Wireless Power Supply System

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a system in which a wireless power receiving device can be placed at an appropriate position even with a simple configuration.　[Solution] A wireless power transmission device 6 is provided with a transmission side coil 8. LEDs 10a, 10b that are position indicator lights are provided on the center line of the transmission side coil 8 and always light up. The LEDs 10a, 10b are provided on both sides of the transmission side coil 8 at positions symmetrical with respect to the transmission side coil 8. LEDs 12a, 12b are provided outside the LEDs 10a, 10b as power-supply indicator lights. The LEDs 12a, 12b do not light up in a normal state. When the user places a smartphone 20, which is a wireless power receiving device, on the transmission side coil 8, the wireless power transmission device 6 determines that it is possible to supply power and lights up the LEDs 12a, 12b. This allows the user to confirm that the power is supplied.　

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a wireless power supply system. [Background technology]

[0002] Wireless power supply is used in smartphones, control devices, etc. For example, a wireless power transmitting device is configured to supply power to a wireless power receiving device by electromagnetic induction between a transmitting coil provided in the wireless power transmitting device and a receiving coil provided in the wireless power receiving device.

[0003] At this time, if the receiving coil of the wireless power receiving device and the transmitting coil of the wireless power transmitting device are not magnetically coupled by electromagnetic induction, the power supply may be reduced or power supply may not be possible.

[0004] For this reason, for example, as in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-170135, there is a wireless power transmitting device in which the transmitting coil is configured to be movable and is driven and controlled to be in an appropriate position relative to the receiving coil. With this technology, even if the relative positional relationship between the receiving coil and the transmitting coil is misaligned, the positional relationship between the two coils can be made appropriate for power supply. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the above-mentioned conventional technology requires driving the transmitting coil, which makes the device structure complicated and can also generate driving noise, which can be unpleasant to the ear.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a system that has a simple configuration and allows a wireless power receiving device to be mounted in an appropriate position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] Some independently applicable features of the present invention are listed below.

[0008] (1) A wireless power transmitting device according to the present invention comprises: a transmitting coil for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiving coil of a wireless power receiving device; a mounting surface provided above the transmitting coil for placing the wireless power receiving device, the mounting surface having position marks on both sides of the transmitting coil on a line passing near the center of the transmitting coil to indicate the position at which the wireless power receiving device is placed; and a control unit that acquires information data from the wireless power receiving device via the transmitting coil and controls the power supply to the transmitting coil, wherein a power supply display unit that displays power supply is provided on the mounting surface, and the control unit determines whether power can be supplied from the transmitting coil to the receiving coil based directly or indirectly on the information data from the wireless power receiving device, and if it is determined that power supply is not possible, sets the power supply display unit to a first state, and if it is determined that power supply is possible, sets the power supply display unit to a second state.

[0009] Therefore, the position mark serves as a guide for the position where the wireless power receiving device should be placed, and the power supply indicator light allows the user to know the exact position.

[0010] (2) In the wireless power transmitting device according to the present invention, the power supply indicator displays power supply on a line passing near the center of the power transmitting coil and outside the position mark.

[0011] Therefore, it is possible to easily confirm that the power supply state is in progress.

[0012] (3) In the wireless power transmitting device according to the present invention, the power supply indicator is a light emitter provided outside the position mark, or a light projector that displays power supply outside the position mark.

[0013] (4) The wireless power transmission device according to the present invention is characterized in that the position mark is formed by a light-emitting element that is constantly lit while power is being supplied to the wireless power supply device, or is formed by being displayed by a light-projecting element.

[0014] This provides good visibility and facilitates positioning when placing the wireless power receiving device.

[0015] (5) A wireless power transmitting device according to the present invention is characterized in that a light emitter serving as a power supply indicator is used as the position mark.

[0016] Therefore, the configuration can be simplified.

[0017] (6) In the wireless power transmitting device according to the present invention, the power supply indicator includes a linear light source arranged along a line passing through the vicinity of the center of the power transmitting coil.

[0018] Therefore, visibility is good and alignment is easy.

[0019] (7) In a wireless power transmitting device according to the present invention, the first state of the power supply indicator is turned off, and the second state of the power supply indicator is turned on.

[0020] Therefore, the state can be distinguished by whether the light is on or off.

[0021] (8) In a wireless power transmitting device according to the present invention, the first state of the power supply indicator is lit in a first color, and the second state of the power supply indicator is lit in a second color.

[0022] Therefore, the states can be distinguished by color.

[0023] (9) A wireless power transmission device according to the present invention comprises: a transmitting coil for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiving coil of a smartphone; a mounting surface provided above the transmitting coil for placing a smartphone on the mounting surface, the mounting surface having position indicator lights that are always lit on both sides of the transmitting coil on a line passing near the center of the transmitting coil to indicate the position where the smartphone is placed; and a control unit that acquires information data from the smartphone via the transmitting coil and controls the power supply to the transmitting coil, wherein a power supply indicator light is provided on the mounting surface, and at least a part of the power supply indicator light is positioned so that it is visible on both sides of a narrow width of the smartphone when the smartphone is placed in a position where the transmitting coil can supply power to the receiving coil of the smartphone, and the control unit determines, directly or indirectly, based on the information data from the smartphone, whether power can be supplied from the transmitting coil to the receiving coil of the smartphone, and sets the power supply indicator light to a first state if it determines that power cannot be supplied, and sets the power supply indicator light to a second state if it determines that power can be supplied.

[0024] Therefore, the position indicator light serves as a guide for where to place the smartphone, and the power supply indicator light allows you to know the exact location.

[0025] (10) A wireless power supply system according to the present invention is a wireless power supply system including a wireless power transmitting device and a wireless power receiving device having a flat-panel display, wherein the wireless power transmitting device includes a transmitting coil for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiving coil of a wireless power receiving device, a mounting surface provided above the transmitting coil for placing the wireless power receiving device, the mounting surface having position marks on both sides of the transmitting coil on a line passing near the center of the transmitting coil to indicate the position at which the wireless power receiving device is placed, and a control unit that acquires information data from the wireless power receiving device via the transmitting coil and controls the supply of power to the transmitting coil, and the wireless power receiving device includes a recording unit that records the position of the receiving coil of the wireless power receiving device, and a receiving coil position display means that, when the wireless power receiving device is in a state where it can receive power from the wireless power transmitting device, displays the receiving coil position, showing the position of the receiving coil, at a position on the flat-panel display corresponding to the recorded position of the receiving coil.

[0026] Therefore, by displaying the position of the receiving coil, more appropriate alignment is possible.

[0027] (11) The wireless power supply system of the present invention is characterized in that the position marks include at least horizontally arranged position marks, and the receiving side coil position indication includes an indication corresponding to the vertical center line of the receiving side coil and an indication corresponding to the horizontal center line of the receiving side coil.

[0028] Therefore, alignment in the vertical and horizontal directions is easy.

[0029] (12) The wireless power receiving device of the present invention is a wireless power receiving device capable of receiving power from a wireless power transmitting device, and includes a receiving coil for receiving power from the transmitting coil of the wireless power transmitting device, a recording unit for recording the position of the receiving coil of the wireless power receiving device, and a power supply display control means for displaying the position of the receiving coil at a position on a flat-panel display corresponding to the recorded position of the receiving coil when the wireless power receiving device is in a state where it can receive power from the wireless power transmitting device.

[0030] Therefore, it is easy to align the wireless power receiving device.

[0031] (13) In a wireless power transmitting device according to the present invention, the wireless power receiving device is a smartphone or a tablet computer.

[0032] This makes it easier to align the smartphone or tablet computer.

[0033] (14) A wireless power transmitting device according to the present invention is characterized in that the wireless power transmitting device is a desk having a desk surface as a mounting surface.

[0034] Therefore, charging can be performed simply by placing the wireless power receiving device on a desk.

[0035] In the embodiment, step S35 corresponds to the "receiving side coil position display means."

[0036] The term "program" is a concept that includes not only programs that can be executed directly by a CPU, but also source-format programs, compressed programs, encrypted programs, and the like. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a desk 2 in which a wireless power transmitting device 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention is embedded. [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the wireless power transmitting device 6. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a wireless power transmitting device 6. [Figure 4] 1 shows the hardware configuration of a wireless power transmitting device 6 and a control unit of a smartphone 20. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart of a power supply process. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of LEDs 10a and 10b, which are position marks, and LEDs 12a and 12b, which are power supply indicator lights. [Figure 7] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing position marks, power supply indications, etc. according to other examples. [Figure 8] 10 is an example of a display of the receiver coil position. [Figure 9] This is an example of a case where an LED is used as both a position mark and a power supply indicator. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a desk 2 in which a wireless power transmitting device 6 according to a second embodiment is embedded. [Figure 11] 1 shows the hardware configuration of a wireless power transmitting device 6 and a smartphone 20. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart of a power supply process. [Figure 13] 10 is a flowchart of a power supply process. [Figure 14] 10 is an example of a charging recommendation and receiver coil position display. [Figure 15] This is an example in which a laser irradiator is used. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] 1. First embodiment 1.1 Overview 1A and 1B show the appearance of a wireless power transmitter 6 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the wireless power transmitter is constructed as an embedded desk. FIGS. 1A and 1B are top views of a desk 2. The wireless power transmitter 6 is embedded in a portion of the back side of the top plate 4 of the desk 2.

[0039] 1A, a wireless power transmitter 6 is provided with a transmitter coil 8. LEDs 10a and 10b, which serve as position indicators, are provided on the center line of the transmitter coil 8. The LEDs 10a and 10b are constantly lit by power supplied to the wireless power transmitter 6. The LEDs 10a and 10b are provided on both sides of the transmitter coil 8, at positions symmetrical with respect to the transmitter coil 8. This makes it easy for the user to estimate the position of the transmitter coil 8.

[0040] Outside the LEDs 10a and 10b, LEDs 12a and 12b are provided as power supply indicator lights (light-emitting portions of the power supply indicator). The LEDs 12a and 12b are normally off.

[0041] When the user places the smartphone 20, which is a wireless power receiving device, on the transmitting coil 8, the wireless power transmitting device 6 determines that power supply is possible and turns on the LEDs 12a and 12b. This allows the user to confirm that power is being supplied.

[0042] Furthermore, because the LEDs 10a and 10b are lit, it is easy to know where the transmitting coil 8 is located on the large desk 2. Furthermore, because the LEDs 10a and 10b are provided at positions symmetrical to the transmitting coil 8, placing the smartphone 20 between them makes it easy to place it in an appropriate position. Furthermore, the receiving coil is often provided near the center of the smartphone 20 in the longitudinal direction, and the LEDs 10a and 10b are provided on the center line of the transmitting coil 8, making it easy to place the smartphone in an appropriate position.

[0043] 1.2 Structure of wireless power transmission device 2A shows a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of a wireless power transmitter 6 provided on the top board 4 of a desk 2. A recess is provided in the top board 4, and the wireless power transmitter 6 is housed in the recess. A transmitter coil 8 is provided on the top surface of the wireless power transmitter 6, and LEDs 10a, 10b and LEDs 12a, 12b are provided on both sides of the transmitter coil 8.

[0044] A translucent melanin plate 4a (or other translucent material may be used) is provided on the top plate 4 and covers the wireless power transmitting device 6. The upper surface of the melanin plate 4a serves as a mounting surface 18. When the LEDs 10a, 10b, and LEDs 12a, 12b are turned on, the light passes through the melanin plate 4a and can be confirmed by the user. However, in this embodiment, the melanin plate 4a is not a transparent material, and therefore, when the LEDs 10a, 10b, and LEDs 12a, 12b are turned off, their presence cannot be recognized.

[0045] 2B shows a cross-sectional view of wireless power transmitting device 6. A magnetic flux control plate 3 for controlling magnetic flux is provided below transmitting coil 8. A heat sink 5 is provided below that.

[0046] A base plate (not shown) is provided at the bottom, and a heat dissipation fan 13 is provided on top of the base plate. A spacer 11 is disposed between the heat dissipation fan 13 and the heat dissipation plate 5, forming a space. A control unit 60 is housed in this space.

[0047] 3 shows a perspective view of the wireless power transmitter 6. A transmitting coil 8 is provided on the top.

[0048] 1.3 Hardware configuration 4 shows the control unit of the wireless power transmitter 6 and the control unit of the smartphone 20. An I / O port 32, a demodulation circuit 34, a nonvolatile memory 36, and a driver 38 are connected to a CPU 30 of the wireless power transmitter 6. LEDs 10a, 10b, 12a, and 12b and a motor 15 of a cooling fan 13 are connected to the I / O port 32. The LEDs 10a and 10b are controlled to be constantly lit. Note that the LEDs 10a and 10b may also be directly connected to a power supply circuit so as to be constantly lit.

[0049] The driver 38 controls the frequency and duty ratio of the AC signal that is applied to the transmitting coil 8. By such control, the power to be transmitted can be controlled.

[0050] The nonvolatile memory 36 stores an operating system 40 (for example, TRON) and a control program 42. The control program 42 cooperates with the operating system 40 to perform its functions.

[0051] A modulation circuit 52 and a charging circuit 56 are connected to a CPU 50 of the smartphone 20. The CPU 50 is a CPU for controlling wireless charging, and a separate CPU for controlling the entire smartphone 20 is provided. The CPU 50 is capable of exchanging data with the CPU that controls the entire smartphone. The CPU 50 controls each part using an operating system and control programs recorded in non-volatile memory (not shown).

[0052] The rectifier circuit 54 rectifies the high-frequency signal received by the receiving coil 58 and converts it into direct current. The charging circuit 56 performs voltage boosting, voltage reduction, etc. to make the output of the rectifier circuit 54 a desired voltage, and charges the secondary battery of the smartphone 20.

[0053] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the smartphone 20 is configured to be able to transmit data to the wireless power transmitter 6 using backscatter modulation based on the Qi standard. The CPU 50 of the smartphone 20 performs data communication as follows: The CPU 50 provides data to be transmitted to a modulation circuit 52. The modulation circuit 52 amplitude-modulates the voltage of the receiving coil 58 using the data. This change in amplitude is transmitted to the transmitting coil 8 by electromagnetic induction. The demodulation circuit 34 detects this change in amplitude and demodulates the data. The CPU 30 acquires this data.

[0054] In this manner, data can be transmitted from the smartphone 20 to the wireless power transmitter 6.

[0055] 1.4 Power supply processing 5 shows a flowchart of the power supply process. The left side shows the control program 42 of the wireless power transmitting device 6, and the right side shows the control program of the smartphone 20.

[0056] The CPU 30 of the wireless power transmitter 6 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as the wireless power transmitter 6) controls the driver 38 to apply a voltage of a predetermined frequency to the transmitting coil 8 at predetermined time intervals (for example, every 600 msec) (step S1). At this time, if the smartphone 20 is not placed on the placement surface 18, there will be no communication from the smartphone 20. Therefore, the wireless power transmitter 6 repeats applying a voltage at predetermined time intervals.

[0057] 6A shows the state of the vicinity of the wireless power transmitter 6 when the smartphone 20 is not placed on the placement surface 18. LEDs 10a and 10b, which are arranged on a straight line 7 passing through the center point 9 (or its vicinity) of the circularly wound transmitting coil 8, are in a lit state. LEDs 10a and 10b are provided at symmetrical positions on either side of the transmitting coil 8, allowing the user to easily estimate the position of the transmitting coil 8. Therefore, it is preferable that the distance between LEDs 10a and 10b be wider than the width of the smartphone 20.

[0058] Outside the LEDs 10a and 10b, LEDs 12a and 12b are provided on the line 7. In the state of Fig. 6A, the LEDs 12a and 12b are turned off.

[0059] When the smartphone 20 is placed on the placement surface 18, the AC voltage applied to the transmitting coil 8 is transmitted to the receiving coil 18 by electromagnetic induction. The CPU 50 of the smartphone 20 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as smartphone 20) determines whether or not an AC voltage is generated in the receiving coil 18 (step S21). When the AC voltage is received from the wireless power transmitting device 6, step S22 is executed.

[0060] In step S22, the smartphone 20 uses the modulation circuit 52 to amplitude-modulate the AC voltage using data indicating the smartphone's individual identification information and power transmission conditions (conditions such as how many watts it can receive). This change in amplitude modulation also occurs in the transmitting coil 8. The demodulation circuit 34 of the wireless power transmitter 6 demodulates the amplitude-modulated AC voltage to obtain the individual identification information, power transmission conditions, etc. The CPU 30 of the wireless power transmitter 6 acquires this (step S2).

[0061] The wireless power feeder 6 acquires the individual identification information and power transmission conditions from the smartphone 20, and if the other smartphone 20 conforms to the wireless power feed standard used by the wireless power feeder 6, controls the LEDs 12a and 12b to light up (step S3). At this time, the wireless power feeder 6 drives the motor 15 to operate the cooling fan 13.

[0062] 6 shows the state when the smartphone 20 is placed on the placement surface 18. The LEDs 12a and 12b also light up, indicating that the smartphone 20 is properly placed and power supply has begun.

[0063] Next, the wireless power transmitter 6 applies an AC voltage to the transmitting coil 8 based on the received power transmission conditions to start power transmission (step S4). The smartphone 20 receives the AC voltage via the receiving coil 58, and the AC voltage passes through the rectifier circuit 54 and the charging circuit 56 to charge the secondary battery of the smartphone 20.

[0064] The smartphone 20 detects the voltage of the charging circuit 58 and transmits it as power receiving state data to the wireless power transmitting device 60 using the modulation circuit 52 (step S23).

[0065] The wireless power transmitter 6 acquires power reception state data via the demodulation circuit 34 (step S5). Next, the wireless power transmitter 6 performs feedback control of the amount of power transmission based on this power reception state data (step S6). For example, the wireless power transmitter 6 controls the amount of power transmission so that it increases when the amount of received power is small, and decreases when the amount of received power is large. The wireless power transmitter 6 controls the amount of power transmission by changing the frequency and duty ratio of the AC voltage applied to the transmitter coil 8.

[0066] Charging by wireless power supply is performed in this manner. The smartphone 20 monitors the control state of the charging circuit 56 and determines whether charging is complete (step S24). If charging is not complete, step S23 is repeated.

[0067] When charging is completed, the smartphone 20 transmits a notification of charging completion via the modulation circuit 52 (step S25). When the wireless power transmitting device 6 receives the notification of charging completion via the demodulation circuit 34 (step S7), it ends the process.

[0068] The wireless power transmitting device 6 also ends the process when the smartphone 20 is moved from the placement surface 18 and there is no data communication from the smartphone 20 for a predetermined period of time. In this case, the wireless power transmitting device 6 turns off the LEDs 12a and 12b to notify the user that charging is not taking place.

[0069] As described above, when placing the smartphone 20 in a predetermined position for charging, the approximate position can be confirmed by the LEDs 10a and 10b. Furthermore, when the smartphone 20 is placed in the appropriate position, the LEDs 12a and 12b light up, allowing confirmation that charging is being performed properly.

[0070] 4 may be configured to use a custom IC for wireless power supply, such as KT-CG10W3 from Kington or bp500211 from Texas Instruments. In this case, the LEDs 12a and 12b may be configured to light up when a signal terminal indicating the start of charging is turned ON.

[0071] 1.5 Other (1) In the above embodiment, the LEDs 10a and 10b serving as position marks and the LEDs 12a and 12b serving as power supply indicator lights are arranged on the center line of the transmitting coil 8 (or on a line 10 mm or less away from the center line). However, they do not have to be arranged on the center line of the transmitting coil 8.

[0072] However, it is preferable to provide at least the position mark on the center line to make it easier to confirm the position. For example, as shown in Fig. 7A, only one LED 12 serving as a power supply indicator may be provided on the upper left.

[0073] (2) In the above embodiment, the LEDs 10a and 10b serving as position marks and the LEDs 12a and 12b serving as power supply indicator lights are point light sources. However, as shown in FIG. 7B , linear LEDs 10 and 12 may be used. The LED 10 serving as the position mark is always lit, and the LED 12 serving as the power supply indicator light is controlled to light up when power is being supplied. In this case, it is preferable that the length of the LEDs 10 and 12 is greater than the width of the smartphone 20.

[0074] Also, linear LEDs and point LEDs may be used in combination. Furthermore, characters (such as "charging position") or symbols may be displayed as position marks using display light sources. Similarly, display light sources that display characters (such as "charging") or symbols may be used as power supply indicator lights.

[0075] (3) In the above embodiment, LEDs are used, but other displays such as organic EL or liquid crystal may also be used.

[0076] Furthermore, a display may be provided on the wireless power transmitting device 6, and a position mark and power supply indication may be displayed on this display.

[0077] (4) In the above embodiment, the position marks are configured by LEDs 10a and 10b, which are light sources. However, the position marks may be printed on the placement surface 18, or may be provided with recesses or protrusions. Furthermore, the position marks may be embedded with materials of different colors. FIG. 7C shows an example in which the position marks are printed marks 70a and 70b. Even printed position marks may be lines rather than dots. Furthermore, they may be letters, symbols, or the like.

[0078] (5) In the above embodiment, LEDs 10a and 10b serving as position marks and LEDs 12a and 12b serving as power supply indicator lights are arranged on the horizontal center line 7. However, as shown in Fig. 7D , LEDs 10c and 10d serving as position marks and LEDs 12c and 12d serving as power supply indicator lights may also be arranged on the vertical center line 17. Alternatively, LEDs 10c and 10d serving as position marks and LEDs 12c and 12d serving as power supply indicator lights may be arranged only on the vertical center line 17.

[0079] (6) In addition to the above embodiment, when the start of power reception is detected on the smartphone 20 side (steps S22 and S23), the CPU that controls the entire smartphone 20 may receive this information and perform the following process. The CPU reads out the pre-recorded position of the receiving coil of the smartphone 20. The position of the receiving coil for positioning purposes is displayed on the display at a position corresponding to that position.

[0080] An example of the receiver coil position displayed on the display is shown in Figure 8. For power transmission, it is preferable that the transmitter coil 8 and receiver coil 18 are not misaligned. Even if they are slightly misaligned, power transmission is possible, but the efficiency will decrease.

[0081] In the example of Fig. 8, the mark 80 indicating the position of the receiving coil 18 is slightly shifted downward from the LEDs 10a and 10b, which are position marks indicating the position of the transmitting coil 8. The user can align the two by moving the smartphone 20. In this case, the horizontal center line 82 displayed on the display serves as a guide for alignment.

[0082] If the position is misaligned in the horizontal direction (this is particularly effective in the case of a tablet), the vertical center line 84 can be used as a guide for alignment.

[0083] In addition, in FIG. 8, the LEDs 12a and 12b are provided as power supply indicator lights, but the receiving coil position indicator 80 may be used as the power supply indicator, and the LEDs 12a and 12b may not be provided.

[0084] (7) In the above embodiment, the LEDs 10a and 10b are provided as position marks, and the LEDs 12a and 12b are provided as power supply indicator lights. However, as shown in FIG. 9, these may be configured as common LEDs 11a and 11b.

[0085] 9A, while the smartphone 20 is not placed, the LEDs 11a and 11b are controlled by the CPU 30 to emit light in a first color (for example, orange). As shown in FIG. 9B, when the smartphone 20 is placed, the LEDs 11a and 11b are controlled by the CPU 30 to emit light in a second color (for example, blue).

[0086] Alternatively, the same color may be emitted, but the lighting pattern (such as the lighting interval) may be changed to make them distinguishable.

[0087] (8) In the above embodiment, the LEDs 10a, 10b, and LEDs 12a, 12b are provided under the non-transparent, light-transmitting melanin plate 4a. However, the LEDs 10a, 10b, and LEDs 12a, 12b may be provided under a thin transparent plate so that their presence can be confirmed even when the lights are off. Alternatively, the LEDs 10a, 10b, and LEDs 12a, 12b may not be covered by the melanin plate 4a so that their presence can be confirmed even when the lights are off.

[0088] In this case, the LEDs 11a and 11b may be turned off before the smartphone 20 is placed on the display and turned on when the smartphone 20 is placed on the display. The unlit LEDs 11a and 11b serve as position marks. The light sources may be linear rather than point-like, or may display letters or symbols.

[0089] (8) In the above embodiment, the smartphone 20 was used as an example of a wireless power receiving device. However, the present invention can be applied to general devices that require power supply, such as tablet computers, personal computers, laptop computers, desk fans, small lighting fixtures such as task lights, transmitters such as Wi-Fi, and shoes equipped with GPS receivers. Furthermore, although the above embodiment describes a case where charging is performed, the present invention can also be applied to devices that operate by wireless power supply without charging.

[0090] (9) In the above embodiment, the wireless power transmitter 6 is embedded in a desk. However, the wireless power transmitter 6 may be embedded in other furniture such as a table or shoebox, or in a floor or wall (which requires a mechanism for holding the smartphone 20) as long as it can accommodate a wireless power receiver such as the smartphone 20.

[0091] Furthermore, the wireless power receiving device 6 may be used independently as a charging device or a power supply device without being embedded.

[0092] (10) In the above embodiment, wireless power supply based on the Qi standard has been described, but the present invention can also be applied to wireless power supply based on other standards such as the PMA standard and the Rezence standard.

[0093] (11) The above-described embodiment and its modifications can be implemented in combination with other embodiments and their modifications, provided that this does not contradict the essence of the embodiment and its modifications.

[0094] 2. Second embodiment 2.1 Overview An outline of a wireless power transmission system according to the second embodiment is shown in Fig. 10. In this embodiment, an NFC transceiver 25 is provided in a wireless power transmission device 6.

[0095] When an NFC transceiver (not shown) of the smartphone 20 approaches the wireless power transmitter 6, it receives a signal from the NFC transceiver 25 and can detect that the wireless power transmitter 6 is nearby.

[0096] The smartphone 20 acquires the remaining battery power of the device, and if the remaining power is below a predetermined value, displays on the display a message indicating that charging is recommended. Furthermore, the smartphone 20 reads out the position of the receiving coil for wireless power transfer recorded in the device, and displays a receiving coil position display 80 at the corresponding position on the display.

[0097] A user intending to charge the smartphone 20 places the smartphone 20 between the LEDs 10a and 10b, which serve as position marks, as a guide. At this time, the user can accurately determine the position by using the receiving coil position display 80 displayed on the display of the smartphone 20.

[0098] When the smartphone 20 is placed on the device, the LEDs 12a and 12b, which are power supply indicators, are turned on in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0099] According to this embodiment, when the remaining battery power of the smartphone 20 or the like is low, if there is a wireless power transmitting device 6 nearby, a message can be displayed on the smartphone 20 urging the smartphone 20 to charge the battery.

[0100] Furthermore, the position of the receiving coil is displayed on the display, making positioning easy.

[0101] 2.2 Structure of wireless power transmission device The basic structure of the wireless power transmitting device 6 is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that an NFC transceiver 25 is provided. The NFC transceiver 25 may be provided integrally with the wireless power transmitting device 6, or may be provided separately.

[0102] 2.3 Hardware configuration 11 shows the hardware configuration of the wireless power transmitter 6 and the smartphone 20. The configuration of the wireless power transmitter 6 is the same as that of the first embodiment, except that the NFC transceiver 25 is connected to the CPU 30 and can be controlled by the CPU 30.

[0103] 11 shows a CPU 90 that controls the entire smartphone 20. Connected to the CPU 90 are a touch display 92, an NFC transceiver 95, a communication circuit 97, and a non-volatile memory 94. The communication circuit 97 is for connecting to the Internet. The diagram omits circuits such as a call circuit. The CPU 90 is also configured to be able to exchange data with a CPU 50 that controls wireless power supply.

[0104] The nonvolatile memory 94 stores an operating system 96 and a control program 98. The control program 98 cooperates with the operating system 96 to perform its functions.

[0105] 2.4 Power supply processing 12 and 13 show flowcharts of the power supply process. In Fig. 12, the left side shows the process of the control program 42 of the wireless power transmitting device 6, and the right side shows the process of the control program 98 of the smartphone 20.

[0106] The CPU 30 of the wireless power transmitter 6 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as the wireless power transmitter 6) applies an AC voltage to the transmitting coil 8 at predetermined time intervals (step S1). This process is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0107] Furthermore, the wireless transmission device 6 controls (or autonomously controls) the NFC transceiver 25 to transmit a polling signal (step S11). As shown in Fig. 10, when the smartphone 20 is near the wireless power transmission device 6, the NFC transceiver 95 of the smartphone 20 receives this polling signal and establishes communication with the NFC transceiver 25 by confirming the communication method and the other party (steps S12, S32).

[0108] The CPU 90 of the smartphone 20 (hereinafter sometimes abbreviated as smartphone 90) becomes aware that the wireless power transmitter 6 is nearby by establishing communication with the NFC transceiver 25 of the wireless power transmitter 6. The smartphone 20 determines whether the remaining battery charge is below a predetermined value (for example, 30% or less) (step S33). If the remaining charge is not below the predetermined value and there is sufficient charge remaining, step S21 in FIG. 13 is executed.

[0109] If the remaining charge is below the predetermined value and there is not enough charge left, the smartphone 20 displays a recommendation to charge the battery on the touch display 92 (step S34). An example of the displayed recommendation is shown in FIG. 14.

[0110] Next, the smartphone 20 reads out the position information of its own receiving coil 58, which is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 94. The position of the receiving coil 58 is determined for each model of the smartphone 20. This information is recorded in the nonvolatile memory 94 in advance.

[0111] It is also possible to prepare a server device (not shown) that has previously investigated the position of the receiving coil 58 for each model of each manufacturer and recorded the information in association with the model number, and then transmit the model number to this server device to obtain the position of the receiving coil 58.

[0112] In this embodiment, the position of the center point of the receiving coil 58 is indicated by XY coordinates in the horizontal direction (Y) and vertical direction (X), with the bottom left corner of the touch display 92 as the origin, and a DB representing the position of the receiving coil 58 is recorded in the server device.

[0113] The size of the receiving coil 58 also varies depending on the model, but in this embodiment, it is assumed to be the same size. This is because it is sufficient to know the center point. Of course, the size of the receiving coil 58 may also be registered in the DB.

[0114] The smartphone 20 displays the receiving coil position display 80 at a position on the touch display 92 that corresponds to the acquired position of the receiving coil 58 (step S35). An example of the receiving coil position display 80 is shown in FIG.

[0115] The user can see that the receiving coil 58 is located at this position, and can easily ensure alignment by aligning the line connecting the position marks 10a and 10b on the desk 2 with the center line 99 of the receiving coil position display 80.

[0116] The receiver coil position display 80 may be configured to display something like that shown in FIG.

[0117] The process after the smartphone 20 is placed at the position shown in FIG. 10B is the same as that in the first embodiment (see FIG. 13).

[0118] As described above, according to this embodiment, when the remaining battery power is low, it is possible to indicate that the wireless power transmitter 6 is nearby, and moreover, to provide a display that facilitates positioning.

[0119] 2.5 Other (1) In the above embodiment, both the charging recommendation and the receiving coil position display are performed. However, it is also possible to perform only one of these functions.

[0120] Furthermore, although the above processes (recommending charging and displaying the receiving coil position) are performed only when the remaining battery power is equal to or less than a predetermined value, these processes may be performed regardless of the remaining battery power.

[0121] (2) In the above embodiment, the recommendation to charge is displayed on the touch display 92. However, the recommendation may be output by sound or vibration (the CPU 90 controls the operation of a vibrator).

[0122] (3) In each of the above embodiments, LEDs 10a, 10b, 12a, and 12b are embedded in the top plate 4 to display a position or power supply on the placement surface 18 of the top plate 4. That is, LEDs are used as light-emitting units for the power supply display and the position display. However, instead of this, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B , a standing plate 7 may be fixed to the top plate 4, and laser light sources 110a, 110b, 112a, and 112b may be provided on the standing plate 7. As shown in FIG. 15A , projections 110x and 110y for position display are displayed on the placement surface 18 by the laser light sources 110a and 110b. When the smartphone 20 is placed on the placement surface 18, projections 110x and 110y for power supply display are displayed outside 110x and 110y by the laser light sources 112a and 112b. The projections are controlled in the same manner as the LED lighting control.

[0123] (4) The above-described embodiment and its modifications can be implemented in combination with other embodiments and their modifications, provided that this does not contradict the essence of the embodiment and its modifications.

Claims

1. a transmitting coil for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiving coil of a wireless power receiving device; a mounting surface provided above the transmitting coil for mounting a wireless power receiving device; a light projector for displaying at least two position marks on both sides of the transmitting coil on a line passing near the center of the transmitting coil, the position mark indicating a position where a wireless power receiving device is to be placed and indicating that the wireless power transmitting device is receiving power; a control unit that acquires information data from the wireless power receiving device via the transmitting coil and controls power supply to the transmitting coil; In a wireless power transmission device comprising: the light projector is configured to be able to display at least two power supply indications adjacent to the position mark on the placement surface to indicate that power supply has been established; When the wireless power receiving device is placed so that it is sandwiched between the at least two position marks, the control unit determines, directly or indirectly, based on information data from the wireless power receiving device, whether power can be supplied from the transmitting coil to the receiving coil, and if it determines that power cannot be supplied, sets the power supply display to a first state, and if it determines that power can be supplied, sets the power supply display to a second state.

2. The wireless power transmitting device of claim 1, The wireless power transmitting device, wherein the position mark is displayed and formed by a light projector while power is being supplied to the wireless power transmitting device.

3. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 1 or 2, a first state of the power supply indication is non-projection; The wireless power transmitting device, wherein the second state of the power supply display is projection.

4. The wireless power transmission device according to claim 1 or 2, a first state of the power supply indication being projection in a first color; The wireless power transmitting device, wherein the second state of the power supply indication is projected in a second color.

5. a transmitting coil for wirelessly transmitting power to a receiving coil of the smartphone; a mounting surface provided on the transmitting coil for mounting a smartphone; a projector for displaying at least two position marks on both sides of the transmitting coil on a line passing near the center of the transmitting coil, the position mark indicating a position where a smartphone should be placed and indicating that a wireless power transmitting device is receiving power supply; a control unit that acquires information data from the smartphone via the transmitting coil and controls power supply to the transmitting coil; In a wireless power transmission device comprising: the light projector is configured to provide a power supply indication adjacent to the position mark on the placement surface to indicate that at least two power supplies have been established; At least a part of the power supply indication is projected so as to be visible on both sides of a short width of the smartphone when the smartphone is placed in a position where power can be supplied from the transmitting coil to the receiving coil of the smartphone, When the smartphone is placed so that it is sandwiched between the at least two position marks, the control unit determines, directly or indirectly, based on information data from the smartphone, whether power can be supplied from the transmitting coil to the receiving coil of the smartphone, and if it determines that power cannot be supplied, sets the power supply display to a first state, and if it determines that power can be supplied, sets the power supply display to a second state.

6. In any one of the systems or devices of claims 1, 2 and 5, The wireless power transmitting device is incorporated into a desk having a placing surface as a desk surface.

7. 3. A wireless power supply system comprising the wireless power transmitter of claim 1 or 2 and a wireless power receiver that receives power from the wireless power transmitter, The wireless power receiving device a recording unit that records the position of the receiving coil of the wireless power receiving device; a receiving side coil position display means for displaying the position of the power receiving side coil at a position on the flat panel display corresponding to the recorded position of the receiving side coil when the device is in a state where it can receive power from the wireless power transmitting device; A wireless power supply system comprising:

8. The wireless power supply system according to claim 7, the position markings include at least laterally disposed position marks; A wireless power supply system characterized in that the receiving side coil position indication includes an indication corresponding to the vertical center line of the receiving side coil and an indication corresponding to the horizontal center line of the receiving side coil.

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