Non-contact charging system and notification method

Abstract

To provide a non-contact charging system and a notification method for suppressing congestion of a non-contact charging lane.SOLUTION: A vehicle management system is a system including a vehicle. The vehicle includes: a battery for storing electric power for traveling; a power receipt device capable of receiving power from a power transmission device that is embedded in a road in a non-contact matter and charging the battery with the received power; and a notification unit for notifying a driver of predetermined information. The vehicle management system includes a control unit that issues a command to cause the notification unit of the vehicle to perform notification of the predetermined information. When the vehicle does not meet a priority traveling condition, which is a condition for allowing preferential traveling on a non-contact charging lane in which the power transmission device is embedded, and is traveling on the non-contact charging lane, the control unit issues a command to cause the notification unit to perform notification of information for prompting another vehicle to preferentially travel on the non-contact charging lane (step S324).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a contactless charging system and a notification method, and particularly to a contactless charging system including an electric vehicle and a method for notifying predetermined information in the contactless charging system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there has been a device that provides a contactless charging lane along a driving lane of a road and wirelessly charges the battery of a vehicle traveling on this contactless charging lane (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the case of a device such as Patent Document 1, if vehicles wanting to be charged flock to the contactless charging lane, there is a possibility that the contactless charging lane becomes congested.

[0005] This disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object thereof is to provide a contactless charging system and a notification method capable of suppressing congestion of the contactless charging lane.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The non-contact charging system according to this disclosure is a non-contact charging system including an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes a battery that stores power for driving, a power receiving unit that can receive power non-contact from a power transmission device buried in the road and charges the battery with the received power, and a notification unit that notifies a driver of predetermined information. The non-contact charging system includes a control unit that issues a command to notify predetermined information at the notification unit of the electric vehicle. When the electric vehicle does not satisfy the priority driving condition, which is a condition under which priority driving on a non-contact charging lane where the power transmission device is buried is permitted, and is driving on the non-contact charging lane, the control unit issues a command to notify, at the notification unit of the electric vehicle, information that prompts other vehicles to drive preferentially on the non-contact charging lane.

[0007] According to such a configuration, when the electric vehicle does not satisfy the priority driving condition, which is a condition under which priority driving on a non-contact charging lane where the power transmission device is buried is permitted, and is driving on the non-contact charging lane, information that prompts other vehicles to drive preferentially on the non-contact charging lane is notified at the notification unit of the electric vehicle. Therefore, when such information is notified, the driver of the electric vehicle allows other vehicles to drive preferentially on the non-contact charging lane. As a result, it is possible to provide a non-contact charging system capable of suppressing traffic jams on the non-contact charging lane.

[0008] The priority driving condition may be set such that the distance to the destination is equal to or greater than a reference distance.

[0009] According to such a configuration, an electric vehicle whose distance to the destination is equal to or greater than the reference distance can preferentially drive on the non-contact charging lane while receiving power from a power transmission device buried in the non-contact charging lane.

[0010] The priority driving condition may be set such that the SOC of the battery is less than a reference value.

[0011] According to such a configuration, an electric vehicle with a state of charge (SOC) of the battery less than the reference value can preferentially travel on the non-contact charging lane while receiving power from a power transmission device embedded in the non-contact charging lane.

[0012] The preferential travel condition may be set such that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the reference speed when the non-contact charging lane is not congested.

[0013] According to such a configuration, an electric vehicle with a vehicle speed equal to or higher than the reference speed when the non-contact charging lane is not congested can preferentially travel on the non-contact charging lane while receiving power from a power transmission device embedded in the non-contact charging lane.

[0014] The electric vehicle may further include an external notification unit that notifies the outside of the electric vehicle whether the electric vehicle satisfies or does not satisfy the preferential travel condition.

[0015] According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify the driver of another vehicle that the electric vehicle is traveling on the non-contact charging lane without satisfying the preferential travel condition. As a result, in order to avoid being looked at with blame, the driver of the electric vehicle preferentially allows other vehicles to travel on the non-contact charging lane.

[0016] The electric vehicle may further include an external notification unit that notifies the outside of the electric vehicle whether the electric vehicle is in the process of receiving power at the power receiving unit or not.

[0017] According to such a configuration, it is possible to notify the driver of another vehicle that the electric vehicle is receiving power from a power transmission device embedded in the non-contact charging lane. As a result, when the electric vehicle does not satisfy the preferential travel condition, the driver of the electric vehicle preferentially allows other vehicles to travel on the non-contact charging lane in order to avoid being looked at with blame.

[0018] According to another aspect of this disclosure, the notification method is a method for notifying predetermined information in a contactless charging system including an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes a battery that stores power for driving, a power receiving unit that can receive power wirelessly from a power transmission device buried in the road and charges the battery with the received power, and a notification unit that notifies a driver of predetermined information. The contactless charging system includes a control unit that issues a command to notify predetermined information at the notification unit of the electric vehicle. The notification method includes a step in which the control unit issues a command to notify, at the notification unit of the electric vehicle, information prompting other vehicles to preferentially travel in the contactless charging lane when the electric vehicle does not satisfy a preferential travel condition, which is a condition under which preferential travel in the contactless charging lane where the power transmission device is buried is recognized, and the electric vehicle is traveling in the contactless charging lane.

[0019] According to such a configuration, it is possible to provide a notification method capable of suppressing congestion in the contactless charging lane.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide a contactless charging system and a notification method capable of suppressing congestion in the contactless charging lane.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the figures, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0023] [First Embodiment] FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a vehicle management system 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure. The vehicle management system 100 includes a server 1, vehicles 3 and 4, and a charging facility group 5. The server 1 manages the vehicles 3 and 4. The vehicles 3 and 4 are electric vehicles. The electric vehicle may be a vehicle that uses the power of the battery 30 as a power source. For example, it may be a battery electric vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as "BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle)") or a plug-in hybrid vehicle (hereinafter also referred to as "PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle)"). The vehicle 4 is a ultra-small mobility vehicle, and the vehicle 3 is a vehicle other than ultra-small mobility vehicle. The server 1 sets target values for charging the battery 30 using the charging facility group 5 and provides driving routes to the vehicles 3 and 4. In FIG. 1, only one vehicle 3 and 4 are shown, but the vehicle management system 100 includes a plurality of vehicles.

[0024] The charging equipment group 5 includes a plurality of charging equipments 6 and a plurality of power transmission devices 70. Note that the number of the charging equipments 6 and the power transmission devices 70 included in the charging equipment group 5 is arbitrary. The vehicles 3 and 4 are configured to be capable of both charging the battery 30 using the DC power supplied from the charging equipment 6 (hereinafter also referred to as "DC (Direct Current) charging") and charging the battery 30 using the power non - contact - transmitted from the power transmission device 70 (hereinafter also referred to as "non - contact charging"). The configuration of the vehicles 3 and 4 will be described with reference to FIG. 2 described later.

[0025] The charging equipment 6 is a contact - type charging equipment that supplies DC power. The charging equipment 6 includes a charging cable 61 and a charging connector 62. When DC charging is executed, the charging connector 62 is connected to the inlet 43 of the vehicles 3 and 4.

[0026] The power transmission device 70 has a power transmission coil 71. The vehicles 3 and 4 include a power receiving device 45 having a power receiving coil 451. The power receiving coil 451 receives power non - contact from the power transmission coil 71 when the power receiving device 45 is positioned directly above the power transmission device 70. In the first embodiment, a power transmission system is formed including at least one power transmission device 70. The power transmission system is provided under the ground of the driving lane on which the vehicles 3 and 4 can travel. Each of the power transmission devices 70 included in the power transmission system is arranged in a line, for example, along the traveling direction of the vehicles 3 and 4 in the driving lane. The power transmission device 70 supplies power non - contact to the vehicles 3 and 4 traveling on the driving lane where the power transmission device 70 is provided. Note that hereinafter, the lane in the driving lane where the power transmission system (power transmission device 70) is provided is also referred to as the "non - contact charging lane".

[0027] The server 1 includes a control device 10, a storage device 12, and a communication device 14. The control device 10, the storage device 12, and the communication device 14 are connected by a bus 16.

[0028] The control device 10 is composed of, for example, an integrated circuit including a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control device 10 is configured to execute predetermined arithmetic processes described in a program.

[0029] The storage device 12 includes a primary storage device such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a secondary storage device such as a hard disk drive. The ROM stores programs executed by the control device 10. The RAM temporarily stores data generated by the execution of programs in the control device 10 and data input via the communication device 14. The RAM also functions as a temporary data memory used as a work area. Further, the secondary storage device includes a database that stores vehicle information and map information, which will be described later.

[0030] The map information includes information on nodes indicating intersections, dead ends, etc., links formed by connecting the nodes, and facilities (buildings, parking lots, etc.) along the links. Further, the map information includes information on the specifications (for example, charging method, charging capacity), installation locations, etc. of each of the plurality of charging facilities 6 and each of the plurality of power transmission devices 70. Since new roads may be constructed, the shape of roads may be changed, charging facilities may be installed, or charging facilities may be replaced, the map information is updated to the latest state regularly, for example, by the administrator of the server 1.

[0031] The communication device 14 is configured to enable two-way communication via a communication network 9 with external devices. The external devices include, for example, the communication devices 41 (FIG. 2) of the vehicles 3, 4, each of the plurality of charging facilities 6, and each of the plurality of power transmission devices 70. The communication between the communication device 14 and the external devices is performed, for example, by wired communication and wireless communication.

[0032] The control device 10 collects position information (GPS information) and SOC (State Of Charge) information from the vehicles 3 and 4 via the communication device 14. These pieces of information are periodically transmitted from the vehicles 3 and 4 to the server 1. The control device 10 associates the collected information (position information and SOC information) with the vehicle ID and stores it in the storage device 12 as "vehicle information". The information of the vehicle ID is information for uniquely identifying the vehicles 3 and 4, and may be, for example, a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The vehicle information further includes information regarding the vehicle types, model years, models, specifications (including the specifications of the battery 30), and states (for example, the deterioration state and full charge capacity of the battery) of the vehicles 3 and 4.

[0033] Also, the control device 10 acquires information on the required power from the vehicles 3 and 4 via the communication device 14, together with the information of the vehicle ID. The information on the required power is sent from the vehicles 3 and 4 to the server 1, for example, when the vehicles 3 and 4 request power supply from the non-contact charging lane. That is, the information on the required power indicates the power that the vehicles 3 and 4 want to obtain from the non-contact charging lane. The server 1 associates the information of the vehicle ID with the information on the required power and transmits it to each of the plurality of power transmission devices 70. As will be described later, the communication devices 41 of the vehicles 3 and 4 are configured to be capable of short-range communication with each of the plurality of power transmission devices 70. When each of the plurality of power transmission devices 70 receives the information of the vehicle ID by short-range communication from the vehicles 3 and 4, it drives to supply the power indicated by the information on the required power associated with the vehicle ID.

[0034] Also, the control device 10 cooperates with the navigation systems 42 (Figure 2) of the vehicles 3 and 4, searches for the route (driving route) to the destination input to the navigation system 42 by the drivers of the vehicles 3 and 4, and provides the search results (which may include a plurality of driving routes) to the navigation system 42.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of vehicles 3 and 4 according to this embodiment. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, vehicles 3 and 4 include a battery 30, a monitoring unit 31, a system main relay (hereinafter also referred to as "SMR (System Main Relay)") 35, a power control unit (hereinafter also referred to as "PCU (Power Control Unit)") 36, a motor generator 37, a transmission gear 38, drive wheels 39, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 40, a communication device 41, a navigation system 42, an external notification device 48, and an HMI (Human Machine Interface) device 49. The HMI device 49 will be described with reference to FIG. 6 described later.

[0036] The battery 30 is mounted as a driving power source (i.e., a power source) of vehicles 3 and 4. The battery 30 is a battery pack composed of a plurality of cells. Each cell is, for example, a secondary battery such as a nickel-metal hydride battery or a lithium-ion battery. Also, each cell may be a battery having a liquid electrolyte between a positive electrode and a negative electrode, or a battery having a solid electrolyte (all-solid-state battery).

[0037] The monitoring unit 31 monitors the state of the battery 30. The monitoring unit 31 includes a voltage sensor 32, a current sensor 33, and a temperature sensor 34. The voltage sensor 32 detects the voltage (battery voltage) VB of the battery 30 and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the ECU 40. The current sensor 33 detects the input / output current (battery current) IB of the battery 30 and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the ECU 40. The temperature sensor 34 detects the temperature (battery temperature) TB of the battery 30 and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the ECU 40.

[0038] SMR35 is electrically connected to the power lines PL and NL that connect the PCU36 and the battery 30. When SMR35 is in the closed state, power is supplied from the battery 30 to the PCU36. When SMR35 is in the open state, power is not supplied from the battery 30 to the PCU36. SMR35 switches between the closed state and the open state according to a control signal from the ECU40.

[0039] The PCU36 converts the DC power stored in the battery 30 into AC power according to a control signal from the ECU40 and supplies it to the motor generator 37. Also, the PCU36 converts the AC power generated by the motor generator 37 into DC power and supplies it to the battery 30. The PCU36 is configured to include, for example, an inverter and a converter that boosts the DC voltage supplied to the inverter to be equal to or higher than the output voltage of the battery 30.

[0040] The motor generator 37 is, for example, a three-phase AC synchronous motor in which permanent magnets are embedded in the rotor. The motor generator 37 is driven by the PCU36 to generate a rotational driving force. The driving force generated by the motor generator 37 is transmitted to the driving wheels 39 via the transmission gear 38.

[0041] The communication device 41 is configured to enable two-way communication with the communication device 14 of the server 1. The communication between the communication device 41 and the communication device 14 is performed, for example, by wireless communication. Also, the communication device 41 is configured to enable two-way communication with each of the plurality of power transmission devices 70. The communication between the communication device 41 and each of the plurality of power transmission devices 70 is performed, for example, by short-range communication.

[0042] The ECU40 is configured to include a CPU, a memory (ROM and RAM), and an input / output port through which various signals are input and output (none of which are shown in the figure). The ECU40 inputs signals from each sensor and outputs control signals to each device, and also controls each device. Note that these controls are not limited to software processing, and it is also possible to construct and process them with dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0043] The ECU 40 is configured to be able to calculate the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 30. As a method for calculating the SOC, various known methods can be adopted, such as a method by integrating current values (Coulomb count) or a method by estimating the open circuit voltage (OCV).

[0044] The ECU 40 transmits its own position information and SOC information to the server 1 via the communication device 41 at each predetermined control cycle. The position information transmitted to the server 1 is used in the server 1 to identify the positions of the vehicles 3 and 4. The SOC information is used in the server 1 for the process of determining the recommended route. Also, when requesting power supply from the non-contact charging lane, the ECU 40 transmits the vehicle ID information and the requested power information to the server 1 via the communication device 41.

[0045] Also, the ECU 40 transmits the vehicle ID information to the power transmission device 70 by short-range communication via the communication device 41. The power transmission device 70 detects that the vehicles 3 and 4 pass directly above itself by receiving the vehicle ID information by short-range communication.

[0046] The navigation system 42 guides the driving routes of the vehicles 3 and 4. The navigation system 42 includes a CPU 421, a memory 422, a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver 423, and a display 424 with a touch panel.

[0047] A map information DB (DataBase) is configured in the memory 422. The CPU 421 receives the latest map information from the server 1 and stores it in the map information DB. For example, the server 1 transmits new map information to the vehicles 3 and 4 (navigation system 42) each time the map information is updated.

[0048] The GPS receiver 423 identifies the positions of the vehicles 3 and 4 based on radio waves from artificial satellites (not shown). The CPU 421 outputs the position information (GPS information) of the vehicles 3 and 4 identified by the GPS receiver 423 to the ECU 40 at a predetermined control cycle.

[0049] The display 424 displays various information and accepts various operations by the user via a touch panel. More specifically, the display 424 overlays and displays the current locations of the vehicles 3 and 4, the positions of the charging facilities 6, and the non-contact charging lanes on a road map around the vehicles 3 and 4. The display 424 also accepts various operations such as an input operation for a destination and a selection operation for the presented search results (driving routes).

[0050] When a destination is input by an operation on the display 424, the CPU 421 outputs information indicating the destination to the ECU 40. The ECU 40 transmits the information indicating the destination to the server 1. At this time, the ECU 40 may also transmit the position information of the vehicles 3 and 4 to the server 1 together with the information indicating the destination. As described above, the server 1 searches for a driving route and returns the search results to the vehicles 3 and 4. The CPU 421 causes the search results (which may include multiple driving routes) to be displayed on the display 424 and allows the driver to select one driving route from the search results. Note that the CPU 421 may have a function of searching for and presenting a driving route based on the map information stored in the map information DB, the position information of the vehicles 3 and 4, and the traffic information obtained from a traffic information receiving device (not shown).

[0051] The vehicles 3 and 4 further include an inlet 43 and a charging relay 44 as a configuration for performing DC charging.

[0052] The inlet 43 is configured to be connectable to a charging connector 62 provided at the tip of a charging cable 61 of the charging facility 6. When performing DC charging, the charging connector 62 is connected to the inlet 43. When the charging connector 62 is inserted into the inlet 43, the inlet 43 and the charging facility 6 are electrically connected, enabling power transmission (contact charging) from the charging facility 6 to the vehicles 3, 4.

[0053] The charging relay 44 is a relay for making and breaking the electrical connection between the inlet 43 and the battery 30. The charging relay 44 is electrically connected between the inlet 43 and the battery 30. The charging relay 44 switches between a closed state and an open state according to a control signal from the ECU 40.

[0054] The vehicles 3, 4 further include a power receiving device 45, a charging relay 46, and a DC / DC converter 47 as a configuration for performing non-contact charging.

[0055] The DC / DC converter 47 is electrically connected between the power receiving device 45 and the power lines PL, NL. The DC / DC converter 47 converts the voltage of the DC power received from the power receiving device 45 into a voltage for charging the battery 30 according to a control signal from the ECU 40.

[0056] The charging relay 46 is a relay for making / breaking the electrical connection between the power receiving device 45 and the DC / DC converter 47. The charging relay 46 is electrically connected between the power receiving device 45 and the DC / DC converter 47. The charging relay 46 switches between a closed state and an open state according to a control signal from the ECU 40.

[0057] The power receiving device 45 is disposed, for example, on the lower surface of the floor panel of the vehicles 3, 4. The power receiving device 45 includes a power receiving coil 451. The power receiving coil 451 receives power transmitted from the power transmission device 70 in a non-contact manner. The power receiving device 45 rectifies the power transmitted from the power transmission device 70 and outputs it to the charging relay 46.

[0058] The power transmission device 70 receives power supply from the AC power source 8. The AC power source 8 is, for example, a commercial power grid. The power transmission device 70 includes a power transmission coil 71 (Fig. 1).

[0059] When the power transmission device 70 receives vehicle ID information from the vehicles 3, 4 through short-range communication, it receives AC power supply from the AC power source 8 and forms an electromagnetic field around the power transmission coil 71. For example, the power transmission device 70 continues to operate until a predetermined time elapses after receiving the vehicle ID information from the vehicles 3, 4 through short-range communication. When the vehicles 3, 4 pass directly above the power transmission device 70, power is transmitted non-contactingly to the power receiving coil 451 of the power receiving device 45 of the vehicles 3, 4. Note that the power transmission device 70 may be configured to switch between operation / non-operation according to a control signal from the server 1. In this case, for example, the server 1 may identify the power transmission device 70 through which the vehicles 3, 4 pass based on the position information of the vehicles 3, 4 and output a control signal (operation command) for instructing the operation of the power transmission device 70. Further, after the vehicles 3, 4 pass the power transmission device 70, the server 1 may output a control signal (non-operation command) for instructing non-operation to the power transmission device 70. Alternatively, when the server 1 detects the intrusion of the vehicles 3, 4 into a non-contact charging lane including a plurality of power transmission devices 70, the server 1 may operate the plurality of power transmission devices 70 included in the non-contact charging lane collectively until the vehicles 3, 4 pass through the non-contact charging lane.

[0060] Fig. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the installation status of the non-contact power transmission system 7 according to this embodiment. Referring to Fig. 3, in this embodiment, an example in which a non-contact charging lane L1 and a normal lane L2 are provided for each opposing direction is shown.

[0061] The non-contact charging lane L1 is a lane provided with the non-contact power transmission system 7 including a plurality of the above-described power transmission devices 70 that transmit power to the vehicles 3, 4 non-contactingly. The normal lane L2 is a lane where the non-contact power transmission system 7 is not provided.

[0062] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the non-contact power transmission system 7 according to this embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing non-contact power transmission and reception in the non-contact power transmission system 7 according to this embodiment. With reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, the non-contact power transmission system 7 includes a plurality of power transmission devices 70, a sensor unit 15, a power conversion unit 13, and a controller 11.

[0063] The power transmission devices 70 are arranged (for example, buried) on the road surface of one of the driving lanes of the vehicles 3 and 4 (non-contact charging lane L1). Each of the power transmission devices 70 is configured to be able to transmit power to the vehicles 3 and 4 in a non-contact manner according to a control signal from the controller 11 when the vehicles 3 and 4 are located above it. FIG. 4 shows an example in which a plurality of power transmission devices 70 are arranged in a row, but the number and arrangement of the power transmission devices 70 are not particularly limited, and the power transmission devices 70 may be arranged in two or more rows on one non-contact charging lane L1.

[0064] The sensor unit 15 detects the positions of the vehicles 3 and 4 passing over the power transmission devices 70 and outputs the detection signals to the controller 11. The sensor unit 15 includes, for example, at least one of a camera, a radar, and a LIDAR (Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging). Instead of providing one sensor unit 15 for a plurality of power transmission devices 70, sensors (for example, optical sensors, weight sensors, etc.) for detecting the positions of the vehicles 3 and 4 may be provided for each of the plurality of power transmission devices 70.

[0065] The power conversion unit 13 is electrically connected to an external AC power source 8 (typically a commercial power source). The power conversion unit 13 converts the voltage of the AC power supplied from the AC power source 8 into the voltage required by the power transmission devices 70. Then, the power conversion unit 13 outputs the converted AC power to a selected one of the plurality of power transmission devices 70. The power conversion unit 13 may also be buried in the road surface.

[0066] The controller 11 is configured to be capable of two-way communication with the server 1 and controls the power conversion unit 13 according to commands from the server 1. More specifically, based on the detection signals from the sensor unit 15, the positions of the vehicles 3 and 4 are identified. Then, the controller 11 controls the power conversion unit 13 so that AC power is output to the power transmission devices 70 located below the vehicles 3 and 4 among the plurality of power transmission devices 70. For example, when vehicles 3 and 4 are detected above a certain power transmission device 70, the controller 11 selects the said power transmission device 70. Then, an alternating current flows through the power transmission coil 71 in the said power transmission device 70, forming an electromagnetic field around the power transmission coil 71. As a result, power is transmitted to the power reception coil 451 (described later) in the power reception device 45 of the vehicles 3 and 4, and the transmitted power is charged to the battery 30 (contactless charging). After that, when vehicles 3 and 4 are no longer detected above the said power transmission device 70, the controller 11 deselects the said power transmission device 70 to stop the output of AC power to the said power transmission device 70. By performing such a series of controls for each power transmission device 70, power can be transmitted non-contact even when the vehicles 3 and 4 are running. Naturally, non-contact power transmission is also possible when the vehicles 3 and 4 are stopped. Note that the controller 11 may also be buried in the road surface.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a user interface such as the HMI device 49 in this embodiment. The HMI device 49 includes an instrument panel 491, a HUD (Head-Up Display) 492, an indicator lamp 493, and the display 424 of the navigation system 42 described above.

[0068] The instrument panel 491 is an instrument panel where meters are installed or displayed, and displays various states of the vehicles 3 and 4 according to the control by the ECU 40. The instrument panel 491 displays a speedometer, a trip meter, the SOC of the battery 30, and warning lamps. Note that the instrument panel 491 may be configured as a multi-information display (MID: Multi-Information Display).

[0069] The HUD 492 projects various kinds of information as virtual images onto the front window in front of the driver's field of vision. Specifically, the HUD 492 displays the vehicle speed of vehicles 3 and 4, the traveling direction to the destination, traffic signs, etc.

[0070] The display lamp 493 is provided on the dashboard. The display lamp 493 may be installed at another position such as a rearview mirror or a side mirror. The display lamp 493 is configured to be able to switch between two or more lighting colors.

[0071] The display 424 of the navigation system 42 is a display of a navigation system (not shown). The navigation system includes a GPS receiver for identifying the positions of vehicles 3 and 4 based on radio waves from a satellite (not shown). Information including the current location of vehicles 3 and 4 and the recommended route to the destinations of vehicles 3 and 4 is displayed on the display 424 of the navigation system 42 based on the GPS data and road map data of vehicles 3 and 4.

[0072] In the configuration as described above, when vehicles 3 and 4 that want to be charged rush into the non-contact charging lane L1, there is a possibility that the non-contact charging lane L1 becomes congested. In particular, since the vehicle 4, which is a super-small mobility vehicle, has a smaller battery 30 capacity compared to other types of vehicles 3, the necessity of non-contact charging in the non-contact charging lane L1 is high.

[0073] Therefore, the vehicle management system 100 is a system including vehicles 3 and 4. The vehicles 3 and 4 are equipped with a battery 30 for storing power for driving, a power receiving device 45 that can receive power non - contact from a power transmission device 70 buried in the road and charge the battery 30 with the received power, and a notification unit for notifying a driver of predetermined information (for example, the HMI device 49, the display 424 of the navigation system 42). The vehicle management system 100 is equipped with a control unit (for example, the ECU 40 of the vehicles 3 and 4, the control device 10 of the server 1) that issues a command to notify predetermined information at the notification unit of the vehicles 3 and 4. When the vehicles 3 and 4 do not satisfy the priority driving condition, which is a condition under which priority driving on the non - contact charging lane L1 where the power transmission device 70 is buried is recognized, and are driving on the non - contact charging lane L1, the control unit issues a command to notify, at the notification unit of the vehicle 3 and 4, information prompting other vehicles 3 and 4 to drive preferentially on the non - contact charging lane L1.

[0074] As a result, when the vehicles 3 and 4 do not satisfy the priority driving condition, which is a condition under which priority driving on the non - contact charging lane L1 where the power transmission device 70 is buried is recognized, and are driving on the non - contact charging lane L1, information prompting other vehicles 3 and 4 to drive preferentially on the non - contact charging lane L1 is notified at the notification unit of the vehicle 3 and 4. Therefore, when such information is notified, the driver of the vehicle 3 and 4 will let other vehicles 3 and 4 drive preferentially on the non - contact charging lane L1. As a result, congestion on the non - contact charging lane L1 can be suppressed.

[0075] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the flow of priority driving related processing executed by the ECU 40 of the vehicles 3 and 4 in the first embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, this priority driving related processing is called and executed by the ECU 40 from the upper - level processing at a predetermined control cycle.

[0076] First, the ECU 40 determines whether the vehicle 3 or 4 is traveling on the contactless charging lane L1 (step S311). For example, the ECU 40 can determine whether the vehicle is traveling on a road where the contactless charging lane L1 is provided by querying the navigation system 42, and can determine whether the vehicle is traveling on the contactless charging lane L1 of that road based on whether it can communicate with the controller 11 of the contactless power transmission system 7.

[0077] If it is determined that the vehicle is traveling on the contactless charging lane L1 (YES in step S311), the ECU 40 determines whether the priority driving condition that the distance to the destination of the vehicle 3 or 4 is equal to or greater than the reference distance is satisfied (step S312). For example, the ECU 40 can determine whether the distance to the destination is equal to or greater than the reference distance by querying the navigation system 42.

[0078] If it is determined that the priority driving condition that the distance to the destination is equal to or greater than the reference distance is not satisfied (NO in step S312), the ECU 40 calculates the SOC of the battery 30 by the method described above, and determines whether the priority driving condition that the calculated SOC is less than the reference value is satisfied (step S313).

[0079] If it is determined that the priority driving condition that the SOC is less than the reference value is not satisfied (NO in step S313), the ECU 40 determines whether the priority driving condition that the contactless charging lane L1 during traveling is unobstructed and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the reference speed is satisfied (step S314). The vehicle speed can be specified from the rotational speed of the transmission gear 38 or the like.

[0080] When it is determined that the priority driving condition that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the reference speed while there is no traffic jam is not satisfied (NO in step S314), that is, when it is determined that not all priority driving conditions are satisfied, or when it is determined that the vehicle is not traveling on the contactless charging lane L1 (NO in step S311), the ECU 40 sets the priority driving flag, which indicates whether the priority driving conditions that allow the priority driving on the contactless charging lane L1 are satisfied, to the OFF state indicating that the priority driving conditions are not satisfied (step S315). Then, the ECU 40 proceeds to step S321 for the process to be executed.

[0081] When it is determined that the priority driving condition that the distance to the destination is equal to or greater than the reference distance is satisfied (YES in step S312), when it is determined that the priority driving condition that the SOC is less than the reference value is satisfied (YES in step S313), or when it is determined that the priority driving condition that there is no traffic jam and the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the reference speed is satisfied (YES in step S314), the ECU 40 sets the priority driving flag to the ON state indicating that the priority driving conditions are satisfied (step S316). Then, the ECU 40 proceeds to step S321 for the process to be executed.

[0082] Next, the ECU 40 determines whether the priority driving flag is in the ON state (step S321). When it is determined that the priority driving flag is in the ON state (YES in step S321), the ECU 40 displays information indicating that the priority driving conditions are satisfied on the HMI device 49 (step S322). For example, characters such as "Priority driving conditions are satisfied" may be displayed on the instrument panel 491 or the HUD 492 or the display 424 of the navigation system 42 of the HMI device 49, or the display lamp 493 may be lit in a manner (for example, lit in blue or green) indicating that the priority driving conditions are satisfied.

[0083] In addition, the ECU 40 displays information indicating that the priority driving conditions are satisfied on the external notification device 48 (step S323). Then, the ECU 40 proceeds to step S331 for the process to be executed.

[0084] FIG. 8 is an external view showing an example of the external notification device 48 in this embodiment. Referring to FIG. 8, the external notification device 48 is composed of a display device such as an LED (Light Emitting Diode) display, a digital signage, or an electric bulletin board. In this embodiment, it is installed at a position inside the rear window of the vehicles 3 and 4, which is easy to see from a following vehicle or the like. Here, the characters "Priority driving condition is established" are displayed on the external notification device 48 as information indicating that the priority driving condition is established.

[0085] Returning to FIG. 7, when it is determined that the priority driving flag is not in the ON state (NO in step S321), the ECU 40 displays information indicating that the priority driving condition is not established on the HMI device 49 (step S324). For example, the characters "Priority driving condition not established" may be displayed on the instrument panel 491, the HUD 492, or the display 424 of the navigation system 42 of the HMI device 49, or the display lamp 493 may be lit in a manner indicating that the priority driving condition is not established (for example, blinking in red or yellow).

[0086] In addition, the ECU 40 displays information indicating that the priority driving condition is not established, for example, the characters "Priority driving condition not established" on the external notification device 48 (step S325). Thereafter, the ECU 40 proceeds to step S331 for the process to be executed.

[0087] Next, the ECU 40 determines whether the vehicles 3 and 4 are under non-contact power reception (step S331). Whether it is under non-contact power reception can be determined by detecting whether power is being received by the power reception device 45 by the ECU 40. When it is determined that it is under non-contact power reception (YES in step S331), the ECU 40 displays information indicating that it is under non-contact power reception on the HMI device 49 (step S332).

[0088] When information indicating that the priority running condition is either satisfied or not satisfied is being displayed, it may be alternately displayed with information indicating that power is being received non - contact. For example, on the instrument panel 491 or HUD 492 of the HMI device 49 or the display 424 of the navigation system 42, the characters "Priority running condition satisfied" and the characters "Non - contact power receiving" may be alternately displayed, or the display lamp 493 may be made to blink in a mode (for example, blinking in blue or green) indicating that the priority running condition is satisfied and power is being received non - contact.

[0089] In addition, the ECU 40 displays information indicating that power is being received non - contact on the external notification device 48 (step S333).

[0090] When it is determined that power is not being received non - contact (NO in step S331), the ECU 40 displays information indicating that power is not being received non - contact on the HMI device 49 (step S334). For example, on the instrument panel 491 or HUD 492 of the HMI device 49 or the display 424 of the navigation system 42, the characters "Not receiving power non - contact" may be displayed, or the display lamp 493 may be made to light up in a mode (for example, lighting up in purple) indicating that power is not being received non - contact.

[0091] In addition, the ECU 40 displays information indicating that power is not being received non - contact, for example, the characters "Not receiving power non - contact" on the external notification device 48 (step S335). After step S333 or step S335, the ECU 40 returns the process to be executed to the process at a higher level than the call source of this priority running related process.

[0092] [Second Embodiment] In the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the ECU 40 of the vehicles 3 and 4 determines whether or not the priority running condition is satisfied. As a result of the determination, the ECU 40 of the vehicles 3 and 4 issues a command to notify information indicating whether or not the priority running condition is satisfied. In the second embodiment, the control device 10 of the server 1 determines whether or not the priority running condition is satisfied. As a result of the determination, the control device 10 of the server 1 issues a command to notify information indicating whether or not the priority running condition is satisfied.

[0093] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the priority running related process executed by the control device 10 of the server 1 in the second embodiment. Referring to FIG. 9, this priority running related process is called from the upper process at a predetermined control cycle by the control device 10 and executed.

[0094] First, the control device 10 determines whether or not there are vehicles 3 and 4 traveling in a section having the non-contact charging lane L1 among the roads under the jurisdiction of the server 1 by using the position information acquired from each of the vehicles 3 and 4 (step S110). When it is determined that there are no vehicles 3 and 4 traveling in the section having the non-contact charging lane L1 (NO in step S110), the control device 10 advances the process to be executed to step S121.

[0095] When it is determined that there are vehicles 3 and 4 traveling in the section having the non-contact charging lane L1 (YES in step S110), the control device 10 uses the vehicle ID of the vehicles 3 and 4 traveling on the power transmission device 70 acquired from the controller 11 of the non-contact power transmission system 7 to determine whether or not the vehicles 3 and 4 are traveling on the non-contact charging lane L1 (step S111).

[0096] When it is determined that the vehicles 3 and 4 are traveling on the non-contact charging lane L1 (YES in step S111), the control device 10 determines whether or not the priority running condition that the distance to the destination of the vehicles 3 and 4 is equal to or more than the reference distance is satisfied by using the information acquired from the vehicles 3 and 4 (step S112).

[0097] When it is determined that the condition for preferential travel that the distance to the destination of the vehicles 3 and 4 is equal to or greater than the reference distance is not satisfied (NO in step S112), the control device 10 acquires the SOC of the battery 30 of the vehicles 3 and 4 from the vehicles 3 and 4, and determines whether the condition for preferential travel that the acquired SOC is less than the reference value is satisfied (step S113).

[0098] When it is determined that the condition for preferential travel that the SOC of the battery 30 of the vehicles 3 and 4 is less than the reference value is not satisfied (NO in step S113), the control device 10 uses the vehicle speed acquired from the vehicles 3 and 4 and the traffic jam information acquired from the traffic jam monitoring system to determine whether the condition for preferential travel that the non-contact charging lane L1 on which the vehicles 3 and 4 are traveling is traffic-jam-free and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the reference speed is satisfied (step S114).

[0099] When it is determined that the condition for preferential travel that the vehicle 3 or 4 is traffic-jam-free and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the reference speed is not satisfied (NO in step S114), that is, when it is determined that all the conditions for preferential travel are not satisfied, or when it is determined that the vehicles 3 and 4 are not traveling on the non-contact charging lane L1 (NO in step S111), the control device 10 sets the preferential travel flag of the vehicles 3 and 4 to the off state (step S115). Thereafter, the control device 10 advances the process to be executed to step S121.

[0100] When it is determined that the condition for preferential travel that the distance to the destination of the vehicles 3 and 4 is equal to or greater than the reference distance is satisfied (YES in step S112), when it is determined that the condition for preferential travel that the SOC of the battery 30 of the vehicles 3 and 4 is less than the reference value is satisfied (YES in step S113), or when it is determined that the condition for preferential travel that the vehicles 3 and 4 are traffic-jam-free and the vehicle speed is equal to or greater than the reference speed is satisfied (YES in step S114), the control device 10 sets the preferential travel flag of the vehicles 3 and 4 to the on state (step S116). Thereafter, the control device 10 advances the process to be executed to step S121.

[0101] Next, the control device 10 determines, for all of the vehicles 3 and 4 managed by the server 1, whether or not the priority driving flag of the vehicle 3 or 4 is in the ON state (step S121). When it is determined that the priority driving flag of the vehicle 3 or 4 is in the ON state (YES in step S121), the control device 10 issues a command to display information indicating that the priority driving conditions are satisfied on the HMI device 49 of the vehicle 3 or 4 (step S122). For example, characters such as "Priority driving conditions are satisfied" may be displayed on the instrument panel 491, the HUD 492, or the display 424 of the navigation system 42 among the HMI devices 49, or the display lamp 493 may be lit in a manner indicating that the priority driving conditions are satisfied (for example, lit in blue or green).

[0102] In addition, the control device 10 issues a command to display information indicating that the priority driving conditions are satisfied on the external notification device 48 of the vehicle 3 or 4 (step S123). Thereafter, the control device 10 advances the process to be executed to step S131.

[0103] When it is determined that the priority driving flag of the vehicle 3 or 4 is not in the ON state (NO in step S121), the control device 10 issues a command to display information indicating that the priority driving conditions are not satisfied on the HMI device 49 of the vehicle 3 or 4 (step S124). For example, characters such as "Priority driving conditions are not satisfied" may be displayed on the instrument panel 491, the HUD 492, or the display 424 of the navigation system 42 among the HMI devices 49, or the display lamp 493 may be lit in a manner indicating that the priority driving conditions are not satisfied (for example, flashing in red or yellow).

[0104] In addition, the control device 10 issues a command to display information indicating that the priority driving conditions are not satisfied, for example, characters such as "Priority driving conditions are not satisfied" on the external notification device 48 of the vehicle 3 or 4 (step S125). Thereafter, the control device 10 advances the process to be executed to step S131.

[0105] Next, the control device 10 determines whether or not all of the vehicles 3 and 4 managed by the server 1 are receiving power wirelessly (step S131). Whether or not the vehicle 3 or 4 is receiving power wirelessly can be determined using information indicating whether or not power is being transmitted to the vehicle 3 or 4, obtained from the controller 11 of the wireless power transmission system 7. When it is determined that the vehicle 3 or 4 is receiving power wirelessly (YES in step S131), the control device 10 issues a command to display information indicating that the vehicle 3 or 4 is receiving power wirelessly on the HMI device 49 of the vehicle 3 or 4 (step S132).

[0106] If information indicating that the priority driving condition is satisfied or not satisfied is being displayed, it may be displayed alternately with the information indicating that the vehicle is receiving power wirelessly. For example, on the instrument panel 491 or HUD 492 of the HMI device 49 or the display 424 of the navigation system 42, the characters "Priority driving condition satisfied" and the characters "Wireless power receiving" may be alternately displayed, or the display lamp 493 may be lit in a mode indicating that the priority driving condition is satisfied and the vehicle is receiving power wirelessly (for example, flashing in blue or green).

[0107] In addition, the control device 10 issues a command to display information indicating that the vehicle is receiving power wirelessly on the external notification device 48 of the vehicle 3 or 4 (step S133).

[0108] When it is determined that the vehicle 3 or 4 is not receiving power wirelessly (NO in step S131), the control device 10 issues a command to display information indicating that the vehicle 3 or 4 is not receiving power wirelessly on the HMI device 49 of the vehicle 3 or 4 (step S134). For example, on the instrument panel 491 or HUD 492 of the HMI device 49 or the display 424 of the navigation system 42, the characters "Not receiving wireless power" may be displayed, or the display lamp 493 may be lit in a mode indicating that the vehicle is not receiving power wirelessly (for example, lit in purple).

[0109] In addition, the control device 10 issues a command to display information indicating that the external notification device 48 of the vehicles 3 and 4 is not in non-contact power reception, for example, the characters "Not in non-contact power reception" (step S135). After step S133 or step S135, the control device 10 returns the process to be executed to the process at a higher level than the call source of this priority driving-related process.

[0110] [Other Modifications] (1) In the above-described embodiment, the vehicles 3 and 4 are assumed to be BEVs or PHEVs having an inlet 43. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the vehicles 3 and 4 may be HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) or FCEVs (Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles) that do not have an inlet 43.

[0111] (2) In the above-described embodiment, the charging via the inlet 43 of the vehicles 3 and 4 is assumed to be DC charging. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the vehicles 3 and 4 may be configured such that AC (Alternating Current) charging is possible as the charging via the inlet 43, or may be configured such that both AC charging and DC charging are possible.

[0112] (3) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the information indicating that the priority driving condition is satisfied is displayed on the HMI device 49 and the external notification device 48. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the information indicating that the priority driving condition is satisfied may be output inside or outside the vehicle compartment by voice (for example, a voice such as "The priority driving condition is not satisfied. Please leave the non-contact charging lane.").

[0113] (4) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in step S324 of FIG. 7 and step S124 of FIG. 9, information indicating that the priority running condition is not satisfied is notified by the HMI devices 49 of the vehicles 3 and 4 as information prompting other vehicles to preferentially run in the non-contact charging lane L1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the information prompting other vehicles to preferentially run in the non-contact charging lane L1 may be other information. For example, it may be information prompting to exit the non-contact charging lane L1, or information indicating to temporarily yield the non-contact charging lane L1 to other vehicles.

[0114] (5) In the above-described embodiment, the vehicles 3 and 4 capable of non-contact charging running on the non-contact charging lane L1 are not particularly restricted in charging. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for the vehicles 3 and 4 for which the priority running condition is not satisfied in the non-contact charging lane L1, non-contact charging may be restricted (for example, the charging power may be restricted, or charging itself may be prohibited).

[0115] (6) In the above-described embodiment, as shown in steps S312 to S314 of FIG. 7 and steps S112 to S114 of FIG. 9, the priority running condition is set to three conditions. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the priority running condition may be any condition as long as it is a condition under which preferential running in the non-contact charging lane L1 is permitted.

[0116] (7) In the above-described embodiments, the traveling mode of the non-contact charging lane L1 was not particularly limited. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the traveling mode of the non-contact charging lane L1 may be limited to a traveling mode in the ECO mode (for example, a mode in which the absolute value of the upper limit value of acceleration is limited to a predetermined value or less that is smaller than the absolute value of the upper limit value during normal traveling), or may be limited to traveling at a speed equal to or lower than a predetermined speed. Further, when a predetermined condition such as a priority traveling condition is satisfied, the traveling speed on the non-contact charging lane may be made slower than when the condition is not satisfied. The predetermined condition may include, in addition to the priority traveling condition, a condition that it is for transporting goods rather than people, or a condition that there is a specified arrival time. Further, the traveling mode may be forcibly controlled in these ways.

[0117] (8) The above-described embodiments can be regarded as a disclosure of a non-contact charging system such as the vehicle management system 100, or can be regarded as a disclosure of the vehicles 3 and 4, the non-contact power transmission system 7, or the server 1 included in the vehicle management system 100, or can be regarded as a disclosure of a method, a program, or a medium carrying the program for notifying the establishment / non-establishment of the priority traveling condition or the power reception / non-power reception in a non-contact manner in these systems or apparatuses.

[0118] [Summary] (1) As shown in FIG. 1, the vehicle management system 100 is a system including vehicles 3 and 4. As shown in FIGS. 2 to 6, the vehicles 3 and 4 include a battery 30 that stores electric power for driving, a power receiving device 45 that can receive power non - contact from a power transmission device 70 buried in the road and charges the battery 30 with the received power, and a notification unit that notifies a driver of predetermined information (for example, the HMI device 49, the display 424 of the navigation system 42). As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vehicle management system 100 includes a control unit (for example, the ECU 40 of the vehicles 3 and 4, the control device 10 of the server 1) that issues a command to notify predetermined information at the notification unit of the vehicles 3 and 4. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, when the vehicles 3 and 4 do not satisfy the priority driving condition which is the condition under which the priority driving of the non - contact charging lane L1 in which the power transmission device 70 is buried is recognized, and are traveling on the non - contact charging lane L1, the control unit issues a command to notify, at the notification unit of the vehicle 3 and 4, information prompting other vehicles 3 and 4 to preferentially travel on the non - contact charging lane L1 (step S324 in FIG. 7, step 124 in FIG. 9).

[0119] As a result, when the vehicles 3 and 4 do not satisfy the priority driving condition which is the condition under which the priority driving of the non - contact charging lane L1 in which the power transmission device 70 is buried is recognized, and are traveling on the non - contact charging lane L1, information prompting other vehicles 3 and 4 to preferentially travel on the non - contact charging lane L1 is notified at the notification unit of the vehicle 3 and 4. Therefore, when such information is notified, the driver of the vehicle 3 and 4 allows other vehicles 3 and 4 to preferentially travel on the non - contact charging lane L1. As a result, traffic jams on the non - contact charging lane L1 can be suppressed.

[0120] (2) As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the priority driving condition may be set such that the distance to the destination is equal to or greater than a reference distance.

[0121] As a result, vehicles 3 and 4 whose distance to the destination is equal to or greater than the reference distance can preferentially travel on the non - contact charging lane L1 while receiving power from the power transmission device 70 buried in the non - contact charging lane L1.

[0122] (3) As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the priority running condition may be set such that the SOC of the battery 30 is less than the reference value.

[0123] Thereby, vehicles 3 and 4 with the SOC of the battery 30 less than the reference value can preferentially run on the non-contact charging lane L1 while receiving power from the power transmission device 70 embedded in the non-contact charging lane L1.

[0124] (4) As shown in FIGS. 7 and 9, the priority running condition may be set such that the vehicle speed is equal to or higher than the reference speed when the non-contact charging lane L1 is not congested.

[0125] Thereby, vehicles 3 and 4 with the vehicle speed equal to or higher than the reference speed when the non-contact charging lane L1 is not congested can preferentially run on the non-contact charging lane L1 while receiving power from the power transmission device 70 embedded in the non-contact charging lane L1.

[0126] (5) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the vehicles 3 and 4 may further include an external notification device 48 that notifies the outside of the vehicle 3 and 4 whether the vehicle 3 and 4 satisfies or does not satisfy the priority running condition.

[0127] Thereby, it is possible to notify the driver of other vehicles 3 and 4 that the vehicle is running on the non-contact charging lane L1 without satisfying the priority running condition. As a result, in order to avoid being looked at with blame, the driver of the vehicle 3 and 4 allows other vehicles 3 and 4 to preferentially run on the non-contact charging lane L1.

[0128] (6) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the vehicles 3 and 4 may further include an external notification device 48 that notifies the outside of the vehicle 3 and 4 whether the vehicle 3 and 4 is receiving power by the power receiving device 45 or not.

[0129] As a result, when the vehicles 3 and 4 are receiving power from the power transmission device 70 embedded in the non-contact charging lane L1, the drivers of other vehicles 3 and 4 can be notified of this fact. As a result, when the vehicles 3 and 4 do not satisfy the priority driving conditions, the drivers of the vehicles 3 and 4 give priority to other vehicles 3 and 4 in the non-contact charging lane L1 in order to avoid being looked at with blame.

[0130] Each of the embodiments disclosed this time is also planned to be implemented in appropriate combination. And it should be considered that each of the embodiments disclosed this time is illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the above embodiments, and it is intended that all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims be included.

Explanation of Signs

[0131] 1 Server, 3, 4 Vehicles, 5 Charging Equipment Group, 6 Charging Equipment, 7 Non-contact Power Transmission System, 8 AC Power Source, 9 Communication Network, 10 Control Device, 11 Controller, 12 Storage Device, 13 Power Conversion Unit, 14, 41 Communication Device, 15 Sensor Unit, 16 Bus, 30 Battery, 31 Monitoring Unit, 32 Voltage Sensor, 33 Current Sensor, 34 Temperature Sensor, 35 SMR, 36 PCU, 37 Motor Generator, 38 Transmission Gear, 39 Driving Wheel, 40 ECU, 42 Navigation System, 43 Inlet, 44, 46 Charging Relay, 45 Power Receiving Device, 47 DC / DC Converter, 48 External Notification Device, 49 HMI Device, 61 Charging Cable, 62 Charging Connector, 70 Power Transmission Device, 71 Power Transmission Coil, 100 Management System, 421 CPU, 422 Memory, 423 GPS Receiver, 424 Display, 451 Power Receiving Coil, 491 Instrument Panel, 493 Indicator Lamp, L1 Non-contact Charging Lane, L2 Normal Lane, NL, PL Power Line.

Claims

1. A contactless charging system including an electric vehicle, wherein the electric vehicle includes: a battery for storing power for running; a power receiving unit capable of receiving power in a contactless manner from a power transmission device buried in a road and charging the battery with the received power; a notification unit for notifying a driver of predetermined information; and the contactless charging system includes: a control unit for issuing a command to notify predetermined information by the notification unit of the electric vehicle, wherein when the electric vehicle does not satisfy a priority running condition which is a condition under which priority running in a contactless charging lane where the power transmission device is buried is permitted, and is running in the contactless charging lane, the control unit issues a command to notify, by the notification unit of the electric vehicle, information prompting other vehicles to run preferentially in the contactless charging lane; the priority running condition is a condition that the distance to a destination is equal to or greater than a reference distance. The contactless charging system.

2. A contactless charging system including an electric vehicle, wherein the electric vehicle includes: a battery for storing power for running; a power receiving unit capable of receiving power in a contactless manner from a power transmission device buried in a road and charging the battery with the received power; a notification unit for notifying a driver of predetermined information; and the contactless charging system includes: a control unit for issuing a command to notify predetermined information by the notification unit of the electric vehicle, wherein when the electric vehicle does not satisfy a priority running condition which is a condition under which priority running in a contactless charging lane where the power transmission device is buried is permitted, and is running in the contactless charging lane, the control unit issues a command to notify, by the notification unit of the electric vehicle, information prompting other vehicles to run preferentially in the contactless charging lane; the priority running condition is a condition that the state of charge (SOC) of the battery is less than a reference value; the electric vehicle further includes an external notification unit for notifying the outside of the electric vehicle whether the electric vehicle satisfies the priority running condition or not. The contactless charging system.

3. The contactless charging system according to claim 1, wherein the electric vehicle further includes an external notification unit for notifying the outside of the electric vehicle whether the electric vehicle satisfies the priority running condition or not.

4. The contactless charging system according to claim 1, wherein the electric vehicle further includes an external notification unit for notifying the outside of the electric vehicle whether the electric vehicle is in the process of receiving power by the power receiving unit or not. **Claim 5**: The non-contact charging system according to claim 2, wherein the external notification unit further notifies, outside the electric vehicle, whether the electric vehicle is in the process of receiving power at the power receiving unit or not. **Claim 6** A method for notifying predetermined information in a non-contact charging system including an electric vehicle, wherein the electric vehicle includes a battery for storing power for running, a power receiving unit capable of receiving power non-contact from a power transmission device buried in a road and charging the battery with the received power, and a notification unit for notifying a driver of predetermined information, the non-contact charging system includes a control unit for issuing a command to notify predetermined information by the notification unit of the electric vehicle, the notification method includes a step in which the control unit issues a command to notify, by the notification unit of the electric vehicle, information prompting other vehicles to preferentially run in the non-contact charging lane when the electric vehicle does not satisfy a preferential running condition, which is a condition under which preferential running in the non-contact charging lane where the power transmission device is buried is permitted, and the electric vehicle is running in the non-contact charging lane, wherein the preferential running condition is a condition that the distance to the destination is equal to or greater than a reference distance. **Claim 7** A method for notifying predetermined information in a non-contact charging system including an electric vehicle, wherein the electric vehicle includes a battery for storing power for running, a power receiving unit capable of receiving power non-contact from a power transmission device buried in a road and charging the battery with the received power, a notification unit for notifying a driver of predetermined information, and an external notification unit for notifying predetermined information outside the electric vehicle, the non-contact charging system includes a control unit for issuing a command to notify predetermined information by the notification unit of the electric vehicle, the notification method includes a step in which the control unit issues a command to notify, by the notification unit of the electric vehicle, information prompting other vehicles to preferentially run in the non-contact charging lane when the electric vehicle does not satisfy a preferential running condition, which is a condition under which preferential running in the non-contact charging lane where the power transmission device is buried is permitted, and the electric vehicle is running in the non-contact charging lane, wherein the preferential running condition is a condition that the state of charge (SOC) of the battery is less than a reference value, and the notification method further includes a step in which the control unit issues a command to notify, by the external notification unit of the electric vehicle, whether the electric vehicle satisfies the preferential running condition or not.

Images