vehicle

Abstract

To provide a vehicle which allows a power storage device mounted on it to be efficiently charged when the vehicle travels in a lane in which a power supply lane is provided.SOLUTION: An ECU of a vehicle performs processing including: a step of transmitting a power supply request (S104) when an operation to request power supply is received (YES in S102) while traveling in a power supply lane (YES in S100); a step of acquiring a power reception efficiency when an LTA is in an on-state (YES in S106); a step of performing display control (S112) when the power reception efficiency is low (YES in S110); and a step of transmitting a stop request (S116) when the vehicle has passed through the power supply lane (YES in S114).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to control of a vehicle that enables contactless charging of an on-board power storage device while the vehicle is traveling. [Background technology]

[0002] Contactless charging is a conventional technique for charging an on-board power storage device. Contactless charging is performed by using power received by a power receiving device on the vehicle from a power transmitting device connected to a power source external to the vehicle in a contactless manner, without using contacts.

[0003] Such contactless charging can be performed, for example, while the vehicle is traveling. Specifically, a power supply lane is formed by installing a plurality of the above-described power transmission devices on a road, and when the vehicle travels along this power supply lane, one of the plurality of power transmission devices that is positioned opposite the power receiving device of the vehicle transmits power, thereby enabling contactless charging while the vehicle is traveling.

[0004] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2020-010451 (Patent Document 1) discloses a technology in which a battery is wirelessly charged via a charging unit installed in a vehicle as the vehicle travels on a road on which a power transmission unit is buried. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-010451 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the above-described vehicle, driving assistance may be provided to maintain the vehicle in the lane. However, even when the vehicle traveling in the power supply lane maintains the vehicle in the lane by the above-described driving assistance, the vehicle may maintain a low charging efficiency depending on the relative positional relationship between the vehicle and the power supply lane.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a vehicle that can efficiently charge an on-board power storage device while the vehicle is traveling within a lane where a power supply lane is provided. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a power receiving device that receives power supplied wirelessly from a power transmitting device installed along a lane set on a road, a power storage device that can be charged using the power received by the power receiving device, and a control device that is configured to execute driving assistance control for maintaining the driving line of the vehicle within the lane while traveling. When receiving power from the power transmitting device during driving assistance control, if the power receiving efficiency is equal to or lower than a threshold value, the control device notifies the driver of information for adjusting the driving line to one that has a higher power receiving efficiency than the current driving line.

[0009] In this way, when the vehicle is traveling on a lane in which a power transmission device is installed while driving assistance control is being executed, if the power receiving efficiency is low, information is provided to adjust the driving line to one that increases the power receiving efficiency.Therefore, the driver can drive the vehicle to a driving line that increases the power receiving efficiency, thereby enabling the storage device to be charged efficiently. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a vehicle that can efficiently charge an onboard power storage device while the vehicle is traveling within a lane in which a power supply lane is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a contactless charging system. [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a power transmitting device and a power receiving device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation of a vehicle traveling in a power supply lane. [Figure 5] 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process executed by each of the management server and the vehicle. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a display example on a display screen of a display device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of operations between the management server and the vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will not be repeated.

[0013] 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a contactless charging system 100. The contactless charging system 100 includes a management server 1, a vehicle 3, and a power supply lane 5. The power supply lane 5 is made up of multiple power transmission devices 50 installed under the ground in the lane of a road 6 on which the vehicle 3 can travel, and supplies power contactlessly to the vehicle 3 traveling on the power supply lane 5. The management server 1 and the power supply lane 5 make up a contactless charging device.

[0014] Each of the multiple power transmission devices 50 has a power transmission coil 51. The vehicle 3 includes a power receiving device 45 having a power receiving coil 46, and receives power contactlessly from the power transmission coil 51 by traveling along a lane in which the power supply lane 5 is buried (by traveling over the power transmission device 50). The management server 1 manages the vehicle 3 and the power supply lane 5, and in response to a power supply request from the vehicle 3 that has entered the power supply lane 5, activates the power transmission device 50 of the power supply lane 5 to supply power to the vehicle 3 (power receiving device 45).

[0015] The management server 1 is a computer including a control device 10, a storage device 12, and a communication device 14. The control device 10, the storage device 12, and the communication device 14 are connected by a communication bus 16.

[0016] The control device 10 is configured by an integrated circuit including, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The control device 10 is configured to execute predetermined arithmetic processing described in a program.

[0017] The storage device 12 includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) and a RAM (Random Access Memory). The ROM stores, for example, programs executed by the control device 10. The RAM temporarily stores, for example, data generated by the execution of programs in the control device 10 and data input via the communication device 14. The RAM also functions as a temporary data memory used as a working area.

[0018] The communication device 14 is configured to be capable of two-way communication with external devices. The external devices include, for example, the communication device 42 of the vehicle 3 and the communication device 550 ( FIG. 3 ) of each power transmission device 50 included in the power supply lane 5. The communication between the communication device 14 and the external devices is performed, for example, by wireless communication.

[0019] The control device 10 acquires position information, vehicle ID information, and information on power supply from the vehicle 3 via the communication device 14. The position information is acquired from the vehicle 3, for example, at every predetermined control period. The control device 10 may, for example, use the position information to detect the vehicle 3 entering the power supply lane.

[0020] The vehicle ID information and the information on the power supply power are sent from the vehicle 3 to the management server 1, for example, when the vehicle 3 enters the power supply lane 5 and requests power supply from the power supply lane 5. The vehicle ID information is identification information for uniquely identifying the vehicle 3, and may be, for example, a VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). The information on the power supply power indicates the power that the vehicle 3 wishes to obtain from the power supply lane 5. When the control device 10 receives a power supply request from the vehicle 3, it uses the information on the power supply power to control each of the multiple power transmission devices that make up the power supply lane 5 so that they are in a state where they can transmit power (hereinafter referred to as an on state).

[0021] Vehicle 3 may be any vehicle equipped with a power storage device, and may be, for example, an electrically powered vehicle such as an electric vehicle or a hybrid vehicle. In this embodiment, a case where vehicle 3 is, for example, an electric vehicle will be described as an example. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of vehicle 3 according to this embodiment.

[0022] 1 and 2, the vehicle 3 includes a battery 30, a monitoring unit 31, an SMR (System Main Relay) 35, a PCU (Power Control Unit) 36, an MG (Motor Generator) 37, a transmission gear 38, drive wheels 39, a sub DC / DC converter 40, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 41, a communication device 42, an auxiliary device 43, an auxiliary battery 44, and an input device 49.

[0023] The battery 30 is mounted as a driving power source (i.e., a power source) for the vehicle 3. The battery 30 is configured to include a plurality of stacked batteries. The batteries are, for example, secondary batteries such as nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium-ion batteries. The batteries may also be batteries having a liquid electrolyte between the positive and negative electrodes, or batteries having a solid electrolyte (all-solid-state batteries). Note that a power storage device such as a capacitor may be used instead of the battery 30.

[0024] The monitoring unit 31 monitors the state of the battery 30. The monitoring unit 31 includes a voltage sensor 32, a current sensor 33, and a temperature sensor 34. The voltage sensor 32 detects the voltage (battery voltage) VB of the battery 30 and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the ECU 41. The current sensor 33 detects the input / output current (battery current) IB of the battery 30 and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the ECU 41. The temperature sensor 34 detects the temperature (battery temperature) TB of the battery 30 and outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the ECU 41.

[0025] The SMR 35 is electrically connected to the power lines PL and NL that connect the PCU 36 and the battery 30. When the SMR 35 is in a closed state, power is supplied from the battery 30 to the PCU 36. When the SMR 35 is in an open state, power is not supplied from the battery 30 to the PCU 36. The SMR 35 switches between a closed state and an open state in accordance with a control signal from the ECU 41.

[0026] In response to a control signal from the ECU 41, the PCU 36 converts the DC power stored in the battery 30 into AC power and supplies it to the MG 37. The PCU 36 also converts the AC power generated by the MG 37 into DC power and supplies it to the battery 30. The PCU 36 is configured to include, for example, an inverter and a converter that boosts the DC voltage supplied to the inverter to a level equal to or higher than the output voltage of the battery 30.

[0027] The MG 37 is, for example, a three-phase AC synchronous motor with a permanent magnet embedded in the rotor. The MG 37 is driven by the PCU 36 to generate a rotational driving force. The driving force generated by the MG 37 is transmitted to drive wheels 39 via a transmission gear 38.

[0028] Sub DC / DC converter 40 is electrically connected between power lines PL, NL and low-voltage line EL. Sub DC / DC converter 40 steps down the voltage of the power between power lines PL, NL and supplies it to low-voltage line EL. Sub DC / DC converter 40 operates in response to a control signal from ECU 41.

[0029] The ECU 41, the communication device 42, the auxiliary device 43, and the auxiliary battery 44 are electrically connected to the low-voltage line EL.

[0030] The communication device 42 is configured to be capable of two-way communication with the communication device 14 of the management server 1. The communication between the communication device 42 and the communication device 14 is performed, for example, by wireless communication.

[0031] The ECU 41 includes a CPU, memory (ROM and RAM), and input / output ports for inputting and outputting various signals (none of which are shown). The ECU 41 receives signals from various sensors and outputs control signals to various devices, and also controls the devices. Note that these controls are not limited to software processing, and can also be implemented using dedicated hardware (electronic circuits).

[0032] The ECU 41 is configured to be able to calculate the SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 30. As a method for calculating the SOC, various known methods can be adopted, such as a method based on current value integration (coulomb counting) or a method based on open circuit voltage (OCV) estimation.

[0033] When the vehicle 3 is traveling, the ECU 41 transmits its own position information to the management server 1 at a predetermined control period via the communication device 42. The position information transmitted to the management server 1 is used by the management server 1 to identify the position of the vehicle 3. Furthermore, when requesting power supply from the power supply lane 5, the ECU 41 transmits information about the vehicle ID and information about the power supply to the management server 1 via the communication device 42.

[0034] A position detection device (not shown) is connected to the ECU 41. The position detection device acquires the current location of the vehicle 3 based on signals (radio waves) from GPS (Global Positioning System) satellites, for example, and outputs a signal (position information) indicating the current location of the vehicle 3 to the ECU 41. Note that the method of acquiring the current location of the vehicle 3 may be a method of acquiring the current location using a satellite other than a GPS satellite that is capable of detecting the position, or a method of acquiring the current location by exchanging predetermined information with a mobile base station or a wireless LAN (Local Area Network) access point.

[0035] Furthermore, an input device 49 is connected to the ECU 41. The input device 49 receives operations from a user (for example, a driver) inside the vehicle 3. The input device 49 may be configured, for example, by a touch panel provided on the screen of a display device 43b (described later), or may be configured by operating members such as various buttons.

[0036] The auxiliary device 43 operates on power supplied from the low-voltage line EL. The auxiliary device 43 includes, for example, a lighting device, a wiper device, an audio device, a navigation device, a power steering device, a meter panel, a headlight system, etc. In this embodiment, the auxiliary device 43 further includes a camera 43a and a display device 43b.

[0037] The camera 43a captures an image of the area ahead of the vehicle 3 and transmits the captured image data (still image data or moving image data) to the ECU 41. The ECU 41 executes an analysis process to recognize the driving conditions of the vehicle 3 using the image data received from the camera 43a. For example, the ECU 41 extracts lane boundary lines, road signs, and the like provided on the surface of the road 6 from the image data received from the camera 43a. For example, the ECU 41 extracts two lane boundary lines on both the left and right sides of the vehicle 3 to obtain information about the driving line of the vehicle 3 within the lane on which the vehicle 3 is traveling.

[0038] The display device 43b is provided at a position visible to the occupants of the vehicle 3, and displays predetermined information received from the ECU 41. The predetermined information includes, for example, navigation information, information indicating the operating state of the vehicle 3, information indicating the control state of the vehicle 3, or information about the driving line of the vehicle 3. The display device 43b is configured, for example, by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence), or the like.

[0039] Auxiliary battery 44 is configured by, for example, a secondary battery such as a lead storage battery or a lithium ion battery. The voltage of auxiliary battery 44 is lower than the voltage of battery 30, for example, about 12 V. Note that the voltage of auxiliary battery 44 is not limited to about 12 V, and any voltage between 12 V and 48 V may be adopted, for example.

[0040] Furthermore, vehicle 3 includes a power receiving device 45, a charging relay 47, and a DC / DC converter 48 as components for performing contactless charging.

[0041] DC / DC converter 48 is electrically connected between power receiving device 45 and power lines PL, NL. DC / DC converter 48 converts the voltage of the DC power received from power receiving device 45 into a voltage for charging battery 30 in accordance with a control signal from ECU 41.

[0042] The charging relay 47 is a relay for electrically connecting / disconnecting the power receiving device 45 and the DC / DC converter 48. The charging relay 47 switches between a closed state and an open state in accordance with a control signal from the ECU 41.

[0043] The power receiving device 45 is disposed, for example, on the underside of a floor panel of the vehicle 3. The power receiving device 45 includes a power receiving coil 46. The power receiving coil 46 receives the power transmitted from the power transmitting device 50 in a contactless manner. The power receiving device 45 rectifies the power transmitted from the power transmitting device 50 and outputs the rectified power to a charging relay 47. The detailed configurations of the power receiving device 45 and the power transmitting device 50 will be described later.

[0044] 1, the power supply lane 5 includes a plurality of power transmission devices 50 and an AC power supply 52. ​​Although FIG. 1 shows an example in which the power supply lane 5 includes four power transmission devices 50, the number of power transmission devices 50 included in the power supply lane 5 is not limited to four. The number of power transmission devices 50 included in the power supply lane 5 may be three or less, or may be five or more. Each of the power transmission devices 50 is arranged in a row along, for example, the traveling direction of the vehicle 3, in a predetermined section of a lane of the road 6.

[0045] The AC power source 52 is, for example, a commercial power grid. Each of the power transmission devices 50 receives power from the AC power source 52. Each of the power transmission devices 50 includes a power transmission coil 51. The power transmission devices 50 are configured to switch between operation and non-operation in response to a control signal from the management server 1. When receiving a power supply request from the vehicle 3, the management server 1 controls the multiple power transmission devices 50 so that the power transmission devices 50 are in an operation state (on state). When each power transmission device 50 is in an operation state, it forms an electromagnetic field around the power transmission coil 51 using AC power supplied from the AC power source 52. After the vehicle 3 passes through the power supply lane 5, the management server 1 controls the multiple power transmission devices 50 so that each power transmission device 50 is in an inoperation state (hereinafter referred to as an off state). For example, the management server 1 may determine that the vehicle 3 has passed through the power supply lane 5 when power is not transmitted from any of the multiple power transmission devices 50 constituting the power supply lane 5 (when the transmitted power is equal to or less than a threshold).

[0046] 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the power transmitting device 50 and the power receiving device 45. The power transmitting device 50 includes, for example, a PFC (Power Factor Correction) circuit 510, an inverter circuit 520, a filter circuit 530, a power transmitting unit 540, a communication device 550, and a control device 560. The power transmitting unit 540 includes a power transmitting coil 51. The power receiving device 45 includes a power receiving unit 451, a filter circuit 452, and a rectifier 453. The power receiving unit 451 includes a power receiving coil 46.

[0047] PFC circuit 510 rectifies and boosts AC power supplied from AC power supply 52 and supplies the power to inverter circuit 520. Inverter circuit 520 converts the power rectified by PFC circuit 510 into AC power and outputs it. The AC power output from inverter circuit 520 is supplied to power transmitting unit 540 via filter circuit 530. Power transmitting unit 540 and power receiving unit 451 each include a resonant circuit and are designed to resonate at the frequency of the transmitted power.

[0048] When AC power is supplied from inverter circuit 520 to power transmission unit 540 via filter circuit 530, a magnetic field is formed between power transmission coil 51 of power transmission unit 540 and power reception coil 46 of power reception unit 451. Energy (power) moves from power transmission coil 51 to power reception coil 46 through this magnetic field. Noise is removed from the energy (power) moved to power reception coil 46 by filter circuit 452, and the energy (power) is converted from AC power to DC power by rectifier unit 453. The DC power is then supplied to DC / DC converter 48 via charging relay 47.

[0049] The communication device 550 of the power transmission device 50 is configured to be capable of two-way communication with the communication device 14 of the management server 1.

[0050] The control device 560 of the power transmitting device 50 includes a CPU, a memory, input / output ports for inputting and outputting various signals, and the like (none of which are shown), and executes control of various devices in the power transmitting device 50. In response to a control signal from the management server 1, the control device 560 operates, for example, the PFC circuit 510 and the inverter circuit 520 to form an electromagnetic field around the power transmitting coil 51 so as to supply power indicated by the information on the power supply power.

[0051] With the above-described configuration, in the wireless charging system 100 according to the present embodiment, for example, when the vehicle 3 is traveling in the power supply lane 5 and the user desires to wirelessly charge the battery 30, the user transmits a power supply request to the management server 1. When the management server 1 receives a power supply request from the vehicle 3 traveling in the power supply lane 5, the management server 1 controls the multiple power transmission devices 50 so that each of the multiple power transmission devices 50 is turned on. As a result, power is supplied wirelessly from the power transmission devices 50 in the power supply lane 5 to the vehicle 3 (power receiving device 45). The battery 30 of the vehicle 3 is charged using the power.

[0052] For example, the vehicle 3 may determine that the vehicle 3 is traveling in the power supply lane 5 when the position of the vehicle 3 based on the position information is within the power supply lane 5. Alternatively, the vehicle 3 may determine that the vehicle 3 is traveling in the power supply lane 5 by detecting a change in the magnetic field at the power receiving device 45 due to passing through the power supply lane 5, or when the power receiving device 45 receives power equal to or greater than a threshold value while a plurality of power transmitting devices are transmitting, for example, minimum power.

[0053] The vehicle 3 transmits, for example, information including the location information of the vehicle 3, the vehicle ID, and information on the power to be supplied to the management server 1 as a power supply request.

[0054] In a vehicle 3 having such a configuration, driving assistance such as a lane tracing assist (hereinafter also referred to as LTA) function for maintaining a driving line within a lane and a lane keeping assist (hereinafter referred to as LKA) function may be performed. These functions include, for example, a function for issuing a warning when the vehicle 3 is about to deviate from the lane in which it is traveling. The warning method includes, for example, at least one of voice, warning sound, and display of information related to the warning on the display device 43b.

[0055] However, when a vehicle 3 traveling in the power supply lane 5 maintains its driving line within the lane using the driving assistance function described above, etc., a state of low charging efficiency may be maintained depending on the relative positional relationship between the vehicle 3 and the power supply lane 5.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the behavior of a vehicle 3 traveling on a power supply lane 5. FIG. 4 shows a road 6 including one lane defined by two lane boundary lines 6a and 6b. A power supply lane 5 is buried in a predetermined section of the road 6. The power supply lane 5 is composed of a plurality of power transmission devices 50.

[0057] As shown in (A) of Fig. 4, it is assumed that the vehicle 3 is traveling within the lane of the road 6. In this case, the position of the vehicle 3 is, for example, a position before the power supply lane 5 in the traveling direction of the vehicle 3.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4B, when the vehicle 3 moves from the position in FIG. 4A to the position in FIG. 4B, it enters the section where the power supply lane 5 is installed. For example, when the vehicle 3 enters the power supply lane 5, or before entering the power supply lane 5, the vehicle 3 inquires of the user via the display device 43b, voice, or the like as to whether or not to perform contactless charging of the battery 30. When the user performs an operation to send a power supply request, the ECU 41 of the vehicle 3 sends the power supply request to the management server 1. In response to the power supply request from the vehicle 3, the management server 1 turns on each of the multiple power transmission devices 50, thereby starting power supply. Therefore, the power receiving device 45 of the vehicle 3 receives power supplied from the power transmission device 50 located opposite it, and the received power is used to contactlessly charge the battery 30 mounted on the vehicle 3.

[0059] As shown in Fig. 4(C), while the vehicle 3 is maintaining its lane on the power supply lane 5, the state of receiving power supplied from the power transmission device 50 continues. Then, as shown in Fig. 4(D), when the vehicle 3 passes through the power supply lane 5, a stop request is sent to the management server 1, and each of the multiple power transmission devices 50 is controlled to be in an off state, thereby stopping power supply.

[0060] 4(A), (B), (C), and (D), if the driving line within the lane of the vehicle 3 is shifted to the left of the center position of the power transmission device 50 in the left-right direction of the vehicle 3, the power receiving efficiency will be lower than when the driving line passes through the center position of the power transmission device 50. The power receiving efficiency indicates the ratio of received power to transmitted power.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the ECU 41 receives power from multiple power transmission devices 50 that make up the power supply lane 5 during driving assistance control such as LTA or LKA, if the power receiving efficiency is below a threshold value, the ECU 41 notifies information for adjusting the driving line to one that has a higher power receiving efficiency than the current driving line.

[0062] In this way, when the vehicle 3 is traveling on a lane in which the power transmission device 50 is installed while driving assistance control is being executed, if the power receiving efficiency is low, information is provided to adjust the driving line to one that increases the power receiving efficiency. Therefore, the driver can drive the vehicle 3 to a driving line that increases the power receiving efficiency, thereby enabling the battery 30 to be charged efficiently.

[0063] An example of processing executed by each of the management server 1 and the vehicle 3 will be described below with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by each of the management server 1 and the vehicle 3. A series of processing shown in these flowcharts is repeatedly executed at predetermined control intervals by each of the management server 1 and the vehicle 3. The left side of Fig. 5 shows a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the ECU 41 of the vehicle 3. Furthermore, the right side of Fig. 5 shows a flowchart showing an example of processing executed by the control device 10 of the management server 1.

[0064] 5, in step (hereinafter, step will be abbreviated as S) 100, the ECU 41 of the vehicle 3 determines whether or not the vehicle 3 is traveling in the power supply lane 5. The method for determining whether or not the vehicle 3 is traveling in the power supply lane 5 has been described above, and therefore detailed description thereof will not be repeated. If it is determined that the vehicle 3 is traveling in the power supply lane 5 (YES in S100), the process proceeds to S102.

[0065] In S102, the ECU 41 determines whether an operation for transmitting a power supply request has been performed. For example, when it is determined that the vehicle 3 is traveling in the power supply lane 5, the ECU 41 inquires of the user of the vehicle 3 whether or not to charge the battery 30 by wireless charging. For example, the ECU 41 displays on the display device 43b an inquiry as to whether or not to perform wireless charging, and when the ECU 41 receives an operation via the input device 49 to perform wireless charging, it determines that an operation for transmitting a power supply request has been performed. When it is determined that an operation for transmitting power supply has been performed (YES in S102), the process proceeds to S104.

[0066] In S104, ECU 41 transmits a power supply request to management server 1. The power supply request includes, for example, the vehicle ID, the position information of vehicle 3, and information on the power supply, as described above.

[0067] In S106, the ECU 41 determines whether the LTA is in an on state. For example, the ECU 41 determines whether the LTA is in an on state using a flag that is turned on when an operation to execute the LTA function is received. For example, the ECU 41 determines that the LTA is in an on state when the flag is in an on state. On the other hand, the ECU 41 determines that the LTA is not in an on state when the flag is in an off state. If it is determined that the LTA is in an on state (YES in S106), the process proceeds to S108.

[0068] At S108, the ECU 41 acquires the power receiving efficiency. The ECU 41 acquires the ratio of received power to transmitted power as the power receiving efficiency. The ECU 41 may acquire the transmitted power of each of the multiple power transmitting devices 50 from the management server 1, for example. The ECU 41 may acquire each transmitted power from each of the multiple power transmitting devices 50 via the communication device 550 of each of the multiple power transmitting devices 50. Alternatively, the ECU 41 may acquire the average, minimum, or maximum value of each transmitted power from each of the multiple power transmitting devices 50. Furthermore, the ECU 41 may acquire the received power using the monitoring unit 31, or may acquire the received power using detection results of a voltage sensor and a current sensor (not shown) provided in the power receiving device 45.

[0069] In S110, the ECU 41 determines whether the power receiving efficiency is low. Specifically, the ECU 41 determines that the power receiving efficiency is low when the acquired value indicating the power receiving efficiency is equal to or less than a threshold value. If it is determined that the power receiving efficiency is low (YES in S110), the process proceeds to S112. If it is determined that the power receiving efficiency is not low (NO in S110), the process proceeds to S116.

[0070] In S112, the ECU 41 executes display control. Specifically, the ECU 41 displays, on the screen of the display device 43b, information for prompting the driver to adjust the position to the optimal power receiving position and image information that allows the driver to visually recognize the relative positional relationship of the position of the vehicle 3 with respect to the two lane boundary lines on both sides of the vehicle 3.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display on the display screen of the display device 43b. As shown in FIG. 6, the display screen displays two lane boundary lines 6a and 6b on either side of the vehicle 3, an icon 3a indicating the position of the vehicle 3 within the lane defined by the two lane boundary lines 6a and 6b, a driving line 6c passing through the center positions of the multiple power transmission devices 50, the current driving line 6d of the vehicle 3, and a display frame 150 containing text information requesting the driver to align the dashed driving line 6c with the solid driving line 6d of the vehicle 3. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the display frame 150 displays text information such as "Please move the driving line in the direction of the arrow to receive power." The ECU 41 displays the changed driving line on the screen of the display device 43b every time a predetermined time elapses or every time the driving line of the vehicle 3 changes. This display allows the driver to be prompted to change the driving line.

[0072] In S114, the ECU 41 determines whether the vehicle 3 has passed through the power supply lane 5. For example, the ECU 41 determines that the vehicle 3 has passed through the power supply lane 5 when the elapsed time since it was determined that the vehicle 3 was traveling in the power supply lane 5 is equal to or greater than a threshold value, or when the received power or the amount of received power after it was determined that the vehicle 3 was traveling in the power supply lane 5 is rapidly reduced compared to before the determination (for example, when the amount of decrease in the received power or the amount of received power per unit time is equal to or less than a threshold value). Note that the ECU 41 may determine whether the vehicle 3 has passed through the power supply lane 5, for example, by using position information of the vehicle 3. For example, the ECU 41 may determine that the vehicle 3 has passed through the power supply lane 5 when the position of the vehicle 3 is within a lane of the road 6 and is at a position where the vehicle 3 has passed through the power supply lane 5. If it is determined that the vehicle 3 has passed through the power supply lane 5 (YES in S114), the process proceeds to S116. If it is determined that the vehicle 3 is not passing through the power supply lane 5 (NO in S114), the process returns to S106.

[0073] In S116, the ECU 41 transmits a stop request to the management server 1. The stop request includes, for example, the vehicle ID and the location information of the vehicle 3.

[0074] If it is determined that the vehicle 3 is not traveling in the power supply lane 5 (NO in S100), this process is terminated. If it is determined that an operation to transmit a power supply request has not been performed (NO in S102), the process returns to S100.

[0075] 5, in S200, the management server 1 determines whether or not to receive a power supply request from the vehicle 3. If it is determined that a power supply request will be received (YES in S200), the process proceeds to S202.

[0076] In S202, the management server 1 starts power feeding from the power feed lane 5. Specifically, the management server 1 turns on each of the multiple power transmission devices 50 that configure the power feed lane 5.

[0077] In S204, the management server 1 determines whether or not a stop request has been received. If it is determined that a stop request has been received (YES in S204), the process proceeds to S206.

[0078] In S206, the management server 1 stops power supply from the power supply lane 5. Specifically, the management server 1 turns off all of the power transmission devices 50 that configure the power supply lane 5.

[0079] If it is determined that a power supply request has not been received (NO in S200) or if it is determined that a stop request has not been received (NO in S204), this process ends.

[0080] An example of the operation between the management server 1 and the vehicle 3 in this embodiment based on the above-described structure and flowchart will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation between the management server 1 and the vehicle 3.

[0081] 7 shows a road 6 including one lane defined by two lane boundary lines 6a and 6b. A power supply lane 5 is buried in a predetermined section of the road 6. The power supply lane 5 is composed of a plurality of power transmission devices 50.

[0082] As shown in (A) of Fig. 7, it is assumed that the vehicle 3 is traveling and the driving line of the vehicle 3 within the lane of the road 6 is deviated to the left from the driving line that passes through the center position of the multiple power transmission devices 50. In this case, the position of the vehicle 3 is, for example, a position before the power supply lane 5 in the traveling direction of the vehicle 3. Furthermore, it is assumed that the LTA function is on as a driving assistance function.

[0083] As shown in Fig. 7(B), when the vehicle 3 moves from the position in Fig. 7(A) to the position in Fig. 7(B), the vehicle 3 enters the section where the power supply lane 5 is installed. Therefore, when it is determined that the vehicle 3 is traveling in the power supply lane 5 (YES in S100) and the user of the vehicle 3 performs an operation to send a power supply request (YES in S102), the power supply request is sent to the management server 1 (S104).

[0084] When the management server 1 receives a power supply request from the vehicle 3 (YES in S200), each of the plurality of power transmission devices 50 is turned on, thereby starting power supply from the power supply lane 5 (S202).

[0085] Therefore, the power receiving device 45 of the vehicle 3 receives power supplied from the power transmitting device 50, which is positioned opposite to the power receiving device 45, and the received power is used to contactlessly charge the battery 30 mounted on the vehicle 3.

[0086] While the vehicle 3 is maintaining its lane on the power supply lane 5, the state of receiving the power supplied from the power transmission device 50 continues.

[0087] If the LTA is in the on state (YES in S106), the power receiving efficiency is acquired (S108), and if the acquired power receiving efficiency is equal to or less than the threshold value and thus is determined to be low power receiving efficiency (YES in S110), display control is executed (S112). That is, the information shown in FIG. 6 is displayed on the display screen of the display device 43b.

[0088] When the vehicle 3 is at the position shown in (C) of Figure 7, if the driver starts to change the driving line in accordance with the display of the display device 43b, the driving line of the vehicle 3 will change to a line that passes through the center positions of the multiple power transmission devices 50.

[0089] When the vehicle 3 moves to the position shown in Fig. 7(D), the driving line becomes a line that passes through the center positions of the multiple power transmission devices, improving power receiving efficiency. At this time, the display screen of the display device 43b displays a message that the driving line has changed to coincide with the line that passes through the center positions of the multiple power transmission devices. This allows the occupants of the vehicle 3 to recognize that they have moved to a driving line with high power receiving efficiency.

[0090] 7(E), when it is determined that the vehicle 3 has passed through the power supply lane 5 (YES in S114), a stop request is sent to the management server 1 (S116). When the management server 1 receives the stop request from the vehicle 3 (YES in S204), it controls each of the multiple power transmission devices 50 to be in the off state, and power supply is stopped (S206).

[0091] As described above, with the vehicle 3 according to the present embodiment, when the vehicle 3 travels along a lane of a road 6 on which a plurality of power transmission devices 50 are installed while driving assistance control such as LTA is being executed, if the power receiving efficiency is low, information for adjusting the driving line to one that increases the power receiving efficiency is notified, so that the driver can drive the vehicle 3 along a driving line that increases the power receiving efficiency, thereby efficiently charging the battery 30. Therefore, it is possible to provide a vehicle that can efficiently charge a power storage device mounted on the vehicle while traveling within a lane on which a power supply lane is provided.

[0092] Modifications will be described below.

[0093] In the above-described embodiment, it has been described that power supply from the power transmission device 50 of the power supply lane 5 is stopped by sending a stop request to the management server 1 when it is determined that the vehicle 3 has passed through the power supply lane 5. However, for example, the management server 1 may determine that the vehicle 3 has passed through the power supply lane 5 when no power is transmitted from the power transmission device 50 (no current flows), and stop power supply from the power transmission device 50.

[0094] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the management server 1 has been described as controlling the plurality of power transmission devices 50 to be turned on upon receiving a power supply request, but for example, the management server 1 may adjust the transmission power using information on the power supply power received from the vehicle 3. For example, when the upper limit value of the received power in the power receiving device 45 of the vehicle 3 is lower than the upper limit value of the power supply power of the power transmission device 50, the management server 1 may control the plurality of power transmission devices 50 so that the upper limit value of the received power is transmitted.

[0095] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the ECU 41 is described as transmitting a power supply request to the management server 1 by receiving an operation by the user to request power supply. However, for example, if the power supply lane 5 is set in advance to be included in the travel route to the destination so that charging can be performed in the power supply lane 5 on the way to the destination, the ECU 41 may transmit a power supply request to the management server 1 without receiving an operation from the user when the vehicle 3 enters the power supply lane 5.

[0096] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the management server 1 and the vehicle 3 are configured to be able to communicate with each other, but each of the plurality of power transmission devices 50 may be configured to be able to communicate with the vehicle 3. In this way, it is possible to detect whether the vehicle 3 has passed in each of the plurality of power transmission devices 50, and therefore, when the vehicle 3 passes through the power supply lane 5, the power transmission device 50 that can transmit power to the vehicle 3 is turned on, and as the vehicle 3 travels along the power supply lane 5, the power transmission device 50 that is turned on can be switched.

[0097] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the management server 1 is described as controlling a plurality of power transmission devices 50 that constitute the power supply lane 5, but for example, the management server 1 may also control a plurality of power transmission devices that constitute other power supply lanes in addition to the plurality of power transmission devices 50 that constitute the power supply lane 5.

[0098] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when the LTA function is on and there is low power receiving efficiency, the above-described display control is executed and the driver is asked to adjust the driving line. However, for example, during driving assistance control to maintain the lane, there may be a case where there is low power receiving efficiency and the above-described display control is executed and the driver is asked to adjust the driving line.

[0099] The above-described modifications may be implemented in whole or in part in appropriate combination.

[0100] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not by the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0101] 1 Management server, 3 Vehicle, 5 Power supply lane, 6 Road, 6a, 6b Lane boundary line, 10,560 Control device, 12 Storage device, 14,42,550 Communication device, 16 Communication bus, 30 Battery, 31 Monitoring unit, 32 Voltage sensor, 33 Current sensor, 34 Temperature sensor, 35 SMR, 36 PCU, 37 MG, 38 Transmission gear, 39 Drive wheel, 40 Sub DC / DC converter, 41 ECU, 43 Auxiliary device, 43a Camera, 43b Display device, 44 Auxiliary battery, 45 Power receiving device, 46 Power receiving coil, 47 Charging relay, 48 DC / DC converter, 49 Input device, 50 Power transmitting device, 51 Power transmitting coil, 52 AC power source, 100 Contactless charging system, 451 Power receiving unit, 452,530 Filter circuit, 453 Rectification unit, 510 PFC circuit, 520 inverter circuit, 540 power transmission unit.

Claims

[Claim 1] a power receiving device that receives power supplied in a wireless manner from a power transmitting device installed along a lane set on a road; a power storage device that can be charged using the power received by the power receiving device; a control device configured to be able to execute driving assistance control for maintaining the driving line of a traveling vehicle within the lane, The control device When receiving power from the power transmission device during the driving assist control, if the power receiving efficiency is equal to or less than a threshold value, notifying information for adjusting the driving line to one that increases the power receiving efficiency compared to the current driving line; the information includes information for prompting a driver to adjust the position of the power receiving device to an optimal power receiving position, and image information that allows a driver to visually recognize a relative positional relationship of the position of the vehicle with respect to two lane boundary lines on both sides of the vehicle, The image information includes the current driving line, a driving line where the power receiving efficiency increases, and an arrow indicating a direction in which the driving line should be moved for the position adjustment.

Images