Power supply device, power supply method, and program

Abstract

To provide a power supply device, a power supply method, and a program, which can improve safety during non-contact charging.SOLUTION: A power supply device includes: a power supply part having a power supply member to supply power to a power receiving device placed on a placing face; a thermally conductive member which is provided in a place positioned between the power receiving device and the power supply member when the power receiving device is placed on the placing face and has higher thermal conductivity than a placing part; and a temperature detection part for detecting a temperature of the thermally conductive member. When the temperature of the thermally conductive member, which is detected by the temperature detection part, satisfies a predetermined condition after the power supply part starts supplying power at prescribed timing, control for stopping power supply by the power supply part is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply device, a power supply method, and a program.

Background Art

[0002] Various devices have been made to prevent the charging device from overheating due to the presence of metal foreign objects on the charging stand in a non-contact charging device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a non-contact charging device including a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a power transmission coil and reduces the charging current when the temperature during charging exceeds a predetermined temperature.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the non-contact charging device described in Patent Document 1, for example, when a rapid temperature rise occurs, there is a risk of exceeding a predetermined temperature. Therefore, there is room for improvement from the viewpoint of improving the safety during non-contact charging.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a power supply device, a power supply method, and a program capable of improving the safety during non-contact charging.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The power supply device according to the present invention includes a mounting portion having a mounting surface on which a power receiving device is mounted, a power supply portion having a power supply member for supplying power to the power receiving device mounted on the mounting surface, A heat conduction member provided at a location positioned between the power receiving device and the power feeding member when the power receiving device is placed on the placement surface, the heat conduction member having a higher thermal conductivity than the placement portion; detecting the temperature of the heat conduction member; Temperature sensor and after the start of power feeding by the power feeding unit at a predetermined timing, when the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the above Temperature sensor satisfies a predetermined condition, a control unit that performs control to stop the power feeding by the power feeding unit; A wiring board on which the temperature sensor is mounted and for transmitting temperature information detected by the temperature sensor to the control unit, A pressing member disposed in close contact with the wiring board so as to press the wiring board toward the heat conducting member, comprising.

Advantages of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, the temperature rise can be moderated by the heat conduction member, and the safety during non-contact charging can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For ease of understanding of the embodiments, the description will be made with appropriate reference to the up-down directions in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0010] (Embodiment) First, the configuration of the power supply device 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The power supply device 100 is a device that supplies electricity to the power receiving device provided in the robot 200 shown in FIG. 1.

[0011] The robot 200 in this embodiment is a pet robot imitating a small animal. As shown in FIG. 1, two decorative members 202 imitating the eyes of a small animal are provided on the front side of the robot 200. Further, the robot 200 has an exterior 204 provided with hair 203 imitating the hair of a small animal. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, the robot 200 is provided with a power receiving coil 201 which is a power receiving device. The power receiving coil 201 is, for example, a planar coil wound in a spiral shape, and the coil surface is arranged parallel to the upper surface of the coil cover 101 which is the placement surface of the power supply device 100.

[0012] The power receiving coil 201 receives power by magnetic field coupling such as electromagnetic induction with the power transmission coil 106 provided in the power supply device 100. The power received by the power receiving coil 201 is output to a charging circuit (not shown). The charging circuit rectifies the AC power received by the power receiving coil 201 and converts it into a DC current to charge a secondary battery (not shown). Thereby, power can be supplied non - contact from the power supply device 100 to the secondary battery of the robot 200. Therefore, the power transmission coil 106 corresponds to the power supply member. Also, in this embodiment, an example of a non - contact charging method using the power transmission coil 106 and the power receiving coil 201 is shown, but it is not limited thereto. Specifically, any non - contact power supply method may be used as long as it uses a magnetic field for non - contact power supply.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 2, the power supply device 100 includes a coil cover 101, a floor surface 101a, a heat conduction member 103, a pressing member 104, a temperature sensor 105, a power transmission coil 106, a pedestal 107, a substrate 108, and an outer frame 109.

[0014] The coil cover 101 corresponds to the placement portion on which the robot 200 is placed. Also, the coil cover 101 is formed of a material different from metal so that the coil cover 101 itself does not generate heat when power is supplied by the power transmission coil 106. In this embodiment, the coil cover 101 is formed of an insulating member such as plastic. Note that the coil cover 101 may be constituted by a smooth member with little friction against the robot 200, such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The floor surface 101a is constituted by an insulating member such as plastic, for example. Note that the floor surface 101a may also be constituted by polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) in the same manner as the coil cover 101.

[0015] As shown in Fig. 3, on the lower surface side of the coil cover 101, the heat conduction member 103 is attached by a heat conductive double-sided tape 102. The heat conduction member 103 is, for example, a sheet formed of an acrylic-based material. Note that the heat conduction member 103 may be formed of a silicon-based material in addition to the acrylic-based material. Also, the heat conductive double-sided tape 102 is, for example, a tape in which a heat conductive acrylic-based adhesive is applied to both surfaces of a polyetheretherketone (PEEK) resin. Note that the heat conductive double-sided tape 102 may be only a heat conductive acrylic-based adhesive, or may be a tape in which a heat conductive acrylic-based adhesive is applied to both surfaces of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film. Note that the heat conduction member 103 is constituted by a material having a higher thermal conductivity than that of the coil cover 101.

[0016] The pressing member 104 is formed of an elastic member such as rubber. Further, the pressing member 104 is provided so as to cover the periphery of the temperature sensor 105 near the lower center of the heat conduction member 103. More specifically, a through hole 104a is formed in the pressing member 104, and the pressing member 104 is arranged such that the temperature sensor 105 is positioned inside the through hole 104a.

[0017] The temperature sensor 105 is a sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat conduction member 103, and is a contact type temperature sensor such as a resistance temperature detector, a linear resistor, or a thermistor, and is provided at the lower center of the heat conduction member 103 as shown by a dotted line in FIG. 4. In other words, the temperature sensor 105 is located at a position on the side of the coil cover 101 opposite to the side on which the robot 200 is placed and corresponds to the central position of the heat conduction member 103.

[0018] In this embodiment, the temperature sensor 105 is mounted on a flexible printed wiring board 105a. Further, the temperature information detected by the temperature sensor 105 is transmitted to the electronic components mounted on the substrate 108 via the flexible printed wiring board 105a. Note that, as the flexible printed wiring board 105a, for example, a film made of a resin having a high thermal conductivity or the like with a circuit pattern formed thereon is used.

[0019] Further, the pressing member 104 is arranged such that the flexible printed wiring board 105a is pressed toward the heat conduction member 103 by the pressing member 104. As a result, the pressing member 104, the flexible printed wiring board 105a, and the heat conduction member 103 are in close contact with each other. Further, even when a metal foreign object exists on the coil cover 101 and the metal foreign object generates heat during power supply by the power transmission coil 106, the generated heat is easily conducted to the temperature sensor 105 via the coil cover 101, the thermally conductive double-sided tape 102, the heat conduction member 103, and the flexible printed wiring board 105a. Note that the temperature sensor 105 corresponds to the temperature detection unit.

[0020] Also, as described above, the temperature sensor 105 is disposed inside the through hole 104a formed in the pressing member 104. Therefore, the temperature sensor 105 is in contact with the flexible printed wiring board 105a at a portion different from the portion where the pressing member 104 and the flexible printed wiring board 105a are in contact (specifically, the peripheral portion of the through hole 104a), that is, at a region inside the peripheral portion of the through hole 104a. That is, when the pressing member 104 is not disposed, since it is necessary to press the heat conducting member 103 against the flexible printed wiring board 105a by the temperature sensor 105, there is a possibility that a load is applied to the temperature sensor 105. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, since the temperature sensor 105 is disposed so as to be in contact with the flexible printed wiring board 105a in a state where the heat conducting member 103 is pressed by the pressing member 104, it is possible to suppress the temperature sensor 105 from being loaded.

[0021] Note that the pressing member 104 may be made to function as a cushion for protecting the temperature sensor 105. Further, the pressing member 104 may be made to function as a cushion by generating a repulsive force corresponding to the gravity of the robot 200 placed on the coil cover 101.

[0022] Also, according to the configuration in which the temperature sensor 105 detects the temperature at a location corresponding to the central position of the heat conduction member 103 disposed on the lower surface side of the coil cover 101, the manufacturing cost of the power supply device 100 can be reduced. More specifically, when the heat conduction member 103 is not provided, it is necessary to provide temperature sensors at a plurality of locations in order to detect temperature changes in the central portion and the vicinity of the periphery of the coil cover 101, and the cost increases by the number of temperature sensors. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, heat generated from the metal foreign matter is transmitted to the temperature sensor 105 via the heat conduction member 103. Therefore, the temperature sensor 105 disposed at a location corresponding to the central position of the heat conduction member 103 can detect temperature changes not only in the vicinity of the center of the coil cover 101 but also in other portions. In this way, the heat conduction member 103 functions as a member for quickly transmitting heat generated from the metal foreign matter to the temperature sensor 105. Further, the heat conduction member 103 also functions as a member for gently raising the temperature of the metal foreign matter by diffusing the heat from the heat-generating metal foreign matter.

[0023] Also, the coil cover 101 is made of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the heat conduction member 103 as described above. Therefore, compared with the heat conduction layer formed by the heat conduction member 103, the coil cover 101 functions as a heat insulating layer that is difficult to conduct heat. In this case, even when the metal foreign matter generates heat, the heat does not diffuse over a wide area on the coil cover 101, so that it is possible to suppress the heat generated from the metal foreign matter from being transmitted to the robot 200.

[0024] The power transmission coil 106 is, for example, a planar coil wound in a spiral shape, and the coil surface is arranged so as to be parallel to the upper surface of the coil cover 101. That is, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the power transmission coil 106 is arranged so as to face the power reception coil 201 of the robot 200 placed on the coil cover 101. In this embodiment, it is provided outside or inside the power supply device 100, converts a DC voltage supplied from an AC adapter connected to a household outlet into an alternating current, and transmits power from the power transmission coil 106.

[0025] The pedestal 107 is made of an insulating member such as plastic, and as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a power transmission coil 106 is disposed on its upper surface.

[0026] The substrate 108 is composed of a printed circuit board on which various electronic components are mounted. Specifically, on the substrate 108, a microcomputer equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a RAM (Random Access Memory), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and a memory for storing various information are mounted.

[0027] The outer frame 109 is made of an insulating member such as plastic. In this embodiment, the outer frame 109 is shown as an elliptical shape as shown in FIG. 4, but this is just an example and is not limited to the elliptical shape. For example, it may be a so-called oval shape in which the front is bulged more than the rear. Further, the outer frame 109 is provided with a notification unit for notifying the user of the presence of a metal foreign object, such as a lamp such as an LED or a speaker (not shown).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 4, the power supply device 100 in this embodiment has an elliptical shape when viewed from above the power supply device 100 placed on a placement surface such as a table. Also, on the lower surface side of the circular coil cover 101, a circular heat conductive member 103 is attached by a heat conductive double-sided tape 102 (see FIG. 2). And a temperature sensor 105 is provided at a location corresponding to the central portion of the circular heat conductive member 103. In the example shown in the figure, the coil cover 101 and the heat conductive member 103 are shown as circular, but they are not limited to circular, and may be, for example, elliptical or polygonal. The shape of the heat conductive member 103 may be any shape corresponding to the shape of the coil cover 101.

[0029] Next, each functional part of the power supply device 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the power supply device 100 includes a storage unit 110, a control unit 120, an input / output unit 130, a communication unit 140, and a system bus (not shown) that interconnects these. Note that each of these functional parts is realized by a microcomputer including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM mounted on a substrate 108, an FPGA, a memory that stores various information, and the like.

[0030] The storage unit 110 is a storage device such as a ROM, a RAM, or a flash memory, and stores various data (not shown) necessary in advance for executing a program 111 executed by the CPU of the control unit 120, set temperature information 112, and set time information 113.

[0031] The program 111 is a program that executes power supply control processing described later, and is stored in the storage unit 110 in advance.

[0032] The set temperature information 112 is a plurality of temperatures set in advance by the user from a first set temperature to an nth set temperature (n is an integer of 2 or more set by the user) as set temperatures. Note that the temperature set as the set temperature information 112 is a reference temperature for comparison with the rising temperature of the heat conduction member 103 detected by the temperature sensor 105 in the power supply control processing described later.

[0033] The set time information 113 is set such that, for example, 1 second is set as the first set time corresponding to the first set temperature (for example, 3 degrees), and 3 seconds is set as the second set time corresponding to the second set temperature (for example, 5 degrees). For each set temperature set by the set temperature information 112, an nth set time corresponding to the nth set temperature is set in advance by the user. Also, the second set temperature is higher than the first set temperature, and the higher the value of n, the higher the temperature. Also, the second set time is longer than the first set time, and the higher the value of n, the longer the time.

[0034] The control unit 120 is composed of a CPU, an FPGA, etc. The control unit 120 operates according to the program 111 stored in the storage unit 110 and executes the processing according to the program 111. As the main functional units provided by the program 111 stored in the storage unit 110, the control unit 120 includes a power supply control unit 121 and a determination unit 122.

[0035] The power supply control unit 121 is a functional unit that controls the start, continuation, and stop of power supply to the robot 200 according to the determination result by the function of the determination unit 122.

[0036] The determination unit 122 is a functional unit that performs various determinations. The determination unit 122 has a function of determining whether the robot 200 is placed on the power supply device 100 by determining whether communication is established between the communication unit of the robot 200 and the communication unit 140 of the power supply device 100. In addition, the determination unit 122 determines whether the allowable conditions for continuing power supply are satisfied based on the speed of temperature change of the heat conduction member 103 detected by the temperature sensor 105. More specifically, the determination unit 122 determines whether the allowable conditions for continuing power supply are not satisfied, whether the allowable conditions for continuing power supply are satisfied, or whether the provisional allowable conditions for continuing power supply are satisfied.

[0037] Here, determining that the allowable conditions for continuing power supply are not satisfied corresponds to determining that there is a foreign metal object on the coil cover 101 and that the temperature of the foreign metal object may reach a preset temperature (for example, 70 degrees) if power supply by the power transmission coil 106 continues. Note that the above 70 degrees is an example of the preset temperature and is set to different temperatures according to the purpose.

[0038] On the other hand, determining that the power supply continuation allowable condition is satisfied corresponds to determining that there is no metal foreign object on the coil cover 101, or that there is no metal foreign object that reaches a preset temperature (for example, 70 degrees) even when power supply by the power transmission coil 106 continues. In this embodiment, without distinguishing between the case where there is no metal foreign object and the case where there is a metal foreign object but it does not reach 70 degrees, it is determined that the power supply continuation allowable condition is satisfied as a whole. Further, determining that the provisional allowable condition for power supply continuation is satisfied corresponds to determining that it is not determined that the power supply continuation allowable condition is not satisfied, but also not determined that the power supply continuation allowable condition is satisfied, and that the condition for provisionally continuing the power supply is satisfied.

[0039] In addition, in order to set the conditions when the above-described determination is made by the control unit 120, data is acquired when power is supplied to the robot 200 placed on the coil cover 101 with a metal foreign object disposed on the coil cover 101. More specifically, data is acquired regarding the change in the temperature of the metal foreign object during power supply, the change in the detected temperature by the temperature sensor 105, and the time until the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 105 rises by a predetermined temperature. Then, based on the acquired data, a nth set temperature and a nth set time corresponding to the nth set temperature are set respectively. For example, based on the data when the foreign object temperature reaches 70 degrees when power supply continues, it is possible to set the conditions for determining that the temperature of the metal foreign object may exceed 70 degrees when power supply continues.

[0040] The determination unit 122 has a function of comparing with each set temperature indicated by the set temperature information 112 and comparing the time when the temperature becomes equal to or higher than the set temperature with each set time indicated by the set time information 113. Further, the determination unit 122 has a function of determining whether the charging of the robot 200 is full. In addition, the determination unit 122 has a function of making determinations necessary in the power supply control process described later.

[0041] The input / output unit 130 is a functional unit for inputting and outputting various data, such as the temperature information of the heat conduction member 103 detected by the temperature sensor 105 and information for notifying the user that there is a metal foreign object.

[0042] The communication unit 140 is a functional unit for the power supply device 100 to communicate with the robot 200 via the communication unit of the robot 200.

[0043] By the cooperation of these functional units, when the robot 200 is placed on the power supply device 100, the power supply device 100 realizes the function of starting power supply and stopping power supply when the temperature of the heat conduction member 103 satisfies a predetermined condition.

[0044] The above is the configuration of the power supply device 100. Next, the operation of the power supply device 100 will be described. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the power supply control process executed in the power supply device 100. The power supply control process is started when the determination unit 122 determines that communication has been established between the communication unit of the robot 200 and the communication unit 140 of the power supply device 100. That is, the power supply control process is started when the robot 200 is set on the power supply device 100. In this embodiment, the case where the set temperature information 112 is set from the first set temperature to the fifth set temperature (that is, the case where n = 5) will be described as an example. Note that the initial value of n is 1, and it is assumed that it is cleared to 1, which is the initial value, each time the power supply control process ends.

[0045] When starting the power supply control process shown in FIG. 6, the control unit 120 first starts power supply to the robot 200 by the function of the power supply control unit 121 (step S101). Specifically, in step S101, power supply by magnetic field coupling between the power transmission coil 106 of the power supply device 100 and the power reception coil 201 of the robot 200 is started. In the process of step S101, the temperature of the heat conduction member 103 immediately after the start of power supply is also acquired in the same manner as step S102 described later. After starting power supply in the process of step S101, the control unit 120 starts measurement by a timer and measures the elapsed time from the start of power supply.

[0046] After executing the process of step S101, the control unit 120 acquires the temperature of the heat conduction member 103 (step S102). Specifically, in the process of step S102, the temperature information of the heat conduction member 103 detected by the temperature sensor 105 is acquired via the input / output unit 130.

[0047] After executing the process of step S102, the control unit 120 determines, by the function of the determination unit 122, whether or not the rising temperature of the heat conduction member 103 is equal to or higher than the n-th set temperature (step S103). Specifically, in step S103, the rising temperature of the heat conduction member 103 is calculated (derived) by subtracting the temperature of the heat conduction member 103 acquired in the process of step S101 from the temperature of the heat conduction member 103 acquired in step S102. Then, it is determined whether or not the calculated rising temperature is equal to or higher than the first set temperature indicated by the set temperature information 112 stored in the storage unit 110.

[0048] In the process of step S103, if it is determined that the rising temperature of the heat conduction member 103 is less than the n-th set temperature, that is, in this example, less than the first set temperature (step S103; No), the process returns to step S102 while continuing the power supply, and the temperature of the heat conduction member 103 is acquired again.

[0049] On the other hand, if it is determined that the rising temperature of the heat conduction member 103 is equal to or higher than the n-th set temperature, that is, in this example, equal to or higher than the first set temperature (for example, 3 degrees) (step S103; Yes), the control unit 120 determines, by the function of the determination unit 122, whether or not the elapsed time is less than the first set time (for example, 1 second) (step S104). Specifically, in step S104, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time started to be measured in the process of step S101 is less than the first set time corresponding to the first set temperature indicated by the set time information 113 stored in the storage unit 110.

[0050] In step S104, when it is determined that the elapsed time is shorter than the first set time, that is, when the time taken for the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 105 to rise by the first set temperature (for example, 3 degrees) since the start of power supply is shorter than the first set time (for example, 1 second) (step S104; Yes), the control unit 120 determines that the allowable condition for continuing power supply is not satisfied (step S104A), and stops the power supply (step S107). In this way, by stopping the power supply by the power transmission coil 106 when it is determined that the allowable condition for continuing power supply is not satisfied, the safety in non-contact power supply can be improved.

[0051] Also, when it is determined that the allowable condition for continuing power supply is not satisfied, the control unit 120 performs foreign object notification processing for notifying the user that a metal foreign object is present (step S108), and ends the power supply control processing. Specifically, in the process of step S108, notification by the notification unit such as lighting of a lamp such as an LED provided on the outer frame 109 or voice output from a speaker is performed via the input / output unit 130.

[0052] On the other hand, in the process of step S104, the case where it is determined that the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the nth set time, that is, in this example, the case where it is determined that the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the first set time will be described. When the time taken for the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 105 to rise by the first set temperature (for example, 3 degrees) since the start of power supply is equal to or longer than the first set time (for example, 1 second) (step S104; No), the control unit 120 determines whether it is the nth set temperature corresponding to the maximum value of n by the function of the determination unit 122 (step S105). Specifically, since the maximum value of n in this example is 5, in the process of step S105, it is determined whether it is the fifth set temperature.

[0053] In the process of step S105, since it is in the state of n = 1, it is determined that it is not the fifth set temperature (step S105; No). Then, the control unit 120 determines that the provisional allowable condition for continuing charging is satisfied by the function of the determination unit 122, and continues the power supply (step S109).

[0054] And in this example, after the process of step S109, in the process of step S111, 1 is added to n to make it 2. Note that the value of n added in the process of step S111 corresponds to n of the n-th set temperature indicated by the set temperature information 112 stored in the storage unit 110, and the process of this step S111 can be executed until it becomes the same value as n of the n-th set temperature indicated by the set temperature information 112. That is, when the set temperature information 112 is set from the first set temperature to the fifth set temperature, step S111 is executed until n = 5 corresponding to the fifth set temperature, and will not be executed thereafter.

[0055] Also, when returning to the process of step S102 with n = 2, when determining whether the rising temperature of the heat conduction member 103 is equal to or higher than the n-th set temperature in the process of step S103, this time it is determined whether it is equal to or higher than the second set temperature indicated by the set temperature information 112.

[0056] Also, in the second process of step S104, it is determined whether the elapsed time since the measurement started in the process of step S101 is less than the second set time corresponding to the second set temperature indicated by the set time information 113 stored in the storage unit 110. If the elapsed time is shorter than the second set time, it is considered that the allowable condition for continuing power supply is not satisfied, and the power supply is stopped. On the other hand, if the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the second set time, it is considered that the provisional allowable condition for continuing power supply is satisfied, and the power supply is continued. In this case, the control unit 120 adds 1 to n to make it 3, and returns to the process of step S102. The same is repeated thereafter.

[0057] Then, until n = 5 which is the maximum value in this example, the process of step S111 is executed. When it is detected that the temperature of the heat conduction member 103 has risen by the fifth set temperature, the control unit 120 determines whether the elapsed time is less than the fifth set time (step S104). If the control unit 120 determines that the elapsed time is shorter than the fifth set time, it determines that the allowable condition for continuing power supply is not satisfied (step S104A) and stops the power supply (step S107). On the other hand, when the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the fifth set time, the control unit 120 determines that the allowable condition for continuing power supply is satisfied because it is the nth set temperature corresponding to the maximum value of n (step S106). That is, the control unit 120 determines that there is no metal foreign matter on the coil cover 101, or there is no metal foreign matter that reaches a preset temperature (for example, 70 degrees) even if power supply by the power transmission coil 106 continues, and continues the power supply.

[0058] After the process of step S106, the control unit 120 determines, by the function of the determination unit 122, whether the charging of the robot 200 is full, that is, whether full power supply has been achieved (step S110). Specifically, in the process of step S110, it is determined whether full power supply has been achieved by checking whether a signal indicating that full power supply has been achieved has been received from the robot 200 via the communication unit 140.

[0059] In the process of step S110, if it is determined that full power supply has been achieved, that is, if a signal indicating that full power supply has been achieved has been received from the robot 200 via the communication unit 140 (step S110; Yes), the control unit 120 ends the power supply control process as it is. On the other hand, in the process of step S110, if it is determined that full power supply has not been achieved, that is, if a signal indicating that full power supply has been achieved has not been received from the robot 200 via the communication unit 140 (step S110; No), the power supply is continued until a signal indicating that full power supply has been achieved is received from the robot 200.

[0060] In this way, instead of continuing power supply until full power supply is achieved when the condition that the elapsed time satisfies the first set time in the determination of the first step S104 is met, by setting a plurality of timings for determining whether to continue power supply, the safety during power supply can be further improved.

[0061] Further, when the robot 200 is set on the power supply device 100, the power supply control process is executed. When the temperature of the heat conduction member 103 satisfies a predetermined condition, that is, when the rising temperature of the heat conduction member 103 becomes equal to or higher than a preset temperature and reaches that temperature within a preset time, the power supply will be stopped. In other words, when the temperature becomes equal to or higher than the preset rising temperature within a predetermined period after the start of power supply, the power supply is stopped. Therefore, the safety of power supply can be improved even when a rapid temperature rise occurs, and the safety during non-contact charging can be improved.

[0062] Also, although the configuration for determining the presence or absence of metal foreign objects and controlling power supply based on the detection result of the temperature sensor 105 has been described above, the foreign object detection method defined in the Qi standard, which is an international standard for wireless power supply, may be used in combination. This foreign object detection method derives the difference between the power transmitted from the power supply coil and the power received by the power receiving coil as power loss, and detects the presence of a metal foreign object when this power loss exceeds a threshold value. By using such a method in combination, the safety in non-contact charging can be further improved.

[0063] (Modification example) Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and applications are possible. For example, the power supply device 100 and the robot 200 do not necessarily have all the technical features shown in the above-described embodiments, and may have some of the configurations described in the above-described embodiments so as to solve at least one problem in the prior art. Also, for each of the following modification examples, at least a part may be combined.

[0064] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the shape of the heat conduction member 103 is circular has been shown, but this is just an example. In the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7(A), an example in which a heat conduction member 103 having the same shape as the shape of the coil cover 101 is provided on the lower surface of the coil cover 101 has been shown. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 7(B), radial heat conductive members 999 may be provided. Further, the radial heat conductive members 999 may be formed of an acrylic-based material or a silicon-based material in the same manner as the heat conduction member 103, or may be formed of a metal such as an aluminum tape. When formed of a metal such as an aluminum tape, in order to suppress the heat generation of the heat conductive member 999 itself during power supply, the width of each of the radial heat conductive members 999 may be formed to be narrow.

[0065] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the heat conduction member 103 is provided on the lower surface of the coil cover 101 has been shown, but it may be provided on the upper surface. Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the heat conduction member 103 is attached by the heat conductive double-sided tape 102 has been shown, but it is sufficient that a heat conductive material is added to the coil cover 101. For example, only the heat conductive double-sided tape 102 may be provided without providing the heat conduction member 103.

[0066] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the set time information 113 is such that the set time is set in advance by the user for each set temperature set by the set temperature information 112 has been shown, but this is just an example. For example, a second set time that is a time later than the first set time may be set. In this case, in the power supply control process shown in FIG. 6, as a process after step S104, it may be determined whether the elapsed time exceeds the second set time. Also, the power supply may be stopped when the elapsed time is shorter than the second set time, and the power supply may be continued when the elapsed time is equal to or longer than the second set time. In addition to this, a third set temperature and a fourth set temperature may be set. Then, the same process as the above-described process related to the second set time may be performed corresponding to the third set temperature and the fourth set temperature.

[0067] In the above-described embodiment, the case where the maximum n is 5 has been described. However, the maximum n may be 1. That is, only the first set temperature and the first set time may be set. When only the first set temperature and the first set time are set, in the power supply control process shown in FIG. 6, when it is determined as No in the process of step S104, the power supply is continued until full power supply is achieved. That is, it may be determined whether or not the allowable condition for power supply continuation is satisfied by the determination in the first step S104.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, the case where it is determined that the allowable condition for power supply continuation is satisfied based on the determination result regarding the nth set temperature and the nth set time corresponding to the maximum n, and the power supply is continued until full power supply is achieved has been described. However, this is just an example. For example, the nth set temperature and the nth set time may be set so that full power supply is achieved during the cycle until the maximum n is reached.

[0069] In step S103 in the power supply control process shown in FIG. 6, an example of determining whether or not the rising temperature of the heat conduction member 103 is equal to or higher than the nth set temperature has been shown. However, it may be determined whether or not the rising temperature of the heat conduction member 103 exceeds the nth set temperature. In the process of step S104, an example of determining whether or not the elapsed time is less than the nth set time has been shown. However, it may be determined whether or not the elapsed time is less than or equal to the nth set time.

[0070] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration has been described in which it is determined whether or not the temperature of the metal foreign object may reach 70 degrees based on the speed of the temperature change detected by the temperature sensor 105. However, this is just an example. For example, the control unit 120 may determine whether or not the temperature of the heat conduction member 103 is 70 degrees or higher. Specifically, it may be directly determined whether or not the temperature of the heat conduction member 103 obtained in the process of step S102 is 70 degrees or higher, which is set in advance.

[0071] When it is determined that the temperature of the heat conduction member 103 is 70 degrees or higher, it is determined by the function of the determination unit 122 that there is a metallic foreign object on the coil cover 101 as the placement unit on which the robot 200 is placed, and the control unit 120 may be configured to stop power supply by the function of the power supply control unit 121.

[0072] Also, in the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the case where there is no metallic foreign object and the case where there is a metallic foreign object but the temperature does not reach 70 degrees are not distinguished from each other, and it is collectively determined that the allowable conditions for power supply continuation are satisfied. However, other determinations may be made. For example, conditions for distinguishing between the case where there is no metallic foreign object and the case where there is a metallic foreign object but the temperature does not reach 70 degrees may be set, and the case where there is no metallic foreign object and the case where there is a metallic foreign object but the temperature does not reach 70 degrees may be determined separately.

[0073] Also, in the above embodiment, an example has been shown in which power supply by the power supply device 100 is started when the robot 200 is placed on the power supply device 100, but this is just an example. Other timings may be set for the start of power supply by the power supply device 100. For example, power supply may be started when a predetermined time has elapsed after it is detected that the robot 200 has been placed on the power supply device 100. Also, power supply may be started when an instruction to start power supply is received from the user after the robot 200 has been placed on the power supply device 100.

[0074] Also, in the above embodiment, the case of a metallic foreign object as the foreign object has been described, but this is just an example, and any type of foreign object that generates heat when power is supplied by the power transmission coil 106 is applicable.

[0075] In the above-described embodiment, the program such as the power supply control process executed by the power supply device 100 has been described as being stored in advance in the storage unit 110. However, these programs may be stored and distributed on a non-temporary computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), MO (Magneto-Optical disc), memory card, USB memory, etc., and the program may be read into a computer and installed to configure a computer capable of executing each of the above-described processes.

[0076] It is also possible to superimpose a program for realizing the above-described functions on a carrier wave and distribute it via a communication network. For example, the program may be posted on a bulletin board (BBS, Bulletin Board System) on the communication network and the program may be distributed via the network.

[0077] The present invention can be implemented in various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Also, the above-described embodiment is for explaining the present invention and does not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the embodiments. And various modifications made within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the meaning of the invention equivalent thereto are considered to be within the scope of this invention. The invention described in the original claims of the present application is appended below.

[0078] (Appendix 1) A mounting portion having a mounting surface on which the power receiving device is mounted; A power supply portion having a power supply member for supplying power to the power receiving device mounted on the mounting surface; A heat conduction member provided at a location positioned between the power receiving device and the power supply member when the power receiving device is mounted on the mounting surface, the heat conduction member having a higher heat conductivity than the mounting portion; A temperature detection unit that detects the temperature of the heat conduction member; A control unit that performs control to stop power supply by the power supply unit when the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the temperature detection unit satisfies a predetermined condition after the start of power supply by the power supply unit at a predetermined timing; A power supply device comprising:

[0079] (Appendix 2) When the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the temperature detection unit rises by a predetermined temperature range or more within a predetermined period after the start of power supply by the power supply unit, the control unit satisfies the predetermined condition and stops the power supply by the power supply unit. The power supply device according to Appendix 1.

[0080] (Appendix 3) When the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the temperature detection unit rises by a predetermined temperature range or more within a predetermined period after the start of power supply by the power supply unit, the control unit satisfies the predetermined condition and stops the power supply by the power supply unit. The power supply device according to Appendix 1, further comprising:

[0081] (Appendix 4) A plurality of the predetermined temperature ranges are set, and different predetermined periods corresponding to each of the plurality of predetermined temperature ranges are set. When it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied for all the predetermined temperature ranges and the predetermined periods corresponding to the predetermined temperature ranges, the control unit continues the power supply by the power supply unit. The power supply device according to Appendix 2.

[0082] (Appendix 5) A determination unit that determines that there is a foreign object on the placement surface when the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the temperature detection unit rises by a predetermined temperature range or more within a predetermined period after the start of power supply by the power supply unit. The power supply device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, further comprising:

[0083] (Appendix 6) The heat conduction member is provided on the side opposite to the placement surface of the placement portion. The power supply device according to Appendix 3.

[0084] (Appendix 7) The heat conduction member is attached to the placement portion by a heat-conductive adhesive member. The power supply device according to Appendix 5.

[0085] (Appendix 8) A placement portion having a placement surface on which a power receiving device is placed, the placement portion functioning as a heat insulation layer, A power supply portion having a power supply member for supplying power to the power receiving device placed on the placement surface, A heat conduction member provided on the surface of the placement portion opposite to the placement surface side, the heat conduction member functioning as a heat conduction layer, A temperature detection portion for detecting the temperature of the heat conduction member, After the start of power supply by the power supply portion at a predetermined timing, when the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the temperature detection portion satisfies a predetermined condition, a control portion for performing control to stop the power supply by the power supply portion, A power supply device comprising:

[0086] (Appendix 9) A placement portion having a placement surface on which a power receiving device is placed, A power supply portion having a power supply member for supplying power to the power receiving device placed on the placement surface, A heat conduction member provided at a location between the power receiving device and the power supply member when the power receiving device is placed on the placement surface, the heat conduction member having a higher heat conductivity than the placement portion, A temperature detection portion for detecting the temperature of the heat conduction member, A power supply method by a power supply device comprising a control portion for performing power supply control, A step of starting power supply by the power supply portion at a predetermined timing, When the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the temperature detection unit satisfies a predetermined condition, stopping the power supply by the power supply unit; A power supply method comprising the above.

[0087] (Appendix 10) A mounting part having a mounting surface on which a power receiving device is mounted; A power supply unit having a power supply member for supplying power to the power receiving device mounted on the mounting surface; A heat conduction member provided at a location between the power receiving device and the power supply member when the power receiving device is mounted on the mounting surface, the heat conduction member having a higher heat conductivity than the mounting part; A temperature detection unit for detecting the temperature of the heat conduction member; A computer comprising a control unit for controlling power supply, Control means for performing control to stop the power supply by the power supply unit when the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the temperature detection unit satisfies a predetermined condition after the start of power supply by the power supply unit at a predetermined timing; A program for functioning as the above.

Explanation of reference numerals

[0088] 100... Power supply device, 101... Coil cover, 101a... Floor surface, 102... Thermally conductive double-sided tape, 103... Heat conduction member, 104... Pressing member, 104a... Through hole, 105... Temperature sensor, 106... Power transmission coil, 107... Pedestal, 108... Substrate, 109... Outer frame, 110... Storage unit, 111... Program, 112... Set temperature information, 113... Set time information, 120... Control unit, 121... Power supply control unit, 122... Determination unit, 130... Input / output unit, 140... Communication unit, 200... Robot, 201... Power receiving coil

Claims

1. A mounting portion having a mounting surface on which a power receiving device is mounted; A power supply unit having a power supply member for supplying power to the power receiving device mounted on the mounting surface; A heat conduction member provided at a location positioned between the power receiving device and the power supply member when the power receiving device is mounted on the mounting surface, the heat conduction member having a higher heat conductivity than the mounting portion; A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat conduction member; A control unit that performs control to stop power supply by the power supply unit when, after the start of power supply by the power supply unit at a predetermined timing, the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the temperature sensor satisfies a predetermined condition; A wiring board on which the temperature sensor is mounted and for transmitting temperature information detected by the temperature sensor to the control unit; A pressing member arranged in close contact with the wiring board so as to press the wiring board toward the heat conduction member; A power supply device comprising the above.

2. The pressing member is formed of an elastic member and is provided so as to cover the periphery of the temperature sensor. The power supply device according to Claim 1.

3. The temperature sensor is in contact with the wiring board at a portion different from the portion where the pressing member and the wiring board are in contact. The power supply device according to Claim 1.

4. When the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the temperature sensor rises by a predetermined temperature range or more within a predetermined period after the start of power supply by the power supply unit, the control unit stops the power supply by the power supply unit on the assumption that the predetermined condition is satisfied. The power supply device according to Claim 1.

5. When the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the temperature sensor rises by a predetermined temperature range or more and this occurs within a predetermined period after the start of power supply by the power supply unit, the control unit stops the power supply by the power supply unit on the assumption that the predetermined condition is satisfied. The power supply device according to Claim 1.

6. A plurality of the predetermined temperature ranges are set, and different predetermined periods corresponding to each of the plurality of predetermined temperature ranges are set. When it is determined that the predetermined condition is not satisfied for all of the predetermined temperature ranges and the predetermined periods corresponding to the predetermined temperature ranges, the control unit continues the power supply by the power supply unit. The power supply device according to Claim 4.

7. A determination unit that determines that there is a foreign object on the placement surface when the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the temperature sensor rises by a predetermined temperature range or more within a predetermined period after power supply by the power supply unit. The power supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising.

8. The heat conduction member is provided on the side opposite to the placement surface of the placement portion. The power supply device according to claim 1.

9. The heat conduction member is attached to the placement portion by a heat conductive adhesive member. The power supply device according to claim 1.

10. The placement portion functions as a heat insulating layer. The power supply device according to claim 1.

11. A placement portion having a placement surface on which a power receiving device is placed; A power supply unit having a power supply member for supplying power to the power receiving device placed on the placement surface; A heat conduction member provided at a location between the power receiving device and the power supply member when the power receiving device is placed on the placement surface, the heat conduction member having a higher heat conductivity than the placement portion; A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat conduction member; A control unit for controlling power supply; A wiring board on which the temperature sensor is mounted and for transmitting temperature information detected by the temperature sensor to the control unit; A pressing member disposed in close contact with the wiring board so as to press the wiring board toward the heat conduction member; A power supply method by a power supply device including: Starting power supply by the power supply unit at a predetermined timing; Stopping power supply by the power supply unit when the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the temperature sensor satisfies a predetermined condition; A power supply method including.

12. A placement portion having a placement surface on which a power receiving device is placed; A power supply unit having a power supply member for supplying power to the power receiving device placed on the placement surface; A heat conduction member provided at a location between the power receiving device and the power supply member when the power receiving device is placed on the placement surface, the heat conduction member having a higher heat conductivity than the placement portion; A temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the heat conduction member; A control unit for controlling power supply; A wiring board on which the temperature sensor is mounted and for transmitting temperature information detected by the temperature sensor to the control unit; A pressing member disposed in close contact with the wiring board so as to press the wiring board toward the heat conduction member; A computer of a power supply device including. Control means for performing control to stop power supply by the power supply unit after the start of power supply by the power supply unit at a predetermined timing, when the temperature of the heat conduction member detected by the temperature sensor satisfies a predetermined condition. A program that functions as.

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