a dashboard, a rear seat, a seat headrest, a table, etc. The charger 20 may also be provided in the luggage compartment of the vehicle 1.

[0071] The vehicle 1 does not necessarily have to have only one charger 20 installed therein. For example, a plurality of chargers 20 may be installed, for example, one charger 20 each in the center console and the armrest 3 . [Explanation of symbols]

[0072] 1. Vehicle 2. Rear seat 3. Armrest 4…Ceiling wall 10...Power transmission device 11...Transmission antenna 12...Control section 20…Charger 21…Receiving antenna 22…Power receiving section 23…Battery 24…Power transmission section 25...Control section 26…Power receiving converter 27…Power transmission converter 28…Transmission coil 30…Housing 31...Operation switch

Claims

1. a power receiving unit that receives power transmitted from a power transmitting device provided inside the vehicle by wireless power supply using a radio wave method; a power storage unit that is charged by receiving the power from the power receiving unit; a power transmission unit that transmits the power stored in the power storage unit to an electric device to be charged by wireless power supply using an electromagnetic induction method; the power transmission unit prohibits transmission of the power to the electric device when the remaining amount of the power stored in the power storage unit is equal to or less than a predetermined low amount determination value; A charger in which, when the remaining charge is below the low charge judgment value and the power receiving unit is receiving power sent from the power transmitting device, the power transmitting unit transmits the power received by the power receiving unit to the electrical device via wireless power supply using electromagnetic induction.

2. The power transmission unit is attached to an in-vehicle component provided in the vehicle interior. The charger of claim 1.

3. 3. The charger according to claim 1, wherein the power receiving unit is prohibited from receiving the power transmitted from the power transmitting device when the remaining amount of power stored in the power storage unit is equal to or greater than a predetermined full-power determination value.

4. The charger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a physical switch for switching between a state in which the power transmission unit is permitted to transmit power to the electric device and a state in which the power transmission is prohibited.

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