Wireless power supply system, server, and mobile control device

Abstract

To suppress concentration of vehicles desiring non-contact power supply to a part of a ground power supply device.SOLUTION: A non-contact power supply system 100 includes: an information providing apparatus 4 which is associated with a mobile body 3 capable of receiving non-contact power supply from a ground power supply device 2 and provides a user of the mobile body 3 with information; and a server 1 which communicates with the information providing apparatus 4. The server 1 is configured so as to set a use charge of each of the ground power supply devices 2 based on power demands. The information providing apparatus 4 is configured so as to provide the user with information relating to the use charge of each of the ground power supply devices 2 acquired through communication with the server 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a contactless power supply system, a server, an information providing device, a mobile object, and a control device for the mobile object. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a contactless power supply system capable of contactlessly transmitting power from a ground power supply device to a vehicle on a road on which the ground power supply device is installed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2019-526219 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If vehicles wishing to use wireless power supply are concentrated in a few ground power supply devices, there is a risk that the power supply will be insufficient to meet the demand. Furthermore, expanding the power supply capacity to deal with such a situation may require a large capital investment.

[0005] The present invention has been made in light of such problems, and aims to prevent vehicles desiring contactless power feeding from concentrating on a few ground power feeding devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a contactless power supply system according to one aspect of the present invention includes an information providing device associated with a mobile object capable of receiving contactless power from a ground power supply device and providing information to a user of the mobile object, and a server communicating with the information providing device. The server is configured to set a usage fee for each ground power supply device based on power demand. The information providing device is configured to provide information regarding the usage fee for each ground power supply device obtained by communicating with the server to the user.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a server includes a communication unit configured to communicate with an information providing device associated with a mobile object capable of receiving contactless power from a ground power supply device and providing information to a user of the mobile object, and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to set a usage fee for each ground power supply device based on power demand and to transmit information related to the set usage fee for each ground power supply device to the information providing device.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an information providing device that is associated with a mobile object capable of receiving contactless power from a ground power supply device and that provides information to a user of the mobile object, the information providing device including: a communication unit configured to be able to communicate with a server that sets usage fees for each ground power supply device based on power demand; and a control unit. The control unit is configured to provide the user with information regarding the usage fees for each ground power supply device obtained by communicating with the server.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a mobile body is capable of receiving contactless power from a ground power supply device, and includes: a communication unit configured to be able to communicate with a server that sets usage fees for each ground power supply device based on power demand; and an information presentation unit that presents to a user information regarding the usage fees for each ground power supply device obtained by communicating with the server. The information presentation unit is configured to present to the user information regarding the usage fees for each ground power supply device obtained by communicating with the server.

[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control device mounted on a mobile body capable of receiving contactless power from a ground power supply device, the control device including: a communication unit configured to be able to communicate with a server that sets a usage fee for each ground power supply device based on power demand; and an information presentation unit that presents to a user information regarding the usage fee for each ground power supply device obtained by communicating with the server. The information presentation unit is configured to present to a user information regarding the usage fee for each ground power supply device obtained by communicating with the server.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control device mounted on a mobile body capable of receiving contactless power from a ground power supply device, the control device including: an automatic driving control unit that automatically controls the mobile body; and a communication unit configured to be able to communicate with a server that sets usage fees for each ground power supply device based on power demand. The automatic driving control unit is configured to automatically control the mobile body using information regarding the usage fees for each ground power supply device obtained by communicating with the server. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to these aspects of the present invention, the usage fee for each ground power supply device is set based on the power demand, and information about the set usage fee for each ground power supply device is provided to users of the ground power supply devices, or the mobile body is automatically driven based on the information. Therefore, users of the ground power supply devices or automatically driven mobile bodies can appropriately select the ground power supply device to use by comparing the usage fee for each ground power supply device with the situation at the time, such as the urgency of the power supply, and as a result, vehicles can be dispersed, and it is possible to prevent vehicles wishing to use wireless power supply from concentrating at a few ground power supply devices. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a contactless power supply system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the ground power supply device. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the information providing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an operational sequence diagram for explaining the contents of the usage fee setting process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an operational sequence diagram for explaining the details of the information providing process according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a method for providing information on the usage fee of the ground power supply device by an information providing device. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another example of a method for providing information on the usage fee of the ground power supply device by an information providing device. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an operational sequence diagram for explaining the contents of the usage fee setting process according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an operational sequence diagram for explaining the contents of the usage fee setting process according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an operational sequence diagram for explaining the contents of the usage fee setting process according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram schematically illustrating a state in which an electricity transmission and distribution company supplies electricity to a plurality of electricity distribution areas. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the following description, like components are designated by like reference numerals.

[0015] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a contactless power supply system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0016] The contactless power supply system 100 according to this embodiment includes a server 1, a ground power supply device 2, a vehicle 3 which is an example of a moving body, and an information providing device 4 which is associated with the vehicle 3 and which provides various information to a user of the vehicle 3, i.e., a user of the contactless power supply system 100 (hereinafter referred to as a "system user"), and is configured to be able to perform contactless power transmission (contactless power supply) from the ground power supply device 2 to the vehicle 3. The method of contactless power transmission is not particularly limited, and can be appropriately selected from transmission methods such as magnetic field coupling (electromagnetic induction), electric field coupling, magnetic field resonant coupling (magnetic resonance), and electric field resonant coupling (electric field resonance).

[0017] The contactless power supply system 100 is also configured to set a usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 according to the power demand, and to provide information on the set usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 to system users via the information providing device 4. In this embodiment, the usage fee for the ground power supply device 2 is set as a price per 1 kWh of power supply (yen / kWh), but is not limited to this.

[0018] 1 shows an example in which a plurality of ground power supply devices 2 are set up consecutively at predetermined intervals along a road as an example of the installation of the ground power supply devices 2. In the following description, the road on which the ground power supply devices 2 are installed will be referred to as an "electrified road" as necessary.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the server 1 includes a server communication unit 11, a server storage unit 12, and a server processing unit 13.

[0020] The server communication unit 11 has a communication interface circuit for connecting the server 1 to the network 6, and is configured to be able to communicate with the ground power feeding device 2, the vehicle 3, and the information providing device 4 via the network 6.

[0021] The server storage unit 12 has a storage medium such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), an SSD (Solid State Drive), an optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, and stores various computer programs and data used for processing by the server processing unit 13.

[0022] The server processing unit 13 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and their peripheral circuits. The server processing unit 13 is, for example, a processor, and executes various computer programs stored in the server storage unit 12 to comprehensively control the overall operation of the server 1.

[0023] When the server processing unit 13, and in turn the server 1, receives a usage request signal for the contactless power supply system 100 from the vehicle 3, it confirms whether the vehicle 3 has the authority to use the system, and if the confirmation is successful, it exchanges various types of information with each of the ground power supply device 2 and the vehicle 3 so that the vehicle 3 can receive power from the ground power supply device 2. The details of this exchange are not the main part of the present invention, and therefore will not be described here.

[0024] Furthermore, the server processing unit 13 sets a usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 based on the power demand from the vehicle 3 for each ground power supply device 2, and transmits information on the set usage fee to the information providing device 4. The details of these processes performed by the server processing unit 13 will be described later with reference to FIGS.

[0025] Next, the configuration of the ground power feeding device 2 according to this embodiment and the configuration of the part relating to the contactless power feeding of the vehicle 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0026] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the ground power feeding device 2 according to this embodiment.

[0027] 2, the ground power supply device 2 includes a power source 21, a power transmission device 22, a ground-side communication device 23, and a power transmission control device 20. The power transmission device 22 and the ground-side communication device 23 are connected to the power transmission control device 20 via an internal network 24 of the ground power supply device 2 that complies with standards such as CAN (Controller Area Network). Note that while FIG. 2 shows an example in which the ground power supply device 2 includes multiple power transmission devices 22, the ground power supply device 2 may include only one power transmission device 22.

[0028] The power source 21 supplies power to the power transmission devices 22. The power source 21 is, for example, a commercial AC power source that supplies single-phase AC power. The power source 21 may be another AC power source that supplies three-phase AC power, or a DC power source such as a fuel cell. While Fig. 2 shows an example in which power is supplied to each power transmission device 22 by a common power source 21, a dedicated power source may be provided for each power transmission device to supply power.

[0029] The power transmitting device 22 is a device for transmitting the electric power supplied from the power source 21 to the vehicle 3, and includes a power transmitting side resonator 221 and a power transmitting circuit 222.

[0030] The power transmitting-side resonator 221 is a resonant circuit including a power transmitting coil, and is configured to resonate at a predetermined resonant frequency f0. In this embodiment, the resonant frequency f0 is set to 85 kHz, which is defined by the SAE TIR J2954 standard as a frequency band for contactless power transmission, but is not limited to this.

[0031] As will be described later with reference to Fig. 3, the vehicle 3 is provided with a power receiving-side resonator 311 (see Fig. 3) corresponding to the power transmitting-side resonator 221. The power receiving-side resonator 311 is a resonant circuit including a power receiving coil, and is configured to resonate at the same resonant frequency f0 as the power transmitting-side resonator 221. By resonating the power transmitting-side resonator 221, the power transmitting coil of the power transmitting-side resonator 221 and the power receiving coil of the power receiving-side resonator 311, which are arranged across a space, are magnetically coupled, and contactless power transmission from the power transmitting device 22 to the power receiving device 31 is performed.

[0032] The power transmission circuit 222 is an electric circuit including a rectifier and an inverter, and is configured to be controlled by the power transmission control device 20 to convert AC power supplied from the power source 21 by the rectifier, and to convert the DC power by the inverter into desired AC power that can resonate the power transmission side resonator 221, and then supply the AC power to the power transmission side resonator 221. Note that the configuration of the power transmission circuit 222 is not limited to this configuration, and may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of the power source 21, etc.

[0033] The power transmission circuit 222 is also provided with a power transmission sensor 223 for detecting whether power transmission is being performed (in other words, whether contactless power feeding is being performed). The power transmission sensor 223 includes, for example, a power transmission-side current sensor that detects a current I1 flowing through the power transmission-side resonator 221 (hereinafter referred to as the "power transmission-side current"), and a power transmission-side voltage sensor that detects a voltage V1 applied to the power transmission-side resonator 221 (hereinafter referred to as the "power transmission-side voltage"). A detection signal from the power transmission sensor 223 is input to the power transmission control device 20.

[0034] The ground-side communication device 23 is configured to be able to communicate with at least the server 1 and the vehicle 3.

[0035] Specifically, the ground-side communication device 23 is configured to be able to connect to the network 6 (see FIG. 1 ) via a wireless base station by accessing a wireless base station connected to the network 6 via a gateway or the like. This allows wide-area wireless communication between the ground-side communication device 23 and the server 1, and various information required for contactless power supply to the vehicle 3 is exchanged with the server 1. Wide-area wireless communication is communication with a longer communication distance than short-range wireless communication, which will be described later, and is, for example, communication with a communication distance of 10 meters to 10 kilometers. As the wide-area wireless communication, various wireless communication with a long communication distance can be used, and for example, communication compliant with any communication standard such as 4G, LTE, 5G, or WiMAX established by 3GPP (registered trademark) or IEEE can be used.

[0036] The ground-side communication device 23 is also configured to be able to perform short-range wireless communication directly with the vehicle-side communication device 32 mounted on the vehicle 3. Short-range wireless communication is communication with a shorter communication distance than wide-area wireless communication, for example, communication with a communication distance of less than 10 meters. As the short-range wireless communication, various short-distance wireless communication with a short communication distance can be used, for example, communication conforming to any communication standard established by IEEE, ISO, IEC, etc. (for example, Bluetooth (registered trademark), ZigBee (registered trademark)) can be used. As a technology for performing short-range wireless communication, for example, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication), etc. are used.

[0037] The power transmission control device 20 includes a communication interface 201 , a storage unit 202 , and a power transmission processing unit 203 .

[0038] The communication interface 201 is a communication interface circuit for connecting the power transmission control device 20 to the internal network 24 of the ground power feeding device 2.

[0039] The storage unit 202 has a storage medium such as an HDD, an SSD, an optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory, and stores various computer programs and data used in the processing by the power transmission processing unit 203.

[0040] The power transmission processing unit 203 has one or more CPUs (Central Processing Units) and their peripheral circuits. The power transmission processing unit 203 is, for example, a processor, and executes various computer programs stored in the storage unit 202 to comprehensively control the overall operation of the ground power feeding device 2. The details of the processing performed by the power transmission processing unit 203 and, ultimately, the power transmission control device 20 will be described later with reference to FIG. 5.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a portion of the vehicle 3 according to this embodiment that is mainly related to contactless power feeding.

[0042] 3, the vehicle 3 includes a power receiving device 31, a vehicle-side communication device 32, and a vehicle control device 30. The power receiving device 31 and the vehicle-side communication device 32 are connected to the vehicle control device 30 via an in-vehicle network 38 that complies with a standard such as CAN.

[0043] The power receiving device 31 includes a power receiving side resonator 311 and a power receiving circuit 312 .

[0044] As described above, the power receiving side resonator 311 is a resonant circuit including a power receiving coil, and is configured to resonate at the same resonant frequency f0 as the power transmitting side resonator 221.

[0045] The power receiving circuit 312 is an electric circuit including a rectifier and a DC / DC converter, and is configured to be controlled by the vehicle control device 30 to convert AC power output from the power receiving side resonator 311 into DC power using the rectifier and supply the DC power to an electric load 39 via the DC / DC converter. Examples of the electric load 39 include, but are not limited to, a battery and an electric motor. In this embodiment, the power receiving circuit 312 is connected to a battery as the electric load 39.

[0046] The vehicle-side communication device 32 is configured to be able to communicate with at least the server 1 and the ground power feeding device 2.

[0047] Specifically, the vehicle-side communication device 32 is configured to be able to connect to the network 6 (see FIG. 1 ) via a wireless base station by accessing the wireless base station connected to the network 6 via a gateway or the like. This allows wide-area wireless communication between the vehicle-side communication device 32 and the server 1, and exchanges various information required to receive contactless power feeding from the ground power feeding device 2 with the server 1.

[0048] The vehicle-side communication device 32 is configured to be able to directly perform short-range wireless communication with the ground-side communication device 23 of the ground power feeding device 2.

[0049] The vehicle control device 30 includes a communication interface 301 , a storage unit 302 , and a vehicle processing unit 303 .

[0050] The communication interface 301 is a communication interface circuit for connecting the vehicle control device 30 to the in-vehicle network 38 .

[0051] The storage unit 302 has a storage medium such as an HDD, SSD, optical recording medium, or semiconductor memory, and stores various computer programs and data used for processing in the vehicle processing unit 303.

[0052] The vehicle processing unit 303 has one or more CPUs and their peripheral circuits. The vehicle processing unit 303 is, for example, a processor, and executes various computer programs stored in the storage unit 302 to comprehensively control the overall operation of the vehicle 3.

[0053] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the information providing device 4. As shown in FIG.

[0054] The information provision device 4 is, for example, an in-vehicle terminal such as a navigation device that is pre-installed in the vehicle 3, or a portable terminal carried by a system user such as a mobile phone or tablet computer, and includes a user interface 41 that can input and output information, a wireless communication device 42, a position measurement device 43, and an information provision control device 40. The user interface 41, the wireless communication device 42, and the position measurement device 43 are connected to the information provision control device 40 via a network 44 that complies with standards such as CAN.

[0055] The user interface 41 includes a display and speaker for providing various information to the system user, and a touch panel for allowing the system user to input information on the display. The user interface 41 generates signals in response to various input operations by the system user and transmits these signals to the information provision control device 40. The user interface 41 also displays various display information received from the information provision control device 40 on the display and provides it to the system user.

[0056] The wireless communication device 42 includes, for example, an antenna and a signal processing circuit that performs various processes related to wireless communication, such as modulation and demodulation of wireless signals. The wireless communication device 42 accesses a wireless base station that is connected to the network 6 (see FIG. 1) via a gateway or the like, and is thereby connected to the network 6 via the wireless base station. This allows wireless communication between the wireless communication device 42, and therefore the information providing device 4, and the server 1.

[0057] The position measuring device 43 includes, for example, a receiver that receives GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) signals and an arithmetic circuit that calculates, from the GNSS signals, the position of the information providing device 4. The position measuring device 43 measures the position of the information providing device 4 based on the GNSS signals, and transmits the position information to the information provision control device 40 every time it measures the position of the information providing device 4.

[0058] The information provision control device 40 includes a communication interface 401 , a storage unit 402 , and an information provision processing unit 403 .

[0059] The communication interface 401 includes an interface circuit for connecting the information provision control device 40 to the network 44 .

[0060] The storage unit 402 has a storage medium such as an HDD, an SSD, an optical recording medium, a semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 402 stores various computer programs executed on the information provision processing unit 403 and various data.

[0061] The information provision processing unit 403 is, for example, a processor having one or more CPUs and their peripheral circuits. The information provision processing unit 403 may further include other arithmetic circuits such as a logical operation unit and a numerical operation unit. The information provision processing unit 403 executes various computer programs stored in the storage unit 402. The details of the processing performed by the information provision processing unit 403, and ultimately by the information provision control device 40, will be described later with reference to FIG. 6.

[0062] Figure 5 is an operational sequence diagram for explaining an example of the content of the processing (computer program) performed by the server 1 and the ground power supply device 2 (more specifically, the server processing unit 13 and the power transmission control device 20) to set the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2.

[0063] In step S101, the ground power supply device 2 calculates the number of vehicles 3 to which the device itself is performing contactless power supply (hereinafter referred to as the "number of power supplying vehicles"), and transmits information on the number of power supplying vehicles (hereinafter referred to as the "number of power supplying vehicles information") to the server 1. The number of power supplying vehicles can be calculated, for example, by grasping the number of power transmission devices 22 that are transmitting power substantially simultaneously based on the detection signal of the power transmission sensor 223.

[0064] The information on the number of power supply units includes, in addition to the number of power supply units of the own device, identification information for distinguishing the own device from other ground power supply devices, such as the installation location (latitude and longitude) of the own device. The calculation of the number of power supply units is periodically performed by the ground power supply device 2, and the ground power supply device 2 transmits information on the calculated number of power supply units to the server 1 every time it calculates the number of power supply units.

[0065] In step S102, when the server 1 receives the information on the number of power feeders, the server 1 identifies the ground power feeder 2 that is the source of the information on the number of power feeders based on the identification information included in the information on the number of power feeders, and sets (updates) a usage fee for the identified ground power feeder 2 based on the number of power feeders also included in the information on the number of power feeders. The usage fee for the ground power feeder 2 is set higher because it can be determined that the larger the number of power feeders, the higher the demand for power from the vehicles 3 for the ground power feeder 2 (i.e., the load on the ground power feeder 2).

[0066] Figure 6 is an operational sequence diagram for explaining an example of the content of the processing (computer program) performed by the server 1 and the information providing device 4 (more specifically, the server processing unit 13 and the information providing control device 40) to provide the usage fees for each ground power supply device 2 to system users.

[0067] In step S111, when it is time to request usage fee information regarding the usage fee for the ground power supply device 2, the information providing device 4 transmits a usage fee information request signal to the server 1. In this embodiment, when a system user requests transmission of usage fee information for the ground power supply device 2 via the user interface 41, the information providing device 4 starts periodic transmission of the usage fee information request signal to the server 1.

[0068] The usage fee information request signal includes, for example, identification information (e.g., MAC address) of the information providing device 4 that is the sender of the signal, and location information of the information providing device 4 (in other words, location information of the vehicle 3 associated with the information providing device 4). In addition to this, for example, if route information regarding the planned travel route of the vehicle 3 associated with the information providing device 4 can be obtained, the route information may be included in the usage fee information request signal.

[0069] In step S112, when the server 1 receives the usage fee information request signal, it refers to the location information included in the signal and transmits, to the information providing device 4 that is the sender of the signal, usage fee information for each ground power supply device 2 in the vicinity of the information providing device 4. At this time, if a ground power supply device 2 for which usage fee information has already been transmitted in the previous processing is included, the server 1 may transmit usage fee information only to the ground power supply devices 2 for which the usage fee has changed, thereby reducing the communication load.

[0070] In step S113, upon receiving the usage fee information of each of the surrounding ground power feeding devices 2, the information providing device 4 provides the information to the system user via the user interface 41.

[0071] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, the information providing device 4 can provide system users with usage fee information for the ground power supply device 2 at the current location of the vehicle 3 associated with the device itself, and usage fee information for the ground power supply devices 2 located ahead of and behind the vehicle 3 associated with the device itself, together with an icon 3A of the vehicle 3 associated with the device itself.

[0072] The usage fee information provided to system users may be an absolute price, or a relative price based on the usage fee for the ground power supply device 2 at the current location of the vehicle 3 associated with the information providing device 4. In this case, to make it easier to understand the usage fee, the fee display or location may be appropriately colored according to the usage fee information. For example, locations with high fees may be displayed in red, and locations with low fees in blue.

[0073] 8, if information on whether other vehicles located ahead and behind the vehicle 3 associated with the own device are receiving contactless power can be obtained from the other vehicles, for example, through vehicle-to-vehicle communication, icons 3B of the other vehicles receiving power located ahead and behind the vehicle 3 associated with the own device may be displayed on the display together with the icon 3A of the vehicle 3 associated with the own device, and provided to system users. In FIG. 8, the icon 3B of the other vehicle is oval to make it easier to distinguish between the vehicle 3 associated with the own device and the other vehicles. By displaying it in this manner, the driver can understand that the fare is high because there are many other vehicles receiving power near the vehicle 3 associated with the own device, and can reduce the fare by leaving the group of receiving electric vehicles (a section where a ground power-supplying device 2 with many other vehicles receiving power is installed).

[0074] 7 and 8 illustrate a method of informing the driver of the usage fee. However, for example, if the vehicle 3 associated with the vehicle control device 30 is an autonomous vehicle in which driving operations related to acceleration, steering, and braking are automatically performed by the vehicle control device 30, the vehicle control device 30 can provide usage fee information, etc., to the vehicle control device 30 and automatically depart from the group of receiving electric vehicles to reduce the power receiving fee. That is, if the vehicle control device 30 is equipped with an autonomous driving control unit that automatically performs driving operations related to acceleration, steering, and braking of the vehicle 3, the autonomous driving control unit may be configured to automatically control the vehicle 3 using information related to the usage fee of each ground power supply device 2 (e.g., information related to the usage fee of a ground power supply device 2 installed at least in front of or behind the vehicle 3 in the traveling direction) acquired by communicating with the server 1. Specifically, the autonomous driving control unit can be configured to automatically change the relative position of the vehicle 3 with respect to other vehicles based on the usage fee of the ground power supply device. The autonomous driving control unit can also be configured to automatically change the relative position of the vehicle 3 with respect to other vehicles to reduce the usage fee of the ground power supply device 2.

[0075] Furthermore, for example, when the information providing device 4 can calculate or acquire the planned driving route to the destination of the vehicle 3 associated with the device itself by a method such as communicating with the server 1 or the vehicle 3, the information providing device 4 may calculate an estimated total usage fee for driving the planned driving route based on the usage fees of each surface power supply device 2 on the planned driving route, and provide the calculated estimated total usage fee to the system user. At this time, in addition to the planned driving route, another driving route and the estimated total usage fee for driving the other driving route may also be displayed.

[0076] The contactless power supply system 100 according to the present embodiment described above includes an information providing device 4 that is associated with a vehicle 3 (mobile object) that can receive contactless power from each ground power supply device 2 and that provides information to a system user, that is, a user of the vehicle 3, and a server 1 that communicates with the information providing device 4. The server 1 is configured to set a usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 based on power demand. The information providing device 4 is configured to provide information related to the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 obtained by communicating with the server 1 to the system user.

[0077] In this embodiment, the power demand is the power demand from the vehicles 3 to each ground power supply device 2, and the server 1 is configured to set a usage fee lower for a ground power supply device 2 with high power demand from the vehicles 3 than for a ground power supply device 2 with low power demand from the vehicles 3. Specifically, in this embodiment, the ground power supply device 2 is configured to be able to supply power wirelessly to a plurality of vehicles 3, and the server 1 is configured to set a usage fee higher for a ground power supply device 2 that is supplying power to a large number of vehicles 3 than for a ground power supply device 2 that is supplying power to a small number of vehicles 3.

[0078] As described above, according to this embodiment, information on the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 set based on the power demand is provided to system users, and the usage fee for a ground power supply device 2 is set higher as the power demand from vehicles 3 for that ground power supply device 2 increases. Therefore, for example, system users who do not need contactless power supply urgently can be encouraged to use another ground power supply device 2 with a lower usage fee or to stop contactless power supply, which can prevent vehicles 3 wishing to use contactless power supply from concentrating on some ground power supply devices 2 and, ultimately, on some electrified road sections.

[0079] Furthermore, the information providing device 4 according to this embodiment is configured to, when the usage fee for the ground power supply device 2 provided to the system user has changed by more than a predetermined value, obtain information on the changed usage fee from the server 1 and provide it again to the system user.

[0080] This makes it possible to reduce the communication load between the server 1 and the information providing device 4.

[0081] Furthermore, the information providing device 4 according to this embodiment is configured to provide system users with information regarding the usage fee for a ground power feeding device 2 installed at least in front of or behind the vehicle 3 (mobile body) associated with the information providing device 4 in the traveling direction. The information regarding the usage fee for the ground power feeding device 2 can be the absolute price of the ground power feeding device 2, or a price relative to the usage fee for a reference ground power feeding device 2. The reference ground power feeding device 2 can be the ground power feeding device that is supplying power to the vehicle 3 (mobile body) associated with the information providing device 4.

[0082] This allows system users to easily understand the usage fees of the ground power feeding devices 2 in the vicinity.

[0083] Furthermore, the information providing device 4 according to this embodiment is configured to further provide the system user with information about another vehicle 3 that is currently being powered by a ground power supply device 2 installed at least in front of or behind the vehicle 3 associated with the device.

[0084] This allows system users to easily visually grasp the degree of congestion of the surrounding ground power feeding devices 2.

[0085] In addition, the information providing device 4 according to this embodiment is configured to calculate an estimated total usage fee for traveling along the planned route based on the planned driving route of the vehicle 3 (mobile body) associated with the device itself and the usage fees of each ground power supply device 2 along the planned driving route, and to provide the estimated amount to system users as information regarding the usage fees of each ground power supply device 2.

[0086] This makes it easy for system users to change their driving routes according to the usage fee, encouraging the dispersion of vehicles 3 and preventing vehicles 3 wishing to use contactless power supply from concentrating in some ground power supply devices 2 and, ultimately, in some electrified road sections.

[0087] Note that, when the information providing device 4 is an on-board terminal such as a navigation device pre-installed in the vehicle 3, the vehicle 3 (mobile body) can also be considered to include a communication unit configured to be able to communicate with the server 1 that sets the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 based on the power demand, and an information presentation unit that presents to the user information related to the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 obtained by communicating with the server 1. In this case, the vehicle control device 30 may also have the function of the information provision control device 40. That is, the vehicle control device 30 may include a communication unit configured to be able to communicate with the server 1 that sets the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 based on the power demand, and an information presentation unit that presents to the user information related to the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 obtained by communicating with the server 1.

[0088] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the method of setting the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2. The following description will focus on this difference.

[0089] In the first embodiment described above, when setting the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 based on the power demand, the power demand is determined from the current number of power supply units of each ground power supply device 2. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the power demand is determined from the power usage rate [%] of each ground power supply device 2. The power usage rate of a ground power supply device 2 is the ratio of the current power usage amount of the ground power supply device 2 to the amount of power that the ground power supply device 2 can supply.

[0090] FIG. 9 is an operational sequence diagram for explaining an example of the content of the processing (computer program) according to this embodiment, which is implemented in the server 1 and the ground power supply device 2 (more specifically, the server processing unit 13 and the power transmission control device 20) to set the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2.

[0091] In step S201, the ground power supply device 2 calculates its own power usage rate and transmits information about the power usage rate (hereinafter referred to as "power usage rate information") to the server 1. The power usage rate information includes not only the power usage rate of the own device but also various information required for setting usage fees, such as identification information for distinguishing the own device from other ground power supply devices. The calculation of the power usage rate is periodically performed by the ground power supply device 2, and the ground power supply device 2 transmits the calculated power usage rate to the server 1 every time it calculates it.

[0092] In step S202, when the server 1 receives the power usage rate information, it identifies the ground power supply device 2 that is the source of the power usage rate information based on the identification information included in the power usage rate information, and also sets (updates) the usage fee for the identified ground power supply device 2 based on the power usage rate also included in the power usage rate information. The usage fee for the ground power supply device 2 is set higher because it can be determined that the higher the power usage rate, the higher the power demand from vehicles 3 for that ground power supply device 2.

[0093] The server 1 according to the present embodiment described above is configured to set the usage fee for a ground power feeding device 2 with a high power usage rate higher than the usage fee for a ground power feeding device 2 with a low power usage rate.

[0094] In this way, as in the first embodiment, for example, system users who do not have a high need for contactless power supply can be encouraged to use another ground power supply device 2 with a lower usage fee, or to discontinue contactless power supply, thereby preventing vehicles 3 wishing to use contactless power supply from concentrating on some ground power supply devices 2 and, ultimately, on some electrified road sections.

[0095] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in the method of setting the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2. The following description will focus on this difference.

[0096] In each of the above-described embodiments, the power demand from the vehicles 3 for each ground power supply device 2 is known by communicating with each ground power supply device 2. In contrast, in this embodiment, the power demand from the vehicles 3 for each ground power supply device 2 is known by communicating with each vehicle 3.

[0097] Figure 10 is an operational sequence diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the processing (computer program) according to this embodiment, which is implemented in the server 1 and the vehicle 3 (more specifically, the server processing unit 13 and the vehicle control device 30) to set the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2.

[0098] In step S301, the vehicle 3 transmits vehicle information including the planned driving route and current position of the vehicle to the server 1. The vehicle information is transmitted periodically. The method of acquiring the planned driving route and the current position is not particularly limited, but the planned driving route can be acquired, for example, from a navigation device (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 3. The current position can be acquired, for example, from a position measuring device (not shown) mounted on the vehicle 3.

[0099] In step S302, the server 1 predicts the time periods during which each vehicle 3 will pass each ground power supply device 2 based on the vehicle information including the planned driving route and current position of each vehicle 3 received from each vehicle 3, and calculates the number of vehicles 3 passing each ground power supply device 2 for each time period. That is, the server 1 calculates the estimated number of vehicles to be powered by each ground power supply device 2 for each time period. Then, the server 1 sets the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 for each time period based on the estimated number of vehicles to be powered by each ground power supply device 2 for each time period. Specifically, the server 1 sets the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 for each time period so that the usage fee for a ground power supply device 2 with a larger estimated number of vehicles to be powered by is higher than that for a ground power supply device 2 with a smaller estimated number of vehicles to be powered by when compared within the same time period.

[0100] The ground power supply device 2 according to the present embodiment described above is configured to be able to perform contactless power supply to a plurality of vehicles 3 (moving bodies). The server 1 is configured to calculate the estimated number of power supply units of each ground power supply device 2 for each time period, and set the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 based on the estimated number of power supply units of each ground power supply device 2 for the same time period. Specifically, the server 1 is configured to set a higher usage fee for a ground power supply device 2 with a larger estimated number of power supply units for the same time period than for a ground power supply device 2 with a smaller estimated number of power supply units for the same time period.

[0101] In this way, by predicting the number of vehicles 3 passing through each ground power supply device 2 for each time period and predicting the estimated number of vehicles to be powered (i.e., the estimated number of passing vehicles) for each time period, it is possible to predict the power demand from vehicles 3 for each ground power supply device 2 for each time period and set an appropriate usage fee. Therefore, for example, a user who wants to save on the usage fee for the ground power supply device 2 can be encouraged to change their driving route so that they travel on an electrified road where ground power supply devices 2 are installed and the usage fee is lower than that of their current planned driving route, and it is possible to prevent vehicles 3 wishing to receive contactless power supply from concentrating on some ground power supply devices 2 and therefore on some electrified road sections.

[0102] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment differs from the above-described embodiments in the method of setting the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2. The following description will focus on this difference.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 is set based on the power demand for each ground power supply device 2. In contrast, in this embodiment, the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 is set based on the power demand for the entire area where each ground power supply device 2 is installed.

[0104] Figure 11 is an operational sequence diagram for explaining an example of the contents of the usage fee setting process (computer program) according to this embodiment, which is implemented in the server 1 (more specifically, the server processing unit 13) to set the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2.

[0105] In step S401, the server 1 requests, for example, information about the power usage rate of each distribution area of ​​the power transmission and distribution business operator from the power transmission and distribution business operator (e.g., an electric power company) shown in Fig. 12. The request is made periodically. Note that Fig. 12 shows two distribution areas A and B as examples of the distribution areas of the power transmission and distribution business operator. The power usage rate [%] of a distribution area is the ratio of the current amount of power usage in the distribution area to the amount of power that can be supplied in the distribution area.

[0106] In step S402, when the server 1 receives information on the power usage rate of each distribution area from the power transmission and distribution company, the server 1 sets a usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 installed in each distribution area based on the power usage rate of each distribution area. For example, in Fig. 12, when the power usage rate of distribution area A is higher than the power usage rate of distribution area B, the server 1 sets a usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 installed in distribution area A higher than the usage fee for each ground power supply device 2 installed in distribution area B.

[0107] In the present embodiment described above, the power demand is the power demand in the area where each ground power supply device 2 is installed, and the server 1 is configured to set the usage fee for the ground power supply device 2 installed in an area with a high power usage rate higher than the usage fee for the ground power supply device 2 set in an area with a low power usage rate.

[0108] This allows, for example, users who wish to save on the usage fee for the ground power supply device 2 to be encouraged to travel in distribution areas where the usage fee for the ground power supply device 2 is low, thereby preventing vehicles 3 wishing to use contactless power supply from concentrating in certain distribution areas.

[0109] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the above embodiments merely illustrate some of the application examples of the present invention, and it is not intended that the technical scope of the present invention be limited to the specific configurations of the above embodiments.

[0110] 1 server 2 Ground power supply equipment 3. Vehicles (moving objects) 4 Information provision device 100 Contactless power supply system

Claims

1. an information providing device associated with a moving object capable of receiving contactless power supply from each ground power supply device and providing information to a user of the moving object; a server that communicates with the information providing device; A contactless power supply system comprising: The server configured to set a usage fee for each ground power supply device based on power demand; The information providing device configured to provide the user with information regarding usage fees for each of the ground power supply devices acquired by communicating with the server; The ground power supply device is The wireless power supply device is configured to be capable of supplying power to a plurality of the moving bodies in a wireless manner, The server further The ground power supply device is configured to set a usage fee for a ground power supply device that supplies power to a large number of the mobile bodies higher than a usage fee for a ground power supply device that supplies power to a small number of the mobile bodies. Contactless power supply system.

2. The power demand is a power demand from the mobile object to each ground power supply device. The contactless power supply system according to claim 1 .

3. The server a usage fee for the ground power supply device when the demand for electric power from the mobile object is high is set higher than a usage fee for the ground power supply device when the demand for electric power from the mobile object is low; The contactless power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The information providing device When the usage fee for the ground power supply device provided to the user has changed by a predetermined value or more, information on the usage fee after the change is obtained from the server and is provided again to the user. The contactless power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The information providing device and providing the user with information regarding a usage fee for the ground power supply device installed at least one of in front of or behind the moving body in the traveling direction associated with the information providing device. The contactless power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The information providing device and providing the user with an absolute price of the ground power supply device as information regarding the usage fee of the ground power supply device. The contactless power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The information providing device The information regarding the usage fee of the ground power supply device is configured to provide the user with a relative price with respect to a usage fee of a reference ground power supply device. The contactless power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The reference ground power supply device is a ground power supply device capable of supplying power to the moving object associated with the information providing device; The contactless power supply system according to claim 7 .

9. The information providing device The ground power supply device is configured to further provide the user with information about another moving object when the ground power supply device is installed at least one of in front of or behind the moving object in the traveling direction and in the traveling direction, and when another moving object is being powered. The contactless power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The information providing device calculating an estimated total usage fee for traveling along the planned travel route based on the planned travel route of the mobile object associated with the information providing device and usage fees for each ground power supply device along the planned travel route; and providing the estimated amount to the user as information regarding the usage fee for each ground power supply device. The contactless power supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

11. a communication unit that is associated with a mobile object capable of receiving contactless power supply from a ground power supply device and is configured to be able to communicate with an information providing device that provides information to a user of the mobile object; A control unit; A server comprising: the ground power supply device is configured to be able to perform contactless power supply to the plurality of moving bodies, The control unit Set fees for use of each ground power supply facility based on electricity demand; transmitting information about the set usage fees of each of the ground power supply devices to the information providing device; The ground power supply device is configured to set a usage fee for a ground power supply device that supplies power to a large number of the mobile bodies higher than a usage fee for a ground power supply device that supplies power to a small number of the mobile bodies. server.

12. A control device mounted on a moving body capable of receiving contactless power supply from a ground power supply device, an automatic driving control unit that automatically performs driving operations of the moving body; a communication unit configured to be able to communicate with a server that sets a usage fee for each of the ground power supply devices based on the power demand; Equipped with The automatic driving control unit automatically controlling the mobile body using information regarding the usage fees of each ground power supply device acquired by communicating with the server; The vehicle is configured to automatically change its relative position with respect to other vehicles based on a usage fee for the ground power supply device. Control device for a moving object.

13. A control device mounted on a moving body capable of receiving contactless power supply from a ground power supply device, an automatic driving control unit that automatically performs driving operations of the moving body; a communication unit configured to be able to communicate with a server that sets a usage fee for each of the ground power supply devices based on the power demand; Equipped with The automatic driving control unit automatically controlling the mobile body using information regarding the usage fees of each ground power supply device acquired by communicating with the server; The vehicle is configured to automatically change its relative position with other vehicles so as to reduce the usage fee for the ground power supply device. Control device for a moving object.

14. the information is information about a usage fee for the ground power supply device installed at least one of a front side and a rear side of the moving body in the traveling direction, The control device for a moving body according to claim 12 or 13.

15. an information providing device associated with a moving object capable of receiving contactless power supply from each ground power supply device and providing information to a user of the moving object; a server that communicates with the information providing device; A contactless power supply system comprising: The server configured to set a usage fee for each ground power supply device based on power demand; The information providing device providing the user with information regarding the usage fees of each ground power supply device obtained by communicating with the server; The ground power supply device is configured to further provide the user with information about another moving object when the ground power supply device is installed at least one of in front of or behind the moving object in the traveling direction and in the traveling direction, and when another moving object is being powered. Contactless power supply system.

Images